The UAE Designer Exhibition is an annual platform devised to support the local creative community, showcasing emerging talents and young practitioners and their design talent. Hosted at Downtown Design in November, this year’s exhibition was curated by Fatma Al Mahmoud under the theme ‘For Future Living Spaces’, with a focus on designers committed to crafting living spaces that embrace social impact and eco-consciousness.

Al Mahmoud currently holds the position of Cultural Planning Manager at House of Wisdom, Sharjah’s cultural hub, and was invited to be part of the exhibition thanks to her dedication and support of the creative community in the UAE. She has made significant contributions to the art and design scene with a strong emphasis on community engagement and a passion for cultural-led exhibitions, projects, and programs. She is at the forefront of shaping the creative landscape as the Cultural Planning Manager at House of Wisdom and Managing Partner at Hamzat Wasl Studio.

Working previously as the Head of 1971 – Design Space, one of her key strengths is identifying and nurturing emerging talents in the regional design field. By working in proximity with local and regional designers, Al Mahmoud has cultivated a deep understanding of the design ecosystem and has developed strong relationships within the industry.

For the recent edition of the UAE Designer exhibition, Al Mahmoud was tasked with selecting submissions that not only considered the future of living spaces but also urged designers to use materials and resources that are environmentally responsible, promote local production and sourcing, and design for longevity and adaptability. This year’s showcase included work from UAE-based designers and studios, including Alya Alghfeli, Munira Almulla, Majid Al Bastaki, Areen Hassan, Ammar Kalo, Alia Mazrooei, Nuhayr Zein and Dachah Studio. Here, we find out more about the exhibition and the importance of supporting local talent.

Tell us about this edition of the UAE Designers Exhibition, how it came to light, and its role today.

For this edition of the UAE Designers Exhibition, I had many conversations with all the designers before they started production. We set many criteria for the selected designers, including cultural reference, sustainability, eco-consciousness, and local production. We managed to ensure that most of the pieces were locally produced or at least elements of each piece were locally produced, using locally sourced materials where possible and also considering sustainable measures when it comes to production.

We have 25 participants, and what’s different about this year’s edition is that it’s actually a blend of renowned designers and emerging designers. I wanted the established designers to act as an incentive or an inspiration to the emerging designers.

How did you select the designers?

I had many conversations with the designers after seeing their proposals. And that was combined with the criteria that we set out for the participants.

Tell us some of the highlights and some of the pieces we should look out for.

We have Nella Figueroa, a designer from Venezuela, who took the water mechanism from her home country and created an innovative water jug and set of cups titled Ávila’s. It’s handcrafted from sustainable materials and based on a well-known landmark in Venezuela. It highly portrays her culture, and it’s about the concept of pouring water and how water is important to life. It acts as a connector to everyone from different cultures.

We have Munira Almulla with O-Collection. Munira incorporated recycled plastic materials from sea waste into a seat. The upholstered seats and backrests feature “Oceanic” by Camira, an innovative upholstery material, where each meter of fabric contains the equivalent of 26 plastic bottles, effectively repurposing these materials that would otherwise pollute the ocean.

Then we have Diana Hawatmeh & Sheika Al Serkal, who created artworks using rugs as the expressive form, in collaboration with Alfombra carpets. They were influenced by their background of graphic design, featuring works from the screen, and translating them into these products. The work is very geometric, like their graphic designs.

Interior design Roudha AlShamsi created a handwoven piece. She took the Emirati craft of Safeefah and incorporated it in a contemporary way.

Why do you think it’s important to highlight talented creatives from the UAE at an event such as this?

An event like this acts as a platform for emerging designers to showcase their practices. Having Dubai Design Week onboard, looking into the proposals, and having a back-and-forth conversation, also impacts the designer’s careers. Such a platform is quite important, and it offers local, regional and global exposure to the designers.

How would you assess the industry in the UAE currently?

It’s booming. We have presented ourselves globally, but we are booming here in the region. Something I would like to mention is that there are a lot of struggles here when it comes to local production. That’s where I think we are still an emerging market in this industry, however, when it comes to the final pieces and the design talent, they have proven that they can get that global recognition.

What would you like to see happen regarding local production?

I believe the governments are investing in the creative industries, so having that support and raising awareness means that we are getting there.

Tell us about House of Wisdom.

House of Wisdom is a contemporary form of a library. It’s not the typical library. It’s a place for people to come together, network, explore, exchange ideas, and discover the programmes that we offer, and our exhibitions. House of Wisdom itself is considered and iconic landmark. It was designed by Foster & Foster and was once again based on cultural references. It takes a lot of elements from Islamic art and architecture. With the programming we do, we manage to attract a diverse community, both local and international, to join us through the programmes and exhibitions that we offer.

And we know there is an exciting vision for Sharjah as a culture capital…

Yes. We have ongoing exhibitions, and they are mainly in collaboration with international institutions. For instance, we have an upcoming exhibition with the King Faisal Research Centre in Saudi. We recently had a Frida Kahlo exhibition in collaboration with a museum in Mexico. So, we are already going global.

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Hunza G first came to life in 1984, when it was known as simply Hunza. Born under the direction of Peter Meadows, who created its signature, unique crinkle-stretch fabrication, and high-cut design, Hunza became instantly recognisable thanks to its unique aesthetic.

Before long, Hunza was a household name after being worn by Julia Roberts in the 1990 film “Pretty Woman”. The actress was seen wearing a cut-out dress by the brand, which became an iconic image throughout the nineties. During the following two decades, the brand became a little silent, often remembered for its nineties nostalgia but seen as slightly irrelevant in modern times.

Enter Georgina Huddart. After discovering a vintage Hunza piece in a charity shop, Georgina became fascinated by the brand and its unique material during her university years. As she embarked on a career in fashion, she would use Hunza’s fabric, transforming it into new styles. After meeting Peter Meadows through a friend, Georgina Huddart took on the brand in 2015, adding the ‘G’ in Hunza and giving it new life.

Over the past 8 years, Hunza G has grown rapidly across the globe and has quickly gained a cult following of both vintage lovers and a young, cool audience who appreciate its uniqueness. The brand continues to create swimwear and ready-to-wear pieces in the brand’s signature fabric, which is incidentally made from deadstock fabric or waste as part of the brand’s efforts to a carbon-neutral company. The brand has a One Size Fit mantra, aiming to offer figure-flattering pieces that flex to sculpt and support all shapes. Here, we find out more about the journey so far and what’s to come.

Tell us about the universe of Hunza G today.

We have a strong, loyal customer base of women who, I think, enjoy buying from a brand with a positive tone of voice but also make a product that they feel amazing in. We are developing some new categories, which is exciting, and we have some amazing collaborations coming up.

The brand has become a go-to swimwear brand over the last few years. Tell us how you have ramped up the brand’s presence and awareness globally over the last few seasons.

It’s all been organic; we haven’t had a marketing team until recently… and even then, we are trying to keep the ‘essence’ of Hunza G, which is to not chase people around the internet but let them choose products that they think suit them best. We had a couple of amazing collaborations this year with celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Helena Christensen, which were so fun to work on, and the products turned out beautifully – both sold amazingly well, too.

How does the Hunza G of 2023 compare with the original 1984 brand?

It’s definitely more diverse and inclusive, but we try to keep the brand’s heritage referenced throughout all collections today. I would say we make a wider range of styles that traverse one aesthetic. It can be very bright, 80s, Ibiza style, but you can also find pieces from the chocolate/cocoa/moss world with more editorial styles and shapes. I hope that most women feel like they can find something that speaks to them on our website.

Are your pieces truly’ one size fits all’, and how do you ensure this?

We don’t say one size fits all – we say it’s a One Size Fit. It definitely fits a lot of women, and I think that everyone would be able to find something to suit their body shape. We have a Coverage Collection that actually is extended sizing but also might be perfect for someone who’s super tall who wants more length in the body or more coverage on the bust.

What can you tell us about Hunza G in the Middle East?

Our Middle East presence is steadily growing – we just started retailing in Rubaiyat, Jeddah and already have a presence in a few other department stores across the GCC. As I mentioned previously, we recently launched our Coverage Collection, too, which offers a more ‘modest’ approach to some of our signature styles…with beach season being almost 365 days of the year in the Middle East, great swimwear is always a necessity. We hopefully have a few exciting things coming up in the region next year, too!

Your design style is so distinctive – how do you continue to surprise your clients but not go too off-brand?

Because we have a very clear goal: to make great products that enable women to feel confident about their bodies. Many colours, for example, are great for ready-to-wear but aren’t the most flattering for swim or lingerie. We are mindful of this and tend not to follow trends too much.

Your colour palette is key to the brand – what do you consider when adding a new hue to the collections?

We look at our colours, and we ask: do they make women with different skin tones and body shapes feel absolutely incredible? That’s our number one goal – if the answer to this question is yes, then we consider adding a new hue to our collection.

What are the biggest challenges you face with the brand today?

Keeping it fresh and exciting while staying true to our brand ethos without losing our identity. So far, we have done this really well, but it’s always a concern and takes a lot of work to make sure we’re always adhering to our core values.

Tell us about your collaboration with Helena Christensen – why is she a face that you feel aligns with the brand?

She is a customer who has supported us for several years, actually buying our products, so it felt really natural and not forced to work with her. She is a true icon in my eyes for many reasons: I love her aesthetic, I love the charity work she does, and I love how humble but also how energetic she is when working on projects. Plus, she looks incredible in the swimwear – so it was a no-brainer.

Do you plan to explore ready-to-wear further or expand your current range?

Yes, we have just done a new campaign focusing on our ready-to-wear, including a pregnant model – it’s styled amazingly, and I can’t wait to show the world these images; they are truly stunning. Our ready-to-wear adopts the same policies as our swimwear, so it’s always exciting working on these collections, too. We have some new pieces coming out next year, so you’ll have to keep an eye out.

What else is in the pipeline for 2024?

It’s our 40th birthday! So 2024 is a huge moment for us – we have a few new products, two new fabrics for swimwear in our signature one size, a couple of mega collaborations, and some pop-ups globally… it’s a BIG year for us!

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Just three years ago, three friends, Cédric Mulhauser, Nicolas Freudiger and Singal Depéry decided to launch their own watch brand. Bringing years of experience together, the three Swiss-born entrepreneurs had the vision of creating a brand that went against the norms of the industry, with a focus on sustainability.

ID Geneve was born as the first impact native luxury watch brand, creating products that reflect the values and principles of people concerned about climate change and social and environmental impact. They create watches using recycled materials and develop new materials that have less impact on the planet. As ID Geneve’s co-founders were in Dubai for the recent edition of Dubai Watch Week, we met with Co-Founder and COO Cédric Mulhauser to find out more about this forward-thinking brand.

Tell us about the brand, how it began and where the idea came from.

The brand was born just three years ago. We launched a crowdfunding campaign on December 1, 2020. I’m the watchmaker. Nicolas Freudiger has a background in hospitality and digital marketing; he manages the PR side of the brand. The third co-founder is Singal Depéry, who is our art director and designer. All the images that you see of our watches come from his hand. He came to the brand and brought more of the durability and sustainability aspects we were missing at the time. I have known Nicolas for 30 years, and it has always a dream for us to create our own company, our own brand.

Why was this the right time to do it then?

Because we all had some good professional experiences, Nicolas was always close to the world of watchmaking. He was helping the brand I was working for as a designer and Singal was always interested in the world of watchmaking. So, we decided to create a brand with a real story. We are not just a brand like any other; our purpose is to create a new identity in the luxury world. We want to do something different. We know that luxury is not sustainable, and we want the luxury world to become a laboratory for sustainable development for other industries. That’s our mindset. We develop or co-develop materials with less carbon footprint impact, so all our choices are made with this in mind.

The first model the Circular 1 was created with 100% recycled stainless steel that is ten times less impactful than the industry average. The second collection, Circular S, is made with recycled stainless steel, which is melted in a solar furnace. So, even the energy we use is sustainable.

Tell us about some of the materials used in the watches. 

On our Circular C collection, we use MIRUM, a plant-based for our straps. It’s completely natural and completely recyclable and recycled. That’s the perfect match for a circular economy. It looks like leather, but it’s not.

We collaborated with CompPair, a Swiss startup company that focuses on regenerative carbon. They use recycled fibres from wind turbines. They have developed a design that features the irregular arrangement of recycled fibres in a mould to give a granular appearance. It’s auto-regenerative.

If you heat the material, it comes back like new. We must heat it to about 90 degrees in the oven, and if there are some scratches or marks, they will completely disappear. So, it is quite a durable material to use on a watch, and it’s easy to recycle if we need to.

In a way, watches are sustainable because they last a long time, but you’re putting a new layer onto this, what would you say to that? 

You’re right. It’s interesting because the product is sustainable, but what we do is look at ways to produce the products sustainably, too. That’s our mindset. We have this mission to do something maybe better than others in the industry, to show them that it is possible, and perhaps other industries will look at what we’re doing and use it in their own ways. We know we won’t save the world, but we can be an example for other industries. This is, for us, important. We are co-developing these kinds of materials in what we call our ID lab. We try to find solutions that are less impactful. Even the movements that we use are reused movements. We buy old stock and refurbish them completely.

What’s your biggest challenge as a watchmaker when trying to ensure you’re using all these sustainable elements, and how does that impact your work?

That’s an interesting question because I’m constantly asking myself how I can do better because, for example, we use plastic tools or sometimes we use plastic in our packaging. It makes me think about how we can reuse the plastic for example. The way that we produce, we must think also about these things, but watchmaking, by definition, uses old tools from our grandparents or things that we can leave for the next generation. I think we have to think more about the packaging, the supply chain, the transportation of the parts etc. We try to speak with our suppliers to find all the solutions or to reuse the packaging that they send to us. That’s the way that we try to improve. As a watchmaker, we are now thinking about developing our own movement. This is a project for the next two or three years.

Will that be using recycled parts and bringing them all together?

I think it’s difficult to do it like this. It’s what we do now, but we want to develop a new movement based on recycled materials.

Will you create them from scratch using materials?

Yes, exactly. Maybe not from scratch by ourselves. We are also in discussion with some of the big heritage brands to work on a collaboration because they have some means and know-how that we don’t have, and I think we will be able to have a big impact with this. It’s a win-win, completely.

What’s the vision for the brand looking forward?

We have talked about this within our team. Of course, we are small, so we want to become bigger and grow in the coming years, but we want to control the growth. We won’t produce 10,000 watches next year, maybe that’s an objective in 5 or 10 years, but step by step. We are now developing the UK market and the US markets. We are also here in Dubai because we are in discussion with Seddiqi. This is our target for the moment, and for sure, we want to develop all markets after, but we don’t want to go too fast.

Tell us about the partnership with Leonardo DiCaprio. 

We are proud to welcome Leonardo DiCaprio to the brand. He’s hugely into sustainability and incremental issues, so it was a dream for us. We talked about who could be the best ambassador worldwide to represent our watches, and not only the watches but the concept we developed. We said, “Oh, DiCaprio is the perfect climate ambassador and climate advocate,” and we vocalised it. We never thought it would happen. One day, some friends of friends of friends contacted us and said, “We know some people who know people who know people.” So, we got in contact with his team, and we presented the project, and they loved it. They told us that Leonardo is not working with luxury brands because they do not match his values, but I think there is a match there, so we will pitch it to him.” And he loved it. It was amazing.

He has invested capital, but is he also wearing the watches?

Yes, he’s wearing the watch. The first question in watchmaking is, ‘do you like the design?’ And he liked the design. For us, that was the first big step. Then, of course, the ecosystem we developed was interesting for him. I think he can represent us well. We don’t want to be just a brand. We want to do something bigger, not in terms of volumes, but the message. For the moment, Swiss-made means quality. But we want Swiss-made to be known for its sustainability. We want people to say, “Oh, Swiss made, they are the pioneer of sustainability. They’re good quality but with new materials, less impactful.”

Why is the UAE market important to you?

We are in touch with Seddiqi, and when we look for retailers, we look at two aspects: sustainability and influence because, of course, if we want to have an impact, we need to be associated with the people who have influence. I think Seddiqi is at the top of the top in terms of influence. If they are interested in sustainability, it’s a good match because we can be the first and others will follow. That’s why we are really interested in working with Seddiqi and the UAE market. It’s a challenge for us.

What message would you send our readers to make them aware of the brand, what you’re doing, and why they should come and buy your watches?

First of all, I hope they love the design. Of course, it’s one of the first factors when buying a watch. I think the message is important. One of our taglines is: “Wear your conviction on your wrist.” For a man, a watch is one of the only jewels that you can wear, and you want to show it because luxury is about showing what you have. Maybe with ID Genève, if you wear an ID watch, you wear other kinds of values on your wrist, and that’s what we want to share.

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Anne-Gaëlle Quinet, Head of Complications at Audemars Piguet, looks at how the brand keeps pushing further. 

Swiss watch brand Audemars Piguet has firmly positioned itself as one of the world leaders in the watchmaking industry. Over the past few years, the brand has become the go-to for celebrities, and well-informed watchmakers hoping to get their hands on the latest timepieces, which are produced in limited quantities. The brand has found the perfect balance between awareness and exclusivity, creating a hype that can only be found at very few companies today.

At the recent edition of Dubai Watch Week, Audemars Piguet hosted a large-scale immersive exhibition that explored the Manufacture’s endless journey to new horizons. Titled “Seek Beyond”, it showcased some of the most unique and complicated watches it has created to date. It also looked at how the brand has repeatedly ventured outside of its comfort zone to push the boundaries of watchmaking and how this mindset has fuelled the teams’ creativity.

One of those creative minds is Anne-Gaëlle Quinet, Head of Complications. In her role, Quinet is tasked with gathering clients’ feedback and bringing her expertise in watchmaking to the table to help ensure the brand keeps its momentum and continues to surprise clients. Here, we find out more about Audemars Piguet’s participation in Dubai Watch Week and what’s next for the brand.

Let’s start with Dubai Watch Week. Tell us more about the brand’s participation. 

The exhibition’s message and title were ‘Seek Beyond’, the same name as the marketing campaign we launched this year. We had almost 100 pieces that were fantastically displayed, expressing our know-how, craftsmanship and innovation. We had more than 7,000 visitors, we were busy all the time, our teams worked very hard, and it was very successful. It was interesting to see how people are interested in watchmaking.

We had different rooms expressing different elements of the brand – craftsmanship in terms of engraving stones. We had a specific area dedicated to the chronograph, and especially our complications, and we had our fabulous Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle, which recently won the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix at GPHG. It was a great exhibition.

Tell us about the Universelle, what makes it so special, and why do you think it was chosen for the award?

It is the most complicated wristwatch that Audemars Piguet has ever created, but it’s not only in terms of the number of complications, it’s because we have created a highly complicated watch that’s also easy to wear and use. To create something complicated is one thing because we combine all the know-how of our master watchmakers but creating it in a contemporary way is special. Nowadays, clients want to wear their watches, and they want to set them easily, that was our challenge, and we did it. That’s why we won the prize because it’s very impressive to have this number of complications that fit into a 42mm case.

The exhibition at Dubai Watch Week  paid tribute to your past, present, and future. Why was it important to bring these particular watches to Watch Week, and showcase them to the audience in the Middle East?

I think the audience in the Middle East is very interested in watchmaking in general. We are very close to the Seddiqi family, and this is in fact the only watch fair we participate in around the world. So, this is really the only time we can reconnect with the press and clients, taking this opportunity to showcase different watches, and we need to share those moments.

Tell us what your role entails then on a day-to-day basis, what are your main priorities?

My role is focused on promoting complications to our clients and supporting markets to sell those complications. Of course, I have fantastic teams who help me in different fields and markets. I believe it’s essential to be in contact with clients and to listen to them. It’s also important for me to convey this message to our Headquarters and discuss the future of complications.

How important is it to have client feedback in terms of when you’re looking at what you’re doing moving forward? Is that something that you take into consideration as a brand?

Definitely. This is very important because if you don’t listen to your clients, how do you know what they are looking for? We know that our clients love the brand, and we don’t want to disappoint them, so you must always be creative but also bring client feedback to the company. Then, when you meet clients again, they will see that you have taken their comments into consideration.

So there’s this fine balance between making sure they’re surprised and making sure you’re producing something that is on brand?

Exactly, it’s very important. You must keep surprising, and we do that with new innovative materials that our clients love very much. For example, with the Universelle, no one expected us to create such a number of complications on a small case diameter. Again, this one was the highlight in terms of complications of this year. My role moving forward is to broaden the diversity of complications that we offer, and we have to maintain the attractiveness of our complications for collectors and for new clients.

Can you tell us about the women’s segment?

During Dubai Watch Week, I was really happy to meet with a group of women during an intimate brunch. We talked about their expectations, and it was an interesting conversation. Women are a big part of our consumers, so we must consider them.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role, and how do you overcome that challenge?

The biggest challenge is that we have many demands in terms of complications, and as you know, we don’t produce in large numbers. So, the challenge is to satisfy most of the demands of our regular and loyal clients, but also to attract new clients. You have to fine-tune this demand and supply.

Another challenge is the importance of meeting with clients. After the pandemic, we were disconnected in a way, so I think it’s essential to build on this and understand what our clients are looking for.

When it comes to supply and demand, obviously, you want to be able to supply your clients with what they want, but also keep that exclusivity by not becoming too mass. How do you find that fine balance?

It’s about fine-tuning because, of course, even though we might want to produce more watches, we cannot. Why? For several reasons. Firstly, we have to keep our quality standard very high. The know-how is something that we also must maintain and transmit. For example, we created a programme to teach apprentices about our know-how and craftsmanship. This could be in restoration, and we also have some masters on hairspring complications for the tourbillon, which is unique in the industry, so we are working with apprentices to train them on this. It’s impressive.

We have to find the perfect balance between keeping our quality standard and not delivering too much because this is what it means to be a luxury brand.

How do you ensure that you have the best quality and the best-skilled artisans when it comes to your craftsmanship? And can you expand more on the apprenticeship programmes? 

Part of our DNA is hand-finishing. Hand finishing has two different sides. The first is the aesthetic side, but it also improves the function of a watch. So, you have these two roles, and with our programme, we are looking to teach apprentices how to maintain this hand-finishing process, which is unique to us. This is what Audemars Piguet is known for. It’s about being contemporary, but also having a boldness, and that’s what makes us a forward-thinking brand.

Again, it’s always a combination between tradition and innovation. So, you teach tradition, but young people can bring innovation, and create a new style of hand-finishing, or bring new ideas to the table, and we are always open to this. To keep the quality criteria, we have quality control to ensure that our watches are to our standards.

How would you describe the universe of Audemars Piguet today, and how would you explain the vision as you see it?

If I had to use one word to describe Audemars Piguet, it would be forward-thinking. If you look at our past in terms of our watches and our collaborations, we have always been forward-thinking. If I talk about complications, back in 1986, Jacqueline Dimier created a thinner, self-winding, tourbillon, for example. Then, if we talk about collaborations, for many years, we have been involved in music, sport, fashion, and collaborations, which are very forward-thinking concepts. I believe in many different areas, we have been forward-thinking, and for me, Audemars Piguet is the kind of brand that’s always looking to seek beyond.

What would you still like to do in your role that you haven’t had the chance to do yet?

I joined Audemars Piguet three years ago, and I have held this position for one year now at this point, I feel I have collected all the clients’ feedback, so I would like to see this feedback come to life and bring my own experience of watchmaking to the brand. It’s a perfect merge of two worlds because I like to share my knowledge of watchmaking with clients and with HQ. Combining this with client feedback and using this feedback in our products and complications is the goal I’m looking for.

What message would you send to our readers to highlight what the brand is doing, and what’s coming up?

Stay tuned because we have a huge surprise coming very soon and be ready because I think it will be very successful. The 150-year anniversary of Audemars Piguet is coming up this year, and we have plenty of surprises, especially in terms of complications. You will see that many, many things are coming. To quote our CEO François-Hnery Bennahmias, the best is yet to come.

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Since arriving to the watch market in 1992, Bell & Ross has successfully carved out a niche in the industry. Its bold, instantly recognisable designs ensure it stands out from competitors and its 360 concept as a cool, out-of-the-box brand means it doesn’t go unnoticed. Founded as a university project between Bruno Belamich (Bell) and Carlos A. Rosillo (Ross), the brand has never followed the crowd, and its founders are proud of that.

Today’ Bell & Ross’s presence is felt around the world in all the key markets from Europe to Asia to the Middle East. The brand has garnered a loyal following from watch collectors and clients, many of whom are return buyers. The line-up of novelties clearly captures the brand’s DNA, taking inspiration from instruments found in aircraft cockpits. The company’s square-cased BR models have become its most well-known design and are reinvented each year, using new materials and new methods of construction. A few weeks ago at Dubai Watch Week, Bell & Ross presented the new BR-X5 GREEN LUM, a luminescent version of the brand’s BR-X5 watch. It features an exclusively developed photoluminescent material to create an eye-catching appeal. Ahead of the launch, we met with Co-Founder Carlos A. Rosillo to find out more.

Tell us about Bell & Ross’ participation in Dubai Watch Week this year.

First of all, today, there are very few opportunities to connect with journalists, watch collectors, trade, and the general public in one place. That makes this fair very interesting because it involves the entire community. I think this creates a genuine appetite that is very different from other events. I attend many fairs worldwide, and I believe this is the best we have right now. It also allows the industry to experience the flair and flavour of Dubai, which is very special. It creates a genuine experience that’s not just ‘show business’. It’s about the beauty and passion for watchmaking and sharing that with others who share the same passion. I think it’s important to keep that tradition. Craftsmanship is one thing; transmitting knowledge through retailers and media is another, and directly interacting with clients is another. This is quite important because, in the end, what is most important is not the trade but the end-user. So, it’s very rewarding to face them and to see how you are doing as a brand and what you should do next. Therefore, I think it’s a very good event and an important moment for the watch industry.

What is Bell & Ross showcasing at the fair this year?  

We are disclosing one of the most important novelties of the year. Today, Bell & Ross is known for its unique style, inspired by the instrument panel. Our watches have this round and square design. Whether it is a pure professional watch or something more urban like the BR 05. What we’re disclosing at Dubai Watch Week is a watch based on the BR-X5, but it’s a special edition: the BR-X5 Green Lum.

The X5 is, on one side, important because of the movement, which is the manufacturing movement. On the other side are the design, the case, and what we’re doing in terms of specifics for the case. As you know, the X5 is initially presented in the same shape. Its casing is more complex; it has power reserve indicators, three days, big date, etc., and it is presented in black and blue. Now we have this special edition, which is very, very successful. The BR-X5 is doing very well, and people appreciate it, but what we wanted was to innovate and this is the innovation. It features a new material we developed, and nobody has ever made this material before. It’s very light, very resistant, very comfortable, and very luminous. Not just the dial, but the entire case. Nobody has ever made a luminous case.

Why did you decide to create this watch?

The Bell & Ross design is based on four principles: readability, functionality, precision, and reliability. This watch is a direct application of those four principles. We have something very readable from first glance and from day to night. We decided to disclose this watch at Dubai Watch Week for two reasons. The first is the timing, and the second is that I can imagine this watch being worn in all the night-time locations in Dubai. If you wear this watch to a disco, you will have an impact. It’s a watch that will stand out when someone’s wearing it. I think the people that live here, and their styles will like this – it’s going to catch people’s eye. This watch is a limited edition of 500 pieces.

Tell us about Bell & Ross’s presence here in the Middle East. 

I think we have done well. Bell & Ross is a very focused brand. We don’t go up and down like mountains; we prefer to move steadily and consistently every year.

We are growing at a consistent pace, we pay attention to everything we do and touch wood, and we are moving forward. There are things that you cannot change of course, but there are always ways that you can move forward. We have a simple and clear strategy, with a commitment to doing what we really want to do. What is most important for me today in the marketplace and in our working relationships is trust. You gain trust because you deserve it. For instance, the retailers and the customer know what to expect, and they know what we do and trust us after all those years.

What’s the biggest challenge that you face today?

To be totally international everywhere and be at the same level of development everywhere around the world. There are some markets that we are very advanced in. In France, for example, we are one of the top brands for men. In Europe, we’re doing good, depending on the market. Globally, we’re good and we’re developing in all the other markets. In the Middle East, we are growing steadily. We are growing a lot in Asia; in Japan, we have multiplied by more than three times in the last four years. The United States is a tough market, but we are doing well.

It’s important to understand each market as they are all very different, and customers see the brand in different ways, and they are looking for different details. The difficulty is to find the same level of understanding in every country.

We know as a brand; you love to create experiences for your customers and build those relationships. How are you continuing with that method?

Firstly, by continuing with the creativity. Always surprise yourself to surprise the public. Secondly, we need to be creative outside of just our products. Having 360 concepts. Today, just having a good product is not enough. You need to tell a story. To do that, we have to have the right partners and brands that we can work with across a full concept. For example, working with Seddiqi in the Middle East is a great benefit to the brand because there is creativity there.

What else is in the pipeline for Bell & Ross?

We will continue with what we’re doing. We will continue to be very creative but keep our iconic shape, be it urban or professional. We will continue being consistent and getting into the manufacturer, which is so important. We are now present at Watches and Wonders, and I’m happy to join this platform.

How would you describe the universe of Bell & Ross today if you put it into one sentence?

Stand out. We’re different in a non-ostentatious way, but we always stand out. I don’t like to brag, but our watches don’t look like anything else. Not everyone will like them, but they are different, and that’s what gets us noticed.

What message would you send to your fans and customers in the region? 

I want our customers to understand the product because there is a lot to understand. Realising that there is an authentic approach and getting a lot of pleasure from our watches is what’s important. A lot of our customers are returning customers. This surprised me a lot; it makes me proud but also gives me a responsibility not to disappoint. I know many customers who have more Bell & Ross watches than I do, and I have a lot! I know some customers who have more than 100 Bell & Ross watches. We have very loyal clients, and that is because we have been distinctive, but we have also been consistent and surprising.

bellross.com

Since joining Breitling five years ago, Georges Kern has been on a mission. A mission which has seen him reposition and restructure the company, its product lines and its message, revamping the brand, but also taking cues from its heritage to align on a clear direction and appeal to today’s consumer. So far, the success has been widely recognised, not just in numbers alone but with the feedback from clients, collectors and industry insiders who have been following the journey.

This year, the 6th edition of the Dubai Watch Week was an important moment for Breitling as the brand revealed its new Breitling Avenger. A watch with close ties to the brand’s aviation codes dating back to the 1930s, when third-generation founder Willy Breitling formed the HUIT Aviation Department, which was dedicated to creating precision aircraft instruments and pilots’ chronographs. Breitling’s aviation expertise has remained part of the brand ever since, resulting in timepieces such as the Navitimer, the AVI Co-Pilot, the Aerospace, the Emergency, and the Avenger.

The redesign of The Avenger is centred on sleek aviation detailing, wear-resistant materials, and the addition of the powerhouse Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 to its chronograph models. The new range comes in three formats. A 44mm chronograph, a 44mm automatic GMT, and a 42mm automatic. All pieces come with a choice of military leather strap with a folding pin buckle or a three-row stainless steel bracelet with a micro-adjustable folding clasp.

As Kern launched the latest product on the first day of Dubai Watch Week, we met him to learn more about the brand’s success over the last five years and the next steps in the journey.

Welcome to Dubai and Dubai Watch Week. We’ve just seen the new Avenger that Breitling is launching. What does this launch mean for the brand, and why is it important for you to launch it here at Dubai Watch Week?

It’s important because it is a very successful line. It has always been in the top two or three worldwide, particularly in the Middle East. There is a long history of air travel in the region, so there is a connection to this watch. So commercially, on a worldwide level, it’s super important, and regionally, it’s important because it’s a very established line.

Continuing with the theme of Dubai Watch Week. How do you think the event is helping to put Dubai on the map globally?

I think Dubai has been on the map for a long time now. Today, it’s a key region for any luxury company and, particularly, any watch company. For Breitling, it’s in the top three or four regions. It’s substantial. Secondly, the Seddiqi family are doing a great job, and they’re doing it right. It’s not only about selling watches as we sell watches every day, we communicate through digital media, and we launch products. You don’t need to be behind a counter at this event to sell a watch. This is a cultural platform which is accessible to everyone. Visitors can come and discover the brands, see the novelties at the booths, and meet the people behind the brands. This is what it should be, and this is what you need to connect with your customer base.

What about your customer base here in the region? How would you compare it to other regions?

When I took over, I said from the beginning that we wanted to localise our messages. We want to talk to French people in France, English people in England, and Dubai residents in Dubai. This is also why we have opened so many boutiques: we wanted to have that proximity and the capability to showcase who we are in a 360 environment. As I said, the UAE, and the Middle East overall, is a very sophisticated market. People know about products and luxury, so as a brand, you must interact at their level.

How would you assess the industry as a whole today?

First of all, I believe the luxury industry’s growth is indefinite. If you look at the increase in valuation of the big luxury groups since the 1980s to where they are today, it’s incredible. I think we’re just at the beginning. Where are we in India? Where are we in Indonesia? Where are we in China? There is so much to do. Even in The United States, there is still huge room for growth. Of course, you have a trajectory. Within that trajectory, you have dips, but what is important is the long-term perspective of the industry, and I think it’s indefinite.

Breitling Avenger B01 Chronograph 44

Breitling has been the leader in adopting the squad approach in its communication. Inclusion, diversity, relevance. How do you think this approach has served the brand, and what is the next step?

We wanted to have a squad concept because, first of all, I believe in the power of groups more than individuals. Second, graphically, it makes us different. We have three people in our advertising campaigns, so the appearance is very different from what other brands are doing. It also gives us the flexibility to have a single model in some campaigns if the need is there, but fundamentally, we like this squad idea, which, by the way, comes from aviation.

The next step is that we could consider is to include local celebrities and mixing them with international celebrities. This is what we’re doing partially now in China, for instance. The beauty with this campaign is that there is so much you can do.

Since you joined the brand the journey has been amazingly successful. What is a major challenge you overcame? 

It was the courage to do what we did. For me and my team to leave safe jobs with good revenue and to invest in a company. You become an entrepreneur and you never know what could happen. It’s great to talk about the success of today, but five, six years ago, there was no guarantee. What I believe is that in a way, when you’re an entrepreneur, you take more risks than when you’re in a group. Of course, we need the talent of our team, the right positioning, the right products, etc., but ultimately, it is about having courage.

The New Breitling Avenger Collection

After all that you’ve done so far with the brand, what is it that you still aim to achieve? 

Ultimately, it’s to cement what we have done. We have a strategy that works. Now, we have to do more of the same. We have made great progress, but there are still so many customers who are not aware of what Breitling is doing today and the new look we have. The continued success will come from being more of ourselves, doing more of the same and searching for excellence. Of course, we will not be static; we will always innovate, but we will do so in the same frame.

Today, your approach and everything you’re doing is more about positioning Breitling not just as a watch brand but as a universe and a lifestyle on its own. What can you tell us about that?

We cannot think in silos. It’s not just about watches and watchmaking. The person buying our products has a beautiful car, is going to the cinema, to the theatre, and is interested in art. People are looking for a holistic luxury lifestyle, and it all works together. Therefore, you will see projects in the future that have never been done in the watch industry, but as a brand, we have the freedom to do. I always said we want to be the cool and relaxed alternative to the traditional and conservative Swiss watch industry. I think we’ve achieved that. Next year, in particular, you will see much more of this.

You’ve been focusing more on the ladies segment for the last couple of years. What’s the vision for this, and how’s it doing so far?

Next year, we will do something incredibly cool in the ladies segment. There are eight billion people on this planet, four billion women. Why not talk to these women? There’s a market there, of course. The reality is that all brands, can be more male or female oriented. By definition, we will continue to be a male-oriented brand because of the pilot watches and many other things, yet that doesn’t exclude us from doing something else. In some of the retail stores here in Dubai, 35 per cent of our sales are to women already, especially after our campaign with Charlize Theron, which has been incredibly successful. The product is also beautiful. As with the men’s watches, for women, we want to be the cool and relaxed alternative to the traditional and more conservative types of watches.

What method are you using to reach out to that wider customer base, and how do you tap into different ways of connecting with them?

Having an impact through marketing and communication is not achieved in just one year of effort. What makes it strong is the cumulative investment. The new campaign and the new Breitling have only been in place for two or three years, so we must build on that, and it takes time. Now that the image is clear, the products are established, and the boutiques are renovated, we need to continue to invest in the brand and build on what we have and what works.

On the regional level, what’s the pipeline for the Middle East? 

Today, we have 19 boutiques in the region and three or four more openings in the next three to four months. In this region, that footprint is probably our best marketing tool. People love to come to our boutiques, and it’s a fantastic concept.

What is the best advice you have been given throughout your career?

I was very lucky that I had very good bosses; three major figures influenced my life a lot. I always had managers who were smarter than me. I think for a young manager, the most frustrating thing that could happen is that you have a boss who doesn’t know as much as you do, because how can you learn? Thank God I was never in that situation. The only thing I would recommend to young people is that if you have a boss you can’t learn from, change your company!

What’s the professional motto that you live by?

Have a passion for what you do. And always be happy in one area of your life, whether professional or personal.

What is a message that you would send to our readers?

Learn about the new Breitling.

This month’s editorial shoot features neutral tones, iridescent fabrics and eye-catching embellishments that lead this season’s understated classics.

Dior

Brunello Cucinelli

Max Mara

Prada

Dolce&Gabbana

Emporio Armani
Shoes: Tod’s

Zegna

Giorgio Armani

Louis Vuitton
Her shoes: Malone Souliers
His Shoes: Brunello Cucinelli

Miu Miu

Rabanne
Bag: L’afshar
Earrings: Begüm Khan

Photography: Ziga Mihelcic
Styling & Direction: Lindsay Judge
Models: Patrick Moritz and Maia at Fashion League

Hair & Makeup: Jean at Signature Element

The 15th edition of the Abu Dhabi Art Fair took place from 22 to 26 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat.

As the most extensive edition yet, the event hosted more than 90 galleries from over 30 countries, 15 talks by more than 50 speakers, and a variety of daily performances by international and local artists. There were a host of exhibitions, commissions, talks, performances, workshops, tours and culinary experiences. 

The fair expands beyond the notion of a traditional art fair, placing a strong emphasis on a diverse public engagement programme, including art installations and exhibitions, talks, and events that take place in different locations throughout the year. The culmination of this year-long programme is the annual Abu Dhabi Art Fair in November, which provides an important sales platform for participating galleries whilst also offering these galleries an opportunity to showcase ambitious installations and site-specific works by their artists to a wide audience. 

Highlights included several talks by commissioned artists and curators who were joined by guest speakers and panellists discussing global art histories and joining the wider conversation on Sustainability in the lead-up to COP28. Some of the notable discussions included talks on Arab Women Artists, as well as Social Contributions in Art and culture conversations.

An exclusive exhibition curated by Radicants is titled ‘Frozen Forest’ and features Michelin Star restaurant Nouri by Chef Ivan Brehm. The exhibition cum dining destination explored themes of capitalism, humanity, and Sustainability. Through the curatorial platform Radicants, Nicolas Bourriaud presented a live exhibition facilitated by a 7-hour video highlighting the artistic portrayals of 12 gallery artists, provoking ideas about the extinction of nature through the hands of human desire for industrialisation and capitalism. The exhibition explored the arrest and manipulation of edible landscapes, questioning humanity’s collective disassociation from the natural world that is used for sustenance but neglected in terms of environmental care. Meanwhile, Nouri at the Frozen Forest was a unique dining experience that explored the concepts of human collaboration and the notion of scarcity as parallels, further discovering the contradictions that exist between modern societies and the natural world that enables them.

Other highlights included two captivating film screenings centred around climate change. Debuting at The Theatres, “1.5 Stay Alive” follows popular Caribbean musicians as they express their experiences with rising seas by composing and performing songs about climate change and their visions of how to confront it. While ‘Siege on my Land’, is a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) short film showcasing Guyana’s battle with climate change.

The fair also hosted hands-on art activities for visitors of all ages to unleash their creativity and showcase their artistic potential to artists.  

abudhabiart.ae

These are our favourite luxury properties to stay at during the holiday season, from waterside luxury to city delights.

Atlantis the Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Since its opening at the beginning of 2023, Atlantis The Royal has become one of Dubai’s most iconic destinations. Attracting guests from around the world, this architectural marvel is as much loved for its design as its hospitality and facilities. Located at the top of Palm Jumeirah, this all-round destination has been touted as the world’s most ultra-luxury resort. While the resort is family-friendly, we would recommend it for couples or groups of friends in order to explore all of the resort’s 17 restaurants and bars (including 18 by celebrity chefs), as well as the 2km private beach, Nobu by the Beach and the brand new Cloud 22 rooftop pool. The resort comprises an impressive 795 rooms and suites with accommodation within three towers. All rooms come with state-of-the-art facilities and views either over the Palm or the Arabian Gulf. If you’re looking to relax, the AWAKEN Wellness spa is a 5,045 square meters holistic spa and wellness area including fitness, steam and sauna facilities, and indoor and outdoor pools – pure bliss! If you do decide to bring the little ones along, there’s plenty for them to do, including a dedicated family pool and access to Aquaventure.

www.atlantistheroyal.com 

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

This festive season, the Burj Al Arab promises a spellbinding experience, blending extravagant celebrations with the world-class hospitality for which it is renowned. Step into a realm of lavish festivities as the hotel is adorned with dazzling lights and festive décor, creating a magical ambience against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. The Burj Al Arab’s commitment to excellence extends to its festive culinary offerings, where renowned chefs craft gastronomic delights that redefine indulgence. Guests can savour exquisite menus that blend international flavours with local influences, ensuring a culinary journey fit for royalty.

The festivities extend beyond gastronomy, with the hotel’s breathtaking atrium transforming into a winter wonderland, complete with a towering Christmas tree and Santa’s grotto. Whether you’re enjoying the panoramic views from your suite or unwinding at the Talise Spa, every moment at the Burj Al Arab is a celebration of extravagance.

www.jumeirah.com 

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

An icon in the Abu Dhabi skyline, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is the capital’s most recognised hotel. Perfect for a family getaway over the festive period, this recently renovated property features 390 rooms and suites, furnished to the highest levels of comfort and has stunning views of the city, sea, and hotel gardens. The lavish resort features twelve dining venues, serving up a variety of cuisines, as well as two temperature-controlled swimming pools, a 1,500-sqm spa, a kids’ club, and a private marina.

Over the festive season the resort has a number of reasons to visit, from a tree lighting ceremony on December 8 to a ‘Silent Night’ spa event on December 13. There is even a Winter Kids Camp to keep younger family members entertained as 2023 comes to a close.

www.madarinoriental.com

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

Embrace the spirit of the season at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, where luxury meets tranquillity against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. As the festive season unfolds in 2023, this exquisite resort beckons travellers to experience the magic of the holidays in a setting of unparalleled beauty and sophistication.

Nestled on the pristine shores of Saadiyat Island, the resort’s contemporary architecture seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, creating a serene oasis. The festive season brings a touch of enchantment to Jumeirah, with the resort adorned in festive decorations, sparkling lights, and a warm, welcoming ambience. Indulge in a culinary journey curated for the season, with the resort’s world-class restaurants offering a feast for the senses. From delectable international cuisines to locally inspired dishes, every dining experience is a celebration of flavours.

Guests can unwind at the resort’s private beach, surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees, or rejuvenate at the luxurious spa for a pampering escape. Whether it’s a romantic holiday retreat or a family celebration, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort promises an unforgettable festive experience where luxury, tranquillity, and holiday cheer come together in perfect harmony.

www.jumeirah.com 

One & Only Royal Mirage

Immerse yourself in the understated luxury of Dubai’s One&Only Royal Mirage hotel. Nestled along the pristine shores of the Arabian Gulf, this resort is a haven of calm and sophistication. From the moment you step into the lavish lobby adorned with Arabian-inspired décor, you are transported into a world of elegance and indulgence as the hotel seamlessly combines traditional Middle Eastern architecture with contemporary luxury, creating a setting that is both timeless and modern.

During the festive season, the hotel transforms into a mesmerising wonderland adorned with festive lights and decorations that capture the spirit of the holidays. Guests can relish in a culinary journey with world-class dining options, from exquisite international cuisine to authentic Arabian delicacies. Indulge in relaxation at the resort’s private beach, where the golden sands meet the azure waters of the Gulf. The world-class spa offers rejuvenating treatments, providing the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family retreat, or a celebration with friends, the One&Only Royal Mirage promises an enchanting and unforgettable festive experience in the heart of Dubai. Embrace the warmth of Arabian hospitality and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime at this extraordinary destination.

www.oneandonlyresorts.com

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert

If the beach is not your style, escape to a realm of enchantment and luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, as the 2023 festive season unfolds in the heart of the Arabian desert. Nestled amidst rolling sand dunes and indigenous flora, this desert oasis invites discerning travellers to experience a holiday like no other.

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as The Ritz-Carlton transforms into a magical retreat adorned with festive lights and elegant décor, creating a captivating atmosphere under the starlit desert sky. Each moment at Al Wadi Desert is a celebration of refined opulence and the warmth of Arabian hospitality. Indulge in culinary delights crafted for the season, with the resort’s renowned restaurants offering a symphony of flavours that tantalise the taste buds. Whether savouring a gourmet feast or enjoying a private dining experience in the heart of the desert, every meal is a culinary journey.

Unwind in the embrace of nature at the resort’s lavish villas, each with its own private pool and terrace overlooking the desert landscape. For those seeking adventure, explore the pristine desert surroundings on horseback or indulge in a rejuvenating spa experience.

This festive season, let The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, be your sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity, where the magic of the holidays comes alive in the serene beauty of the desert landscape.

www.ritzcarlton.com

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Celebrate the magic of the festive season in the lap of luxury at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, a jewel in the desert that promises an unforgettable holiday escape. As 2023 unfolds, this iconic resort beckons travellers to experience the epitome of refined elegance against the stunning backdrop of the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, with the grandeur of its architecture complemented by festive decorations, twinkling lights, and a palpable air of holiday cheer.

The resort’s commitment to unparalleled service is evident in every meticulous detail, ensuring guests are immersed in a world of luxury and warmth. Indulge in a culinary journey with the hotel’s gourmet offerings, where world-class chefs curate festive menus that blend international flavours with local influences. From sumptuous feasts to intimate dining experiences, every meal is a celebration of gastronomic excellence. Whether lounging by the infinity pool, enjoying a round of golf on the championship course, or rejuvenating at the Waldorf Astoria Spa, guests are invited to create cherished memories in a setting that exudes sophistication.

www.hilton.com

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, Ajman

Embark on a journey of luxury and tranquillity at the Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, where the sun-kissed shores of the Arabian Gulf meet unparalleled hospitality. This hidden gem along the Al Zorah coastline invites travellers to indulge in a celebration of joy, relaxation, and understated elegance. The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, combines contemporary design with natural beauty, creating an oasis of serenity.

Savour culinary delights curated for the season at the resort’s world-class restaurants, where a symphony of flavours awaits your palate. From gourmet international cuisine to local specialities, every dining experience is a celebration of culinary excellence.

Unwind in the lap of luxury in the resort’s spacious villas and suites, each thoughtfully designed to offer breathtaking views of the Gulf and mangrove forests. Whether lounging by the infinity pool or pampering yourself at the Oberoi Spa, every moment is an opportunity to create cherished memories.

www.oberoihotels.com 

If you’re heading to the mountains this winter, ensure you’re equipped with the most stylish skiwear. We round up highlights from the must-have collections

Balenciaga

The first-ever Balenciaga Skiwear collection debuted this November, and it’s every bit as bold as one would expect. The collection not only features standout pieces but also is made with innovative materials and techniques to offer the best performance and protection.

The collection is designed for visibility, insulation, aerodynamic, and protection and evolves themes that have become Balenciaga signatures while introducing functional athletic objects—a snowboard, skis, a helmet, and poles for downhill, cross-skiing, or hiking—for the first time.

The collection includes parkas and cargo pants in membrane-bonded technical ripstops with integrated snow gaiters, sophisticated ventilation systems, battery life-saving pockets, and ski pass holders. Jackets and vests in quilted matte nylon and five-pocket ski pants in bonded stretch nylon, and close-fitting fleece jackets echo the House’s classic silhouettes, including the Hourglass Jacket and the Puffer. Outerwear is treated to be water-repellent, keeping the wearer warm and dry. A colour palette of red, white and black makes the pieces for men and women simple yet eye-catching

Chanel

The Chanel Coco Neige 2023/24 collection combines the brand’s Parisian elegance with a sporty edge, presenting a series of looks for outdoor winter sports. The collection was launched with a campaign starring Chanel ambassador Lily-Rose Depp and is shot by photographer Mikael Jansson.

Lily-Rose says of the campaign, which was shot at an ice rink, “When I heard that we were going to be shooting at an ice-skating rink, I couldn’t help but think of Ice Princess, this movie I used to watch all the time when I was a little girl, and I’d think, I want to be an ice skater too! I never quite pursued the dream, but I loved that movie.”

The collection features a colour palette of black, white and gold, with splashes of pink and the Chanel logo emblazed in various forms across ready-to-wear pieces. Accessories come in the form of faux fur calf-length boots and jewellery. Wearing ice skates, the CHANEL ambassador posed in a tight-fitting gold lamé jumpsuit, a technical satin ski suit with a shearling hood, and a printed velvet outfit. “The best part of the shoot was getting to explore the collection in such a fun space and getting on the skates. Even if I’m not the best ice skater in the world, it was really fun,” she adds.

Dior

Dior’s DiorAlps collection returns for 2023, dreaming up a picturesque mountain escape. Designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the collection features reinvented statement pieces and silhouettes from the house’s recent collections. The design combines high technicity and styles for an eye-catching look on the slopes.

Puffers, jackets, après-ski boots and the emblematic Dior Book Tote are all adorned with the Plan de Paris print, thought up by the Creative Director of the Dior autumn-winter 2023-2024 ready-to-wear collection, an irresistible new Dior fundamental that maps the City of Light in a hypnotic interplay of shadows and perspectives. The pieces, including ski goggles with a strap punctuated by “Christian Dior”, are also dressed in the iconic Dior Oblique.

The pants – available in shades of cream or black – are enhanced by knee reinforcements, ensuring optimum comfort in all circumstances. The signature design of the Diorunion capsule – the coat of arms embellished with the motto “L’union fait la force” – flourishes on quilted jackets, as well as on accessories such as scarves, bonnets, hats and caps.

Fendi

Fendi has revealed a colourful skiwear capsule for men and women. Designed to combine performance and style, the designs capture the essence of Fendi while being perfectly equipped for a day on the slopes.

The women’s offering is strongly linked to the women’s fall/winter 2023-24 collection, with a colour palette mirroring that from the collection, featuring neutrals and iconic Fendi logos. A ski jacket with fur hoot and a jacquard belt is crafted from a high-quality post-consumer recycled polyester yarn that regenerates marine waste and plastic from land sources. The fabric is paired with a membrane that makes the jacket windproof, waterproof and breathable. The jacket and the matching ski pants are coloured in anthracite grey and bright red for the plain versions, while the classic black and white declinations are printed with the timeless FF logo. A classic puffer jacket is reversible with one black side and the other with a tobacco-coloured all-over FF logo print, creating a statement look with the coordinated ski pants.

Bodycon technical underpinnings are designed to be mixed and matched with the outerwear, following the same palette and style. A unique fabric crafted from carbon threads becomes a thermoregulating, hygroscopic and waterproof set, lightweight yet warm, with anti-bacterial and anti-odour properties. Complementing the looks, furry reversible outerwear and accessories are crafted from 100% wool, adding softness to the collection. 

Men’s proposals are spiced up by a multicoloured version of the FENDI Shadow, a larger-than-life logo that disappears into geometric abstraction, blending nuances of blue, lilac and powder pink to fade into delicate orange and yellow. With this peculiar print, the technical shapes of a ski suit, an anorak and a zipped jacket acquire a stylish attitude. Complementing the outerwear for après-ski moments, a warm wool sweater with FENDI Shadow jacquard is offered in blue and yellow shades.

Ski accessories complete the story: ski helmet, gloves, and mask all feature the iconic FF logo, which is presented in tonal white, anthracite grey, or classic brown.

Louis Vuitton

The new LV Ski collection is described as “a dynamic winter wardrobe”. It combines craftsmanship, innovation and fashion with a fully adaptable wardrobe for men and women. Combining men’s and women’s designs, the collection is crafted from innovative technical materials with a bold yet streamlined silhouette.

For women, outerwear reimagines sport uniform influences with an elevated edge. Graphic motifs freshly interpret the Monogram and Louis Vuitton signatures on down-filled jackets and polished parkas. These winterised volumes are worn over slim ski suits and sporty knit layers that fit close to the body. Ski pants, technical trousers and contoured legs create a series of silhouettes for every winter occasion. The LV Flocon logo reappears across the collection, its original design conjuring both a snowflake and the Monogram flower. The women’s wardrobe is complemented with a selection of iconic bags.

For men, the look is rugged yet refined and defined by outerwear that emphasises technical details and padding to maintain warmth. A ski parka in black breakage topstitching with matching trousers in calfskin leather. This motif, inspired by the aerial graphics of ice landscapes and glaciers, appears on a black and white puffer ski suit, in a fleece and placed on a cotton sweatshirt. Patterns extend across the collection: underlayers, such as fitted jackets and gilets, are emblazoned with slope-like patterns; an alpine mohair cardigan with a sky and mountain motif suggests an abstracted Fair Isle, and a polar geometric pattern appears in knitwear. There are also several luxuriously cosy pieces that lean towards après-ski or weekend dressing, such as a knitted jacket with a removable shearling collar.

Prada

The new Prada Linea Rossa collection features high-performance clothes for the man who’s series about sport and style. Offering pieces suitable for a range of winter sports, the collection works with innovative technical materials and combines the Prada aesthetic with sports essentials.

The collection was revealed via a new campaign with images shot by Kris Lüdi in the valley of Engadin, Switzerland.

Contemporary snowboarding sits alongside skeleton bobsleigh and speed skating, drawn from a past yet recontextualised for now; classical music progresses to modern grime, sharp digital footage intercut with grained film. The past here can become the present – reinvigorated and rethought through the spirit of now.

Gucci

Gucci has revealed a collection of ready-to-wear and eyewear designed for mountain getaways or cold days in the city. The Gucci Après-Ski selection comprises a wardrobe of sporty styles in vibrant hues, with matching sets that can also be styled separately, as well as reinterpretations of iconic handbags. 

The selection also includes ski masks defined by the House’s signature codes. Fitted for glossy mountain peaks, with sporty details and technical features, the frames – available in various colours – are decorated with the name of the House, while the Gucci Web strap appears at the back. Bright guccissima lenses complete many of the styles. On-piste, off-piste, or simply in the resorts, from snowy peaks to city streets, the masks expand perspectives on the surrounding realities, seamlessly connecting what is seen and how one is seen. 

Tom Ford Eyewear

Tom Ford Eyewear has revealed an Après-Ski collection that merges the brand’s identity with athletic style. The collection is marked by innovative, contemporary design and iconic signature details crafted from state-of-the-art materials.

The FT1124 ski goggle injects utility with modernist glamour. Its interchangeable mirrored and photochromic bronze lenses are secured with a wide, adjustable elastic strap emblazoned with a large, graphic Tom Ford logo. The style comes in dedicated packaging.

The Rellen and Linden sunglasses transform the classic pilot genre. These sporty masks have newly bold volumes with graphic metal detailing. They feature photochromic lenses that alter their shade depending on the light conditions. The two styles offer variations on the look: the Linden, a modified butterfly silhouette; the Rellen, a softly squared shape. Either way, they heighten the chic of après-ski style. 

Lebanese designer Rami Kadi presented a transformative fashion show during COP 28.

The designer presented ten sustainable couture gowns that seamlessly blend opulence with sustainability.

The event reflects Rami Kadi’s commitment to eco-conscious design, echoing the rhythm of the ocean in each collection.

The collection of one-off gowns features dresses adorned with bio-based embroideries and ethically sourced embellishments. 

The ocean theme served as a powerful reminder that emphasizes the brand’s unwavering commitment to marrying elegance with eco-conscious practices in a seamless union of luxury and sustainability, echoing the timeless beauty and depth of the ocean. 

The gowns featured holographic embroideries and eco-friendly materials, the showcase transcends mere fashion, delving into the heart of sustainability. 

The show concluded with a mother-of-pearl couture gown that evokes the fluidity and luminescence of ocean waves, by combining a satin bodice with a pleated organza skirt adorned with sustainable tulle and cruelty-free feathers, and a vaporous lime gown embellished with tear crystals, bio-based sequins, featuring a voluminous ruffled organza skirt and bolero. 

The presentation aligned with the Maison’s mission to support the global climate agenda and signifies a move towards more sustainable fashion practices, reinforcing Maison Rami Kadi as a pioneer in sustainable fashion practices and green technology innovations, having acquired the position of UN Goodwill ambassador for sustainable fashion in West Asia after being appointed in 2020.

unfccc.int/cop28

The highly anticipated United Nations 2023 Climate Change Conference (COP) took place at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12.

The global event saw over 70,000 participants convene, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth and non-state actors. The beginning of the event saw world leaders and delegates from around the world descending on the city to discuss crucial topics and issues related to climate change. Attendees included King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, United States Vice President Kamala Harris and many more. During the opening day of the event, world leaders posed for a group photo, highlighting their commitment to fighting climate change and promise to work together against this global catastrophe.

The COP28 Presidency has taken an innovative and inclusive approach to the two-week program for COP28. It is the first Presidency to hold an open consultation on thematic areas and sequencing. The program highlights the sectors and topics that stakeholders repeatedly raised during consultations, including both annual fixtures of the COP agenda, such as energy and finance, and new, essential topics like health, trade and relief, recovery, and peace.

The thematic days’ programming also incorporates four crosscutting themes that underpin effective, interconnected delivery: Technology and innovation, Inclusion, Frontline Communities and Finance.

COP28 UAE delivered the first-ever Global Stocktake – a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals – as mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement. The two-week event saw several discussions take place, hoping to start the next chapter of moving towards a more sustainable future.

The event was opened with a speech by COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber, who expressed his pride at the UAE hosting a critical climate action event. He discussed the impact of climate change on the planet and why we are at a crucial point in helping to combat the damage that’s already been done and continues to happen. He pledged to lead an inclusive and transparent process, one that encourages free and open discussion between all parties. He asked world leaders to “start this COP with a different mindset” and “adopt a different way of thinking”. He used the UAE as an example; as a country that has developed so much in just 52 years, it shows what can be done when you have “big ambitions, optimism, true partnership, determination, and commitment.”

King Charles III also expressed his concern about climate change and the importance of this crucial moment in an address, outlining how we need to take action now. “I pray with all my heart that Cop28 will be another critical turning point towards genuine transformational action at a time when, already, as scientists have been warning for so long, we are seeing alarming tipping points being reached.” Adding, “some important progress has been made, but it worries me greatly that we remain so dreadfully far off track as the global stocktake report demonstrates so graphically.”

COP28 was structured into two areas called the blue and green zones. The Blue Zone was a UNFCCC-managed site that was only open to UN-accredited participants. This is where official discussions are taking place. The Green Zone was open to everyone and offers a platform for different groups to raise awareness about climate action. In the Green Zone, an ongoing curated content programme will include thematic days, conferences, panel discussions, talks, presentations and more. It also had a Youth Hub, where young people could discuss, collaborate and network on climate change solutions, as well as a Civil Societies Hub, which hosted presentations, activations and discussions on the part civil societies play in climate change solutions. There was also be Arts and Cultural Programming that demonstrated climate change and solutions through various art mediums.

Elsewhere, fashion and luxury brands were doing their bit to contribute to the event. Long-time sustainability advocate Stella McCartney hosted a sustainable innovation exhibit during the conference, which represented the fashion industry and how it can continue to support sustainability.

The designer and her team also engaged in several talks throughout the two-week period. McCartney also revealed a series of new announcements and commitments in her 2023 Impact Report. This includes renewed commitments to innovation and fossil fuel reduction across materials and processes throughout the production, sale and end-of-life of all Stella McCartney products. The brand also revealed strategic partnerships with Mango Materials and Air Carbon to develop new innovations and materials from GHG emissions. There will also soon be the reveal of the 2024 Circular Design Guide, which will openly share sustainable circular design materials knowledge, hoping to inspire other industries.

The designer’s delegation at the event focused on three key goals:

• Advocating for policy regulations to change and incentivise sustainable business and the decarbonisation of the industry.

• Continuing a decades-long mission built around human and animal protection and welfare.

• Building a coalition of global government and business leaders to support and scale investment in a wide range of material and process innovations.

The designer also hosted a sustainable market which showcased the work of 15 pioneers in the industry, as well as breakthroughs in regenerative agriculture, bio and plant-based alternatives to plastic, animal leather fur and traditional fibres.

Elsewhere, Italian fashion house Brunello Cucinelli confirmed its commitment to safeguarding the environment and craftsmanship with the launch of a new project, launched in some Himalayan areas in 2022 as the result of an agreement with the SMI Fashion Task Force founded by King Charles III of England. It was an opportunity to update on the progress of this project inspired by Human Sustainability, a core value of the Solomeo-based company to foster the dignity of every living being, respect for Creation and a culture of balance between profit and giving back.

The goal is to restore harmony between small local communities in some areas of the broad Himalayan territory and its extraordinary natural environment. Efforts are being made to regenerate degraded landscapes and at the same time, recover traditional craftsmanship and textile skills, an exceptional resource not only for that region but for the history and sustainable future of mankind as a whole. The Brunello Cucinelli Fashion House is working to support the local cashmere, cotton and silk economies, always keeping a close eye on the crucial issues of climate change and the risk of a progressive loss of biodiversity. To this end, degraded landscapes in the Western and Eastern Himalayas are being reclaimed, also thanks to the valuable partnership with Reforest Action and the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance.

Local forests are being restored in the Assam province, while In the Ladakh region, which is located in the Western Himalayas, the Project is developing the value chain of one of the world’s most valuable fibres, pashmina, by involving local communities. They have already started their first pashmina production under the principle of Human Sustainability and are being helped to better cope with the consequences of climate change through suitable daily farming practices.

Federico Marchetti commented: “It is a source of great pride for the Fashion Task Force of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, which I have the honour to chair, to share the extraordinary progress achieved with this project exactly one year after its first presentation at COP27. These significant and tangible results confirm that we are on the right track and spur us on to continue investing courageously for a new sustainable future, regenerating the natural resources of our planet and preserving the precious craftsmanship of local economies.

I am very grateful to Brunello Cucinelli, who strongly believes in the project and in our Task Force as a tool to make this change possible together.”

Closer to home and Dubai-based company Dubai Holding hosted a series of talks and presentations at its public showcase at Expo City. Four daily informative talks and presentations are sharing the company’s sustainability initiatives, including design and construction, waste management, community development and hospitality. Aiming to foster awareness and drive engagement on climate action, the programme also includes a number of inspiring talks with expert speakers from local and international companies.

cop28.com

Max Mara north to Stockholm, Sweden, for its Resort 24 collection presentation. Inspired by the country’s Midsommar folk festival celebrations, it embodies the mood of the Swedish summer season in its newest collection.

Throughout the capsule, there are traditional nods to Scandinavian style while remaining true to the ethos of the brand. The brand was strongly influenced by Swedish writer and the first-ever woman to win the Nobel Prize, Selma Lagerlöf.

This was a collection in which the no-nonsense, upright, tailored silhouette of the 1900s yields modern-looking gigot sleeves, ankle-grazing skirts, elbow-length capes and smart blouses to wear with bow ties.

In contrast, there are billowing tunics, long and short, featuring black and ivory braids, pom poms, tassels and studs that echo folk motifs.

Striking modernity is achieved by taking folk blouses and recutting them in linear modern fabrics, stripping away superfluous decor.

Midsommar is the folk festival that celebrates the gift of the summer. One of the most charming traditions is the collection of seven types of wildflowers – Septem Flores.

The legend says that anyone lucky enough to find one of each should sleep with them under their pillow to dream of their future sweetheart. With this in mind, the brand played with elegant floral prints, capturing the natural beauty of the region. 

maxmara.com

The Grand Tour is a collection inspired by the voyage taken by Van Cleef & Arpels’ founder André Suarès. 

Documented in a published account Le Voyage du Condottière is a ramble through the cultural centres of Italy’s “Boot” (Venice, Florence, and Naples), and an exploration of the Renaissance masters (Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, etc.).

 Born in England in the 16th century, the Grand Tour – so named in reference to a circular journey returning to its starting point – became popular during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Over a century ago, the maison returned to this journey and drew inspiration from its key elements. The collection is multi-dimensional. It blends the traditions of jewellery and decorative arts – such objects were brought back as souvenirs from the Grand Tour – with the idea of once again discovering and mixing periods and cultures. 

For that, we followed the trail of our predecessors and chose cities that were renowned stops historically. We took inspiration from antique jewellery – Roman, Etruscan, Medieval or Renaissance –marrying it with our own heritage, style and craftsmanship. The result is like a colourful sketchbook that invites to dive into destinations and gemstones.” Says Nicolas Bos, President and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels. 

Van Cleef & Arpels has deployed the full spectrum of its expertise: the creativity of its design studio, the trained eye of its gemmologists, and the savoir-faire and mastery of its High Jewellery workshops. 

The Maison’s designers and craftsmen have breathed life into pieces conceived like so many travel sketches: an invitation to set forth and admire in wonder. Throughout the collection, necklaces and bracelets form landscapes rich in contrasts, their motifs ranging from Italian antiquity to the mesmerising beauty of snow-peaked mountains.

Worked three-dimensionally in the round, the clips display sculptural volumes that blur the boundaries between jewellery and the goldsmith’s art. Earrings light up the face in the style of baroque girandoles or Etruscan bauletti, while rings rise up in relief on the hand, captivating the gaze with their graphic contours and sparkling colours. 

vancleefarpels.com

Tiffany & Co.’s 2023 Blue Book high jewellery collection is inspired by the sea. Titled Out of the Blue, it is a continuation of Nathalie Verdeille’s first Blue Book collection for Tiffany & Co., the House’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewellery and High Jewellery pays homage to Jean Schlumberger’s marine-inspired masterworks and explores his fantastical perspective of the sea. 

The brand is expanding on five of the collection’s existing themes—Shell, Coral, Pisces, Star Urchin and Starfish—and reimagining Schlumberger’s vision in a new theme: Sea Anemone. 

With geometric and stylised aesthetics, each masterpiece perpetuates and reinvents Schlumberger’s enigmatic symbols of the sea.

 “Our collection is a dance between mimesis and stylisation, representation and figuration, realism and abstraction of nature,” said Nathalie Verdeille, Chief Artistic Officer, Jewellery and High Jewellery, Tiffany & Co. “The ocean-inspired masterpieces are an ode to Jean Schlumberger’s rich creative repertoire. From his creations, we have created a new dreamlike language that animates what he so brilliantly conceived half a century ago.”

Often described as the flower of the sea, the Sea Anemone theme honours the dexterity of this creature’s forms. 

This new addition to the Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue collection features highly innovative design mechanisms such as a bracelet containing diamonds, blue cuprian elbaite tourmalines and turquoise set en tremblant — lending a sense of subtle motion and movement.

Other creations are designed with an inverted setting consisting of diamonds with their culets facing out, lending a spiky texture magnifying the Sea Anemone theme. 

tiffany.com

The 2023 “Metaphoria” collection is a tribute to the original offering of the same name, created by Yves Piaget in 1969. 

Experimentation, innovation and joy are part of the maison’s DNA. From as early as the 1960s, Piaget dared to introduce coral, turquoise and lapiz lazuli into watchmaking and into unique pieces of jewellery. 

This desire to use unexpected materials in pieces created to high jewellery standards is still at the very core of our identity.

Says Benjamin Comar, Piaget CEO. 41 jewellery pieces and 11 watches are divided into two chapters, Azureia and Beautanica, expressing Piaget’s vision of contemporary high jewellery by paying homage to its main source of inspiration: vibrant, radiant nature.

This inspiration is paired with the highest levels of savoir-faire, further enhanced by a careful selection of the purest gemstones. From contrasting materials to a play with form and light, from fluidity to asymmetry, Metaphoria is the epitome of the distinctive codes of Piaget’s style, in which imaginative design meets breath-taking savoir-faire and the unquenchable pursuit of perfection.

Piaget.com

Bulgari’s Mediterranea High Jewellery collection, which launched in Venice earlier this year, is an ode to the Mediterranean and the beauty of craftsmanship within the region.

Inspired by the arts, beauty, and excellence, beginning with the jeweller’s home, the eternal city of Rome is a constant source of creative inspiration for the brand. 

“This High Jewellery collection is a homage to Mediterranean beauty. Being in the Mediterranean region, all my senses are awakened; I see beauty everywhere. Architecture, nature, and people are an inspiring melting pot, where many different cultures and societies have mingled and enriched each other over centuries.” stated Lucia Silvestri Bulgari, Jewellery Creative Director.

Mediterranea is divided into three universes: The “Southern Radiance,” The “Roman Splendor,” and “East Meets West,” each of them referring to a specific constellation of symbols, atmospheres, and inspirations. A final universe is inspired by the snake, an iconic symbol of the brand thanks to its instantly recognisable Serpenti collections. A selection of pieces celebrate the 75th anniversary of this icon. 

bulgari.com

The Cruise collection by Louis Vuitton was unveiled on the private island of Isola Bella, in Lake Maggiore.

The capsule was inspired by aquatic dwellings, but when the show was due to take place – in the gardens of the isle – nature reminded mankind who had the upper hand. 

Despite rain-stopping play and moving the show inside, the brand managed to take photos of the looks in the original gardens before the heavy rainfall commenced.

The foliage and mystery of the gardens in bloom created a beautiful, sensual backdrop for this collection. 

Set amongst the waters of Lake Maggiore, there was a sense of metamorphosis in the pieces presented in the show – moving from aquatic influences to those of the fauna of the isle. 

The colour palette also reflected the surroundings, with a myriad of blues, broken up by strong black-and-white statements. Curved lines and edges mirrored the effect of water and billowing fabrics reflected the sense of the wind catching the waves. 

Even the way fabrics were sewn gave the effect of movement with fluidity throughout the entire collection. 

louisvuttion.com

For this feminine yet bold collection, Elie Saab was inspired by Marella Agnelli. Known affectionately as the ‘Last Swan,’ Agnelli was a socialite, art collection and style icon who inspired a generation of Italian women. 

Saab recreated her strong yet majestic allure through an offering of muted jewel tones, crisp silhouettes and diverse textures come together in three distinct moods that move through demure galas, urban garden parties and the cosmopolitan jet set.

Warm metallic yarn-embroidered party rompers and beaded strapless midi dresses are illuminating. Moonshadow white crepe peplum tops and jackets bring a touch of playful feminine volume to more fitted contours. Midnight black jersey drapes into long dresses with high-defined slits and scalloped plunging necklines finely outlined in glistening chain. Minimalist lines are emboldened in vibrant bursts of red tweed and Denver green crepe.

The Elie Saab woman seamlessly dances through each tableau with refined ease. Fog and powder white knit into a radiant striped dress with short bishop sleeves. Gradient monogram embroidery petals across the skirts of pastel halter gowns and across the necklines of white shirt kaftans. Platform mules in coloured satin and wood elongate each silhouette to emphasise sophisticated bearing, while plexiglass minaudières in translucent tones add a breath of contemporary flare. 

Confident in prints and subdued splashes of colour, all her outfits exude a natural elegance. Lush greens, aquamarines and purple crush drape and pleat into quintessential ELIE SAAB silk robes and gradient-tailored trouser suits, with delicate monogram brooch accents. Fresh oversized floral prints blossom into large billowing cotton capes with matching flowered shorts and crop tops. A collection-defining pale rose ombré silk kaftan emphasises effortless movement.

Midsommar is the folk festival that celebrates the gift of the summer. One of the most charming traditions is the collection of seven types of wildflowers – Septem Flores. The legend says that anyone lucky enough to find one of each should sleep with them under their pillow to dream of their future sweetheart. With this in mind, the brand played with elegant floral prints, capturing the natural beauty of the region.

eliesaab.com

Dior’s Cruise 2024 collection was presented in Mexico City on May 20. Designed by Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri, the designer described the location as a “place of the soul.” 

Chirui was inspired by the work of Mexican surrealist artist Frida Kahlo. Known for her portraits and self-portraits, Kahlo was inspired by her country’s pop culture, and her unique approach to her artworks made them forever modern.

Kahlo was also known for her clothing choices, which became another creative outlet for her. She often wore traditional Tehuana dresses combined with various contemporary elements, perfectly transcending cultures, genders and eras.

Inspired by this unique style, Kahlo’s style choices can clearly be seen throughout the collection. Chiuri also chose an apt location to present the show, the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso, where the Mexican painter studied and also met her husband, Diego Rivera.

The designer combines bold prints and colours with hemp and silk lace, original embroideries and delicately constructed designs. 

Masculine pieces are paired with elegant garments, mirroring Kahlo’s iconic style. Some pieces were more literal than others, with designers reflecting pieces worn by the artist and others taking elements of her style.

 Once again, she chose to work with local talent to help bring her vision to life, this time partnering with Mexican artisans who created elements of the collection by hand, from weaving to embroideries. 

Dior.com

Chanel’s Cruise 2024 collection by Virginie Viard was a celebration of colour inspired by the city of Los Angeles. Bringing together sporty and glamorous looks on the West Beach coast, this vibrant collection has us in the mood for summer.

Presented in a captivating location in California at sunset, the collection’s colours reflect its surrounding environment and the vibrancy of the nearby city. The offering transcends generations with inspirational eras transcending the 1920s, 30s, 70s and 80s.

“Between a tribute to the glamour of great film stars and evoking the world of fun to be had with aerobics, sports and roller skating, between the dream on the one hand and what you want to wear on the other, it’s all a question of balance,” wrote Virginie Viard on the show notes.

This was an all-encompassing collection of fun. From Rhinestone- covered mini-shorts and jumpsuits to embroidered bustiers and little tank tops, 1960s-inspired suits, bathrobes and casual pyjamas, to 1930s-style shoes, swimsuits, wrap-around tops, legwarmers and evening dresses. The best of Chanel from every generation.

The presentation was a breath of fresh air and a far cry from the serious, stiff shows we are used to seeing in Paris. This was all about fun, and everything goes. Models wore roller skates, décor came in the form of disco balls, and milkshakes were handed out as refreshments.

“The idea is to offer a breath of fresh air, a voyage, a light-hearted and happy fantasy,” concludes Virginie. 

chanel.com

Address Grand Creek Harbour is a hidden gem in the centre of Dubai. Located within the newly developed Grand Creek Harbour area, this contemporary luxury property is a home-from-home for Dubai residents and visitors alike.

With skyline views and surrounded by tranquil waters of Dubai Creek, Address Grand Creek Harbour is situated at the crossroads between old and new Dubai. The waterfront location, which is in close proximity to the highly sought-after Viewpoint, makes this a truly unique property in the city.

Much like an address property, visitors can expect the highest standards in hospitality fused with contemporary design and an Art Deco twist. The expansive lobby area is impressively large yet homely, with attention to detail throughout. Guest rooms are elegantly decorated with chic, understated interiors and the latest in technology. Showpiece suites include Executive, Skyline and Panoramic Suite options with balconies, as well as the three-bedroom Presidential Suite, all of which offer magnificent views of the city and creek. 

The hotel’s infinity pool is the place to be at sunset as you watch the sun go down against the Dubai skyline backdrop. If you want to continue the relaxation journey, head to The Spa At Address, where a holistic wellness approach will help you feel rejuvenated. A jacuzzi fitness centre and yoga studio will further fuel your relaxation journey.

The hotel’s signature restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests, featuring global cuisine. Sit back and enjoy the creek views as you dine on delicious plates. As the evening closes in, unwind in the Cigar Lounge or head to the Patisserie in the main lobby area. For the ultimate in combining culinary and relaxing bliss, head to Luma Pool Lounge. Chefs will wow you with Mediterranean fusion cuisine as you dip in and out of the beautiful infinity pool and the enchanting views it offers. At sunset, there is no better place to sit back, sip a beverage, and decompress.

addresshotels.com/en/hotels/address- grand-creek-harbour 

Fendi has embarked on a diverse series of projects and collections that will cross the ‘part lines’ of the industry. The first chapter in the project, spearheaded by Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi, is a collaboration with Italian designer Stefano Pilati.

Pilati, who has worked for brands including Zegna and Saint Laurent, reaches a new conclusion for the house, going beyond gender and the notion of menswear and womenswear to create something more character-driven and iconoclastic.

“Stefano is one of the designers I admire the most. I was always in love with his work, and he is somebody I look up to – he has been an inspiration for what I do. Stefano epitomises Friends of FENDI: He is a friend, an inspiration and a designer for modern times, always looking to the future, asking questions and proffering solutions.” Said Kim Jones, Fendi’s Creative Director of womenswear.

“Milano versus Roma: I am from Milan, but there is a freedom in the Roman style that Milan does not have – there is always ‘more’. This is a coming together of two worlds, and I am so touched by the opportunity that Kim, Silvia and FENDI have given me to be so much myself while exploring theirs, the incomparable world of FENDI.” Added Stefano Pilati.

The collection, which debuts in selected Fendi stores this month, takes inspiration from the 1920s flapper era, reinterpreting it for today with a playful approach. Stefano is known for being a master of cut and construction, and he uses his expertise to reinvent and restructure classic pieces in new contemporary ways while breaking all the rules! The collection comprises garments that transcend genders. The rigour and construction of a masculine world are combined with a feminine linear curve, particularly in the tailoring, which features a softer, more voluminous construction.

Women’s tailoring is much more casual and can also be worn by men, while men’s tailoring is presented in silk and leather. Sever experiments in traditional construction take place throughout the collection. A new relaxed ‘basque’– in its traditional sense as a bodice – is featured in tailored trousers and skirts with a drawstring waistband, the soft bodice in a fabric that adheres to the contrasting cotton and silk shirting in the collection, flattering and extending the line of the body. This structure is also echoed in the collection’s dresses. 

As well as a series of ready-to-wear looks, the Friends of Fendi collection by Stefano Pilato features a range of accessories, including iconic and new shapes, reapproached with a new eye and curated in a collaboration between Silvia Venturini Fendi and Stefano Pilati. The new Baguette Twist features the FF buckle on the sides (as opposed to the fastening), and is crafted from colour-blocking smooth nappa leather. The new Fendi Boston 365 bag is presented in a modern, sleek design with a magnetic opening and hammered leather. A new, pillowy, softly constructed leather Baguette also makes a debut appearance; featuring a bold FENDI metallic logo script, the handle can also be worn as an ornament attached to the shoulder strap.

Jewellery, designed by Delfina Delettrez Fendi, also plays with codes of duality: the masculine and feminine, the bourgeois and the aristocratic, hard and soft. ‘Milanese’ mesh is utilised, dense but soft, overprinted with the dynamic Fendi logo while colours of metal mix in silver and gold. The classic and the obsessive become one: a watch strap aesthetic runs throughout, with this typically masculine decoration utilised for each gender through patterning traditionally seen on watches and lighters. There is a heaviness in the contrast of aristocratic rings, particularly sought in the symbol of the signet ring and how an individual wears it.

fendi.com