Prada’s latest collection features classic essentials reinterpreted for the summer months. See more in our recent editorial shoot.

WATCH HERE…..

To see more of the shoot, click here.

Video by Kais Dahoul

Photography: Esra Sam

Styling & Direction: Lindsay Judge

Model: Martina at The Art Factory

Hair and Makeup: Amanda Kay

Location: Terra Solis

Bulgari has revealed its 2023 High Jewellery collection in Venice. Celebrating the beauty of the Mediterranean, the collection is a journey through history, culture and beauty, showcasing the finest in craftsmanship, design and innovation.

Designed by Bulgari Jewellery Creative Director Lucia Silvestri, the collection is divided into three universes Southern Radiance,” “Roman Splendor,” and “East Meets West,” each of them referring to a specific constellation of symbols, atmospheres, and inspirations.

“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.” said Lucia Silvestri.

Emerald Lotus

The Southern Radiance pieces express Bulgari’s vivacious, joyful, and fierce spirit. Intricate architecture, lush gardens, sunny coastlines, and a powerful telluric nature are some of the elements contributing to the uniqueness of Southern Italy that inspires this vertical.

The Roman Splendor category is an emblem of magnificence. It is a series of exquisite creations that evoke some of the Eternal City’s most emblematic monuments, its unique warm light, and the fascinating mythology linked to its history.

And the “East Meets West” translates and expresses various elements from different countries and three continents, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Diocletian Garland Earrings

Highlight pieces from the collection include the Tribute to Venice high jewellery necklace, which evokes the splendor of Venetian architecture. It features a 15.38-carat fancy yellow diamond drop complemented by an exquisite layout of yellow and white diamonds and a cascade of diamond baguettes meticulously cut to reflect light at their best.

Venetian Fantasy

The Southern Sapphire platinum necklace recalls Southern Italy’s Apulia region, where white chalky Baroque villages overlook the sea with a peaceful serenity. Requiring 1,650 hours to be completed, this lace-like soft layout of shimmering diamonds and transparent sapphires unfolds around a stunning 66.88-carat Ceylon sapphire evoking the blue depth of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Emerald Lotus Necklace expresses the aesthetics of Indian spirituality in jewelled form. Creative Director Lucia Silvestri imagined the evoking design of a pashmina, soft and graceful. The majestic protagonist emerald, a maharaja stone of 37.14 carats found in Colombia, is placed horizontally and symbolizes the “third eye.” The undulating design of round brilliant-cut diamonds (48,74 ct) accented with 20 emerald beads (53.22 cts) radiating from the centre enhances the sense of spiritual magnetism.

The final vertical of the collation “The Snake” is a celebration of the Serpenti, Bulgari’s signature High Jewellery emblem that celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year. Two exquisite pieces celebrate this icon.

The Yellow Diamond Hypnosis Serpenti Necklace continues the legacy of Serpenti’s transformation. Representing the delicate balance between the powerful Serpent’s strength and the diamond’s beauty, the snake coils firmly wrap a fancy intense yellow diamond of 15.5 ct.

  Mediterranean Sapphire Serpenti

The Mediterranean Sapphire Serpenti necklace. Nine sapphires from Sri Lanka of a total of 40,81carats evoking snake’s scales are set in a sinuous platinum and pavé diamond body construction culminating in a tassel pendant of 80 oval-shaped sapphire beads totalling 116 carats.

The High Jewellery collection launched in Venice on 16^th May 2023.

Living in Dubai for over four decades Smita Prabhakar, Founder and Chairperson, Ishara Art Foundation has seen the country grow beyond belief.

This is especially true when it comes to the city and the country’s arts and culture scene, something that is quite frankly thriving today thanks to the influx of creative energy, as well as a strong focus on the industry from the country’s leadership. Smita founded Ishara Art Foundation with a desire to shine a light on South Asian art, guided by the shared histories and plural voices from across the region. Smita has been a keen collector and art patron for many years and her passion has seen her become a member of the TATE International Council (London), the Middle Eastern Circle of the Guggenheim Museum (New York) and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Venice). Her truly unique outlook on art in the region makes her the perfect candidate to envision the future of the art world in the UAE.

This year, Ishara Art Foundation welcomes a fascinating exhibition titled Notations on Time. Running until 20th May, this unique showcase explores the philosophical and political dimensions of time through the works of 20 contemporary artists from South Asia and its diaspora. Curated by Sandhini Poddar and Sabih Ahmed, the exhibition stages a dialogue between artistic generations to highlight entanglements between the past, present and future. It exists as a veritable laboratory of time, exploring art in notational, experimental and fragmentary forms. Standing apart from Western notions of linearity, progress and capitalist domination, Notations on Time explores ontological systems that reveal how artists from this region and its diaspora think about aesthetics, existence, remembrance and futurity. As the exhibition enters its final month, we find out more about what to expect and why it’s a key showcase for the region.

Tell us about Ishara Art Foundation, what your role entails and how the foundation came to life.

Ishara Art Foundation is an amalgamation of three important factors in my life – first my commitment to contemporary art from South Asia and a deep belief that it meets and surpasses international standards, second my love for Dubai and the UAE, a city and country that has given me unparalleled opportunities, and thirdly a commitment to the community which is mandatory after 42 years of living here. Therefore, it brings together important and integral elements of my existence. My role is that of an advisor to the team and as the head who assists them in taking the mission of the Foundation forward.

Tell us about the current exhibition Notations on Time and why you decided to showcase this in particular.

The show was actually supposed to happen in 2020 but COVID did now allow it to. Sandhini Poddar and Sabih Ahmed on our Advisory Board decided jointly on the content of the show and as you may be aware the show has received great reviews. They have done me proud so my role as advisor has been well served.

What is the foundation doing to support talented artists in the region?

Ishara supports and advocates the best practices in art from South Asia. By bringing to the region artists whose practices have not been showcased yet we are helping with the cultural development of the region. When audiences in the region have the opportunity to view, comment and discuss artistic practices then automatically this will lead to a vibrant art community.

How did you first become interested in art?

I come from a family that has always been interested in culture. Also, extensive travel around the world helped me grow my interests.

What particularly interests you about art in the Middle East?

I think art is global and it is not about art from the Middle East or South Asia. The growth of practices’ thought processes and manifestations consequently are of deep interest to me.

How would you access the arts and culture industry here today?

The Sharjah Biennale, Fairs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the numerous gallery shows are just some of the ways to access arts especially in the Emirates.

How do you think museums such as Guggenheim and Louvre coming to the UAE has impacted the arts scene?

Two words – Absolutely fantastic! What their presence does and will mean to us as a community in the Middle East is fantastic.

What more would you like to see happen to ensure the UAE is recognised on a global scale for its art and culture scene?

Many projects have already put us on the world map such as the Museum of the Future, Louvre, Guggenheim, and Sharjah Art Foundation. But we have to ensure we continue with the same passion and dedication.

What do you think it takes for young upcoming artists today to be successful?

Institutions such as Sharjah Art Foundation, Guggenheim etc. are currently creating platforms and opportunities for young artists to showcase their talents to international and domestic audiences. We too at Ishara are very proud of what we have done in the last four years.

You have been in Dubai for over four decades – tell us about your personal experience and how you have seen the city change.

I have been the lucky one – to see the growth of a country is an opportunity that only a few people have. Today there is no city better than my beloved Dubai.

This issue is about success – what does success mean to you?

I don’t know about “success”. I strive every day to be a better human being and create moments where I still learn.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt that you would pass on to the younger generation?

Respect and good ethics in all aspects of my life are integral to my life every day.

Who is a person that has inspired you throughout your career?

I have been inspired (and continue to be) by my colleagues – their commitment, care and love.

What else is coming up for the foundation in the coming year?

We shall continue to put up exhibitions that are thought-provoking, highlight exploratory artistic practices and that initiate a dialogue within the community.

In 2022 homegrown Dubai restaurant 3Fils took the coveted top spot in the first MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, it may have been a surprise for many but not for those that were already in the know of this relatively unknown unique Japanese fusion concept in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour.

Beating some of the city’s most prestigious restaurants this boutique concept has seen a huge increase in popularity since the award and has even become a favourite of Dubai royalty. Founded in late November 2016, 3FILS is piloted by a team who live by a diehard daringness to be different. The menu puts a new twist on Japanese cuisine and the laidback environment invites guests to feel relaxed and comfortable as they dine on the finest dishes, made using the best ingredients. 3Fils has long been a hidden gem of the UAE, but its rise in attention has seen its profile grow in the past year.

With plenty more on the horizon, we talk to Ahmed Saleh, Co-Founder of 3Fils and Chief Executive of The Lab Holding to find out what’s the next step in sustaining the success. 

Congratulations on the success of 3Fils – tell us about the journey and how you got to where you are today. 

The idea started in 2013 when myself and my Co-Founders started our journey by travelling and exploring various cities, regions and different cultures to discover more about how they consumed food. We ate at so many restaurants we lost count! After three years of all that wonderful research, we founded 3Fils in November 2016, hard set on creating a casual, Japanese-inspired concept offering high-quality service and ingredients without breaking the bank. We travelled to over 50 countries, researching and eating our way around from the smallest street vendors to memorable fine dining restaurants, looking for the ideal direction to take. 

Tell us about the name and how it came about. 

3Fils is piloted by a team, not one person, who lives to be different, to offer a story akin to the ‘2 cents worth’ [cents equals to fils in UAE] of the opinion of dining in Dubai’ with every bite. 

What is the message you are trying to portray and how do you want people to feel when they visit the restaurant? 

We’re a casual concept yet use premium quality ingredients. Come visit us in your shirt, shorts and flip-flops but expect our best on the plate whenever you dine with us. 

You have some iconic dishes on the menu – tell us about the offering and what are the ultimate must-tries? 

We’re what you might call contemporary Asian with a big influence from Japan and Japanese ingredients and techniques. Our best-selling items such as the Dragon Roll, Otoro Nigiri, Wagyu Burger, and the Yokozuna (which is a special dish that uses 100% Japanese ingredients), have all been influenced by Japan but in our own 3Fils way. 

What do you think makes the restaurant different from anything else in the UAE? 

There’s a Japanese concept that our head chef, Chef Shun, taught us. It’s called “Omotenashi”, it means to wholeheartedly look after our guests. This is something we strive to do on a daily basis, whether it’s food, ambience or service, we’ve got this in everything we do. 

Tell us about the achievement of winning 50 Best Restaurants and what this meant for you as a business. 

It’s a bigger responsibility for all the winners, including us. Since we received the award we’ve seen an increase in new and returning customers, this support is most definitely humbling. Our goal is to ensure consistency in all that we do, from our service to the dishes we create, the entire 3Fils experience must be memorable. 

How do you think the arrival of platforms such as this and Michelin in the region has changed the industry? 

I think it’s great to have these platforms in the UAE to motivate chefs and restauranteurs to do better and to continually strive to improve and offer their very best to the region and their guests. It’s a fantastic initiative to create a destination based on well-trusted reviews and recommendations from publications and platforms such as the Michelin Guide and 50 Best. I believe that Michelin would also take into consideration all the unique cuisines, not just fine dining locations as Dubai is a very diverse and multicultural destination offering so much to so many. 

Fremantle Octopus

This issue is about success – what does success mean to you? 

The word ‘satisfaction’ comes to mind. It doesn’t have to be the most perfect outcome or return, however, for me, a sense of Satisfaction must be felt in a project or task to feel that it was a success. 

With so many restaurants opening (and closing) in the UAE what do you think is the secret to sustaining a business in today’s market?  

I believe our winning edge is our people and our food. We are people-centric placing a huge emphasis on our casual yet warm, friendly customer service and also our high-quality ingredients. Consistency is key. 

Kampachi Tataki

With any success comes setbacks, how do you deal with these and continue moving forward?  

Setbacks are a normal part of life, whether in business or our personal lives. I think it’s best to pause for a moment, breathe, analyse the situation then plan how you will move forward because this is how we take a positive step toward our future. If you jump without thinking, most of the time it will end in a negative moment and when you have multiple people involved especially our team and guests, it’s not a good thing. 

What are the plans for the future of 3Fils can we expect to see a second venue at any time? 

 We are looking into expanding the 3Fils brand, however, we must offer the same guest experience and high-quality food in any locations we consider. 

Salmon Nigiri

How do you plan to retain the “hidden gem” element associated with the restaurant but also meet the demands of a growing customer base? 

It’s not something we planned nor can you, especially when you’re among 20,000 restaurants in Dubai. You have to stand out, in everything that you do, because the smallest details and actions will have a ripple effect and you want this to be a positive one. 

What is the professional motto that you live by? 

Our slogan is “Making Complex Simple”. The effort and process behind 3Fils are multi-layered and branch out vastly, from the food in our kitchen to the marketing, to the on-ground customer service, the complexity behind each department is made simple for our guests. 

Otoro Nigiri

What else are you currently working on and what’s in the pipeline for the rest of the year? 

3Fils is part of The Lab Holding, a start-up studio in Dubai. Other than expanding 3Fils to other regions, we’ve launched a new ramen concept called SLRP, and we’re also building Cafe BRIX, a new cafe right on the harbour offering the finest coffee, desserts and all-day breakfast. Also attached to that, we are working on Bordo Mavi, a seafood-centric restaurant using the finest and freshest seafood with a Mediterranean BBQ twist. We’ve got quite a bit on our plate!

The Dior Men Fall 2023 collection by Kim Jones offers a modern take on classics and a wardrobe for the contemporary man. See more below:

Beige Cap, Sunglasses, Yellow Anorak, Off-white Knitwear
All Dior Men

Sunglasses, Beige Coat, Off-white Jacket, Off-white Knitwear, Off-white Pants, Brown “Dior Garden” Boots        All Dior Men

Sunglasses, Off-white Cap, Beige Anorak, White Tanktop, Gray Pants,
All Dior Men

Beige Short Sleeved Knitwear Brown Helmet
All Dior Men

Brown Beanie Earrings Sunglasses Brown Short Sleeved Knitwear Brown Pants Brown Kilt Bracelet Brown “B31 Desert Runner” Shoes
All Dior Men

RIGHT SIDE: Sunglasses Astral Coat Gray Knitwear Black Pleated Pants Black Kilt Black “B31 Desert Runner” Shoes
LEFT SIDE: Sunglasses Astral Jacket Black Knitwear Blue Pleated Pants Blue Kilt Black “B31 Desert Runner” Shoes
All Dior Men

LEFT SIDE: Earrings, Sunglasses, Brown and Gray Coat Brown Sweater Brown Pants, Belt RIGHT SIDE: Brown Beanie, Earrings, Sunglasses, Brown Short Sleeve Knitwear Brown Pleated Pants, Brown Kilt, Bracelet, Brown “B31 Desert Runner” Shoes
All Dior Men

Left: Sunglasses Earrings, Yellow Coat, Gray Top, Gray Pleated Pants Gray Kilt, Light Gray Scarf, Gloves, Brown “B31 Desert Runner” shoes All Dior. Right: Sunglasses Earrings, Yellow Coat, Gray Top, Gray Pleated Pants Gray, Kilt, Light Gray Scarf, Gloves, Brown “B31 Desert Runner” shoes, All Dior Men

Sunglasses Earrings Yellow Jacket Gray Knitwear Off-white Pleated Pants Off-white Kilt Belt Brown 3D Printed Helmet All Dior Men

For the past fifteen years Zainab Alsalih, Founder and Creative Director of Carousel Weddings has been creating dream days for husbands and wives to be across the Middle East.

Her personalised and high-end approach to making her client’s big days that extra bit special has earnt her an incredible reputation across the region, with so of the Middle East’s most impressive weddings in her portfolio. But until now, most of these weddings were experienced solely by the bride and groom and the guests on their special day. Zainab started to realise that she wanted to share more of her experiences with the rest of the world, giving an insight into the beauty and elegance of weddings in the Middle East. During the COVID lockdown, when many weddings and events were cancelled, Zainab began to put together a book featuring highlights of some of the weddings she has worked on, as well as her thoughts and knowledge about all elements of a modern wedding today. This soon transpired to become a published book, showcasing some of the wedding planner’s accomplishments and her thoughts and secrets to planning the perfect wedding today. 

“A Carousel of Weddings – From Dubai with Love” offers an insight into the world of weddings as well as being an inspiration for brides, grooms, wedding and event planners, designers and professionals. It includes several chapters, dedicated to particular aspects of weddings including regional traditions, couture wedding gowns, bridal hair and makeup, bridal bouquets, and more. Here we find out more about the book, as well as Zainab’s plans for the future of her company. 

Congratulations on your new book – tell us about how this came to life.

I have always wanted to write a book, to show the world the beauty of Middle Eastern wedding traditions, and by association, the beauty of our culture. The only problem is that I was too busy creating these weddings, and didn’t have time to write a book about them, and then came COVID, and the forced shutdown, which although was a terrible time for the world and our industry, had a silver lining: I had the time to focus on writing my book, so I spent the COVID period doing exactly that.

What are some of the highlights of this book?

The book has two main sections: the first is about the making of a Middle Eastern wedding, and the various beautiful elements that go into it, and the other section is a gallery of photos from twelve selected weddings we have created over the years. As for highlights, the opening of the book tells my personal story and my “journey of a thousand weddings…” It’s very heart-felt and it’s very real. I also love the section on wedding bouquets. I love flowers and using them as a principal ingredient in our weddings, and the bridal bouquet remains a deeply personal item for each bride. We have created so many beautiful bouquets over the years, some of which are shown in the section of the book titled; “To Have and to Hold”.

What in your opinion are the key elements of hosting a successful wedding in the Middle East?

For any wedding, the key ingredient is joy. The happiness of the families on this special occasion is the principal ingredient. Beyond that, we simply try and create an atmosphere that allows the families to celebrate their joy elegantly and beautifully. The way to create this atmosphere is with a very bespoke, personal and authentic approach. This is how we create true luxury, that is elegant, stylish and timeless.

Are there any particular weddings you have worked on that stand out in your mind?

All our weddings are unique and truly one-of-a-kind, so it’s hard to compare them, and like a proud mother who loves all her children, I have loved all my weddings. Some of the weddings we created during COVID were special because they gave us a glimmer of hope and beauty in an otherwise sad and uncertain time, so those will always have a special place in my heart, and on the cover of my book is a picture from one of those weddings. 

This issue is about success – how would you describe success?

Success is finding your true calling, and answering it, it is learning what you are passionate about, and applying that passion to create and build something lasting, but most of all, success is about creating joy and happiness, and making a positive impact on the lives of people. 

What do you think is the secret to sustaining a business in today’s market?

Being resilient, both emotionally and financially. Don’t stretch yourself or your business beyond its limits, and achieve success slowly and in a measured sustainable and constant way.

What has the post-COVID bounce back been like for the wedding industry in the region?

It’s been what we always hoped and expected it to be: there was tremendous pent-up demand, and what I called a huge “back-log of joy,” waiting to be released. Needless to say, we have been extremely busy, but you will not hear me complaining!

In a high-pressure business, how do you keep your cool when things get stressful?

As the leader of the business, I know that my mood and behaviour have a knock-on effect, and will spread to my team, my partners, my suppliers, and everyone else. So I have a responsibility to remain calm, and even if I am going crazy on the inside, I must maintain a posture of calmness, confidence and control on the outside. I consider myself the custodian of a little girl’s dream, and I cannot allow anything to undermine it. It’s never about me, it’s always about her, and him, and their families.

What are some of your favourite wedding venues in the Middle East?

Dubai has some amazing venues, that are truly world-class. Several come to mind, including Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Armani Hotel Dubai, The Four Seasons and Dubai Opera. These are some of my favourite venues.

Can you share some of the wedding trends to look out for this season?

While we try not to be too trendy in our approach, and we always seek to create stylish and timeless weddings, some interesting trends are emerging, including minimalistic, sustainable and organic approaches to wedding design. I am also loving the monochromatic colour palettes. Perhaps as a result of the hectic few years we have all endured, there is great appeal to the calming effect of clean and simple design and that is perhaps why I am now more drawn to pure and minimalistic décor. It is just so calming and light. 

During the lockdown you launched an interiors section of Carousel – tell us where this division is at today.

Yes, this was a major “pivot” for me and my business. As events were shut down, and as we at Carousel have an incredible and talented team of designers, project managers, stylists, and florists, I decided to leverage this capability in designing beautiful permanent spaces and interiors, and this turned out to be another silver-lining of COVID. Today, the interiors division, which we call “Carousel Casa” has designed and executed some beautiful interior spaces, including most recently the Majlis at Mandarin Oriental, Jumeira, which has received some wonderful feedback and accolades. 

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt throughout your career?

It’s not about what you do, or even how you do it. It’s about why you do it, and who you do it for.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Do it with passion, or not at all.

What else are you currently working on and what’s in the pipeline for the rest of the year?

We have an upcoming wedding in East Africa, for a wonderful family that wants to create a stunning and memorable wedding for their beautiful daughter. Also, as the wedding season here in Dubai slows down, we have several interior projects that are starting and will keep us very busy this summer.

Roger Dubuis has always been a brand set on disrupting the watch industry. The watchmaker has been at the forefront of contemporary Haute Horlogerie since 1995.

Its audacious creations, firmly anchored in the 21st century, embody substantial expertise expressed through the finest watchmaking mechanisms combined with powerful and daring designs. This year at Watches & Wonders the brand took a risk by launching just one exceptional timepiece. The MonovortexTM Split-Seconds Chronograph was designed to showcase everything the company has been working on over the past few years, including an impressive new movement and a new radical and uncompromising approach, known as Hyper HorologyTM. The launch was in fact setting the scene for a series of exciting launches that will take place over the next twelve months. We met CEO Nicola Andreatta to find out more. 

Tell us about Roger Dubuis at Watches & Wonders this year. 

Watches & Wonders is always a great moment within the year firstly because we have a few occasions to celebrate the watch industry in general and this is probably the only moment to bring everyone from around the globe together to show them what we are capable of. For us, it’s always a key moment to demonstrate our unique attitude and world, and this year, more than ever, I think this was the case. Our booth is always designed to stand out and we were once again able to combine the past and the future within this surreal visionary representation. We had people queuing in front of the booth to take pictures of the show that we put on every hour. We had a robo-dog. We had a robo-bartender, so there were a lot of amazing things that made us stand out and conveyed, a futuristic image for our clients. So, I’m very happy about that. 

Knowing that we create hyper-horology we wanted to create this kind of hyper-life where emotions are at the maximum. We enjoy life. We have this hedonistic approach where we really please ourselves with everything we do and we managed to have experiences for our clients within the booth every night to give them a taste of our lifestyle. It was also a moment for us to showcase our craftsmanship, innovation, and performance, with a single timepiece in which we decided to concentrate everything we’ve been doing in the past few years in terms of development. 

It was a peculiar choice not to have several different novelties this year, but to combine everything into one, which sometimes is more complicated, and this was the case. We presented a split-second chronograph, which is one of the most complicated movements in the watchmaking industry. We equipped it with three patents that we developed recently, two of which are connected to gravity which is something we are fascinated by at Roger Dubuis in terms of increasing the performance of our timepieces. On one side, we control gravity, on the other side, we use it. This watch has a completely new tourbillon system, which is revolutionary to compensate for the gravity on the regulating organ of the timepiece, and a new oscillating mass, which offers a way to use gravity to power and fuel the energy of the watch. It uses a revolutionary system that we call Turborotor which works in parallel to the gravity force, and so it is ideally more efficient in terms of generating energy. 

And finally, we have a new chronographic display for the minutes’ display. As always, not satisfied with all of that, we added a new case design which ideally should represent the future of our Spider collection which allowed us to show where we’re going in terms of design. And we used a new material – MCF in red – which is a colour that’s very dear to the brand and is part of our identity. The result is a stunning timepiece and I think everyone was quite amazed. 

This was truly a concept watch, and the idea is that in the next twelve months, we will derive a series of timepieces that showcase all the innovations that we presented in this single one. These patents will be used for more commercial timepieces. 

What can you tell me about technology and innovation at Roger Dubuis currently and the direction that you’re heading in?

In the past two years we have worked a lot on clarifying what we stand for, we’ve been reworking our mission and our promise and so on. And clearly, our aim is that of crafting and inventing hyper-horology and that means that we need to keep an eye on the future which is a big responsibility. We need to stand up to the expectations and we need to continue evolving our craft in a way that has never been seen before. That requires a huge effort in terms of research and development because we are talking about something that doesn’t exist already. This is where we have been investing a lot in the past few years to create a place where we can gather all the creativity, the ideas and all the creative minds of the company. We call Q-Lab, it’s a place that’s not accessible to everybody and it’s a place where we test, invent, create, and brainstorm on a daily basis. This is what is actually fuelling the future of Roger Dubuis, not only in terms of product development but in everything we do, including our experiences with clients and so on. The idea is that every person within the company can be part of the creative process. We have set up the concept so that anyone that works within the company can pitch ideas, and these ideas are discussed internally. 

We also invite a few clients from around the world to the Q-Lab where we discuss specific creations for them if we are creating bespoke timepieces. The Q-Lab is equipped with machines and technology so that we can develop products in front of our clients. 

As a brand how do you balance pushing the limits in innovation and technology while ensuring you honor the traditions of watchmaking?

This duality is in fact probably one of the peculiarities of the brand. We always say that we start from the tradition of fine watchmaking and then we evolve it. So, we constantly have an eye on the past, and then we evolve it from there. 

Roger Dubuis himself came from a classical watchmaking background with his experiences at Patek Phillippe and Longines, so it was strongly anchored within the tradition, but his idea was always to evolve it into something that didn’t exist. And I think we are true to our DNA by continuing this tradition of constantly looking forward but always starting from what has been done in the past. 

One keyway to show this is the fact that we are still 100% certified by the Poinçon de Genève, the highest standard in Swiss watchmaking. It’s an elite requirement in terms of quality and finishing and it requires our watchmakers to finish every single component by hand and every piece to be made and manufactured in Geneva. And there are very few companies that can say that today. This gives credibility to what we do, and it shows that we are very well anchored within the tradition of watchmaking. It’s interesting to see now within our Manufacture very advanced state-of-the-art technology on one side, and the hands of our craftsmen on the other side and they exist together which is very cool. 

We know that creating experiences for clients is important to the brand, how are you continuing to do that? 

This is very key to the brand and something that we continued to try and do even during the pandemic. We like to provide experiences that allow our clients to enjoy life, in the end, everything comes down to emotions and we want to make sure we evoke emotions in our clients, not just through our products but through these experiences. 

We create a lot of experiences through our partners including Lamborghini. We do a lot of events on the track with Lamborghini cars, or we go for rallies around Europe as we are going to this month with some of our clients. These kinds of experiences are the times when we can really get our clients to experience the “hyper life”. 

There are three words that we use in everything we do with our clients: pleasure, madness and freedom, which inform the life at Roger Dubuis and the experiences we have with our clientele. It is also great to connect different communities who share similar values and have some affinities in the way they live life. Our community is animated by this idea of living life differently and having emotional experiences. Life is too short to get bored!

Tell us about Roger Dubuis in the Middle East currently and what’s in the pipeline.

The Middle East is a very dear market to us as I think the brand resonates well with customers in the region. The biggest investment happened a few years ago when we opened our boutique at The Dubai Mall. It was right before the pandemic so the timing was interesting, but we are now seeing a lot of traction there. We just changed leadership within the market and so soon we hope to be able to accelerate even further within the region. We’re putting together a lot of specific initiatives, including, for example, the Platinum Monobalancier that we launched exclusively in Dubai last year. This was designed with our local clients in mind. Aside from Dubai, we want to expand further into other markets. We just opened in Bahrain. We will soon have a permanent location in Qatar. We are working on Saudi Arabia and the idea is that we’re going to invest even further in the next few years. The potential is huge, and we want to find ways to enjoy moments with our clients in the Middle East as well. 

How are you managing high demand from your customers but trying to keep a sense of exclusivity around the brand at the same time? 

There is high demand and it’s not easy given the limited quantities that we manufacture at Roger Dubuis but I don’t plan to increase quantities. We concentrate on skeletonized timepieces and high-end timepieces which means that we cannot increase our quantities without compromising on quality and we don’t plan to do that. 

The most beautiful things in life come in scarce quantities and we want to keep this exclusivity. We are not for everybody, and I don’t have any problem with being polarizing even in terms of our brain attitude. And so, we’ll continue this way. I hope to be able to make our top clients happy and that by far is our focus for the next few years. I would not necessarily respond to the demand of the market; I will respond to the demand of our dear clients. 

What do you think it takes to in today’s market to create and then sustain an icon in the watch industry? 

You need to be relevant to the clientele but at the same time, you need to be timeless. It is a complicated approach because even just to be timeless it takes time! For us, it’s key to remain anchored in our DNA. The moment you start to depart from who you are to look for commercial success clients will let you down because it’s difficult for them to understand. And so, you need to have a clear understanding of who you are and be relevant to your clientele and if you can remain by having a design that stands the test of time. This is what we are trying to do. 

Of course, sometimes there are timeless designs which need an update, and this is what we’ve been doing with the Excalibur, for example, when we decided to restyle it three years ago, and I think today we have something very contemporary there and we are seeing the success of the restyle. The design evolves and so we need to make sure we are always relevant at that moment in time.  

Can you share a little more about what you have coming up in the months? 

It’s going to be a very intense year for Roger Dubuis. As I mentioned I decided not to launch everything at once because we have a lot of important events coming up throughout the year and ideally, we want to have something to reveal at every event. For the next two to three years, we are going to again concentrate on the Excalibur Spider which is our sportiest novelty. We have Goodwood coming up soon and we will be the official timekeeper and so there will be an important lunch for the brand. A totally new calibre. I’m looking forward to that because it’s a piece that our clientele have been waiting for. 

We have Pebble Beach in California where we will have another moment. then Art Basel Miami and then we have Watches & Wonders Shanghai in September. So, we will keep the momentum all through the year. 

FENDI has partnered with Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro for a multi-year partnership that will celebrate art as an instrument combining respect for heritage, attention to widespread knowledge of artistic languages, and search for new forms of collaboration from the perspective of sustainability and innovation.

The partnership kicks off with an exhibition which was unveiled in Rome yesterday at the FENDI headquarters. Arnaldo Pomodoro. Il Grande Teatro delle Civiltà [Arnaldo Pomodoro. The Great Theatre of Civilizations is curated by Lorenzo Respi and Andrea Viliani].

Il Grande Teatro delle Civiltà explores the interconnection, in Pomodoro’s practice, of visual and scenic arts and highlights the relationship between the planning component of the work and its creation. The exhibition begins at the four external corners of the building where the four sculptures Forme del mito (1983) – Il potere (Agamennone), L’ambizione (Clitennestra), La macchina (Egisto), and La profezia (Cassandra) – are placed.

The sculptures are taken from the scenic machines that were created for the series of theatrical performances inspired by Aeschylus’ Orestes by the artist Emilio Isgrò, presented on the ruins of Gibellina’s main square which was later destroyed by the Belice earthquake. Inserting themselves like a backdrop between the Palazzo, the natural landscape and the surrounding urban community, the four Forme del mito re-draw and give new meaning to the building, transforming the so-called Colosseo Quadrato – one of the architectural symbols of Modernism and Italian Rationalism – into an open, reinterpretable and re-designable work, therefore not defined once and forever.

In the Palazzo delle Civiltà Italiana’s entrance hall appear two costume works created by the artist for two theatrical shows: Costume di Didone (for Dido, Queen of Carthage by Christopher Marlowe, staged in Gibellina in 1986), and Costume di Creonte (for Oedipus Rex by Igor Stravinsky performed in Siena in 1988). Produced with sculptural materials paired with ephemeral materials such as raffia and fabric, these costumes recall the iconography and dramaturgy of ancient Greece as well as the antique iconographies and traditional techniques of African and Asian works of art, reactivating the tale of the legendary stories of Dido and Oedipus.

The exhibition continues in two specular rooms and a connecting room, designed like two acts of a play with an intermezzo. Included among the various activities that the Foundation and FENDI are planning is the reinterpretation by Arnaldo Pomodoro of the iconic Peekaboo bag, created by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 2008. This falls within the global Canvas Peekaboo project that, starting in 2014, has involved artists, designers and iconic personalities in the creation of unique pieces representing special testimonies for the Maison.

With his creation, Pomodoro wanted to place the function of the use of the “object-bag” in discussion, transforming it into something mysterious and visionary, perhaps a medieval shield, perhaps a mythological animal covered in sharp spines, or even an exotic flower with long pistils.

Il Grande Teatro delle Civiltà is also a starting point for discovering Pomodoro’s other works located in Rome and around the world, an opportunity to deepen one’s knowledge of the artist’s experimentation and his relationship with the “eternal city”. The exhibition is accompanied by a monographic catalogue published by Skira – with an essay by the two curators, numerous critical and bio-bibliographic materials and extensive photographic documentation – which will be available in FENDI boutiques and directly in the exhibition space. It can be explored digitally via a dedicated mini website (http://arnaldopomodoro.fendi.com/) where users will also be able to sign up to visit the exhibition.

Chopard has given a first look at its 2023 Red Carpet Collection which will be officially unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival this month.

This year’s high jewellery collection, designed by Caroline Scheufele features 76 masterpieces that highlight the Maison’s affinity with the arts.

Inspired by a range of elements from architecture, museums, galleries, conversations, nature or starry nights the collection embodies Scheufele’s flair for creativity and the Maison’s jewellery-making expertise.

This year the collection explores the ultimate in innovation from employing new materials such as titanium to using novel stone-cutting techniques. It symbolises the quintessence of classic jewellery-making know-how and carefully preserved tradition, nurtured by a fresh eye and a truly avant-garde spirit.

See more of some of the key pieces from the collection ahead of its grand reveal below:

After meeting at college in Italy, Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea decided to move to Dubai to fulfil their dream of founding their own fashion label.

Inspired by the fluidity and elegance of the traditional kaftan, they opened their brand Taller Marmo in 2013, offering a new modern take on this classic sartorial item. Since then, Taller Marmo has gone from strength to strength, receiving international recognition for their chic designs that combine Middle Eastern flair with Italian craftsmanship. The designers have since moved back to Italy to further develop their brand, but they have not forgotten where they came from, with strong connections still in the region. As they prepared to launch their latest Ramadan collection, whose campaign stars the iconic Farida Khelfa, we caught up with the founders to reflect on the success of the brand so far. 

Tell us about the universe of Taller Marmo today and where the brand is at.

We founded the brand in 2013 when we were just 19 years old, just a few months after we dropped out of the Istituto Marangoni in Milan where we met. We moved to Dubai to begin creating fluid kaftans, inspired by the jet-set style of the 1960s and 1970s. Taller Marmo is named after the Spanish expression for laboratory and the Italian word for marble; an indicator of our experimentation with innovative techniques and luxury fabrics. 

What can you tell us about the High Summer collection?

The High Summer 2023 collection is celebratory and explores the juxtaposition of opulence and freshness: pastel-neon colours versus deep dark hues, shiny metallics versus matte textures, asymmetrical silhouettes versus symmetrical styles, fluid crepe cady versus crisp Couture-quality fil coupe and jacquard textiles, sleek fringes versus vaporous feathers. Each exclusive combines new modern silhouettes, like the Mila Kaftan and the California Kaftan and iconic ones, like the fringed Mrs Ross Kaftan and the feathered Ubud Dress.

You worked with Farida Khelfa on the campaign images – how do you think she embodies the brand and the Taller Marmo woman?

The Middle East is a key market for us and for this reason, we worked on a very special campaign starring the iconic Farida Khelfa, photographed in an unexpected and editorial style by Louie Banks. Farida Khelfa is a style icon that embodies and celebrates all of the values of womanhood while perfectly representing the essence of a Middle Eastern woman and this is what Taller Marmo is about.  

This issue is about success – how would you define success?

For us, success is perseverance, consistency in our designs and an elevated finishing which has helped to build trust with our consumers throughout the years. Our goal is to keep pushing the envelope for eveningwear and to make it modern without falling into clichés like being edgy, cool, trendy, classic or feminine. We think about how the 20-year-old and the 60-year-old will experience the same dress or how a modest dresser or someone who wants to dress sexier will style the same minidress anywhere from Riyadh to Los Angeles. This year, we have presented the largest number of collections composed of nine exclusive capsules made in collaboration with Taller Marmo’s key retail partners including Net-a-Porter, Browns Fashion, MatchesFashion, MyTheresa, Bloomingdale’s Middle East, Harvey Nichols Dubai, Ounass, Etoile La Boutique and Harrods. 

Your brand began in Dubai but you have since had success across the world – to what do you attribute this success?

As mentioned above, in 2012, we dropped out of the university in Milan and moved to Dubai after doing our very first collection from Riccardo’s parent’s house in his hometown. We had no business knowledge, zero work experience at a fashion house and two unfinished degrees. Dubai received us with open arms, for half a decade, and gave us the chance to learn so many things, with the support of industry leaders in the Middle East. After that, we decided to move back to Italy, the country where we grew up, to apply the expertise of Italian craftsmanship to our designs. During all these years, our determination has helped us grow in the region and internationally having been able to familiarise ourselves with different markets and consumers. 

What would you say to aspiring designers from the Middle East who are looking to make their mark on a global platform?

Creating a personal and unique identity within your designs is the key to succeeding on an international level in addition to understanding the need of the markets you are targeting. 

How do you combine the tradition and styles of the Middle East with Western fashion in your designs?

The symbol of our brand is the kaftan. We think the kaftan is a statement. A sign of relaxedness, self-care and well-being. When you think of an occasion that you would wear a kaftan, you imagine yourself having fun at a party or during the holidays, visiting a beautiful city during the summer. This silhouette which is created through our collection fits both Middle Eastern and Western fashion styles.  

Tell us a little about your creative process and the materials you use in your collections.

Perseverance and listening to your instincts are fundamental. We take pride in our stubbornness. At the very beginning, nobody understood why we were doing kaftans and loose silhouettes, because it was not “in fashion” and it didn’t look cool, but we decided to stick to it until we started receiving attention from key retailers, and our kaftans proved themselves. We produce our collections entirely in Italy, in small and medium family-owned factories. Manufacturing is managed internally to avoid subcontracting. The factories are based nearby our headquarters and distribution centre to reduce the carbon footprint and our collections are only produced to orders, avoiding extra stock. 

Tradition and innovation are key in all the materials we use for our collections: the viscose is FSC certified, the polyester used in garments is recycled, the sequins are made from recycled plastic found in the ocean, the cotton is part of the Better Cotton Initiative, the jacquards and fil coupé fabrics are made by a historic family-owned silk mill in Como, Italy, the feathers are sourced exclusively in South Africa and assembled by hand in Florence, Italy.

Can you tell us about some of the unique techniques that you use in your designs? 

Our designs are defined by the fluid silhouette we create made for all women of all body types. And this requires expertise in tailoring and precision in the construction of the garment keeping an effortless look to our design. 

Who is your Taller Marmo muse?

Women like Peggy Guggenheim, Marchesa Casati, Isabella Blow, Dalida, Josephine Baker, Diana Ross, Raffaella Carrà. All of them have something in common for us, and they were starting points of entire collections because of their uniqueness and body of work really shaped the world around them.

Dubai-based Lebanese entrepreneur Dima Ayad is a woman on a mission. While working in marketing and PR she discovered the huge gap in the market for plus-sized clothing and after struggling to find clothing herself, she felt the need to create garments that women of all sizes could wear.

Combining her corporate experience with her love for fashion, she set about creating her own clothing brand that would cater for women of all sizes, with an offering of elegant eveningwear that any woman would feel comfortable and confident in. Alongside her day PR job, she began designing clothes that she felt women would truly want to wear and she launched her fashion label Dima Ayad in 2010. Over the past 13 years, the brand has become a go-to not just for plus-sized women but women of all sizes, looking for flattering, comfortable outfits that combine elegance and style. The brand recently launched on Net-A-Porter and is attracting global attention from women who have previously struggled to find clothing that fits. In 2020 Dima went back to her PR roots when she launched her own PR agency DAC Communications which represents several luxury food and beverage outlets across the Middle East. She applies her entrepreneurial mindset to both businesses and her passion and drive are clear through to see. With many exciting projects on the horizon, we spoke to Dima to find out what’s next for her.

Congratulations on the success of your brand – tell us what first inspired you to launch.

In all honestly there was a period when I was travelling a lot and I had a lot of weddings to attend, and I could never find anything that fits me well. Everything was either too tight or too short and I’m big and tall and it was always a nightmare to find clothes. At that time the concept of circular economy, reusing, repurposing, was non-existent. Each outfit was a one-hit-wonder, and you would end up wearing something once and shoving it to the back of your wardrobe. So, I started making my own clothes and a lot of people would ask me where I got them from. I think ignorance is bliss because I didn’t have an education in fashion, so I had no idea what it was going to take to create a fashion line. And then before I knew it I created a collection and sold it to “Sauce” which was a multi-brand boutique in Dubai at the time. And it did really well! Looking back at that time I thought I knew what I was doing but I had no clue – I didn’t have the cohesion, didn’t have the sense of what the collection was. But I love a challenge and I just went for it like crazy, and now it’s my baby!

So how did you learn what it takes and what work you needed to put in to create a fully-fledged fashion brand?

I would study women, I would study their bodies, how they would walk, what they would choose to wear, and how they would pair items together. I would go into stores and just watch them, and I think in this way I really used my marketing and PR background. And then I started to learn about fabrics and that for me was the major learning curve – how to stitch, which fabrics to use, which fabrics can be used for what etc. There was a lot of trial and error involved. Sometimes I would buy very expensive dresses and I would deconstruct them I would learn how they did it, and then I would construct them back. This was a way of further understanding what it takes to put a garment together.

How did you start creating the whole line to ensure that other women would want to buy your clothes?

One of the concepts of how I design clothes now is that I design in a bigger size and reduce it down for the smaller sizing. Most of the time if an item suits a larger person, it’s going to suit a smaller person. So from that premise, I started by designing in sizes 3XL or 2XL and then I went down to size 8. I would try them on a regular model and a bigger model, and I’d see if it worked on both.  My sample sizing is a size 8UK and a size 20UK and then I check if it works on both, and I try to make it work that way.

Once we started in this direction it was much easier for me. I do get told a lot that I cater for taller women more than I realise, probably because I’m tall, but I’m taking note of that and it’s something I need to work on. It’s easy to shorten a dress but you can’t lengthen something.

Where is the brand at now and what is your vision for it?

Currently, we are doing a lot of collaborations. We collaborated with Malone Souliers at Level Shoes which did really well. We have another very exciting collaboration coming up which I can’t share yet, but it will be global and it will be live in September. So, we are quite big on collaborations around the world. Also, we are now being stocked on some famous e-commerce sites including Net-A-Porter. The brand is doing well there and funnily enough, I get a lot of messages from brands or clients looking for items on NAP and it’s sold out already and they come to me directly for their size. So it’s quite interesting how that’s happening. We are also looking at expansion onto other sites. One of the things I want to mention is that personally, I don’t find value in having a standalone store. I think the value today is being in a department store, where a customer can come in and buy shoes from one brand, a dress from another, makeup from someone else and have this holistic approach. As customers, we don’t dress head-to-toe in one brand, and I don’t think that’s even how the biggest brands on earth expect it to be. My absolute dream would be to have concessions in department stores all around the world. And I would like to see my brand on different types of people. It’s not about celebrities wearing my brand, what I care about the most is real women. Women in Brazil, London, and the Middle East – and I want people to feel like they can come to Dima Ayad to find something for a special occasion and to feel comfortable. These are the moments where I want them to think of my brand.

Tell us about the collaboration with Ashley Graham – how did this come about?

Honestly, it is a dream come true. I tried hard to get Ashley and one of the things that tempted her was that she really does believe in the cause, and once I said that we are the only evening wear brand on Net-A-Porter with size inclusivity, it blew her mind and she agreed to come on board. She is the loveliest human being; she’s the kindest person and she really cares. I woke up one day to a post on Instagram from Ashley that said, “Dima I’m really proud of you”. And that was truly amazing. She didn’t need to do that, but she did it because she cared and wanted to see me grow and I admire that. There is more to come in this space, and it’s been brilliant so far.

Your brand is inclusive in its sizing and style but lately, we are starting to see criticism of “skinny chic” being back in fashion – what’s your thoughts on this?

Let’s just start with the fact that ninety per cent of the runway shows that had these plus size models never actually stocked the sizes in their collections. So, in all honestly, whether or not the models are walking or not, I don’t think representation is necessarily defined by what is on the runway, I think it’s defined by what is actually available to buy. And if you are having someone plus size on the runway to tick a box but you’re not stocking those sizes in your collection – for me it’s just for the headlines. This representation is important, but only when the customer is able to purchase the product in that size, otherwise what is the point of showcasing the clothes in this way?

The second thing I’m wondering as we are seeing cover shoots and stories with these plus size models – are the brands really making clothes in these sizes? Most of the time the answer is no. So I don’t know how these designers are managing to dress these plus-sized models. Another question that I would ask the editors of the magazines is ‘if you are going to have plus size models on your covers, where is it translating, is it just PR? And does it add value when women reading the magazines don’t feel represented with what they can buy in the stores?’ I’m not trying to advocate anyone being big or small, I’m just saying that wherever you are in your health or weight journey, you should be able to find clothes that fit you. It’s wild when you think about it that I would say, forty per cent of women around the world cannot find clothes that fit them. It’s ridiculous! And therefore, luckily for me, if a customer comes to my platform and finds something that suits her, she’ll buy it in all colours – we have become that brand that women can rely on because they find it difficult to buy clothes. I receive messages all the time from women all around the world who are so happy. To have been able to find clothes in their size it’s unbelievable how even today women cannot find clothes in their size. I want to take on the challenge of telling women that clothes can look great on women of every size, and they should be able to buy them.

What does success mean to you? 

I do believe that leaving a mark is very important. You have a lot of people who might measure success by money, but if they look back on their lifetime, have they done anything to add value to society? I feel that success should be measured by this, and I think Ashley Graham is a true testament to that. Even on her down days, she pulls herself up. Even though success can happen simultaneously with being kind, I feel that if you have that balance between growth and kindness, you can achieve magic. I also think that being successful is something more on a long-term basis. You have a lot of one-hit-wonders who do a great collection and have great moments and then it does. I think it’s also measured by consistency determination. If you show up to do something every single day, the chances are it is going to work.

What is your advice to those who want to take the opportunity to follow their dreams or passion as you have?

Research is a very important component, whether you have all the answers or not, you still need to do research and development. Once you’ve done this, if you are still convinced by your idea, don’t listen to anybody else. Honestly, if I had listened to every person who told me that fashion was a bad idea, my brand would not exist. You must know what it takes to make your dream work and you have to do the research, work hard and don’t listen to anyone.

As well as your fashion line you have a PR business – how do you manage your time?

There are days when fashion takes over and there are days when the agency takes over, and I think it’s important to find a balance between the two. I’m not great at it, but I know that I need both. The two feed each other and break up my daily. For example, if I’m very stressed and with the PR business, I can take ten minutes out to finish a drawing and I feel like I’ve moved into this creative space or calm. And sometimes when I’ve been in that creative space for a while it’s nice to go back to my day job to something more structured. So, they balance each other. Balancing is something you learn with time and is not always easy. The time it gets bad is when it’s fashion week, and I’m launching a restaurant! And that’s when you rely on your team.

What’s your vision for DAC Communications?

One thing that is amazing about my agency is that we can do things that don’t follow the usual patterns. I’m pro-collaborations and doing things that are out of the box and I think that’s why the agency green even faster than I expected.

Moving forward I want to make it something bigger and stronger across the region. I feel that we all need a refresh and something more alive in the region and I think if the region adopts this philosophy between Saudi and Dubai, we can become really iconic and that’s how we can create something very impactful.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

It’s never a no.

Who is a woman you would love to design for?

Instantly I would tell you it’s Julia Roberts. I love her purity and how natural she is, I love everything about her and I would love to dress her because she feels real.

What else is in the pipeline for this year?

We are working on some capsules and looking to team up with some people that we love in the region and globally. I would like to work on another shoot collaboration. I also want to expand into certain concessions around the world as I think this will add a lot of value to our brand.

Chanel’s Cruise 2023/24 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.

See some of our favourite looks from the collection below:

Prada’s latest collection features classic essentials reinterpreted for the summer months. See more in our recent editorial shoot.

Photography: Esra Sam

Styling & Direction: Lindsay Judge

Model: Martina at The Art Factory

Hair and Makeup: Amanda Kay

Location: Terra Solis

Jacquard Crepe de Chine Top Jacquard Crepe de Chine Skirt Prada Symbole Handbag Leather Slides
All Prada

Nappa Leather Overcoat Cashmere Wool Knitwear
All Prada

Poplin & Lace Dress Leather Shoulder Bag
All Prada

Nappa Leather Overcoat Cashmere Wool Knitwear
All Prada

Poplin Dress Leather Shoulder Bag Leather Slides
All Prada

Poplin & Lace Dress
Prada

Poplin Dress Light Mohair Jacket
All Prada

Leather Tote in nappa antique Prada

Christian Louboutin has collaborated with Rossy de Palma, actress and long-time friend of the designer to create an exclusive collection that celebrates the creativity, charisma and exquisite craftsmanship that the Spanish destination of Andalusia has to offer.

Inspired by the region’s rich culture and flamenco tradition, the FLAMENCABA capsule embodies savoir-faire, passion, and friendship but also female empowerment, through its two signature cabas, men’s and women’s shoes, leather goods and accessories.

These statement pieces are designed to create a statement for women who love to dance but also have a charitable side at the heart of the collection.

Launching today on May 2023, all proceeds from the capsule collection will be donated to Centro Coreografico Maria Pagés, an organisation that aims to promote dance and Spain’s cultural heritage as a model of social and civic commitment for the benefit of children, adolescents, genders and vulnerable groups.

The collection launches in Christian Louboutin stores globally on 10^th May 2023.

In 1983, when few luxury brands had any presence in the Middle East Ingie Chalhoub was a trailblazer in the industry, seeing the potential of the market and the hunger for luxury brands in the region she founded Etoile Group with the mission of bringing the world’s most prestigious luxury brands to the Middle East.

Forty years later the Group has achieved this mission numerous times over, with brands such as Chanel, Tod’s, Ralph Lauren, Valentino and more amongst their portfolio. Led by Ingie and fuelled by her passion for fashion, as well as her determination to make sure the Middle Eastern woman is well-represented by international luxury Maisons, the company has gone from strength to strength and prides itself in being a pioneer and one of the leaders of the luxury fashion in the retail industry in the Middle East. Under Ingie’s leadership, the Group has developed an inspiring reputation as an ambassador of fashion-forward know-how and excellence as well as creating a positive and motivational atmosphere for its employees and clients.

As well as running the Etoile Group, Ingie also established her own fashion brand Ingie Paris which has received international recognition and has been presented at Paris Fashion Week for several years. She also founded Etoile La Boutique which is a one-of-a-kind multi-brand boutique offering a curated selection of items from global brands to meet the needs of the Middle Eastern shopper. Despite achieving so much already Ingie is not done yet as she continues to thrive on shaping up the luxury industry in the region. With expansion into Saudi Arabia, digitally transforming the business and new stores on the horizon, we find out what’s next for her and the company.

Etoile La Boutique

This issue is about success – what does success mean to you?

Success can be defined in a variety of ways. For me, success is the ability to turn your dreams and passion into a reality while making a positive impact. Etoile Group is a product of my love for fashion and art, and since establishing it in 1983, I’ve embarked on a journey to push the frontiers of high-end luxury fashion and bridge the gap between the Middle East and the West. Today, I’m proud to say that Etoile Group is a true pioneer and leader in luxury fashion in the region, and even more proud that our clients know us, trust us, and have become our biggest advocates.

Coming from the Middle East, what does it mean to you for your work and brand to be recognised on a global scale?

Global recognition is an honour, but it’s also a testament to our team’s commitment to building the Etoile Group over the last 40 years, as well as the unwavering loyalty of our clientele, for which I am always grateful.

Looking back at Etoile Group’s journey, there are some standout moments for me – from the opening of the first ever Chanel boutique in the region back in 1983 to relocating and rebuilding the business in Dubai after the Kuwait Crisis in 1992, to bringing brands like Ralph Lauren and Tod’s to the region, and, of course, to creating my own brand, Ingie Paris. Venturing into the Saudi market was also a major turning point, given the size and potential of the market for luxury brands, which presented an ideal opportunity to tap into new markets and consumer segments in KSA.

But perhaps my biggest personal achievement is making the Middle East woman matter to renowned Maisons and helping to ensure that the needs of our clients were understood and appreciated by some of the world’s greatest designers – like Karl Lagerfeld, Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix. It took determination, resilience and passion.

Tod’s Store – Dubai Mall

The last time we spoke it was just after the pandemic – tell us what you have been working on since then and how things have changed.

Undoubtedly, the pandemic was a transformative experience for our business, and it gave us a valuable opportunity to re-evaluate our operations and explore innovative ways to connect with our clients. One of the initiatives we introduced during this time was a bespoke home service, which involved us conducting personalised visits to our client’s homes, presenting them with carefully curated items that we knew would resonate with their unique tastes and preferences. This approach allowed us to deepen our engagement with our customers and strengthen our reputation for delivering unforgettable, personalised experiences. As a result, we were able to not only adapt to the challenges of the pandemic but also thrive by seizing new opportunities for growth and innovation.

We also launched etoilelaboutique.com in 2020 as part of our efforts to enhance the customer experience and develop our omnichannel strategy. The online platform helps us better connect with our customers by offering them a seamless shopping experience. We are now able to offer our consumers a wider selection of products, easier accessibility, and more convenience, all while keeping the same high-quality service and personal attention that we are known for.

I firmly believe that our focus on building long-term partnerships has played a key role in transforming our loyal clientele into enthusiastic brand ambassadors, who are eager to spread the word about their positive experiences with us.

What do you think luxury brands need to do today to keep up with ever-changing technology and increasing customer demands?

Luxury brands must constantly adapt to stay ahead of the competition and meet the ever-changing demands and desires of clients. To get significant insights into consumer behaviour and preferences, it is critical to embrace digital technology and invest in data analytics. But just as importantly, they must listen to their clients – have conversations with them about what they are looking for and their sense of style and fashion.

As more clients today want to pick and choose between selecting items in person or online, luxury brands would need to focus on enhancing that experience on whichever platform their clients prefer. By offering bespoke, personalised experiences that cater to their unique preferences and tastes, luxury brands can create meaningful connections and build long-term loyalty.

Creating experiences – in physical environments, as well as in the digital realm – is another critical element that can help luxury brands differentiate themselves and create lasting impressions or attract the next generation of clients. By designing immersive, interactive experiences that allow customers to fully engage with the brand or items from its latest or vintage collections, they can create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact, and drive loyalty.

AQUAZZURA Store – Dubai Mall

How do you ensure that your brands and companies appeal to a younger audience but don’t alienate existing customers?

At Etoile Group, we recognise the younger generation’s affinity for the environment and social consciousness, which means prioritising collaborations with brands and partners who share the same values as this generation, with a focus on sustainable fashion. We don’t feel that this approach in any way conflicts with the needs of our existing clientele, in fact, quite the opposite. I believe there is an intrinsic commitment to sustainability in luxury fashion – from the preservation of craftsmanship and artisanal skills to the production of quality fabrics and materials. Luxury fashion and design are about creating collections and pieces that can be passed down through generations. It is the antithesis of fast fashion.

Tell us about Etoile La Boutique today – we know you recently opened a new space.

Since its establishment in 1993 in Dubai as a first-of-its-kind luxury multi-brand store for the region, Etoile La Boutique has been on a mission to bring exclusive global brands to our clients and support the very best home-grown designers and brands. We have worked to create an environment where you can interact and get to know these designers at a single destination – whether that is in-store or online.

Earlier this year, we celebrated the re-birth of Etoile La Boutique with the opening of our new boutique at Mall of the Emirates. Here, we have curated a luxury offering that can’t be found anywhere else, with exclusive ranges and pieces – including some of the most sought-after collaborations from the likes of Roksanda x FILA, Herve Leger x Law Roach and Hudson Jeans x Zoe Costello. In total, we have created a destination for 45+ brands, 40 of which are exclusive to the region.

What can you tell us about the curated selection of brands at Etoile La Boutique?

At Etoile La Boutique, our goal was to create an exceptional shopping experience that celebrates the latest trends and emerging labels while offering an unparalleled selection of seasonal pieces from the world’s leading designers. As the founder, I’m deeply involved in curating those collections, drawing on my passion for fashion and art to select pieces that I know will truly resonate with our clients.

We take a highly personalised approach to selecting each piece, carefully considering the needs and preferences of our clientele. This means offering more modest options for those who seek them and selecting individual items that are perfect for the events, galas, and dinner parties that our clients attend. Each piece is handpicked with an in-depth understanding of the Etoile La Boutique woman, her life, and her needs.

As a successful career woman, what advice would you give to others aspiring to take a business leap?

That’s simple. Always believe in yourself, trust your intuition and follow your passion. If you have confidence in your skills and trust in your ability to achieve your goals, others will too. It’s also important to keep a positive mindset and be bold enough to take measured risks to succeed.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

We have many accomplishments to be proud of at Etoile Group but considering the magnitude of the pandemic and its implications for the retail industry and our business, I am most proud of our ability to turn things around post-pandemic and maintain a strong business performance.

What is something that you still want to achieve that you haven’t done yet?

I’d like to further expand our operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is an important market for Etoile Group. Many international brands have already recognised the significance of Saudi Arabia and established a strong presence there. With the country’s continued investment in various sectors and increasing demand for luxury goods among Saudi consumers, opportunities for luxury brands in KSA are likely to grow in the coming years.

What else is in the pipeline for you this year?

We are planning to open 20 new boutiques in Saudi Arabia between 2023 and 2026 for our different brands and we are in the process of renovating two of our existing major stores to offer our clients an enhanced shopping experience.

Tod’s Store – Dubai Mall

Who is someone that inspires you?

My mother has always been my main source of inspiration. Right from the beginning, she gave me the space and freedom to unleash my creativity and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. When I graduated, all I wanted was to work in fashion and we opened our first store together. That was a very proud moment for me.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

I’m driven by a passion for fashion and art and have always worked hard to put my creative and business skills to good use and achieve my goals. I truly believe in listening to my intuition when deciding on which direction to take and that ethos has stayed with me throughout my career.

What is a message you would tell your younger self?

Trust your intuition and go with your gut instinct. The sooner you learn to believe in yourself, the more confidence you’ll have and the more success you’ll achieve – both personally and professionally.

Dior’s Summer 2023 makeup collection takes inspiration from the beauty of the French Riviera. The new collection captures the beauty of this picturesque location and its blue skies and lush green gardens, emulating the mood of the golden hour.

“For the world, the French Riviera is known as the sweet life: sunny, luxurious, and relaxed, as reflected by its most emblematic luxury hotel, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc,” explains Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Make-up. “It provided the inspiration for this easy-to-wear collection in natural and luminous colours for a stunning summer look, in audacious hues that let you express creativity and personality.”

ROUGE DIOR BAUME ROSE BRUME DIOR BEAUTY
DIOR VERNIS SOLAR BRONZE DIOR VERNIS JASMIN
ALL DIOR BEAUTY

The collection features a series of products that sets the stage for a sun-filled season, exploring the contrasts between golden brown, intense coral, and deep blue.

FOREVER COUTURE LUMINIZER GOLDEN CRUISE DIOR BEAUTY

Palettes feature elegant cases covered in raffia-inspired fabric and palettes with a marine-inspired pattern engraved with the Christian Dior logo.

The Dior Summer 2023 collection is available online and at Dior beauty stores.

5 COULEURS COUTURE EDEN-ROC,
DIOR BEAUTY

Photography: David Goff

Styling & Direction: Lindsay Judge

Location: Venus Beach Club, Dubai

 

ROUGE DIOR BAUME ROSE BRUME DIOR BEAUTY

Lange & Söhne is a brand that stays true to its routes but is not afraid to explore new territories and this year it reiterates that with the launch of the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH which debuted at Watches & Wonders.

This newly develop timepiece combines the long history of the brand with a new innovative design and features the watchmaker’s first ever self-winding chronograph movement. With a history dating back to the 1800s, Wilhelm Schmid has a hard task on his hands connecting that history to today’s contemporary market, and ensuring that customers old and new, understand the beauty of this brand and its rich history in craftsmanship. But it’s a task he’s willing to take on and has so far succeeded in.

With the introduction of the ODYSSEUS line in 2019, the German watchmaker successfully entered a new category of elegant sports watches, and it has seen the brand go from strength to strength, so much that the demand is even greater than this delicate and complicated watches can be made. But that is not an issue for Wilhelm Schmid, whose priority the sustaining and celebrating the beauty of watchmaking craftsmanship and ensuring the brand’s watches are made by only the best in their field. Here we find out more about the newest novelty and what else we can expect in the coming year. 

ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH, reference 463.178.

Congratulations on the recent edition of Watches & Wonders – let’s talk about the novelty… 

Our horological journey has once again taken us to a new summit in design and manufacturing with the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH. This special stainless-steel timepiece is equipped with the newly developed calibre; the L156.1 DATOMATIC, our first self-winding chronograph movement. With its stopwatch hands at the centre of the dial and its ability to measure elapsed time up to 60 minutes, it raises the bar in terms of precision and readability. The timepiece features a pair of dual-function buttons for easy operation of the chronograph and convenient setting of the outsize date and day. Another innovative mechanism is the dynamic reset-to-zero function, which creates an impressive spectacle when the chronograph hands return to their initial position. In view of its horological complexity and the high level of craftsmanship involved, this masterpiece is limited to 100 pieces. As usual, we will be unveiling other new timepieces throughout the year.

This watch continues the new chapter for the brand – tell us how this timepiece fits into the brand portfolio and how it has in some ways changed the perception of what A. Lange & Söhne can offer?

When we launched the ODYSSEUS in 2019, it was the beginning of a new era for us. Our goal was to create a sporty, elegant timepiece for clients with an active lifestyle who don’t want to do without the consummate craftsmanship and the technical refinements of a fine mechanical watch. Although the ODYSSEUS is quite different from all our other models, there is pure Lange DNA in even the smallest detail. From the proprietary movement to the fine craftsmanship to the design elements of the dial, hands, and typography. Much like the ZEITWERK, the ODYSSEUS sparked a sense of astonishment when it was first introduced. Today, both families are an essential part of our collection.

ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH, reference 463.178.

How do you balance offering new watches such as this but also keeping with the heritage and traditions of the brand?

Ferdinand Adolph Lange had the vision of making Glashütte the centre of German fine watchmaking, which he realised over 175 years ago. His great-grandson, Walter Lange, revived the manufactory of his ancestors after the reunification of Germany and inspired A. Lange & Söhne to “never stand still” and push the boundaries of watchmaking. This personal motto has also become the philosophy of the manufactory and of our watchmakers. In this way, we have managed to create something new that has not existed before, without losing sight of the time-honoured achievements. The impressive number of manufacture calibres testifies to our innovative strength and that we are not afraid to explore previously uncharted territories. Each of our new models is distinguished by traditional elements, ground-breaking innovations, and an unparalleled level of craftsmanship.

Who is the A. Lange & Söhne customer today and do you think it has changed or evolved in recent years?

Our clients are well-educated, successful in their careers and enjoy the finer things in life. They like to travel, appreciate art and culture, exceptional craftsmanship and ingenuity, and have a taste for exclusivity. Some share our passion for elegant vintage cars and are also collectors of mechanical timepieces. The pursuit of perfection and the quest for uniqueness is what connects the people who own an A. Lange & Söhne watch with those who create them. Incidentally, this fascination is quite independent of age. However, one of our most important tasks is to educate younger people about our legacy and to spark their enthusiasm for our mechanical timepieces as well.

How does the innovation in this new movement further push the Maison’s boundaries in watchmaking?

We often find that A. Lange & Söhne is particularly valued for the development and manufacture of its own movements. Since the re-founding of our manufactory in 1990, we have created 71 distinctive movements. Each of these calibres is in a class of its own, combining technical innovation with the highest level of craftsmanship. From the very first idea of the ODYSSEUS, we recognised the great potential of this watch family and had future variations in mind. We started the development of this chronograph six years ago, even before launching the first ODYSSEUS model in 2019. The new L156.1 DATOMATIC calibre is our 13th chronograph movement, however, it marks a premiere as it is our first self-winding one.

ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH, reference 463.178.

Tell us about the positioning and direction of A. Lange & Söhne today and in your opinion, what does it take to be a successful watch brand today and to sustain that success?

I think what sets us apart from other brands is our unique history which is divided into two parts. The first part began in 1845 and ended in 1948 with the expropriation after the Second World War. The name A. Lange & Söhne nearly vanished until German reunification enabled Walter Lange to re-establish and re-register the company on December 7, 1990. After four years of development, we launched the first four watches, each equipped with a dedicated calibre. This was a monumental moment, which laid the foundation for success in modern times. Today, we are one of Germany’s leading luxury brands, dedicating all our passion to precise timekeeping, as well as aesthetics, intricacy, and complexity. The commitment to providing the highest quality and meeting our client’s expectations is the cornerstone of our success. Understanding them is essential to improving our customer service. We have learned that the best way to connect with our customers is through face-to-face contact in our own boutiques, where we can best present the special characteristics of our timepieces and our brand’s universe. By increasing our global network of boutiques, we are creating the necessary infrastructure to make this happen.

The industry seems to be thriving since the bounce back of COVID – how would you assess the industry today?

Thanks to the extraordinary commitment of our employees in Glashütte and our teams worldwide, we are very well positioned. The strategic decision to shift sales more into our own hands and to expand direct customer contact has also contributed to this success. Obviously, our devotion to the highest standards is also key. We can only remain successful if we continue to focus on the highest quality and meet our customers’ expectations. I can only speak for A. Lange & Söhne, not for the entire watch industry.

With this high demand for watches, how do you as a watchmaker ensure you can meet the needs of the customer without overstretching your craftsmen and watchmakers?

Our watches are handmade, so everything revolves around our watchmakers. They are our most valuable asset. It’s a simple calculation: Without them, we could not make watches. Working in a highly specialised field requires excellent training and an exceptional level of expertise. That is why it takes so long to make a Lange watch. We could never hire as many new watchmakers, mechanics, and engravers as we need to meet the growing demand. But we do our best because we know that the only way to ensure long-term success and growth is through excellent training.

Front view of the ODYSSEUS CHRONOGRAPH, reference 463.178.

What does A. Lange & Söhne do to sustain traditional watchmaking techniques and to ensure this lives on for future generations?

We see it as our duty to do all we can to preserve and perpetuate, with the help of future generations, the art of watchmaking and the craftsmanship associated with it, as it is a unique cultural asset of our region. As I said earlier, the very existence of our manufactory depends on highly skilled watchmakers. Walter Lange was aware of this early on. That’s why he initiated the training of apprentices as early as 1997. In October 2022, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of this commitment to vocational education and on this occasion officially renamed the institution “Walter Lange Training and Further Education Centre.” We are proud to have trained 228 watchmakers in the last twenty-five years.

What can you tell us about the brand in the Middle East today and what’s coming up for the region?

I believe that the passion for classic design, coupled with the technical ingenuity that endures, is deeply rooted in the hearts of connoisseurs in the Middle East. We are delighted that A. Lange & Söhne has so many friends in this region who cherish our vision of fine watchmaking. We are experiencing this to a great extent in our boutiques in Dubai. The number of enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate our heritage, our technical expertise, and our commitment to the highest level of craftsmanship continues to grow.

What else is coming up for the brand this year – can you give us a preview? 

As always, we will introduce more new products over the year. I can’t reveal any details just yet. The next event on our agenda is this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which will take place on the beautiful shores of Lake Como from May 19 to 21. We have been a partner of this prestigious classic car competition since 2012 and are very much looking forward to it. This year again we have created a one-of-a-kind 1815 CHRONOGRAPH which will be awarded to the owner of the “Best of Show” car. Having also been a sponsor to the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace in the UK since 2018, we are now proud to partner with one of the most important classic car events in the US for the first time: the Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance taking place from September 28 to October 1, 2023. Classic cars and mechanical watches both represent values that are important to us.

A couple of years ago, as we were all recovering from the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new beauty brand appeared on the scene in the Middle East.

With a refreshing appearance and an interesting offering of products, Whind quickly caught the attention of women looking for something to bring joy into their lives after a tough period. Hind Sebti, founder of Whind was born in Morocco and had always dreamt of sharing the unique culture and ingredients of her home country with the world and capturing the mood of the golden hour of Morocco through the collection of skincare and fragrance products. After many years of research and delving into the origins, ingredients and craftsmanship of her home country, while combining this with the latest innovations in science, Sebti launched Whind, the first luxury skincare brand to be born in the Middle East and created by an Arab woman combining science, sustainability and natural ingredients. Whind’s skincare offering was born out of science and rituals, and is powered by a unique ‘chemistry of glow’ that recreates that golden hour feeling that has become synonymous with beauty.

Earlier this year Whind introduced its first fragrance line; the Whind Elixir Fragrance Collection. This fine fragrance offering captures and bottles the mystery, sensuality and elegance of Morocco with a series of scents that introduce new ways of combining traditional ingredients and bringing nature and science together as one. Now as she prepares to take her brand outside of the Middle East, we find out more about what makes Whind unique, and why it has the potential to be one of the region’s greatest beauty success stories.

Tell us about the story of Whind and how it came about.

I first dreamt of a brand that would shake up the mono-dimensional world of beauty where our consumer seems to always face a trade-off between high-performance products, but with relatively unimaginative experience OR a sensorial experience, but without effective visible results. What I and many consumers like me wanted is skincare that does not compromise on performance or experience. So I created products that are as efficacious as they are enjoyable, powered with what I called the “chemistry of glow” that fuses high-performance actives in divinely sensorial textures and evocative scents. In doing so, I was bringing the best of the science I learned in my 20 years as a beauty executive and the essence of indulgent rituals and natural ingredients inspired by my home of Morocco.

But beyond products, the true inspiration behind Whind is to expand the way the world sees beauty and to spotlight our uniquely rich and warm Arab beauty heritage, something that deserves visibility on the global stage. This is true diversity, this is representation. And what drives me in building the house of Whind. Skincare was the first step of the brand and I am beyond excited to step in and shake up the wonderful world of fragrance with our Elixir Fragrance collection.

When it comes to beauty and fragrance what are the values that you find important to highlight through your own brand?

Whind was created to bring a warm, positive and optimistic view of beauty to the world. So at the heart of the brand is inclusivity and representation of our rich Arab culture, products that deliver on performance and delight our community with an inside and out glow whilst also being kinder to the planet.

Tell us about how your heritage has influenced your brand.

My Moroccan and Arab heritage shaped how I see beauty – warm, joyful and unapologetically celebrated. So I wanted to create a brand that reflects those values, with beautiful, warm objects, a nod to our world-renowned craftsmanship and decadent textures and scents inspired by celebrated local ingredients such as amber, rose water or orange blossom water and rituals that are as efficacious as transportive. Whind is all about the beauty of the golden hour, bottled. A glow that radiates inside and out and is a cornerstone of our beauty point of view.

We love the new Elixir Fragrance collection what can you tell us about that?

At Whind, we believe that beauty is first and foremost an emotion. And nothing expresses emotion like fragrance. A fragrance can instantly transport someone to a place or a moment in time. Our inspiration is our home of Morocco, a country famed for its unique seduction of the senses and its intoxicating scents. It was a very natural step to venture into fragrances. Over the years, many fragrance houses have presented their interpretations of what Morocco smells like, but there has never been a Moroccan Arab woman who told the authentic story of their beloved country from the inside out. And I wanted to take on that role and bring a world-first look at the wonderful scent stories of my beautiful country.

Fragrance is an art so I couldn’t do it by myself. I was extremely lucky to partner with two fragrance artists, Roger Schmid and Jerome Epinette who transformed my stories, memories and emotions into uniquely magical scents. We called it Elixir because we felt they were much more than fine fragrances but an intoxicating collection that bottles the mystery, sensuality and elegance of Morocco. A deeply sensorial and sensual experience that transports you, and makes you feel.

What does success mean to you?

Success is very personal. To me, it means freedom – to work and build something I am passionate about, with people I love in the set-up I need to be most effective and happy.

What can you tell us about Whind in the Middle East?

Whind is proudly an Arab-born brand, so it was very important for me to launch the brand first in the region and build a local success that I could take globally and flip the narrative of brands only coming to the region once they have first served consumers in the West. It was a business strategy and even more so a personal belief and desire to walk the talk and I have been so humbled by the amazing success that the region gave to whind, perhaps for the first time a brand that looks like us and speaks to us and that spotlights our rich culture and excellence in beauty.

What is your plan for the brand moving forward?

The plan is to continue listening to our amazing community who sees Whind as more than a beauty brand but a lifestyle one; they have asked for 2 things – bring in-store so they can experience it in real life so we are expanding into stores as we speak all over the region and to expand into new categories like fragrances – which we have done – and body which will be coming soon.

What do you think is the secret to sustaining a business in today’s market?

Being constantly in touch with the market and consumer and having the ability to adapt and do so quickly.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced with the brand and how did you overcome them?

When building a brand to be successful, you need to have a point of view. And to be able to accept that there are people who will love it and others who don’t. The challenge is of course to be in touch and listen to feedback, but also keep in mind the reason for starting the brand in the first place. This is a general challenge when building brands, but specifically around whind I think the biggest challenge was to launch during the tail end of the COVID pandemic and to make the decision to launch exclusively online and wait for the retail landscape to settle before expanding – this was especially challenging for a brand like Whind which is built on experience, so we had to find new ways to immerse our community in our universe digitally, which was also a challenge in itself. I am glad we took on these challenges because we have learnt a lot, and now that we are both in stores and online, we are in a great position for a seamless omnichannel experience.

What do you think makes your brand unique in the industry today?

Whind is the first luxury Arab-born beauty brand that spotlights globally the unique beauty point of view, rituals and storytelling of our rich culture with a modern and relevant twist.

Tell us about some of the ingredients and unique combinations you use in your products.

Our skincare is designed to deliver superior performance in a delightful experience of texture and scent. It is powered by what I like to call the “chemistry of glow”; highly effective proven actives such as Niacinamide, Ceramides and Vitamin C that are blended with powerful ingredients native to our ancestral Moroccan rituals such as Argan Oil, Rhassoul Clay or Orange Blossom Water. A perfect marriage of old-time tested and new trending ingredients. For skin so healthy and happy it glows.

For our fragrances, we chose ingredients that help tell rich, sensual and warm stories that are a tribute to Morocco, its elegance, sensuality and mystery through beloved scents like Rose, Orange Blossom Tangerine and Oud. Ingredients that happily and sensually blend with other more exotic ingredients brought through by the mythical caravans of the silk road like Kashmiri Saffron or Somali Incense to quote a few.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt throughout your career?

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Always ask.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Only those that dare to go too far can see how far they can go.

Talk us through your morning beauty ritual.

After a shower, I use Whind Oasis Fresh Jelly Cleanser on my damp face. Its delicious orange blossom jelly texture melts immediately to a milk that rinses off quickly, leaving my skin clean and nourished and my spirit awakened. I follow it with a spray of Oasis Veil Serum Mist for a shot of hydration and vitamin C, before layering Oasis Bright Vitamin C Serum which packs a punch of super brightening ingredients that even your skin and protect against further damage.

I top this with my absolute hero Marrakech Rich Ultimate Cream, literally, the product I can’t live without, its’ delicious whipped texture hugs my skin in nourishment and makes it visibly glowing. My last step is always a few drops of Ourika Sun Tinting Water for a natural tan and a quick swipe of Marrakech Light Illuminating Oil as a highlighter on my cheeks and lips. Once my skincare is done, I apply my favourite Blush and Bronzer – either Milk Make Up Blush Sticks or Bronzer (I have them in all colours and adore mixing and matching depending on the mood of the day).

What else are you currently working on and what’s in the pipeline for the rest of the year?

We are already working on our fragrance line extensions and a super exciting body care launch.

After a successful first year in 2022, Oud Fashion Talks will return to Kuwait this May, bringing together fashion experts and power players who have contributed to the region’s fashion scene.

The event will consist of a series of panels and discussions that aim to spark conversation about some of the industry’s key issues and topics.

This year’s key themes will focus on sustainable fashion and its importance and create a bridge between Kuwait and the international world of luxury. By highlighting the challenges of the region’s fashion and creative industry, Oud Fashion Talks hopes to bring together a community of creatives and encourage investments in local designers.

“Kuwait has always been a hub for art and creativity, particularly in the fashion sector. With the evolution and openness in the region, it’s high time for new initiatives to emerge. This motivation drives us to keep up with the industry’s changing landscape,” says Zainab AlAbdulrazzaq, Founder of Oud Fashion Talks.

This year’s edition of Oud Fashion Talks will take place from May 10^th to 12^th.

Just three years ago Dominic Nowell-Barnes Founded “The Giving Movement”, a Dubai-based brand that would put sustainability and charity at the forefront of fashion, giving back to those in need through the products it creates and shifting the culture from fast fashion to conscious consumerism.

For every item purchased, The Giving Movement donates a proportion of the amount to charity and has so far raised over four million dollars. The money goes towards children’s education and improving the lives of those less fortunate. On top of that, the company’s mission to commit to sustainability is something to truly admire. While it is not 100 per cent sustainable yet (something that’s virtually impossible in today’s culture), they are well on their way. Producing their own sustainable materials locally in Dubai is a great start! 

The Giving Movement’s products have become instantly recognisable thanks to their eye-catching branding and simple yet edgy design. The brand’s core collection focuses on leisure or fitness wear, but more recently they have branched out into modest wear, formal wear and even kidswear. It really does seem like the sky is the limit for this movement. As TGM continues to grow, we spoke to the Founder Dominic Nowell-Barnes, to find out what have been the greatest achievements so far and what’s next. 

How would you describe the universe of The Giving Movement today?

Our universe belongs to every member of the movement. The way that TGM has been created is through collective effort, and it makes us happy to see that we’ve crossed $4.5 million in money raised for charity, simply through the contributions of every person who interacts with and joins the movement. It’s a reminder that together, anything can be accomplished, whether it’s helping put an end to the vicious cycle of poverty or championing conscious consumerism and sustainability.

What do you think makes TGM movement different from anything else out there?

There are a lot of brands doing incredible work and we salute them for their contributions to society, we need as many as we can get. For The Giving Movement, our focus is on our motto; “Humanity in Motion” – it makes the causes of charity and sustainability a constant that never stops, as we focus on transparency, being interactive with members of the movement, and showing the difference that people’s purchases are making.

Let’s talk a little about the charity element of the brand – can you tell us what you have achieved so far with this? 

We work with Dubai Cares and Harmony House India – two organisations that focus on education as a way to put an end to poverty. We commit $4 from each item sold to go towards charity, which by itself can be enough for a lot of essentials: a week of milk for a baby, a week of three meals a day for a child, a hygiene kit for a family of four, a vocational training kit… and the list goes on. Through this, the $4.5+ million that the movement has raised so far has made an incredible difference for the communities in India. The wonderful team behind Harmony House India has managed to build 2 new centres, an Early Learning Wing, the Hope at Harmony House special needs wing, expand to have 1,000+ students, provide 3 daily meals for each student, have over 250 graduates, provide surrounding communities with weekly rations and medical care, and help women become independent through vocational training courses. It’s really inspiring and motivating what can be done when our communities band together to help one another.

You have diversified the collections over the past few months – how far would you like to take it in terms of the offering?

Our expansion has been based on the community and the region. We have a heavy focus on modest clothing, for example, as the women in the region inspire our collections. We introduced TGM kids and baby and have most recently dived into Formal collections. At the end of the day, we are working towards shifting the culture from fast fashion to conscious consumerism, and that’s what drives our collections – hand-in-hand with innovation. The movement is more than closet essentials, it’s about pieces that do good and feel good, as well as updating our closets.

What are some of the key pieces or collections we should know about now?

The heroes of TGM are always the Lounge Collection and the Active Collection. They’re the collections we launched with and continue to be at the core of TGM. Their ultra-soft textures, sustainable materials, and local production are what make them the streetwear essentials that have taken over.

How do you ensure that your products are sustainable?

Sustainability is a journey and always calls for improvement, so getting to a stage where TGM is 100% sustainable is something that we’re still working towards. Innovation defines our approach to the materials we use, so every season, every material used in every collection is innovated in-house, meaning that we take care of the process from A to Z. Whether it’s sourcing the raw materials that we need, working with certified suppliers, or manufacturing things locally, we rely on growth and development to continue our promise of creating sustainable collections. This also means ensuring that the trims and extra detailing in each piece are sustainable.

Can you tell us a little more about the materials and what they are made from? 

Our collections are centred around recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and organic cotton. The Lounge collection of hoodies, jackets, and joggers is made from an Organic Cotton Blend of 60% organic cotton and 40% recycled polyester. Our Active collection is made from the signature Softskin100© which combines 80% recycled polyester and 20% recycled spandex. Shell, one of our top 3, is 100% recycled nylon and was the first streetwear collection to do so. We use various types of recycled materials and update our fabrics every season, and we rely on transparency to build trust with the community. Our goal is to remove any recycled synthetics from the supply chain for biobased alternatives that are slowly coming into the market.

In this issue, we are talking about success stories born in the UAE and yours truly is that – to what would you credit the success the brand has had so far? 

The success of the brand is two-fold: one, the commitment of our community in the UAE and the GCC towards being eco-friendly and charitable, and two, creating a business model that places giving back at the centre of the strategy.

What do you think are the prerequisites to creating a brand that will stand the test of time in today’s environment?

You must be ready to experiment, to be reactive, and to see what your audience is looking for. We’ve entered a new decade that is constantly changing, evolving, and developing, and without incorporating these things into your strategy, it’s quite difficult to maintain a strong presence.

As an entrepreneur what is a piece of advice you would give to others?

I would share a piece of advice that has changed my own approach: “if there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do you no harm.” It’s a lesson on the importance of having a strong mindset, setting your standards, and knowing them inside and out… which makes your foundation impenetrable and your resolve iron-clad regardless of external factors.

What have been some of the biggest challenges along the way and how did you overcome them?

The general industry’s struggle with being sustainable in today’s world is difficult to navigate at the beginning stages, we are working towards being sustainable and featuring biobased materials. Eco-friendly materials aren’t readily available, which makes it difficult to find and source cost-effective ways to be eco-friendly. Thankfully, one of our goals is helping the industry evolve, and as the world becomes more aware of consumer habits, the negative impact of fast fashion, and the importance of sustainability, they’re contributing towards higher demand which would ultimately make these materials more available.

Another challenge is pacing the company’s growth – there’s a lot we want to accomplish and change and contribute to… and it all takes patience to ensure that it’s accomplished well, rather than making decisions that aren’t supported by the necessary research or data… or even strategy.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt?

I think one of the biggest lessons any entrepreneur and start-up faces is adapting to fast growth and ensuring that you scale your team of experts as you scale the audience and the products. It requires a lot of skills in strategically putting together the next steps, and it all comes down to the team dynamics, working with talent that you trust, and believing in what we’re working towards.

Is there anything you would like to do that you haven’t done yet?

I’ve committed my career to helping those who are in need and seeing the feedback and the collaboration that we’ve received from the community and from the movement only expands all the goals and things that I want to do, whether in charity or sustainability.

What’s next for the brand over the coming year? 

As we enter our 3rd anniversary, the next year carries a lot of exciting moments, from store openings to new collections and campaigns. Stay tuned!

Dior Maison has revealed Plan de Paris, a new homeware collection that celebrates the iconic streets of the French capital that have been pivotal to the brand’s history.

From Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, where Monsieur Dior spotted his lucky star, to 30 Avenue Montaigne, the House’s iconic address, where you will find the excellence of savoir-faire, these addresses have influenced the Parisian House from its beginning until today.

Echoing Maria-Grazia Chiuri’s Spring/Summer 2023 womenswear collection a black and white print featuring a map of Paris appears across a selection of exceptional creations, such as porcelain tableware, embroidered cushions, placemats and notebooks. This enchanting motif is an ode to the magic of the City of Light that has inspired the House of Dior since its founding in 1946.

The collection is available at selected Dior stores globally.

When she founded her jewellery brand Bil Arabi in 2006, Nadine Kanso had the vision of creating modern jewellery pieces that celebrated the history and heritage of the Middle East.

She had a fascination with Arabic calligraphy, and combined with her background in graphic design, wanted to present this in new ways that would capture some of the messages of the region and offer customers the chance to hold these messages close to their heart with the jewellery they wear. Nadine’s unique style and flair as well as her passion for the Middle East can be felt through the conceptual design of her creations. Originally from Lebanon, Kanso has established herself as one of the UAE’s success stories as her brand continues to receive international recognition and her profile has seen her be invited to collaborate with many brands using her talent for calligraphy in several different ways. As Bil Arabi launches a new collection Hobbi, which celebrates love and partnership, we talk to Nadine to find out more about her success and her vision for the future of her brand. 

Congratulations on the success of Bil Arabi – tell us about the journey and how you got to where you are today. 

I started Bil Arabi in 2006 with the mission to create modern and timeless pieces that capture the essence of the Middle East. Growing up in the region, my roots and heritage have always been a major source of inspiration. Bil Arabi is a culmination of my passion for jewellery and my love for the Middle East. I believe our pieces are not just accessories, but symbols of identity and culture. We strive to bridge the past and present through our designs and to stay true to our values of craftsmanship, quality and timelessness. This I believe, is what got us here today.

We love the new Hobbi collection what can you tell us about that?

The Hobbi collection is a true sentiment to the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship and artistic translation of love, and a collection I am very passionate about. I am always inspired by the instinct to connect, share, and love and the collection highlights the importance of bonding; these Hobbi masterpieces are made to be shared as experiences of interchanging connections and admiration. The way I see it, the Hobbi Collection is an extension of a cherished collection by Bil Arabi. Its inspiration is drawn from Hobb meaning “love”. Hobbi is meant to embody the sentimental joy of giving and honouring lovers, friends, and family members. What’s interesting about this collection is that the creations are playful yet elevated with a harmonious, delicate feel, I hope the collection creates experiences for those who dare to show their love and affection.

We have seen a number of exciting collaborations recently including one with Guerlain – what are the values that you look for when collaborating with brands?

I look for brands that have values around quality, style, creativity, innovation, durability, and design. As long as these elements are in place and the brand shares my values for authenticity and craftsmanship, I am happy to collaborate. I love to have the opportunity to create unique products through collaborations with incredible brands. There are many more collaborations in the works which you should keep an eye out for. 

What fascinates you about the Arabic language?

The Arabic language reflects my identity, my pride, and certainly the history of what Arabs have given to the world. Each piece and each collection is unique.

How do you get inspired and how do you continue to keep the creativity alive? 

As an artist, I find inspiration in the world around me – from the people I meet and the places I visit to the everyday objects and materials that surround us. I believe that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, and I strive to capture that essence in my work. I try to refresh and keep my creative passion alive by travelling, discovering new cultures and exploring new things.

This issue is about success – what does success mean to you?

Success is when you have achieved a dream or worked on something you have always wanted to work on and your message and work have been recognised and appreciated. It has been loved and accepted.

Few brands from the UAE have achieved international success but it seems to be growing – what is your experience of this and what more could be done to support regional brands on a global level?

As someone who has worked in the UAE for many years, I have seen first-hand the incredible talent and creativity that exists in the region. While it is true that there have been only a few brands from the UAE that have achieved international success, I believe that this is changing rapidly, and there is a growing interest in and appreciation for the unique perspective that regional brands can offer.

To support regional brands on a global level, several things can be done. One is to provide more opportunities for these brands to showcase their products and services at international events and trade shows. Another important factor is the development of local creative and design talent. By providing training, mentorship, and funding support for emerging designers and entrepreneurs, we can create a strong foundation for a thriving creative industry capable of competing on the global stage.

Finally, it is important to promote the unique cultural identity of the UAE. By celebrating our heritage and embracing our unique perspective, we can establish ourselves as leaders in creativity, innovation, and design, and create new opportunities for regional brands to succeed on the international stage.

What do you think is the secret to sustaining a business in today’s market?

In my opinion, the secret to sustaining a business in today’s market is to stay true to your vision and values. It is important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and why you are passionate about your work. This can help you to stay focused and motivated, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Another key factor is to stay flexible and adaptable. The business world is constantly changing, and it is important to be able to pivot and adjust your strategies as needed. This may involve taking risks, experimenting with new approaches, and being open to feedback and criticism.

Building strong relationships with customers and partners is also critical for sustaining a business. This involves understanding their needs and preferences, delivering high-quality products and services, and maintaining open and honest communication.

With any success comes setbacks, how do you deal with these and continue moving forward?

I love to learn from my setbacks and work harder towards the next success. I don’t spend too much time dwelling. Rather, I like to use the challenges I have faced to my advantage, as it has given me a unique perspective on the industry and a drive to succeed.

Where would you like to see your brand in five years and what is your planned direction for the brand?

Our focus will remain on creating unique and personalised jewellery pieces that celebrate the Arabic language and culture. Bil Arabi will continue to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional jewellery design by exploring new techniques and materials while staying true to its signature style.

In addition, we see great potential in expanding our global presence through strategic partnerships and collaborations. By working with other like-minded brands and individuals who share our values and vision, we believe we can amplify our impact and reach new audiences around the world.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt throughout your career?

I have learnt that you really need to love what you do to keep shining. It is essential as your daily input is crucial. 

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Rome was not built in a day. 

What is the most precious piece of jewellery you own?

All my creations are dear to me and each piece carries love. The one piece I would cherish is probably the Hobb classic cuff which I never part from. Another piece or collection that I cannot get over its beauty and boldness is HAWA.

Who is a person that has inspired you throughout your career?

I have always been inspired by women who are mothers and wives and are in the workforce. Women who can handle everything at once and never complain, who appreciate life and everything they worked for. 

What else are you currently working on and what’s in the pipeline for the rest of the year?

Many things in the pipeline, beautiful projects and collaborations along with new beginnings. 

Donatella Versace will team up with Dua Lipa to create Versace’s high summer collection “La Vacanza”. The collection will debut in Cannes, France.

The collection announcement was made on the brand’s Instagram account and included quotes from the famous duo.

“I have always been inspired by a collaborative design process. Working with Dua on this collection has been very exciting and I love the dynamic between us. Dua is strong, fearless, and free and her creative vision is exceptional. Summer is a magical time. We will capture this feeling and the colors of that time of the year with a truly special and intimate fashion show in Cannes.” Said Donatella Versace

“I am absolutely thrilled to have co-designed the women’s “La Vacanza” collection for Versace with Donatella. She and I have formed such a strong bond over the years, and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from her and the whole team since the very beginning of my career. For her to give me the honor of co-designing this collection and letting all my summer inspirations go wild has been a dream. I am so very proud of this collection and cannot wait to debut it in Cannes.” Added Dua Lipa

The collection will be available in-store and at Versace.com immediately following the show.

The FENDI by Marc Jacobs Capsule collection celebrates an iconic era of style and brings it into the 21st Century. See more below in our latest editorial.

Photography: Fouad Tadros
Styling & Direction: Lindsay Judge
Model: Leiza at Bareface
Hair: Jamilla Paul using Authentic Beauty Concept & Bellami

Makeup: Amanda Kay
Location: 25hrs Hotel, Dubai

Fendi by Marc Jacobs Neon Peekaboo ISEEU Petite Bag
Fendi by Marc Jacobs Bleached Denim Top and skirt
ALL FENDI

 

White Leather Fendi by Marc Jacobs Baguette Bag

 

Fendi by Marc Jacobs Bleached Denim Jacket Fendi by Marc Jacobs Frayed Denim Hat
ALL FENDI

 

Black Leather Fendi
By Marc Jacobs Baguette Bag

 

Fendi by Marc Jacobs Bleached Denim Jacket and Jeans Fendi T Shirt Domino Sneaker
ALL FENDI

 

White Nylon Fendi by Marc Jacobs Blouson and Skirt
Domino Sneakers
ALL FENDI

British jeweller Garrard was appointed the Crown Jeweller for the British royal family in 1843 and has since created some of the most iconic jewels in history including the Imperial State Crown as worn by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation.

That same crown will be placed on the head of her son King Charles III this Saturday when he officially becomes King. The Sovereign’s Sceptre and Queen Mary’s Consort Crown (which will be worn by Camilla The Queen Consort) were also created by the jeweller.

 “Garrard has served many kings and queens throughout our history. We are so proud that these historic pieces of regalia, which were crafted in our workshop, will play such a significant role in the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.” Says Joanne Milner, CEO of Garrard.

The Coronation of King Charles III will take place at Westminster Abbey in London on Saturday, May 6^th where the new King will be crowned alongside the Queen Consort in a ceremony that will be broadcast across the world. The King has promised a modernised coronation, yet it will also be rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry, including the Coronation Regalia: the sacred objects used during the coronation ceremony.

Garrard has also created a commemorative Aloria jewels set which have been handcrafted in 18-carat white gold with diamonds, set with calibré cut purple amethysts and stamped with the official Coronation Hallmark. These limited-edition pieces, presented in the colour of royalty feature amethysts that trace the heart-shaped Sovereign motif. Inspired by the setting of the Cullinan I diamond at the top of the Sovereign’s Sceptre, the motif is closely entwined with both the history of Garrard and this iconic piece of Coronation regalia.

“Garrard’s craftsmanship in Aloria is as innovative now as it was for the setting of the Cullinan I in the Sovereign’s Sceptre in 1910. It felt only fitting that we pay tribute to our new King with the limited edition Aloria set.” Says Sarah Prentice, Creative Director of Garrard.

The limited edition Aloria collection can be purchased at Garrard’s Albemarle Street store in Mayfair, London, where visitors can also view the Royal ledger that includes the first ever royal commission in 1735, from Frederick, Prince of Wales.

Lebanese-Armenian musician, composer and pianist Guy Manoukian has been playing the piano since the age of four. Discovering his unique talent at such a young age, his parents saw a gift in the young musician and encouraged him to play for their friends and family.

As he got older, Guy realised that this passion could become a career and he embarked on a musical journey that had never seemed possible for a young boy growing up in Lebanon. As a child, at the age of just seven years old Guy was composing his own music, and was invited to perform at The Lebanese Presidential Palace. He began playing at hotels and venues around the country. The musician realised this talent was something that could help him to achieve global stardom and in 1994 at the age of 18, he began performing publicly to large audiences.

As one of the region’s most successful artists, his career has taken him around the world where he has performed at some of the globe’s most prestigious stages and venues. He has broken records and won various awards. His unique talent allows him to put his own twist on traditional piano playing, bridging the gap between East and West, to create some of the most unique and memorable pieces of music ever heard in the industry.

Today, Guy is a father of three children, and while he continues to love music and his career, his motivation has changed as he strives to leave a legacy for his family to be proud of. Humble and grateful for his position, Guy loves nothing more than making his three children; Gio, Luca and Cara, happy and knowing that he has provided a life for them that growing up in a war-torn country, he could never dream of. This is the story of a man who never gave up.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE>>>>

In 2021, after a break from performing due to the pandemic, Guy moved to the UAE to embark on a new journey and an exciting project that would see him open The Theater, a new nightlife and musical destination in Dubai. As the Partner and Artistic Director of The Theater, Guy is responsible for bringing together world-class musical acts, dancers and performers to put on an incredible show night after night, attracting guests from all around the world. The Theater has changed the face of nightlife in the UAE, offering visitors so much more than just a show, a dinner or a night out, it is an immersive and memorable occasion that invites guests into the creative mind of this talented artist as he plays out his vision on the stage. This May, The Theater will reopen after a huge renovation, with even more spectacular shows, fine dining and nights to remember.

A man of many talents, Guy is currently preparing to launch his next album and has just returned to the role of President of his beloved Homenetmen basketball team. He has most recently been revealed as a regional ambassador and friend of the brand of Zenith Watches, selected for his dedication to following his dreams and representing the brand’s “time to reach your star” motto. As the partnership is officially unveiled we sat down for an honest and open conversation with the artist to discuss his career, and the secrets to his success.

Zenith Pilot Automatic
Full look: Zegna

Let’s begin by talking about time. Time is a very valuable element in life, especially when it comes to someone like you who has many elements to juggle – what does time mean to you?

Time is my common denominator. A wristwatch for me is a very important item, it’s as important as my phone in my daily life. I am an extremely punctual person and I think that time is very important. I appreciate people who take time out from their busy schedules for someone or something. Because I run a lot of businesses on different continents I do a lot of different things during the day, working with many different time zones, so knowing what time it is in which time zone and which state of mind I need to be in at any given moment is crucial. For the past 40 years of my life, I’ve been addicted to time management and that’s why having a wristwatch to regulate my day is very important. I’m always looking at my watch to know what I should be doing at that particular moment and what others associated with my business and also those in my family are doing at any moment in time.

We are revealing you as the new “friend of the brand” of Zenith Watches – tell us how the collaboration with Zenith came to life and what are the common codes between you and this brand.

I think the most important thing that aligns me with Zenith is their tagline “Time to reach your star”. I’ve always said that if you take a look at my career, first of all, I came from a war-torn country, I became attached to the piano because it didn’t need electricity. Music was always my escape in my life and until today it is the key to everything I wanted, so I thank God I was born with this talent. I believe that everyone is born with a talent, but the lucky ones and the people who become famous for what they do, are the ones who find their talent. Some people will spend their whole lives searching for their talent when we say ‘follow your dreams’, this is what it means. So I am grateful that I found my talent early on when I was just four years old, and growing up in a country like Lebanon, I wasn’t even allowed to dream of what I’m doing today. But I always did. And I always imagined myself on the biggest stages and I kept thinking of this until it came true. So I think this aligns me with Zenith because Zenith itself is the perfect star and reaching for the stars is a motto I’ve lived by all my life. When I was approached by Zenith and started reading about the brand I saw that we are so alike and I’m very proud to be associated with a brand that has done so much even for other watchmakers. The complications, the sophistication of their movements, and the complexity of the brand, I think we share a lot and that’s why I feel this comfort and perfect fit with the brand. Our paths are parallel. Even though I have been in this business for a very long time, and playing the piano for over 43 years, I still feel that I’m at the beginning of my career. I hope I will always feel this excited and it’s the same with Zenith. Even though it’s a brand that goes back to 1865, it feels fresh and young and that’s how I want to be perceived.

Zenith Pilot Automatic

What are you wearing on your wrist today?

Today I’m wearing this beautiful Chronomaster El Primero. I own a lot of watches but I’m not able to part with this watch, I’ve been wearing it nonstop. It’s something I can wear with a suit when I’m performing, but also for a casual occasion, so it’s an everyday, every-moment watch.

How would you describe your journey since you started playing the piano at the age of four until now?

If I wanted to name my journey I would call it “Motivation”. Each moment in my life and career has had its own motivation. Funny enough, when I was young, my first motivator was out of jealousy. I am the youngest of three boys and I have always looked up to my brothers and my late father who was the driving force in my career. My brothers Christian and David used to have piano lessons but I was only three years old so my hands were too small to play at that time. They used to say that I would get so jealous of them and I would try to compose music just to show my parents that I could do it too. So at that point, for me, it was a game. When I turned four my hands were big enough to start playing, so the teacher urged my parents to let me learn.

When you are a kid what do you want other than your parents to be proud of you? So as I got a little older this motivated me to play. I didn’t know anything about money or girls at this age, all I cared about was my parents being proud of me and happy. I remember my parents would have friends over and they would wake me up to come down and play for them and their friends. And they would beam with happiness and pride, and at that time, that was the best thing that you could give me.

Then when I turned twelve or thirteen years old, I started to want girls to like me and I realised that I didn’t need the newest trainers or jeans, all I needed to do was to play and I could bypass all of that with my music. I have a very good ear and anything I heard at that time I would be able to play. It’s funny because nowadays if there’s a song that you like you go on YouTube or iTunes and you can immediately listen to it, but in those days we would have to wait for hours on the radio for the song to play. So in that sense, I was a walking iTunes – if I heard the song once, I could play it fully with orchestration.

Growing up in Lebanon we listened to a lot of French music as well as the rock band Air Supply and British musician Chris De Burgh and I used to play any song that the ‘audience’ wanted to hear. And at that time that was my biggest motivator because I could please a room full of people at any given moment. I would always change the songs, and make people laugh – even when I had piano lessons the people that had attended the lessons before me would stay to listen to me play and the people after me would come early. I would always entertain them.

After this period I started needing money and wanting material things. I started wanting a car but I didn’t want to let my parents go through the trouble of buying me one and I wanted to travel. Because I am the youngest, I was always the one who received hand-me-downs from my big brothers and I’m still proud of that, but at some point, I wanted to start buying my own things. So I realised that I could take care of things by earning money playing the piano. So by the age of 16, I started to do this. At that time, when my friends would go out and party, I used to play the piano at hotel lobbies and I would make sixty dollars a week. Until now, this was the best sixty dollars I’ve ever made. I started to save money and travel and I even bought my first car with the money I made.

If you ask me what my motivation is today, it’s changed completely. Now we have three beautiful kids and what I’ve created and achieved so far is all about leaving a legacy and something for my kids to be proud of. Nothing matters if you don’t have a family to share that with and I’m blessed to have a beautiful family and a great wife that understands the nature of my demanding job. We are all sacrificing a lot by living apart – they live in Lebanon and I live in Dubai – I come and go as much as I can but even before coming to Dubai, I would travel for almost three weeks a month. So I think the sacrifices being done by everyone in this family and especially by my wife Sarah, are the secret to my success. But at the end of the day, success has no meaning if you don’t have anyone to share it with. My family is my life and even the partnership with Zenith, makes me even prouder because am making my family proud.

Zenith Chronomaster Sport
Full look: BOSS

Do your kids play the piano like their father?

No, but they are talented in other areas. My daughter does play actually and she is very talented, I have never pushed them to play and I didn’t want them to, because my circumstances were very different, I played to survive and to afford to live, their situation is very different. I still play to make sure my kids have the best life, so for me it is still survival and that’s why I got good at it. Plus, even if they are better than me, they will always be compared to their father and that’s not fair to them.

What else would you still like to achieve that you haven’t done yet?

So much! You name it I’ve done it – I’ve performed on the biggest stages in the world, and I’ve played everywhere from Sydney to Chile but I still feel that my journey is growing. The more I do, the more I want. It’s not about money, it’s about the achievements and following my dream and proving that you don’t need to have a particular family name or be the son of someone to succeed, you just need to believe in yourself and never give up.

Zenith DEFY Skyline

We know you are working on your new album – what can we expect from this?

I’ve been working on this album since 2019. I never had the time to finish it because I was always touring so actually during the Covid slow down, I was able to do this and it’s almost ready now. It’s called TAMADA which is something that means a lot to me. In Armenian culture Tamada means “the host” but it also has other meanings like being the big brother, the person you go to for advice, and having a tamada in your life is like having a father figure or a mentor, and ironically, even though we hate to admit that we need help, we always need to have this kind of person in our lives to guide us.

It will be a very beautiful album, it will be the best album I have done so far and I’m so excited. I am still deciding how to release the album because the business has changed so much. Today, record labels are not as essential to an artist’s journey as they were before and so I’m just trying to decide in which format and how to release the album. That’s why I’m taking my time. Even for me at this time in my career, it is a learning process to understand how the business has changed.

The Theater has been a great success in Dubai – tell us about the concept as well as the vision moving forward.

The Theater is one of the biggest achievements of my career. All the thanks go to my amazing partner Rabih Fakhreddine for his vision, and 7 Management for trusting me and convincing me to be part of this project. They came to me to present the idea and they only wanted to do it with me. I was convinced and I’m so proud of The Theater and all of the team, not only the artistic team but

everyone that’s involved. We have just done a full renovation and the new Theater is even more beautiful and even more majestic. For me to leave Lebanon and move here and run The Theater, you should know the importance it has to me. I have always wanted to have something like this but I never had the time to do it, and then when Covid came and I had over 90 shows cancelled, plus the tragic explosion in Beirut, I felt I needed a change and so this came at the right time and it was the right opportunity to remind me that my true vocation is arts. So I always give credit to the great team in all areas, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

Zenith DEFY Skyline
Shirt: Brunello Cucinelli

Are there any plans to expand the concept further?

Yes definitely! The thing is that The Theater is not something you can just plug in anywhere. We are very careful that the level of output we provide is of its utmost best at all times. I believe the natural habitat of The Theater would be a city like London because it needs to be in a cosmopolitan touristic city. We have people calling from all over the world before even coming to Dubai, wanting to plan their visit before they arrive and it’s becoming part of their agenda when they visit. So to keep this standard it needs to be done in the right way and I should be present to ensure that. I can manage two countries, travelling every week and I think London would be a great step. Saudi Arabia is also on our map for the future.

“Reaching your star” is not only translated in your music and entrepreneurial journey but also in your commitment to sports and in specifically basketball – tell us more about that.

If you’ve read about me, you’ll realise that I’ve done more in sports than I have in music! I used to play basketball for a team in Lebanon called Homenetmen. This club is 105 years old and one of the oldest in Lebanon and it represents the Armenian diaspora. I grew up playing for this team, starting with the juniors, before playing for the first team. Then as I got more successful at playing the piano, I could not insure my hands anymore if I continued to play basketball, so I had to choose between the two and of course, the piano was what I continued with. A year after I left, the team got into a lot of trouble and went down to the second division. It was killing me because while I was never a great player, I knew how the team should be run to win. But at that point, I didn’t have the means to help them. In 2012, I took over the team. I remember we had a press conference and people came because they heard I was involved. This would never usually happen for a second-division team, but they wanted to know what I was doing. I had already changed the whole look of the team, and I wanted to show the beauty and institution of this club. I remember saying at the press conference, that this would be a new era for Homenetmen, and that in 2018 which would be our 100th anniversary, we would win the Championship. Everyone started laughing and told me this would never happen, but I told them to mark my words and that’s what happened. We won five championships in 2017 and 2018 and we did the triple which no one had done before. We won the Arab Cup, The Lebanese Cup and the Lebanese Championship.

In 2019 I stepped aside and it was a difficult time because of Covid. Then that year the team was in trouble again, they had lost 13 consecutive games and we were going back to the second division after ten years. They came to me and asked for my help and that’s what I did! I stepped back in and we won all of the games, not only did we stay in the first division, we went into the playoffs. It was a Cinderella story! And now we are preparing for the next season which starts in September. It’s funny because it was my son that convinced me to go back, as well as my assistant who has been with me for 20 years. It’s nerve-wracking but it’s always nice to be part of something bigger, and the fact that I’m making hundreds of thousands of people happy gives me so much satisfaction. We have fans all around the world and there is nothing better than making these people happy. I don’t know if I can win everything again next year because we are in a rebuilding phase, but wanting to win and knowing that we are giving it our best shot is the most important part.

It’s amazing to have these two very different passions…

I studied law, and people always ask me why? When I was 17 my parents wanted me to have a backup plan in case music didn’t work out, so I studied law and at the same time, I was playing basketball. People would ask what each of these elements had to do with the other and I would tell them that everything benefited the music. If you know me well, you will know that at times I am bohemian and artistic, but there is also a very pragmatic side to me. So if you ask me what’s the secret to my success? I will tell you that studying law was one of my secrets. I’ve always had practical targets, I’ve always believed in small wins to get to a bigger win, and I have always planned very well with a system. So from law, I learnt how to set practical targets and achieve them. And from basketball, I learnt how to work within a team and to trust someone within your team. And these two elements are key to my music career. My musicians have been with me for the past 24 years and I think that says a lot. All of these parts of my life have been complementary to my music and have helped me get to the position I am in today.

What is a personal motto that you live by?

It’s going to sound cliché but I think “time to reach your star” is going to be my motto for the coming few years! It’s a motto I have actually lived with throughout my life. I also like to say “The biggest risk in life is when you don’t risk at all.” I like calculated risks.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to play backgammon. I’ve been playing since I was very young and have a lot of friends that I play with regularly. I also play a lot of music. Where I live I think I’m the only person that has a piano in the building and I play a lot. Even when I was young I used to play for six or seven hours a day.

Zenith Pilot Automatic
Full look: BOSS

How does it make you feel when you are playing the piano?

A piano is something that can suit every occasion. I play when I’m sad, I play when I’m happy, I play when I’m anxious, I play if I cannot sleep, and I play to entertain. I play for every occasion – sorrow, pain, happiness or love.

What is a message you would like to share with our readers?

I have a lot of concerts this year. The most important is at The Olympia in Paris this month which is a huge deal, it’s one of the most prestigious stages in the world. Also, something that I tell my team or my co-workers is: the day that you feel you are going to do a job, don’t come. Never give up on looking for what makes you happy because life is too short and you have to live it. You need to love yourself and loving yourself means respecting yourself and respecting yourself means to keep looking and never give up, because if you give up you have no self-esteem or respect for what you’re doing. And for people who have children, I would say that the moment you have kids, your life is not yours anymore, so you have to always think of what makes them proud of you and what makes them happy. And don’t forget to always reach for the stars!

On the occasion of the 2023 Met Gala, some of the world’s most stylish men turned out to pay tribute to Karl Lagerfeld. We reveal some of the best dressed guests from the night.

Jared Leto as Choupette

Robert Pattinson wearing Dior

Usher

Rami Malek

Jack Harlow

Jeremy Strong

Pedro Pascal wearing Maison Valentino

Bradley Cooper wearing Tom Ford

Jeremy Pope wearing Balmain

Pete Davidson wearing Fendi

The 2023 Met Gala celebrates the opening of New York’s Metropolitan Museum’s latest exhibition “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”. The showcase will celebrate the life and works of legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld.

The dress code was “in honour of Karl” and celebrities, designers and esteemed guests took it very seriously, wearing looks inspired by the iconic designer and some of the things he loved the most. We saw custom-designed ensembles from a hots of designers, using the event as the chance to pay their own tribute to Lagerfeld, while some even wore archival pieces from Chanel, Fendi and Chloé, created by the designer himself. We reveal some of the best dressed women of the night. 

Kim Kardashian wearing Schiaparelli

Dua Lipa wearing vintage Chanel

Rihanna wearing Maison Valentino

Rihanna wearing Maison Valentino

Margot Robbie wearing vintage Chanel

Anne Hathaway wearing Atelier Versace

Emily Ratajkowski wearing Tory Burch

Nicole Kidman wearing Vintage Chanel

Olivia While wearing Chloé

Penelope Cruz wearing Chanel

Amanda Seyfried wearing Oscar de la Renta

Lizzo Beating wearing custom Chanel

Gigi Hadid wearing Givenchy

Gisele Bundchen wearing vintage Chanel

Cardi B wearing Chen Peng

Sydney Sweeny wearing Miu Miu

Salma Hayek wearing Gucci

Kendal Jenner wearing Marc Jacobs

Florence Pugh wearing Maison Valentino

Camilla Morrone wearing Rodate

Miranda Kerr wearing Dior

Jennifer Lopez wearing custom Ralph Lauren

Naomi Campbell wearing vintage Chanel

Irina Shayk

Chaumet has revealed the Bee My Love collection, writing a new page in its history with unique jewels that are more precious than ever.

Articulated pieces with extraordinary flexibility, figurative and XXL creations give pride of place to mirror-polished gold.

The collection recounts the unique story of Chaumet, intimately connected to the history of France. To enhance this essential link, the Maison embraces the honeycomb and its graphic shape. Heightened by a unique savoir-faire, the collection fuses gold and diamonds for creations pared down to the point of abstraction.

Intensifying its innate boldness, the collection takes things to the next level with a new parure in rose gold glittering with brilliant-cut pavé diamonds. More precious, more striking and more covering, it offers an alternative to the original pieces.

Possessing unparalleled suppleness, each has been conceived to be sensually worn for maximum impact and exceptional radiance.

In tribute to the naturalistic symbol of the bee, earrings, a brooch and a toi et moi ring in yellow gold and diamonds are all inspired by the imperial insect. Playing with asymmetry, each creation is composed of a bee and Taille Impératrice diamonds that flicker with a thousand fires.

A striking innovation, this hexagonal Chaumet form infinitely magnifies the light and lustre of gemstones, in an ode to life and movement, balancing explorations of volume with perfection in detail.

Playing with the versatility of its design, Bee My Love multiplies options and styles, to correspond to each personality.

Semi-pavé diamond hoop earrings are now available in yellow gold, with two models of extra-large semi-pavé hoops introduced. As precious inside as out, these summer essentials – one in mirror-polished rose gold, the other in white gold with diamond semi-pavé – are suited to any occasion.

Evoking the collection’s emblematic rings, the Bee My Love pendant now comes in a small version in yellow gold. Also introduced, with a heightened note of sophistication, a rose gold medium model is entirely covered with pavé diamonds, suspended from a new, more voluptuous and covering chain.

Universal yet distinctive, Bee My Love creations inspire endless possibilities of style and composition, as stackability mingles with mix and match in gold and diamonds, each personality being brilliantly revealed.

Radiant in the extreme, the Taille Impératrice is a hexagonally-shaped miracle of luminosity. An unprecedented innovation from the Maison, it comprises 88 hand-cut facets, positioned to capture rays of light and reflect them by multiplying their intensity.

The ultimate addition to Bee My Love, the new cuff pushes the collection’s savoir-faire even further. A fruitful dialogue between the most cutting-edge technology and the virtuosity of the artisans, 745 elements, individually assembled by the jeweller, combine to create the articulation of this exceptional and extraordinarily flexible piece.

The meticulously articulated honeycomb cells, each having a very specific place, succeed each other sinuously. 60 diamonds punctuate the 137 grams of delicate openwork mesh, alternating with the mirror-polished and open-worked gold cells. A second-skin jewel sensually worn to outdazzle the sun.

After meeting at college in Italy, Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea decided to move to Dubai to fulfil their dream of founding their own fashion label.

Inspired by the fluidity and elegance of the traditional kaftan, they opened their brand Taller Marmo in 2013, offering a new modern take on this classic sartorial item. Since then, Taller Marmo has gone from strength to strength, receiving international recognition for their chic designs that combine Middle Eastern flair with Italian craftsmanship. The designers have since moved back to Italy to further develop their brand, but they have not forgotten where they came from, with strong connections still in the region. As they prepared to launch their latest Ramadan collection, whose campaign stars the iconic Farida Khelfa, we caught up with the founders to reflect on the success of the brand so far. 

Tell us about the universe of Taller Marmo today and where the brand is at.

We founded the brand in 2013 when we were just 19 years old, just a few months after we dropped out of the Istituto Marangoni in Milan where we met. We moved to Dubai to begin creating fluid kaftans, inspired by the jet-set style of the 1960s and 1970s. Taller Marmo is named after the Spanish expression for laboratory and the Italian word for marble; an indicator of our experimentation with innovative techniques and luxury fabrics. 

What can you tell us about the High Summer collection?

The High Summer 2023 collection is celebratory and explores the juxtaposition of opulence and freshness: pastel-neon colours versus deep dark hues, shiny metallics versus matte textures, asymmetrical silhouettes versus symmetrical styles, fluid crepe cady versus crisp Couture-quality fil coupe and jacquard textiles, sleek fringes versus vaporous feathers. Each exclusive combines new modern silhouettes, like the Mila Kaftan and the California Kaftan and iconic ones, like the fringed Mrs Ross Kaftan and the feathered Ubud Dress.

You worked with Farida Khelfa on the campaign images – how do you think she embodies the brand and the Taller Marmo woman?

The Middle East is a key market for us and for this reason, we worked on a very special campaign starring the iconic Farida Khelfa, photographed in an unexpected and editorial style by Louie Banks. Farida Khelfa is a style icon that embodies and celebrates all of the values of womanhood while perfectly representing the essence of a Middle Eastern woman and this is what Taller Marmo is about.  

This issue is about success – how would you define success?

For us, success is perseverance, consistency in our designs and an elevated finishing which has helped to build trust with our consumers throughout the years. Our goal is to keep pushing the envelope for eveningwear and to make it modern without falling into clichés like being edgy, cool, trendy, classic or feminine. We think about how the 20-year-old and the 60-year-old will experience the same dress or how a modest dresser or someone who wants to dress sexier will style the same minidress anywhere from Riyadh to Los Angeles. This year, we have presented the largest number of collections composed of nine exclusive capsules made in collaboration with Taller Marmo’s key retail partners including Net-a-Porter, Browns Fashion, MatchesFashion, MyTheresa, Bloomingdale’s Middle East, Harvey Nichols Dubai, Ounass, Etoile La Boutique. 

Your brand began in Dubai but you have since had success across the world – to what do you attribute this success?

As mentioned above, in 2012, we dropped out of the university in Milan and moved to Dubai after doing our very first collection from Riccardo’s parent’s house in his hometown. We had no business knowledge, zero work experience at a fashion house and two unfinished degrees. Dubai received us with open arms, for half a decade, and gave us the chance to learn so many things, with the support of industry leaders in the Middle East. After that, we decided to move back to Italy, the country where we grew up, to apply the expertise of Italian craftsmanship to our designs. During all these years, our determination has helped us grow in the region and internationally having been able to familiarise ourselves with different markets and consumers. 

What would you say to aspiring designers from the Middle East who are looking to make their mark on a global platform?

Creating a personal and unique identity within your designs is the key to succeeding on an international level in addition to understanding the need of the markets you are targeting. 

How do you combine the tradition and styles of the Middle East with Western fashion in your designs?

The symbol of our brand is the kaftan. We think the kaftan is a statement. A sign of relaxedness, self-care and well-being. When you think of an occasion that you would wear a kaftan, you imagine yourself having fun at a party or during the holidays, visiting a beautiful city during the summer. This silhouette which is created through our collection fits both Middle Eastern and Western fashion styles.  

Tell us a little about your creative process and the materials you use in your collections.

Perseverance and listening to your instincts are fundamental. We take pride in our stubbornness. At the very beginning, nobody understood why we were doing kaftans and loose silhouettes, because it was not “in fashion” and it didn’t look cool, but we decided to stick to it until we started receiving attention from key retailers, and our kaftans proved themselves. We produce our collections entirely in Italy, in small and medium family-owned factories. Manufacturing is managed internally to avoid subcontracting. The factories are based nearby our headquarters and distribution centre to reduce the carbon footprint and our collections are only produced to orders, avoiding extra stock. 

Tradition and innovation are key in all the materials we use for our collections: the viscose is FSC certified, the polyester used in garments is recycled, the sequins are made from recycled plastic found in the ocean, the cotton is part of the Better Cotton Initiative, the jacquards and fil coupé fabrics are made by a historic family-owned silk mill in Como, Italy, the feathers are sourced exclusively in South Africa and assembled by hand in Florence, Italy.

Can you tell us about some of the unique techniques that you use in your designs? 

Our designs are defined by the fluid silhouette we create made for all women of all body types. And this requires expertise in tailoring and precision in the construction of the garment keeping an effortless look to our design. 

Who is your Taller Marmo muse?

Women like Peggy Guggenheim, Marchesa Casati, Isabella Blow, Dalida, Josephine Baker, Diana Ross, Raffaella Carrà. All of them have something in common for us, and they were starting points of entire collections because of their uniqueness and body of work really shaped the world around them.