Art Dubai is returning for its latest edition this March and it’s set to be the most exciting season yet.

With a focus on digital art as well as celebrating and supporting local talent, the event is welcoming more artists, galleries, speakers and talents than before. As Executive Director of Art Dubai, Benedetta Ghione is tasked with not just showcasing art, but bringing together global communities to celebrate the culture world. Here we find out more about what to expect from this year’s fair and the importance of celebrating art in the Middle East.

Tell us what we can expect from the 2023 edition of Art Dubai and what has changed from the previous editions. 

This year’s event promises to be our most ambitious yet, expanding our programme with extended partnerships and exploring the increasing influence and importance of the digital art world. For more than 15 years, we have been an incubator of talent and a catalyst for the creative economy in Dubai. We are an institution in our own right; we are a convener of great minds and an entry point to this vibrant cultural ecosystem. 

Our role is also to bring together artists and inspirational and creative thinkers from across the global south (Latin America, Asia, Africa and Oceania) who are underrepresented in the wider global art world. So not only will you see the largest presence to date of UAE galleries at this year’s event, but we are also partnering with a greater number of the most important and influential organisations from across South Asia, including the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and the Kochi-Muziris Biennal, as part of the fair’s not-for-profit programme, Art Dubai Commissions. It’s an opportunity for us to support artistic production by local and international artists. This year’s programme will include daily performances and food-based experiences exploring themes of community, celebration, hope, and connection. 

We have been listening to our audiences, particularly as the world has adapted and changed since the pandemic. There is a real desire – and not just in the art world – to bring people together, for live experiences and the exchange of ideas across cultures. This year’s thought leadership programme – something we have championed since our foundation will expand this year to include a two-day edition of the Global Art Forum, our flagship talks programme and we will also be hosting the first Dubai edition of Christie’s Art+Tech summit. Our dedicated digital section, Art Dubai Digital, is also expanding in its second iteration, giving a 360-degree look at the digital art ecosystem, from artist collectives to blockchain innovations, DAOs and NFTs. 

For the second year running, we will be linking up with Abu Dhabi’s independent platform supporting emerging artists that provides a year-round programme of learning opportunities to the wider community in collaboration with local, regional and international partners. Art Dubai 421 will present a group exhibition curated by UAE-based artist and researcher Dania Al Tamimi.

Can you share a little about some of the talks and educational opportunities that have been added to the line-up this year?

Our annual event provides a powerful and prominent platform to champion our artists and their art. But beyond the five-day event, Art Dubai has an extensive year-round education and commissioning programme, working in close collaboration with local and regional partners to deliver ambitious cultural programming across the city.

We will again be hosting a series of talks and education programmes during this year’s Art Dubai fair. This will include the most far-reaching children’s programme to date, developed in partnership with A.R.M Holding, which reaches more than 6,000 children in over 90 schools across Dubai. 

The 2023 event also marks the 10th edition of Campus Art Dubai (CAD), Art Dubai’s flagship initiative to develop the region’s future cultural leaders and another core component of our extensive year-round education programme – the focus this year will be on public art. 

There will be a series of high-level ‘Collector and Modern Talks’, presented in partnership with Dubai Collection, the first institutional art collection in the city and for the city, asking such questions as “what does it mean to be a digital art collector today?” and “what does it mean to be an art patron?”.

This year, we’re pleased to be partnering with Christie’s, to bring its first regional Art+Tech summit to the fair. This is the sixth iteration of the summit, which is held in conjunction with Christie’s annual summit in New York. During the one-day conference, we will hear from artists who are incorporating technology in their practices, alongside discussions with global leaders, innovators, artists and visionaries looking at current challenges and future opportunities to collaborate. 

We understand you have some exclusive artwork commissioned for the event under the Art Dubai Commissions platform – can you tell us more about this?

Our fair features perhaps our strongest-ever gallery lineup and our commissioning represent the breadth of discourse that is happening in the region. We also believe that is important to have a performative and live element and have chosen this year to commission 10 artists whose work celebrates this breadth of artistic practices across South Asia. Universal human themes such as hope, community and connection are, arguably, more important than ever. We are working with artists from participating Art Dubai galleries and South Asia’s leading institutions to explore these themes, which will be brought to life with daily performances and food-based experiences. 

One example is Moza Al-Matrooshi, a multimedia conceptual artist based in Sharjah, UAE, who examines traditional cooking and baking pastries in her artwork that centre around storytelling and power in social dynamics. Other featured artists will include Rathin Barman, a visual artist based in Kolkota, Gunjan Kumar, a textile artist from India and Bangladeshi artist Tayeba Begum Lipi who creates paintings, prints, videos and installations articulating themes of female marginality and the female body. The programme is developed in close collaboration with leading institutions that are playing a key role in supporting artists and artistic production in South Asia. Partners include Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation in collaboration with Britto Arts Trust, Ishara Art Foundation, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Kochi-Muziris Biennale and Samdani Art Foundation. 

Can you tell us about the digital art elements at this year’s fair and why it’s important to focus on this?

Innovation has always been a cornerstone of Art Dubai, reflecting both the spirit of our home city and the rapid changes that happen in the creative world as artists are increasingly both adopting and adapting new technologies. It will be the second edition of Art Dubai Digital, which is our annual snapshot of what is happening in the digital art world at the current moment. It’s a place that is breaking down the traditional models in many areas, and the art world is no exception. It’s such a fast-moving and rapidly developing space – we want to reflect this energy and creativity. Art Dubai Digital aims to build bridges between the world of art and technology by exploring how artists are using new, immersive technologies to collapse the boundaries of the traditional art world. 

We will be working with some of the very best names in crypto art including the Lian Foundation, founded by Fiorenzo Manganiello, an expert in blockchain technology, which will showcase a selection of artworks that bridge the gap between physical and digital. It also includes our friends at MORROW collective who will present ‘UAE First Immersion’ featuring new works by artists including Coldie, Colborn Bell, Monaris, Bryan Brinkman, Kirk Finkel and Raphael Torres, some of the leading names in crypto art from the USA who came to Dubai in November for a residency. We also have the Punk6529 Museum of Art, which has one of the largest and most valuable NFT collections in the world, presenting its core project, the Open Metaverse, while artists from Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka explore the theme of disruption in the format of digital videos, images and NFTs. 

What in your opinion is the future of the digital art sector and art in the metaverse? 

A physical meeting point will always be important, but it is incredibly important to embrace the impact that digital and the metaverse are having and will continue to have as the technology is adopted. Art sales are increasingly common online and, whilst artists using new technologies isn’t really new – the way artists are pushing the boundaries of these new technologies is incredibly exciting. That’s why we feel it is important to focus on the digital trend – together these platforms are challenging and pushing forward new models for artistic production and support. As with any sector, there will be elements of trend and fashion that will come and go, but the technology and creativity are here to stay. Institutional models will need to adapt as audiences engage with them in different ways. 

How is this year’s edition helping to support artists in the region?

This year we are celebrating ten years of Campus Art Dubai (CAD), which is our flagship initiative to support the region’s cultural leaders of tomorrow and a core component of our year-round education programme. The 2023 edition features two main strands, the first, CAD 10.0 Professional Development, which will offer placements for artists at Art Dubai and other leading UAE cultural institutions, including Alserkal Avenue and Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai, and 421 in Abu Dhabi. The second element, CAD Public Art, will build sector knowledge and capacity in the developing field of public art commissioning. CAD was the first programme of its kind in the region and over the past decade, we are proud to have expanded the programme to be a leading incubator of talent for artists in the region. 

Art Dubai 2023 will be hosting over 120 participants from more than 40 countries, including artists from across the UAE, including more than 17 Emirati artists, and will be showcased by seven galleries. We are also proud to have a strong Iranian presence this year, and welcome 23 Iranian artists, many of whom are young and/or female.

How would you assess the art scene currently in the UAE and how do you think it has developed in recent years? What more would you like to see done to continue this development?

We have come so far in a little over 15 years. Before our first Art Dubai event in 2007, I doubt that many would have considered the UAE a global art centre. Mirroring the economic rise of the region in recent years, and the UAE government’s commitment to supporting art and culture, the UAE has become a key creative and international cultural hub, with more artists than ever calling Dubai home. It is now firmly established as the link between East and West and is a platform for regional artists to receive international exposure. 

Today, we have a thriving art scene and have seen a large number of collectors from all over the world base themselves in Dubai and international galleries opening spaces in the Emirate. For example, the commercial gallery Perrotin, founded by Emmanuel Perrotin, opened its first space in the Middle East in Dubai in November 2022, adding to its prestigious list of locations in New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo. International contemporary art gallery, Galleria Continua, is also featuring at Art Dubai this year and opened an exhibition space inside the most the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, and now offers eight spaces in art capitals across the world.  

This year’s art fair features 21 Dubai-based galleries, more than ever before, reflecting the continued growth of Dubai’s artistic ecosystem and the Emirate’s increasing importance as a global creative and cultural hub. 

How do you think Art Dubai is different from other art fairs in the region and globally? 

We believe we play a role that is more than an art fair – we’re an institution in our own right and we want to be the moment that brings all the key players together. As the landscape of international art fairs changes, Art Dubai continues to play a significant role in highlighting and assisting the cultural ecosystems of the global south, and the program this year completely represents this region’s increasing importance, vitality, and vibrancy. A key element of this is showing top-quality art and artists that you simply will not see at any other art fair, and showcasing them first. 

What are your top three highlights at this year’s event that our readers should look out for?

There are so many artists across all genres that there are highlights for everyone. It would be unfair to mention any one, two or three. I would say that our fair is about exploration, discovery and innovation. It can open all minds but opening children’s minds to the wonders of art is a central part of what we do at Art Dubai. Artistic and creative education from an early age is so important and we encourage children of all ages to come and explore the whole programme, from our galleries to our commissioned programme. We also have a lot of fun and exciting workshops and entry is free to children (aged 18 and under) and university students.

On a personal level, what types of artworks are you drawn to? 

I come from a family of art collectors so art was instilled in me from a young age. I am drawn to all art – I find it endlessly fascinating to learn how artists create as they do.

Are there any emerging or established artists you are particularly interested in at the moment?

I travel a lot, which is an important part of my job, but a key part of my role is seeing the great art on offer here in Dubai. I recently saw “Dwelling in the Gap”, Shaikha Al Mazrou’s second solo exhibition at the Lawrie Shabibi gallery in Al Serkal Avenue. She is considered to be among the most dynamic and promising artists of her generation from the UAE and she will be a big draw to this year’s fair. Another fantastic artist to follow is an amazing sculptor called Claudia Comte from France, who is exhibiting at Art Dubai with Spanish Galería Albarrán Bourdais in this year’s Contemporary section. 

What is your vision for Art Dubai in five and ten years? 

As the global art fair landscape continues to evolve and new centres emerge, I believe our model will have increasing relevance – we are a sustainable, innovative and independent institution that foregrounds practices from geographies that have historically been under-represented in the mainstream Western art world. Although there has been progress, there is still a lot to be done in terms of foregrounding these perspectives and giving voice to diverse communities and the artistic centres and movements of the Global South. The notion of what defines the Global South is also shifting, and we will need to change with it so our founding spirit of innovation and adaptability will continue to be important. We are also grounded in our home city of Dubai and in line with its spirit of thinking outside the box we continue to produce cultural initiatives that push boundaries and redefine what an art fair can and should be.  

What is the biggest challenge the event faces today?

In recent years, live events like ours that attract an international audience have seen many challenges, so flexibility, adaptability and nimbleness will continue to be important. Dubai is a rapidly developing and expanding place, where the whole world comes together – this creates a huge opportunity for us. Making sure that art and culture, and creative and critical thinking continue to be at the heart of that will be both essential and a huge challenge – one we are determined to overcome. 

The 2023 edition of Art Dubai will run from 1st to 5th March. Click HERE for more information.

Luxury fragrance house Creed has revealed its latest scent Silver Mountain Water, inspired by the fresh crispness of fresh alpine air.

This fresh and revitalising Eau de Parfum captures the purity of cascading streams and the image of breathtaking mountain landscapes to create a fresh and alluring fragrance.

The unisex Eau de Parfum is composed of natural essences and Hesperides, complemented by a woody base and tea notes. Hints of blackcurrant give depth to the scent while its menthol finish is reminiscent of snow-capped mountains.

The new fragrance is supported by an eye-catching campaign, capturing the crispness of the mountains with a series of surreal imagery. An imaginary landscape of icebergs highlights the key inspiration of this captivating scent.

Silver Mountain Water is now available in 50ml and 100ml bottles at Creed outlets globally.

Eternal Gold, Prada’s debut fine jewellery collection will make the perfect gift for your loved one this Valentine’s Day.

The minimalistic offering is the first 100% certified recycled gold collection by a global luxury brand, featuring sustainable practices from start to finish. Reflecting Prada’s commitment to conscious and responsible practices across every facet of its business, the gold and diamond production chain involved in this collection is verifiable and traceable.

Prada’s recycled gold is drawn only from eligible recycled material sources. Prada has partnered with only those suppliers of precious metals and stones who meet the highest industry standards concerning human rights, labour safety, environmental impact, and business ethics.

The reduction of mining of new gold benefits both environments and human rights, and while traceability of diamond origins is conventionally only possible with stones of 0.5 carats or larger, Prada expands the concept, for the first time, to stones of all sizes. It also extends through the entire value chain, from mining to cutting, setting and polishing – every step of every diamond’s life can be traced.

The records of this process have been logged on the Aura Consortium Blockchain ́s platform and can be accessed by Prada fine jewellery customers who also will be able to verify the authenticity of their pieces.

The collection features pieces for men and women, with the iconic Prada Triangle as the key motif and inspiration. These timeless designs feature geometric shapes, heart motifs, snake bracelets, chain necklaces, and ribbon chokers, all signifying affection and love. The Prada triangle can be seen in some way throughout each piece.

The triangle appears as a clasp closure, earrings and pendants, while its angles shape chain links and hearts, the head of a snaked bracelet. Proportions are reconsidered – pendants are blown up, and chain links are exaggerated to create impact. These jewellery pieces express strength, presence, and passion.

See more of the collection at www.prada.com

The 2023 Grammy Awards brought some serious style moments to the red carpet in LA. We round up some of our favourite looks of the night.

Adele wearing Louis Vuitton

Harry Styles wearing Egon Lab

Cardi B wearing Gaurav Gupta

Anitta wearing Versace

Taylor Swift wearing Roberto Cavalli

Doja Cat wearing Versace

Lizzo Beating wearing Dolce&Gabbana

Megan Fox wearing Zuhair Murad and Machine Gun Kelly wearing Dolce&Gabbana

Jennifer Lopez wearing Gucci

Pharrell wearing Ernst W Baker

Trevor Noah

The Emirates Festival of Literature began in 2008 as a way of bringing together those who are interested and inspired by reading, offering a platform for visitors to access the works and ideas of writers, and offering the authors the opportunity to connect with their audience on a broader scale.

Now, fifteen years later, the festival has become one of the UAE’s most important annual events as it attracts authors and visitors from all around the world, bringing together a community of people who are interested in a host of topics covered by literature. It has also helped to put local talented authors out there on a global platform, celebrating their work and helping to get them international recognition. This year, as the festival celebrates its fifteenth anniversary, we find out more from Isobel Abulhoul, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation.

Tell us about the theme of this year’s Emirates Festival of Literature.

This year we are celebrating our 15th Anniversary, so our theme is ‘Old Friends’, bringing back to Dubai some of the amazing authors who have visited us before, such as David Walliams, Jeffrey Archer and Kate Mosse, amongst many others. We’ve also invited award-winning authors and experts on all sorts of topics who are new to the festival, such as the star of the hit series “Succession”, Brian Cox, bestselling authors Cecilia Ahern and Mohsin Hamid, renowned mathematician Marcus du Sautoy and experts on everything from comics, pop culture and keeping well in body and mind, to current affairs, business and science, so there is something for everyone.

What are some of the highlights that visitors expect to find at the event this year?

We have a magical evening of music, poetry and performance topped off with a Lebanese feast in celebration of Gibran Kahlil Gibran, marking 100 years since the publication of his inspirational book “The Prophet”, and the 140th anniversary of his birth. We also have dinner with celebrity chef Bobby Chinn with a focus on sustainable dining and Anthony Geffen showing us his documentary of the late Queen Elizabeth Second, created for her Diamond Jubilee in June 2022. He will share with us additional unseen footage and insights into a person who was a Queen not just for the UK and Commonwealth, but the world. No festival would be complete without Desert Stanzas, the festival’s much-loved signature event which this year marks the opening night on 1st February. It features poetry renditions and narratives that celebrate friendship, plus a homage to the preservation of the planet and the COP28 story, interpreted through performance.

Kat Farmer

How do you think the event and the foundation as a whole help to encourage the UAE’s literature talent to be recognised on a global scale?

The festival is a wonderful international platform to showcase Emirati talents who share this stage with their peers from around the world. This helps to grow the reputation of writers in the region within the international community and also fosters long-lasting friendships between Emirati authors and international counterparts, which leads to collaboration. In 2020 we initiated the Global Association of Literary Festivals, which is an opportunity to showcase our writers around the world. It opens the opportunity for Emirati authors and poets to be invited to other international Festivals. This year we are hosting 23 delegates, from Canada, the USA, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe.

What in your opinion are some of the biggest achievements of The Emirates Literature Foundation so far?

The Emirates Literature Foundation has an enormous range of initiatives and projects which are building, piece by piece, the literary jigsaw puzzle which completes the cultural landscape here in the Emirates. A few of the achievements, thanks to the amazing team, are the connection established with the network of authors from around the world which has raised the profile of Emirati writers; the many initiatives which have contributed to supporting the burgeoning publishing industry; and our education programme, which has harnessed the enthusiasm of educators for everything that the Foundation is involved in. 

Tell us how the festival has grown since the beginning. 

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature was founded in 2008 to allow readers or those who don’t yet enjoy reading, a chance to meet inspirational writers, poets, and speakers, up close, many of whom can help change their lives for the better. We started with just 60 authors. This year is our biggest and most diverse programme yet, with more than 260 authors representing almost 50 different nationalities. 

Brian Cox

What is your vision for the foundation moving forward?

My vision remains unchanged. It is to help as many people as possible, particularly young people, to fall in love with books and reading. I worry about the younger generation and their disengagement from literature and I believe this will have a negative impact on their opportunities in the future.

What is the biggest challenge you face currently in what you do?

There are not enough hours in the day for me or the team to actually complete our tasks.

Omar Saif Ghobash

What more do you think can be done to support local talent?

The Emirates LitFest Writing Prize, which began in 2013 as the Montegrappa, has resulted in ten writers based in the UAE becoming published internationally and we expect that success to continue. Last year we launched First Chapter, the Elf Seddiqi Fellowship, which gives ten new writers each year the chance to be mentored by international authors, along with a programme of talks from world-class experts in the industry and a field trip to the Gotham Writers Centre in New York. Two of the first cohort have already been signed by international agents before their year is up. The second group of successful applicants will be announced during the festival. Last year we also launched a publishing house, ELF Publishing, with the remit of finding new talent, and telling stories from the region which we can publish, so look out for more successful writers based in the UAE getting their books onto our bookshelves.

How would you assess the UAE’s literacy scene today?

Every day I see growth and expansion and it makes me so happy. 

Why do you think it’s so important for younger generations to read books?

I believe passionately and with scientific research to back me up, that children being read to regularly (bedtime stories) from the earliest ages, and then reading books for pleasure themselves, have a huge advantage in life: increased confidence, vocabulary, empathy, knowledge, critical analysis skills and creativity are just some of the benefits. Books for children should provide both a mirror and a window; so a child should see someone in books who looks like him or her, with the scenery being familiar too, that is the mirror and is relevant. Books should also provide a window on the world so that a child’s understanding of other places, cultures and people is allowed to grow. 

David Walliams

Who is an author that inspires you?

I can’t choose one author but if I think about authors whose work has impacted me as a reader I would have to say Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz. You’ll note these are all fiction writers but they all have a hugely important message for the reader over and above the story.

What are three books that you have read recently that were particularly inspiring to you?

“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus, “A Terrible Kindness” by Jo Browning Wroe and 

“Age Proof” by Rose Anne Kenny. 

Who is your favourite author and why?

It’s Ernest Hemmingway. I first read his novels and essays as a teenager and it had a huge impact on my love of literature, which has stayed with me. He has such a recognisable style, I was in awe of how he could paint such vivid pictures in my mind, both of characters and landscape, without using adjectives. 

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Seize the day!

Dior’s new Dior Addict Lip Maximizer is the ultimate product for shine. This pumping lip gloss offers an instant glow.

This year, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup has reinvented this cult product with an even more desirable formula of 90 per cent natural-origin ingredients.

“With this Dior Addict Lip Maximizer launch, we are offering the makeup result of a Dior gloss, combined with the sensation of our iconic Lip Maximizer. 31 fabulous shades of plump and shine.” Says Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup.

See more of Dior’s new Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in our latest editorial shoot below:

ALEXA WEARS:
Dior Forever Glow Veil
Dior Forever Skin Correct
Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer shade 038 Rose Nude
All Dior Beauty

ALEXA WEARS: Dior Forever Velvet Veil Dior Forever Glow Veil Dior Forever Skin Correct Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation Dior Lip Maximizer shade 006 Berry
All Dior Beauty

ALEXA WEARS:
Dior Forever Velvet Veil
Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation
Dior Forever Skin Correct
Dior Lip Maximizer shade 012 Rosewood
All Dior Beauty

ALEXA WEARS: Dior Forever Glow Veil Dior Forever Skin Correct Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation Dior Lip Maximizer shade 007 Raspberry
All Dior Beauty

ALEXA WEARS: Dior Forever Velvet Veil Dior Forever Glow Veil Dior Forever Skin Correct Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation Dior Lip Maximizer shade 006 Berry
All Dior Beauty

ALEXA WEARS:
Dior Forever Velvet Veil
Dior Forever Skin Correct
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer shade 001 Pink
All Dior Beauty

ALEXA WEARS: Dior Forever Glow Veil Dior Forever Skin Correct Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation Dior Lip Maximizer shade 007 Raspberry
All Dior Beauty

ALEXA WEARS: Dior Forever Glow Veil Dior Forever Skin Correct Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation Dior Lip Maximizer shade 007 Raspberry
All Dior Beauty

ALEXA WEARS:
Dior Forever Glow Veil
Dior Forever Skin Correct
Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer shade 038 Rose Nude
All Dior Beauty

The new product is launched alongside a campaign featuring actress Anya Taylor-Joy. Watch the campaign video here.

Omar Al Busaidy is a man of many talents. From a young age, he was interested in poetry and writing, which soon led to a love for public speaking. As an entrepreneur, he had many experiences, both good and bad, and he saw the need to share this with the world.

After presenting many talks and seminars to students or budding entrepreneurs he decided the time was right to put his words down on paper and he published “Just Read It” – a book that describes many of the key elements needed of entrepreneurs but also delves into the mindset that’s required in order to be successful. “Just Read It” became popular both in the UAE and around the world and has helped Omar to gain an integral following. This year he will share some of his messages on an international platform at the Emirates Festival of Literature later this month. Ahead of that, we met with Omar to discuss the success of his book as well as his other ventures and businesses that are in the pipeline. 

Can you share a little about where your passion for writing came from?

When I was young I used to enjoy writing poetry and that’s where I think my passion first came from. I was encouraged by the school principal at the time to write a poem for the yearbook and it’s something I did every year until I graduated from high school. I was inspired by movies and also the books that I was reading in school. After this, I stopped writing for a long time, I was doing a lot of speaking rather than writing, but it came back to me later in life. On the advice of some of those students, I decided to put together what I was saying in a book and that’s where my passion reignited. 

Tell us about your book “Just Read It” – can you share some of the key points and takeaways?

I was very active when I was younger, I was a full-time employee, I was a university student, and I also had a side business. Through many trials of trying to start different things, I had a lot of business ideas that failed or weren’t successful and throughout my career, I was invited many times by different organisations to speak about this. I hosted a session at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi and the students enjoyed how I talked about failure and to keep trying, and the Professor of Entrepreneurship asked if I could go back and do it again. So I did and this continued for a while until eventually, along with one of the students, I created a class called Emirati Entrepreneur Class, where I would talk about the attitude of an entrepreneur and the mindset that you need to have in order to actually want to do something. Every class was full – students were even sitting on the floor – but I used to notice how none of them would take notes, so I wondered how they would ever remember what I was saying. I told them ‘if you don’t document the things that I’m saying, you will never remember’ and one of the girls at the front of the class told me that they would prefer to read. She said: ‘why don’t you just write a book?’ And so I did! It wasn’t in the plan but I felt the urge to get people to take the information in and this seemed to be a great way to do it. So I spent the next eight months writing the book and putting down all my thoughts. Honestly, I didn’t know if I was going to get it published, or even what to call the book as it wasn’t necessarily about business, it’s more of a self-help motivational book that you can interpret as you wish. I spoke to a colleague at the time and told her about the book and I told her ‘I just wanted people to read it’ and she said: ‘call it that then!’ And that’s where the name “Just Read It” came from. She was actually the one who encouraged me to get the book published, so I have her to thank for that.

Can you tell us how the book came to life from that point? 

My sister had a friend in publishing and this led me to find a publisher. I spoke to her company and when they saw it they agreed to publish it. The book came out as both an e-book and a hard copy. I was then contacted by a lady who owns a communications company in Dubai who offered to do the PR for the book, and from that moment, I got so much attention around the book and I was invited to speak at book fairs all around the world. “Just Read It” came out during the UAE’s Year of Reading and because of this it was picked up by a lot of schools, Universities and companies who would bulk order. It was fantastic and gave me great exposure. 

What are some of the key messages you wanted to share with the book?

Sometimes I get asked what people can learn from the book and I say ‘nothing’, because everything that’s in the book is either something we already learnt at school, at home, in religion, or life, and all I did was ‘Omarise’ it. If you think about a lot of these types of books or quotes, someone at some point said them and we all say the same things but we just say them differently. I feel that the way I deliver the message is different from what else is out there. 

To go back to your question, one of the things I talk about is getting out of your comfort zone. I examine the difference between taking a risk and taking a calculated risk. I discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with a circle of support. They say ‘your network is your net worth’ and ‘who you surround yourself with is crucial in helping you in where you’re going.’ These are all themes that are important and I do think we need someone to remind us of this because sometimes we deviate from these and lose track of where we’re going. The older I get the more I have realised that one person or one thing could take you completely off track. I also look at the importance of meditation or prayer, being with yourself and reflecting. We don’t spend enough time doing that. I also talk about the importance of networking and communication. Even if you’re an introvert, you have to work on your skills of communication because it’s something that could make or break your life.  

Another story I want to tell you is how a teacher from Iran got in touch with me. She had seen the book somehow and she reached out to me to ask if it would be possible to translate the book into Farsi. I don’t speak Farsi and had no one to translate for me so I told her she could take the content of the book and translate it herself. I didn’t want any royalties, I just want the message to go out. So I gave it to her and she went ahead and did it, and she published the book in Farsi! The design is the same but the language is different and now people in Iran can get my book!

Are there any plans for a follow-up to the book?

That is a great question! A couple of things have happened around this. Firstly, I was invited by the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government to co-author a book called “Agile Government”, which was published two months ago. I wrote about something called the Majlis Diplomacy. Another book I co-authored on called “Innovation to the Core” also just came out. So I’m constantly being asked to do other things. I do want to write my second one and actually, I already have the title, it will be called “Why Jobs Are For Robots and Life Is For People.” This will be a kind of follow-up to “Just Read It”, but it goes deeper into how we need to all be more human rather than this robotic concept of just being in an office and on auto-pilot. If I could demolish all offices, I would do it in a heartbeat! I feel like they are the worst, most toxic environments in the world. There is so much negative energy that takes place in office environments, and when that energy is contained in one place, it’s even worse. If I could work remotely for my whole life I would do it. If you want human connection, meet outside! There’s simply no need for offices. As long as you have your laptop and your internet connection, you can get the job done from anywhere. 

We know you will be taking part in this year’s Emirates Festival of Literature – what can we expect to see from you there and why do you think this platform is important for the UAE?

The UAE is known for many things – the tallest buildings, the best beaches, the fastest cars – but what we are not yet known for and what the leadership of the UAE wants to showcase is the knowledge-based economy that we have. In a sense, highlights how all the money that the government has invested in its people to get a good education, and what they are doing with that knowledge. This is what we need to be talking about. Our diplomacy is extremely important right now when there are so many conflicts and wars taking place around the world. What you’re seeing is that the UAE is coming out as a strong player when it comes to negotiations and conflict resolutions. When you have a platform like Emirates Lit Fest that can showcase the thinkers, the intellectuals, the authors etc. It’s a great platform to remind people that we have these amazing talents and that there is more to the country than what meets the eye. Some great Emirati authors are coming out and it’s a testament to the government’s work on human capital and people development and I think this is a great opportunity. 

I am honoured that I have been invited to speak at the festival. It’s a fantastic line-up and it’s something I have wanted to be involved in for a while, so I’m very excited. I will be involved in a workshop around entrepreneurship. It’s a topic that I’m interested in for many reasons and honestly, making money is one of the last reasons it interests me. Entrepreneurship helps develop your soft skills. When you see a nation that has a lot of entrepreneurs, you start to become more open to different cultures and ideas and this initiates an open mind. I think what we have here in the UAE is the opportunity to negotiate with someone who looks different from you or might live a different life from you and this is why I encourage entrepreneurship. Even if you don’t succeed with your business in the end, the first engagement is what I love about it. 

The UAE has just rolled out a new law that allows Emiratis working in the public sector to take a year off from work to go out and start their own business while still receiving 50 per cent of their salary. This is amazing and it’s encouraging entrepreneurs in the UAE to follow their ideas. And then if they become successful within that year, they can become independent and not have to rely on a public sector job anymore. Of course, I know why people what the stability of a job, but from my experience, once you are no longer in that situation, you could be much happier. I am now working between two continents and my company; Global Possibilities is registered in the United States, the UAE and Malaysia, so I’m already established globally within a year.

Tell us more about Global Possibilities. 

It’s a consulting business, I do commercial affairs and public diplomacy. On the commercial affairs side is that I help companies expand, either from The US or Malaysia to the UAE or vice versa. And with public diplomacy, I advise governments on foreign policy, especially when it comes to peace building and religious tolerance and inter-faith dialogue. I work a lot with groups from different religions and bring them together and we have a very nice situation. All of these faiths have more in common than you would ever imagine. 

What else is in the pipeline for you? 

I have a start-up company that I’m working on with a partner. It is called Kluly. It is an ed-tech platform on which we credentialise micro-learning. For example, for everyone that’s coming to the Emirates Festival of Literature, for each event, they attend they would receive a certificate of attendance. This certificate is in the form of a digital profile which shows them how many sessions they have attended, what types of topics they have attended etc. So we offer the ability to track your micro-learning and the skills you gain. You are then able to share this with your colleagues and it acts as a form of resume, highlighting that you are a life-long learner. We are not talking about skills that take a long time to learn as that would be macro-learning, we are talking about short learning experiences and we will credentialise these sessions, whatever it may be. We have already onboarded over 20 clients and issued over 2,500 certificates in under three months, so we’re growing quite quickly. 

What is something you would still like to do that you haven’t done yet?

I would love to open a coffee shop! I am addicted to coffee, it is my vice and I wish I could have a café with great coffee, good books, and a chilled environment. I know this exists in so many places but I want to have my own concept. I would also want to sell my own delicious brownies! I see it as a place that will incorporate everything I do. 

Who or what inspires you?

I think what inspires me is to have a lasting impact on people’s lives. When I get positive feedback from people who have been impacted by my book or my talks etc. that’s what truly motivates me. Sometimes we feel like we are very small pieces in this big wide world, but when we can influence things from afar, that’s when it is truly amazing. Look at the lady in Iran who translated my book, for example, it was so crazy, I’m still amazed by this. All I want is to be remembered as someone who was a good force in life. I don’t just want to exist, I want to make an impact. 

What is a motto or quote you live by?

‘The only disability in life is a bad attitude’. I am a very positive person, I love positive people and positive energy and every day I wake up and I try to give that positive attitude in everything that I do. 

What is a book you would recommend?

I love “Good To Great” by Jim Collins. What he talks about is how having the right people around you, impacts everything you do.

I would also recommend “Flashes of Thought: Lessons in Life and Leadership from the Man Behind Dubai” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. It’s a fantastic book and even if I wasn’t from the UAE I would recommend that book.

And finally, I love “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. That book honestly changed my life at a very low time in my life and it was really impactful.  

Dubai Watch Week will return this year for its 6th edition. Taking place from 16th to 20th November 2023 at The Gate, DIFC, the event will return after a hiatus with an immersive programme further cementing its significance across the luxury and horology sectors.

This year’s edition of the Middle East exhibition will focus on craftsmanship, propelling and celebrating innovation and engaging attendees with a rich and compelling programme. Guests can expect an array of entertainment, cultural activities and gastronomic experiences bound to drive audiences’ curiosity further.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of Dubai Watch Week in 2023. The platform is not just a watch show but a global movement, one that continues to build on our legacy across the luxury and horology industry. With evolving mindsets and industry landscapes, our goal for the 6th edition is to enhance the experiential element while focusing on storytelling, as we broaden our audience and further entice the watch community.” commented Hind Seddiqi, Director General, Dubai Watch Week.

Hind Seddiqi, Director General, Dubai Watch Week.

With a focus on versatility and connectivity to highlight the event pillars, a key objective is to maintain Dubai’s position as the regional hub for luxury and horology while highlighting unique talent across the region. A pioneer in the industry on many fronts and winner of the Special Jury Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards in 2021, the platform will continue to push the boundaries as we unite for a moment in time.

An educational platform, Dubai Watch Week will collaborate closely with partners and participating brands to delve deeper into topical moments and happenings that will enhance our offering. At its core, Dubai Watch Week strives to bridge communities and champion a platform for networking.

For further information on the 6th edition of Dubai Watch Week, please click HERE

Applications for this year’s Fashion Trust Arabia Prize are now open.

The annual prize recognises design talent in the Middle East and North Africa and offers winners the opportunity to grow their brands on an international level.

Fashion Trust Arabia successfully launched the first edition of FTA Prize in 2018 under the patronage and presence of FTA’s honorary chair HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and co-chairs HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani and Tania Fares.

It is the first initiative of its kind in the Arab world and has so far had great success in supporting some of the most talented designers in the region. With an initial mission to provide financial support, guidance and mentorship to emerging designers in the MENA region, FTA has become so much more: a platform of opportunity through which every talented Arab designer can grow and receive international recognition.

This year’s applications are now open for the following categories:

-Evening Wear

-Ready-to-Wear

-Accessories

-Jewelry (Fine/Fashion)

-Debut Talent (2021, 2022, 2023 graduate)

If you’re a designer from the MENA region looking to give your brand a boost through financial support and industry mentorships with some of the biggest names in fashion, find out how to submit your application Here

The Spring/Summer 2023 campaign for BOSS celebrates the success of some of today’s young icons.

Featuring stars including Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid, Maluma, Matteo Berrettini and Khaby Lame, the series of videos and images shows the stars as young children and as they are today.

Supported by the motto “Be your own BOSS,” the campaign invites talents from various fields to share their stories to inspire individuals to embrace their destiny. Each of these talents has overcome various challenges in their life to get to where they are today.

Captured by photographer Mikael Jansson, these power-packed stories are told through emotionally engaging words that portray their paths to triumph. These BOSS personalities always knew what they wanted, and their breakthroughs were achieved through a series of personal choices. While destined for greatness, they neatly personify the fact that BOSSes aren’t born – they’re made.

On a wider scale that campaign has seen a number of talents from the Middle East and around the world sharing images with the hashtag #Beyourownboss, generating a various frenzy around the story. It aims to inspire personal ambition while showcasing the new collection in a way that motivates the audience. It also serves as a reminder that all paths in life can present countless twists of fate, yet the journey to becoming who you were ultimately meant to begin within.

The Spring/Summer 2023 collection from BOSS showcases a bold aesthetic, combining a city-inspired spirit with a summery, off-court lifestyle in the brand’s signature colour palette of black, white, and camel. The result is a sophisticated, yet relaxed assortment in which the BOSS codes blend seamlessly, creating a sleek intersection of soft tailoring and elevated sportswear.

The new Dior High Jewellery collection design by Victoire de Castellane continues to offer a new interpretation of lace, inspired by the House’s Haute Couture designs.

An ode to Christian Dior and the House’s savoir-faire, the Dearest Dior collection features seventy-seven exquisite creations that convey a multi-faceted femininity, both fragile and powerful, timeless and infinitely modern.

Each jewel expresses the desire of Dior Joaillerie’s Artistic Director to create jewellery that can be worn as close to the skin as possible, borrowing its finesse and lightness from lace.

The mounts of the necklaces, rings and bracelets are so airy they seem to disappear, leaving diamonds and rubies, pearls and tourmalines, and blue, pink or yellow sapphires to reveal their shimmering shades in complex compositions that evoke the intertwining of refined guipure. A feat that testifies to the excellence of Dior’s workshops, highlighted by the many techniques required to devise these precious pieces.

In a hypnotic play of shine and transparency, the lace is made of gold thanks to the conception of remarkably supple mesh sheets, the result of extensive research and development.

The lines and articulations have been carefully studied to adapt perfectly to the curves of the hand, wrist and neck, while the flat volume reproduces the delicacy of lace laid directly on the skin.

A goldsmith’s ribbon, enhanced by a series of stitched diamonds, scattered flowers, tassels and sequins, perpetuates the dialogue between jewellery and couture. Inspired by the Dior Galons models, motifs feature plant designs in homage to the founding couturier’s unconditional passion for nature.

Forging a link between tradition and innovation, earrings boldly play with asymmetry, necklaces become ultra-contemporary chokers and a ruby-set pendant is transformed into a brooch.

This is a captivating new chapter in the Masion’s jewellery story and a tribute to the exceptional savoir-faire of the Ateliers, where the Dior dream comes to life.

 This February Jaeger-LeCoultre will reveal an exclusive exhibition in Dubai. The exciting new Stellar Odyssey exhibition will for the first time pay homage to the astronomical phenomena that lie at the origins of time measurement.

The exhibition is an invitation for visitors to discover how the mysteries of the cosmos are translated into micro-mechanical wonders that capture the universe in miniature, in order to tell the time. The story will be told alongside the display of exclusive and remarkable timepieces from the Swiss watchmaker, as well as multi-media installations that will take visitors on a virtual journey to the cosmos. It translates the wonders of the celestial world into art installations and multi-sensory experiences, while the Atelier d’Antoine, named after the Maison’s founder, Antoine LeCoultre, will share watchmaking know-how through hands-on educational workshops based on the Stellar Odyssey theme.

Jaeger-LeCoultre is a brand that puts craftsmanship and emotion at the heart of everything it does, and this exhibition will allow the watchmaker to reinforce this value, and share the emotion of watchmaking with guests in the Middle East for the first time. This brand-new exhibition will be located at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, offering residents and tourists alike the perfect opportunity to discover more about this beautiful brand. Here we find out more about what to expect.

We are super excited to have the Stellar Odyssey Exhibition arriving in Dubai – tell us about why you decided to bring it here and what it means for your relationship with clients in the region.

We have wanted to do something on this scale in Dubai for a while and we felt that this exhibition was at the level of execution and content that we want to bring to the region. It is one of the fullest exhibitions that we will run in terms of experience, artistic engagement, storytelling, education etc. and we wanted our first exhibition in Dubai to offer a full experience of what such an exhibition can bring. It is the first time we have had this exhibition anywhere in the world and among the others, we have run previously, I think it tops them in terms of the richness and the wealth of the content it offers. There will be a school of education on watchmaking where visitors can take a class to learn about the celestial meaning in watchmaking. There will be a full retrospective in terms of patrimony, and heritage, and we will deep dive into the relationship between celestial and watchmaking at Jaeger-LeCoultre, so there will be a lot of products displayed. There will be a sensory experience hosted by a mocktail maker who has created drinks around the theme of ‘celestial’ and this is also an amazing way to complement what we bring in terms of technicity and heritage with something that will engage the public, even if they are not passionate about watches. Everyone that visits this exhibition will find something for them, something to learn and fuel their curiosity. Last but not least, there will be a major show with a movie that has been developed specifically for this event to present the celestial inspiration, taking visitors into a very immersive experience. As we always like to bring this artistic dimension, we have worked with French artist Guillaume Marmin who will exhibit a piece that he has made to represent this celestial journey. It’s titled “Passengers: Through Time” and it tells the story of the celestial journey and how we are transported within the cosmos. So we have covered all the senses with this exhibition and there are a lot of ways to bring emotion and knowledge to our visitors. It is a major step for us in sharing our story with the public at large and specifically with those in Dubai. 

Will the exhibition travel to other destinations in the world?

Yes, that’s the idea. We have several exhibitions that rotate around the world, this one is very important because of its scale and we hope to be able to take it elsewhere such as Asia and The United States in the coming years. It’s not something we can transport every few months, but the content within it will remain very valid for a long time. 

How do you think projects such as these allow you to connect with your customers on a deeper level and help them to understand more about the brand?

In my view, today people don’t need to wear a watch. We no longer buy watches to look at the time, we have our phones for that. So watches have become more like pieces of art and something that brings emotion and passion to the wearer, more than being a useful object. So I believe it’s very important to educate the public on the artistic side of this world and to present them with what we do. They need to feel the emotion of what we do. I am a true believer in the importance of educating the public and creating curiosity around our world. We are very fascinated with our long history and for Jaeger-LeCoultre, we have very deep craftsmanship – we do everything ourselves, and we have made movements for watches for 190 years, so all of that is something that we intend to reveal in a wider way, but not in a museum-like way. We want it to be engaging, we want kids to be happy to go, and we want the public to spend time there as a family. Whether you like watches or you don’t, there is something for everyone to be curious about and something that they will remember long after visiting the exhibition. So it’s really about our opening doors, sharing who we are with the world, educating the public, and sharing something that they will find can touch them in a way. Even if you know nothing about watches you will be wowed by this exhibition for sure. If you are an avid collector who wants to visit, you can also take that path of learning things you probably didn’t know, taking the class about celestial inspiration in watchmaking, and looking at amazing pieces that are seldom out of our museum and galleries. So for anyone, depending on their level of interest, this exhibition is in any case offering education. 

How do you manage to keep the craftsmanship alive at Jaeger-LeCoultre, keeping the same standard of excellence and also managing the demand for watches today?

What we have always done at Jaeger-LeCoultre is embark on young generations and apprentices within our craftmanship and watchmaking school. Within our Manufacture, we have a dedicated school for apprentices, to train them in these skills. This way we can develop the next generation of watchmakers. We also do cross-training with our employees, continuously training our teams so they adapt and learn new skills. This makes them very flexible in what they do and how they contribute to the Maison. Education, the new generation and agility in learning, are all part of who we are and what we have been for many decades. In terms of the volume and managing the demand, yes it has been a challenge because we have very limited capacity, so we have been continuing the creativity and challenging ourselves to always bring something new, rather than repeating the same things. So yes, there are some pieces today that are probably hard to get, but at least we continue with novelties, with creativity, and in a way, we select where we sell and how we sell. We have been addressing this point by looking at quality, and creativity, and not falling into a trap of producing a volume that would be very challenging for us to meet with the constraints of the time it takes to create our pieces. And of course, we must keep the exclusivity of our pieces. It takes years for a piece to be developed and created, so the exclusivity comes together with the object and I think it is important to maintain the creativity, to fuel it with new ideas, to bring something new to the table for our clients and to also keep renewing ourselves. We have worked a lot on Reverso for instance, it is the icon of the Maison and it has been there for over 90 years now, but we’ve revamped it, keeping the same sense of identity from the thirties and bringing a new touch of modernity and new colours, new ways of wearing the watch, so we manage to bring this type of creativity to the brand and that’s what we have really been protecting during this recent hype around watchmaking. 

What can you tell us about Jaeger-LeCoultre in the Middle East in general and what is in the pipeline for our region?

We are bringing this exhibition to the region now but we’ve been investing in The Middle East for a long time. In the last few years, our investments in the region have been primarily around upgrading our presence through our boutiques, and re-shaping our distribution, and now we feel it is a good time for us in the Middle East. That’s also why it’s a good time to host this exhibition. We have two stores in Dubai, we’ve got a presence in Qatar, in Kuwait, in Saudi Arabia, we’ve been developing a good client base and investing in awareness, so presenting this exhibition now is really saying that we are ready and we want to welcome clients to take a look at the brand. 

What else is in the pipeline for 2023 for Jaeger-LeCoultre and what is your vision for this year?

It’s going to be a busy year! We are going to be introducing a lot of novelties throughout the year starting with Watches & Wonders, but there will be a lot of other moments during the year to reveal new pieces. We have a very nice project to start the year around celebrating our heritage. We are working on renovating and restoring vintage pieces from the twenties to the seventies and we will be creating small capsules around these pieces for the public to buy. This is super exciting because it’s a way for us to dive back into the history of the Maison. We’ve got investment happening in major stores, that’s part of who we are. You will see a major flagship opening in New York towards the end of the year. We have new boutiques opening in Europe. We will continue our programmes of partnership with artists, which has been a great success for us in terms of creativity and showcasing all the passion that we have in our work. So we will continue with four new artists in 2023 who will continue to enrich our message and showcase the creativity of the Maison. So there is a lot more to come!

What is the biggest challenge you face today?

Of course, without a doubt, the uncertainty that we have faced over the last three years has created a lot of challenges because you need to be very agile in where you sell, where you allocate the stock that you have etc. so you have to prioritise and that has been quite challenging. It’s very important to get our voice heard and I think we have been very successful with this through our latest campaigns, partnerships and exhibitions, but we need to keep this momentum going and it means that you need to always renew yourself. There is never a moment of rest. As soon as you have a good idea or story, you need to have another one. It’s always onto the next thing and we are always on the move, which is challenging. You need to be very creative and always ahead of your time. 

How would you assess the watchmaking industry today as a whole?

I look at it more and more from an artistic standpoint. We went from a necessary object to a technical object and nowadays it’s the technicity together with the art and crafts that go into a piece that gives watchmaking its sense, and that’s really what’s meaningful for our clients. These pieces become moments. Like if you buy a painting or a sculpture, you do it because it makes you happy, or because you want to gift it to someone you care about or to yourself for a special moment in your life. I think this is what we are about, these celebrations and emotions, in the same way, that art can bring emotion. More and more craftsmanship and creativity will make a difference. I think those in watchmaking who are observing what other Maisons do, and in a way repeating what has been done before, they don’t bring the creativity or the emotion and I don’t think that can last. You have to challenge yourself creatively, and you have to bring meaning that is specific to your Maison, to the public, and that’s what we intend to do and how the watch industry will change. 

What is a message you would send to our readers as to why they should visit the exhibition and what they can expect to see?

Come and be surprised and touched by the emotion you will get when you visit. 

The Stellar Odyssey will be presented from Saturday 4th to Thursday 23rd February 2023 at the Dubai Fountain, Downtown Dubai, open daily from 2:00pm to 12.00 am. Tickets may be booked online at https://online-booking.jaeger-lecoultre.com/domaine/theme12  

The 2023 list of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants was revealed with a glamorous ceremony in Abu Dhabi on January 30^th 2023.

Dubai-based restaurant Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is named The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa 2023, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, and The Best Restaurant in the UAE. Owned by three brothers originally from Syria: Mohammad, Wassim and Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros Bistro is located in the Wasl 51 neighbourhood of Jumeirah and was founded in 2021. The menu features dishes with a core Middle Eastern theme paying homage to the brothers’ Aleppian roots, while capturing the multiculturalism and avant-garde spirit of Dubai.

A thrilling dining experience is led by charismatic head chef Mohammad Orfali, while brothers Wassim and Omar are both top-level pastry chefs and work from an elevated pastry kitchen which overlooks the main dining room.

Fine dining Indian restaurant Trèsind Studio which is located on The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai and headed by chef Himanshu Saini, claims the No.2 spot, and is followed by Fusions by Tala in Manama (No.3), which is also named The Best Restaurant in Bahrain and takes home the Highest Climber Award 2023. Dubai’s Ossiano (No.4) is awarded the Highest New Entry prize, sponsored by Aspire Lifestyles.

William Drew, Director of Content for Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, says: “It’s a great honour to announce that Orfali Bros Bistro has made it to the No.1 spot at the second edition of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. It is a masterfully executed independent restaurant, loved by local residents and visitors alike. There is no doubt that it sets a new standard in creativity, innovation and food presentation, coupled with an intimate service style, and we are thrilled to celebrate its brilliance. Additionally, we are excited to see restaurants from 14 different cities represented on this year’s list, showcasing the rich diversity of cuisines across this region.”

MENA50 Best Restaurants Results list 2023

The United Arab Emirates is the country that tops the list with an impressive 18 restaurants featured, including three from host city Abu Dhabi, while Israel follows with six establishments, one of which is in the top 10: George & John (No.6), winner of The Best Restaurant in Israel. Following close behind are Egypt and Jordan with five restaurants each, with Fakhreldin (No.8) named The Best Restaurant in Jordan, while Zooba (Zamalek) (No.9) is named The Best Restaurant in Egypt.

Riyadh’s Myazu (No.18) is the winner of The Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia title. Morocco is also well-represented with four restaurants featured in the ranking including La Grande Table Marocaine (No.27), making it The Best Restaurant in Morocco. Lebanon also has a player in the top 20 with Baron (No.16) in Beirut named The Best Restaurant in Lebanon.

Tunis restaurant La Closerie (No.34) claims the title of The Best Restaurant in Tunisia, while the anime-inspired Japanese eatery White Robata in Kuwait City comes in at (No.42), making it The Best Restaurant in Kuwait.

As a recognition of excellence in restaurant service and dining experiences, the Art of Hospitality Award is presented to Beirut’s Em Sherif (No.20). The restaurant is honoured for its personalised style where the guest’s experience is tailored to their individual preference, all while embodying the spirit of Lebanese generosity.

Tiffany & Co. has just acquired some of the world’s rarest pink diamonds. This bespoke curation of rare pink diamonds was sourced in the now-closed Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia.

Located in the country’s East Kimberley region, a remote area of Western Australia, the renowned mine was open from 1983 until November 2020. It was and remains virtually the only source of pink diamonds in the world. While mining has ceased, Argyle held a small cache of diamonds that were unearthed in the final mining period.

In early 2022, Argyle approached Tiffany & Co., exclusively offering the House this unique collection of their remarkable diamonds. This is the first time that Argyle has curated a bespoke collection named in honour of a jeweller.

 “This extraordinary collection of 35 Argyle Pink™ Diamonds showcases the range of colours that Argyle diamonds are famous for, including Fancy Intense Pink, Fancy Intense Purplish Pink, Fancy Vivid Pink, Fancy Vivid Purplish Pink, Deep Pink and the rarest of all—a Fancy Red diamond,” said Victoria Wirth Reynolds, Chief Gemmologist, Tiffany & Co. “Not only are they incredibly rare, but these diamonds also align perfectly with our Diamond Craft Journey initiative, whereby we provide our clients information on the provenance—or the region or countries of origin—for every newly sourced, individually registered diamond that we set in jewellery.”

Due to the unique combination of extreme pressure and temperature required to form these diamonds, they are typically much smaller than 1 carat in size. Among the 35 Argyle Pink™ Diamonds acquired by Tiffany & Co., three are over 1 carat—representing rarity within a rarity. Every diamond within the Argyle Pink™ Diamonds: The Tiffany Collection will have both a Tiffany Diamond Certificate and an Argyle Pink™ Diamonds Certificate.

Fancy Vivid Pink Diamonds

In celebration of this historic acquisition, the House will present the incredibly rare Argyle Pink™ Diamonds to select clients for a limited time starting in early spring 2023 at global Tiffany High Jewellery events. These remarkable pink diamonds will also appear in carefully curated capsule collections and potentially in future Blue Book creations.

“We are delighted that this collection of rare Argyle Pink™ Diamonds, with their extraordinary Australian provenance and a story that began one and a half billion years ago, are now entrusted to the unrivalled craftsmanship of Tiffany & Co.,” said Sinead Kaufman, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto Minerals.

A series of candlelight concerts are taking place in Dubai this month, offering a one-of-a-kind romantic experience.

Taking place at L’Alliance Française the musical event will see the hall illuminated by thousands of candles, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves. This series of concerts will feature a 65-minute solo piano program which is sure to capture the hearts of the audience.

This February Candlelight concerts will take guests on a cinematic journey featuring music from iconic cinematic masterpieces including the Sound Of Music, West Side Story, La La Land, Mary Poppins, Les Miserables, The Wizard of Oz and many more unforgettable tunes.

Meanwhile, a series of special performances will pay homage to two iconic British rock bands; Coldplay and Queen. These are the first contemporary artists’ programs brought to the region and performed in a classical music event. It’s sure to be a night to remember!

A Cinematic Journey will take place on 5th February 2023 and the Tribute Concerts to Coldplay is on 4th February. Tribute concerts to Queen will take place at the Queen Elizabeth II Theatre on the 3rd and 4th of March.

For more information about the Candlelight Concerts access here. Find tickets to Candlelight Musicals: A Cinematic Journey at L’Alliance Française here.

On the occasion of the Paris Haute Couture Week Chopard revealed an exclusive selection of rare and precious exceptional coloured diamonds.

Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and exceptional Paraiba tourmalines create this colourful and luminous array of gems which will soon become the Maison’s high jewellery creations.

Presenting its stunning and precious stones at Paris Haute Couture Week has been a tradition of Chopard’s for many years. The Maison’s Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele spends the year travelling the world in search for the most coveted gemstones.

This year’s presentation begun with a pair of vivid yellow Ceylon sapphires (Sri Lanka is known as the “Gem Island”): both are finely oval-cut and weigh 151.19 and 127.70 carats respectively. In addition to this impressive size, they combine excellent clarity, perfectly matched colour as well as the well-balanced structure characteristic of the most precious Ceylon sapphires. Luminous as solar stars, they are destined to adorn a ring with a daring design and a matching cuff bracelet.

Another 26.70-carat sapphire featuring the most prized Royal Blue colour completes the corundum family. Also mined from the generous soils of Sri Lanka, it features a transparent blue hue that catches the light through an octagonal shape with a sought-after symmetry that reinforces the intensity and brilliance of coloured stones.

Next, a vivid red ruby is distinguished by its remarkable 10.06-carat weight and fine purity. Its strong red saturation, size and characteristics make it one of the finest-quality East African specimens. Like the sapphires, its colour is natural and has not been subjected to any heat treatment.

Two sets of coloured diamonds are intended for a dainty pair of earrings with a sleek contemporary design and a ‘You and Me’ ring, on which three pink and three green diamonds will star in an elegant play on their pear-shaped design. These rare coloured diamonds owe their hues to the presence of chemical elements or inclusions that modify their absorption of light. That is why, above and beyond the natural beauty of these exceptional gems, the finesse of their cut plays an important role in revealing the brilliance of their colour. While coloured diamonds – such as the famous ‘Dresden Green’ – were long regarded as the prerogative for monarchs who had them set on royal regalia, coloured diamonds have for several years been enjoying renewed interest among discerning collectors. Green diamonds are still among the rarest, while pink diamonds have seen their value rise due to their eminently feminine shade, as well as because of the recent exhaustion of the Argyle mine in Australia, which for several decades extracted the bulk of pink diamonds in world trade.

The three green diamonds acquired by Caroline Scheufele from mines in Brazil, as well as the three pink specimens from South Africa, are distinguished by their excellent combination of size (the largest in the lot weighed 4.63 carats) and few impurities.

Finally, the crystal-clear purity of blue tourmaline is highlighted by Chopard through a batch of three stones. The first two examples featuring a remarkable weight of over seven carats, combined with a matching blue colour and very fine purity, form the ideal tandem for a pair of earrings. Their proportions and the finesse of their subtly oval cut create vivid blue hues due to multiple internal reflections.

Due to the presence of copper in its soils, the northern Mozambique region where these stones were unearthed has recently produced some of the finest tourmalines in colours ranging from blue to greenish blue, very similar in many respects to the famous ‘Paraiba’ tourmalines mined in Brazil during the 1980s and later in Nigeria. Assembling such a range of Mozambican tourmalines of this colour, size and quality can be considered an exceptional opportunity. A third almost 16-carat stone will be the highlight of a ring matching the earrings and forming a spellbinding set.

“Because of my family’s history as jewellery specialists across several generations, my life has been marked by encounters with the rarest gems. Impressive in size and captivating in colour, this yellow diamond immediately caught my attention and our Maison is proud to present it today.” Said Caroline Scheufele.

It was announced today that Italian designer Sabato De Sarno will assume the role of Creative Director at Gucci.

De Sarno will present his debut runway collection at Milan Women’s Fashion Week in September 2023.

Sabato De Sarno began his career at Prada in 2005, moving to Dolce & Gabbana, before joining Valentino in 2009. He was most recently Fashion Director of Men’s and Women’s collections at Valentino.

Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci, said in a statement: “I am delighted that Sabato will join Gucci as the House’s new Creative Director, one of the most influential roles in the luxury industry. Having worked with a number of Italy’s most renowned luxury fashion houses, he brings with him a vast and relevant experience. I am certain that through Sabato’s deep understanding and appreciation for Gucci’s unique legacy, he will lead our creative teams with a distinctive vision that will help write this exciting next chapter, reinforcing the House’s fashion authority while capitalizing on its rich heritage.”

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO of Kering, said: “One hundred and two years after Guccio Gucci opened his first store in Florence, Gucci remains one of the most iconic, prominent and influential luxury houses in the world. With Sabato De Sarno at the creative helm, we are confident that the House will continue both to influence fashion and culture through highly desirable products and collections, and to bring a singular and contemporary perspective to modern luxury.”

Sabato De Sarno added: “I am deeply honored to take on the role as Creative Director of Gucci. I am proud to join a House with such an extraordinary history and heritage, that over the years has been able to welcome and cherish values I believe in. I am touched and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand.”

The announcement was made via Gucci’s social media accounts. De Sarno is thought to begin his role in the coming months, working on the Spring/Summer 2024 collections.

Much like the precious relationship between artisanal creator and artistic creation, the bond between the owner and the Moynat object is particularly personal.

Each order placed is an invitation to experience not only exceptional leather goods but also remarkably special care. Since 1849, the House has decorated clients’ names, stripes and family crests onto globe-trotting trunks.

Hand-painted, the intimate tradition of these emblems resonates to this day with both initial design and unique lettering available upon request.

Eschewing stencils, each letter is individually painted in Moynat’s Parisian studio in either an archival font from the House’s history or a design newly imagined for the owner.

The Moynat personalisation service is available exclusively for Moynat customers.

Gucci revealed an exclusive selection of new Hortus Deliciarum High Jewellery pieces during Paris Haute Couture Week.

In the third chapter of this collection, the brand draws inspiration from the world of travel and the memorable moments that every journey can bring.

Hortus Deliciarum — meaning ‘Garden of Delights’ in Latin — blends Gucci’s rich heritage in Italian craftsmanship and its ever-distinctive creativity in one-of-a-kind masterpieces distinguished by unique artistry, exceptional quality, and acute attention to detail.

The new additions to the Hortus Deliciarum collection earrings, and multi-finger rings, are divided into different themes. The designs explore tantalizing facets of the natural and animal kingdom, placing jewellery artistry centre stage. These pieces evoke distant, exotic, and magical worlds, exciting the imagination with Gucci’s signature painterly approach to high jewellery craftsmanship.

A selection of pieces features fresh interpretations of Gucci’s distinctive Lion Head and Tiger Head motifs, symbolizing strength, courage, and passion. Flawless, fancy-cut vivid gemstones, from aquamarines to yellow sapphires, add vibrant touches to these dynamic designs.

The collection includes several new creations showcasing a captivating combination of multicoloured stones that are inspired by the concept of prismatic beauty and specifically designed to catch the light.

Other stunning pieces are distinguished by cascades of dancing diamonds, inspired by the beauty of shooting stars and the sparkling torrents of a waterfall. A highlight of this selection is a parure comprising a dazzling white gold necklace and matching drop earrings.

A yellow gold bracelet, meanwhile, showcases a diamond-embellished chevron pattern and an oval-shaped 16-carat rubellite tourmaline, offering a striking geometric interplay of straight lines and smooth curves. This exceptional creation takes 200 hours to produce.

Intricately crafted and full of surprising details, an ornate diamond parure pays homage to the majestic beauty of natural landscapes. A diamond-encrusted geometric chain necklace is teamed with a stunning round-cut mandarin garnet pendant embellished with dainty emerald leaves. This can be teamed with a matching pair of jacket earrings, also in fresh and surprising shades of green and mandarin, offering a dazzling 40.5 carats of jewels for the necklace and 15.3 carats for the earrings.

To complete the collection, new diamond-embellished solitaire rings shine in an array of hues that resemble the changing colours of the sky. A sculpted, white gold design mesmerizes with a hexagonal 14.7-carat tanzanite centrepiece, while three other white gold rings each present a heart-shaped gemstone in a vivid colour: a 9-carat blue tourmaline, a 12.6-carat peach tourmaline, or an 11.5-carat pink tourmaline.

Fendi presented its Spring/Summer 2023 Couture collection by Kim Jones at Paris Fashion Week.

This season the Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear wanted to focus on the techniques and craft of couture, combining it with the lightness, fluidity and attitude of today. “It’s a celebration of the ateliers and the craftspeople who realise these garments, the intense work and emotional commitment to each piece that exists for both maker and wearer, and how the intimate traditions of the couture are both living and breathing.” Said Kim Jones. “The collection is an inner world made into an external one – both figuratively and literally – with a sense of underwear becoming eveningwear.”

The idea of underwear becoming evening wear meant a collection of light, feminine pieces that had a sense of sophistication. Traditional couture techniques were used in new ways with new materials to create a send of the old meeting the new.

Each look had a softness and luminosity about it, taking inspiration from undergarments but giving them a sense of sophistication. Winged sleeves are often detachable; lingerie is designed as part of a look, often in the same intensely embroidered and unexpected fabrications, even when invisible; coats mirror the intense embroidery of their matching dresses on the inside yet can be reversed; ‘apron’ wrap skirts can also be worn as stoles.

Draping and tying on the body, the exploration of lace and its placement, the hand-pleating motifs, together with an elevation of exceptional knit, give a sense of the sculptural and organic while at the same time displaying virtuoso ‘sprezzatura’. Even utilitarian climbing carabiners are remade as luxury sculptural objects, to tether materials nonchalantly.

The idea was to create couture that can really be worn, something we have seen a lot of this season, perhaps a sign of the times and the reality of customer expectations today.

Louis Vuitton has revealed the latest creations in its LV Volt collection.

First unveiled in 2020 this delicate collection explores the Maison’s cherished abstract art forms with geometric lines and sharp symmetrical forms combining the House’s “L” and “V” initials to create an architectural motif.

The latest creations are a metaphor for movement and are enriched with new elements. The new designs in the collection are set with diamonds on the pendants and ear studs in white or yellow gold. An innovative setting is structured around three triangular white-gold claws to enhance the sparkle of the gemstone.

This same aesthetic is also featured on a ring in yellow gold and diamonds as well as an original and sculptural brooch in 18-carat white gold. Hand-polished indentations in the precious metal echo the shape of the two legendary initials. Finally, the lines of the V increase in size on a new pair of architectural studs in yellow gold and diamonds with a brand-new design.

The LV Volt Play bracelets also introduce a new interpretation this year. Available in two sizes, the central motif in 18-carat yellow gold represents the rhythm of the L and V.

The interchangeable bracelets feature an innovative braid of sparkling yellow-gold threads with red or black polyamide fibres. The graphic clasps electrify the modernity of this precious unisex bracelet.

Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Spring Summer 2023 Haute Couture collection for Dior was revealed in Paris in January 2023.

A&E had exclusive access backstage ahead of the show as models prepared to walk the runway. Scroll down to see more and read the full review HERE

© Fiona Torre

© Fiona Torre

© Fiona Torre

© Fiona Torre

© Fiona Torre

© Fiona Torre

© Fiona Torre

For his Spring/Summer 2023 Haute Couture presentation for Valentino, Artistic Director Pierpaolo Piccioli  invited guests to Le Club Couture in Paris.

The glamourous evening began with a runway show set against a black backdrop, followed by a star-studded party that invited guests to celebrate couture as nightclub wear.

Kylie Minogue

Celebrity guests included Anne Hathaway, Kylie Minogue, Sam Smith, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Ashley Park, Doja Cat and more.

Anne Hathaway

The collection combined elegant show-stopping couture designs that we know and love from Valentino, with more wearable, funky looks that reflect today’s younger generation. It was perhaps an unusual approach from the Roman Masion, but perhaps reflected the growing demand for haute couture to become everyday wear.

Balqees

See more of the collection below:

Queen Elizabeth II was the owner of an aquamarine and diamond double-clip brooch from the age of 18. This was a cherished possession that she continued to wear for many decades. Inspired by this brooch Claire Choisne, Boucheron’s Creative Director decided to create a collection that focused on this elegant piece and gave it a new modern meaning, reinterpreting its Art Deco design through eighteen new designs.

“Histoire de Style, Like a Queen” debuted as part of Paris Fashion Week with a selection of pieces that transcend generations, styles ad genders.

“Three years ago, when I started looking for inspirations for this collection in the Boucheron archives, I couldn’t get my mind off that Art Deco double clip brooch”, explains Claire Choisne. “The severity and geometry of the Art Deco design, tempered by the softness and light blue hue of the aquamarines, always fascinated me. I was touched by the sentimental value of this double clip, which Queen Elizabeth II wore at pivotal moments in her reign.”

Inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s distinctive style, formidable character and effervescent presence, Claire Choisne thought it most fitting to work with this particular design and to bring it up-to-date in a collection that surpasses all genres. “Being able to wear a piece in a number of ways, as well as the use of colour, were central to our work on this collection, so that both men and women may wear these pieces. We wanted these eighteen variations to reflect the ease with which the original was worn, since the two clips may be attached in various ways, on their own or together. We also wanted this collection to convey the elegance distinctive of this Art Deco piece.”

Each piece of this Histoire de Style collection reflects the unique spirit of the two cerulean clips. A cherry ruby necklace, a pink tourmaline brooch, an azure aquamarine cuff bracelet, earrings adorned with lush emeralds… Histoire de Style, Like a Queen, stands out with its monochrome plays on joyful, intense colours, inspired by the spirit of the bright outfits that Queen Elizabeth famously wore.

Histoire de Style, Like a Queen, transcends its initial objective – constructing a complete High Jewellery collection inspired by a single piece.

Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer 2023 Haute Couture collection “Golden Dawn” is a celebration of the beauty and style of Thailand. This golden offering was inspired by an opulent royal ceremony in the beautiful South Asian country.

Each majestic piece in the collection is intricate and ornate carefully put together with embroideries, embellishment and beaded details, recreating the scenes of natural beauty that can be found in the country. Shimmering rhinestones and crystals weave into the delicate metallic tresses of wispy capes and sumptuous large coats that make elegant statements as they dance to the floor.

Delicate wing-like details and long golden trains create powerful silhouettes with asymmetrical bodices and plunging sweetheart necklines, creating lavish silk crêpe winds and wild peplum waves of ivory and pearl. Sacred koi fish swim through mermaid tails and ornate scalloped overskirts to join the dawn, as crystal rose lotus flowers blossom upwards from blue ponds to offer a water blessing.

Luscious verdant petals and 3D guipure blooms emerge from organza layers of spontaneous merriment, while freesia blossoms charmingly dangle from embellished hemlines. Light gold tulle and plush draped embroideries in exquisite textures, undulating between elaborate passementerie details and transparency. And finally, entwined in glimmers of white and gold floral vines, the bride dances forth, leading to new beginnings.

The collection also features a strong focus on menswear which was recently introduced to the brand’s offering. Men’s designs follow the same inspiration as the women’s creations, with regal golden looks creating a sense of power and opulence.

See more of the collection below:

Inspired by the colourful image of a harlequin the Giorgio Armani Privé collection “Rondò Armaniano” celebrates colour and the moment light refracts through a prism, creating a beautiful rainbow.

Iridescent materials, fluid fabrics and a glistening colour palette create a sparkling world of fantasy with these elegant handmade designs at its centre.

The clothes in this collection danced and shine as they make their way down the runway. Small, jewelled jackets, long skirts, fluid trousers and sheath dresses create seductive silhouettes that will light up the red carpet.

Diamond motifs inspired by the harlequin and ruffled collars pay tribute to the world of circus and pantomime, evoking joy and entertainment. A colour palette glittered with peony pink, turquoise, emerald green and royal blue, ensures each look is eye-catching and offers a sense of happiness.

The diamond motifs expanded onto the catwalk at the show in Paris, bringing light and colour to the room. As did a smile from Mr Giorgio Armani himself, one of the few living legends to still present his own collection. His legacy continues…

See more of the collection below:

Virginie Viard was inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment at 31, rue Cambon for her Spring/Summer 2023 Haute Couture collection.

Collaborating with artist Xavier Veilhan, the two visited the apartment which he reinterpreted in his own way. Focusing on embroidery and the animal world, the collection feature animal emblems on playful designs that reinterpret classic motifs of the House.

Motifs embroidered on short tweed suits and coat dresses include kittens, corgis, rabbits and swallows sharing the limelight with the doves, stags or camellias emblematic of the House.

The Chanel suit borrows its codes from the female uniforms of parades and spectacles. Top hat, bow tie, white gloves, laced boots, satin cape, pleated skirt, jackets double-breasted or with tails, tuxedo shirt, sequins, short shorts, petticoats: it is in the poetry of majorettes that Virginie Viard also finds her inspiration.

Dresses and jumpsuits all in lightness and refinement, superpositions, transparencies, flounces, pleats, fine straps and repainted laces, are crafted in silk tulle, taffeta, organza, georgette crepe and Chantilly lace.

The show set was created by French artist and sculptor Xavier Veilhan who, after being inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment created a collection of objects in the shapes of lions, stags, birds and camels, that move across the show space.

The show closed with a fairytale bride wearing a dress embroidered with swallows.

With a new take on Iberian Latino fusion, La Niña Launches in the heart of DIFC.

With fans including Dubai Crown Prince, La Niña’s opulent interiors and vibrant dishes make it one of the city’s hottest new dining destinations. With a new take on Modern Iberian Latino cuisine, this elegant restaurant in DIFC’s ICD Brookfield Place promises to steer away from the traditional dining scene, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.

The dishes at La Niña will take guests on a memorable journey around the world, with flavours and scents that take inspiration from multiple cultures and experiences. Visitors can expect to be immersed in a gourmet journey full of taste and adventure inspired by vibrant gastronomic cultures from the Iberian Peninsula to South America.

Drawing inspiration from these two rich cultures the restaurant menu is packed with tantalizing creations crafted by a team of exceptional chefs who combine their world-class culinary expertise and international know-how, to bring flavours from around the world to the table. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner La Niña’s dishes combine traditional ingredients with unique textures and techniques to create bold and complex flavours that guests won’t find anywhere else in Dubai.

Highlight dishes on the menu include Plato de Mariscos, a decedent seafood platter, as well as the Tuna Tartare and Ensalada Rusa. For dessert, the sweet white chocolate and avocado mousse is a treat for your senses.

The food isn’t the only element worth noting as La Niña’s interiors are also something quite special. Mimicking a traditional dining room this intimate setting draws inspiration from forgotten eras of centuries of sea exploration. The opulent blue and white interiors offer a regal feel, mirroring that of a regal dining room. Painted tiles on the wall reflect the influence of the ocean and green plants a red velvet seating adds a touch of colour.

Georges Hobeika presented the Spring Summer 2023 Haute Couture collection in Paris on 23^rd January 2023, inviting friends of the house to walk the runway alongside models.

The show which was put together by Co-Creative Directors Georges and Jad Hobeika and was intended as a celebration of the Maison’s savoir-faire starred regional personalities including Diala Makki, Jessica and Rita Kahawaty, and twins Mohammed and Humaid, and Ameni Essebi.

Diala Makki

The choice to include friends of the Maison was made to showcase the importance of the relationships and interactions between family and friends.

Ameni Essebi

Underlying this concept is the familial collaboration between father and son and Co-Creative Directors Georges and Jad Hobeika, and the powerful link with the house’s archives and ateliers. The collection also highlights the importance of a support network and the people who bring us together in everyday life.

Georges and Jad Hobeika

The designs themselves highlight the tradition and modernity of the designer’s 30-year career. Dresses appear to float on the body, while a neckline inspired by Marie-Antoinette opts for the fresh twist of a jumpsuit shape.

Twins Mohammed and Humaid

The ornate embroidery synonymous with the Maison’s heritage creates magical “trompe-l’œil” effects; such as frosted water droplets, cascading diamond shapes and an ethereal burst of flowing feathers.

Gold and silver chains and intricate thread embroidery evoke the links and webs between individuals. Motifs from nature including a horse’s head, birds and feathers, echo Jad Hobeika’s own happy childhood memories.

A striking colour palette features the essential yellows, pinks and blues alongside classic black and white, with plays on sheerness and contrasts.

Bringing together references from the Maison’s archive, as well as integrating a bright new energy, this collection is the true vector of happy moments. Highlighting the importance of human connection and conversation, “small talks” stand out in an increasingly virtual world.

Never one to shy away from statement-making designs, Daniel Roseberry’s Spring/Summer 2023 Haute Couture collection for Schiaparelli was a bold interpretation of pride. Titled “Inferno” the designer chose a symbol of pride; the lion to interpret his vision in a way that was sure to get a global reaction.

Ahead of the show Kylie Jenner arrived at the venue wearing one of the key looks from the collection, offering a preview of what was to come. The reality star wore an asymmetrical body-skimming infinite draping dress in black stretch velvet, worn with hyper-realistic lion faux fur and resin handmade head on the sleeve. This same look was worn by Irina Shayk on the runway during the show.

Kylie Jenner

Roseberry’s main literal source of inspiration for this collection was an iconic poem from 1308 by Dante Alighieri. “The Divine Comedy” was a 14,233-line poem divided into three books: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. It is a story of life and beyond.

“What appealed to me in the Inferno wasn’t just the theatrics of Dante’s creation—it was how perfect a metaphor it provided for the torment that every artist or creative person experiences when we sit before the screen or the sketchpad or the dress form, when we have that moment in which we’re shaken by what we don’t know.” Said Roseberry in the show notes. “When I’m stuck, I often take some comfort in thinking of Elsa Schiaparelli: the codes she created, the risks she took, are now the stuff of history and legend, and yet she too must have been uncertain, even scared, when she was inventing them. Her fear enabled her bravery, which sounds counterintuitive but is key to the artistic process. Fear means you’re pushing yourself to make something shocking, something new.” He continued.

The designer captured the spirit of both Elsa and Schiaparelli and Dante Alighieri with a collection that’s bold, and not fearful in any way. It’s for a powerful woman, giving her the confidence to rise above her own insecurities.

Roseberry took “direct inspiration from some of his most arresting images. The leopard, the lion, and the she-wolf—representing lust, pride, and avarice, respectively—find form here in spectacular faux-taxidermy creations, constructed entirely by hand, from foam, resin, and other manmade materials.” These life-like creations tell a story of triumph and confidence.

Other pieces are inspired by the slippery, house-of-mirrors quality of his Inferno: the paillettes that tremble from some of the dresses are actually made from leather-slicked slabs of tin, and the baubles that cover one skirt are made not from fabric but wooden beads. The velvet column dresses’ apparently iridescent shimmer is in fact hand-painted, in pigment that changes colour depending on your perspective, like a butterfly’s wings. Additionally; plastrons have been sculpted in waves of actual mother of pearl, plus one in lemon tree marquetry. And Roseberry’s personal favourite, a giant bust made of copper and patina’d by hand have been labours of love for the past four months.

“Elsa always promised surprise in her work, and over the years, people have learned to come to Schiaparelli in a spirit of wonder; you don’t know what you’re going to encounter here, but you know that the story will be different each time. This season, we concentrated less on deliberate artifice, such as our signature hyperstylized anatomy bijoux, and more on blurring the lines between the real and the unreal.” Said Roseberry.

Much like his predecessor Roseberry offered a play on surrealism, with these lifelike creations, making everyone look twice. Many of the designs are not as they seem, with hidden details, blurring the lines between real and unreal.