Over the past few years, colourful timepieces have truly found their place in the watch industry as collectors are demanding something different and unique, and first-time buyers are looking for options that combine high watchmaking and fashion trends.

Adding colour to your wrist allows your watch to express your personality and act as an extension of your personal style. Whether it’s a bright-hued sports watch or a subtle touch of colour on an elegant timepiece, the options are endless. So if you’re thinking of adding some colour to your collection, we round up some of our favourite novelties that encompass all the colours of the rainbow.

Tag Heuer Orange Diver

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

Panerai 44mm Submersible Quaranta Quattro eSteel

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater

Chopard Alpine Eagle Flying Tourbillon

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT

Hublot Big Bang Integrated Green Ceramic 42mm

Patek Phillipe Reference 5270 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

Dior kicked off a week of events in Paris with its Spring/Summer 2023 presentation.

Designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri the collection is about opening up room for the creative imagination.

Chiuri was inspired by an image of a map which was featured on a Dior scarf from the early 1950s. The image represents how she traces her own path and is featured as a print across a number of looks.

She also took inspiration from the Tuileries Gardens created according to Catherine de Medici’s wishes. Medici was an Italian noblewoman who arrived at the French court in 1533, she is an emblematic figure of the relationship between women and power, and Maria Grazia Chiuri is fascinated by her political intelligence and the innovations she pioneered.

She was one of the first to wear heeled shoes, she wore corsets and Burano lace, all of which could be seen throughout the Spring/Summer 2023 collection. Many of these items as well as others such as the guêpière, which was adopted by royal manufacturers are key elements of the cross-generation collection.

Contemporary craftsmanship also revisits an ancestral tradition: raffia coats adorned with floral and bird motifs are enhanced by a scenography designed by artist Eva Jospin that reinvents Baroque grottos.

Throughout the show, a duo of dancers and choreographers Irme and Marne van Opstal put on an impressive performance striking a stunning balance between the beautiful and the disconcerting, mystery and virtuosity. A fascinating collective energy exploring the multiple facets of feminine power.

See more of the collection below:

Burberry presented its rescheduled Spring/Summer 2023 show in London on 26^th September 2022.

Drawing inspiration from the British seaside the all-inclusive collection saw the brand move perhaps the furthest away from its classic trend coats and check prints to an elegant and alluring offering.

“This season, we explored a new sensuality – a consciousness of the body. I was inspired by the liberation and openness of youth, of people embracing their bodies and revealing them – a pride in themselves, who they are, their identities. Their freedom. This feels modern, this feels right, and this feels Burberry.” explained Riccardo Tisci, Chief Creative Officer.

Tisci’s connection to the seaside wasn’t so much the landscape and scenery but the cosmopolitan array of people that you find in British seaside towns. He honoured those that feel free to express their individuality and dress in a way that is without boundaries, and so very British.

Some classics such as double denim, appear throughout, and the trench makes an appearance, albeit an understated one. There is plenty of layering, bold silhouettes and an independent British attitude throughout.

Riccardo Tisci called upon some of his celebrity friends who were both on and off the runway for the London presentation. Kanye West made a special appearance on the FROW and Naomi Campbell, Irina Shayk and Bella Hadid made their way down the runway.

The show was accompanied by soprano opera singer Nadine Sierra and the London Contemporary Orchestra, performing a specially commissioned piece by Paul Mealor.

See more of the collection below:

The Grand Finale of the Luxury Innovation Summit will take place this October, bringing together some of the world’s most successful innovators and visionaries to honour those who show true innovative drive, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

The annual event hosted by Luxury Venture Group (LVG) is hosting its  Grand Finale and Award Ceremony will be held on 19 and 20 October 2022 in Geneva.

Each year, the Luxury Innovation Awards are a global competition for startups and emerging brands, born out of the necessity to encourage startups companies in the luxury space.

Beginning with the Luxury Innovation Summit, at Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva, the event will conclude with the awards ceremony. Finalists have been showcasing their projects to the jury and will compete for the trophy.  One winner will be selected through jury and public voting for each of the following five categories:

• Lifestyle / Design / Art
• Watches and Jewellery
• Fashion / Beauty / Wellness
• NFT / Metaverse / Live Shopping
• Circular Economy / Pre-Loved

Those looking to attend the event can use the exclusive discount code below to benefit from 20 per cent discount: “media_ae_magazine”

The discount code should be used at the last step on purchasing the tickets online via:https://lvg.swiss/tickets/

We reveal the latest on all the Spring/Summer 2023 shows at Milan Fashion Week

Ferragamo

A new chapter begins for Ferragamo under the creative direction of Maximilian Davis who presented his first collection for the Italian fashion house today. With a bold red re-branding, the Maison presents an elegant and sophisticated offering of men’s and women’s looks.

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani has been embracing the ability and beauty of light for the past few seasons and for his Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2023 collection Fil d’Or the designer does so again. A golden glow is present throughout this elegant offering with a sea of blue tones and pastel looks that are perfect for summer.

Jil Sander

Jil Sander’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection adds some glamour and sparkle to simple everyday wear. Simple yet elegant silhouettes choose both comfort and style. Swipe through to see some of our favourites.

Bottega Veneta

Matthieu Blazy has been causing quite a stir in the fashion crowd after his impressive debut for Bottega Veneta last season. For his Spring/Summer 23 collection the designer created an effortlessly elegant array of looks for men and women that took everyday dressing to an elevated level. Modern silhouettes and materials in movement offer a new way of everyday dressing.

Dolce&Gabbana

Kim Kardashian collaborated with Dolce&Gabbana for their Spring/Summer 2023 show titled “Ciao Kim”. The reality star curated a carefully chosen selection of looks from the House’s archives which were presented with a modern twist for the upcoming season. Guests were entertained with a film of the Kardashian sister eating a bowl of spaghetti as her family cheered her on from the front row.

Zenith announces its support of Susan G. Komen® with a special edition Chronomaster Original Pink, available only during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, throughout October, with a portion of sales proceeds directly benefitting the organisation.

For many years, Zenith has been working to raise awareness about breast cancer, an indiscriminate disease that affects one in every eight women and impacts countless lives around the world.

Organisations such as Susan G. Komen® are working tirelessly to raise global awareness about the disease by offering access to education, hope and support.

Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Susan’s life, Komen is committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Considered the world’s leading non-profit breast cancer organization, Susan G. Komen’s mission is to rid the world of the disease forever.

Zenith is committed to supporting Susan G. Komen over the coming years and looks forward to sharing the progress of this partnership built on hope.

On Zenith’s support for the foundation, CEO Julien Tornare shared: “Supporting the Susan G. Komen foundation, with its rapport and incredible impact, is a partnership of great significance for Zenith. The Chronomaster Original Pink will help fund impactful research and support for patients undergoing treatment, a cause we are proud and eager to be a part of over the coming years.”

In support of the cause, Zenith has unveiled Chronomaster Original Pink, a special edition based on the seminal retro-inspired chronograph collection launched last year.

Crafted in a unisex 38mm steel case and equipped with the latest generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre with 1/10th of a second measurement, the Chronomaster Original Pink Edition stands out with its striking metallic pink dial, honouring the colour globally associated with breast cancer awareness.

The special edition Chronomaster Original Pink is not a limited edition in the traditional numbered sense but will be limited in time. Available only during the annual international Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign from October 1 to October 31, and exclusively from Zenith’s physical and online boutiques around the world, the Manufacture is doing its part to raise awareness and give back to this noble cause.

Twenty per cent of the proceeds from the sale of the Chronomaster Original Pink will directly be donated to Susan G. Komen, supporting its efforts to make a positive impact on their community by allowing patients everywhere to live better, longer lives.

Elie Saab has unveiled a new fragrance for the beautiful independent woman.

Girl of Now Lovely embodies a free-spirited creative woman with a combination of delicate flowers and blossoms with a hint of fruitiness.

Featuring the same base that is present in the Elie Saab, Girl of Now perfume the new Eau de Parfum features orange blossom with a hint of bitter white almond syrup.

“Girl of Now Lovely has that classic je-ne-sais-quoi although sparkling with elements of youth,” says Dominique Ropion, Master Perfumer.

This fresh scent combines a thirst-quenching zesty mandarin, fresh mint, wild blackcurrant buds and juicy pear.

Heart notes add floral character with milk orange blossom, a hint of rose and charms of honeyed notes and sun-drenched frangipani flowers. Aniseed blend and almond harmony combine for a unique flavour.

And finally, background notes come in the form of two expressions of patchouli, one lively, the other a warm, amber-scented profile.

Fresh, fruity and floral with a rich floral centre, this light refreshing perfume is undeniably addictive with its warm undertone.

The new version of the iconic bottle blossoms into a two-colour reverie, an energising coral pink liquid and a cap decorated with the extraordinary Girl of Now flower, whose aniseed-green petals quench the thirst for freedom among defiant youth.

“Like Haute Couture, perfume is the theatre of dreams,”  Said Elie Saab, Couturier and Designer.

Available now at stores across the region.

As the shows continue on the runways in Milan we reveal the latest from Day Two of the Spring/Summer 2023 shows in Italy.

Emporio Armani

Emporio Armani’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection “In Transit” has us in the mood for travel! Nautical influences, beachside looks and materials as light as air make the perfect summer wardrobe for the global nomad.

Moschino

While the word is dreading the topic of inflation coming up in conversation Jeremy Scott is throwing it in our faces with his latest collection! He literally paired blow-up rings, animals and toys with each of his colourful looks as it made its way down the runway. Adding light to a world that is a particularly trying time, Scott understands that it is creativity, fun and colour that can bring joy to a dark moment.

Tod’s

Tod’s closed their Spring/Summer 2023 runway show in Milan this morning with none other than Naomi Campbell. The supermodel offered a glorious end to a show that offered an elegant, understated take on summer dressing.

Missoni

Filippo Grazioli has debuted his first collection for Missoni. With an elegant twist on the House’s codes, the Spring/Summer 2023 offering felt like the older sister of the house’s past collections. Monochrome designs with flashes of colour offered a unique take on elegant glamour.

Etro

Etro’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection was the first for newly appointed Creative Director Marco Di Vincenzo and the designer didn’t disappoint. Playing on the House’s key codes but giving them a new upgrade he started a new chapter for the Italian brand.

Gucci

Twinning at Gucci! The House presented its’s latest collection Gucci Twinsburg today with a line-up of models all of whom were twins. Imagined by Alessandro Michele the collection celebrated his love for asymmetrical reciprocity. In the show notes the Creative Director wrote: “Fashion after all, lives on serial multiplications that don’t hamper the most genuine expression of every possible individuality.”

As we start to think about the festive season and where to spend it Dior is inviting customers to a spectacular experience at iconic department store Harrods in London.

With an upcoming installation beginning on 10^th November 2022 Dior will pay tribute to the historical ties it has with Harrods over seven decades, as well as celebrating the Christmas season.

The Wonderful World of Dior installation will create a magical atmosphere on each floor of London’s prestigious department store. For the first time ever the facade of the famed Brompton Road address will be adorned with a monumental installation, reinterpreting the compass rose – a symbol treasured by the founding couturier – animated by a dazzling interplay of lights featuring classic Dior emblems.

DIORxHARRODS © James Robjant

The Dior gold star, Bar jacket and Medallion chair will guide pedestrians to the renowned Harrods windows, the full run of which will be transformed into fantastic tableaux vivants in a captivating decor composed of gingerbread, caramel and multiple delights showcasing the House’s various universes and iconic symbols, from fashion, perfume and jewellery, to beauty and homeware.

A host of experiences, surprises and treats will be on offer for shoppers to discover right through the festive period including two pop-ups; a café and a Dior micro-village, featuring exclusive creations imagined exclusively for Harrods.

The Wonderful World of Dior will take place at Harrods, London from 10 November, 2022 until 3 January, 2023.

Today Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day on 23^rd September. the opportunities for this country are endless.

This day is a day that marks the beginning of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (formally the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz) in 1932 and offers its citizens and residents to celebrate how far the country has come and where it’s heading.

This year is a particularly important moment in the country’s history as it is experiencing some of its most exciting developments and changes in its history.

With incredible tourism projects, ground-breaking changes in laws and industry guidelines, the country is thriving.

To mark this special day we meet some of the country’s most inspiring men and women who are making their mark in the history of The Kingdom and you can find this across our website and print editions.

We wish all of our Saudi Arabian Friends a happy Saudi National Day.

Reema Juffali was Saudi Arabia’s first female professional racing driver. She began competing in 2019 after deciding to turn her passion for racing and cars into a career.

Reema won her first professional race in Abu Dhabi and has since gone from strength to strength, representing her country around the world. Earlier this year she formed her own racing team “Theeba Motorsport” which competes in the International GT Open Championship.

Reema dreams of competing in her favourite race; the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race one day and is setting her sights on a global stage. She hopes to inspire other women to go out there and chase their dreams, even when they might seem impossible. We find out more about her journey and her ambitions for the rest of her career.

Congratulations on all of your recent achievements – what has been the most memorable moment for you so far? 

This year has been a big year for me in terms of racing and taking a step into the world of GT Racing, so I can’t pick just one moment! If I had to pick two, one would be my first ever win in racing which was back in 2018 in Abu Dhabi. This is a memory I will never forget because it was unexpected which made it all the better! And another memory would be setting up a race team in and then on the first weekend having great success, I couldn’t have asked for a better first race with the team.

Tell us about your journey to where you are now – when did you first discover your passion for cars and motor racing?

It was quite an organic discovery – I didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to be a racing driver – it was far from it. I was a very avid sportsperson when I was younger, I was always part of the sports teams, very active, and at the same time, I had a strong passion for cars. I didn’t come across racing until I was at college in The United States and I started to be exposed to different sports as a viewer, whether it was tennis, basketball etc., then Formula One came on my radar and it connected my two passions for cars and sports. I started watching the races and I was amazed by the unbelievable high level of the sport, it felt like the drivers were from a different planet. I became a fan and it wasn’t until I came across the Le Mans 24-Hour race that I realised that all the competitors were vast, from all different parts of the world, all age groups, different abilities etc. and that’s when I knew this was not an impossible dream, it was something I could do if I wanted to.

That’s where the dream began and from there I started to go go karting, I began to hire cars and go to different track days, asking questions and step-by-step putting myself in different situations. But it was just a dream to get my racing licence, I didn’t know how far I would go. When I moved back home to Saudi Arabia after studying and working abroad for a few years I was at a crossroads in my life. I decided that if I didn’t pursue racing at that point, I never would. So in 2017, I got my racing licence and it was also the same year I met Susie Wolff who was an inspiration to me. I felt that meeting her was a sign that I needed to take my dream more seriously and take action. So I decided to sign up for my first race in Abu Dhabi and I continued to learn, get onto the tracks, and try to understand how to race. The support and the motivation I received from everyone around me were so unexpected. I was doing it purely out of passion on a personal level, but seeing how many people encouraged me, and also wanted to become involved in the world of motorsport made me realise that it was a lot bigger than me and if I was going to do it, I had to do it in the right way. Thankfully I managed to bring everything together and it’s been four years of racing professionally. It’s a dream come true and I keep aiming for higher goals as we speak.

Who has been your biggest supporter along the way? 

My parents. I wouldn’t be here without them. It was my dream but they took a chance and supported me, and if they hadn’t trusted me and put their faith in me I don’t think I would be where I am today.

You have two big challenges; being in an industry that is male-dominated and being a woman in Saudi Arabia where driving for a living as a female is uncommon, how did you overcome these elements?

Everyone has different forms of challenges in their lives and I think for me, being from Saudi and being a woman, I knew from a very young age I was very adamant about what I wanted to do. If I wanted to do something I was very strong and affirmative and I put my foot down, and I think growing up like that helped me in the field of motorsport. I was always competitive with the boys when playing sports, the gender element didn’t get in my way, and I think that helped me in this industry. Also, the reason I wanted to start a race team is that in my sphere, I did not know any other people who raced professionally, male or female. So I had to learn everything for myself – take on advice, make mistakes – and it wasn’t always easy, not because I was a woman or I was from Saudi, but because of the lack of experience and knowledge in my sphere of existence. So I had to be self-driven, have self-belief and have hope. Once I started putting my heart into it I began to feel like I was on the right track and that’s also what makes it so special because I am so passionate and driven. I hope that when people hear about my journey it will give them a sense of perspective or knowledge that this is achievable. That has been the biggest reward outside of racing: being able to encourage and inspire other women, in particular, to do something different that they maybe thought was unachievable.

What is a message that you would send to other women looking to pursue their passions?

I can only speak from personal experience but my biggest obstacle was my own self-doubt – overthinking, overanalysing – at the end of the day, I just had to try things, put myself in different situations, go out there, experience things. Before getting into racing I tried many different things and what really gave me the answer I needed was that when I was on the track, I truly felt happy. That was one realisation but the second was I still didn’t know how I was going to do it. Because it seemed impossible and it was so unknown and I think that is probably what slowed me down, but the more I educated myself and put myself out there, the easier it got and the more obtainable it seemed. So my advice would be to try different things and ask yourself; are you getting in your own way? If you are, don’t be afraid of making mistakes and you won’t know if you don’t try, so go out there and try!

In this issue we celebrate Saudi National Day – what does this day mean to you and what does it mean to represent your country internationally?

It’s such a special privilege. Just yesterday I was at a race event and I was the only Saudi entrant in the race and I also happened to be on the podium! I think when you achieve something on a personal level it’s such a great reward and you get a lot of satisfaction out of that, but when it ends up being for your country and for Saudi in particular, it allows others to dream and to think of doing things that maybe they thought were impossible, that is such an honour.

When I look at how far we have come in Saudi Arabia in just the last few years, it makes me so proud to be a part of the change that we can see happening, especially in the worlds of sports and entertainment. To have big races like Formula One, Dakkar, and Formula E, in our country, is such an impressive and great achievement. Also to see other women racing at these events is incredible. We recently had two women from Saudi Arabia participating in the Dakkar race which is amazing and it shows that if you give people the opportunity they will take it. It’s an honour and a privilege and I hope I can always do my country proud.

How do you think perceptions of women in roles or careers such as yours that may have been deemed unexpected in the past are changing in Saudi Arabia and what would you like to see happen in the future?

There is definitely a lot of change and a lot of new things happening. I think what a lot of people forget is that when something is new it will take time for things to settle and for it to become ‘normal.’ What we see in Saudi is that we are doing big things, we have big dreams, and we are doing some things literally overnight and doing them so well, which is amazing, but at the same time, for us to see it trickle down to the younger generation and for things to happen in general society will take time. The most important thing is that the drive is there and people are excited and passionate and that’s so lovely to see. I think what the future holds is something I can’t even dream of right now but I know it’s something great. This is just the beginning in terms of what the country is doing but also in terms of the talent that we have. I’m excited to see what the future holds.

Where is your favourite place to drive and why? 

California. The simplicity and the beauty are always enjoyable and it’s where I fell in love with driving. But I also love to drive anywhere in the mountains!

What goes through your mind when you’re on the track? 

When it’s an intense race I don’t think of much. My mind is focused and clear and I am just thinking about the next corner and what’s happening in front of me, behind me, anticipating what will happen next. There’s not that much thinking involved, it’s more of a feeling, but it’s actually a very quiet moment. But if something happens or there is a situation that’s obviously a little bit different so you have to be aware at all times.

Who is your biggest inspiration or influence? 

I wouldn’t say there is one person in particular. There are many people who inspire me but someone who I admire and aspire to be anything like is my mum.

What is your ultimate goal? 

Being a part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. And then hopefully winning it one day!

When you’re not driving or training how do you like to spend your time? 

I work on a few different projects with the family and run the race team. I spend quite a lot of time training. I go cycling, swimming, and running – I’m generally very active and I love being outdoors. It’s also important to socialise which sometimes I forget to do! But it’s super important to spend time with family and friends.

What is in the pipeline for you for the rest of the year?

We are in plans to put a racing schedule together for the winter season in the Middle East, so I am looking forward to that. Stay tuned for that!

Boucheron has launched a new edition of its iconic Serpent Bohème collection. The new Serpent Bohème Solarité.

This offering of bold, statement pieces features pieces including huge sun-like hoops, asymmetric earrings that unfold behind the ear, and a spectacular necklace with 360-degree motifs.

This sun-lit glow is also embodied in the Bright Anyway campaign featuring three Maison Boucheron ambassadors, Alexa Chung, Yoon-jung Go and Rola. A radiant trio for a new line full of style and energy, they encapsulate Boucheron’s creativity.

The new pieces celebrate the DNA of the Serpent Bohème collection but offer a fresh, modern outlook on the heritage and design.

The collection is available at Boucheron stores around the world.

Sotheby’s Dubai will soon exhibit $45 million of art, jewellery and watches from worldwide auctions.

The exclusive exhibition will showcase a never-seen-before compilation of artefacts by some of the most iconic artists and designs.

Alighiero Boetti, Mappa (Map), 1989-91, 259 x 580cm (est in excess of $8 million

Highlights from the collection include a six-metre-wide masterpiece by Italian artist Alighiero Boetti, one of the most important artists of the 20th Century. These unique pieces from his most famous series was crafted by Afghan embroiderers and will be unveiled for the first time worldwide.

Andy Warhol, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, from Reigning Queens, 1985, complete set of four screenprints (est. $900,000-1,600,000)

The exhibition will also feature a private collection of Andy Warhol’s most legendary prints
including vibrant depictions of Queen Elizabeth II and Muhammad Ali, as well as exclusive jewellery pieces from brands including Rolex, Tiffany & Co. and Vacheron Constantin.

Important Colombian emerald and diamond necklace (est. $900,000-1,400,000)

The showcase is open from 26 – 29 September at Level B2, Gate Village Building 3, Dubai International Financial District. After Dubai, the pieces will then travel to New York and Geneva to be auctioned.

Rolex Daytona ”Soto” Mark II, steel, manual wind, ca 1970 (est. $300,000-600,000)

A second exhibition will follow in October, opening on 3 October, bringing together rare historic objects from the Islamic world and modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures by artists from the Middle East. Details to follow.

Global superstar Mariah Carey has partnered with jewellery Maison Chopard on an exclusive collection inspired by the singer’s famous Butterfly album.

Mariah Carey turned to Chopard and its Co-President and Artistic Director, Caroline Scheufele to bring to life this feminine motif that in a sense defines her career.

A symbol of metamorphosis, the butterfly is the dazzling emblem of the energy that has borne Mariah Carey to unprecedented longevity. The butterfly is also a style icon for Chopard, conveying renewed aspirations and a free-spirited approach to life.

This elegant collection is entirely diamond-paved and features a necklace, a pair of earrings and a ring in Fairmined-certified ethical gold.

Butterfly was the name of Mariah Carey’s 1997 album that shot her to fame and the creature has remained an important symbol for the icon ever since.

See more of the collection below:

On the occasion of Saudi National Day, there are many reasons to celebrate those working in the country’s creative industries. We present some of those who inspire us with all that the are achieving.

Huda Beydoun

Huda Beydoun had a career teaching children with autism, but her passion for art and photography led to her explore this further. In 2010 she began painting and working with mixed media and photography to create innovative works. Beydoun moved to Paris in 2017 to further her journey where she studied fashion photography under the direction of Paolo Roversi and Dominique Issermann. She soon found her unique style and moved back to Jeddah to establish herself as a renowned artist, art director and photographer.

Beydoun has exhibited her works in various exhibitions including Dismaland by BANKSY, Edge of Arabia in 2013 and the 2013 Venice Biennale. In 2013 Beydoun released a body of work titled “Documenting the Undocumented.” This street photography series captured candid images of illegal immigrants living in Saudi Arabia.

Today, Beydoun is based in London where she runs her own creative industry “MishMosh” which aims to provide a platform for local talent, specifically women hoping to put the Middle East at the forefront of the global industry.

Lulwah Al Homoud

Lulwah Al Homoud

Artist and curator Lulwah Al Homoud is famed for her digital artworks which feature intricately placed Arabic letters to form abstract works of art. She is seen as a pioneer in the industry and one of the few Saudi women to create abstract art. Homoud studied in London and was the first Saudi to graduate from Central Saint Martin’s College of Arts and Design in.

After obtaining her Master’s Degree she went on to train with Pakistani calligrapher Rasheed Butt, as well as taking inspiration from Egyptian artist Ahmed Moustafa. After being inspired by Islamic art, the Riyadh-born artist went on to create unique works that embrace tradition and contemporary style. Her pieces have been displayed in many galleries in Saudi Arabia, The United Kingdom, France the UAE and even in the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Lulwah Al Homoud also has an Art Foundation which publishes books, promotes cross-cultural research and organises exhibitions. Al Homoud hopes to encourage the young generation of Saudi creatives to discover the world of art and embrace all the opportunities the industry will see in the coming years.

Mohammed Al Turki

Mohammed Al Turki

Mohammed Al Turki has been a close friend of A&E for many years and we have followed his championing of the film industry in Saudi Arabia very closely. The film producer is on a path to successfully bridge the gap between the East and West when it comes to the film industry and he has become a force of change in the region and beyond. Despite cinemas being banned in Saudi Arabia during the time Mohammed grew up, his great passion for film led him to a successful career in the industry.

He has produced and directed Hollywood movies, working with actors like Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Gary Oldman and Armie Hammer. But despite global success, Al Turki has made it his mission to support the growth of the film industry in his home country, and he now holds the position of CEO of The Red Sea Film Festival Foundation, Saudi’s first international film festival. Mohammed has been working closely with the festival since its first event in 2021, attracting global talents to the event.

Moving forward he will spearhead the growth of the Festival building on the success of the inaugural edition which welcomed over 30,000 filmgoers along with 3,155 industry professionals for a 10-day celebration of the best of global and Arab cinema.

Amira Al-Zuhair

It’s been quite a year for Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair. At the recent Paris Haute Couture Week, the 21-year-old beauty walked the runways for some of the industry’s most renowned designers including Giorgio Armani and Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika. As the first Saudi Arabian model to reach this level of global success, Al-Zuhair has been making headlines and attracting global attention, so much so that she’s just landed an international campaign with Carolina Herrera.

But Al-Zuhair seems to be taking it all in her stride! She recently graduated from University in London and sees modelling as an addition to a future career as a lawyer. While she grew up between the UK and Riyadh, Al-Zuhair feels a strong attachment to her country and takes on the responsibility of promoting more acceptance of Middle Eastern women on the international runways. She sets her boundaries and feels a deep sense of cultural responsibility in the work that she takes on. We think this girl will be making even bigger headlines in the years to come.

Farfetch Unveils a New Campaign Starring Leighton Meester, Bakar, Paloma Elsesser and Omar Apollo. The new series of images features the A-list line up with the message of personal choice.

The #YourChoiceYourFARFETCH AW22 Brand Campaign encourages everyone to embrace their own style and choices through fashion.

With a star-studded line-up the campaign celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Gossip Girl Leighton Meester is featured wearing looks from this season’s collections as she embraces her feminine side. We reveal what she has to say about her own personal style.

Do you have a style signature? How did you find it and what does it say about you?

Comfortable and specific staple pieces are what I generally gravitate towards, like great slacks or jeans, versatile tops and outerwear. When I dress up, I love dresses, patterns and florals. And colour! My style is no fuss by day and sexy/feminine by night.

Who would you consider to be your ultimate style icon? How would you describe their style and why does it appeal to you? Are there any parallels between their wardrobe and your own? Do any of your favourite designers/brands convey the essence of their style?

I’m still influenced by movies I grew up watching: The Sound of Music, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead and (I hate to say it) Mommy Dearest. All different eras but appealing to me aesthetically and have seeped into my unconscious.

What does self-care mean to you?

Self-care for me is rest, therapy, self-forgiveness, spending quality time with myself and my loved ones, eating enough calories and staying off social media.

What did you like about the pieces you wore for the FARFETCH shoot? What made you choose them and were there any interesting details you noticed about them?

There were sequined pants matching the dress, which was surprisingly very comfortable and made a huge impact with just two pieces and very little accessorizing. The coat was beyond warm and a classic bohemian mix.

See more of the campaign images below:

OMAR APOLLO

BAKAR

Noon by Noor designers Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa showcased their Spring 2023 collection with an intimate presentation at London Fashion Week.

The collection is simple and understated in a soft pastel colour palette. The designers play with textures and fabrics to give a soft, feminine touch to light and transparent fabrics.

Utilitarian details and oversized shapes are infused with transparencies and elements of lightness and softness. Beautifully engineered sportswear-inspired shapes and sculptural layers sit alongside dresses and tops with dainty crisscross strap-tie open-back detailing. Subtle lingerie details are used throughout the collection.

Boxy oversized shirts and luxurious sheer tops in coated organza, or sometimes crinkle chiffons and lace are layered over dresses or paired with low-slung pants. Two floral prints in different scales and colours are cut in a range of versatile separates in modern shapes.

“We wanted to celebrate with this collection a moment of joy and innocence where fashion once again is a moment of pleasure,” said Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa.

“We think the Noon By Noor woman will have fun styling this collection. It is conceptually simple yet rich with unexpected details,” said Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa.

The designers worked alongside Art Director Sarah-Jayne Todd, Photographer and Filmmaker Esther Theaker, Stylist Hanna Kelifa and Casting Director Gabrielle Lawrence to craft the season’s visual media starring identical twins Amelie Köpf and Charlotte Köpf exclusive to Noon By Noor at London Fashion Week.

“Having reputable female creatives interpret our designs through their lens is inspiring,” said Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa. “We loved engaging with an all-woman team this season and are very grateful for everyone who has helped us bring our vision to life.”

Founded in Bahrain in 2008 by Designers Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa –business partners and cousins, Noon By Noor is a womenswear brand. In 2013, Noon By Noor became the first GCC-based fashion brand to be invited to NYFW where it continued to show prior to its shift to LFW in 2021.

To close London Fashion Week, British designer Richard Quinn paid homage to the late Queen Elizabeth who famously sat front row at his show in 2018.

Quinn who reportedly redesigned his entire Spring/Summer 2023 collection in the days since the Queen died, dedicated the offering to the late monarch and even featured over 100 screens playing videos and imagery of her above the runway.

Elements of Her Majesty’s style were presented throughout including jewelled tiaras, long capes, lace veils, and elegant face coverings.

The show opened with a series of dramatic all/black looks, as a nod to the period of mourning. These 23 looks were reportedly designed and made in the ten days since the Queen’s death. He was inspired by Queen Elizabeth II as well as previous monarchs such as Queen Victoria and Elizabeth’s late sister Margaret.

The black looks were followed by a series of colourful looks, featuring Quinn’s trademark latex suits, all-in-one outfits and bold OTT prints.

Quinn also sourced materials locally in London, working with a series of fabrics that celebrated the city and also explored new realms for the designer.

Richard Quinn was awarded the first Queen Elizabeth II Award for British design back in 2018, which saw the monarch famously sit front row next to Anna Wintour at his debut runway show. He has since dressed celebrities such as Kendall Jenner Priyanka Chopra, Kylie Minogue and Amal Clooney and continues to raise his status in the fashion world.

CH Carolina Herrera has called on the talents of a local Saudi Sadu artist to celebrate the upcoming Saudi National Day on September 23^rd.

Aida Alharthy has created an exclusive bag strap in the colours of the Saudi Arabian flag in honour of the annual celebration of the country.

The brand has partnered with influential Saudi women across the country, gifting them this exclusive strap, that celebrates CH Carolina Herrera’s partnership with an appreciation of the wonderful women of the nation.

Craftsmanship is a vital part of the House of Herrera and a core of all our designs, created in our own Spanish atelier. This national day, the brand’s leather atelier worked closely with the AlHarthy, for whom the Sadu craftsmanship has been inherited from her family, to create a dedicated strap that embodies the CH Carolina Herrera design ethos.

The strap is exclusively available alongside the Initials Insignia handbag, in CH Carolina Herrera stores across Saudi Arabia from September 20th – September 25th, available until quantities last.

Unsurprisingly, this season of London Fashion Week was overshadowed by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. But while some designers including Burberry decided to cancel their runway shows, other continued as planned, while scaling down on many of the parties surrounding the shows themselves.

We take a look at some of the highlights…

Christopher Kane

Christopher Kane returned to the runway this season to present a collection that dissected the staples of a woman’s wardrobe. With a pastel-toned colour palette, the designer presented a series of stripped-back lingerie inspire pieces that were both feminine and sexy. In between were bold prints and a series of understated light-knitted pieces, as well as touches of leather.

Christopher Kane

Christopher Kane

Christopher Kane

JW Anderson

Jonathan Anderson’s collection for his own brand was a celebration of the present and the future, these important moments coming together with a sense of originality. Simple images of sunsets, beaches and goldfish were combined with technological fabrics and futuristic silhouettes.

JW Anderson

JW Anderson

JW Anderson

Simone Rocha

Simone Rocha declared that her Spring/Summer 2023 collection was a reaction to all that has happened over the past few years. She wanted to make a powerful, feminine statement. And that she did, with bold, strong looks that gave a modern twist to femininity. Raw, edgy materials such as parachute tapes were threaded through elegant lace and floral printed garments, to tell a tale of two sides.

Simone Rocha

Simone Rocha

Simone Rocha

Erdem

Erdem brought life and colour to the runway with a collection featuring intricate floral prints and vibrant hues. On the eve of the Queen’s funeral, Erdem Moralioglu wanted to pay tribute to Her Majesty and he did so with dramatic veils worn by the models as they paraded through the British Museum. A fond farewell from a brand that has a close bond with the Royal Family.

Erdem

Erdem

Erdem

In honour of Saudi Arabia’s 91st National Day last year, Hublot presented an exclusive watch that honoured the rich heritage and inspiring development of The Kingdom.

This year that masterpiece returns, highlighting the importance of this day. The Classic Fusion Saudi Arabia National Day features a bold green dial and black ceramic case. A limited edition green or camouflage rubber strap represents the nature and landscape of Saudi Arabia, while the strong, resistant material reflects the ambition of the country.

“We are truly delighted to honour Saudi Arabia through one of our iconic watches, the Classic Fusion. For this first piece inspired by the Kingdom, we wanted to bring together Hublot’s exclusive savoir-faire and the country’s characteristic essence. The final result is a timeless watch that adapts to all moods, allowing the person who wears it to be chic and trendy on all occasions.” Said Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO.

The watch features a polished satin-finished black ceramic case and a black ceramic crown. A matte green dial with silver hands and pointers offers a beautiful contrast to the case. The strap is made from green lined rubber and camouflage rubber with a black-painted stainless steel deployant buckle clasp.

The exclusive timepiece is available in the Middle East in a limited number of pieces.

What better location for a hotel is there than inside the world’s tallest building? The Armani Hotel Dubai is one of the UAE’s most exclusive luxury properties offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests from all corners of the globe. Combining Middle Eastern hospitality with Italian design and excellence, this property, which opened in 2010, is the perfect match. Discover some of our highlights of this luxurious property.

Rooms and Interiors

When hotel rooms are designed by a fashion icon of course they are going to be stylish. The interiors of Armani Hotel which were designed by Mr Giorgio Armani himself combine understated elegance with a minimalistic finish. Contemporary bespoke furnishings and a seamless design offering an elevated sense of luxury from the moment you arrive. Inside the rooms, there is a sense of Italian simplicity, combined with modern technology, and the finest materials and finishes. The hotel uses precious materials and sophisticated finishes to create highly personalised spaces. And as you look through the floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s hard to forget the incredible location. With views across the Dubai Fountain or the Downtown Dubai skyline, you realise you are in the centre of everything at this property. Sit back and relax in your uber-comfortable bed as you soak up the excitement of Dubai.

Wellbeing

If you’re in need of a time out like so many of us are, the Armani/SPA offers fully tailored sensory experiences that suit individual needs. Each unique space in Armani/SPA provides a context for personalised treatments, personal fitness and sequential thermal bathing, as well as for private relaxation areas. The spa spans 12,000 square feet and features an enchanting relaxation pool with panoramic views of the city. There are also saunas, steam baths and an ice waterfall to enhance your wellness experience. When you’re done choose from a wide range of hot teas, cold infusions, and fresh fruits, the best solution to pamper you along the path and boost your energy to better face your day.

Five-star dining

Armani Hotel Dubai’s dining offering will take guests on a journey around the world from modern Asian cuisine to a twist on traditional Italian dishes, and now the property’s dining offering reaches new heights as Armani/Ristorante, the hotel’s signature Italian dining destination has now earned global culinary recognition with the award of a prized Michelin star. The announcement came earlier this year as Michelin arrived in the Middle East, awarding a select number of restaurants in the region for the first time. A total of 69 venues were recognised with just 11 restaurants, including Armani/Ristorante, being selected for star status.

Star criteria cover quality of ingredients, cooking mastery, flavour harmony, the personality of the chef reflected in their cuisine and consistency over time as well as across the full menu offering. “This represents a true milestone in the Armani/Ristorante culinary journey and is well-deserved recognition for our amazing culinary ambassadors. We were praised for both our professional, enthusiastic service and our precise, modern Italian cooking. To say that the team is over the moon is an understatement!” said Giovanni Papi, Head Chef, Armani/Ristorante.

Thomas Peruzzo, General Manager, Armani Hotel Dubai, added: “We are incredibly proud of the Armani/Ristorante team. For residents and international travellers seeking a one-of-a-kind dining experience, the chance to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant is often a bucket list item. At Armani Hotel Dubai we are committed to creating uniquely memorable experiences for our guests, and to now be able to offer a one Michelin Star dining destination is yet another reason to visit.”

The Armani Hotel Dubai is available for bookings as well as Armani/Ristorante, which is open to both outside and in-house guests.

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-standing Monarch of Great Britain and the Commonwealth has been honoured at a state funeral in London today, 19th September 2022, after she passed away on 8th September.

The funeral was attended by 2,000 people including dignitaries, Royal families and global leaders as well as her own family.

As the country and the world says goodbye one last time we take a look back at the monumental day and a moment in history.

The Queen’s coffin arrives at Westminster Abbey

King Charles III and his son’s Princes William and Harry join the official parade

Inside the funeral at Westminster Abbey

The coffin arrives at Westminster Abbey

Prince George and Princess Charlotte stand alongside Kate, Princess of Wales and Megan, Duchess of Sussex inside the funeral

King Charles II and Camilla, Queen Consort, alongside Princess Anne, the Princess Royal

The Queen’s coffin leaves the Abbey and begins its procession through London

The procession continues through London

The Royal ladies outside Westminster Abbey

The Royal family waves off the Queen as she leaves London for one last time

The Queen begins he final journey to Windsor castle where she will be laid to rest alongside her late husband Prince Philip

This season, Tod’s presents a bold new take on its iconic Di bag. With brand new colourways and a hand-painted personalisation service, the statement bag is a fall/winter must-have.

For the Fall/Winter 2022 collection Tod’s Creative Director Walter Chiapponi deconstructs this icon and gives it a modern genderless attitude. Playing on the lines of construction he has enlarged the size of the bag making it a multifunctional accessory, expertly crafted from soft, sensual leathers in a variety of colours.

The Di Bag uses the most refined precious leathers in the world with a colour palette ranging from spice and earth tones to neutrals, with a few touches of more vivid and festive colours. It is created using artisanal techniques similar to those used by ancient saddle makers.

Extreme skill and attention to detail are required for the cutting of the leather, the sewing and finishing of each style, as it is meticulously pieced together.

with hand-painted raw-leather edging. On these, the top zip is adorned with a graceful long leather loop that adds a touch of convenience.

Now available at www.tods.com

This year Ulysse Nardin ventures into the world of the neon rainbow setting with two glamorous new watches: The Blast Tourbillon Rainbow and the Lady Diver Rainbow. Both of these timepieces are inspired by the iridescent rainbow colours of silicium.

The Blast Tourbillon Rainbow features a skeleton “X” design. The 45mm timepiece with a micro-rotor in platinum is placed at 12 o’clock while a total of 50 rubies and sapphire baguette gemstones adorn the bezel and the indexes of the watch.

Water resistant to 50 meters and driven by an automatic flying tourbillon, the Blast is powered by the UN-172 calibre movement with Silicium technology (escapement wheel, anchor & balance spring) enclosed in a black DLC titanium case and sealed with a black ceramic polished and sandblasted upper case. This limited edition of 50 timepieces promises 72 hours of power reserve and comes with a waterproof velvet rubber strap or a black alligator strap, together with a black DLC titanium and black ceramic self-deploying buckle.

The Lady Diver Rainbow is the next generation of the Lady Diver but with eye-catching, dazzling decorative touches. Forty stones (ruby, aquamarine, topaz, tsavorite and sapphire) are set on the concave unidirectional bezel of this new watch, catching the light no matter how deep the dive. Eleven diamonds serving as indexes increase the scintillating effect of the watch and bring a touch of elegance to this sublime diving watch.

The 39mm watch is water resistant up to 330 metres and features the UN-816 automatic movement with Silicium technology. Both white and black LADY DIVER RAINBOW models come in a limited edition of 300 timepieces each on a white or black structured rubber strap.

For Giorgio Armani’s Fall/Winter 2022-23 collection, the designer adds light and beauty to his signature style.

Giorgio Armani’s Fall/Winter 2022-23 collections were presented in an intimate setting in Milan. The small venue evoked the personal feeling of a jewellery box, as Giorgio Armani looked again to the key signs and signatures that identify his style. Softness, fluidity and elongated silhouettes gave a sense of movement combined with the elegance of precise construction.

For women, the collection was chic, poised and understated. A combination of textures and finishes offered an elegant glow. Armani envisioned a  hand-painted portrait, with precise attention to detail and a harmonious colour palette.

Thanks to the setting, each piece sparkled, enhanced by the silvery lights and brilliant colours that danced around the room, creating an almost out-of-this-world experience.

Armani’s passion for Art Deco can also be seen throughout, with a nod to the geometric lines and the timeless modernity of the movement. Highlight pieces included clean-cut trousers and matching jackets and elements of faux fur, and velvet which offer a glistening reflection.

Evening dresses and suits feature embellishments and embroidery which further reflect the light. Velvet bags and over-the-knee boots give a sultry touch to each look.

This same glow is present throughout the men’s offering, where soft formality and a relaxed silhouette lead the way. Fluid jackets and trousers are a solution for comfortable tailoring, something we have seen more and more over the past few seasons.

Tailored looks are paired with a white shirt and tie, somewhat of a uniform for the season. Velvet is once again used in menswear are well as soft cashmere and fluid silks, adding a comfort element to even the smartest looks.

This timeless style will transcend seasons and highlights the brand’s key values. A colour palette of deep navy, intense grey and notes of green is both elegant and stylish. Accessories come in the form of lug-shoes and architectural bags.

The Spring/Summer 2023 season of Milan Fashion Week has begun and as we embrace a full return to the runway we bring you the latest from the shows as they happen.

FENDI

Kim Jones’ latest ready-to-wear collection for FENDI combined the notions of functional utility and femininity. Offering a romantic approach to uniform-inspired pieces and evolving the brand’s DNA for the now. Jones is particularly inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s designs from 1996 to 2022 of which some of the key elements have been given an updated twist for today.

Alberta Ferretti

Alberta Ferretti presented her Spring/Summer 2023 collection “Wanderlust” on the first evening of Milan Fashion Week. A colourful array of boho-inspired looks have us longing for a summer vacation already. This season the collection is a journey, consisting of precious elements collected around the world and mixed here and now, with a pervasive sense of eclecticism.

Prada

Prada’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection designed by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons offered a sequence of realities – reflection, refractions, and observations. As we have seen in many recent seasons a juxtaposition of styles, silhouettes and cuts offers a modern take on today’s woman who is made up of many facets.

Max Mara

Max Mara’s latest collection was inspired by sun-soaked beaches on the French Riviera. With looks fit for a summer vacation and a colour palette to match, this feminine offering has us ready for a summer holiday! Ian Griffiths was inspired by two key icons in history architect Eileen Gray and photographer Renée Perle who were an inspiration to the creative worlds of their time.

DSquared2

DSquared2’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection contains everything you might need for an uber-stylish stylish summer holiday. A chilled beachside wardrobe is given a bold update with bright colours, statement pieces and experimental fabrics.

Roberto Cavalli

Fausto Puglisi’s latest collection for Roberto Cavalli has a much more elevated and elegant approach than we have seen over the last few seasons. While the fundamental codes of the house are still present, this season the Italian designer looked to the forties and fifties to add a sense of sophistication to his designs. We love!

N°21

Alessandro Dell’Acqua’s Spring/Summer collection for N°21 was full of romance and seduction. Titled “The Lovers” the designer also wanted to capture the trauma of love – from joy to despair, the ups and downs and the rollercoaster of emotions it can make you feel. A collection of pieces that at first may seem unusual in their pairings, fit so seamlessly together on a romantic journey.

Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at The Red Sea Development Company discusses sustainability, tourism and the beauty of Saudi Arabia’s landscapes

As Saudi Arabia continues to move forward and expand its tourism industry we are slowly learning of the country’s immense beauty and inspiring destinations. One of those is the Red Sea Coast. This vast area of natural beauty is home to one of the world’s largest and most beautiful untouched coral reefs. As the country plans to share this with the world it is being careful to do it in a controlled and sustainable way that protects the areas but also keeps them alive for generations to come.

The Red Sea Development Company are working on one of the world’s most ambitious projects creating a global tourist destination that puts sustainability and preservation before anything else. The Red Sea Development Company has adopted a holistic approach to its projects that will help to protect the planet and its people as well as share the beauty of The Kingdom with the world.

Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at The Red Sea Development Company is challenged with ensuring the company’s projects The Red Sea destination and AMAALA, follow their initial goal. Despite creating a tourist destination Raed is keen to preserve the nature and marine life in the areas and ensure a sustainable future for the area. We find out more about this and the importance of considering sustainable solutions at all stages of the development of the country.

Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at TRSDC

Tell us a little about The Red Sea Development Company and your involvement in the project.

The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) is the developer for The Red Sea destination and AMAALA – two of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism developments. At our core, we are setting out to establish a relationship with development and tourism, and the natural environment. We are bringing exquisite, unique experiences for the world’s most discerning travellers, while placing a special emphasis on sustainability to ensure the natural beauty of both destinations is intact – and even enhanced – for future generations.

I joined TRSDC in 2018 and oversee the company’s sustainability agenda in its entirety. I provide wide-ranging advice and expertise across the master planning, design, construction, and operational phases of both The Red Sea destination and AMAALA, and have contributed to growing a world-class team of professionals that are committed to industry-pioneering sustainability targets.

Throughout your career, you have undoubtedly seen a lot of projects. What is different or special about The Red Sea destination and AMAALA? 

What makes our projects unique is a relentless pursuit for regeneration. When we define The Red Sea destination and AMAALA as the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism developments, we truly believe that they are the blueprints for a renewed and revitalised tourism industry. Every decision we make is motivated by a passion to go beyond usual definitions of sustainability and adopt a holistic approach to protecting both the planet and its people. Instead of depleting and extracting the wealth of natural capital that surrounds our sites, we are enhancing and enabling nature to continue to thrive. We are maintaining the environmental, cultural, and economic integrity at every step of the way – whether by delivering carbon neutral operations, committing to a 30 per cent net conservation benefit by 2040, or by only developing less than one per cent of our entire site area.

What can you tell us about some of the processes TRSDC is putting in place to ensure the protection of animals and species in this area?

Our unwavering commitment to sustainability extends to the natural wildlife, biodiversity, and marine ecosystems that surround our sites. The Red Sea coast is blessed with incredibly diverse wildlife ecosystems, plus one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, and our approach to protecting these natural treasures utilises cutting-edge environmental research combined with sustainable practices.

We have expert research teams that explore and understand these ecosystems to help inform how to best conserve and protect them. For example, our team of multidisciplinary scientists and developers, together with our friends at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), carried out the most comprehensive marine spatial planning simulation ever undertaken to detect important habitats as well as the rare and endangered species that call this place home.

We recently launched the results from our Environmental Baseline Survey, which is the largest of its kind to be undertaken by a development company and is of a scale that matches activities by government agencies on a national level. The survey was a result of an eleven-month-long monitoring study along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast and revealed the rich biodiversity of the area as well as documented multiple species including those that are endangered such as dugongs, several shark species, and an array of birdlife including the regionally endangered sooty falcon. This analysis will act as the baseline for honouring our ambition to deliver meaningful net conservation benefits by 2040, through the protection and enhancement of key habitats crucial to biodiversity.

We are also deploying more than 2,500 smart sensors throughout our coral reefs, turtle nesting sites and the wider lagoon to actively monitor changes and provide an early warning system if the ecosystem is under stress.

Saudi Arabia has some of the most beautiful untouched areas in the world – how do you balance sharing this with the world but also protecting the sites? 

To ensure sustainable use, we are restricting the number of guests to our destination to the level we are sure we can safely accommodate without damaging the environment. We will limit the number of visitors to The Red Sea destination to one million annually by 2030, and visitors to AMAALA will be capped at 500,000 per year by 2030.

As a result of our landmark marine spatial planning, we have also chosen to leave 75 per cent of The Red Sea destination untouched, including nine islands which we have designated as special conservation zones – such as Al Waqadi Island. This breathtaking island would have made a perfect resort location. But when our assessment revealed that it was a favourite nesting ground for the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea turtle, there was no question that it had to be protected.

Can you tell us about some of the areas in Saudi Arabia that you believe everyone should visit during their lifetime?

Saudi Arabia has so much to offer visitors, from its breathtaking coastlines to UNESCO heritage sites, historical landmarks, modern cities, plush nature with rich biodiversity, and above all, heartfelt hospitality. The Red Sea coast is truly an undiscovered treasure with spectacular coral reefs, bustling marine ecosystems, and thriving communities. Exploring and experiencing all its extraordinary features is definitely worth adding to every person’s bucket list.

In this issue, we are celebrating Saudi National Day. What does this day mean to you and what makes you proud to be a Saudi?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has come a long way since its inception – a journey that is indeed worth celebrating and sharing with the rest of the world. Through the outstanding vision of our leadership, the Kingdom has significantly progressed in a way that has consolidated our position as a global powerhouse. This extraordinary transformation empowers us to fulfil our potential and rise to the greatness we are destined for, both as individuals and as a nation. To be Saudi today is to be an example of limitless possibilities, unrivalled innovation, and vivacious ambition.

As the country opens up to more tourists, what responsibilities do you feel in your role to ensure the sustainable development of the country? 

We believe there is an alternative to accepted standards – to regenerate the places in which we live, work and travel. And we feel the responsibility of taking on that alternative every single day. The key to this lies in our commitment, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building. This is our strongest tool to unlock mainstream adoption of responsible and meaningful innovation, and this is a sentiment that echoes across the organization. Each employee, partner, and even our third-party stakeholders are eager to share our collective experiences with the wider industry and inspire them to take a step in the right direction.

In doing so, an important segment we shouldn’t forget is local communities. True sustainable development lies in highlighting, preserving, and enabling local communities. As such, we have discarded a traditional cost-based approach and embraced a broader perspective that defines value in terms of inclusive job creation, progressive skill-learning across the industry, and co-benefits for the entirety of the value chain. We have already employed more than 2,000 locals in the area – including local farmers to enhance capacity and educate them on sustainable agriculture, and members of the local community to serve as environmental stewards. In parallel, we are proactively partnering with socio-economic, industrial, and institutional stakeholders across the country to facilitate the growth and diversification of the Saudi economy and workforce.

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

I see our biggest challenge – and our most exciting opportunity – in the magnitude of what we are trying to achieve. Never before has a development of this scale set out to step up above the industry norms at every turn. We started off on a completely blank canvas, and today we are establishing world-class destinations where regeneration is engrained deep within the DNA of planning, design, and delivery.

What is something you would still like to achieve or to see happen in your sector?

I feel the tourism sector still has huge potential to grow and improve. There is much to be done to preserve the many resources on which it is founded, to future-proof the sector in the face of environmental, social, and economic risks, and to unlock its potential as a meaningful contributor to inclusive economic development, cultural exchange, and job creation globally.

One aspect that I feel must be immediately reevaluated is the restoration and appreciation of cultural resources and natural ecosystems. Capacity constraints are often disregarded in a push to meet increasing demand, resulting in overcrowding and the consequent damage to natural resources, rural communities, and biodiversity.

We are building an innovative archetype for tourism and development, with sustainability at its core, and hope others will be inspired to follow our lead.

On a broader scale what is your take on the need for sustainable solutions in the world and what can we all be doing to help and what is a message you would send to our readers?

The need to recognize the value, power, and urgency of sustainability has never been greater. This challenge is too big to be addressed by one sector or one group of stakeholders alone. Everyone has a role to play – from designers and developers to suppliers, operators, and most importantly, the guests. We can only chart true success when we harness our collective strengths and make the most of our combined expertise, technology, and resources for sustainable growth.

Saudi fashion designer Arwa Al Banawi started her brand back in 2015 when there were very few designers from Saudi Arabia breaking into the international market.

Seven years later and she is relaunching with a new outlook that reflects today’s market. Inspired by the post-COVID demand for digital capabilities and a growing interest in sustainability Arwa Al Banawi has reworked and realigned her brand values to ensure her company is relevant, up to date and appealing to today’s consumers. This month Arwa will launch her Resort 2022-23 collection, a series of pieces inspired by her mother and her upbringing in both Western and Eastern societies. Here we find out more about the latest collection and the future vision for the brand.

We know you are relaunching your brand, can tell us a little about this?

We have rebranded with sustainability in mind. Sustainability is a very important topic, not just in fashion but in every industry and it’s really beautiful how the world is focusing on strengthening their company’s core values by being sustainable. The COVID period gave us the chance to think about our sustainability strategy at a time when the world felt as though it had quietened down. We have been focusing on this in terms of working with less paper when it comes to our packaging, using more sustainable materials etc. and we are also introducing a pre-order model for our new collections to ensure we do not over-produce. We are now working only with retailers that will benefit from this model by not working on consignment deals for example. That is where our core values have been realigned and I’m so proud and happy that we are here, we are fully focused and we have regained our power by looking at these elements and perfecting them in the way we are working.

Why have you decided to relaunch in this way and what is your vision moving forward?

When the COVID-19 pandemic happened a lot of changes took place in the fashion industry. Firstly fashion shows were cancelled, so we as designers had to start thinking about how we could reach our consumers not just physically, but also digitally, and we had to consider how we could make it a creative and fun experience. So the decision to relaunch was first to give our consumers an exciting experience, even when they aren’t visiting us in our shop. I decided to close my shop in Dubai Design District because the focus shifted to online. We didn’t have a lot of visitors to the store for around a year, so I wanted to focus on that digital element. We are launching our e-commerce very soon!

The second point was to focus on sustainability as that’s something we consider to be important as a business. We want to minimise waste and work with materials that won’t harm our environment. So we have been working on substituting these elements with other elements that are good for the company, the environment and the community, while of course still keeping the core values of the brand and the luxury element.

What can you share with us on the latest and upcoming collections?

The latest collection is our Resort 22-23 collection. Something else we have changed is when we deliver our collections. We went off-calendar for a while and now we are back on the calendar but we are showcasing our collections in pre-season; so Pre-Fall and Resort and buyers can continue to order the collections until the release of the main Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collections. This gives us more freedom to launch earlier in the season and to develop a collection that is more diverse and versatile.

The Resort collection “Le Majda” was named after my mother. Part of our brand ethos is to always have a story and a link to the Arab world and the Arab woman and we are celebrating her every season. Highlighting my Saudi culture is something that’s very important to me in every season and it’s part of our brand story.

Who is the woman that you are designing for?

The woman I design for is confident and independent. She’s not afraid to share her voice or to speak her mind. Her self-confidence is the most beautiful tool, (for me beauty is not complete without self-confidence). She is a woman that loves to be stylish but also loves to wear something practical, and something that has a story. She is a woman that loves to travel, she’s sophisticated, and she appreciates wearing something authentic and tailormade. She enjoys looking confident and beautiful and that is the main point for me in fashion, making women feel beautiful.

Over the years you have seen the fashion industry in the region grow, how would you assess the landscape today?

Yes, the industry has definitely grown in the region and I’m so proud to have been one of the designers that started early on. I’m witnessing more changes happening and more designers coming onto the scene and it’s beautiful to see the number of Arab designers increasing and to share our true creativity with the world. It’s amazing and I’m enjoying seeing all of these changes take place and come to life.

How have you grown or developed as a person over your career so far?

I would say my growth has definitely been more on the business side. When I started the brand I wanted to share my story with the world. Over the years I feel that my understanding and my growth in understanding the business side of fashion has grown tremendously. When your brand grows, you have to grow as a business and I’m happy that I’ve developed skills to understand how to do that.

What has been the biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge has been the COVID-19 pandemic because, at the end of the day, fashion is about celebrating and that was something we couldn’t do during this period. The creation process is a beautiful journey and so it was challenging when we couldn’t have any fashion shows. For me, a fashion show or presentation is so important because I want to share the energy and creative feeling that I have with the audience when they see the collection live. So not being able to do that was a challenge for me because no matter how amazing it is to see things through a screen, it’s also so important as a creative person to give that energy physically and to feel that electricity that can only be felt face-to-face. So that was a great challenge but it is something we have been working on and studying, as well as hiring new team members to help us with this and I’m happy that we have overcome this challenge. We are now launching our e-commerce and we have developed a new Instagram page to help customers understand what the feeling of the brand is all about.

In this issue we are celebrating the upcoming Saudi National Day – what does this day mean to you?

When I started my brand one thing that was very important to me and still is, was the fact that I’m a Saudi woman and that I’m Arab. I wanted to share my voice through the brand and I wanted the world to see how much beauty we have in our country and how beautiful our culture is. So on Saudi National Day to I want to say how beautiful our country is and how proud I am to be from Saudi Arabia.

Every season there is an element that I discover or rediscover from our culture in my collections. There are still places in Saudi Arabia that I haven’t visited and there are a lot of beautiful landscapes and cultural places that are different from one city to another. It’s a really beautiful country that has a lot of incredible details and stories. For me, it’s very important to share that through that brand because I’m proud of it. I’m proud of who I am and of bridging that culture between East and West.

I was travelling from a very young age, I spend a lot of my upbringing in Germany and Switzerland and I picked up on that underground style in Europe, so when it came to launching my own brand in my mid-twenties, I naturally saw that I was bridging east and west into one story because that’s who I am and what I saw throughout my childhood. I’m very proud of where I’m from and I’m also grateful to have had that experience and travels instilled in my creative journey.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

I would love to say that we are living at a very productive moment in Saudi Arabia and I am so proud and honoured to say I’m from there, especially as a woman and especially at this time with all the changes that are happening in the country. It is so beautiful to see and witness our culture being celebrated and we have reached a lot of highs globally in the last few years. It’s amazing.

What can you tell us specifically about the fashion and creative industries in Saudi Arabia?

I can say that it’s growing, there is a lot of potential, and there are so many creative individuals in Saudi, not just in fashion.

What is something that you would still like to see happen in the future?

I’m someone who appreciates the old-school mentality. I still sketch with a pen and paper and I still love to see and touch fabrics, not just order them from a screen. So as we move forward in the creative industries, I would also like to see that we keep valuing the originality of things and how they happen because there is still an important element in knowing how things are made. There are a lot of artisans in the world who still love to work that way – from fabric suppliers to leather-makers – there are a lot of factories in the world that no matter how much technology they introduce in their production, they still value working very closely to the creative side and there’s still a lot of people working, rather than just machines. So what I would like to see in the future is that as an industry we keep growing that story and support for designers, but at the same time, value how things are made. And this is something we should also be sharing with our customers because I want the new generation to appreciate this creativity.

Who are some of the designers that have influenced or inspired you throughout your career?

Yves Saint Laurent and Gianni Versace – I own so many of my mum’s vintage suits and pieces by them from the seventies and eighties and so they influenced me until this day and I believe they have influenced the whole industry as a whole because they were ahead of their time.

What else is in the pipeline for you in the near future?

We are launching our e-commerce very soon and I do have some very exciting things that I’m working on. I really value the Arab woman and the Saudi woman in particular. I love what I do and at the same time I love celebrating my culture through the brand and I feel there is still a lot that I want to discover in relation to this.

What is the motto that you live by?

Appreciate every moment, remember why you started whatever you started and always remember who you are no matter where life takes you. Do what makes you happy because that will make you stronger.

Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2023 Haute Couture collection was presented in Paris earlier this year. The clothing was complemented by simple, understated hair and makeup that is synonymous with the brand.

Models wore their hair loose with a centre parting and soft subtle waves. The makeup look was created by makeup artist Lisa Butler and offered a twist on the Parisian understated look with just a touch of drama around the eyes.

Using the brand’s latest makeup collection Butler focused on smudged liner with thick black mascara, while skin was left clean and fresh thanks to Chanel Les Beiges Touche De Teint cushion foundation and Les Beiges Eau de Blush.

Lips were kept natural but moist with Rouge Coco Flash in 54 BOY.

Shop the latest makeup collections by Chanel Beauty now.