British designer Richard Quinn has partnered with Tommy Hilfiger to create a limited edition capsule collection that brings together the iconic styles of both brands.

Richard Quinn, who is known for his “iconoclastic” DNA has created a series of gender-inclusive looks that are full of drama and bold design.

Co-designed by Tommy Hilfiger and Richard Quinn, who received the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design in 2018, the collection intermixes Quinn’s signature use of bold patterns and exaggerated silhouettes with Hilfiger’s iconic take on American classics.

The capsule feature 40 pieces including Tommy Hilfiger statements such as the varsity jacket, chino, 5-pocket jean and leather jacket.

The designs are inspired by a range of cultural archetypes, including punk, explorer, cheerleader and jock, offering a playful expression on classic styles.

The newly launched “TH Monogram,” which reflects the spirit of innovation at the heart of the TOMMY HILFIGER brand, is remixed with Quinn’s signature daisy design and emblazoned onto puffer jackets, pea coats, athletic backpacks and holdalls.

A varsity jacket is decorated with unique motifs that combine Quinn’s daisy with emblems of Collegiate and Americana style. An iconic English rose pattern appears on formal trousers, billowing outerwear and classic tailoring in Scottish Tartan.

“I’ve always been inspired by working with creatives who push boundaries, and Richard is no exception,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “We’ve brought together our two distinct aesthetics to create a rebellious take on modern Prep. It’s unexpected and optimistic, and reflects the playful spirit at the heart of both our brands.”

Richard Quinn adds; “Tommy and I share the same obsession for prints and textiles, so it was a natural joy to balance and combine our visions for this collaboration. It was inspiring to dive into Tommy’s archives and find the iconic pieces that became the canvases for our co-creation. We pushed ourselves to be dramatic and vibrant with every detail — in the pursuit of progress — and the final pieces do not disappoint.”

Tommy Hilfiger X Richard Quinn is available on tommy.com and in select TOMMY HILFIGER stores worldwide

The beauty look for Armani Privé’s Fall Winter 2022-23 Haute Couture show matched the elegance and finesse of the collection.

The model’s hair was pinned in a demure up-do with a side-parted fringe and twist at the front as if inspired by the Great Gatsby era.

The makeup look, created by Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist, added drama with a bold focus on the eye. “A smattering of black sequins added to the sultry languidness of the thoroughly modern girl” she said.

Dark shadow was smudged below and above the eye finished with black sequins, for an elegant yet edgy look, offering a bold juxtaposition. Lips were given a matte finish with a soft rose tone and skin was glowing with a slight highlight on the cheeks.

As a new season begins we round up three key fashion trends for men to try this fall.

1. All Black Everything

You can never go wrong with a head-to-toe black ensemble. Head-to-toe black outfits were leading the way on the runways at Dolce&Gabbana, Dior Men, Givenchy and more. This simple, understated look will never go out of fashion.

Versace

Givenchy

Dolce&Gabbana

2. Power Shoulder

A shoulder detail can make such a difference to any outfit. At Dolce&Gabbana and Prada, we saw eighties-style shoulder pads, while Dunhill and Louis Vuitton showcased simple looks with additional details on the shoulders taking the pieces to the next level.

Prada

Dunhill

Louis Vuitton

Dolce&Gabbana

3. Relaxed Suiting

Over the past few years, the suit silhouette has become more and more relaxed and comfort prevails over style. Italian brands such as Giorgio Armani and Zegna are continuing to lead the way with this new relaxed cut and many other brands have begun to follow. Opt for fluid materials and softer cuts to get the look.

Zegna

Hermes

Brunello Cucinelli

From the beginning, Max Mara’s ethos has been to turn ideas into garments that women will not only desire but want to live in: an all-round wardrobe for the modern, stylish yet elegant woman.

The House began its journey in 1951 when law graduate Achille Maramotti, great-grandson of the area’s most sought-after dressmaker and son of the founder of an established tailoring school, saw infinite potential in the dynamically changing world around him. He saw an opportunity in the modernisation of the family legacy of craftsmanship with the evolving technologies of the future and his vision was to produce a collection inspired by the most sophisticated French couture but manufactured with the latest industrial techniques.

Ian Griffiths

After launching as a ready-to-wear label in 1959 Max Mara began to flourish as women realised the potential for a new modern silhouette that they could wear from day to night. Achille Maramotti became known as a ground-breaking entrepreneur who was changing the face of the industry and providing stylish, comfortable and accessible fashion that combined craftsmanship and technology.

Over the past 70 years, the Italian House has continued to promote the same values its founder had in the beginning: never compromise on quality and always move with the times, constantly modernising techniques and silhouettes but staying true to the DNA of the house. Max Mara still owns its factory in Italy which gives the house the freedom to experiment with state-of-the-art machinery and classic crafts and processes. This also allows the freedom to continue to develop the now iconic Max Mara coat, which is reinvented season after season.

In 1987 British designer Ian Griffiths joined Max Mara and has remained at the house ever since. As Creative Director he continues to honour the vision of Achille Maramotti, but remains relevant to the time and produces garments that women truly want to wear. While his methods in many ways are traditional, he is constantly evolving the silhouette, experimenting with innovative materials and finding ways to create clothes that are both modern and timeless. As the Fall/Winter 2022-23 collection launches, we discover more about the latest designs and what we can expect from the brand in the near future.

Congratulations on the Fall/Winter 22 collection – tell us a little about the collection – the inspiration, the silhouettes – and what it means to you.

Thank you, that’s a big question! There’s a narrative behind each collection which is like the makings of a novel, so I could write a novel in response to your question! I saw an exhibition at the Tate Modern in London. It was a major retrospective of the work of Sophie Taeuber-Arp; a creative polymath whose oeuvre was overlooked for decades, and now, she is happily being rediscovered. This formidable woman was an architect, dancer, textile designer, painter and sculptor. She was a really rare thing; a designer and an artist at the same time. And even rarer, she was a modernist who invested even the most everyday objects with a sense of magic and mystery.

We’re talking about the turbulent early decades of the twentieth century. At Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich, Taeuber-Arp and fellow artists of the avant-garde including Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Giorgio de Chirico, Max Ernst and Guillaume Apollinaire met night after night. Their performances, publications, recitals and readings produced an astonishing new aesthetic: Dada, a call for peace which resonates with the times we are living in now. Taeuber-Arp’s hastily improvised costumes and the marionettes she designed for her most famous work, ‘King Stag’ radiate joyful energy, kinetic spirit and theatrical panache. They are fully formed fairy-tale characters with a charm that lies somewhere between the robotic and the animal. This story has all the elements I love; a crystalline alpine landscape, avant-garde art and design, intellectual rigour with a dash of the cabaret thrown in, and the story of a strong unstoppable woman.

The Max Mara DNA and silhouette have had strong consistency for many years – what is your take on this today, how has it developed and where is the brand heading in terms of design?

I joined the company in 1987, which was the height of first-generation “power dressing” – the dress code that Max Mara was at the forefront of devising. It was a way of dressing that offered women a credible and powerful image to be successful in the male-dominated workspace. But it was quite a rigid uniform, and as women became more successful, they quite rightly started to demand more freedom in the way they dressed. This has been the overall trajectory in terms of design during my time at the company; always respecting the philosophy and iconic elements of the brand – the colour camel, for example – but at the same time offering more choices and opportunities for self-expression.

What is it about a Max Mara coat that is so unique and why in your opinion should every woman own one in their lifetime?

A Max Mara coat is the perfect integration of image, design and manufacture. Every coat that we launch has been considered in terms of perfect volume, unsurpassable materials, and carefully nuanced proportions, finish and detail. The result is an object that has glamour and status. A Max Mara coat is a life companion. Today, we are seeing younger women wearing coats that once belonged to older relatives and I think this highlights how a Max Mara coat is a heritage item.

What can you tell us about sustainability at Max Mara? 

I do not doubt that the fashion industry will work out a framework of codes for sustainability. In the meantime, I point to our ethos of offering well-designed clothes that last longer than the current season. Every collection tells a story, it’s true, but when you take them apart, you find pieces that will integrate perfectly into your existing Max Mara wardrobe.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration? 

My most important muse is the Max Mara woman. When I see a woman in the street wearing Max Mara, I glow with pride. It’s an even bigger thrill than seeing the collection on the runway or being photographed on a celebrity.

Over the years you have seen the fashion industry change, how would you assess the landscape today?

You could say that fashion has broken down. There’s definitely no such thing as ‘the’ fashion anymore, and that’s a good thing because everyone is free to find their own look. But that creates a certain amount of confusion because there are so many ideas being produced. Social media has most definitely accelerated this proliferation, to the point where a great deal of the ‘stuff’ that’s produced has no meaning. Max Mara represents lasting values; it’s like a rock in this ocean of ideas.

We know you are still very traditional in the way you sketch your designs – tell us about the power of sketches and can you share a little on your creative process?

A sketch is quite simply the most efficient way of communicating your ideas. It’s also a very satisfying and therapeutic activity. I try to set aside time for sketching because that’s how I work out my ideas. I let the design flow from the pen. If something is difficult to design, the chances are it will be difficult to wear, and that’s not Max Mara.

With many brands entering the world of Web 3, the Metaverse and NFTs – where does Max Mara stand on this and as a designer what is your take on fashion in this digital world?

The beauty of Max Mara starts with the finest materials. There’s no such thing as virtual cashmere, you can’t touch a virtual coat, and you can’t pass it on to your daughter or niece.

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

I’m looking forward to showing our ideas for Summer 2023 in Milan, and I’m working on the Prefall 2023 collection. We will be showing that in December, and I’m thinking about the format that the presentation will take. Maybe a show? If I could, I would put on a show every month! Fashion shows have evolved to the point where they are almost theatre. The perfect medium for telling the story behind the collection. I’m also coming to Dubai, hopefully in November and I look forward to meeting women in the world of Max Mara.

What can you tell us about Max Mara in the Middle East and what is a message you would send to your clients and fans here?

Max Mara respects women: that’s the starting point for everything we do. I don’t like the term ‘modest’ fashion, because it implies that women who wear it want to blend into the background. We design for the kind of woman who wants to be noticed for her discreet glamour and pulled-together chicness. There’s definitely a wow factor to Max Mara, but it’s the kind of wow that’s said under your breath. We find those women all over the world. Max Mara is a lingua franca and a lot of what we do is hard-wired for so-called modest fashion, without us having to think about a particular geographical region.

What is the motto that you live by? 

Classic doesn’t have to mean conservative. It applies to my own style and everything I do.

What is one piece every woman should invest in for the Fall/Winter 22 season? 

If you haven’t already got one, then invest in a coat. If you have, create a new silhouette with a teddy skirt, either long or short.

Cartier has expanded its Panthère de Cartier collection with a new selection of sculptural creations.

These new flexible necklaces and bracelets feature hidden hinges which are made from an invisible system developed by Cartier, that allows the pieces to sit even closer to the skin, further representing the iconic animal.

The collection features necklaces, rings and a bangle made of yellow gold marked with octagonal black lacquer spots, or white gold paved with diamonds and set with onyx spots. Its long, curved design stems from two heads of sculptural panthers with emerald or tsavorite garnet eyes.

These pieces feature a fine level of craftsmanship. Two different components are crossed with two gold blades which are linked to two springs positioned in the heads of the panthers. A real challenge in terms of craftsmanship that requires the Maison’s jewellers to respect the distribution of the Panthère’s spots.

For the versions set with diamonds, the setter’s job consists of encircling each stone with small metal grains to secure it. Next, using the Cartier “fur” setting, they skilfully cut around the onyx to give the impression of the animal’s silky coat.

The Panthère has been a creative signature for Cartier since the first sighting of her distinctive markings on a watch in 1914. This icon continues to be a defining element of the house and offers a modern yet timeless image.

Jad Hobeika, son of Lebanese couturier Georges Hobeika was recently revealed as Co-Creative Director of the house, working alongside his father. But Jad has in fact been an integral part of the brand’s development for six years. In 2016 he began working at the couture brand, giving his input and helping to create the collections in order to expand the House’s audience to a younger, more fashion-forward clientele and evolving the brand on a step to becoming more internationally recognised.

The first collection he worked on was in 2019 and he has since played an integral role in developing the House’s collections and communications. At just 26 Jad has much less experience than his father who has been in the industry for almost 30 years, but he has a young, fresh and free-spirited take on fashion and it is this that is driving the Maison into the future. This year Jad was formally announced as Co-Creative Director giving the young designer and his father equal input in all creative elements of the collections.

The first collection presented by the two Co-Creative Directors is the Fall/Winter 2022 collection which showed in Paris this July and was the first official reveal of the two designers to the world. The collection was brighter and bolder than we have seen in previous seasons, as well as featuring menswear looks for the first time. As the brand continues to move forward, we find out more about how this relationship between father and son is helping the evolution of the couture house.

Congratulations on the Fall/Winter 22 Haute Couture show – can you tell us a little about your creative process for this collection?

I always start to design by having a feeling for certain shapes and colours. I sketch and let the idea take me to another place or I move from one sketch to another until something gives me a feeling of newness; something I would like to see in events or on the streets, and then I put together a vision for the idea and translate it into a theme that leads to creating a full collection.

Can you share a little on the Haute Couture presentation and the experience as this was your first as Co-Creative Director?

I worked on it like any other collection. I didn’t want my first collection as a Co-Creative Director to be different from what our clientele are used to seeing especially as it wasn’t actually the first collection I worked on. Now, what’s going to happen next is a surprise!

You are now working alongside your father at the House tell us about your journey together as Co-Creative Directors and where you are at in that today.

Six years ago, Georges first welcomed me into the design studio. It was a great opportunity to learn and showcase my talent at the same time. The ride wasn’t always as smooth as expected and the relationship is harder than it looks. I had to re-imagine the girl of Georges Hobeika and that’s not easy when the Maison has been targeting a certain clientele for almost 30 years.

Season after season, collection after collection, we started embracing a broader, more inclusive audience. The first couture collection co-designed by Georges and I debuted in the Fall-Winter 2019 season, and today we are both working hand-in-hand, sharing responsibilities for collections and business strategy alike with one vision in mind: expanding internationally, speaking the language of a young clientele all while safeguarding the DNA of the Maison.

How do you think your touch on the brand can be seen and what influence would you like to have on the designs moving forward? 

I believe the Maison’s collections are now bolder and more daring. I am a free spirit and I want to convey this in the pieces we create. While Georges is a fond lover of everything refined and feminine, I was able to introduce a sense of freshness revolving around sartorial elegance from subtle cut-outs to bold crystal embellishments.

Can you share a little about your working relationship and how you divide duties within the company?

Today myself and my father work hand-in-hand sharing duties and responsibilities alike. The past six years taught us to trust in each other’s vision and push one another forward. Our eye is always on what’s next and with me speaking the language of both Gen-Z and Millennials, Georges allowed me to channel my creativity and work around the Maison’s DNA to state youth, elegance, and freedom all at once. I can say it’s teamwork, we both manage the studio to deliver new collections and give guidance to the atelier’s “Main precieuses” to develop their skills and adopt new styles of embroideries and 3D embellishments.

With your father as a designer, you have surely been surrounded by fashion your whole life – what is your first memory of this?

The atelier was a home to me. I was raised around tailors and “mains-precieuses”. Every season, I used to wait for my dad to showcase his collection in Paris and then take the video and watch it alone on our little screen at home. It meant the world to me. It was simply beautiful!

What can you tell us about menswear at Georges Hobeika?

It’s part of the vision and it’s about being inclusive.  It’s a party where a lot of people are there; both men and women, enjoying life!

What is your vision moving forward as you begin this new chapter of the house?

I am passionate about what I do. I have a clear vision of where I want to go. Georges was always a visionary in his designs and I was able to convince him of the direction I want to delve deep into through my creations.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration? 

My surroundings inspire me, from the smallest to the biggest detail. Being present in the now also inspires me.

How would you describe your own style?

Minimal Opulence.

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

Arabs have been always fond of fashion and are among the first to adopt the latest trends. Thus, catering to their needs is as important as creating for the international market. While the Arab woman is becoming more and more open to revealing her free spirit, conservative pieces are always seen in our collections as inclusivity lies at the heart of the Maison’s identity. In addition, a lot of our pieces can be easily altered to fit the taste of any woman no matter her background or culture.

How would you like to see Arab designers being recognised on a more global scale?

I believe recognition goes hand-in-hand with talent and hard work. Yet, I do think the international media should be more supportive of rising designers around the globe, giving them the opportunity to be featured which would allow different cultures to get to know them.

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

We are reworking our brand image and this is the main focus for now. I want our collections to speak the language of the new generations, the digital world, the street style and the glamour of the red carpet all at once.

What is the motto that you live by?

“What does that mean?”

The annual Venice Film Festival has kicked off in spectacular fashion. Stars have brought glamour to the red carpet throughout the week.

We reveal some of the best dressed celebrities on the red carpet so far…

Sadie Sink

Sydney Sweeney wearing Armani Prive

Emma Chamberlain wearing Roberto Cavalli

Taylor Russel wearing Balenciaga

Alessandra Ambrosio

Tessa Mae Thompson wearing Christopher John Rogers

Irina Shayk

Leonie Hanne wearing Alberta Ferretti

Julianne Moore wearing Valentino

Regé-Jean Page wearing Giorgio Armani

Adam Driver

Alessandra Ambrosio wearing Alberta Ferretti

Jodie Turner-Smith wearing Gucci

Grace Elizabeth

Hillary Clinton

Barbara Palvin wearing Giorgio Armani Privé

We discover the history of Balenciaga as Demna writes a new chapter of the Parisian Maison.

In the last few seasons, Balenciaga has been making tsunami-sized waves in the fashion industry. Driven by the vision of Demna, the brand, which reintroduced its Haute Couture line last season, has become the one to beat. With bold silhouettes, out-of-the-box concepts and future-thinking designs, the Parisian-born fashion house is perfectly bridging the gap between past, present and future in a way that only Balenciaga could do.

Cristąbal Balenciaga by GYENES

And while Gen Z fans may be under the impression that this is a ground-breaking approach to fashion, the house of Balenciaga has been making its own rules since the beginning, over a century ago, but it is only now that the two chapters are connecting as in so many ways, highlighting some of the uncanny similarities between Cristóbal Balenciaga and the current Creative Director Demna.

Cristąbal Balenciaga by THOMAS KUBLIN

The house of Balenciaga began in 1917 when Cristóbal Balenciaga opened his Haute Couture atelier in San Sebastián, Spain. For the creative couturier, success was almost instant and as word spread amongst communities of Balenciaga’s creative designs, customers began travelling all across Europe to discover his designs.

Cristóbal soon attracted the attention of local clients and those around Europe, as well as other couturiers around the world who had heard about the new silhouette the designer was offering. He opened his fashion house in Paris in 1937 and soon after presented his first collection to the press and buyers, making ripples in the fashion community.

By moving away from the hourglass shape loved by fellow couturier Christian Dior at the time, Balenciaga began sculpting a new silhouette for women that was sleeker, with more graphic lines, and celebraged the female body in new ways. This modern silhouette would end up changing the perception of Haute Couture garments forever. Cristóbal’s experimental approach to tailing and his ability to find new ways of creating garments that flattered the female shape and in particular the waist area, immediately attracted the attention of society’s most important women worldwide. Balenciaga began creating gowns for some of the most important ladies at that time from actresses, to royalty to fashion icons.

Throughout the next few decades, Cristóbal would reinvent the Haute Couture silhouette over and over. From his iconic boxy suit creations which first saw the light of day in 1952, to the “parachute” dress which continues to be a timeless design even today. In 1953 the couturier dropped the waistlines of his dresses to hip level in a first for Haute Couture designs, transforming the silhouette once again.

In 1958 Balenciaga was awarded the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour for his contribution to the fashion industry, and that same year he introduced his infamous “Baby Doll” dresses, once again pushing the boundaries of haute couture. The innovations continued, as Cristóbal became known for pushing the boundaries of design and offering new ways for women to express their beauty.

Cristóbal Balenciaga presented his last collection in 1968 before closing his fashion house and retiring in Spain. He passed away in 1972 and the house lay dormant until 1986. That year, Jacques Bogart S.A. acquired the rights to the brand and opened a new ready-to-wear line; Le Dix, named after the House’s first perfume which was first launched in 1947. Over the next three decades, several designers were invited to renew and revive the image of Balenciaga and the house was taken over by Kering in 2001.

At the time, Nicolas Ghesquière held the position of Creative Director. Ghesquière was the first to take direct inspiration from Cristóbal’s early work. He was inspired by the way the designer used futuristic methods and abstract shapes that created their own trends. In 2012 Ghesquière departed the brand and was replaced by Alexander Wang who also honoured Cristóbal’s legacy with his first collection. Wang remained at the house until 2015 and successfully managed to bring a fresh, youthful dimension to the brand making way for its biggest pioneer yet.

DEMNA

Enter Demna. As the founder of avant-garde brand Vetements, Demna was used to making his own rules, much like Cristóbal all those years ago. While on the surface the two may seem to have very different approaches to fashion, their connection runs deep and Cristóbal’s “dare to be different” mindset is something that resonates with the current Creative Director.

Since joining the house, the designer has managed to seamlessly merge Balenciaga’s avant-garde approach with his fascination for streetwear, offering oversized and voluminous silhouettes, playful styles and designs that put function at the forefront. Demna’s interest in the future has allowed him to experiment with the unusual and unexpected, making clothing practical and purposeful as well as being beautifully crafted. This mindset reflects that of Cristóbal who was fascinated by innovation and finding new ways to do things, crafting new silhouettes and using new materials to express his vision.

Demna has also built up an A-List cult following of the brand, with friends and ambassadors now spanning the likes of Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Dua Lipa, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Rhianna and Taylor Swift…the list goes on. His time at the brand has seen it become a go-to for not only the elite but the young generation, looking to dip their toe into the world of high fashion. But while the ready-to-wear collections are now one of the most coveted lines globally, the House’s Haute Couture lines are writing their own comeback story.

In July 2021, Demna presented his first Haute Couture collection for the brand and the first for the brand in 53 years. He reopened a dormant box in spectacular fashion and it reaffirmed the brand’s elite positioning in the world of Haute Couture today. Demna admitted to feeling the pressure, this was not only his first haute couture collection after all but also the revival of one of the greatest couture houses of all time. But he didn’t disappoint, finding his own way to combine the heritage and history of the house with his “street” design aesthetic and love for innovation. The follow up collection which debuted this year was the House’s 52nd Haute Couture offering.

For this collection Demna collaborated with a number of artisans and industrial design visionaries, to develop new ways of layering design craftsmanship and technological innovation, in a way that is true to the DNA of the house. He introduced new, never used before fabrics, using combinations of unconventional or unexpected materials to create shapes and dimensions never seen before, much like the brand’s founder many decades prior. His desire to always push the boundaries yet perfectly honour the heritage and savoir-faire of the house was clearer than ever.

As the brand goes from strength to strength we await Demna’s next move as he continues to build a new legacy for this historical House.

When one of Dubai’s finest Italian restaurants was awarded two Michelin stars, we had to check it out!

Il Ristorante by Italian chef Niko Romito is located in the luxury destination of Bulgari Resort Dubai. Romito’s restaurants have become a key part of the luxury brand’s hospitality destinations with many located in resorts worldwide.

Il Ristorante – Niko Romito is run locally by Resident chef Giacomo Amicucci who is overseen by Niko Romito himself. This year the restaurant became the only one to be awarded two Michelin stars in the UAE, recognised for its unique and modern way of expressing traditional Italian dishes.

Chef Niko Romito and Chef Giacomo Amicucci – Il Ristorante Action 2022

Romito is famed for his artistic, minimalist way of expressing Italian culture through his recipes combined with the understated minimal design of his restaurants. When entering Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in Dubai there is an instant sense of elevated luxury. Rich, flawless interiors offer a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere as you take a seat with views over the nearby bay and marina.

TORTELLI CON RICOTTA, SPINACI E MANTECA

The menu at first glance seems quite straightforward; plenty of Italian classics such as Lasagne, Tortellini, and Risotto – but while the names of the dishes are recognisable, the presentation is something else. With each course, we became more and more impressed by the colours, the designs and the presentation of our choices. Crafted like works of art, each dish has a perfect combination of textures and colours to create a picture-perfect menu.

ANTIPASTO ALL’ITALIANA

And then we come to the taste which was even better than we expected. The chef has kept the traditional Italian flavours in each of the dishes which was exactly what we were hoping for, but the careful pairing of modern ingredients adds a spectacular twist. We were particularly taken aback by the homemade pasta dishes (the lasagne is a must-try – trust us), and the Tortellini with ricotta and spinach is very special. Seafood dishes including the steamed seabass, roasted langoustines and for main, the oven-baked black cod with spiced tomatoes is delicious.

SPIGOLA ALL’ACQUA PAZZA

Make sure you save room for dessert as there are very special twists on Italian classics such as Tiramisu, warm chocolate cake with orange reduction and for a more modern dessert; chocolate and gold – we’ll leave that one to your imagination!

All in all this exclusive destination is well-deserving of its two Michelin stars and certainly provides an experience to remember!

Lucy Yeomans Founder, Co-Chairman and Chief Brand and Product Officer of DREST discusses fashion and luxury in the virtual world

Have you ever wanted to be a fashion editor? Or a celebrity stylist? Have you ever dreamed of trying out luxury products before having to actually invest in them? Or simply love the idea of experimenting with your style? A virtual styling game which is taking the world by storm offers all of the above and more, with access to some of the world’s top luxury brands and the chance to win prizes, compete against others and have your looks rated as part of it. DREST, quite surprisingly brings together the worlds of fashion and gaming in an unexpected yet perfectly seamless way. The platform which was thought up by former magazine editor Lucy Yeomans has already attracted the likes of Cartier, Valentino, Prada, Gucci, Breitling, and many more, and it is going from strength to strength. DREST was born out of Lucy’s desire to open up the luxury world to customers (who have now become users) and allow anyone, anywhere to connect with luxury products and discover an industry that many dream of.

Since launching the platform in 2019 Lucy and her team have successfully garnered the support of many of the world’s top luxury brands whose products are available to discover within the game in virtual form and used to dress a set of avatars. The idea is for users to have full creative input over a series of virtual fashion shoots, red carpet events and more, creating their own virtual looks, from real-time products that are currently available, and have them rated by experts to win prizes and points. But the fun goes further than that. Having successfully signed up a number of global brands, Lucy offers these powerhouses the chance to sell their products to users through direct web links to their sites and the team even begun to discuss exclusive launches, limited edition products and prizes for those excelling in the game. A fashion game may at first sound quite out of the ordinary but trust us, it’s addictive. And if you won’t take our word for it, Founder, Co-Chairman and Chief Brand and Product Officer Lucy Yeomans will tell you all you need to know.

DREST PhotoShoot Challenge Versace

Congratulations on the success of DREST – can tell us a little about how the idea came about and the journey so far?

My story goes literally from the luxury space of magazine editing into this gaming world and it’s been quite a journey but a very exciting one! It’s been something that’s evolved over the years, I think it was around twelve or thirteen years ago that I first became fascinated by this world of gaming, and I just found it to be so extraordinary. A lot of people think that fashion and gaming have very little in common, but actually, there is huge synergy: in both, there is storytelling, fantasy, creativity, healthy competition and lots of self-expression.

I was fascinated by the content experience and I think moving from editing a magazine to working at Net-A-Porter and getting closer to the customer or users, I was interested in how the experience had remained for so long a one-way conversation that saw a small number of people in the fashion industry saying what’s good and what’s bad and relaying that to users. That started to open up with social media and more people could be involved, but it still wasn’t a terribly democratic experience. You had to look a certain way or have access to products to be able to be actively engaged in it. And so what I loved about gaming was the incredible interactivity and how it allowed people to be part of the creative process, get involved and share their point of view.

As my idea started to develop I could see there was a gap in the market for how brands could engage with the next generation of consumers and I saw it as an evolution of the content experience. So ultimately DREST was born as a creative experience that allows people to step into that fashion world, into the products, get creative and connect with brands. Everything in DREST comes from the real world, so there is a fantasy element that you’re coming in as a stylist and playing the game, but you’re playing with real fashion, you’re inspired by real news, and you are also actually styling the products.

It got to the point where I thought ‘I have got to do this’ but at the time, gaming had a terrible perception – it was seen to be for teenage boys in their bedrooms playing on game consoles – but with the evolution of mobiles and mobile gaming the audience started to change and that’s when I started to think that it could really work.

DREST Moodboard

How would you explain the platform in your own words for those who are inexperienced in this type of virtual world?

Your role as a player in the DREST gaming app is to be a stylist. You are responding to real-time drops from fashion brands, and we work with over 250 of the world’s top luxury brands, as well as farfetch.com with who we have an affiliate deal. Users are given challenges in the form of photoshoots in which they have to dress an avatar. Our avatars are super life-like, we have around 15 as well as supermodels that can be dressed. We have brought in some real-life avatars including Natalia Vodianova, Precious Lee, and Irina Shayk. And we have also had guest models including Kate Moss. We invite users to come and experience life on a photoshoot through this digital platform and then they are rated on how they style these avatars or models. And they are using real products that are available now. It’s a creative, inspiring experience. We also have makeup and hair looks which can be added to each challenge and we have partnered with some celebrity stylists and makeup artists for this. We have partnerships with hotels that are offering locations for the styling to take place. We are always trying to experiment and I think what’s nice for the fashion industry is that we’re not a gaming company, we are doing this from a position of knowledge and understanding of the luxury industry.

Players can also create mood boards using props – this is super fun and creative and I have to say, the brands love it when they see the mood boards that users have made, they can’t quite believe the level of creativity that exists! Your look goes for scoring and the community rate it. Depending on your score you’ll be awarded a gift box and you’ll level up and progress through the game which allows you to access more options to play with. Where possible we are trying to make sure that the narrative reflects real life, but I think what’s exciting about it is that it allows customers to discover products in a very creative way.

Messika by Kate Moss x DREST

What was the biggest challenge you faced along the way? 

What I thought was going to be a challenge but turned out to be a lot easier than I imagined was getting the involvement of the brands. From the moment we showed them what we had done, they understood that we were creating a beautiful environment that was controlled to a degree, but also allowed creative freedom. There was huge excitement and it was also very surprising to find closet gamers in the industry along the way! Many people were very passionate about gaming and I think what the brands loved was that there was finally a way for people to discover products not by standing at a shop window looking in and being close and involved with the stories.

A big part of DREST is the stories and editorials that support our content so when someone takes part in a challenge they read the story and learn something and there is a huge amount of understanding of the brands from this. I think for that reason the brands found it really exciting. And then of course just after we started the company, we went into lockdown. It was an interesting way for brands to experiment during a time when they couldn’t do other activations. And of course, there was the fact that myself and my team understood the luxury brands and their goals which gave them a lot of confidence.

What’s been most exciting is bringing two different types of workforce together. The gaming and fashion industries involve so many different types of disciplines so it’s been interesting. I have watched as other gaming companies have tried to go into fashion and it’s very hard. To make sure that everything is correct from a luxury perspective I sit with the teams and question everything and whether it works for both gaming and fashion. And I can see why some people have tried and failed because it has to be a collaboration. There are two very different cultures and different working styles. You are always knitting these two worlds together and when it works and we solve a problem, everyone is happy.

Valentino x DREST

With technology constantly developing so fast what is your vision moving forward for the company? 

The next stage is to take DREST one step further and we will be moving onto a new platform towards the end of next year. Tech is difficult and you don’t always make the right decisions, and when you’ve never built a game before, of course you will make some mistakes, but having spoken to other people in this space, mistakes happen. The new platform is so much faster and we will be able to make changes and develop it every two weeks. We will make those changes by listening to the users and hearing what they want and responding to that. So we will be co-creating our product with our user base. Some of the new elements we will have include animation in the game and the ability to create your own avatar based on yourself. This is something we always knew would attract people to the game. We are bringing together two technologies which will allow people to choose all of their facial and body features, as well as the clothes to try on. This is something really exciting and probably the biggest focus for next year.

The community element of the game is also something that has always been on our roadmap and is crucial for us. We know there is a desire for more community within the game, and we believe that this has the potential to be an incredibly exciting social community and platform, bringing together people that are passionate about fashion. We are developing a huge number of social features that will connect players more closely to the brands and the products.

How do you keep up with the new developments in technology when everything changes so quickly?

Throughout my career, I have always wanted to listen to the ‘user’ and be guided by what they want and need. So yes, we have some brilliant people within the company who are always looking at new technologies to take us to the forefront of what’s happening, but I also think in combination with that, we want to be in touch with our audience and what they need. This whole idea came about because I could see the audience shifting to different platforms and as a content maker you want to meet their needs. So we listen and react to what our users want, considering their preferences. I love the fact that we have a very direct relationship with our audience and the idea that they feel like they’re co-creating the game means their voice is so important. I think this is something our partners are also very excited about because it gives them access to data on what their consumers want.

PRADA x DREST

Do users get any benefits or exclusivity when it comes to the luxury brands involved in the game?

This is something we have just started to do. I love the concept of RVR or “Real Virtual Real.” The idea is that everything starts in the real world as a physical product, then there is this virtual space where you can discover and create with these products, and then there is the real-world output. This could be a user learning about a brand or a new product, or it could also be them buying or winning a product. So what is very much in our plans, particularly when we start introducing limited items, is to offer an experience and it’s something we are exploring as we go forward. At the moment we are starting to get to a stage where designers will be setting the briefs. We have also had instances where some of the creative work that our users have done has been shared on the brand’s platforms, so there is the potential for us to create the next generation of created influencers in a very different way. There are many benefits and we will be looking at innovative ways to develop this further.

Can you tell us about DREST in the Middle East and can we expect to see more of you in the region?

It’s such an exciting region for us and I have to say whenever we have done anything in the Middle East, it has been amazing. I think there is a huge appetite there. We know that the mobile handset penetration in the Middle East is greater than most other regions in the world, there is heavy use of apps and it is obviously an important and huge luxury market. On a social media level, there is a huge amount of expression which is something that we value at DREST. We are also exploring a modesty mode in the game which is something I want to do immediately when we launch the new product.

Are there any upcoming projects or partnerships that you’re working on that you can share with us?

This month we have a partnership with Cartier and the Panthere collection. It’s a collection I have always wanted to work with and I think the campaign represents an incredible line-up of strong, powerful brand ambassadors and we want DREST to reflect that and be a force for good, showcasing strong, exciting people. It’s a beautiful partnership for us and to have Cartier within our space is so exciting. I can’t wait to try on those beautiful pieces in the game!

Then in October, we have a project with Christian Louboutin. There is going to be a real-life event connected to this with some mystery surrounding it so it’s going to be really fun and exciting. We are working with both the fashion and beauty lines to bring them together in an exciting and innovative way that I think will completely delight our users, plus there are some real-life prizes to be given away which is always nice!

DREST Photoshoot Challenge Versace homescreen

What is a message you would send to our readers about why they should sign up and get involved in the platform?

I have phases where I play the game quite passionately and that’s something I did this weekend and what I noticed is that it’s just so creative and fun, and I have to say because we are always promoting new drops, it’s such a great way to discover what is coming up in fashion. I also personally think it helps me push my style and think about trying things I wouldn’t usually try and it builds confidence around my style. It also opens you up to trying new products and brands and it’s a really lovely way to get involved and be creative as well as discover the latest fashion news. Fashion should be fun, inspiring and creative and I think that’s what DREST is.

Messika has introduced. A range of limited edition creations are available exclusively in Qatar.

The range of jewellery pieces pays homage to the country as it marks a monumental year in its history ahead of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup later this year.

A range of pieces in the Maison’s signature collections Lucky Move and My Move are inspired by the iconic colours of the Qatari national flag.

An elegant colour palette featuring deep burgundy and classic white is applied to an elegant selection of pieces that will be produced in just 122 pieces per item.

The pieces also feature symbolic talisman medallions that unlock good luck and fortune in the years that follow. These good luck charms are featured on the Lucky Move bracelet and Lucky Move necklace.

A new signature my Move Bracelet is available in burgundy leather. This versatile and modern piece is accentuated by clean white stitching with a brilliant-cut diamond set in the centre. Available in classic and pavé motifs (in white, pink and yellow gold) as well as titanium motifs (in natural, graphite and black), each limited-edition bracelet is an unprecedented iteration of individual style.

The Qatar Edition jewels were unveiled exclusively at the opening of the Middle East’s largest Messika flagship boutique on 30th August 2022. . Etched with its own special engraving on the back reading “Qatar Edition #/122”; every piece evokes the sentiment of pride and purpose that is illustrative of the nation at this moment in time.

As the 2022 edition of the Venice Film Festival is in full swing, stars are arriving on the red carpet dressed in show-stopping outfits. But it is their jewellery that is making them sparkle!

We take a look at some of the most impressive jewellery looks so far…

Greta Gerwig wearing Bulgari High Jewellery

Paola Turani wearing Messika

Greta Ferro wearing Messika

Matilde Gioli wearing Buccellati

Fendi has revealed footballing star Karim Benzema as a new ambassador of the house.

The French footballing legend and Real Madrid star embodies the progressive spirit of the Maison’s latest sneaker design; the Fendi Faster which combines technology, innovation and high fashion.

Karim who was recently named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year is known not only for his sporting talent but also as a true professional.

The Fendi Faster sneaker, designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, features technical fabrics and high-end athletic touches for an accessory that combines, comfort, versatility and style.

The highly skilled design featuring Fendi’s elevated level of craftsmanship is the perfect fit for Benzema’s own unique and inimitable skill, style, and strong personality and will make the perfect companion for any style-conscious man this Fall.

Chopard’s new My Happy Hearts collection will brighten up your day! Starring actress Camille Razat the playful images feature the brand’s latest pieces from this iconic collection.

The collection features delicate pieces with a constellation of dainty hearts to be worn alone or stacked.

The collection borrows its most famous design codes – the heart and the dancing diamonds – from the Maison’s legendary creations, played out in new proportions.

It is a sign of self-love, designed to make any woman feel appreciated and alive. This collection is meant as a gift to yourself,

Using the heart symbol which can often be seen in the House’s high jewellery collection the My Happy Hearts collection features necklaces, chain bracelets, rings and earrings all based on the principle of a single heart. Whether in ethical 18-carat rose or white gold, the heart of each piece of jewellery comes in carnelian, mother-of-pearl or diamond-set versions. The collection’s rings and earrings are also available with a dancing diamond.

The heart, a free-spinning diamond and ornamental stone are all iconic Chopard codes, staging a vibrant and powerful show.

Balenciaga has revealed its Winter 22 campaign featuring Kim Kardashian as well as other friends of the House; Alexa Demie, Big Matthew, Khadim Sock, and Kim Yeon-koung.

The impactful campaign features reality star Kim dressed in a blue dress from the brand’s Winter 22 collection standing under a bolt of lightning as she appears to walk on water.

The campaign expands on the theme’s from the show which took place earlier this year, featuring a snowstorm inside a circular dome and representing a time in the future when the weather is mostly stimulated and features extreme conditions.

Key ready-to-wear pieces featured in the campaign include the hybrid bodysuit dress, trompe l’oeil slip dress, towel top, XXXL hoodie, faux-feather boa, pullover jacket and simulated fur coat. The pieces are placed in contradictory environments: layered pieces in the hot sun, minimal clothing in the frigid cold, etc.

The images are created by Berlin-based photographer Daniel Roché who is renowned for his expressive and emotive work. Videos are also created by Barcelona-based director Mau Morgo. The videos feature environments that quickly change via time-lapses photography from one season to another, while looks stay constant.

The campaign is being rolled out global across stores and digital platforms.

Versace has a new line of bags and accessories. The Greca Goddess celebrates Versace’s iconic motif; the Medusa head with a fresh bold interpretation.

“Greek Goddesses have always been part of Versace DNA and the Greca Goddess captures their clash of cultures and emotion. Classical with a subversive rebellion, the cold metal Greca dressed in warm gold. These juxtapositions create something new. When I touch the strong, cold metal of the Greca it makes me feel my strength and confidence.” Said Donatella Versace.

The bags have a sculptural feel with precise angles and feminine curves coming together in sleek leather. The geometric Greca hardware powerfully punctuates each style and gives a sense of richness and elevated luxury.

This new symbol represents the brand’s heritage and DNA and offers a modern take on the past, with elegant, understated details.

The collection features a shoulder bag, large clutch, and a selection of small leather accessories.

As Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan celebrates her 52 birthday today, we round up some of her most iconic style moments over the years.

With Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall

During the celebrations of Jordan’s 76 Independence Day

Official Portrait 2019

71st Anniversary of Jordan’s Independence Day

At the World Childhood Foundation USA Thank You Gala, 2015

The King and Queen of Jordan Welcome the King and Queen of Norway

With Queen Elizabeth II

With Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States

Boucheron celebrates its iconic designs with a bold new campaign.

Highlighting the history of the Maison and the collections that define its DNA today, the new images showcase key pieces with a bold yet understated tone.

With shots taken by famed photographer-stylist team David Sims and Emmanuelle Alt, the Icons campaign reaffirms Boucheron’s standing as the first jeweller to open a boutique on Place Vendôme.

“While remaining true to our history, this new campaign – stylish and assertive – marks a shift for the House. Our distinctiveness is expressed through the XXL concept, showcasing both our designs and our ambassadors, as well as the unprecedented presence of a man. Ludwig Wilsdorff’s intense personality makes him the perfect embodiment of Boucheron masculinity. And Anja Rubik tells a story that is utterly consistent with the House, with cutting-edge energy.” Said Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, Boucheron CEO.

The campaign features iconic collections including Quatre, Serpent Bohème, Jack de Boucheron, and the Vendôme Liseré, worn by iconic Anja Rubik and Ludwig Wilsdorff.

Claire Choisne, Creative Director at Boucheron explains her choice of jewellery pieces: “For this campaign, I imagined oversized versions of our icons while remaining true to their original character.  I feel that Boucheron presents a cutting-edge, lively, authentic vision of jewellery and High Jewellery with these pieces, and that’s how I’ve always imagined Boucheron to be. Each visual depicts very different collections. The uniting theme is the stylish quality, both aesthetic and conceptual, seen in the various dimensions of the campaign.”

The campaign is now live globally. For more information visit boucheron.com.

Waldorf Astoria has opened its door in Kuwait for the first time with a new luxury property.

Located in Kuwait city and connected to The Avenues, the country’s largest retail, entertainment, and luxury lifestyle destination the hotel is the perfect location for a weekend escape.

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait blends timeless elegance with a modern sensibility and sincere service in a property that will transform the city’s hospitality offering.

King Deluxe One Bedroom Living Room

The hotel feature 200 adorned contemporary deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views of the vibrant city skyline. Guests are also invited to discover exquisite dining venues, beautiful event spaces and the awe-inspiring Waldorf Astoria Spa.

“We are very excited to be expanding our portfolio in Kuwait to include the iconic Waldorf Astoria, which brings an elevated luxury guest experience to the country,” said Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President, Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Hilton. “Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is Hilton’s third property in the country and brings a trusted brand to a community of discerning travellers who expect the highest levels of service. We look forward to welcoming guests to this outstanding property, which will no doubt be one of Kuwait’s most prestigious landmarks.”

The hotel features iconic details that can be seen throughout all of Waldorf Astoria’s global properties including the iconic Waldorf Astoria Clock, which has been adapted to reflect Kuwait’s cultural heritage, as well as The Library and Peacock Alley.

Peacock Alley Cafe

The interiors feature artistic masterpieces inspired by the legacy of Kuwait, plush fabrics, marble accents and an opulent colour selection of champagne, gold and silver. A stunning sculptural staircase serves as the lobby centrepiece. Each design element is meticulously curated to convey a strong sense of arrival while also providing the comfort of a private home.

The hotel will also feature international dining destinations including ROKA which will open later this fall and the property’s signature restaurant AVA, which offers Mediterranean cuisine.

AVA

The Waldorf Astoria Spa will be an expansive 13,560 sq. ft. wellness destination with a private suite which includes an arrival lounge, well-appointed bathroom, steam room hammam, jacuzzi and double treatment zone, providing the ultimate escape for the discerning wellness guest. Those looking to enhance their fitness routine can do so at the 24-hour Technogym-equipped Fitness Centre, including a Fitness Studio offering a range of adrenaline-boosting workout sessions.

For more information about Waldorf Astoria, please visit stories.hilton.com.

Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper has been revealed at a new house ambassador for Louis Vuitton.

The actor’s debut campaign celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Tambour watch.

This iconic timepiece disputed all the conventions of watchmaking design when it first debuted in 2002. Delighting those who love a creative edge to their watches, the Tambour’s distinctive lines and innovative shape make it truly unique.

In the new campaign starring Cooper, the actor can be seen embodying the Tambour Twenty, an extremely limited collector’s edition of the design.

The Tambour Twenty pays tribute to the original Tambour by reprising its iconic codes — a deep, flared 41.5mm case, with a brown sunray dial, yellow chronograph hands, and the engraved letters “Louis Vuitton” flanking the case.

This is combined with high-end features, including the LV277 high-frequency automatic chronograph movement; a 22-carat oscillating weight; a specially engraved case back – specifying the limited edition of 200 pieces, and a custom-made trunk in Monogram canvas.

The campaign video was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Damien Chazelle and accompanying still images lensed by photographer Boo George.

The advertising campaign for the Tambour Twenty campaign will break across Louis Vuitton social media channels and on louisvuitton.com as of today, September 8th, 2022.

The annual Geneva Watch Days event kicked off this week with many watch Maisons showcasing their latest designs in the heart of Switzerland.

Jacob & Co. has introduced a ground-breaking, high complication timepiece, Astronomia Solar Bitcoin. A tribute to the era of cryptocurrency this unusual design features Bitcoin-related features within its vertical and rotating manufacture movement.

The Astronomia Solar Bitcoin is housed in a 44 mm, black DLC titanium case, and features a Jacob-cut diamond, a Jacob-cut orange citrine and a rotating Earth,

The black DLC titanium Astronomia Solar Bitcoin is interspersed with details and features that are directly linked to the Bitcoin universe A Bitcoin currency logo. A flying tourbillon. A yellow citrine sun, a diamond moon and a golden Earth. A miniature rocketship to reach for the moon. All these symbols tell the story of the advent of the first cryptocurrency.

The Astronomia Solar Bitcoin’s 44-mm wide case is crafted out of titanium which has gone through DLC processing. Diamond-like Carbon allows the crystallization of carbon atoms on a metallic surface, embedding in it a layer that is as black as pure coal, and as hard as diamond. As a result, the Astronomia Solar Bitcoin is dark and light, all the more so as the Astronomia case features wide lateral openings in the case band, allowing a 360° view on a high-end, complicated movement, developed and manufactured exclusively for Jacob&Co.

Twenty-five of these watches will be made and can be paid for in cryptocurrency. Regardless of where the sale ultimately takes place, payment will be available in the crypto of the buyer’s choosing, Bitcoin or altcoin, at the going rate on the day of the transaction. The purchase will be handled by leading payment processing platform Bitpay, which carries Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and no less than 5 USD-pegged stablecoins.

Dubai-based singer Balqees Fathi wowed in a Valentino Pink PP look for her recent concert in the UAE. The Emirati beauty chose a look from the brand’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection.

Balqees Fathi was in Dubai for her recent concert which took place on August 27th at The Dubai World Trade Centre. The singer has been a close friend of Maison Valentino for a while now and has often been seen wearing standout looks from the brand’s collection.

The Valentino Pink PP which was designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli features the brand’s very own bold pink hue which has been seen across red carpets throughout the summer.

Expo City will open to the public on October 1st 2022. Ahead of the official opening visitors can also experience two pavilions from September 1st.

Visitors are invited to discover the Mobility Pavilion and Terra, which will remain as part of the Expo 2020 Dubai legacy site from 1st September 2022. Gardens in the sky, an elevated platform with 360-degree views of the site will also open this week.

Organisers made the announcement on 29th August 2022 declaring that the move is the “first chapter of Expo City Dubai’s journey”.

Tickets for entry to Expo City will be AED50 and Alif and Terra will be open daily from 10am to 6pm, while Garden in the Sky will open from 3pm to 6pm, extending to 10am to 6pm from Friday, September 16 onwards.

As of October 1st 2022, other Expo favourites will return, including Al Wasl Plaza, the Surreal water feature, the Women’s Pavilion and the Vision Pavilion, as well as children’s playgrounds and the carousel.

Then later in the year, the Opportunity Pavilion will become the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum. This will be a new addition to the site and will highlight the history and impact of World Expos, including Expo 2020 Dubai.

As part of the Dior Fall/Winter 2022-23 collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri has created a delicate pattern depicting plants, flowers and birds, inspired by a photograph of Christian Dior in his winter garden by Mark Shaw.

The feminine d’Hiver embroidery has been applied to the Dior Book Tote for the upcoming season, inspired by Monsieur Dior’s love of gardens and flowers.

Chiuri plays homage to this part of the House’s heritage, combined with the finest craftsmanship needed to recreate this ornate floral pattern.

Created with a palette of over twenty different colours, this mesmerizing illustration is meticulously embroidered on the iconic Dior Book Tote, crafted in Italy by virtuoso artisans.

They assemble the different parts of the bag by hand, giving life to an exceptional piece, a symbol of the Dior spirit, an ode to the art of detail.

Through this collection, Chiuri pages homage to bygone times woven into the materials and forms of today through the historical art of embroidery.

The Dior Book Tote Jardin d’Hiver embroidery edition will be available throughout the fall.

Hermès will satisfy all your footwear needs this autumn with its extensive range of new styles for men and women. Scroll down to see more:

High-top sneakers in calfskin and Epsom calfskin

Sandals in shearling Shoes AW22 Hermes © Thue Norgaard

Lace-up ankle boots in parachute canvas and calfskin Shoes AW22 Hermes © Thue Norgaard

Sneakers in technical mesh, braided bolduc Shoes AW22 Hermes © Thue Norgaard

Sneakers in technical mesh and calfskin Shoes AW22 Hermes © Thue Norgaard

Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth has spoken on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day which will take place tomorrow, August 28^th.

Al Kaabi said: “Today, Emirati women occupy leadership positions in various fields and are leading by example. These success stories are a result of the support and empowerment that Emirati women have received from the wise leadership since the formation of the country. Today, the UAE has become a role model for gender equality and ranks first in the Arab world as well as globally on many gender balance indices.”

Her Excellency added: “This achievement stems from a confident vision, laid down by our late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which was supported by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), the Mother of the Nation, who believed in the capabilities of Emirati women to reach the highest level of success. She worked to empower them and encouraged their participation at various levels of nation-building. Her Highness launched the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women, which has been instrumental in strengthening the position of Emirati women at the regional and global levels and has led to their success in various sectors.”

She continues: “This year’s theme – Inspiring Reality…Sustainable Future – will inspire all government entities and institutions to continue to support Emirati women and create the right ecosystem for them to achieve their goals in line with the UAE’s vision for the next fifty. At the Ministry of Culture and Youth, we are steadily moving towards strengthening the partnership between men and women in the service of the nation. We are very proud to have received the honour of being the Best Federal Entity Supporting Gender Balance among the various UAE ministries. This motivates us to work harder so we continue to provide a conducive environment for women to reach for the stars and help them succeed.”

Emirati Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the successes of women in the UAE and recognise how far the country has come in terms of women’s empowerment.

Gucci’s new “Exquisite” campaign was inspired by filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, recreating iconic scenes from his films in the Gucci way!

With a concept created by Alessandro Michele the new series of images which showcases the fall/winter 2022 collection in settings that reflect scenes from iconic movies such as The Shining, Eyes Wide Shut, 2001: A Space Odyssey and more.”

“The “Exquisite” campaign is my tribute to cinema and to one of its brightest maestros, Stanley Kubrick. A philosophic filmmaker who, better than others, emanated the magic of that inextricable knot through which cinema exudes life and magnifies it.” Said Michele.

“As an act of love, I decided to reinhabit Kubrick’s films, pushing to the core this incendiary approach. I took the liberty of disassembling, blending, grafting and reassembling them. Sticking to my creative praxis, I seized those movies, populating them with my clothes.” He explained.

See more of the collection below:

On the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, the Abu Dhabi Awards Organising Committee sheds light on successful women from the Emirates that have made a difference in their communities.

The women are previous winners of the Abu Dhabi Awards, a key Government initiative that was created to recognise committed and selfless individuals who have contributed to their community becoming an inspiration and motivation to others.

On the occasion of the 2022 edition of Emirati Women’s Day, the Awards committee highlighted three key faces that have been an inspiration. Each of these women is a previous recipient of the awards and is considered the best embodiment of the true values held by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Dr. Fatima Al Refaei

Dr Fatima Al Rifaei

Receiving the award in 2021, Dr Fatima is widely regarded as a pioneer in her nursing field, playing an instrumental role in developing the UAE’s nursing profession. Along with her dedication to making a positive difference, she has strived in her career, achieving many accomplishments including establishing the Emirates Nursing Association in 2003. Since it launched, it has continued to provide holistic support to the nursing community, encouraging UAE citizens to pursue a profession in nursing.

As well as sharing her insights and experiences at key industry events – locally, regionally, and internationally, Dr Fatima was elected as a member of the Board of Directors for the International Council of Nurses (ICN) for the Middle East region.

Today, she serves as an Advisor for Nursing Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Farah Al Qaissieh

Farah Al Qaissieh

As someone who grew up with a stutter, Farah Al Qaissieh has shown that anything is possible in life, as long as you have the belief to overcome any hurdles.

A winner in 2018, Farah became a source of inspiration to many for her determination to overcome this speech disorder, which she referred to as ‘just another accent’ while working hard to educate and change people’s perceptions.

Her efforts saw her launch the ‘Stutter UAE’ initiative, the country’s first support platform where people who suffer from stuttering can meet and interact. Her story was also told in a documentary film ‘Just Another Accent’ which was screened to an international audience at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Today, she is the Assistant Manager at Mubadala Emiratization, having started her professional career in Mubadala Investment Company in 2011.

Zaafarana Khamis

Zafaranaa Khamis

Zaafarana Khamis is a mother of eleven – including two Special Olympics champions, Hamda, and Maryam – but to the public she is best known as the “mother for people of determination”.

For years, she has always been a mother figure who goes the extra mile in helping those members of society in need, she was rewarded for her time and dedication with the Abu Dhabi Award.

As a volunteer for more than 15 years, she first started giving back to her community in 2007 by doing voluntary work at the Abu Dhabi Sports Club for People of Determination and has gone on to devote her time to supporting more People of Determination during national and international sporting events. She was also part of the volunteering team when Abu Dhabi hosted the Special Olympics World Games in 2019 – the first time the global event was held in the MENA region.

The Abu Dhabi Awards recognises contributions from anyone working to improve UAE society, regardless of their age, gender, nationality, or place of residency. The single and only criteria that nominees must fulfil is to have made a positive contribution to the emirate and community of Abu Dhabi.

Nominations for the 11^th edition of this prestigious ceremony can be submitted by visiting the Abu Dhabi Awards website www.abudhabiawards.ae.

August 28^th 2022 marks Emirati Women’s Day. Take that special woman in your life for an exquisite afternoon tea experience. We reveal some of our favourites to try.

Bulgari Resort Dubai

To celebrate Emirati Women’s Day on 28th August, Bulgari Resort Dubai will offer a special Afternoon Tea, served in the Lobby Lounge, featuring coffee and tea from across the globe and a selection of the finest pastries.

This special Afternoon Tea is available to guests on Sunday 28th of August from 03.00 p.m. to 06.00 p.m. AED 300 per person. For reservations, please call +971 4 777 5433 or email dine@bulgarihotels.com

Sultan’s Lounge, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

The perfect place to meet on Emirati Women’s Day, Sultan’s Lounge is bringing something sweet, guests can enjoy the lounge’s decadent afternoon tea. This includes a selection of sandwiches featuring Beef Pastrami, Chicken Coronation and Egg Mousse. Followed by a variety of sweet treats, highlights include Opalys Chocolate Cheesecake, Strawberry Rose Cake and the Chocolate Tart. All complimented by classic Buttermilk Scones and Belgian Chocolate Chip and Cranberry Scones with preserves. A complimentary bespoke cake and a wrapped white tulip will be offered to every Emirati woman that dines in.

Available on August 28 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | AED 199 for two people inclusive of the signature tea selection and AED 299 for two people inclusive of two glasses of bubbly

Additionally, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is offering the Emirati women experiencing the hotel’s spa experiences on August 27th and 28th a luxury hotel gift voucher for two inclusive of access to its relaxing facilities including the award-winning Talise Spa, as well as access to the beach and pool to be redeemable on their next visit.

Club Lounge – Jumeirah Creekside Hotel

All Emirati women are invited to gather and celebrate their special day in the elegant surroundings of the Club Lounge and delight in an exquisitely crafted Afternoon Tea with a selection of scrumptious sweet and savoury treats.

Redeemable only on August 28, AED 125 per person for Two complimentary Afternoon Tea vouchers for every two bookings made | For more information, please contact: 04 230 8555 or jchnomadrestaurant@jumeirah.com

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel is also offering luxury hotel Gift vouchers to surprise the special woman in your life including a delicious breakfast at Nomad, a relaxing pool pass and more from https://jumeirah-creekside-hotel.jumeirahgifts.com/gifts.

Address Dubai Mall

Emirati Women’s Day Afternoon tea at Karat – Indulge in an array of flavour and refinement to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day with our traditional, Arabic-themed afternoon tea coupled with the finest selection of teas and exquisite coffees from around the globe.

Karat,  28^th of August from 2.30PM to 6PM,  AED 250 for two people
CONTACT: +9714438 8666 / dineatdubaimall@addresshotels.com
 

Raffles Dubai

Raffles Salon will be offering the Treasures of Arabia Afternoon Tea with special Arabian blends from Newby Teas which include Khus Garden green tea, Oud delight, Royal Kahwa etc. Available throughout the month of August relive the grand tradition of Afternoon High Tea every day from 2pm to 4pm at Raffles Salon.

Hamper alert! All guests ordering a Treasures of Arabia High Tea in August stand a chance to win a special hamper from Newby Teas exciting collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, Netherlands. A trio of bespoke teas, each inspired by a series of works from the museum’s esteemed collection. Each blend is a masterpiece of both aroma and taste: a sensory celebration of Vincent van Gogh’s most renowned and beloved pieces. A collection of remarkable keepsakes for any tea lover or admirer of the great artist.

Raffles Salon, Time: 2pm -7pm, Price: AED 160 with free flowing tea and coffee, Full month of August. For reservations, please e-mail dining.dubai@raffles.com, call 04 324 8888 or visit www.raffles.com/dubai.