Louis Vuitton has unveiled its Ramadan 2022 Capsule collection, including for the first time ready-to-wear line as well as statement leather goods and shoes.

Highlighting prosperity, peace and love, the collection embraces emerald green which is highlighted across the exclusive designs.

The capsule collection which is available across the Middle East consists of four key silhouettes across three themes: Lace, Broderie, Anglaise and Polka Dot.

The modest clothing designs for women include a mid-length layered dress and embroidered blouse in black silk, a simple yet chic shirtdress and day-to-night pyjamas with a black polka dot shirt.

In the accessories category, the collection features five of the House’s most iconic designs. The Petite Malle, Alma BB and Dauphine Mini revisit the Spring-Summer 2022 Monogram Lace animation in a patent leather finish.

While the Coussin PM is presented in bold monochrome and the Capucines Mini takes centre stage with emerald python details.

The collection is completed by a selection of shoe designs including the Moonlight Ankle boot, Revival mules and Archlight Slingback pumps in a variety of heel heights.

The Capsule Collection is available exclusively at Louis Vuitton stores across the Middle East.

Under the Porsche Lifestyle Group, Porsche Design offers a 360 experience of the world of Porsche. The Porsche name is traditionally known for its cars, but in 1972, Porsche family member Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche took his expertise of designing cars to take beyond the automotive world to offer a full lifestyle experience to customers.

Today, Porsche Design covers a huge range of products from fashion to lifestyle and everything in between with Ferdinand Alexander Porsche’s philosophy still clearly expressed through each and every product. The continued vision is to offer products that combine functionality and design.

Created in Austria, Porsche Design’s products are available around the world with a huge presence in the Middle East. This year the brand celebrates 50 years with an exclusive capsule collection that takes elements of the brand’s products over the last 50 years and brings them together in this unique offering. Carefully curated design classics from the early years are joined by new designs that showcase the design expertise of the brand. Highlights of the collection include two limited-edition reissues of a legendary timepiece, as well as eyewear from the 50Y Porsche Design Capsule Collection. Items from the bags and luggage, sportswear, and fashion and shoes categories are also featured in the collection, alongside an exclusive fragrance. As the collection prepares to launch we meet with Dr Jan Becker, CEO of Porsche Lifestyle Group to find out more.

Tell us about the Porsche Lifestyle Group, what is the mission and where are you at in 2022?

Porsche Lifestyle is a Group within Porsche that is responsible for all kinds of accessories. Within that, we have the Porsche Design brand which is turning 50 this year. In 1972 our founder, F.A Porsche used to work for the car company when the family decided to step down and go out of the operational business so he decided to create his own design studio.

Porsche Design is a lifestyle brand that features a balance between design and functionality. So everything that we do has a certain aspiration in terms of design, but it is also always functional, and that’s what we stand for. The brand is present worldwide and we have close to 100 stores. We’ve been here in the Middle East for a while and it’s a very important market to us.

We cover a broad range of products including watches which was the first product category to be launched when F.A Porsche founded the company. Other important categories for us include sunglasses, luggage and in recent times, all kinds of electronics from smartphones to televisions to laptops which have been very successful.

Who is the customer you are targeting today?

There is an overlap between the Porsche car customer but we also have other customers that have no relation to the car brand. We are targeting primarily male customers, although we do have unisex products, like our sunglasses for example. Our customers are typically very independent both financially but also in terms of their mindset. Their age differs depending on the region, but they are affluent people, who like design and are looking for a combination of functionality and design.

Would you look at expanding the ladies offering?

It is something we did in the past however we found that we went too broad. We are offering such a wide range of products so there is already a challenge to position the brand in the right way, and to venture into the women’s market would be too diverse so we will stick to men.

What can you tell us about the plans for the 50th anniversary of the brand?

Indeed we started the launch campaign in January which also includes a capsule collection that features products that refer to the 50th anniversary with their choice of materials. They incorporate colours and materials that have been used in our products over the last 50 years. The Chrono 1 watch was the first product we launched 50 years ago and we have relaunched it in a limited edition of 500 pieces. It is in fact sold out already! The design takes the original watch from 1972 but translates it in terms of modern technology. So it looks the same but from a materials standpoint, we are using different materials and different work in the watch itself. We are also launching a special edition of the 911 Targa with 750 pieces available worldwide and this car comes together with a watch that can only be purchased by those who have bought the car.

And next to the car and the watches we are offering a capsule collection that carries the 50 years of Porsche Design text and we are using a lot of materials that have been used over the last 50 years to refer to some of our highlight products from the past. This collection will be available in the Middle East this Spring.

What can you tell us about the Group in the UAE and the Middle East in general?

We have been present in the Middle East for a long time working together with franchise partners that are running the stores for us. Right now we are working on a new store in The Dubai Mall and we already have a large store in Mall of the Emirates. We are present in Saudi Arabia, in Lebanon, and in Qatar. So we have a great presence across the region and it is a very important market for us because we are targeting the local customer, but also tourists and those that are travelling for business. For us as a brand, we must be present here in order to present ourselves as an international brand.

Do you work on any localised products for specific markets?

In the past we came up with local fashion collections, for example carrying the image of the skyline of the city the products are being sold in. When it comes to hardware like watches and sunglasses we want to keep the product the same across all of our outlets.

How are you using the innovations and design expertise gained from the automotive business and applying them to Porsche’s lifestyle products and categories?

Our cooperation with Porsche cars is quite close. It starts in the area of development; Porsche has a very large research and development centre and we work with them when it comes to materials for example. We are using titanium for our watches which is a material that is also used in our race car business because it is light and resistant. We are also using carbon fibre in our luggage and we are working quite closely with the design department on that. And we are also working closely when it comes to watches in the way that we are offering limited edition watches alongside certain cars that are only available to car owners. We have a custom-build pieces programme that out of 1.5 million possible options allows customers to customise their watch to set it up like their car. So if you have a beige leather interior, you can have a beige leather strap on your watch for example. And you can also have the serial number of your car engraved on the backside of your watch. So when you have to leave your car parked in the garage, you always have your Porsche on your wrist.

And there is also cooperation when it comes to retail and we collaborate on this. So the mother company may display some of its cars in our retailers and we have our products on sale in their dealerships.

What else is in the pipeline for this year? 

The main topic of the year is of course the anniversary. We have also recently launched a hotel brand. This is something we have already had a lot of positive feedback on. We launched it last year together with Steigenberger, a German hotel brand that stands for quality. What we want to do is to launch a lifestyle, luxury hotel brand that carries our design philosophy and their service excellence. We are planning to launch around 15 hotels worldwide and there’s a good chance that there will be one here in the Middle East!

We are also expanding in the residential and real estate category. We already have a tower in Miami and there is one under construction in Stuttgart our home base in Germany and there’s more to come. I expect that over this year we will probably sign two more projects.

What is the biggest challenge in what you do today?

Coming out of the pandemic I would still say that our offline retail business is the biggest challenge. Traffic in stores and travelling is still much less than it used to be and I’m not sure if it will ever be the same again. There is a positive side because we have compensated through our online business but the challenge is still getting customers into our existing stores. We need the stores also for the brand being present because as a design and function orientated brand it is difficult to operate only online. We want people to touch and feel the materials that we use in our products. So that’s the biggest challenge; to operate our retail stores after the pandemic in a profitable way.

What is a message you would send to your customers in the Middle East?

I would say that it’s a perfect year to get to know Porsche Design because our 50th anniversary is a good occasion to get to know more about the brand. We will have a lot of events coming up in the stores and we will have a big campaign. So it’s a perfect moment to get to know our brand because we will be presenting who we are and what we stand for in a broader and more intense way than ever before.

This month there are several reasons to celebrate women, so grab the special ladies in your life and take them for a well-needed day of pampering.

Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah

This International Women’s Day, the Oberoi Spa at the luxurious Oberoi Beach Resort in Al Zorah is offering a range of specially curated treatments designed to help women relax and rejuvenate. Choose from the ALQVIMIA Aromatherapy that uses revitalising blends of natural oils extracted from herbs, flowers and fruit to soothe the senses and relax the mind to Oberoi’s Signature holistic massage that provides you with a combination of rhythmic soothing strokes, excellent for releasing muscular tension, increasing circulation and relieving physical and mental stress.

Oberoi Spa

For those who enjoy being active, the beachside yoga sessions can take guests into an immersive sensory experience, with the sound of the waves as the soundtrack and the wind on the skin to blow away the stresses and strains of the day. Enjoy a selection of healthy dishes from the resort’s restaurant to complement your wellness experience.

QuaSpa, Caesars Palace, Dubai.

Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai – Qua Spa – Couples Treatment Room

QuaSpa, Caesars Palace is offering a unique range of treatments for women who want to look and feel their best. The Young LDN aesthetic and Vitamin Drips from Beverly Hills Vitamin Therapy are a celebrity favourite, now available in the UAE for the first time.  Whether guests need a pick-me-up from their travels, a holiday up-keep or simply to nourish the body and revitalise their beauty regime this is your answer.

Young LDN offers treatments from leading aesthetic experts that champion youth and inspire confidence. The welcoming clinic offers a range of treatments from adult acne, rosacea, body contouring, advanced anti-ageing teenage acne and more. These non-invasive, personalised treatments are a must-try for anyone looking to look and feel like a Hollywood superstar.

Then for the ultimate pick-me-up, Beverly Hills Vitamin Therapy aims to nourish and attend to every guest’s needs, from the comfort of their own rooms or in the spa. BHVT is well-loved by celebrities due to its specially formulated infusions, allowing for instant vitamin pick-me-ups providing the skin with the necessary vitamins and minerals. So why not give your body the much-needed attention on the inside and out?

Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm, Dubai

The Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm is the ultimate luxury destination for women to celebrate this month. Accessed through a beautiful courtyard this beautiful destination features architecture inspired by Andalusia’s Moorish palaces, curating a feeling of calm. Make sure you arrive early to experience the spa’s with guests heat facilities including a steam room and sauna or relax on day beds around the adults-only private pool.

Choose from an exquisite range of three exclusive treatments that honour Guerlain’s centuries-old quest for beautiful skin. Influenced by cutting-edge and ancient techniques from around the world, as well as time-honoured Arabian customs and ingredients only found in the Middle East, the treatments use Guerlain products to deliver outstanding and long-lasting results.

‘Désert D’Orient’ takes guests on a sensory journey into the orient, with a Silk Indulgence Milk Scrub, Guerlain body wrap and steam room for skin purification and detoxification, ending in a soothing massage using one of the four Guerlain scented Massage Elixirs. ‘Dubai Harmony’ is the perfect balance of treatment and massage leaving city-worn tissue re-oxygenated and illuminating the complexion. Ideal as part of a blissful beach retreat, the ‘One&Only Solar Evasion’ is a relaxing face and body exfoliation, followed by a Terracotta “Huile du Voyageur” oil massage, designed to prepare skin for tanning and prolong a post-sun healthy glow.

Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah

Sharjah’s hidden gem Chedi Al Bait spa is a personal sanctuary of calm and tranquillity designed to restore peace and balance to mind, body and soul.

The Spa is the first to open within the GHM’s repertoire of hotels with a hammam. Drawing inspiration from the original meaning of “Chedi”, a mystical paradise of enchantment and serenity, The Spa offers a range of organic massages and treatments that are both rejuvenating and relaxing – perfect during a ladies’ weekend getaway. With a dedicated ladies’ section and three treatment rooms for women, The Spa is the perfect wellness sanctuary for ladies looking for a pampering retreat. Guests will find separate relaxation lounges, hammam, steam and sauna (the ladies’ section also has hot and cold plunge pools) as well as a dedicated reception area and spa boutique.

So grab your girlfriends and get ready to indulge in rejuvenating oriental rituals for a luxury spa retreat during their stay at The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah. The spa and wellness packages include; Refining Facials which use ancient healing traditions of beauty therapy, Reviving Body Polishes; stimulating body polishes for refined and purified skin. Therapeutic Massages including restorative aromatherapy massages for improved balance and vitality. Deep Cleansing traditional Hammam experience. Purifying Envelopments; a full-body exfoliation in a warm cocooning envelopment and Relaxing Bathing Ceremonies; an exotic bathing ceremony for ladies.

Talise Spa, Al Qasr, Dubai

Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr is one of the city’s most luxurious spa destinations. Offering a sanctuary of calm and an escape from busy life it is the perfect place to relax and unwind this month. For the month of March the spa has a special stress-reducing treatment on offer for ladies. The treatment begins with a 60-minute Tension Release Massage; a specialised full body massage using Sodashi’s signature products that works deep into the muscles, to help release tension, stimulate circulation, and remove accumulated toxins.

This will be followed by a 30-minute express brightening and hydrating facial treatment guaranteed to leave your skin glowing. Prior to or after your treatment guests are welcome to enjoy the spa’s facilities including an outdoor pool. So grab your girls and head down for a day of relaxation!

Skincare brand Sunday Riley has introduced its first ever brand ambassador. Bridgerton actress Phoebe Dynevor has partnered with the cult beauty brand and will front campaigns and communication as part of this exciting partnership.

“Phoebe is incredibly kind and warm and relatable, she’s a woman whom you feel instantly connected to. Yes, her skin is gorgeous. But her outlook, the way she views the world, the way she leans in to speak with you, the way she opens up about her fears and her dreams, she’s incredibly human. That’s the type of person that I want to work with.”  Said Sunday Riley of the announcement.

Sunday Riley and Phoebe Dynevor

The partnership is rooted in a shared desire to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly world. In 2020, Sunday Riley received the B Corp Certification, meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. The female founder-owned brand also proudly carries the Green Lab Certification and is certified as a cruelty-free brand by both PETA and Leaping Bunny.

Speaking of her role as Sunday Riley’s first Brand Ambassador, Phoebe Dynevor said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Sunday Riley team. From the moment I first tried Sunday’s products and indeed met Sunday herself, I knew that their ethos and their products were the perfect fit. Not only do I love what they stand for, but I love their products in equal measure.”

In the brand’s latest campaign Phoebe highlights the brand’s hero product Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment with the message: “Do Not Miss A Moment To Glow”. 

See more of Sunday Riley’s products at sundayriley.com.

Yesterday, 16^th March 2022 saw the ceremonial start of Rally Jameel, the region’s first-ever women-only motorsport event and initiative from Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, marking a historic moment in the Kingdom’s 2030 plan to empower its people, and especially Saudi Arabia’s women.

The ceremony, which was held in the historic Al-Qashla Palace in the city of Hail, was opened by His Royal Highness, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Hail, who said: “The city of Hail is an iconic site that carries history, culture and adventure, and is also known for hosting international events celebrating our area’s rich culture. We host all kinds of sports in this region, especially extreme sports, and are always passionate in nurturing our local talent. This is especially true of the daughters of the Kingdom, who are about to take part in this significant race.”

Rally Jameel Competitors at the Opening Press Conference

An opening press conference saw a number of teams from a variety of countries explaining their involvement and their enthusiasm behind such an important event.

“I’m a daughter, a wife and mother, as well as being a surgeon. But my passion for rallies started at a very young age and I’ve learned over time how to manage my time between all my hobbies and commitments,” said Dr. Fatima Banaz, from the Kingdom’s Desert Healers team. “Participating in this event will add to my many life experiences, as well as allowing me to meet lots of new people. My aim is eventually to race in the Dakar Rally.”

The 34 teams are all now preparing their vehicles and studying the road book in order to maximize their attack on the first day of the rally.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank Rally Jameel for inviting all the American teams over,” said Dana Saxten, who flew in from America for the rally. “It’s quite an honor for us to be here. It’s thrilling to see the country and meet the people. Also, I am racing with my daughter, so really looking forward to the rally.”

His Royal Highness, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz

Rally Jameel is a navigational rally, so not designed as a speed test. The competitors, who range from complete beginners to seasoned rally veterans from all over the world, will head to Al- Qassim city following their departure from Hail, and then on to the capital, Riyadh, on day three, all via hidden checkpoints and challenges.

The majority of teams entered are from Saudi Arabia, but there are also competitors taking part from the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Egypt, as well as teams from Europe and the USA. In total 15 countries from four continents are represented in the rally, making Rally Jameel a truly global event for the Kingdom.

Find out more at www.rallyjameel.com

For her Autumn/Winter 2022 womenswear collection for Alexander McQueen Creative Director, Sarah Burton paid homage to New York, a city that last hosted the British fashion house for its Fall show back in 1999.

McQueen has for the last two seasons avoided the traditional show calendar, opting to put on their own performance in a city of choice and bring together the global fashion community. After last season’s show in London, the brand travelled specifically to Brooklyn to present a collection that fused elements of the brand’s heritage with the street style of the Big Apple.

“I am so happy to be back in New York, a city that has always been close to our hearts.” Wrote Burton in the show notes. The designer who rarely speaks in public offered her personal thoughts and experience of this collection in written form. “This collection is inspired by that idea of community, and specifically by mycelium, by the reality of nature as a community that is far, far older than we are.” She wrote.

Mycelium is a rather unusual root-like structure of a fungus consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. With its unique underground structure, it forms a unique network that connects objects, buildings, plants, animals and human beings together and is vital to our ecosystem. This vital yet largely unknown concept reflects Burton’s message of connection and interlinking elements.

“We exist as single, individual entities on one level, but we are far more powerful connected to each other, to our families, to our friends, to our community. Given everything that has happened over the past two years, that seems more important than ever. As a community we are infinitely more able to restore, reinvent, rejuvenate – heal.” She explained.

The collection embodied this sense of interlinking elements through feminine styles juxtaposed with masculine shapes and cuts. Sharp tailored suits in bold colours had a relaxed fit. Double-breasted jackets, with silver metal bar detailing, were paired with elongated cigarette trousers or slashed pencil skirts.

Dresses were too deconstructed with many layers and asymmetric draping. Silhouettes were true to the brand’s DNA with bustier cuts, nipped in waits and flattering necklines. This was juxtaposed with bandage dresses in black compact knit that were a surprising yet interesting addition to the flow of the collection.

It was through the collection’s prints that we saw the influence of mycelium in a more literal way reflecting the patterns and intricate lines of this natural element with the “spore print” in psychedelic colours.

And there was a great return to leather through dresses biker jackets and pencil skirts all featuring multiple zip detailing.

Ruffle necklines and tulle detailing that is synonymous to the brand came on evening wear which again was deconstructed and featured beading and embellishment, offering a touch of sparkle.

In accessories, we saw new shapes and sizes. The Swing bag featured an articulated central handle and shoulder strap in black patent leather and with a bright red mushroom spore print. While the Chain Swing bag with an articulated central handle and decorative silver metal chain in black patent leather and black leather with silver studs. Bags came in bold and bright tones much like the ready to wear and added an element of fun to each look. A highlight was the Curve Pouch in bright orange patent leather and with psychedelic mushroom and sequin mycelium embroidery.

In shoes, we saw classic Punk Chelsea biker boots as well as Harness pumps in black leather, featuring psychedelic mushroom and sequin mycelium embroidery.

With the underlying tone of connection on more levels than one, Burton continues to connect the brand’s heritage with the modern woman of today.

Hermès releases a new limited edition Spring collection of its Rouge Hermès lipstick. Three new shades are inspired by an artist’s garden, celebrating the harmony between the sky, the sun, and the shimmering water of an early spring morning.

The offering includes three new shades:

Rose Nymphéa is like a pink sky reflected on the surface of the water, soft yet deep.

Orange Capucine is a bright, sunny touch, the resplendent impression of joy.

Beige d’Eau represents a pinky shimmer, a whisper of flesh, the sweetness of a delicately pressed almond blossom.

Applied to bare lips, the three shades leave a glossy finish for a fresh smile that radiates light.

The Rouge Hermès spring-summer 2022 Limited Edition collection consists of three refillable objects available from 1 February 2022 in selected Hermès retail outlets around the world.

There is no magic formula to long term positivity and success but by adopting the right characteristics you can certainly try.

The future is female

I want to begin by touching on the idea of women’s empowerment as we approach International Women’s Day. One of the major things that many people may not realise is that technology is actually becoming more feminine. When the internet first came to fruition we were in a period that we now call Web 1.0. Web 1.0 was focused on this idea of “read only”. Then came Web 2.0 which was all about “read and write” and now we are in Web 3.0 which follows the idea of “read, write and own”. Unlike Web 1.0 and Web 2.0, the technology behind Web 3.0 is not centralised, it’s decentralised, meaning that as we move into Blockchain and the concept of Web 3.0, there is a sharing economy and a shift of ownership meaning that anyone can own a piece of the web, not just the internet giants as they have done before. And this is a feminine expression of technology that is much more about sharing, transparency and nurturing. Web 2.0 on the contrary was all about power over, not power with; so a more masculine approach. We are definitely seeing a shift towards feminine empowerment and feminine power in the world of technology and the web, which in itself brings about a more nurturing, elegant style of leadership. And this is beautiful.

Attributes for long term success

I also want to discuss the topic of “what does it take to be successful in life?” No matter what line of business you’re in, where you work or who you work with, there are three characteristics that can help with success. I have very much integrated these three pillars into everyone that I work with and it’s always the first thing that I explain to them. I believe it’s important to follow these three personality traits in your personal life and your work life. I use them myself and I have ingrained this into all the staff who work with me and it is a proven formula.

The first is warmth. People want to be engaged in a warm manner. We can sometimes be cold, short-sighted or unconscious and all of these things don’t create a warm, welcoming experience. So be warm with whatever means of communication you are using.  The second is authenticity. We love to deal with people who are honest and authentic with no facades, no pretence, and we can all smell and feel an inauthentic experience. Being authentic is about acknowledging your mistakes and knowing when you’ve messed up. And the third point is to have competence in what you do. With these three elements you build long-term trust with people and no matter what job you’re in or where you are, people can count on you, they know you’re honest and they know you’re engaging in a warm and kind manner.

These in my opinion are the attributes of long term success. People don’t often point or give language to them and I think if you do that, they become anchor points.

Funnily enough, everyone that’s working in my team is female. And you know why? Because I find females to be naturally more authentic, warm and competent. I think men often try to take shortcuts or can be egotistical, whereas if I give the space to the women I work with to be nurturing and kind but powerful, I’m able to bring out that warm authentic competence with them all the time.

How to Create Optimism in Your Business

I think the characteristic of optimism is a super power, because when you’re optimistic, you are adaptable and you see new opportunities. When you’re pessimistic you see no new opportunities and your business becomes stale. So the three characteristics to creating an optimistic business that gives you long term success in your business are:

Firstly ‘nothing lasts forever’. Everything is in a cycle, so if you’re going through a bad time, remember it’s just temporary.

Secondly, ‘don’t take things personally’. Everyone is having a hard time right now after what the world has been through, we are all dealing with stuff that we didn’t want to have to deal with. We are all over sensitive at the moment and we take a lot of things personally and that’s not good for us. It’s time to just get on with it and not overthink things. If we do take things personally we can’t be optimistic, we naturally become pessimists.

And lastly, don’t generalise any negativity in your life. What happens is, if we are going through a bad relationship we think everything in our life is bad. But your career might still be good, your friendships might still be good, it could just be that one area of your life is bad. If you are having trouble at work, done generalise that onto everything else. Categorise the negative pockets and work on the things that you can work on and be able to focus on the good.

These three attributes link very well with the three pillars to create success long term. So if we are warm, authentic and competent continuously and we’re able to not take things personally, understand that we mustn’t generalise negativity and always understand that everything is in cycles, we are then able to alleviate ourselves from pressure, emotional issues, and a lack of energy. As soon as you adopt these concepts, you will have this amazing new set of energetic flows going through your life.

As Expo 20202 comes to an end this month, a new series of books will ensure its memories last forever.

Assouline presents Expo 2020, a volume of books that showcase the story of Expo and some of its landmark achievements. The collaboration with Assouline explores the global event through seven unique volumes, each dedicated to a different angle of its story including architecture, sustainability mobility and more. The books feature original images, texts, exclusive interviews and insights into the architecture, inspiration and historical significance on display at Expo 2020 Dubai. The seven books explore the following key areas:

Site, Themes, Architecture:

The first volume is a catalogue of Expo 2020 Dubai that explores the Expo site including the iconic architecture and spaces, the pavilions and programming. There is a focus on the three main themes of opportunity, mobility, sustainability. Each of the pavilions making up Expo 2020 Dubai is featured with a special emphasis on prominent architects. Essays written by a variety of contributors offer a detailed view of the ideas and meanings behind the themes and architecture at Expo 2020 Dubai. Public spaces are explored highlighting individual features from the gardens and flora to the calligraphy-inspired benches.

Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion

The second volume explores Terra, the iconic Sustainability Pavilion. Telling the story of our relationship with nature, our obsession with consumerism and how we can change our everyday choices to reduce our environmental impact.

Alif – The Mobility Pavilion

This pavilion seeks to challenge our current ideas about mobility by showing that the complex movements of people, goods, data, capital and ideas are both universal and timeless. Through the exploration of new horizons and the forging of new connections, supported by new technologies, mobility is the foundation of human progress. In this book, the award-winning architecture firm, Foster + Partners, share their vision for this forward-thinking structure.

Mission Possible-The Opportunity Pavilion

This volume looks at the Opportunity Pavilion which challenges individuals to be agents of change in order to build a better future for everyone. The exhibition journey is inspired by three individuals—Mariam, Abel and Mama Fatma—whose seemingly small actions have created a big impact in their communities in the areas of food, water and energy. This pavilion is of universal significance as a place for people to connect across age, language and culture, to celebrate our shared human experiences. The text delves into the complicated, yet rewarding collaboration process that brought together AGi Architects, the three mentors, and the pavilion creators.

Al Wasl Plaza

The fifth book looks at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai; Al Wasl Plaza. This key landmark is an impressive architectural achievement designed for communal experiences, bringing together visitors from all over the world and acting as the beating heart of the Expo 2020 site.

The Vision Pavilion

This meaningful Pavilion embodies the story of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, providing insights into his childhood, his love for nature and the influences that shaped him. It brings to life the valuable lessons he learned and his embrace of the passions and values of Emirati culture that made him the visionary leader he is today.

The Definitive Edition

The seventh and final volume focuses on the enduring influence of Expo 2020 Dubai, not only as a magnificent fair but also within the context of the legendary history of Expo. This is the first Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region and every effort has been taken to achieve greatness. Star photography, artworks and special features abound in this title. The grand scale of this book matches the immensity and importance of Expo 2020 Dubai.

An ambitious project in Saudi Arabia is set to change the way we live forever.

Located in the North West of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, NEOM is a historical area that’s carving out the future of living. The brainchild of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman This area is set to become a central point for the world’s trade and an economic global hub when it’s finished. In early 2021 under the Saudi Vision 2030, this ambitious and ground-breaking project was announced to create a huge self-sufficient, sustainable, environmentally friendly area of the future, setting an example for the rest of the world.

Neom is located at the crossroads of the world, with 40 per cent of the world’s popular living less than four hours away. This makes it the perfect destination for living. The plan is to attract the world’s entrepreneurs and business owners to set up home in Neom, and allow them to live as Global Citizens in the heart of the world.

Oxagon

NEOM is built on five fundamental and interconnected principles:

Sustainability: Sustainability will be a way of life at NEOM with a goal of leaving the world in a better condition than how it was found.

Community: Once complete NEOM will create a unique and distinctive community with a send of place and purpose. Layout out the foundations for its residents to create and strengthen the culture of this area with a sense of diversity and open-mindedness.

Nature: Nature will be entwined with all aspects of life at Neom. Humankind will live side by side with nature and respect that natural balance and diversity of the unique life within NEOM.

Technology: The vision is that innovation will happen faster in NEOM than anywhere else in the world. It will offer people the perfect environment to conceive and develop technology that works seamlessly with society and consequently will serve as a hub for the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs.

Liveability: The environment created in NEOM will offer smart technology as well as the benefits that come from sustainability to enhance all aspects of life – physical, mental and social.

These five factors will be powered by a profitable economy that will pioneer the future of some of the world’s key economic sectors. NEOM will focus on key segments to ensure it is bringing the best of the best in all areas of life. The sectors include:

Energy

NEOM will feature an unrivalled energy system that will capitalise on the solar and wind potential for the climate in the area. NEOM promises to build new industries and drive the next wave of the energy transition by producing green hydrogen (H2). Leveraging low-cost clean energy and a carbon-free energy ecosystem from scratch, NEOM plans on developing energy-intensive industries with the potential to lead on a global scale.

Water

NEOM will use the world’s best water technology, using the vast supply of water available from the neighbouring Red Sea. With extensive access to low-cost, renewable energy and the Kingdom’s vast domestic desalination expertise, NEOM has a unique competitive advantage. It aims to be a global powerhouse in water production and storage, and a centre of excellence for global water technology, fully integrated along the value chain and anchored on water desalination. This will attract water-related research companies and start-ups, drive innovation and champion all elements of the water industry.

Mobility

NEOM will drive the future of mobility to provide international, regional and urban connection via sea, air and land. Planning is underway to build a port that will catalyse world trade with NEOM, open an intermodal gateway with NEOM’s surrounding region and facilitate cruise tourism to NEOM. NEOM Port will be the world’s most advanced, sustainable and efficient port and logistics zone. NEOM will also operate on zero carbon emissions by offset and will be home to one of the world’s most forward-thining airports.

Technology

Technology will be at the heart of life in NEOM. Exciting new technologies that blur the gap between man and machine will be at the backbone of the community and a seamless transfer between digital and physical worlds will be crucial. NEOM will create the best, most conducive environment for innovation in technology and digital. Investors, inventors and leading tech organizations will enjoy a world-first opportunity — to use NEOM as a region-wide living lab for innovation and create future-proof technologies with valuable and scalable intellectual property.

Media & Entertainment

NEOM will be designed to become the region’s centre for thriving media industries. Providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, technology and a supportive media regulatory and funding framework, NEOM will encourage creatives to excite and engage audiences with all forms of world-class content. people will be able to immerse themselves in high-tech experiences, from checking out a book in the library of the future and shopping in the next generation of experiential retail to being “IN” the movie or in the game and, for the first time, walking with fantastic creatures. All these educational and cultural experiences supported by future technologies will add up to rich entertainment delivered in ways never experienced before.

Financial Services

NEOM will provide universal access to financial services within one of the world’s most socially responsible services ecosystems leveraging pioneering technologies to support economic growth. In doing so, NEOM will aim to build an economy that is oriented to the future, serving not just as a model for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but also the whole world.

Sport

Neom promises to create the world’s healthiest, most active population through its approach to sport and activities. It will become a global hub for sports, uniting its communities, shaping its healthy lifestyle and contributing to its innovative economy. With its world-leading facilities, NEOM will aim to attract the world’s best athletes and provide a launchpad for the latest adventure sports.

Health and Wellbeing

NEOM is creating a whole new integrated health and well-being ecosystem in an end-to-end system, never been done before. It promises to lead the world in health and wellbeing by eating an environment that optimizes healthy lifestyles, focusing on proactive personalised prevention and world-class treatment of diseases. NEOM’s integrated person-centred health ecosystem will incorporate the latest technological advancements in healthcare and biotechnology.

Tourism

And finally, tourism will be one of the most important factors of NEOM’s development, with the unique approach encompassing all of the sites key principles to offer visitors the “tourism of tomorrow”. The climate is great with temperatures on average around 10°C cooler than surrounding areas and the rest of the GCC. On one side you’ll find long beaches surrounded and the cool winds from the Red Sea with its thousands of miles of untouched coral reefs, and on the other, valleys and deserts, cradled by mountains offering scenery that is simply stunning.

The Line

Launched in early 2021 The Line is a revolution in urban living and designed to become a blueprint for how people and the planet can co-exist in harmony. The Line is a 170km belt of hyper-connected communities in the area of Neom. The communities will be designed without cars and roads and built around nature, rather than destroying the large areas of the beautiful nature will be preserved for conservation. A three-layer system will consist of the Pedestrian layer; where residents live, the Service Layer; an invisible layer below ground of infrastructure that will allow services to be done with ease, and the Spine Layer which will be the deepest underground and home to a sophisticated transport system.

The project in NEOM is well underway with many areas already constructed and the goal of becoming home to over one million people. Hotels have already begun to open, residences are ready and global sporting events are already taking place on the site. Over the coming years, NEOM will be backed by more than $500 billion by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, as well as local and international investors. NEOM’s contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP is projected to reach at least $48 billion by 2030.

Italian jeweller Buccellati has opened a new boutique at The Dubai Mall, inviting UAE shoppers to discover the brand’s latest and iconic collections.

The boutique will showcase some of the brand’s most iconic pieces including pieces from the Hawaii, Macri, Ramage, Rombi and Opera, as well as one-of-a-kind high jewellery creations exuding excellence in craftsmanship and true “Made in Italy” style.

The store will also display impressive silver centrepieces, giftware and tableware as well as precious jewelled watches for ladies and engraved timepieces for men.

Every Buccellati piece celebrates the jeweller’s iconic style and brand DNA. With every piece being made by hand, it brings to the forefront the beauty of traditional craftsmanship and celebrates the importance of “Made in Italy”.

The Dubai Mall store opening is part of an expansion project that the Maison has initiated which will include further boutique openings both in the Middle East and worldwide.

The Dubai Mall boutique design is inspired by the traditional Buccellati interior style with the traditional antique gold showcases and a VIP room with antique original boiserie.

Dina Storey, Director of Sustainable Operations, Expo 2020 Dubai discusses the sustainability impact of the global event and the legacy it will leave behind.

Since the very beginning sustainability has been a key value at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai. Terra, The Sustainability Pavilion, was in fact, the first area to open to the public ahead of the official opening, showcasing not only world developments in the subject but sharing how Expo 2020 itself is showcasing new and proven methods of sustainability throughout its site and all of its platforms. The event’s commitment to sustainability runs much deeper than just on the surface. Sustainability has been in every single part of the process from the very beginning up until today and will continue to stay in place long after the event ends at the end of this month. With a vision of delivering one of the world’s most sustainable World Expos ever, it has been ingrained in every element from buildings and construction, to day-to-day processes and to establishing a lasting legacy in sustainability long after Expo is over.

Dina Storey, Director of Sustainable Operations has been leading the way since the beginning and has been very successful alongside her team, in not only achieving the goals set in place but in sharing them with the world and developing an understanding of sustainability amongst people in the UAE and on a global scale. As the Expo 2020 Dubai site becomes District 2020 later this year, the commitment to sustainability is far from over. Here we discuss with Dina Storey the sustainable legacy that Expo will leave behind and why we are only just getting started.

What impact do you think Expo 2020 Dubai has had on sustainable living in the UAE and also on a global scale?

I think Expo 2020 Dubai has done a lot in terms of the impact it has achieved. For example, look at what has just happened with the announcement of charging for single-use plastic bags in the UAE. This is something we started doing at the Expo site and it was unheard of in the country at the time. We have a very strict way of looking at our packaging and we’ve created our own guidelines in terms of what kind of packaging can be used on site. We created the RISE document which outlines all of these guidelines. Any packaging that comes into Expo goes through that lens which is also applied to everything in our supply chain. Take our uniforms for example we have to consider if they are made ethically and what kinds of dyes are used in them. All of these aspects have been in place since the beginning and now we can see a change happening across not just Dubai, but across the UAE as a whole. The bags that we give in our stores are made of recycled wood shavings and paper and the bags themselves are manufactured in a way that measures their entire lifecycle. Each bag has a QR code that tells the story of how it was made. We can also see a much greater awareness of sustainability on a wider scale today.

Do you think that the UAE government and other governments are looking at the achievements of Expo 2020 and using it as an example to implement some of these initiatives on a wider scale?

I think Expo has created the validation that some of these things can be done. The UAE government has been looking towards this sustainability story for a long time now, but I think it has accelerated over the past year because what we have done at Expo is an example of what can be done in the wider world. Look at composting and how to take care of waste for example. We have a very high waste target of the diversion of 85 per cent of our waste from landfill, which is a lot. And up until the beginning of the event, we were at 91 per cent. The reason for these high numbers is that we monitor exactly what comes into the Expo site and what’s going out. And so we can understand the lifecycle of everything on site which is very important. I think it’s things like this that not just the UAE government, but people in the UAE, are seeing and realising it can be done We’ve even had visitors from Saudi Arabia coming to ask us to go through the entire cycle of what we’ve done operationally. So yes I think it can be rolled out on a bigger scale.

Expo is a controlled environment so you can monitor exactly what’s coming in as you mentioned, so how would this work when these kinds of initiatives are applied on a bigger scale? 

Of course, it’s harder to upscale these things. Even though the Expo site is large, it’s still a drop in the water compared with cities, countries, and so on, and at Expo we do have control over what is coming in and going out. But at the same time, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be achieved on a larger scale and that can be achieved firstly by having the correct policies and procedures in place, but also through rewarding entities or people that have done well in following them. Initiatives like charging a small fee for a plastic bag are happening all around the world and this is just the beginning. But if you take that and offer a reward system to those that are doing it successfully, that is something the government is taking into consideration. There is an element of now being able to look at what was done at Expo and know that it can be done elsewhere.

The other element I think is a tailored approach which is something we learnt the hard way. For example, through trial and error, we discovered that not all composters that work in the United Kingdom are suitable for our climate here! Many technologies are coming from abroad which in their own countries will resolve many problems, but we don’t have the same issues here in the UAE. So back to the composters, we vetted many different technologies to make sure we had the right one that works in the right climate with the right requirements to make things happen. And I think it is our duty at Expo to make sure all of this information is inherited in a way that can be very useful for both the public and the private sector in the future. We now know what works and what doesn’t work and that’s the legacy that Expo will leave behind, not just the buildings and District 2020, even though this is stunning, the legacy is also about those trials and errors and those policies and procedures that we put in place and tested at a small level, that can be now expanded beyond the site.

What are some of the highlight processes that you would like to share with us that have been implemented within the Expo 2020 Dubai site?

I could go on and on because I’ve been working on this for almost five years now and so it’s very close to my heart. But it’s not necessarily the big innovations that have made a difference, it’s things such as not using any herbicides or pesticides on-site, which has created a huge influx of different birds, species and insects, and seeing that across the site is amazing. Using native and adaptive species reduces our water intake and that has helped us to reduce our irrigation water by fifty per cent, which is a lot! But it also creates a small bio-diversity space for fauna and flora and that has for us been one of the most beautiful achievements. People ask why the Expo 2020 Dubai site is so green, but we’re not using anything outside of the country and the region, we’re using everything from within the Middle East and that defies many misconceptions about this area. There are around 1,400 palm trees on the site and we are actually in the process of starting the pollination process for that which means the trees will fruit this year. There are around 460 Ghaf trees, the national tree of the UAE, there are millions of shrubs, there are edible plants, wild thyme, you name it it’s there and it’s really beautiful. We never expected the number of different species that we have seen. We have even seen colonies of bees on the site and we have been able to harvest honey from them. It’s amazing.

What is the message you would like to share with people in the UAE and the region concerning sustainability?

It’s the fact that sustainability can be achieved and everyone plays a part. When people first discovered that we didn’t have any single-use plastic bottles for drinking on site they were very surprised and I still remember in some cases, people were truly upset! But now, visitors have adapted and got used to drinking from a can or bringing their own water bottles along with them. People are taking the metro a lot more than we expected, our car parks, even though they are huge, don’t even fill up because many guests prefer to visit by metro than by car. So I think the lesson from the event is that we can do it but we also need to do it together. By making simple changes we can really create a ripple effect.

What can you tell us about the Seeds of Change programme? 

The Seeds of Change programme has been years in the making and it’s something I truly love. It is a crowd-solving programme that lets visitors determine which carbon offsets will be purchased by Expo, as they ‘vote’ by donating ‘seeds’. We’ve been measuring our carbon footprint over the past four years and understanding our emissions so we can know and understand our impact on the environment. With the offsetting programme, we wanted to do something that truly had an environmental and social impact and encourage people to get involved.

We have a list of projects which are divided into people and planets in regards to the impact that they have and we just bought offsets in projects in Africa, in South America and Canada. We are hoping to launch a map of all the different projects that we’ve bought offsets in and the idea that the visitors get to vote creates an awareness about these projects which is amazing.

As the event ends in March and the site becomes District 2020, what will happen in terms of sustainability and the projects that are already in place? 

Our strategy is going to evolve and is being delivered to the District 2020 team. We have been in touch with them throughout the whole process to make sure that this strategy has longevity. So it doesn’t even when the event ends, it will continue and we will continue measuring our carbon footprint even during the transition towards District 2020. We will also continue our KPI for diverting from landfill. It doesn’t stop when the Expo stops. Beyond Expo, we want to make sure that the monitoring process will continue. That includes the animals, vegetation and so on as well. The irrigation system will stay in place. What will change is just the faces of who’s taking care of it.

In your opinion what is your biggest achievement throughout the event so far?

On a personal level, the biggest achievement is when we opened our doors and we had kids coming in and they were in awe. My niece has never been happier than she is at Expo! She loves to be more sustainable and it’s really brought awareness and understanding to children. So I think the biggest impact for me is how I see the impact Expo has on visitors, especially children. Children are more aware than some of the grownups and it is educating them on the future and I think that’s really great.

Is there anything you would still like to implement that you haven’t done yet or anything you would like to see happen in the future?

Personally, I would like to see the sustainability journey continue. If we’re using Seeds of Change to offset, I want that to be expanded so that anyone coming to the UAE can actually vote or have a say in how they offset their carbon footprint. I would love to see some of the programmes that we have already continue to evolve. Our recycling programmes are great, and our RISE document is the basis for a UAE green label. I want to see that become a UAE Green Label so that we can have products that meet certain requirements and you can have the guarantee that they are sustainable. I would like to see more transparency in the supply chain, be it utilising the RISE document or another method and I would like to see the story go on and on and expand further and further.

Downtown Dubai’s latest design hotel The Dubai EDITION is a must visit for arts and interior enthusiasts.

The Dubai EDITION which opened its doors just a few months ago, is a design lover’s paradise. An architectural marvel its interiors are not just impressive but completely unique and a breath of fresh air in the city. Designed by local architects LW Design this hotel offers a new vision of modern luxury that combines hospitality, art and design.

Part of the EDITION Group the hotel pays homage to Dubai’s passion to create something entirely new and the result is a unique property that has its own personality but doesn’t stray from the attention to detail and finesse that the EDITION Group is known for. When entering the lobby you will immediately be taken aback by the 50-foot-high ceilings and the vast breath-taking space. An impressive spiral staircase is the showpiece of the space and its white finish is complemented by dark wooden interiors and design-focused furniture pieces.

This design ethic continues into the 275 guestrooms, which all feature custom-made or handpicked pieces of furniture that offer a blend between vintage and contemporary styles. This simplicity in design immediately brings attention to details including the matching of veins in the natural stone and wood. The colour palette is minimal yet warm, and the light oak wood and stone accents flow from one room to the other, evoking a feeling of tranquil luxury. The monochromatic colour scheme and contemporary minimalism make each room feel fresh and light, complemented by the elegant lines of the furniture, textured upholstery and wooden-lined walls.

The hotel also features a number of dining destinations and bars that continue with this same design ethic, each with its own style. On the ground floor, Duomo is a theatrical Italian restaurant serving modern interpretations of the traditional cuisine. This impressive space is filled with light during the daytime and at night, Abstract digital art is projected onto the dome ceiling above creating an interactive experience for diners.

On the first floor, Jolie is a lively venue serving exquisite French cuisine inspired by Mediterranean coastal flavours. Here, wall to wall portraits inspired by Parisian high fashion sets the scene for an energetic, glamourous space to transition from morning to evening dining. The restaurant is filled with natural, earthy hues and stylish rattan furniture. And Leon is a cosy speakeasy-style bar that features punchy accents in orange and red against a dark, rich background. Clever lighting further enhances the vibrant colour-blocking throughout the space.

Leon Terrace

But don’t just take our word for it, this new, exciting hotel is a must visit for those who appreciate fashion, design and architecture.

As Art Dubai prepares for its 15th edition this month, Pablo del Val, Artistic Director, Art Dubai gives an insight into what to expect from the biggest event yet.

Over the past 15 years, Art Dubai has become a regional hub for emerging and established artistic talent to showcase their work and offer an insight into what this region has to offer when it comes to the world of art and culture. After taking a break due to COVID-19 in 2020 and hosting a much smaller event in 2021, this month Art Dubai returns and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever with works from over 100 exhibitors from 44 countries on display. This year’s event plans to further reinforce Dubai’s emergence as an international hub for art and culture and a major contributor to conversations about contemporary art. It will look at new technologies in the art world and open discussions on the future of the sector and how it is advancing. Here we find out more about what to expect from this year’s event with Art Dubai’s Artistic Director, Pablo del Val.

What can we expect from the 2022 edition of Art Dubai? 

Visitors can expect a lot from this year’s fair as it will be the most extensive edition of Art Dubai to date, showcasing work from 100 galleries from 44 countries, with more than half of those coming from the Global South, alongside strong representation from South Asia and Africa. The exhibitions will showcase new work from several young and cutting-edge international galleries, including more than 30 first-time participants and a curated selection of 17 top international galleries and platforms as part of a new main gallery section: Art Dubai Digital.

Is there a specific theme for this year’s edition and what is the message behind this theme? 

We do not operate with a specific theme each year, but we try to interconnect all that happens outside the gallery halls around a common idea. For example, we touch upon community building through installations like the one of our commissioned artists this year Fernando Garcia-Dory up to the digital works on metaverse.

This year, we are pleased to be launching Art Dubai Digital, which will be a highlight of the 2022 show and an exciting new section of the fair including presentations by galleries and platforms from all over the world that specialise in digital art and NFTs. Our decision to create Art Dubai Digital aligns with and supports Dubai’s vision as it transforms into one of the world’s leading crypto-hubs, becoming home to an entirely new generation of collectors and entrepreneurs from all over the world.

TEMPLON Gallery – Courtesy of Art Dubai

What are some must-see activities at this year’s event? 

As we’ve already mentioned, Art Dubai Digital will bring a new and exciting focus to this year’s fair and will certainly be a highlight. In addition to our extensive global collection of artworks, visitors can enjoy Art Dubai’s commission for 2022, “INLAND”, represented by Fernando Garcia-Dory, who will present a new multi-site installation at the fair and in a variety of locations across Dubai.

“Sand Flow” will manifest in a range of places and moments, combining visions of Dubai’s past, present and future and examining the ways in which the multiplicity of cultures and communities inhabit the city and their contributions to it. The artwork will incorporate archaeology, hydrology, urbanism and transport as well as the Middle East’s rich oral storytelling traditions, heritage and crafts.

In addition, Art Dubai 2022 will also host a number of talks, programmes and workshops including;

Art Dubai Modern Talks (10th-12th March), this year held in partnership with the Dubai Collection, will examine the life, work and influences of 20th-century Modern masters from the Middle East and North Africa.

The A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme aims to provide UAE based children with opportunities to grow and develop their interest and understanding of the arts by familiarising them with a wide range of art and design practices and interacting with a roster of international artists. This year, their activity with artist Cyrus Kabiru will reach over 80 schools and more than 5,000 students beyond the fair.

Gallery 1957 – Courtesy of Art Dubai

Byit Talks, an eclectically curated series of conversations presented by the titular and leading cryptocurrency exchange, will give visitors a greater understanding of the rapid growth in digital platforms, inviting guest speakers to explain more about the basics of cryptocurrency, digital media and NFT art. Participants will include Tamas Banovich, co-founder of Postmasters; Seth Goldstein, co-founder of Bright Moments and Jenn Ellis, co-founder of Aora Space.

Julius Baer has commissioned Filipino-American light and media artist James Clar (Silverlens) to create an interactive video installation entitled Cloud Seed, for the Julius Baer lounge at the fair. The installation will immerse visitors in a large-scale real-time simulation of raindrops and fog, using custom technology to create a slowly morphing visual system that reflects our control of the environment.

Around Town – Art Dubai Week 

Art Dubai Week takes place during the final month of Dubai Expo 2020 with a range of solo and group exhibitions taking place across the city.

Highlights include Jitish Kallat: Order of Magnitude at Ishara Foundation; A Slightly Curving Place, curated by Nina Ghouse, at Concrete, Alserkal Avenue; two important solo shows: Taus Makhacheva: A Space of Celebration and Fahd Burki: Daydreams at Jameel Arts Centre.

Sharjah Art Foundation will present Lawrence Abu Hamdan: The Sonic, the largest solo exhibition of the artist’s works to date, including a major new commission Air Conditioning and a site-specific performance. When Images Speak: Highlights from the Dubai Collection continues at the Etihad Museum, featuring a selection of nearly 70 modern and contemporary artworks drawn from the collections of 11 patrons of Dubai Collection, the first institutional art collection of its kind.

The last couple of years it has been difficult to host physical events due to COVID-19 – how has this time given you the opportunity to develop and progress with the concept and have you changed anything about the event? 

Art Dubai is likely to be one of the very few art events taking place in spring 2022 and so it’s important to us that we do everything we can to support those who depend on a vibrant and dynamic global art sector. We worked hard to create a smaller edition of the fair last year, and we’re pleased to be back at full capacity with our most extensive programme to date this year. It is also important that we continue to use arts and culture as a creative forum in a physical environment to bring people together to view, discuss, and buy art. We are excited to open this year’s event to welcome collectors, institutions and artists who are keen to showcase what they’ve been incubating over the past two years.

Why do you think this platform is attracting so much talent and what do you think the artists gain from being part of Art Dubai?

For over 15 years now, Art Dubai has played a fundamental role in the development of the region’s creative landscape and has become a leading platform for presenting and collecting art from the region. The fair has a strong and loyal following and Dubai has become a thriving gallery scene and collector’s community.

There is more world-class cultural activity than ever in Dubai, including Jameel Arts Centre and the forthcoming Museum of the Future. Expo 2020 Dubai is drawing huge numbers of people to the city too. In addition to this, there is also a drive for new cultural initiatives of different kinds. Dubai Collection, which we run in partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is one of them.

In support of the rapidly expanding arts and culture scene, Dubai has been able to develop a commercial proposition and establish a strong commercial sector, supporting a growing number of institutions that are being born and flourishing in other cities.

Galería Albarrán Bourdais – Courtesy of Art Dubai

What can you tell us about the Art Dubai Digital sector and why did you feel it was important to introduce this to the event? 

The digital art space and the art/NFT space, in particular, has seen huge growth over the last couple of years. We have always been a fair with innovation at our centre and we felt this would be the right moment to take a 360-degree look at the major global players in this space, from those that are digitally native and in the metaverse to galleries who have pioneered digital art since the 1980s.

As we have already mentioned, Dubai is rapidly becoming one of the world’s crypto-capitals and in support of this, our year-round education programme Campus Art Dubai, known as the 9.0 Blockchain Edition this year, will take on a digital focus as we mentor 13 UAE and international digital artists over an eight-week process, and these new artworks will be on display at the fair.

How do you think the world of art is changing due to digital art and NFTs and what does this mean for traditional art forms? 

NFTs are considered very new in the broader art landscape and although NFT technology has been around since 2017, we have only really seen a big adoption of them in the art market since 2020. Even then, it was still very fringe, with only a small subset of digital collectors from the crypto space purchasing NFTs. The various applications for blockchain technology and NFTs for artists are just beginning and it’s a hugely exciting time in this space.

How do you think Art Dubai helps to develop and foster regional artists and talent? 

For over 15 years now, Art Dubai has played a fundamental role in the development of the region’s creative landscape. We develop and foster regional artists and talent by providing a global platform, bringing together creative communities (including artists, galleries, curators, and institutions) from all over the world to Dubai, and we continue to be the leading platform for presenting and collecting art from, and by artists from, the region.

LoVid, ‘Hugs on Tape’, 2021, Medium Tapestry, digital animation NFT, Courtesy of Postmasters Gallery

What do you look for from an art piece? 

I relate to works that discuss and portray situations that can affect me as a human being. I relate to works that combine a certain aesthetic, a sense of poetry, and are confronting with an ability to portray my feeling and my phobias.

You have lived in many places, for you what is a region or culture that inspires you for its art?

In Spain, we say that one is from where he is grazing and not from where he is born. At this stage of my life, I’m inspired by Dubai and the Middle East. Having lived in many places, I came to this region years ago with important baggage on my shoulders. This baggage has helped me to understand and conceptualise the Dubai art scene in a much better way.

What do you think about the art scene in Dubai and how it is developing?

As we know, Dubai is booming right now, attracting an expanding international demographic. We are seeing a new generation of artists, collectors and entrepreneurs settling here thanks to Dubai’s geographical location and developed commercial hub. This has attracted a new wave of people to the city rich in experiences and culture, all of which are changing and shaping Dubai’s art scene. We see the art scene here gaining more credibility globally and that is an exciting concept for the future of Art Dubai.

What is something you would still like to see happen? 

I would like Dubai to become the home and working ground of exciting artists from all over the world, making it an open studio. But for this to happen, more institutions with programming and collection budgets will need to be open to the idea and support them.

What is a message you would send to our readers as to why they should visit this year’s edition of Art Dubai?

We are in this unique and important moment in time where so much is changing and there is so much great artistic talent and fascinating production coming out of this region. The 2022 edition of Art Dubai will be the most extensive to date which is why we would encourage as many readers as possible to join us at this year’s event.

Art Dubai will run from 11th to 13th March 2022 at Madinat Jumeirah. For more information and to register visit artdubai.ae. 

THE OUTNET has launched menswear for the first time offering men the chance to shop from luxury past season collections as well as exclusive pieces.

The new concept will allow shoppers to switch between womenswear and menswear on THE OUTNET’s e-commerce site.

The new site experience will feature a dedicated menswear homepage, menswear mega nav drop down, editorial and marketing campaigns. Additional menswear categories will also launch to represent a fuller offering, mirroring the experience of its womenswear site.

“Over the past 10 years, THE OUTNET has continued to offer a fantastic selection of luxury past-season womenswear brands, and launching menswear is an exciting natural evolution and opportunity to grow and develop our assortment. A successful soft launch in November 2021 has shown there is a strong appetite for this new category onsite. We are extremely excited to roll out the full experience this year and see the response, as we continue to introduce new brands and customers to our unique offering.” Emma Mortimer, Managing Director, THE OUTNET

The men’s platform will launch on 29th March across the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and THE OUTNET will extend its menswear offering to the US in the Summer, 2022. Users can discover a teaser of the launch here

Chanel presents its Fall/Winter 2022 collection in Paris. A tribute to the tweed that the brand has become so synonymous with, Virginie Viard paid homage to the House’s DNA.

“Devoting the entire collection to tweed is a tribute,” says Virginie Viard. “We followed the footsteps of Gabrielle Chanel along the River Tweed, to imagine tweeds in the colours of this landscape. Like that of a long pink coat mottled with blue and purple, or a burgundy suit with a delicate gold shimmer. This is what Gabrielle Chanel would do on her walks through the Scottish countryside: she would gather ferns and bouquets of flowers to inspire the local artisans for the tones she wanted.”

A muted yet uplifting pastel-hued colour palette offers tweed in a range of styles and colours, redefying one of Chanel’s most recognised stylistic codes. Jackets in psychedelic colours offered a dash of colour while masculine or slightly oversized cuts offer a more formal approach. Trousers in black panne velvet and tight skirts are worn with long socks and pointed pumps with a mini stiletto heel in patent leather or bouclette wool, as well as boots and thigh-high boots in black or beige rubber

The collection was presented in a space at the Grand Palais Éphémère which was itself swathed entirely in tweed.

See more below:

Luxury British brand Mulberry has unveiled the Mulberry Softie, inspired by the softness of a pillow.

This quilted bag is available in three sizes and a range of mood-boosting colours, making it the ultimate companion. The design features the brand’s signature design codes including the Postman’s Lock and sees them applied to a new super-soft environmentally-friendly Nappa leather with a smooth matte finish.

Inside the leather, Responsible Down-Standard feathers and down offers a pillow-like feel that’s soft enough to sleep on! the Softie features a leather top handle as well as a new paper clip chain shoulder strap.

Highlight colours of this statement accessory include Coral Orange, Cornflower Blue and Wild Primrose, in addition to classic Black and Tobacco Brown.

Now available at Mulberry stores and online.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day Pomellato has teamed up with a selection of inspiring women for the 5th chapter in its Pomellato for Women campaign.

Led by Hollywood actress Jane Fonda, the “Power of Being Present” film explores each woman’s journey and the importance of being grateful for who we are today, underscored by the message of the power of being present today, for ourselves and for one another.

Jane Fonda for POMELLATO FOR WOMEN

The Italian jeweller began its #PomellatoForWomen platform in 2018 to champion female empowerment, to promote inclusivity, equality and environmentalism, and to ignite and promote change.

Jane Fonda, who has been a partner of the initiative since it launched is joined by a cast of inspirational role models including Italian icon Valeria Golino, Chinese actress and producer Yao Chen; Australian actress, writer and producer Rebel Wilson, American actress, singer and trailblazer Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Australian rising star Samara Weaving; multi-hyphenate entrepreneur Aisha Tyler, and actress, singer and songwriter Alexandra Shipp, an advocate for diversity.

Each woman spoke openly about their own journeys, inviting us to be present in who we truly are inside, while letting go of preconceived ideas for how we should be, each singing a hymn to authenticity and truth as they spoke of respect for self and for our fellow sisters.

Rebel Wilson for POMELLATO FOR WOMEN

The cast addressed being centred, being grateful for who we are today because of the obstacles we have overcome. They underlined that it is how we overcome adversity that we discover who we are, that letting go of stereotypes and owning our truth is how we will become the most authentic versions of ourselves.

Watch the full video here…

Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato, cited her vision for the 2022 Pomellato for Women video, “The messaging women normally receive is that we need to be more, better, different. This year, Pomellato wants womenkind to hear and remember that we are enough – we are more than enough. Let’s accept and revel in our imperfections, as they make us unique and human. Let’s be proud of our achievements but also entirely authentic – own it, show it, love it! If we are present for each other, it’s that spirit of cooperation and non-judgement that allows us to become the strongest sisterhood. I am proud to stand with Pomellato for Women and I am so proud to carry on these important messages to my sisters.”

Aisha Tyler for POMELLATO FOR WOMEN

Furthermore, in view of recent developments and the tragedy in Ukraine, Pomellato has made a donation to the UNHCR and is spearheading a fundraising campaign benefitting UN Women to protect and empower women and girls in Ukraine.

When it was first established in 2013 Dubai Design District (d3) had a very clear vision of supporting and fostering cultural and design talent within the UAE.

As Executive Director, Khadija Al Bastaki is responsible for managing the implementation of d3’s vision and business plans for future growth. By partnering with international events and encouraging local and international businesses to bring their activities to the cultural hub she has firmly cemented d3’s position in the UAE cultural and business landscape. This past year has seen the implementation of many new visa laws, making it easier than ever for small businesses to start their activities in the UAE, alongside the government’s encouragement of freelancers in the country. This has had a huge impact on the arts and culture sector and has allowed it to grow rapidly. Here we discuss with Khadija Al Bastaki the vision and goals of Dubai Design District and how it is continuing to shape the future of the design industry in the region.

What is your vision for the future of Dubai Design District (d3)? 

Dubai is funnelling great energy into enhancing the creative economy and transforming the Emirate into an international destination for creativity. Our vision is to play an integral role in enabling this ambition. Our main objective is to seek out new ways to enable our creative community, who are leaving an irrevocable mark on the global design landscape. We aim to provide an ecosystem that allows creatives to experiment, flourish and inspire and to come together to rethink the regular. We plan on facilitating more exciting partnerships on local, regional and international level to demonstrate Dubai’s potential for talent and ground-breaking ingenuity, whilst cementing the emirate’s position as a global destination for design, art and culture.

How do you think Dubai Design District (d3) has changed the face of the arts and culture industries in Dubai since its opening?

Dubai Design District (d3) has provided a common ground for freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups and global corporations to engage share knowledge and pursue fruitful collaborations. We truly believe that these are essential ingredients to feed innovation, and the ambitious ideas, technical skills and curiosity of our eclectic community have helped us challenge the boundaries of design in all its different outfits. Events like Dubai Design Week, Downtown Design and Arab Fashion Week have played a pivotal role in placing our Emirate on the global culture and arts map. They create a platform through which ideas, collaborations and audiences can be exchanged between our community and that of the global design ecosystem, allowing us to contribute significantly to the design and arts narrative as a whole.

Over the past years, what have you witnessed in terms of people coming together and the development of the arts and cultures industries in Dubai? 

With such an eclectic community in one shared address, exciting events and collaborations are always around the corner – we are certain it’s what makes us a preferred business ecosystem for any individual or business in the creative industry. We have seen so many remarkable partnerships come to life in our community, it’s almost difficult to choose!

Where do you see it going over the coming years?

We look to optimize our support for the creative scene further by enriching our platform to support an increasingly diverse collection of businesses and brands. This will include even more emerging local and regional homegrown talent and entrepreneurs as well as global names across our four segments of fashion, design, architecture and retail. We also aim to build more exciting partnerships on the local, regional and international levels as collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.

Events and activations play a major part of the community at d3 – how do you think these events are helping to raise awareness and enhance the growth of the community in d3? 

d3 is responsible for nurturing a passionate collective of creatives in design, fashion, architecture, art and retail, and events with activations provide a strong and far-reaching platform from which they can experiment, grow and succeed. High profile events like Arab Fashion Week and Dubai Design Week play a significant role in amplifying regional talent to a global audience, pushing the dialogue across the world and reinforcing the region as a creative force to be reckoned with.

We continually strive to raise the bar with innovative events and experiences that attract international coverage and brands, widening the pool of opportunities for our creative community. We also launched the Rethink campaign, which covers art, interiors and other key design disciplines to keep a spotlight shining on our talent all year long. I believe it’s this commitment that inspires other businesses and entrepreneurs to choose d3 as their preferred creative business ecosystem, enriching our community with unique skills and insights.

You recently hosted the latest edition of Arab Fashion Week, how do you think this event is helping to put Dubai on the map as an international fashion hub?

Arab Fashion Week is making itself known among fashion circles worldwide, attracting major names and designers to participate. Celebrity designer Jeremy Scott was part of our October 2021 edition, where he presented an archive Moschino collection inspired by Barbie. In the third edition of Men’s Arab Fashion Week, which took place in January 2022, the participation of Asher Levine and Michael Cinco demonstrates the mounting recognition of our event, and we truly believe this reflects the calibre of talent and ingenuity showcased at d3.

Our audience is expanding each year, helping drive the visibility of our creatives and their scope for partnerships. Our district’s very own Amato Couture has been featured on international runways and created original designs for high-profile figures including Beyonce, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. Yasmine Yeya’s haute couture label Maison Yeya is another shining star in our community, having dressed the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Scherzinger and even Vanessa Hudgens for numerous red-carpet events. Such stories are both an inspiration for other designers making their way into the industry as well as a testament to what creatives in our region have to offer.

What else can we expect to see coming up throughout the year? 

Flagship events like Arab Fashion Week, Dubai Design Week and Downtown Design are set to return with the exhilarating programs they are well known for in 2022. Rethink Art returns this March during the Emirate’s highly anticipated arts month, to highlight our district’s masterful artists through gallery exhibitions, installations and exciting pop-ups that challenge people to see creativity from a new perspective.

We will also continue hosting smaller-scale events, community markets and other experiences throughout the year to spotlight ongoing projects while nurturing a space where students and independent creatives can earn recognition in the industry. Live shows and community events also drive footfall to our district, inviting people to explore our plethora of fashion, retail and F&B brands.

This year saw the introduction of more flexible working visas in the UAE, which will help to support local talent especially freelancers and independent businesses, what does that mean in terms of the arts and culture industries and how do you think it will encourage the community to flourish? 

Freelance talent is integral to transforming our economy by bringing diverse skills into the community, playing a critical part in enhancing Dubai’s creative economy and injecting fresh perspective and competitiveness into the city. Freelancers also offer unique experiences and insights by working on a variety of projects and clients, providing them with a certain level of knowledge and flexibility that might not be available to start-ups and businesses in-house. Offering them a platform where they can grow, thrive and engage with the larger community is important not only for their success but to enrich the overall quality and productivity of the greater creative industry.

Over the last years, many people who were working in traditional corporate jobs have chosen to pursue their passions, which means there’s potentially a large selection of individuals who are looking to enter the creative industry. Such initiatives make it easier for people to follow their ambitions, which allows us to tap into a wider pool of talent that we might not have encountered otherwise. This is why we offer the GoFreelance package which simplifies the set-up process and provides creatives with everything they need to have an independent future. Freelancers also get access to exclusive opportunities to find and bid on projects and expand their network through the online platform, Marketplace.

Freelancers can also sign up for a competitive membership scheme to use creative facilities at the in5 Design business incubator at d3. It offers tremendous resources such as the in5 Fashion Lab for independent fashion designers to create their bespoke labels with lower investment, as well as a prototyping lab, which houses 3D printers and a library of raw materials.

MENS ARAB FASHION WEEK X BY SLIMI

How does Dubai Design District work with the UAE government to support SME businesses and allow them to grow and what are you doing to attract new businesses? 

We are aligned with the government’s vision to position Dubai as a global creative capital and increase the sector’s contribution to the GDP, and SMEs are playing a significant role in helping us achieve that. We have earned our reputation as a global creative platform dedicated to design, fashion, architecture and art by engaging public and private stakeholders to cultivate an ecosystem that promotes the growth of all our business partners. Whether that’s enhancing policies that encourage more creative businesses to set up shop in Dubai or delivering standout events to make our existing businesses more prominent, we are continually seeking innovative ways to empower our start-ups and SMEs.

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and it is what allows us to host events that catch the eye of the global design industry. Dubai Design Week, for example, is hosted in strategic partnership with Art Dubai Group – we firmly believe our web of support and expertise is why this event has evolved into the region’s most important platform for regional design and creativity.

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

d3 is home to a diverse community of businesses that are at varying stages of evolution and growth, and there’s no one size fits all solution when it comes to the kind of support they need to thrive. It is an exciting challenge to explore how we can best bolster their success by tailoring solutions and advisory that best addresses their challenges and ambitions.

The success of our students and start-ups is especially important to us, and we invest a lot of resources to bolster their growth. We are constantly evaluating and enhancing the scope of opportunities and assistance available to them and conceiving innovative ways to boost their visibility for future investment, partnerships and prospects.

In terms of women’s empowerment and gender balance, how have you seen things progress in the UAE over the past few years?

The UAE has always championed gender equality and female empowerment, and the founding of the UAE Gender Balance Council in 2015 is a testament to our leadership’s commitment.

We see such inspiring women hold positions of power and leadership in the UAE, bringing their unique perspective and expertise to the decision-making table. Noura Al Kaabi is the UAE Minister of Culture and Youth and one of the key figures spearheading the development of the creative sector. We share our passion for nurturing young creative talent.

Even beyond the creative fields, women hold important positions. Sarah Al-Amiri is the chair of the UAE Space Agency and the Minister of State for Advanced Sciences who led the historic Hope Probe operation. Nora Al-Matrooshi was the first Arab woman to train as an astronaut. In fact, 80% of the Hope Probe mission’s scientists were women – isn’t that extraordinary?

Women continue to contribute enormous value to national progress and development, so we must prioritise developing avenues to support and celebrate their contribution. According to the World Economic Forum, empowering women to participate equally in the global economy could add US$28 trillion in GDP growth by 2025. It is important for us to tap into that huge pool of female talent.

We know sustainability is something that is very important to you – how do you think communities such as Dubai Design District can support a sustainable future? 

Absolutely, sustainability is incredibly important to me and I believe it is a vital value for any brand or creative that considers itself forward-thinking. Sustainability has become increasingly important in our world today and we at d3 have strived to demonstrate and advance human-centric approaches to design in efforts to make our lives more sustainable and increase efficiency and wellbeing.

We have woven sustainability into the fabric of our DNA here at d3, and it has become an integral conversation at many of our flagship events. Many studios and designers that have participated at Dubai Design Week in the past have explored material and production processes that advance the conversation on sustainable design. In 2020, we developed a theme for outdoor installations that explored responsible design, which included an installation that repurposed construction scaffolding and disused Emirati finishing nets into public seating areas. The 2040: d3 Architecture Exhibition this past November also investigated how we could create vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities and living spaces.

In addition to all that, we are home to the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), which offers the region’s first multidisciplinary Bachelor of Design. Students at this institute are making remarkable strides in developing innovative products and solutions paving the way for a greener future.

What is a message you would send to individuals and businesses, especially female-owned businesses looking to grow in the region?

I want to tell them that whatever you aspire to do – whatever goals you set your sights on – you are capable of achieving. Stay committed and persevere. Let your adversities and challenges serve as moments of growth and learning. And when you find yourself in the driver’s seat, don’t forget to make room for other women climbing their way to the top. We rise when we lift each other up.

Back in November when Expo 2020 Dubai had just opened its doors we met with Hind Alowais, Vice President of International Participants Department, ahead of the opening of the Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier.

There was huge anticipation surrounding this unique concept that would see an entire pavilion dedicated to the achievements of women and open conversations about women’s empowerment, gender balance and more. Over the past few months, Hind and her team have worked hard to offer insightful, diverse and incredible opportunities for women and men to share their stories through the platform, be it through exhibitions, panel discussions presentations and more. As Expo 2020 Dubai comes to an end later this month, we reflect on the successes so far and the crucial role the Pavilion will continue to play in raising awareness of this highly important topic.

We last spoke at the beginning of Expo 2020 Dubai and now of course we are coming towards the end so what can you share with us about the progress of the women’s pavilion to date? 

I think we’ve had amazing success with the Women’s Pavilion. In terms of visitors, we have done really well when it comes to numbers in fact, we have exceeded our expectations. It’s great. When I look at the visitors and I see men and women and families from all walks of life, it’s amazing to me that this pavilion is speaking to the general public in its entirety. To see that is encouraging and heart-warming and I see it as a signal that this initiative is speaking to everybody.

We’ve also had ministers, first ladies, presidents, UN officials and more coming to visit us. At least once a week we have a high-level request from another Pavilion for a minister or esteemed guest that wants to visit for a tour. And I think that shows how everybody is invested in this gender and these issues. Politically I think people see it as a way to demonstrate how committed their countries are to the issue of gender equality and women’s empowerment and I think this is consistent across the world.

The space tells the story of women and gender in a really special and very different way. It also gives the younger generation, an opportunity to imagine that they will one day have a seat at the table or be in leadership positions. I’ve heard stories from my colleagues overhearing conversations between little girls and their mothers saying that they can do anything.

I love giving the tour of the Pavilion and just yesterday I was showing around a group of friends and suddenly it turned into a crowd of over thirty people! People of all ages even children, listen so attentively. And that gives me hope that we are making an impact. It’s not just on a policy level, it’s not just by engaging the decision-makers, but it’s also by telling young girls that they have a role to play. And also telling the young men that they are allies in this endeavour. It inspires me and it keeps me thinking that no matter how hard we have to work or the sacrifices we have to make, it’s what keeps me so invested in this and keeps me believing in what Expo has the potential to do.

Womens Pavillon Cartier opening Ceremony 2021 by Saï – Stéphane Aït Ouarab

And it seems as though the Expo has really given children an opportunity to understand these issues…

Exactly and I think what’s important is that we’re not just educating them, we are activating their responsibility as citizens of this world. And you start to feel like you have a role to play, whether it is in the issue of gender equality and women’s empowerment by respecting the women in your life, by making them understand that nothing should hold them back, but also in the issues of sustainability and opportunity. By becoming conscious of the simplest things like not littering. It’s a beautiful thing to see and to be part of.

How do you think the Pavilion has reflected the UAE’s mission for gender equality?

First of all, I think the two go hand in hand. The UAE has always been a strong supporter of gender balance but it’s not about women taking over from men. From the establishment of our country, the leadership shared its vision and everyone followed that vision and made it a mission. When you hear His Highness Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE talking about women’s equality, you know it is engrained in our history. And that demonstrates that there were very strong principles that have led us. In terms of how we have done this, as you know the UAE has consistently tried to do it systematically. The Mother of the Nation, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima with the General Women’s Union told us that education was a priority from very early days and she educated the women of this country. This was followed of course by other efforts including the establishment of the Gender Balance Council. When you think about literacy, just as an example, fifty-six per cent of female UAE graduates are literate in STEM, you don’t see these numbers anywhere in the world. When you think about peace and security, the UAE recently ranked first in the MENA region and 24th in the world on women’s inclusion in justice and security. When you think about political representation and participation, twenty-one per cent of our ministers are women. Which is huge. Women in the UAE are achieving so much in such a short time it’s amazing. The UAE is making progress very intentionally, putting in the measures and building an ecosystem that supports women in all fields. Another demonstration of the support for women is the laws that have been put in place. I think we are very self-reflective in this country and we’re always looking at how to improve things and increase access to opportunities.

Malala Yousafzai

What have been some of the most notable highlights at the Women’s Pavilion that you can share with us? 

There’s been so many! Most recently Malala Yousafzai came to visit. She walked through the Pavilion and read every text, asked questions and took pictures. She wanted to take it all in. She talked a lot about girls education and how important it is. It was really amazing.

We’ve had so many incredible talks that have enabled us to draw out lessons on how we can do this better. Because as you can imagine, this agenda is not new. So when we talk about impact, and you create a space that allows people to step out of their positions or policy lines, it allows them to discuss and engage with us and put forward new ideas and new thinking.

It was great to host the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, the Vice President of Costa Rica, and not only that, we have welcomed so many high-level names, both men and women.

Another great visitor was Tima Shomali, director of a Netflix series, “The AlRawabi School for Girls”. She attended one of our sessions on the Role of Islam and Women in Arabia, a series of discussions around many topics. In her case it’s was about how we use media and TV shows to tackle some of the most difficult issues and to shatter stereotypes. Arab women are not sitting in the corner, waiting for someone to give them equality, they are asking for it, they are tackling issues.

We had a TV presenter from Saudi Arabia talking to us about what her career has been like and how she used her talk show which was running for over a decade to share her point of view and how it was received and criticised. These discussions are important because the world doesn’t realise that Arab and Muslim women are having these conversations. We had a panel discussion as part of the Women in Arabia and Islam on Climate and Diversity and it was amazing to see so many Muslim women bringing solutions to their communities. And that’s what the platform is all about. It’s about giving women the opportunity to make their voices heard and showing the world the amazing impact that women have, whether we’re giving them the opportunity and giving them access or not, they’re doing it.

How do you intend to continue the story and the message of the Women’s Pavilion after Expo 2020 Dubai?

Plans are in the pipeline and I believe that we will be able to reveal more on International Women’s Day, but there are plans in the works for the Pavilion to continue after Expo. How it will look and what it will be in its final form, I can’t tell you yet, but we are working on keeping the exhibition so that it lives on in District 2020.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi’s vision led us from the very beginning and it will continue to lead us post-Expo. And I think that her commitment to this is key.

And finally, all of our talks from the Women’s Pavilion throughout Expo are available to watch on YouTube and will continue to be available to re-watch after the Expo ends.

DUBAI, 02 January 2019. Women’s Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Dany Eid/Expo 2020 Dubai)

How do you think partnering with a brand such as Cartier has allowed you to elevate the message of the Pavilion? 

Cartier has been an amazing partner. They’ve stuck to their word, their commitment to this issue has been consistent and clear. When I look around the Pavilion I’m so proud of what we were able to do and curate together and I think that the brand’s presence has enabled us to speak to the non-traditional people that otherwise may not have been involved. If you think about the issue of women’s inequality, a lot of the time it’s positioned as a “poor woman’s” issue and having Cartier be a voice and stand on principle, demonstrates that this is everybody’s issue. It helps us expand our reach and explain that women’s issues are not simply women’s issues, they’re everybody’s issues. No country in the world has been able to close its gender gap. No woman in the world is free from gender discrimination. And so having Cartier as a partner allows us to further our message and to reach places that we perhaps were not able to reach previously.

Tell us about your personal journey during this time?

First of all, I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of a project like this and to have had the support of Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi who trusted me and my team to deliver this. I’m grateful for the institutional support within Expo to bring this to life because it was not easy. It’s a very unique pavilion. It’s the only pavilion that is in collaboration with the private sector. It’s the only pavilion that features so many women. We had to ask permission from all of these women to have them as part of this. So it’s been a learning experience and it’s transformed me as a person. Coming from the UN I had one lens that was very policy-driven and through this experience, I realised that change doesn’t always happen on that level alone. Change happens with people, with storytelling and when you engage people. It happens through these kinds of collaborations that at first might have seemed impossible.  

What is a takeaway message we should all keep in mind from the project?

It’s the same one we have been sharing since the beginning: “When women thrive, humanity thrives.” We’re still on that same message because we deeply believe in it and it applies in so many different ways. If you empower women, you empower societies and you empower humanity. Women are fifty per cent of the global population and when you recognise that inequality is so harmful in so many ways, it is not just about the freedom of a woman to choose and to be who she is and to do what she wants to do. It also translates to her not being able to be part of the global conversation. We are telling the world about these issues in a very positive way but unpacking that means dealing with all the inequalities and the discrimination and lack of opportunity that women face on every level and the fact that it is still happening is unbelievable.

DUBAI, 18 February 2022. Women’s Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Suneesh Sudhakaran/Expo 2020 Dubai)

What can we expect to see at the pavilion for International Women’s Day? 

There will be a lot happening. We have an event called “Break the Bias” which will start with a music festival with an all-female lineup of artists on 5th 6th and 7th March. On International Women’s Day itself we’re having an assembly of nations coming together and curating their own sessions, looking at issues of women in diplomacy, industry, climate change, health and more. And then we’re having a forum which is another segment co-curated by Expo and Cartier. We’re looking at women in politics, women in the private sector, how you unleash leadership and we’re looking at women in pop culture. So there’s going to be some big names coming up and more will be announced soon.

As we prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March, we highlight some of the successful ladies from the UAE and beyond who have inspired us greatly this year.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi

No woman in the UAE has shown greater leadership and inspiration than Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi this year. As Managing Director of Expo 2020 Dubai, she has led her team to success with this global event and received incredible recognition for it from her team members and the public. To see a woman in the UAE in such a prominent position is truly inspiring for us.

Queen Elizabeth II

As the world’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 75 years on the throne this year, one of the greatest achievements of any woman who is living today. She has dedicated her entire life to service for her country and has also inspired the world as a loving mother, grandmother and most recently, great grandmother.

Melinda Gates

After splitting from her husband Microsoft Founder Bill Gates in 2021 Melinda Gates has continued her work as a philanthropist and global advocate for women and girls. After working in a male-dominated environment at Microsoft Gates made it her mission to promote empowerment in the workplace for women. She is one of the most charitable women in the world donating billions of dollars towards various charities including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which she continues to own with her husband.

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris was an inspiration to many women when she became the first female Vice President and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, as well as the first African American and first Asian American Vice President in January 2021. Over the past year, she has continued to inspire and was selected as one of the 2021 Forbes 50 over 50.

Angela Merkel

Germany’s Angela Merkel stepped down from her position as the chancellor of Germany in 2021 after sixteen years. Now happily in retirement, Merkel became one of the world’s most powerful women and won the hearts of the German people through her work to support refugees and her leadership of Germany out of the great recession.

Nadine Labaki

 

Lebanese Film Director Nadine Labaki made headlines after her Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film for Capernaum in 2019, but this year she made a return to work in front of the camera starring in the Arabic language Netflix series “Perfect Strangers” which has received stellar reviews. Her career in film has proved that a woman from the Arab world can have success in Hollywood and we continue to follow her story as she moves into her next endeavours.

Malala Yousafzai

After a tragic incident in 2012 which saw Malala being shot in the head by the Taliban in her home country of Pakistan many thought she would not survive. But she was lucky enough to seek asylum in the United Kingdom and receive treatment for her injuries. Since her recovery Malala has made it her mission to dedicate her life to inspiring other young girls, helping them to give them a future. In 2014 Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize and become the youngest-ever Nobel laureate. Today she continues her mission with the Malala Foundation and meets young women around the world to share her story and message.

Zendaya

Zendaya

American actress Zendaya has become THE name in Hollywood over the past year and it sure has been a year for her! The second series of her hit show “Euphoria” debuted and she also played a lead role in the sci-fi movie “Dune” and the latest edition of Spider-Man. She has also landed many deals with luxury brands including Bulgari, Valentino, Lancôme and more. But it is her outspoken and honest personality that inspires millions of young women worldwide.

Simone Biles

American gymnast Simone Biles has won a combined total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals throughout her career. But this year at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo she began making headlines when she was forced to pull out of the event citing mental health reasons. Her withdrawal was praised around the world, as was her bravery to speak up and acknowledge her issues and it has started a wider conversation around the acknowledgement of mental health issues within sports.

Farah Nabulsi

In 2021 Palestinian film Director and A&E cover star Farah Nubulsi won a BAFTA and was nominated for an Oscar for her short film “The Present”. The film highlights the tragic situation happening in Palestine today in which many Palestinians are still deprived of basic human rights and freedom of movement. Since the success of the film, Farah has been able to open a conversation on the situation in Palestine and is using her voice to raise awareness and attempt to help some of those going through this awful situation.

Haifaa Al Mansour

Haifaa Al Mansour is one of Saudi Arabia’s most successful Film Directors. She was the first Saudi filmmaker and has paved the way for generations of young women to follow in her footsteps and enter an industry they never dreamed possible. Mansour has created films that have addressed issues that affect women around the world, raising awareness and opening conversations that are often difficult to have. In 2020 she began directing the upcoming Netflix series “The Selection”.

Naomi Campbell

At 51 years old British model Naomi Campbell made a triumphant return to the catwalk this year walking in shows for designers including Versace and Alexander McQueen. While her career has spanned over 30 years Campbell proved this year that she is still a global superstar. As well as her modelling career, Noami has been kept busy this year having a baby girl. She announced the birth of her daughter in May 2021.

Indra Nooyi

Former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi is one of the world’s most successful businesswomen. Growing up in India Nooyi moved to The United States to follow her dreams of working in business. She assumed a number of positions in India before joining Pepsico in 1994. She was named CEO in 2006. After leaving her role at the global company in 2017 she embarked on a new chapter that has seen her become a public speaker and author. She is also now a member of the board of directors at Amazon.

Today on the occasion of International Women’s Day, we celebrate women to the fullest. We celebrate their strength, tenacity, and determination. We celebrate their independence to live on their own terms.

We celebrate their freedom to make their own choices, become more self-confident, and take control of how they want to look. Most important of all, we advocate for women to feel great in their own skin. This means empowering, educating, and encouraging women in their pursuit of ‘self-care’ – be it something simple as hair, beauty, makeup and clothes, or something deeply personal like cosmetic treatments.

When we feel and look our best, a renewed sense of self-esteem engulfs us. This euphoria feeds through everything we do. It enhances our self-worth and confidence. It makes us happier. It gives us a greater zest for life. To truly be our ‘best selves’, we need to make informed and confident choices.

Every journey begins with a single step.

To embark on a journey of self-improvement and self-discovery, we first need a support system that addresses any concerns regarding comfort, fear, and trust. But this is where the dilemma arises.

Far too often, self-enhancement – particularly via cosmetic treatments – is the subject of controversies, stigmas, and taboos. An air of secrecy surrounds the topic. Many are reluctant to share their personal experiences with friends and family, while several others are hesitant to seek professional advice for fear of being judged.

Beyond the aesthetic value of treatments, seeking self-care and addressing concerns can unlock our full potential and better our lives to find our best selves. It’s time to openly embrace the idea that true empowerment lies in making positive choices for ourselves. It’s time to unapologetically own our narratives. It’s time to rewrite the rules.

Knowledge is power.

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Pierpaolo Piccioli Creative Director of Valentino chose one single hue to express his vision for the Fall/Winter 2022 collection. Pink was used for both men’s and women’s creations and ran through the entire collection, including accessories.

This experimental use of one single colour highlights the idea of doing more with less as Pierpaolo maximises expressive possibilities finding experimental ways to express his vision through this single-palette concept.

From the accessories to the ready-to-wear pieces to the set itself, pink fills the entire room, aside from a small selection of black outfits. The audience looked on as the pink ensembles and the show space became one.

The single colour allows shapes and silhouettes to stand out without distraction. large volumes sculpted on the body by geometric tucks that highlight the gesture of tightening, sensual s-shaped lines, very short hemlines, cinched waists. Bows, ruffles, petals, lace and embroideries swarm everywhere. Accessories are pink too, from the bags to the shoes which stand on huge platforms.

Valentino is collaborating with the Pantone Color Institute for this collection to create an exclusive shade of pink, devised by Pierpaolo Piccioli.

See more of the collection below:

On every seat at the Balenciaga Winter 22 show sat a Ukrainian flag marking the designer’s support for the country during the war against Russia. A note from Demna highlighted his particular connection to the situation: “The war in Ukraine has triggered the pain of a past trauma I have carried in me since 1993, when the same thing happened in my home country and I became a forever refugee.”

He continued to explain the difficulty of working on this collection while such a tragic event was going on in the world: “In a time like this, fashion loses its relevance and its actual right to exist. Fashion Week feels like some kind of an absurdity. I thought for a moment about cancelling the show that I and my team worked hard on and we were all looking forward to. But then I realised that cancelling this show would mean giving in, surrendering to the evil that has already hurt me so much for almost 30 years.”

So as many designers have this season he made the difficult decision to continue but to pay tribute to those suffering in this terrible situation.

The 22 show took place inside an infinite white field, encapsulated with a protective glass screen. Models battled the elements, of wind and snow as the audience looked on from the other side of the glass, much like they were peering into a snow globe.

The concept was Demna’s metaphor for beating the odds and battling forward as models showed strength and resilience throughout the show. “The term “winter” takes on a new meaning, although imbued with nostalgia for a time of predictable seasons.” The show notes read.

Classic silhouettes are tight and fitted to the body, like a second skin. Outerwear essentials are reimagined. Jackets of all styles are given a new upgrade: the bomber, puffer, denim, track and leather are worn for protection.

Logos are key to the collection but many are blacked out with tape, while slogans and messages included “be different” and “XXXL. Other looks used custom Balenciaga tape to wrap around waists and ankles and one look featured a model wrapped head-to-toe in packaging tape (the same look was worn by Kim Kardashian in the audience.)

Accessories are enlarged and exaggerated and a “trash pouch”, inspired by a garbage bag, becomes the hero piece of the collection.

In shoes, the HD sneaker is a shoe made of one solid piece, while the Knife Wafer combines two classic styles with a flared upper, pointed toe, and spike heel. The Glove Boot is a sleek, rounded-toe heel in multiple heights.

See more of the collection below:

After two years of renovations Dior’s iconic 30 Avenue Montaigne boutique in Paris has reopened its doors to customers.

The historic location which was first discovered by Christian Dior in 1946, has been the home of the House ever since. Now after two years of restoration by architect Peter Marino, the flagship boutique reopens its doors with a fresh new look.

Spreading across more than 10,000 square metres across eight floors, the historical boutique combines heritage and passionate inspirations through all its universes from ready-to-wear to fragrances, leather goods and jewellery, as well as embodying the House of Dior in all its glory.

The reinvention offers a (re)discovery of the House’s creativity by offering experiences of all of Dior’s facets from haute couture to fine jewellery, to the art of living and giving, to gastronomy, beauty and culture, all promising timeless experiences.

The design combines audacity and elegance from the inside out as well as artistic dialogues and architectural virtuosity which complement the traditions of the House with a modern touch.

The destination will also house a gallery celebrating Christian Dior himself alongside all of the House’s Creative Directors since. It will also be home to a Dior café and restaurant, led by French chef Jean Imbert.

As the store opens visitors will be offered a delicate sprig of lily-of-the-valley, Christian Dior’s talismanic flower, as they explore the boutique.

Prada re-makes its nineties icon, epitomising minimalism and modern luxury.

Originally debuted in Prada’s Fall/Winter 1995 collection, the iconic Re-Edition 1995 bag is making a comeback this year with a new reimagined, updated version for the Spring 2022 collection. With a precisely engineered slimline silhouette, this classic accessory reflects the quintessence of Prada, combining modernism, elegance and timelessness.

This season, the bag has been exclusively re-imagined in the finest brushed leather, in a variety of colourways. It features the ‘Prada Re-Edition 1995’ logo underscoring the authenticity of this recreation, a homage to a true original. It is defined by its raw-edged construction – structure as an ornament, emphasising its compact geometric shape, the precision of its engineering.

The ‘Re-Edition 1995’ bag is now available at Prada stores worldwide and via prada.com.

Amira Sajwani General Manager of Sales and Development at DAMAC discusses why women should not be afraid to chase their dreams.

Amira Sajwani has been outnumbered by men for her entire life. However, growing up with three male siblings she was always treated equally to her brothers and she has her parents to thank for that. Her father Hussain Sajwani is the founder of DAMAC Properties and has always encouraged his children along with her mother, to be treated as equals, regardless of gender.

Like her brother Amira has joined the family business, and today, she holds the position of General Manager of Sales and Development at the real estate company; the most senior female position at the company. Amira leads a team of over 500 people and is always on a mission to keep furthering her skills and lead the company to continue to be a market leader when it comes to innovation and development.

DAMAC is one of the leading real estate companies in the UAE and the Middle East and it truly does seem like the opportunities are endless. Their most recent developments feature ground-breaking architectural projects that some may have never imagined in their wildest dreams. But this is in the DNA of the Sajwani family. They have always strived to further themselves as people and as a business and their entrepreneurial mindset which comes from their father, allows The Sajwanis to believe anything is possible.

Despite the success Amira continues to be humble and modest, taking it all in her stride. While she rarely makes media appearances or agrees to interviews, she is starting to realise the influence she may have on young women who already see her as a role model. As we approach International Women’s Day we talked to Amira about how she hopes to inspire aspiring young businesswomen as well as the latest developments at the UAE-based company.

Tell us what you are working on currently and what are the latest projects for DAMAC?

In my current role at DAMAC, I am General Manager of Sales and Development. So under me falls the responsibility of everything from the point of the acquisition of the land, up to the point of sale with a client. And that’s super exciting because as you may have heard we acquired a huge area of land very recently and we launched a new project; Lagoons, and so we have been going through the design functionality of that and we’re still working on the master planning and designing of the amenities and the types of villas, the views, the angles, etc. It’s been a lot of fun, and it’s been a huge learning curve. Another big project is our Cavalli Tower which launched a few months ago and we definitely have a few more very interesting things coming up in the market very soon but I can’t disclose too much yet. What I can tell you is that we do have a very prime plot close to Safa Park that we are looking to launch very soon and that will be a very interesting project and one of our trademark launches that will shine across our entire portfolio.

With a company like DAMAC it really does feel like anything is possible – would you say that is a fair assessment and where does this passion come from?

I think that this ethos comes from my father and his vision for the company and his ability to drive others around him. He will never accept anything on a first draft. Even if it’s a beautiful draft he won’t accept it and this is because he believes that you can always push for more creativity or sales or effort. So I think this belief is reflected in the ethos of the company.

In addition to that, he has always had a vision for DAMAC to be a global hospitality and real estate lifestyle brand and to achieve global status, we have to always be innovating and pushing ourselves to what might not be possible to the regular eye. And I think that’s what mainly drives this huge push behind us trying to come up with innovative and new ideas in the market.

DAMAC Lagoons

Do you think you and your siblings have inherited this same attitude from your father?

Definitely! Unfortunately for our teams under us, we have inherited the same culture! But I must say we have a very strong team that ultimately won’t accept anything below stellar at this point.

What are some of the changes you have seen in the real estate sector, particularly in the UAE since the beginning of the global pandemic?

Surprisingly for us, the pandemic did wonders for the real estate community in Dubai. Pre-pandemic we were actually in a low point of the market where there was a slight slump after the boom that happened a few years ago. But the pandemic actually allowed the market to pick up. We saw a huge inflow of investment coming into the city and that was purely due to the way that the government handled the COVID situation by creating a safe haven when other countries were shutting down for a long time. So we need to give credit to the government for the way they handled the pandemic and we genuinely have so much appreciation for this.

The trends that we see post-pandemic are very interesting. Obviously and expectedly we saw a huge shift in demand towards villas during the pandemic and post-pandemic and of course, that comes from the fact that many people were stuck at home and wanted more space. There’s also been a huge shift in technology. This has allowed a lot of people to continue to work from home and this has pushed them to want bigger living spaces. Our smaller units that used to sell well because of a lower ticket price have much less demand now, while the demand on larger units has taken off drastically.

The trend in technology also allowed us to push a lot of our internal technological systems that help in the industry. So a lot of our applications that are user-friendly for our clients, allowing them to access their services etc. progressed massively during and post-pandemic. Another big shift in trends has been the type of investment that has started to enter Dubai. Because of the way Dubai handled the pandemic and created itself as a safe haven, as well the new laws and regulations that were set by the government throughout the pandemic have encouraged an influx of luxury demand. So we saw a lot of very wealthy people starting to buy first and second homes in Dubai with the intention of moving their families here. Our luxury segment has picked up very heavily in the last six to eight months and the recent announcement of the weekend shifting has also helped because we have people who are now more confident to move their families or businesses and still be aligned with the global market timings.

DAMAC Lagoons

Tell us a little about your relationship with your father and your brothers and how you balance family/work life?

We are a very close-knit family and as the family expands we continue to be very close. Our weekends are spent fully together and we usually take two or three group trips a year. How we balance our work and personal lives; I’ll let you know when we figure that out! There is definitely no balance! All of our dinners and lunches are mostly revolved around business. Not necessarily what we do in the office, but more about our family business, where we want to grow, what our strategy is, what our next steps are, different endeavours that we want to enter into. We discuss all of this as a family and the great thing is that all of us are very entrepreneurial which is something we have inherited from our father, we enjoy and love the passion for work. Even my younger brother who is fourteen has his own tennis academy! We are all on the same page and our spouses are very understanding as well. So yes, we are very close and we’re able to disconnect when we need to disconnect, but it’s not that we’re forced to do this, it’s actually a passion for everyone.

This month we celebrate International Women’s Day, what does it mean to you for women to be recognised for their achievements in business?

International Women’s Day is very special to me for two reasons. The first is that it is the birthday of my firstborn and it will be her 1st birthday this year. For me to have my daughter on International Women’s Day was very special. I’m one girl amongst three boys, so growing up, especially in a culture that people can assume is not so open to women, International Women’s Day is a very special day. I would love for women to actually believe that their gender shouldn’t stop them from achieving anything. And my father believed that from day one. Growing up, there was never a differentiation between me and my brothers, we had the same rules at home, we had the same discipline as children and we were never treated differently according to gender. I think International Women’s Day is a day when we need to remind women and more importantly, young girls, that there is no difference between men and women and it’s nice to have a day in the year that reinforces and recognises this.

Cavalli Tower

As a woman in a prominent position in a predominantly male-dominated world, how do you ensure your voice is heard?

I think it takes a balance between being strong and confident and actually knowing when you are educated enough to make sure that your voice should be heard. It’s a matter of knowing when your voice should be heard and when it’s a situation where you’re just trying to get your voice to be heard for the sake of it. Being a woman in the working environment does require you to earn a lot more respect at the beginning that men don’t have to earn. I do think a man can come in and demand a certain level of respect, not as in to be treated respectfully, but to be heard. Women need to earn and show that they know what they’re doing and show that they are in a position because of their knowledge and experience and that they add value to that situation. Prove yourself in the beginning and know when to pick up a battle that needs your voice. That is tough in the beginning but I think that’s OK. And I’ve been able to do that. So once you earn the respect of your colleagues or your bosses and you show them your dedication and hard work, they will listen. I think there is sometimes the misunderstanding in a work environment that a woman is not necessarily as dedicated or as hardworking because she has other responsibilities outside of the office that a man does not. And that’s OK. I make it a point to be home by 7pm every day to put my daughter to bed and if I need to come back to the office at 8pm, that is Ok too. So I think it’s about understanding and finding your balance and it doesn’t have to be the same for everyone.

In terms of women’s empowerment and gender balance, how have you seen things progress in the UAE over the past few years?

I think there has been a drastic change in the last few years. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has done a fantastic job in pushing female engagement in the workforce. In 2020 we had one of the highest percentages of women in the workforce in the world at 57.5%, and honestly, as a woman and a local citizen, I think it’s very inspiring that you see ministers today such as HE Reem Al Hashimi, HE Noura Al Kaabi, in places of power and you see them having earnt those positions. You see Emirates incubators encouraging women in the workforce, you see programmes that are dedicated to getting women into the workplace, scholarships that are being given to women to further their education. (I personally studied for five years on a full scholarship which was given to me by the government.) So I think we have come a very long way in not distinguishing between a man and a woman. I think that the UAE’s government genuinely has a vision of a very integrated community that is a global city and country and that’s amazing. It’s very inspiring for someone like me and I’m very happy that my daughter will grow up in an environment like this where she will be supported with whatever future she decides.

Cavalli Tower

How do you think you can use your platform to empower and inspire others? 

I am a very casual person and sometimes I don’t even keep in mind that people might recognise me, it’s not something that I think about but it is something that I’m trying to recalibrate and I’m trying to work on my social media presence to see how I can inspire other women as I have come to realise that there are women who look up to me without me even knowing.

But honestly, as a new mum, a way that I would love to inspire women is to show them that their lives don’t have to stop with their family life. I have a one year old, I love her to bits, I spend as much time as I can with her, but that doesn’t stop me from achieving my ambitions and my goals and passion at all. So I think getting that message across would be more important than any other message. It’s OK to have both, you just have to work harder at it and find your balance.

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

I am a big advocate of education for women in developing nations. I spent some time on this while I was at university and I’m invested in a platform that is dedicated to creating programmes in developing nations for students that can’t afford degrees. The way the platform works is that it takes a look at what the job opportunities in that country are in the next five years and it reverse engineers courses that cater to the skill set needed for these jobs. It’s called Nexford and it’s a very interesting platform.

I would also love to at some point in the future have the opportunity to mentor young girls who are in high school and still don’t know or have guidance on what they would like to do or how they would like to pursue things. That’s something I would like to do but again it’s about finding the time as any extra time I have right now goes to my daughter.

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

There will always be operational challenges in what I do but I think the biggest challenge I face is actually being able to take a step back, which is something I’ve actually become better at now that I have a child. I am a slight perfectionist, as are my brothers and my father, so we all spend a lot of time making sure things are exactly the way we want them. I have learnt to try to accept that it’s OK for things to go in a slightly different direction but it is a challenge. And of course, another big challenge is managing my time. I have many different departments so dedicating and splitting my time across different priorities is definitely a challenge. I have a very strong team under me that I have built over the last two years and that helps as I know I can rely on them without having to meet them on a daily basis.

Cavalli Tower

What is the professional motto that you live by?

It is a phrase from my favourite book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. The phrase is “maktoob” which essentially means “it is destined”. Although that doesn’t sound professional, I think it’s very important. As a family, we are quite religious so we do believe that things that are meant to be will be. This is one of my favourite phrases because you need to realise that yes, you need to work as hard as you can but at some point, what’s meant to be will be and everything will fall into place, so there shouldn’t be any disappointment when things don’t go the way you want then too, you just have to keep picking yourself up and doing what you have to do and let whatever flows flow and whatever doesn’t, pivot it elsewhere. This is a phrase that keeps me going.

Who is a woman that has inspired you throughout your life and career?

I don’t know if I can answer this question because there have been many women in my life who have inspired me in different ways and I have taken different aspects from them and that’s been great because it’s allowed me to reach out to a lot of different people at different times.

What is a final message you would like to send to our readers? 

Like I said International Women’s Day is a very special day to me and I think that it is a day that resonates with me on so many levels because I did grow up in a house that was all boys and I work in an industry that’s all men and I don’t mind it at all! In fact, I think it’s amazing! So what I would say is that women should not be discouraged by any industry that’s male-dominated because the amount you learn from those around you is really incredible. So just learn as much as you can.

Head to The Dubai Mall Weekend to catch Prada’s Tropico pop-up store while it’s still open

Located close to Fashion Avenue the colourful pop-up features exclusive shoes and accessories from the brand’s latest collections.

Inspired by the colours and atmospheres of striking distant lands the space expresses Prada’s key visual traits in a contemporary, ‘pop’ language.

It is characterised by stylised tropical forest with hundreds of Prada hats of various colours, models and materials and a selection of Prada Triangle bags in raffia and in calf, growing like leaves and flowers on gold metal trunks and branches.

The collection dedicated to the Prada Tropico pop-up store includes a special selection of bags – such as Prada Triangle and Prada Symbol bags – shoes and crystal accessories.

It will remain open until 6^th March 2022.

Lebanese-American designer Rami Kadi enters the Metaverse with his first NFT collection offering customers a 360-degree experience of the brand’s universe.

Rami Kadi has become one of the first Couture designers to diversify into the world of NFTs. Launching his NFT collection “Lucid Algorithms” on the Cardano blockchain, the designer marks the first-ever human-computer couture collaboration of this scale.

The young Lebanese-American designer is one of the first to diversify into the metaverse with his designs as NFTs continue to become one of the most hyped about trends today. The launch of the 120 NFTs took place in Dubai at the Theatre of Digital Art which saw visitors immersed into Rami Kadi’s digital and physical worlds. Looks from the designer’s Spring Summer 2022 couture collection were displayed around the theatre while prints and patterns featuring his NFT art were projected on the 360-degree walls of the venue.

The event offered a unique experience for guests. On the same day as the event, Rami’s NFTs went up for sale on his website which is linked to the NFT marketplace. Here we find out more about the designer’s diversification into the digital world, as well as more on his Spring/Summer 22 couture collection.

We love the Spring/Summer Couture collection, in your own words can you share a little bit about the vision and inspiration behind this collection?

For my Spring-Summer 2022 Couture collection, I was inspired by the rise of the virtual world and NFTs, which served as the main starting point for the creation of my forty couture dresses. The dresses are made from holographic materials that feature strong, bold colours. Through lively pulsations and contrasting rhythms, I sought to affirm the energy and strength of colour in a way that appears to flirt with the light around. The holographic materials absorb pigmentation and reinterpret the colours of light, leaving us with a shimmering effect.

You have now entered the world of NFTs, why did you decide to launch your collection at this moment and how has the feedback been so far?

As the virtual world is becoming more and more immersed in our daily lives, I found it crucial to start embedding fashion within this realm. So, the idea behind the Lucid Algorithms SS2022 collection stems from the curiosity of finding beauty even in machinery, more specifically algorithms. I decided to combine my creative efforts with that of the algorithm by feeding it elements, patterns, and colours and allowing it to compute my designs into digitally-inspired art pieces, which are the NFTs. So, introducing NFTs as part of Rami Kadi’s collections, alongside our physical couture collection, is part of a trajectory we decided to embark on as we see the whole world shifting in this direction.

We have received a lot of positive feedback from the NFT community and our beloved clients regarding this daring step, especially because it is the first-ever human-computer couture collaboration on Cardano in the region. However, it is still a very new step in this field and it has inevitably been accompanied by the need for some adaptation from our clients.

How do you think the worlds of technology and fashion can complement each other? 

As the metaverse is becoming a replication of the real world, but digitally, I believe that high fashion in the metaverse will be needed the same way it is needed in the physical world. Avatars in the metaverse are represented by people in real life who would want to duplicate their personal fashion styles and outlooks onto within this virtual world. So, if you’re a couture lover in the real world, you would want to highlight that in the metaverse as well. This is why embarking on this step early on sets up the possibility of allowing individuals to portray their personal affinities in the metaverse.

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What benefits will customers buying the NFTs get from joining this community?

By collecting the rare Rami Kadi NFTs owners will have the privilege to use the Lucid Algorithms NFTs to customize an exclusive physical Rami Kadi couture dress, utilising them as a background for any of the owned NFT avatars, customise the outfit and accessories of the NFT avatars in 2D, or dress their avatars in the metaverse. The Lucid Algorithms NFTs will also secure owners an exclusive invite to future Rami Kadi events.

Is this something you want to expand further on moving forward? 

It is definitely part of our plan to indulge even further in the metaverse by perhaps creating more NFT collections or opening our own showroom and planning meta-shows or events, however, it is still early to determine any definite steps.

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We loved having you in Dubai for the launch of Lucid Algorithms, tell us about the presentation and what was the feedback?

The event encapsulated the portrayal of the 120 NFTs. The Theatre of Digital Art acted as a mediation between the physical and virtual realm by allowing attendees to immerse themselves into the metaverse and the world of Rami Kadi Couture NFTs. The event ambience came to represent an out-of-this-world experience that showcased on every wall of the theatre a continuous stream of Rami Kadi NFT patterns. With the reflections of the digital art on the screens, a feeling of virtual inclusion was created by delving into the patterns of Lucid Algorithms.

Why did you choose this location? 

We chose this location in particular because it is a Theatre designated for Digital Art, so it seemed like the perfect location, with screens all around, to display our first-ever digital NFT collection.

It seems many brands are beginning to diversify into the world of NFTs and new technology – how do you think it can be beneficial to the fashion industry and in your opinion what is the future of this sector?

I think the entrance of fashion into the world of NFTs will benefit the fashion industries in ways we have never experienced before. In the virtual world, where the NFTs are present, the bounds and limits of creativity simply do not exist. Designers all over the world can experiment and implement designs that could be animated or that physically don’t make sense. In my point of view, this is an incredible step in the world of fashion, but it will take time to be fully accepted by the wider public.

Have you changed anything about the way you work since the beginning of the pandemic?

The pandemic definitely opened my eyes to the possibilities of fashion when it comes to the world of technology. As the whole world had to shift online, I learned new ways to communicate my thoughts, designs, and presence virtually. Although I did my first cyber show even before the pandemic, I realised after the pandemic that the bounds of my work don’t solely rest on the limits of the physical world.

What is your mission or goal for Rami Kadi this year?

This year, my goal is to grow in the world of NFTs and the meta-communities. However, this doesn’t affect in any way my work and goals in the physical world, as my couture collections grow in parallel with any other projects I work on.

We are seeing so much growth happening in the industry in the region, what does it mean to you for designers from the Middle East to be recognised on a global scale?

I think it is incredible that artists from the Middle East are gaining international recognition, it is something everyone in the region must be proud of, because I believe that we have great minds and our work deserves to be circulated worldwide.

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

I can’t specify anything in particular because everything is a work in progress, and with patience, I can slowly transform my current achievements into greater successes.

What is a message you would send to your friends and customers in the region?

I think the most suitable message in the context of today is to encourage everyone to adapt to the fast-paced changes in the world that primarily focus on the sustainable transportation of the world into one that we deserve.