Abbas Sajwani, Founder of AHS Group discusses his latest business ventures and his ambitious plans for the future.

Emirati entrepreneur Abbas Sajwani has been surrounded by the real estate industry his whole life. Son of Hussain Sajwani, the Founder of DAMAC Group, he was inspired by his father to open his own company in 2017 at the age of just 18. AHS Group’s portfolio includes Ventures, Properties and Investments and it has an ambitious objective to be one of the leading business groups in the Middle East by 2025. With entrepreneurship in his blood, Abbas has big plans to expand the business further and follow in his father’s footsteps by entering the property development market.

Earlier this year, Abbas set up the property sector of the business after seeing a gap in the market for super high-end properties in the UAE. Sajwani noticed many high-income expats were beginning to move to Dubai during the global pandemic and he wanted to find a way to facilitate their needs, providing no-expense-spared homes. AHS Properties focuses on renovating and selling premium properties within some of Dubai’s most luxury neighbourhoods. The company currently has four luxury villas on the portfolio with its flagship property in Emirates Hills being valued at AED150 million.

Can you tell us why you decided to launch this new real estate sector as part of AHS Group?

I opened the company last March as I started to see that Dubai was changing in terms of the luxury, high-end property market. The people it was attracting was different. Many were coming from Europe, Russia, American and India. Because of the COVID restrictions everywhere else, all these nationalities decided to come to Dubai and that directly boosted the high-end market. When you are dealing with the super-wealthy, they don’t mind spending on houses. They don’t negotiate or try to lower the price. They know what they want, they like the location and the product and so they buy it. So, I saw the demand for high-end properties increasing and there was limited supply. The top communities in Dubai remain as Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Bulgari Island. There are houses available but many of them are starting to age now and the person who wants something uber-luxurious, isn’t happy with that. The people who are coming to Dubai don’t have the time to come and completely re-do something, they want things to be ready. When I started this sector of the business, the market had already started to pick up, for example, in one Frond on The Palm Jumeirah, a house sold for one hundred and ten million dirhams – the highest price for a single house – so I think the high-end market is very stable. The buyers are all end-users, so we don’t have house flipping, people are buying these houses to actually live in. That gave me the comfort of the market sustaining.

So far, you have four villas in the portfolio, what are the plans for the company moving forward?

Yes we have started off with the four villas. Our main property is in Emirates Hills – it’s a 45,000 square-foot house and it has all the amenities you can think of. From seven bedrooms to an indoor club, indoor pool, outdoor pool, cinema room, cigar lounge, sauna, steam room, spa – this house has become our flagship. On Palm Jumeirah, we are not able to have a house of that size as the land is much smaller, but we have taken three villas there which we are working on. So, the idea is to stay within villas and super-high-end properties.

How do you go about finding buyers for these properties?

It’s not as hard as you think! I used to think it would be difficult, but today, there are more buyers than you would think. And we are dealing with the top brokers in town, so they bring the clients. The idea that a client comes only occasionally is no longer the case. High-value transactions are happening every week.

What do you think is drawing people to Dubai?

Obviously, in the summer Dubai is not very attractive because of the weather, but in the winter, it is the nicest place you can be. I’m not saying this out of bias – the security here is unbelievable, it is so safe you can leave your door open, and you cannot do that anywhere else. The weather is another aspect because we have a great climate here. And then there’s the lifestyle – we have the best restaurants, the best shopping malls, the best of everything and the quality of life is I think, the best. Also of course we have no tax which is a big drawing point for people. The location is excellent and with channels like Zoom, many people can live here and work for their companies elsewhere.

What made you decide to launch your own company?

We first ventured out a couple of years ago, but this is the first time we are entering the property sector. We are already active in facility management; we have a media company and an investment division which has investments around the world. So, AHS Group is already established, but we decided to get into property because we saw this gap in the market and the demand was there.

You have seen your family in the real estate business growing up, how do you think that has inspired you? 

I learnt everything from my dad – every detail –he is the one that motivates me and pushes me. Most of my inspiration and where I get my ideas from comes from him.

Tell us about your relationship with your brothers and sister?

We are four siblings which is a good size family! As a family, we are very close. We have regular outings – my dad likes us to spend time together, so we have a lot of family dinners, lunches, and trips. We have a very close bond.

This year we are celebrating fifty years of the UAE – what does that occasion mean to you and what is a message you would send to your country on the occasion? 

What the UAE’s leaders were able to do in just fifty years is incredible. No country in the world was able to achieve what the UAE has achieved in such a short time. From creating a global city to all the investments abroad. What they were able to achieve overall is something amazing and I think it’s unseen before.

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

In terms of business, I like to see where the market takes me and there are always new opportunities, especially in today’s times with things like Bitcoin. I think these kinds of things are amazing. Going back to the property market, one of the big reasons for prices being high is also connected to Bitcoin, you have many Bitcoin buyers who have moved to Dubai. There was recently a transaction on the Palm for a villa for 20 million dollars and the person paid in Bitcoin. Right now, I want to focus on the property market, and I think there is a lot of room for expansion. We are also looking at international cities that have super high-end properties.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that you have?

In the high-end sector, I don’t see too many challenges. We don’t have the challenge of too much supply as there is in the mid-market because you can’t create another Palm or Emirates Hills overnight. In this business, your margins could become less as your land cost goes up for example in certain areas. This would be the main challenge that could occur.

What advice would you give to people to start investing in this country and what are the selling points to coming to do business in Dubai?

The ease of doing business and how it’s super easy to open a company here. The returns are still great compared to other markets, the initiatives that are put in place every day by the government drive the market. For example, the new initiative of giving longer visas etc., all these kinds of things bring investors to the UAE and help the market to grow. Giving passports to people who have lived all their lives here makes them feel more secure. It allows people to feel that they are at home. So, these initiatives from the government and the leadership of the country are what is driving the market.

Who is a leader from the UAE that inspires you and why?

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. How he built the city in just fifty years and how it competes with the world’s best cities inspires me. Dubai has reached the levels of New York and London which took hundreds of years to build, and we have done it in such a short time. If you look around at the buildings, the infrastructure, it’s incredible. It’s all coming from the top and the leadership is excellent in all aspects.

On the occasion of the UAE’s 50th National Day, we meet Formula 3 racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi who discusses being the UAE’s first female F3 driver and her ambitions for Formula One.

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Watch the video below…

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Formula 3 racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi discusses being the UAE’s first female F3 driver and her ambitions for Formula One

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Growing up, Amna Al Qubaisi has always been interested in racing thanks to her father who was a driver himself. Khaled Abdull Al Qubaisi made history when he became the first Emirati to compete at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France claiming two class podiums. Seeing the success of her father Amna was inspired to race too, but being a girl, of course, she was always going to have to work harder. She began karting at a young age and was determined to reach her dreams. In 2014 She was the first female Arab to participate in the Rotax Max Challenge (RMC) World Finals.

Two years later she began competing internationally claiming top 10 finishes. By 2018, Amna was competing in Formula 4 and the same year she was the first Middle Eastern woman to take part in a motorsport test program for Formula E after the Ad Diriyah ePrix in Saudi Arabia. This was just a few months after a ban, prohibiting all women from driving, was lifted within the country. Her greatest challenge came this year when she entered Formula 3 this year where she finished 24th in the Formula 3 Asian Championship. But Amna won’t stop there.

With aspirations to race in Formula 1, she is currently in training for her next Formula 3 season next year. We met with Amna trackside at YAS Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi to find out more about her dreams and turning her passion for racing into a career.

What led you to a career in motor racing? 

I started with gymnastics when I was young, but by the time I was nine years old my father, who was a driver, was competing at Porsche GT3 races nationally and internationally, so I became very interested in racing. He would invite his teammates and other drivers over to our house and we would talk about racing and some of the extraordinary tracks they have been to and that’s when the spark came. I soon told my dad that I wanted to get involved in motorsport and I stopped gymnastics at the age of 13 to pursue my dreams of a career in driving.

What was your father’s reaction when you told him this was the path you wanted to follow?

He was very supportive, but he was quite surprised. I think he was expecting my brothers to be the ones to get involved! But he coached and supported me along the way, especially with karting which I started six years ago. I was part of an academy and I competed nationally for my first two years before moving up to compete internationally in 2016. Then I won the UAE championship and the GCC Driver’s Programme. It was after this that I received sponsorship to compete in the Formula 4 Italian Championship which I did in 2018 and 2019. In my last F4 race, I won my first ever FIA single-seater race and now I’m in Formula 3.

What is your ultimate goal and where would you like to get to in your career?

My ultimate goal like any other driver is to compete in Formula 1. But momentarily it is to climb up the ladder and get good results. Podium results would also be amazing!

As a woman in a male-dominated industry what were some of the challenges you had on your way and how did you overcome them and make sure your voice was heard?

Yes, it’s quite difficult to be a girl in the racing industry because I compete with men, and they are very aggressive on the track. They do not like a woman being ahead of them! I’ve been pushed out many times because of my gender, so it’s quite difficult, but when I get pushed, I push back and get the respect I deserve.

What would you say to other women who are interested in getting into the world of motorsport?

I would tell them to go for it, but it is very difficult at the start. It’s not an easy sport, it requires a lot of time, a lot of effort and commitment. You need to be passionate about it and with time you will start ranking up.

Who has been your biggest inspiration or support throughout your career so far?

My father. He was the main reason I was ever interested in motorsports so he would have to be my biggest inspiration.

You have been the first in the UAE to achieve this success as a woman in the sport but what would you like to see moving forward in the industry in relation to this?

We are slowly starting to see more females in single-seater cars, and I would like to see more female drivers in the industry, especially representing the Arab region in this field.

What’s the biggest challenge you face?

The biggest challenge is finding sponsorship opportunities. Motorsport is an expensive sport and finding a sponsor is very difficult, so to maintain that training and to have a good team and a good car requires a lot of investment and you need both if you want to do well. The way to find sponsorship is through exposure and by winning races.

Where is your favourite place to race? 

My favourite place to race is the Mugello Circuit – it’s in Italy, in Tuscany.

This year the UAE is celebrating its 50th anniversary, what does this occasion mean to you?

To me, this anniversary means the establishment of a country that for 50 years has been supportive. They built a country from nothing and turned it into something extraordinary in such a short time and the country has grown and evolved so much.

Where would you like to see the UAE in another 50 years?

In another 50 years, I hope to see the UAE expand its businesses but more importantly, I want people from outside the UAE to perceive women here in a different way. Until now, when I’m in Europe, people assume that the women here are housewives who cannot be CEOs or sportswomen etc. and we know this is not the case. So that’s what I hope will change throughout the next fifty years.

What is your favourite memory of growing up in the UAE?

When I was around 8 or 9 years old and we used to play at the parks. We would go on field trips to plays and that is the type of memory I really enjoy and I miss. Nowadays, field trips are to theme parks! So I miss those days.

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

Racing it’s almost like therapy for me. When I’m in the car I don’t focus on anything other than racing – thinking about the gears, the corners, learning the line, the breaking points – I just focus on these things and where I need to improve. This keeps my mind off everything else.

What do you do when you have a day off?

When I have a day off, depending on how tired I am, I will go out with my friends and go to showrooms and look at cars.

What does time mean to you?

Time for me means living in the moment. I do not think about the past or the future, I just enjoy the moment with my loved ones and with friends and I just like to have a good time.

How do you manage your time?

That is a very good question! I am really organised with my time, even though it’s very hectic. I am good at balancing things. I balance University, work, racing, I always find a way to get everything done on time. University is a priority – especially for my father!

What’s the motto that you live by?

It’s a racing motto: “you win some, you lose some, you wreck some.” So whatever you go through, you always have to accept it and move on, because you can’t be winning all the time. It’s about balance.

What’s in the pipeline for you?

In the pipeline for this year is for me to get enough training for my next season in 2022 – a lot of gym training, using a simulator to get me used to the car, and in 2022 that’s when the game begins with my Formula 3 season.

To mark the UAE’s 50th anniversary Emirati artisanal luxury brand Wajd has launched an exclusive jalabiya design, as part of its ‘Leave A Mark’ campaign.

The piece, which is available for both adults and girls aged between 1 and 14, reimagines the brand’s classic ‘Milkyway Sprinkles’ design in the colours of the UAE National flag, which stand for goodness, peace, courage and power.

Chopard unveiled the new Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF in titanium as part of the recent Dubai Watch Week.

This new high-frequency watch comes in a limited edition series of 250 pieces and combines precision, style and sportiness. Within a private exhibition space dedicated to this new novelty, Chopard invited guests to come and discover the latest design inspired by the majesty of the Alps and the Eagle.

This 41mm timepiece houses one of the most advanced movements from Chopard’s workshops. the Chopard Calibre 01.12-C featuring a high-frequency escapement reaches its cruising altitude at 57,600 vibrations per hour (8 Hz). In addition to its lightweight, the Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF features a comfortable and practical 60-hour power reserve, as well as ‘Chronometer’ certification issued by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

A limited-edition of just 250 pieces the Alpine Eagle Cadence 8HF is one of the brand’s most significant moments in watchmaking yet.

Roger Dubuis has created a new timepiece that pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the UAE.

The new Excalibur Spider – Monotourbillion features design elements recalling the UAE National flag itself, with a red crown and hints of red, green, black, and white on the bezel as well as on the interchangeable strap. Adding to the brand’s iconic collection this new creation is fuelled by fuels and emotions and is designed for those who think out of the box.

The watch is available in a limited-edition number of just 8 pieces exclusively at the Roger Dubuis boutique in The Dubai Mall.

Vigil Abloh, Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton Menswear and CEO of Off-White has sadly passed away. According to a post on his social media account, the designer has been battling cancer privately for a number of years.

Bernard Arnaut, CEO of LVMH said in a statement today; “We are all shocked by this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer and a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom. The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow and we are all thinking of his loved ones on the passing of their husband, father, brother, son and friend.”

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. More follows…

On the occasion of the Year of the 50th, Loro Piana has partnered with Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej.

For this artistic union, Mattar reimagined the UAE National Anthem using his self-created Arabic Mattar Font to create a pattern that adorns fifty limited edition Loro Piana cashmere plaids, each signed and numbered by the artist.

The artist also created a 5.5 metre high structure named “Constitution” displaying the same pattern, which was unveiled beneath the iconic flagpole of the UAE.

The structure was unveiled at the historic site of The Union House, Etihad Museum on November 23rd in a commemoration ceremony attended by VIP guests.

Mattar Bin Lajeh proudly took the podium to speak about his country, with additional speeches by Damien Bertrand, CEO of Loro Piana and Reef Alkhaja from Emirates Red Crescent.

The event also saw performances from Laura Marzadori, the first violinist of Teatro alla Scala who was joined by the the String Section of the NSO Symphony Orchestra under a beautiful starlit sky. Italian Michelin Star Chef Niko Romito joined forces with Emirati pastry Chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi, to serve an exceptional gastronomic ode to Italy and the Seven Emirates for an elegant seated dinner on the banks of the Etihad Museum scenography.

Valentino Beauty has opened a new state-of-the-art experimental pop-up store at The Dubai Mall.

In celebration of the brand’s new makeup line launching in the region, the pop-up boutique will offer the latest collections as well as inviting customers to immerse themselves in a couture beauty experience.

Showcasing the “Color, Cool, Couture” attitude of the newly launched beauty range the store invites guests to experience and try the new collections.

The product range includes Very Valentino foundation, Rosso Valentino lipstick, Trio Brow Pencil, and DreamDust eye glitters.

Finish with the ultimate accessory; the Go-Clutch which will hold all of your makeup essentials and is fully customisable and perfect for touch-ups on the go.

The Valentino Beauty pop-up allows clients to experience and interact with each universe and its products, welcoming all to a world of inclusivity shaped by Valentino Beauty.

Clients will navigate the space surrounded by life-size products, acting as furniture pieces throughout the store. A semi-private consultation area will also be available for clients to learn more about the products and try them on.

Adding to the experience, visitors can indulge in a contactless interactive game inspired by the refill feature of Valentino Beauty makeup and win generous gifts upon completion.

An in-house gifting and wrapping station adds the couture touch to all purchases with signature Valentino red bags and boxes. At the wrapping station, the ribbon is replaced by a perfume studded bracelet, fashionably used as an accessory, and a conscious textile tote bag, easily reused.

The Valentino Beauty pop-up will be open from November 23^rd in Dubai Mall’s fashion avenue.

See the latest novelties from 48 international watch brands

The largest and most prominent non-commercial watch event in the Middle East has confirmed the presence of 48 leading watch brands, which is the highest number of participating exhibitors to date. This includes Rolex, Audemars Piguet, TUDOR, Hublot and Chopard, all of whom will have standalone and interactive spaces on site.

Get your watch valued by Christie’s

Remy Julia, Christie’s

Specialists from leading auction house Christie’s will be hosting a number of talks and presentations over the duration of the event. They will cover topics including how to win big on auctions, the watch market in the UAE and the latest trends. There will also be a team of specialists meeting with watch collectors and watch enthusiasts who will be on-hand to value watches by appointment.

Meet top industry creatives and leaders

As the watch community reunites this will be the first physical event since the beginning of the pandemic that brings together so many of the industry’s key players. International CEOs, watch collectors, watch makers and more will be present throughout the event with an interactive programme of talks, masterclasses and events on offer for guests.

Discover pop-ups of some of your favourite restaurants

Some of Dubai’s most-loved eateries will be opening pop-ups within the Dubai Watch Week set-up. Cipriani will be offering a special menu of fine Italian dishes as well as a breakfast menu that’s not to be missed. Home-grown burger chain SALT will be launching a limited-edition menu of timeless treats especially for the event, as well as Home Bakery and a pop-up from TWST, the innovative local eatery.

Be entertained by global celebrities

Renowned musician and innovator, will.i.am. will be participating on a panel in the Creative Hub to discuss the challenge that lies in focusing on heritage luxury whilst finding synergy in a fast-moving digital world.

Running from 24- 28 November, Dubai Watch Week is open to all and free to enter. Further information can be found on dubaiwatchweek.com.

Alberta Ferretti presents “The Elegant of Comfort”, a campaign showcasing key pieces from the brand’s fall/winter 2021 collection.

For this collection, the designer chooses to dress her woman with precious fabrics that are pleasant to wear.

Like an embrace, the clothing envelops and wraps the body. The elegant cuts of the jackets and the attention to detail enhance the silhouette, while the softness of the skirts and pants exude femininity.

Cloth, flannel, light felt, wool and Nappa leather create chic, polished yet incredibly comfortable looks.

The outerwear ranges from trench coats to classic coats, as well as the evergreen cape. The look is completed with wide-brimmed velour hats.

The colours allow the wearer to experiment: petrol green and olive green are styled together, worn in a monochrome fashion or contrasted by flashes of brown and white. Black, illuminated by white ruffled collars or pinstripes, ensures a timeless elegance.

The Alberta Ferretti Fall Winter 2021 collection is available for purchase on albertaferretti.com, Alberta Ferretti boutiques and at an exclusive selection of Italian and international multi-brand stores.

Luxury home retailer Ethan Allen has created a special collection in honour of the UAE’s upcoming 50^th anniversary.

The collection, which features 50 iconic pieces are inspired by many ancient arts and techniques.

Highlights of the collection include a stunning, hand-embellished giclée on canvas with a minimal float-style frame. Each limited edition piece is numbered and signed by American Artist Gastone.

A Kronos Demilune Chest is crafted from walnut waiter veneers and primavera quarter veneers, featuring key Greek patterns on its doors and apron. The chest features a starburst pattern on top with a functional and roomy interior behind each door. The interior is divided into two sections with a fixed shelf on both sides. The Greek Key is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line and shaped into a repeated motif.

The Drew Arm Chair features a modern glamour design that’s both simple and elegant. Their design incorporates slim, saber front legs and a graceful, slightly flared fan back giving the chairs a silhouette that is attractive from all sides.

The Cubist Finish is perhaps the most recognisable piece of the collection. Beginning with a sculpt made of clay that is then moulded in resin. It is finished in a shiny gold and placed on a K-9 crystal block base.

See more of the collection below:

Chanel is celebrating the beginning of the festive season with a showcase of some of its iconic fine jewellery and watch designs.

A new campaign featuring some of the house’s ambassadors will get you into the festive spirit as you discover the latest in jewellery and watches for men and women.

CHANEL FINE JEWELRY

The campaign features actress and house ambassador Alma Jodorowsky, actor Djebril Zonga, Giedre Dukauskaite, Amar Akway, Mika Schneider and musician Sébastien Tellier who are wearing a selection of the COCO CRUSH collection as well as Camélia, Sous le signe du Lion, J12, PREMIÈRE and BOY·FRIEND pieces, where BEIGE GOLD, yellow gold or white gold and diamonds meet.

CHANEL FINE JEWELRY

See more of the campaign below:

CHANEL FINE JEWELRY

CHANEL FINE JEWELRY

CHANEL FINE JEWELRY

CHANEL FINE JEWELRY

CHANEL FINE JEWELRY

Louis Vuitton continues to celebrate the Maison’s core values with the next stop of an ongoing voyage with a new campaign set in Jordan.

After shooting in Milos, Greece, photographer Viviane Sassen travelled to Jordan’s archaeological site of Petra and the desert valley of Wadi Rum to capture an odyssey of imagination for the latest campaign.

Travel has always been at the heart of Louis Vuitton since the beginning, and for the house, travel means transcending the physical exploration of a destination to embrace inner journeys and give way to introspection.

In collaboration with an entirely local cast, dreamlike settings are photographed by Viviane Sassen as they come to life translating the core values of the Maison into imagery: the Art of Travel, dreams and escapism, transmission, the surpassing of self and optimism.

Images Courtesy of Viviane Sassen by Louis Vuitton

Moschino presents the Moschino Pets collection. A first for the brand this super cute collection of designs was created by Creative Director Jeremy Scott.

Scott has taken Moschino classics including biker jackets, trench coats, hoodies and T-shirts and created a miniature version for pets. A leash and collar set with a ceramic bowl complete the collection.

The collection features a total of 14 pieces comprising ready-to-wear and accessories.

The full collection launched globally on November 19th, and is exclusively available in the region at the Moschino Dubai Mall flagship store, and moschino.com.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah has unveiled a new pop-up exhibition space in collaboration with international contemporary art gallery; Galleria Continua.

Located in the first-floor lobby beneath the hotel’s iconic atrium the dedicated area will showcase previously unseen works by British Indian artist, Sir Anish Kapoor CBE.

Sir Anish Kapoor CBE

Running until January 2022, guests can discover seven pieces from different series and research on light, colour and materiality that he has conducted over the years, engaging the audience in a visual and sensorial experience.

They comprise brilliantly coloured discs, magistral alabaster works and mesmerising, mirrored pieces from the Turner prize-winner’s acclaimed Alice collection realised in 2017. Chosen exclusively for the exhibition, each piece conveys a sense of infinity and suspended time.

The collaboration comes as Ermanno Zanini, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah General Manager, realises his vision of further enhancing the hotel’s renowned guest experience by making world-class art accessible through one-of-a-kind activations.

Zanini said: “At Burj Al Arab Jumeirah we are innovators of Arabian luxury and design – the building itself is a stunning work of art and a triumph of modern architecture. Together with Jumeirah Group, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of service, culinary and design to deliver truly unforgettable moments for our guests.” He added: “I believe that art enriches the soul and can create the transformational and intimate experiences that luxury travellers seek today. Through our collaboration with Galleria Continua, we are doing exactly that and giving our guests the chance to discover previously unseen works by an acclaimed international artist.”

To find out more about this new pop-up exhibition visit https://www.galleriacontinua.com/reservation-dubai.

Piaget’s latest high jewellery collection Extraordinary Lights captures the moments when evening becomes night and night becomes day and all the remarkable facets of light in the sky.

From the Northern Lights to the image of delicate lanterns floating about the world, this collection pays homage to the beauty of light. Using the most precious of materials and gemstones the Extraordinary Lights collection combines exceptional craftsmanship and technical ability with modern creativity.

The collection is split into three chapters: Festive Lights, Magical Lights and Infinite Lights. The first represents the moment that dusk draws into the night. The second mirrors the natural light show of the Northern Lights as the sky becomes a theatre of technicolour. Captivating streaks and bursts of colour create a kaleidoscope of shimmering hues.

And the final chapter represents the moment when peace is restored in the night sky. Stars glisten in the darkness like tiny pinpoints of light that dance around. An extraordinary necklace stands out as a truly unique piece.

Breitling launches the new Super AVI, a watch collection that celebrates aviation history with designs inspired by the original 1953 “Co-Pilot” Ref. The five watches pay tribute to four iconic classic aircraft.

In the 1930s, Breitling’s Huit Aviation department made its name inventing precision cockpit clocks for the then-nascent field of aeronautics. Two decades later, in 1953, Breitling introduced the world to yet another novel flight instrument, this time in wearable form with the Ref. 765 AVI pilot’s watch.

This watch became known as the “Co-Pilot” and was one of the most sought after pilot’s watches in the industry. Today, Breitling revives this iconic model with the new Super AVI collection. A series of watches inspired by the original and honouring iconic aircraft from the past by featuring their silhouettes on the caseback.

The four aeroplanes consist of: the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, the Vought F4U Corsair, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the de Havilland Mosquito.

“This collection embodies that sense of nostalgia for the early days of aviation when pilots relied on their watches as onboard tools,” says Breitling CEO Georges Kern. “But you don’t have to be a pilot or vintage-aircraft buff to appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship and rugged design.”

The Super AVI’s distinctive design includes large, highly legible Arabic numerals on the dial and bezel. Its sturdy case measures 46 mm, and the oversized crown sits at 3 o’clock. Knurled bezels provide optimal grip, and top-stitched calfskin straps give a nod to the seams found on leather flight gear of the era.

Wearers can track a second time zone using the 24-hour marking on the inner bezel and the red-tipped GMT hand. The engine of the Super AVI is the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Calibre B04 movement, which provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

After launching on 17th November 2021 via a live webcast, the watches are now available only and at Breitling stores worldwide.

Zenith has revived its iconic “Poker Chip” watch in a collaboration with SJX watches. Inspired by the El Primero G383 the Chronomaster Revival “Poker Chip” is considered one of the most intriguing models in Zenith’s archives.

Affectionately nicknamed “Poker Chip” by collectors for its poker chip appearance the original G383 was first introduced in 1969 and is among the rarest and most sought-after iterations of the early El Primero variants. Developed in partnership with one of Zenith’s trusted dial suppliers at the time, the dial immediately stood out with its boldly alternating colours.

Singapore-based watch magazine SJX Watches, reached out to Zenith’s Director of Product & Heritage, Romain Marietta in 2020, with a proposal to revive the G383 with a distinctive, modern twist. The goal for the pair was to reproduce the key elements of the G383, while injecting a sleek, contemporary flavour. That gave birth to the Poker Chip, a design that relies on shades of grey and a generous helping of Super-Luminova to recreate the G383 in daylight – and in darkness.

“I’ve long admired the El Primero for its longevity, and Zenith for its rich heritage,” explains SJX, “I wanted to do something that would combine both the movement and its history, but rather than a remake, I wanted something that might sound like a paradox: a design immediately recognisable as the G383 but unmistakably novel and different.”

The Poker Chip dial comes in dark grey with printed segments in matte black and Super-Luminova. More “lume” can be found on the hour markers and chronograph scales, as well as the radial patterns around each register. In a nod to Zenith’s landmark wristwatch, it uses the same 38 mm case as the El Primero A386, but executed in micro-blasted titanium, giving it a finely grained, dark-grey finish that echoes the colours of the dial. Within the titanium case – and visible through the sapphire back – is the El Primero movement, essentially the same calibre that made history in 1969.

Each Chronomaster Revival Poker Chip is delivered with two fabric straps, one in matte black and the other in pale green coated with Super-Luminova and is limited to 200 watches, available at Zenith boutiques and e-commerce worldwide and via SJX Watches.

Mouawad has partnered with Emirati fine jewellery designer, Salama Khalfan to create an extraordinary headpiece set.

Featuring diamonds and emeralds set by the hands of master Mouawad craftsmen the design pays tribute to the date palm tree for its special place at the heart of culture and life in the Gulf region.

Fourth-generation Mouawad Co-Guardians Fred, Alain and Pascal Mouawad commented, “It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with Salama Khalfan on creating an extraordinary object of beauty and adornment, knowing that we both share a passion for timeless sophistication and incredible gemstones. This collaboration is particularly meaningful, with the design paying tribute to the nature and culture of the Middle East.”

The headpiece features diamonds placed in rivulets on the headpiece in a design that is inspired by the traditional weaving of dried date palm leaves, while palm leaf motifs are situated around the crown as a symbol of respect and pride for this cultural emblem.

The Mouawad X Salama Khalfan headpiece will be showcased during Abu Dhabi Art, which is held under the patronage His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, and will take place from 17 – 21 November 2021, at Manarat Al Saadiyat.

Tod’s is getting ready to celebrate the festive season with a new collection of accessories for women.

Comprising of some of the brand’s iconic styles the new festive collection features metallic tones and bold colours that will make a statement.

The T Timeless bag returns with decorative flat chains and raw-cut profile in a new combination of shiny leathers and python in the elegant hues of gold, silver and bronze.

Meanwhile, a selection of primary coloured accessories in classic red, white and blue will perfectly accessorise off any festive look.

To finish, pair with the iconic Tod’s Gommino which is available in the same selection of colours, or the Kate loafers with a classic metal chain on the top in bright metal blocks of colour.

As always, the collection, which is exclusive to the region, combines the highest quality leathers and precious skins, from the best tanneries around the world. The leathers go through a rigorous selection process and the workmanship is entirely hand made in Italy in all its production phases.

Available from December in Tod’s stores in the UAE.

Maison Valentino presents The Party Collection; a celebration of joy and the chance for people to get together and interact once again.

The collection features party essential dresses and accessories that will have you sparkling until the new year.

The characters that populate The Party Collection are dedicated to the most classic party activities. Wrapping gifts, decorating the house, wearing a beautiful dress, taking pictures together: simple gestures that we had almost forgotten and that the pandemic has taught us to value again. Gestures we want to treasure and that reconnect us to others.

Designed by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli the collection features, playful, feminine pieces that offer a cheerful yet stylish way of dressing. Feathers are combined with lurex, tweed is trimmed with silver ribbons and the dresses are embellished with fruit-shaped embroidery and sequins.

A colour palette of pink, rich green, silver and black has a festive spirit that is perfect for the upcoming months.

Each look refers to a different personality to play with, like those tried out in the endless hours of quarantine, a little as a joke, a little out of boredom, and which many of us have shared on our social media accounts.

Fashion is now regaining its most genuine dimension, that of the pleasure of dressing well, for oneself and for others. An exercise in lightness which – in going from the virtual to the real – is first and foremost a celebration of being together.

The Party Collection marks the renewal of the collaboration between Maison Valentino and We’re Not Really Strangers, a card game and movement founded by Koreen. For this occasion, greeting cards specially designed for Valentino pose some intriguing statements as New Year’s resolutions.

Find out more at https://www.valentino.com/experience/the-party-collection

The new Dior Rose high jewellery collection celebrates the full renovation of the House’s historic home at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris.

Victoire de Castellane, Artistic Director of Dior Joaillerie was inspired to create “Planet Dior” a collection of 116 pieces that feature the rose in new, romantic, futuristic and abstract ways. In its romantic version, the rose convenes blue Myanmar sapphires on a necklace, earrings, bracelet and a double ring.

Set at an angle, an emerald-cut diamond illuminates the hand, while barely budding pink sapphire flowers with pistils sit on diamond sepals. In another interpretation, the rose resembles stained glass while a futuristic rose features graphic petals and bold colours.

Stones including Sri Lankan sapphires, Zambian emeralds, golden South Sea pearls pear-cut rubies and yellow diamonds dazzle on necklaces, bracelets and earrings to create a modern romance.

As with all Dior Jewellery collections, there is a connection to Haute Couture with a story of a precious galaxy. Castellane draws on traditional jewellery-making savoir-faire to create contemporary pieces.

Dolce&Gabbana’s Alta Gioielleria collection was inspired by the magical city of Venice.

Dolce&Gabbana’s latest Alta Gioielleria collection was presented to VIPs in the opulent Senate Chamber in the Palazzo Ducale at the Doge’s Palace in Venice. As part of a week of events that invited celebrities and VIPs from around the world the Italian fashion house showcased their newest high jewellery creations in a spectacular setting. More opulent than a royal palace, more sumptuous than a princely residence, the Doge’s Palace enchants and captivates the imagination of visitors wherever they look. Thus making it the perfect destination to be illuminated with the most precious jewels from the Italian brand.

Just as every piece of the jewellery collection tells the unrepeatable story of infinite tasks of manual craftsmanship, so the Doge’s Palace contains an extraordinary stratification of styles by the great masters of art, who over time have contributed to celebrating the glory of the city and its inhabitants. The impressive setting features the exceptional backdrop offered of Tintoretto’s Paradise (1518-1594), the largest painting on canvas, making every moment spent in this enchanted place wholly unforgettable.

Much like the brand’s men’s and women’s collections, the jewellery creations were inspired by the historical city of Venice. The designers have included nods to local artisanal techniques throughout the collection, as well as employing traditional Italian crafts in a bid to support this ever-shrinking industry. Each piece has some form of Italian craftsmanship embedded in it. From the miniature works of art, made from hand-blown Murano glass to the micromosaics using ancient methods of glass paste spinning. The designers worked with craftsmen using the last existing historical furnace in the city.

In a more literal nod to the city, some pieces feature scenes of the Venetian landscapes including the Basilica and the Grand Canal, in the style of a miniature Canaletto masterpiece framed by gemstones. Each piece is adorned with impressive coloured gemstones. From citrine, amethyst, and pink beryls to a 1-carat electric-blue Paraiba tourmaline and a bold 110-carat yellow diamond. Each stone was carefully chosen for its reflection of the colours of some of the city’s iconic architecture.

Diamonds are also a key element of the collection, this being the first time the designers have explored this area in such detail and they don’t disappoint! One of the most impressive stones is the 54.88-carat D flawless Constanza, which falls from a Renaissance style collar of dazzling white diamond medallions – a true show stopper! The designers ensured ethical sourcing of all the diamonds used in the collection, following each stone’s traceability from the mines in Botswana to their final destination.

The collection also includes six watches, including the automatic winding San Marco, inspired by the great 15th-century clock tower in St Mark’s Square, as well as iconic tiaras, brooches, opulent rings and spectacular necklaces, all embodying the spirit of this beautiful city combined with the Italian heritage of the brand.

The 2021 edition of Dubai Modest Fashion Week starts on 18th November 2021.

With the modest fashion market size reaching $474 billion the industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world. Dubai Modest Fashion Week celebrates the best in modest fashion design from around the world.

As the 7th edition globally and the third to take place in Dubai, this year’s edition will be under the theme of “Awakening”, with a strong focus on sustainability and ethical production within the industry.

Dubai Modest Fashion Week 2021 will be held on November 18-19-20, 2021 at the Rixos Premium Dubai – JBR and will see 40 brands from the region and across the world showcasing their latest designs.

”Dubai Modest Fashion Week 2021 edition will be the most special edition. We see Dubai as our home and one of the most attractive modest fashion capitals in the world. Rixos Premium Dubai – JBR is the perfect venue to show the elegance, glamour and the exclusivity of modest fashion with a premium experience.”  says Ozlem Sahin Ertas, the CEO of the global Modest Fashion Weeks.

During the three day event a number of fashion talk shows will take place, inviting celebrities as keynote speakers to empower women entrepreneurs and fashion lovers.

Dubai Modest Fashion Week 21 event entrance is only available with pre-registration on https://www.modestfashionweeks.com/ and with special invitations.

Designing for a jewellery brand like Fabergé is like delving into a treasure trove of history. Born in 1842 the brand is one of the oldest jewellery houses in the world and its creativity has continued to inspire for generations.

Combining fine art with high jewellery and watchmaking, Fabergé has produced some of the most complicated, precious designs ever to be made and today, it continues to be inspired by its heritage, while at the same time remaining relevant for today’s consumer. Born in Finland, Liisa Tallgren grew up surrounded by creative influences and her love for art and painting soon developed into a passion for metalwork. In 2006 Liisa gained a BA Hons in Silversmithing, Goldsmithing and Jewellery which began her career in jewellery design.

Liisa joined Fabergé as their Designer in 2013. More than just a traditional designer Liisa is heavily involved in the full design process from initial concepts, through to technical drawings. An artist at heart, she also creates beautiful paintings of bespoke creations which are gifted to clients, offering a personal touch to her designs.

Fabergé has recently unveiled a one-of-a-kind Majesty Clutch Bag which is available exclusively at The Dubai Mall store. This exquisite piece is the first wearable object of its kind to be created by the house since 1917. Its opulent design celebrates the glamour and splendour of Fabergé’s rich heritage in a contemporary design. Here we discover more on this exceptional piece with Liisa Tallgren as well as the secrets behind designing jewellery for such a unique Maison.

Can you tell us about your vision and direction for the design at Fabergé?

My vision for Fabergé is to create jewellery and objet d’arts to the highest standard of design and craftsmanship, something that will be cherished by the owners for years to come.

How do you think your creative background benefits you when working for a brand that has such a rich history in creativity?

I went to a school where we didn’t have printed school books, instead we had to write the text and draw the pictures ourselves. I especially loved illustrating biology and art history. Drawing and painting always felt natural and those skills are crucial for communicating design ideas. Experimenting with different materials, such as wood or clay, helps me to understand three-dimensional volume and how the characteristics of each material affect the look and practicality of the creation.

What is an era or piece from Fabergé’s heritage they you are most amazed by?

The Imperial Lilies of the Valley Egg of 1898. The egg is decorated with pink enamel, the recipe of which has been lost over time and cannot be replicated at present. Pearls are presented as lilies of the valley and have very subtle diamond accents. The design as a whole is almost kitsch, but the combination of colours and textures is stunning and somehow makes it all work.

Tell us about some of the latest creations you have designed?

I mainly work on bespoke designs which are confidential. They vary in size and complexity but there have been a few especially nice pieces involving coloured gemstones and enamel recently. One of the highlights has definitely been the Game of Thrones Egg, which is a collaboration with the Game of Thrones costume designer, Michele Clapton. The egg is the most complex and precious piece we have made so far and it is amazing to see something of that calibre being made today.

Lilies of the Valley egg

What can you tell us about the Majesty Clutch Bag that has been designed exclusively for the UAE?

The Majesty Clutch Bag is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and is the first wearable object of its kind created by Fabergé since 1917. This exceptional piece has been created from carved rock crystal, carved natural turquoise and teal blue guilloche enamel, all set in 18k yellow, white and rose gold and adorned with a multitude of gemstones including diamonds, pearls, yellow and pink sapphires, tsavorites, Gemfields Mozambican rubies and Zambian emeralds. This unique combination of materials plays with both colour and transparency to create a striking accessory that pushes the boundaries of design.

How do you think women in the Middle East resonate with Fabergé’s designs and brand DNA?

Fabergé’s pieces are appreciated around the globe for their timeless design and immaculate craftsmanship!

Romanov Necklace Sketch

Tell us a little about your creative process?

I sketch by hand until something I feel is worth developing emerges on paper. The next step is drawing a vector file which helps with accuracy and speed, and at that stage I draw multiple versions, always making a small difference each time, working with scale and proportions. Ideas come very easily and quickly but narrowing them down and refining them to a form that works in the real world is the tricky part. Sometimes the best design is something very traditional with a small twist in its details.

Can you tell us a little about the process when you are creating bespoke pieces for clients?

I rarely meet clients in person as they can be based anywhere in the world, so I receive all the details for requests from our lovely sales team. The requests are very different, sometimes clients want something very specific, in which case I need to follow instructions carefully or do research on their chosen theme. But it always starts with a hand-drawn sketch.

What is something you would love to design that you haven’t done yet?

A chandelier!

When are you at your most creative state of mind?

When I have had a cup of coffee and some chocolates!

Who or what inspires you the most?

Nature, gardens and people who make something out of nothing.

As well as designing, we know you do a lot of painting – tell us about this and how do the two complement each other in your role at Fabergé?

There is so much to learn about shapes and colours that the learning is ongoing, at least for me. Artists and designers often talk about the story behind an artwork with words, but I think shapes and colours also communicate by themselves. A shape can look happy or sad without a text that describes it, but like words, visual language can also deceive. These discoveries are what drive me to learn more about visual expression and the more I do it, the more I learn. This supports my design projects because good illustration skills are crucial for a designer, and so is understanding the overall feeling or atmosphere of an artwork or object. Painting and designing are similar but different enough to give a refreshing break from each other.

What else can we expect to see for the rest of the year and into 2022?

We keep a lot under wraps, but it involves colour and sparkle!

What is a decade or era throughout Fabergé’s history that inspires you the most?

What I admire the most in Fabergé before the revolution is the skilled enamel work, and the use of colour and the combination of textures in general, and the way materials were selected based on their beauty rather than just the value. Of course, the current decade is the most exciting in a way because of the freedom of expression that followed modernism and postmodernism and all the new techniques and materials that are available. The unknown can be scary but also exciting!

What is your favourite stone to work with?

I love working with a range of colours rather than just one, both precious and semi-precious. But, if I had to pick one it would be emerald.

Parisian jeweller FRED has opened its first boutique in Dubai, located at The Dubai Mall.

Founded by Fred Samuel in 1936 as a “Creative Modern Jewellery” FRED offers unexpected contemporary designs that have been unique and timeless since the beginning.

Fred Samuel has always had a passion for the Middle East. A passionate traveller who was interested in every culture he would scour the world for sources of inspiration. For many years he created pieces for the private collections of key figures in Middle East Royal families as well as VIP clients in the region.

The jeweller was passionate about bringing to life the dreams of his special clients. He said; “I remember one day a prince coming to see us with a piece of material from his daughter’s wedding dress. He asked us to replicate in a necklace the material’s golden embroidery design. The idea appealed to me enormously with the prospect of such fine craftsmanship! In my mind’s eye I saw the most decorative styles of cloth, imagining the intricate work necessary: rose-cut diamond or pear pearl, tallow-drop ruby or emerald-cut sapphire. Round, marquise, trapeze, baguette or square, I ran through the different cuts, each with its characteristic sparkle. Coming back to the prince’s order, in the end we recreated the motif on a gold necklace with brilliants accompanied by clip-on earrings, a bracelet and ring in the same subtle style.”

Over the years many impressive commissions have strengthened the jeweller’s relationship with the region and today, the brand opens its first store in Dubai. “The creative audacity and taste for celebrating life’s moments, both little and large, the joie de vivre so prized by the Maison FRED, are reflected in the refinement of a Middle Eastern art of living that is sun-filled and sophisticated”, explains Valérie Samuel, the Maison’s Vice President and Artistic Director as well as the granddaughter of the founder, Fred Samuel.

The boutique features architecture inspired by the French Riviera, a place that was close to the jeweller’s heart. With warm lighting it immediately feels like home and a sand-coloured façade features three large Mediterranean-style arches in pink gold.

Inside, the brand’s heritage is explored across the space. Two separate areas are dedicated to men’s and women’s jewellery featuring iconic collections, as well as coloured stones and modern interchangeable pieces.

The interior design of the store reflects the passion for sailing that Fred Samuel and his two sons had for many decades. Two pink metallic screens decorated with the FRED pattern open onto a lounge blending art with technology. Hung in the Maison’s signature blue, the space has a floor of sand-coloured travertine warmed by a rug depicting the sun’s rays. It is decorated with an original work by the designer and artist Vincent Darré.

The boutique is located at Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall.

November 10th 2021 was a big night for fashion as the CFDA Awards in New York honoured some of the industry’s biggest names of the year.

Zendaya took home the big prize of the night as she was given the Fashion Icon Award wowed in s red ensemble by Vera Wang, while Anya Taylor Joy was awarded Face of the Year while wearing a playful Oscar de la Renta look. Scroll down to see more of the best dressed men and women from the night.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Tom Ford

Cara Delevingne

Emily Ratajkowski

Zendaya wearing Vera Wang

Emily Blunt

We discover the beauty of Madrid’s most luxurious property.

For 110 years an iconic hotel destination has defined Madrid’s skyline. This year the Hotel Ritz Madrid, which is located within a stunning Belle Époque palace in the famous Golden Triangle of Art, has reopened as Mandarin Oriental Ritz, offering a new level of luxury combined with the timeless style that is synonymous with the Mandarin Oriental Group. After completing the largest renovation in the building’s history the hotel reopened in April 2021 with a new look that celebrates heritage and style. Renowned Spanish architect, Rafael de La-Hoz, and internationally acclaimed French designers, Gilles & Boissier, collaborated on the project, restoring the hotel with careful skill, resulting in the most sought after accommodation in the city.

On arrival you’ll be blown away by the elegance of this world-class destination, welcomed by the charm and warmth of this city, you’ll immediately feel at home. Modern architecture combines with traditional elements for a perfect fusion of old meets new. After being welcomed, make your way through the elegantly decorated hallways to your room.

Rooms & Suites

The hotel houses 100 rooms and 53 spacious suites ranging in size from 29 square metres to 188 square metres. Spread over the top six floors of the building the room’s décor has a classic feel with an Oriental twist. A soothing colour palette, luxurious fabrics and modern design accents make each room feel like home. Many rooms have impressive views of the city while some are overlooking the iconic Prado Museum.

All rooms feature state-of-the-art technology and luxury custom-made furnishings. Light is one of the most magical elements of these rooms with large windows designed to let as much daylight as possible flood into the rooms. Neutral tones also give way to a fresh light interior that has touches of home. For longer stays, two new suites are the epitome of elegance. The Mandarin and Ritz Suites are located in the turrets of the building, on the top floor and feature everything you need for an indulgent experience including a private balcony with beautiful views across the historical city.

Food & Dining

The hotel features five restaurants and bars designed and developed by Spanish Chef Quique Dacosta. Dacosta was previously awarded five Michelin stars for two of his restaurants and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting chefs working in Europe today. He brings his know-how and expertise to Madrid’s finest hotel through a wide range of dining destinations. The hotel’s signature restaurant Deessa is set in an impressive regal room; the Algonso XIII room with an outside terrace overlooking the Ritz Garden. The ultimate in opulent dining Deessa serves two extensive degustation menus, available for lunch and dinner.

Personally designed by Chef Dacosta the “Quique Dacosta Classics” and “QDRITZ Contemporary” menus showcase the finest in Mediterranean cuisine, using the best quality ingredients, presented in a modern, out-of-the-box way. We won’t give too much away as it’s better you have this experience first-hand but it’s not to be missed! Set underneath a stunning glass-domed ceiling, Palm Court offers two alternative dining destinations. Hall Alto is the perfect place for meeting friends and guests, while you relax and enjoy afternoon tea or a light lunch. While Hall Bajo is a more relaxed option offering a wide selection of classic dishes with a modern twist. And while you’re there make sure to visit the hotel’s numerous bars and lounges, perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after a busy day exploring the city.

Spa & Wellness

No trip is complete without a relaxing spa day and you surely won’t be disappointed. A brand new state-of-the-art wellness centre is the perfect haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. The new wellbeing destination features an indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool, experience showers, a full fitness centre and treatment rooms offering a carefully curated menu of treatments focused on restoring your mind, body and soul. Designed by The Beauty Concept the spa menu comprises a selection of bespoke and holistic therapies that will leave you feeling in complete harmony. We highly recommend trying the Jet Lag body ritual if you’ve just come off a long flight, or for total relaxation, try the Calm and De-Stress Massage.

For more information visit: www.mandarinoriental.com.

Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange & Söhne discusses the watchmaker’s latest limited edition timepiece and the future of the brand in the Middle East

On October 24th A. Lange & Söhne unveiled one of its most exciting timepieces yet. The limited edition The ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” timepiece is the latest addition to the brand’s ZEITWERK family which offers the most revolutionary technology and design concepts in fine watchmaking. With a new, cutting-edge movement this timepiece is limited to just 200 pieces due to its complicated movement which took years to create. As the timepiece debuted last month in Dubai, CEO Wilhelm Schmid was proud to share this new watch with the world after many years of development. A timepiece that pushes the boundaries of watchmaking and craftsmanship, as well as innovation and technology, this was a key moment for the brand. Here, we find out more about this key moment for the Glashütte watchmaker.

What can you share with us about the new ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” timepiece and how it represents the brand’s identity?

The Lumen concept developed very nicely over time because it gives even a traditional watch a very contemporary look. And for us, I think it’s a nice way of showing the movement from an angle that you usually don’t see, but at the same time, it is still protected. If you expose a movement to sunlight and the elements too much, there will be an impact on it and this is something we wanted to avoid. This is why we don’t do skeleton watches because we want to ensure our watches are protected so I think this is a nice way of doing it without having to deal with the negative implications. This is a brand new watch, it’s not just another ZEITWERK in another case or a different material. This is a completely new watch with a completely new movement from beginning to end.

Can you tell us a little about this and the process of developing this complicated movement?

There is a good reason that you don’t find these kinds of complications on the market very often. Over the last 15 years, we learnt that the control of power that you need to make large disks like these without damaging them is very difficult to achieve. We learnt a lot over the last ten years about this and that’s why eventually we started to address the topics that we could not solve in the beginning. Firstly, this watch has an extended power reserve of 72 hours so we have been able to double it. Secondly, watch collectors will know that the system of this watch is the same as the others in the collection in the way that you screw the crown, but on a large disk, it just feels so much longer. So we have a power adjustor and we also used a system so that activates not when you press the pusher, but when you release it. Because that momentum, we can define – it doesn’t matter how lightly or strongly you push it, the release momentum will always be the same.

You launched this watch on a very special date – tell us why October 24th is a special day for the brand?

The 24th of October is a very important date for us as it’s the date when we re-started the business. We were re-registered on 7th December 1990, but then there were four years of developing and producing the first four watches. Our first major launch was on 24th October 1994 and ever since then we have tried to bring out something special on this date.

Can you tell us about the choice of honey gold and why this is a key material for the brand?

Honey gold is a special material that we use only for limited edition watches. There is a very simple reason for this which I will try to explain. We know that our watches are actually used by their owners – we are not the kind of brand whose watches are locked away in a safe, living a protected life – most of our clients wear their watches on a daily basis. So eventually these watches come back to us for repairs as many clients prefer their watch to look immaculate. We can’t just polish the metal to remove scratches, because if you do that you will remove some of the material. So instead, we laser all of the dents and scratches with the same material that the watch is made from and then we polish what we have added on top. So essentially we laser on too much, then we polish it until it smoothes out evenly. By doing that you maintain the integrity of the case. This is already quite a complicated process with regular gold, but with Honey Gold, you cannot do this process in a normal environment, you have to do it in a controlled, oxygen-free environment and this adds an additional complication that is not easy to work with. So we therefore will never use honey gold on our regular watches, it is something that we keep for special edition timepieces only due to the complication of the aftercare.

It’s great to have you back in Dubai – can you share a little on what is in the pipeline for the Middle East?

I cannot recall a time when I saw Dubai as busy as this. Dubai Airport is one of the most efficient airports on the planet and to push that to its limit; it’s something that I’ve never experienced before! There is a buzz here which is amazing and a lot of things have been handled really well over the pandemic. I am looking forward to visiting Expo 2020 before I fly as well. The Dubai Mall store is one of our flagship boutiques and Dubai is a very important communication centre for us because we are seeing more and more great customers and collectors in this area and it’s a magnet for them because it is like a home from home. We don’t have a manufacturer in Dubai of course, but our boutique here in Dubai is the next best thing to Glashütte. We have people here from all over the world and that’s why it’s so important that we have consistency in our approach and to our customers and we get great compliments about that which makes me proud. Overall we behave like a family company and our values are very much family company values and I hope you and our clients can feel that. 

What was the feedback from the clients after they saw the new timepiece?

It was unbelievable. I think I will need a lot of time to answer all the emails and What’s App messages! But I’m not surprised because it is an absolutely beautiful watch. My team is busy dealing with all the requests that have come up over the last 24 hours and I am afraid that there are going to be many people who are disappointed because we have only produced 200 watches. 

How did this past year and a half affect the way you operate as a company? 

Firstly we defined what we do not want to change which is our way of watchmaking, but that opened up the willingness of the company to address change where change is necessary because the entire environment has changed. Our whole digital approach developed in a way I would have never thought it could. Not only because we adapted but also because our clients adapted and so the request for change was there. And I think the future will be formed of a hybrid. We want to stay close to our customers through physical events and meeting them in person, but at the same time, I am convinced that for many occasions we will use digital technology to connect with our clients and to stay close to and understand them. I think that’s the future. Some of our watches are already available online and this is really amazing for us. On the one hand, it is surprising but on the other hand, it’s a way of allowing us to connect to collectors who live anywhere in the world, even if they can’t always get to a store. I hope that we can create the same sort of relationship that we already have with our clients in this way because it’s not only the watch alone it’s the whole package.

How does a brand like A. Lange & Söhne continue to balance innovation while honouring its rich heritage?

I think we have the great advantage of having six different watch pillars and they all have a very defined design language. There is a very clear design laid out for each. We also realised that while we are traditional in the way that we produce our watches because they are made by hands, not by machines, the design language we use, even for the most traditional, classic designs is very modern and attractive to young people. If we talk traditional and you mean values, then yes, we have it. But if you say traditional and you mean design: I will challenge you. Because that is a perception and it may not be reality. However, we have to stay clean and precise in the way that we do it and stay true to the original DNA of each watch. You have to be compliant with any new iteration if you put it into a certain watch family.

You recently celebrated 20 years of the Lange 1 – what do you think makes a watch like this iconic?

The Lange 1 epitomises everything we stand for. It’s innovative, relevant, it’s useful, and it is so distinctive that you can recognise it from afar. And that’s why I think it will always be our best seller and why we don’t touch the original design.

How do you stay relevant for the young generations?

I always challenge this because I don’t believe that a feeling for quality, scarcity, craftsmanship, exclusivity or clear design is necessarily something that has to do with age. The question is how do we stay in touch with the younger people because they don’t communicate in the same way that the older generations did. So for me, it is a case of showcasing what we do on a stage that this younger generation is looking at to explain to them who we are. I still leave it up to them whether they like what we do or not, but if I don’t expose it, they will never see it and therefore it will never become relevant. If we expose it in the right way we will of course find that some people like what we do and some don’t, but at least we have made them aware and that’s something we have been working on over the last two years.

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

There are so many things but I think there are three main challenges that I think will keep us busy for a while. A lot of our clients love wearing our watches because most people won’t know what brand it is. We create very expensive watches that people will admire but they will not have an immediate association with a brand and that is a real asset. But at the same time, we’ve realised that more and more people know about us. So the challenge is asking ourselves how we remain a secret, but at the same time share that secret with more of the right people.

The second challenge is that about 90 per cent of my staff work in Glashütte and most of our customers of course don’t live there. So the challenge is: how do we connect the world which is busy, vibrant, volatile and challenging, with Glashutte which is the absolute opposite? So we need to look at how we can build that bridge. And thirdly is the challenge of staying relevant for the younger generations which we already touched on.

Are there any changes overall that you have noticed in the industry since the beginning of the pandemic?

I think there are trends that obviously everyone is doing, but we tend not to follow trends. I also believe it’s time that we all meet each other again at a big watch fair so we can see what each other is doing face-to-face. This is my first international trip since March 2020 and I like to see what others are doing. As an industry, we are creating something desirable and we are all in it together so I hope to see my colleagues in person again soon. I have seen that some brands have come out of the crisis stronger than they came into it, but I also believe some have lost part of their identity. Let’s see what happens now as we are heading towards a more normal time and how that develops.

What is a message that you would send to your clients and friends in the Middle East?

I believe that our clients here have a great opportunity that hardly any other region has. The Middle East has these hubs in the form of shopping malls where you can walk around and see every brand that’s active on the planet, in one location. And I think that’s a great opportunity. I’m not aware of many areas on the globe where you have that huge presence and I would invite everyone to use that, go there, experience all the brands and see what watchmakers are doing. It’s a great chance for anyone who is interested in fine watchmaking to discover more about what brands are doing today.