On October 26th, fashion legend Giorgio Armani and his team presented “One Night Only” in Dubai yesterday evening with a spectacular show to celebrate ten years since the opening of the Armani hotels in Milan and Dubai.

Held in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai the impressive event which was held at Armani Hotel, Dubai in a stunning location featured a runway show as well as an intimate performance by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

Giorgio Armani and Chris Martin

The show, was presented on a mirrored catwalk with the striking backdrop of the Burj Khalifa, the World’s Tallest Building, on one side, and the Dubai Fountain on the other. It featured men’s and women’s looks from the Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2022 collection, as well as a selection of Armani Privé Haute Couture looks from the Fall/Winter 2021/22 Shine collection.

This is the first time the Italian fashion house has presented a show of this scale. 110 looks for men and women were worn by 90 models who were flown into the UAE especially for the occasion. The show concluded with Mr Giorgio Armani himself leading the crowd of models down the runway as he was greeted by a standing ovation from the audience, many of whom were brought to tears.

The event was attended by celebrities, VIP guests and personalities who had flown in from around the world to be here in Dubai for this once-in-a-lifetime show. Celebrities in attendance included Sharon Stone, Lily James, Clive Owen, French actress Mélanie Laurent, model Taylor Hill, actress Madelyn Cline, Jurnee Smollet and more.

Lily James and Giorgio Armani

The guests also included dignitaries and prominent families from the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Regional VIP guests in attendance included Raya Abirached, Diana Haddad, Hanan Sobati, Raja Al Gurg and Nahla Al Fahad.

Sharon Stone

Giorgio Armani’s One Night Only concept has been conceived as a platform to bring the universe of the iconic Italian fashion house to destinations around the world. Seven cities have been visited so far: London in 2006, Tokyo in 2007, Beijing in 2012, Rome and New York in 2013, Paris in 2014 and now Dubai in 2021.

One Night Only Dubai was created to minimise the impact on the environment in accordance with ISO 20121 and the brand took all the necessary steps to avoid using single-use plastic, minimise food waste, encourage recycling of materials used in the show and use hybrid or electric cars and LED lighting. Suppliers were also required to comply with specific social and environmental clauses. The Armani Group supported nature-based solutions projects to offset the event-related residual GHG’s emissions and will commit to continuing to reduce its environmental impact.

A. Lange & Söhne has unveiled one of its most complicated timepieces yet. The ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” was presented in Dubai on 24th October 2021.

This date is a significant date for the brand since it marks the day the watchmaker re-started in 1994 and as a result, becomes a date each year that the brand chooses to mark with a key launch.

Detail shot of the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen“, reference 142.055.

The ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen” is the latest edition to the brand’s ZEITWERK family which offers the most revolutionary technology and design concepts.

ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen“, reference 142.055.

Developed exclusively for A. Lange & Söhne, this new version introduces Lange’s proprietary honey gold, a material which is reserved for only the most special timepieces, and the designation “Lumen” refers to the specially developed, semi-transparent dial that makes the luminous jumping numerals display fully visible.

A limited-edition of just 200 pieces this timepiece is a first for the brand as its power reserve has now been doubled 72 hours.

ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen“, reference 142.055.

The pusher at 4 o’clock is new. It allows the hour indication to be switched separately, which in turn makes it simpler to set the time. The switching impulse is generated when it is released. The advantage is that switching is always uniformly executed, regardless of how gently or vigorously the pusher is actuated.

Detail shot of the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen“, reference 142.055.

The pioneering technical concept is paired with an equally innovative design. One of its most prominent elements is the curved time bridge that dominates the dial. It is part of the movement and forms an elegant frame for all time indications. In the ZEITWERK HONEYGOLD “Lumen“, it consists of black rhodiumed German silver and thus integrates well with the dark sapphire-crystal dial.

Find out more about the new timepiece in the November issue of A&E

As a favourite ingredient of Guerlain perfumers for years, vanilla has inspired a new limited edition of the brand’s Shalimar fragrance.

The new Shalimar Millésime Vanilla Planifolia builds on this iconic line with a scent that features Guerlain’s Madagascan vanilla. Bergamot provides the opening burst, illuminating a floral heart that pairs rose absolute with the elegance of iris.

Then comes the vanilla which caresses the petals and unfolds fully and masterfully. Underscored by the amber-toned effects of opopanine – Shalimar’s iconic accord – and enveloped in the comfort of musk, vanilla is enhanced to the extreme in this generous, distinguished fragrance trail that offers Guerlain’s oriental icon an utterly enchanting limited edition.

The new limited edition fragrance is now available in Guerlain retailers and online.

Giorgio Armani has been granted the UAE Golden visa as he visits Dubai to mark the 10^th anniversary of The Armani Hotel Dubai.

The iconic Italian designer was granted the visa by His Excellency Major General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in a ceremony held at the Al Jaffiliya, The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

The Golden Visa was instituted by the UAE government in 2019 and grants a 10-year residency in recognition of special contributions to the country. The honour is given to investors and entrepreneurs, as well as special talents in a variety of fields from science to entertainment, sports, academia and philanthropy.

Giorgio Armani is currently in Dubai to mark the 10 year anniversary of Armani Hotel Dubai which will be celebrated with a spectacular fashion show later this week.

Panerai has opened its first pop-up store in the Middle East.

Located in The Dubai Mall, the new pop-up store will be running from until November 9^th.

The design of the store is a reminder of the brand’s link to the sea and its long roots embedded in the history of the Italian navy.

Visitors are invited to experience a one-of-a-kind shopping experience while discovering the brand’s legacy and its unique approach to innovation.

“The opening of this pop-up is a milestone for Panerai in the region. We keep growing and we want to offer our clients new experiences to bring them closer to our universe. We are looking forward to welcoming our loyal Paneristis and attracting new faces to the Panerai family,” explained Gaby Bitarian, Brand Director, PANERAI MEI.

A range of Panerai watches will be on display including the new Luminor GMT Spirit of the Union (PAM01971) which has been created in celebration of the UAE’s 50^th anniversary.

The limited edition watch of just 200 pieces will be available only at UAE boutiques and numbers 000 and 200 will be auctioned in collaboration with Christie’s. All proceeds will go to the Noor Dubai Foundation, a non-for-profit organisation based in the UAE which works in the prevention of blindness and visual impairment in people around the world.

The store is now open at The Dubai Mall and runs until November 9^th 2021.

Armani Hotel Dubai, located in the iconic Burj Khalifa has been selected as Middle East’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel; United Arab Emirates’ Leading Lifestyle Hotel and Dubai’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel at 2021 World Travel Awards™.

The luxury destination was awarded thanks to its distinguishing world-class guest experiences and exemplary services to luxury connoisseurs and discerning travellers from all around the world.

The hotel, which celebrates ten years since its opening this year is known for its “Stay with Armani” promise that offers guests the best of the best, from bespoke furnishings to award-winning restaurant menus, outstanding spa and wellness facilities, premium in-room amenities and much more.

Armani Galleria

Further highlighting its distinctive architecture and understated interior design, and commitment to offer exceptional hospitality standards that defines Giorgio Armani’s signature style. In addition, Armani/Spa was awarded the honour of ‘Best City Spa’ and ‘Best Spa Brand’ in the Fact Spa & Wellness Awards 2021. Armani/Spa continues to be the preferred destination for indulging spa and wellness experiences.

For more information visit https://www.armanihoteldubai.com/

Locally founded natural beauty brand izil has opened its first-ever Moroccan Hammam in The Dubai Mall.

The brand whose name means “pure” in Moroccan prides itself on using all-natural ingredients in its body, skin and hair products that honour the rich heritage of Moroccan beauty rituals. Now, clients will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of izil as this new concept opens in Dubai.

The first Moroccan Hamman to be located in The Dubai Mall, the spa concept will offer a selection of treatments based around traditional Moroccan concepts using products from the brand’s ranges. The service is one of a kind, with izil offering bespoke combinations that can be tailored to the customer’s needs for a truly unforgettable experience.

On visiting the Hamman discover the world of izil, where guests will also be able to purchase the products used in their treatment.

Discover more and find out how to book appointments at izilbeauty.com.

Christian Selmoni, Heritage and Style Director at Vacheron Constantin discusses the latest Les Cabinotiers creation and the importance of preserving high watchmaking techniques at the Maison

High watchmaking is truly an art that needs to be preserved. While many years ago this trade was common in Switzerland, today there are very few artisans who can still undertake some of the most complicated skills in involved in the creation of complicated timepieces. Preserving these techniques is crucial for the sustainability of the traditional watchmaking industry and while many are looking for fresh, modern designs that embrace technology, avid watch collections have a long-standing understanding and appreciation of craftsmanship and transparency in watchmaking. And as the world starts to look for more sustainable and genuine products, high watchmaking pieces have become more relevant than ever.

This year, Vacheron Constantin presents a new exceptional piece in the Les Cabinotiers collection. The Les Cabinotiers Westminster Sonnerie Tribute to Johannes Vermeer timepiece is a bespoke single-piece edition, displaying a masterpiece of Haute Horology and craftsmanship. The piece was first imagined by a Vacheron Constantin client who had a vision for this watch in 2013. Working closely with the team at Vacheron Constantin this avid watch collector was able to refine his vision allowing it to become what it is today. Now, eight years later, the finished product is something truly spectacular. This impressive pocket watch features a new in-house Grande Sonnerie Westminster movement, Calibre 3761 with tourbillon regulator and on the outside, it has a meticulously engraved case of which the bow is adorned with two hand-sculpted lion heads. Taking it to an even higher level of craftsmanship it features an officer-type cover with a miniature enamel painting by enamel expert Anita Porchet, of “Girl with a Pearl Earring”, an iconic work by artist Johannes Vermeer.

Christian Selmoni

Yes, this watch is a masterpiece, but it also represents so much more than that. It is a figurehead for the importance of craftsmanship in watchmaking and a symbol of why the industry should be continuing to preserve and appreciate the unimaginable skill that goes into these pieces. Made to last forever, these kinds of timepieces become a piece of history, a family heirloom, a symbol of hope, love, joy or a memory for generations to come.

As Heritage and Style Director at Vacheron Constantin, Christian Selmoni is responsible for guarding the incredible history of the Maison and extracting designs and design elements from the past to nurture the brand’s present and future creations. As a result, he is also concerned with sustaining these beautiful artisanal techniques in order to ensure that the highly skilled creations that the brand is known for continue to live on for generations. It is almost impossible to stress the skill and detail that goes into creating a piece like this, requiring skills that very few in the world still possess. Here we discover more about this exceptional watch as well as the importance of preserving traditional watchmaking techniques at the Maison.

Tell us about the Les Cabinotiers Westminster Sonnerie watch and why it’s such a special piece?

We consider this timepiece as exceptional for several reasons: from a technical aspect; it is a Grande Sonnerie with Westminster carillon and five hammers, which is very rare. In addition, the movement is regulated with a tourbillon device. From a craftsmanship point of view, this unique timepiece is a true masterpiece: it features the exceptional work of enamelling on the cover, reproducing “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer, executed in the miniature painting enamelling technique by the famous enamelling artist Anita Porchet. In addition, the whole watch case is adorned with an exceptional work of art achieved by one of our master engravers. Finally, this timepiece is very special, in the sense that it is a true made-to-order creation, the client has been a very active part of the whole creation process.

What can you tell us about the process involved in the creation?

Our client has been very much involved in all creative aspects of this timepiece, from the initial idea to the final completion. Discussions with our client started in 2013 and he has been accompanying us along the creation and development process, until the watch’s completion in 2021.

The craftsmanship on this pocket watch is incredible – can you share an insight into some of the techniques that were used?

In a nutshell, this unique timepiece is an ode to the finest enamelling and engraving techniques. Miniature painting enamel – “technique de Genève” – is the most demanding enamelling technique, only mastered by very few experts, and in addition, the difficulty was added due to the exceptional size of the artwork to be achieved: a cover of no less than 98mm in diameter! In terms of engraving, we can see here a combination of the most challenging engraving techniques: champlevé, fine line, sculpture and chiselling. The result is simply breathtaking!

What are the biggest challenges the team faces in creating a watch such as this?

Besides decorative crafts, this timepiece embarks a dedicated movement, created especially for this unique timepiece, which makes it truly exceptional. There is an incredible sum of technical and watchmaking know-how and expertise in this unique creation.

Tell us about the ways watchmaking and art are so closely linked?

We can speak of watchmaking (and decorative) arts when considering this creation, as art pieces represent a sum of efforts, talent and competencies to be considered as such.

Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers pieces have become greatly popular over the years – how do you think these unique pieces are appealing to today’s customers?

Today, avid if not ultimate collectors are in search of exclusivity and exploits, and such extraordinary creations are indeed examples of uniqueness and absolute mastery from both a technical and a crafts point of view.

What can you tell us about the history of pocket watches at Vacheron Constantin?

Our Maison was founded in 1755 and consequently, we have a unique history when considering pocket watches: the first known Vacheron Constantin timepiece was manufactured in 1755 and was a pocket watch. At the beginning of the 19th century, we were already offering exceptional chiming pocket watches along with other complications. Our history is still paved with exceptional pocket watches, more than two centuries later! The story goes on…

Can you share a little about the evolution of Grande Sonnerie watches at Vacheron Constantin and how in your opinion, they are still relevant today?

Chiming watches are considered as the most complicated watches that exist. It therefore makes sense to continue creating grand complications such as the Grande Sonnerie today, as they are a testimony of exceptional know-how in complicated watchmaking: there are very few Grande Sonnerie pieces offered today, and this is certainly due to the extreme complexity of their mechanism, only mastered by very few master watchmakers.

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

This is really a hard question, as our Maison has covered – since 266 years of non-stop activity – all aspects of the finest watchmaking. However, I confess a particular passion for unexpected time indication – such as double retrograde displays or dragging hours displays. Hopefully, we never cease to create such innovative designs, and I am sure that we will continue to do it in the future!

What can you tell us about what else is in the pipeline for Vacheron Constantin this year?

For sure the coming months will be illustrated by a combination of high complications and technical excellence with the most refined aesthetics and crafts as our Maison is used to perpetuate since 266 years. Stay tuned!

Vadim Fedotov CEO and Co-Founder of bioniq shares more on this game-changing new health optimisation concept as it launches in the UAE for the first time.

Looking after our health is something that has become more of a priority than ever since the COVID-19 pandemic. With our wellbeing at the forefront of our minds, we must consider this vital element before anything else in life. But sometimes it’s difficult to understand what is going on with our bodies or to know how to optimise our health to be the best possible versions of ourselves. Sometimes even a visit to the doctor can’t help with that nagging tiredness we might feel on a daily basis or our unexplained lack of energy or then ability to sleep well. When former professional basketball player Vadim Fedotov was facing these exact issues he decided to take matters into his own hands by creating a pioneering health monitoring system that would allow us to analyse our health and wellbeing in more detail than ever before and ultimately allow us to optimise our health and wellbeing potential.

Founded in 2019 bioniq was created as an innovative concept that helps you to find a new and improved you. Based on data from thousands of patients around the world and years of clinical research bioniq will analyse your health at a number of levels from a simple blood test and help you to become the better version of yourself through a series of steps. Once your blood has been taken a team of medical experts will analyse your sample, providing you with data-driven results as well as a nutrition plan to improve your health moving forward. Alongside this, you will receive a personalised blend of granules that will give you all the nutrients your body needs. Comprised of up to 120 components, the bioniq LIFE Swiss patented formula includes probiotics, vitamins, enzymes and micro-elements. It is blended into tiny granules which release active ingredients into the bloodstream during a sustained period to enhance absorption in the body. Each patient will receive a completely unique blend that is right for them. 

As Bioniq launches in the UAE in partnership with King’s College Hospital London, we find out more about the game-changing concept with CEO and Co-Founder Vadim Fedotov

Can you tell us in your own words a little about the concept of Bioniq? 

Bioniq is a health monitoring platform that provides personalised solutions for you, based on clinically proven data. If you went to a doctor they would consult you, do a blood test and a check-up and based on their education and the other patients they have treated before you, they will make a recommendation for you. The issue is that a doctor doesn’t have more capability than 100 or 150 patients at one time, so the bandwidth of knowledge her or she has compared to who you are as a client is quite limited. When you use a system like bioniq, which has at this moment, three million data points, (the largest database of continuous testing in the world), your data and your results will be compared to tens of thousands of people who are comparable to you. Our team can see what each patient may have been prescribed in the past and how it worked for them. So you will get a much quicker and more efficient solution that’s tailormade for you, based on data that has been proven by independent doctors. 

The idea was to look at how we can use the innovations process to gather data and use the data to make you healthier quicker or support your immune system in a way that it becomes more optimised. We realised that there are two categories of people. The first are the ones who are generally healthy and want to optimise their health and the second are the ones who are not healthy, but they don’t know anything about it. 32 per cent of our clients over the last three years have come to use wanting personalised micronutrients and vitamins and they have found out that they have other health conditions like problems with their cholesterol, a tendency to develop diabetes, problems with food intake, inflammation levels, all those things they don’t know about and they have been wondering ‘why do I have brain fog?’ ‘Why am I so tired all the time?’ etc. All of these things are actually explainable. 

The gap between monitoring your full health should never be more than three months because our bodies change so much due to factors like weather, stress, food habits, the environment etc. All of these kinds of things are constantly impacting us and you can’t wait for a year to have a health check, it’s something that needs to be continuous, especially after a certain age and that’s what we provide with our system. 

How does the process work practically from start to finish?

To begin with, you will go to our website and choose a package. Once you’ve purchased the product a client manager will reach out to you to arrange for a nurse to come and do a blood test. Our blood tests are done by independent labs in each of our markets. A week later you will get your results. Our medical team will then review your results and prepare a dietician who will talk to you to pinpoint what you should focus on in regards to your health. You will meet with a nutritionist who will discuss your diet and what you are currently eating and they will advise on a plan moving forward. Seventy per cent of your results are nutrition-based. People are looking for a magic pill but there is no magic pill. It’s a lot about nutrition and this is the reason why we start with a nutritionist because we want to lay the groundwork. After this, you will get your personalised nutrient formula.

What is so special about the formula?

The bioniq LIFE formula uses Swiss-produced granules which are formed with patented technology that can feature up to 120 components at the same time. One spoonful every morning and night is all you need. So anyone who has ever had dozens of bottles of different vitamins on the kitchen counter (like me in the past), can get rid of all of those and keep just this one. The technology of these granules means that everything is being absorbed in the right way. It’s a slow process that takes up to 12 hours. If you take a regular vitamin or nutrient pill it will include other ingredients in it that will make sure it is absorbed quicker by increasing your insulin which is actually the reaction you are trying to avoid. Because increasing your insulin makes you absorb whatever is in your system, and this includes whatever food you just had. Our granules on the other hand don’t increase your insulin to speed up absorption, instead, they are gradually being absorbed over twelve hours. We have been partnering with our Swiss partner since day one and they have been working on this innovation and research for 25 years.

You don’t have a medical background so how did the idea for the bioniq concept first come about?

I played professional sports for many years and I had several serious knee surgeries over that time so I was exposed to the progression of medicine quite early on. And at the same time as a professional sportsman, I was always asking myself ‘what can I do to perform better?’ After this, I went to work in a corporate environment and while being in that world I started to notice symptoms in terms of brain fog, I didn’t feel as strong, I didn’t want to work out in the evening anymore. So I started to wonder how can someone like me who has a sports background and spends so much time, money and resources on health, feel so tired all the time? And this is when it started. I went to my doctor and told him about all my problems and he told me that everything I was doing was wrong. He did a blood test and said he was going to tell me what I should improve on. I was expecting him to tell me exactly what I should be focusing on, but when he looked at my blood results he said to me “you’re fine, you’re not ill.” And the moment I realised that traditional medicine is only designed to treat illness. But if you’re not ill they don’t know what to do with you! And I wanted to optimise myself. My symptoms were there, it didn’t mean I had an illness but I knew I wasn’t the best version of me. So it began as a personal itch that I wanted to scratch and I was looking for a system that puts everything into one, monitors me regularly, offers personal solutions and actually follows up on them. 

I travelled all around the world and I found lots of companies that did something, but nobody had the whole system. And that’s when I started to look for a Medical Director and I found my Co-Founder Dr Constantin Karuzin who is a Neurosurgeon. He had been working in this field for over 20 years and it was a perfect match. He had the medical side of things, I had the business development part, we clicked and took it from there. We launched in London in 2019 and then in Russia and now the UAE and we are planning to launch in the United States. The demand there is huge. It’s been a very interesting ride! 

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the rollout of your business? 

There are two parts to this answer. Firstly, for a couple of weeks, it affected us severely because people were so scared and they didn’t want to see nurses, they didn’t want people in their homes. But then we realised, our target audience which used to be 35+ was becoming much younger. This was because younger people were thinking a lot more about their health and the health of their parents and families. So we started to see a lot more people in their twenties signing up for themselves and their parents which was actually quite positive. I think because there’s no need for you to go to the clinic and everything is done in your home really helped because we could take advantage of people’s reluctance to go out and actually bring the service to their homes. The new economy is that people want to move as little as needed to get the best services possible. 

Where does exercise fit into the concept?

Exercise is part of the concept. We have people who request exercise recommendations and we are partnering with gym chains in every market that we’re in. But again, if you look at percentages, nutrition is still the number one factor. Whether you exercise or not, if your diet is good, everything else is on top. So the foundation is nutrition, then micronutrients then exercise and last but not least; sleep. People underestimate the power of sleep. A good exercise without proper sleep just doesn’t have the same impact. There is a book called “Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker. He says that for 95 per cent of people six to eight hours is the recommended amount of sleep. But the important part is that within that time two to two and a half hours of that should be deep REM sleep. If you don’t have this deep REM sleep it doesn’t matter if you sleep for ten hours or five. There are many factors that affect whether you can get into this state of sleep: temperature, how dark it is, not checking your mobile devices before you sleep etc. but once you can build up your REM sleep you can find a perfect balance. 

Tell us about the plan for bioniq in the UAE?

We have launched our first product bioniq LIFE in the UAE. We are very particular as to how we launch it and we have very good experience in other markets so we know that when you enter a new market it’s all about brand awareness and building trust. The first thing we did was to partner with reputable clinics because people will know that while people may not have heard of us, they will know that those clinics wouldn’t partner with something that isn’t clinically proven or interested in your wellbeing. Then we started talking to people and organising focus groups to get them to understand how our product works. When you’re a start-up company, the brand comes after the founder. As the founder people trust you first and then they trust the brand as it grows, so because we are still new, I’m still part of the brand. And that’s how we’re building it up. 

What’s your professional motto?

Having played professional sports for over ten years I believe in ‘team’. I understand that everyone has a role in a team and if you want to score the most points then you need the support of other people. In terms of our hiring within our business, we are all about the people. We can teach you everything in terms of the business but you have to have that spirit and I feel this team concept is a huge part of bioniq. 

What’s one of the most interesting discoveries you’ve made along the way? 

One thing was that when I started the company I spoke to other founders who were successful and they said: ‘be prepared to speak about your company 300 times per day with the same enthusiasm five years after launching’. And I said ‘that’s impossible!’ And they told me that’s what the real founders can do. And here I am years later and I’m repeating myself for the ninth time today but I still have the drive that I had three years ago, maybe even more because I can actually see the results. 

The second thing that surprised me is that 32 per cent of our clients initially wanted to get their vitamins but found out that they have inclinations and serious health risks that they didn’t know about before coming to us. So this is something that was a huge surprise for all of us, but it also makes me very happy that we’re able to provide this preventive service which is very important. 

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My father. He’s been my inspiration my whole life. My parents were very young when they had me and he was a professional tennis player turned very successful businessman. Every single big deal in my career I would discuss with him and I admire his character as he is one of the most rational, calm unselfish people you will ever meet. So I didn’t have to look too far, the inspiration was always there. 

What is a message you would send to people in the UAE on why they should sign up for bioniq?

We need to change our approach to health. People know more so much about so many things but they don’t know enough about their bodies. You would be surprised by how many people don’t know their blood type or what their Vitamin D level should be. So my message is: invest more into yourself, find out more about yourself because everything will fall in line once you do. 

Find out more at www.bioniq.com

Dior’s latest watch novelties are inspired by the elegance of Haute Couture gowns.

This Fall, Dior presents two new 36mm timepieces as part of its Dior Grand Bal collection. Presenting a surprising mix of precious and natural materials the new Dior Grand Bal Plume Precieuse timepieces are decorated with black or white features giving them an incredible elegant appearance that captures the essence of the collection. The oscillating weight enlivens the softness of the iridescent white or black mother-of-pearl dial which is enhanced by the gold and diamonds set on the bezel.

The new Dior Grand Bal Plume is equipped with an automatic movement, which is exclusive to Maison Dior. The “Dior Inversé11 1/2” calibre, features a patented and functional oscillating weight inspired by the House’s Haute Couture designs, recreating the swirl of a ball gown. Combining feather-making know-how, which is specific to Haute Couture, and watchmaking technology, this model is elaborated with great delicacy, like a diamond-embroidered petticoat adorned with natural feathers.

First launched in 2011, the Dior Grand Bal watch has become a key piece of the brand’s collection, with new editions each season that elevate the elegant design. Inspired by the Haute Couture ball gowns designed by Christian Dior for the high society women of the 1940s the watch captures the finest in couture and watchmaking.

“The ball gown makes you dream and must make you a dream woman,” wrote Christian Dior in his book The Little Dictionary of Fashion. And it was this that inspired the design of the watch we know today, featuring a functional oscillating weight, developed with precise precision and evoking a beautiful whirling ball gown.

The Dior Grand Bal Plume Precieuse watch is limited to 88 pieces.

As the second themed week at Expo 2020 Dubai, Space Week is celebrating the UAE’s achievements in space so far and looking forward to the future of space travel.

The event which is taking place across a number of the event’s pavilions also highlights the global potential and impact of space travel.

Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri during Dignified Storytelling Stories of Great Ambition and Hope

On day two, one of the highlights came from Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri who shared his story of travel to Mars with an audience as part of the Dignified Storytelling: Stories of Great Ambition and Hope’ panel conversation.

“You can’t describe the view from space,” he said as he spoke at the Space Week event at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion.

Nora Al Matrooshi speaks during the ‘Ask An Astronaut’ Q&A as part of The People’s Mission Citizens in Space Exploration

“You learn something – you notice there are no borders between countries. It’s only continents, mountains, the seas, and that’s it. I’ve learnt that, as humans, we have to walk together to achieve amazing things. Maybe we are divided here [on Earth], but up there we are united.”

Meanwhile Nora Al Matrooshi the UAE’s first female astronaut spoke during the ‘Ask An Astronaut’ question and answer session as part of The People’s Mission – Citizens in Space Exploration presentation. She shared insights into her upcoming space mission and what it means to her to be chosen to represent her country in this way.

At the Italy Pavilion, a programme titled “Space 4 Sustainability” looked at the future of space travel. Covering areas including research, design and technologies. A panel of experts tackled issues including the issue of space debris and the need for collaboration between countries to reduce costs, increase sustainability and promote space inclusivity.

Space4Sustainability at the Italy Pavilion

The event brought together a number of Italian space experts and industry leaders, including Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), who spoke about ‘Access to Space for All’, a joint initiative of UNOOSA, space agencies, research institutions and industry.

Space Week at Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 23^rd October 2021.

Versace has released a new comprehensive book featuring all of its iconic catwalk collections.

Versace Catwalk: The Complete Collections celebrates over forty years of design with a look back at some of the brand’s most iconic catwalk moments beginning with Gianni Versace’s debut in 1978 to Donatella’s collections today.

“Looking back has never been so interesting. There comes a moment in one’s life or career, when in order to evolve, you need to draw a line and acknowledge where you come from. This book is exactly this for me. More than 40 years of fashion shows, countless looks, and each of them brought me to where I am today. In this book, you find the soul of Versace. I could not be any more proud than share it with the world.” Said Donatella Versace.

Published in collaboration with the house, the book opens with a concise history of the house, followed by profiles of Gianni Versace and Donatella Versace, before exploring the collections themselves, organized chronologically.

Each collection is introduced by a short text unveiling its influences and highlights, and illustrated with 1200 carefully curated catwalk images that showcase 120 spectacular collections featuring hundreds of clothes, details, accessories, beauty looks and set designs – and, of course, the top fashion models who wore them on the runway, from Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer to Jennifer Lopez and Gigi and Bella Hadid. A rich reference section, including an extensive index, concludes the book.

A treasure trove of inspiration, this sumptuous volume offers a unique opportunity to chart the development of one of the most influential fashion houses in the world and will be an essential reference for fashion lovers everywhere.

We discover the new Range Rover Evoque, the perfect blend of style, performance and quality.

The Range Rover Evoque combines style, performance and quality into a car that’s perfect for city living. This compact SUV has had a new upgrade for 2021 with the launch of new special editions, as well the introduction of the Range Rover Evoque P300 HST. Combining sporty style with a touch of elegance this car is the perfect drive for women on the go, taking you from home to the office to the school – in one smooth journey. We discover more of the latest model the R-Dynanic HSE as we test drive it in the UAE.

Design

The Range Rover Evoque R-Dynanic HSE exudes style from the moment you lay eyes on it. Created in a Santorini Black colour its understated elegance with a touch of boldness and its compact yet spacious design is perfect for day-to-day life in the city. These elements combine to create a design that has the exclusivity and status of Range Rover but also adds a flair of sophistication and a feminine touch. The panoramic roof is a nice touch, especially during the winter, where driving with the roof open offers an open-top experience that doesn’t blow you away, and the 20-inch alloy wheels look great and feel smooth and seamless when driving.

If you are looking for something extra special, the R-Dynamic Exterior Pack includes a Dark Atlas Range Rover Bonnet Script, Dark Atlas Grille with Gloss Black Surround, Body-Coloured front bumper with Dark Satin Grey Valance, Dark Satin Grey Rear Bumper with body-Coloured Valance, Burnished Copper Side Vents, Gloss Black Door Mirror Caps, Dark Atlas Range Rover Tailgate Script, Burnished Copper Bonnet Louvres and Burnished Copper Exhaust Finishers.

The interior comes in a dark plush leather either in deep garnet or ebony diamond. Its chic design reflects the exterior and offers a comfortable and elegant ride. There is also the option to upgrade to full leather meaning Windsor Leather on the Mid Instrument Panel, Instrument Panel Topper, Door Top Uppers & Lowers.

Details

One of the highlights of this model is its entertainment system, making it easy to take control of all your needs from the touch of a button. The InControl Touch Pro Duo Infotainment system features the most innovative technology system to offer a wealth of information and entertainment in an easy and simple manner. The new PIVI 10” Touchscreen is wide enough to allow drivers to control and interact with a number of features at the same time, whether it’s the navigation system, music or phone, all can be displayed side by side so there is no need to keep touching the screen while driving. The in-car MERIDIAN Sound System features 11 Speakers Including Subwoofers 380 Watts

Output sound system and plays high-quality audio as you drive, while CarPlay® and Android AutoTM applications make it easy for you to sit back and enjoy the moment as you drive.

14-way electric seats add to your comfort while the memory options mean you’ll never have to adjust your seat again after your first drive.

Performance

Like any Range Rover, impeccable performance is essential. A 2.0 litre I4 engine offers a satisfying acceleration of 0-100KM/H in 7.6 seconds which is more than ideal for city life. A 9-speed automatic transmission makes the drive seamless and smooth and in-car details like sped camera alerts and cruise control allow for you to relax on long journeys. Electronic Power Assisted steering makes it easier to drive while the Four Wheel Drive system is great for extended trips. Other highlights worth noting are: the Anti-lock Braking, System, Electronic Stability Program, Roll Stability Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Electronic Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control, and Gradient Acceleration and Release Control; all added in to ensure you have the smoothest, most comfortable drive possible. The Drive Assist Parking system means parking is easier than ever thanks to a 360o 3D Surround Camera.

Limited Editions

This year the new Bronze Collection Special Edition adds even more style to the Evoque. Building on the sophisticated design and luxurious interior the new model has been upgraded with a distinctive Corinthian Bronze contrast roof, Burnished Copper side vents and new Satin Dark Grey 20-inch five split-spoke alloy wheels. Available in three exterior colours – Carpathian Grey, Santorini Black and Seoul Pearl Silver. Inside Natural Grey Ash veneers, unique Bronze Collection carpet mats with metal-capped corners and Ebony grained leather seats provide a heightened sense of luxury. The Bronze Collection is available with the full range of efficient next-generation Ingenium petrol and diesel engines.

Range Rover Evoque 2.0 litre p200 r-dynamic HSE stars from AED253,995. Range Rover Evoque 2.0 litre p200 starts from: AED183,435.

Flying any time soon? Dior has a new store located at Dubai airport to cater to all your luxury needs.

Located at the Dubai Duty Free in Concourse B Terminal 3 the store will stock accessories and leather goods for both men and women, beginning with the most recent fall/winter 2021 collections.

This will be the first standalone boutique located at the international airport which welcomed 86.4 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic began. With travel resuming and expected to continue to pre-pandemic levels by next year, Duty Free shopping is expected to once again exceed expectations.

The store is now open and ready for business in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.

Prada’s FW21 collections for men and women open a new world of possibilities and a sense of freedom with bold prints, exploratory silhouettes and unconventional pairings that work in harmony. See more in our recent editorial production below.

American designer Michael Kors celebrates 40 years of his fashion house.

Michael Kors’ love for fashion started at a very young age. Growing up in his native city of New York he was surrounded by the fashion industry and even tried modelling as a child. At the age of just five, a young Michael redesigned his mother’s wedding dress for her second wedding and it was clear he had a gift. When he became a teenager, Kors began making clothes and selling them from his parent’s basements which he renamed the “Iron Butterfly”.

New York, N.Y.: Designer Michael Kors photographed at an office on Seventh Avenue in Manhattan on January 13, 1983. (Photo by Alan Raia/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

After a brief stint taking acting lessons, when he was 14 Kors was fully committed to becoming a fashion designer, knowing even at that age that it was his calling. He enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City but dropped out after only nine months, subsequently taking a job as a salesperson at an upscale boutique in Manhattan. Kors quickly progressed in his role and was soon the Design and the Visual Display Head for the store, overseeing the design of the store’s windows and creating the clothing pieces.

It was this that caught the attention of Dawn Mello, who at the time was the Fashion Director at nearby department store Bergdorf & Goodman. Mello saw Kors’ collection and asked if he would show it to Bergdorf’s buyers. It was an immediate success and led to Kors developing his own brand. In 1981 he launched his Michael Kors women’s label at Bergdorf Goodman and the rest is history!

In 1997 Kors launched a lower-priced line that would appeal to the mass market. At the same time, he was named the first women’s ready-to-wear designer at French fashion house Celine where he remained until 2003 when he left to concentrate purely on his own brand.

The MICHAEL Michael Kors line was launched in 2004 alongside the original Michael Kors Collection label and has remained ever since. Kors has become a favourite of celebrities including Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Michaele Obama, Jennifer Lopez and many, many more.

In January 2019 Michael Kors Holding Limited officially changed its name to Capri Holdings Limited which includes Michael Kors as well as Jimmy Choo and Versace. Today, Kors serves as the Honorary Chairman, Chief Creative Officer and Director at Capri Holdings.

This year Michael Kors celebrates 40 years since the brand began in 1981 and the designer celebrated with a 40th anniversary collection and show for Fall/Winter 2021. The collection debuted in New York on 20th April 2021 and featured a runway show in the streets of the city which was played out via video on the brand’s digital platforms. Set in the heart of Broadway the collection was presented to a musical performance by singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright.

“For my 40th anniversary collection, I was really thinking about the joy in getting dressed up and stepping out for a night on the town,” says Michael Kors. “Whether you’re going to the office, having a casual dinner in the neighborhood or are in fact ready to go to a party again, this collection is all about making every moment a special occasion and feeling confident, glamorous and upbeat. There’s a sense of timelessness and big-city optimism that has been a linchpin of Michael Kors since the very beginning—a yin-and-yang balance between opulence and simplicity, something that’s laid-back and at the same time luxurious.” 

The collection was a modern take on the brand’s DNA, incorporating timeless elements modelled by some of the world’s biggest models and friends of the brand including long-time fan and close friend of the designer, Naomi Campbell who closed the show. The collection for fall features a special capsule that will debut in stores this season.

The MK40 Reissue Capsule features a special curation of looks from the show that were inspired by the designer’s archives. The pieces will each have a unique QR code inside the garment that customers can scan to discover the story behind the item. This Fall, the Michael Kors Collection – the runway line – is launching in the Middle East for the first time, debuting in stores in Dubai and Jeddah.

We round up the best red carpet looks from this year’s London Film Festival.

Stars have been arriving in style at the 2021 London Film Festival which kicked off on 6th October 2021. The festival is expected to premiere some of this year’s biggest movies and expect to see some of Hollywood’s biggest stars in tow. With that in mind, we round up some of the most stylish arrivals on the red carpet in London.

Kristen Stewart wearing Chanel

Kirsten Dunst

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter

George and Amal Clooney wearing 16Arlington

Sarah Burton presented her Spring/Summer 2022 collection for Alexander McQueen with an impressive rooftop show, overlooking the London skyline.

This was the first physical show from the designer since the beginning of the pandemic and by taking guests to a rooftop location, Burton wanted guests to embrace the natural surroundings that we have all come to appreciate over the last 18 months.

Inspired by the ever-changing weather conditions and the way we have no control over nature, Burton presented a collection of voluminous dresses, bold silhouettes and flowing materials, with a cool, rock chick edge.

Specific elements of the collection took inspiration from the elements: sparkling embroidery on dresses resembled raindrops, billowing materials looked as though they were caught in the wind, white fabrics reflected the clouds in the sky and yellow tulle was a glimmer of sunlight.

The romantic elements were juxtaposed with more masculine pieces – boxy suits, biker boots, buckled leather jackets – all classic McQueen pieces that will never go wrong.

See more of the collection below:

Italian fitness innovator Technogym has teamed up with Parisian fashion house Dior to create a limited edition series of fitness products.

The collection of items which are emblazoned with the Dior logo and features Technogym innovation to create home fitness products that combine the worlds of fashion and fitness.

The collection includes a treadmill, a multifunction bench and a wellness ball that are revisited with Dior codes to become symbols of excellence and attention to detail, embodying the values and culture shared by both brands.

Dior and Technogym Limited Edition collection

Produced in Italy at the Technogym Village, these creations reflect a mutual commitment of inspiring a lifestyle that combines physical exercise and style to motivate people living a happier and healthier life.

Nerio Alessandri, Founder of Technogym and Wellness Designer says: “This shared goal of excellence gives life to a limited series of innovative Technogym products interpreted with the Maison Dior’s unique allure. Created to inspire the concept of wellness with new generations, it also offers people the opportunity to live a unique and irresistible experience”

The collection will be available exclusively in Dior boutiques worldwide from January 2022.

This year, Geneva Watch Days returned for its second edition. With key industry brands coming together to present their latest novelties, the annual event saw local and international watchmakers, press, collectors and VIPs discovering the latest products in an entirely new format. One of the founding brands of the event is Bulgari. The Italian jewellery and watchmaker returned for the second year to present the latest novelties in the watchmaking sector of the Maison.

Bringing the latest timepieces to life is Bulgari Watch designer and Director of the Bulgari Watches Design Center Fabrizo Buonamassa Stigliani. Born in Naples, Stigliani went on to study Industrial Design at the Institute for Industrial Arts of Rome. During that time he explored the cultural roots of Italian Design and learned how to look beyond the aesthetics of individual objects, such as a car, a watch or a chair, in order to consider the project in its entirety, appreciating the value of the single parts which together form the final piece. He began his career working in car design before fulfilling his lifelong passion for watches in 2001 when he joined the Bulgari Design Center in Rome. A short time later Paolo Bulgari, CEO and creative driver of the brand invited Fabrizio to Rome to join the watch design team. Fabrizio transferred his eye for car design to watches and in 2007 he became Director of the Bulgari Watches Design Center, where his mission is to constantly reinterpret Bulgari’s rich stylistic and cultural heritage in a contemporary language in tune with the brand’s DNA. As the latest novelties are presented in Geneva, we find out more about the creations and the importance of intimate watch fairs moving forward.

DIVINA MOSAICA

Tell us about the recent edition of Geneva Watch Days and how it served you as a brand in showcasing the latest novelties? 

We launched this event in 2020 to compensate for the cancellation of the historical institutional watch events due to the COVID-19. It went very well, even if there was no vaccine at that time. This year, the situation has been different: the attendance has been very consistent with roughly 350 retailers and 300+ media guests physically attending. Furthermore, we met with another 240 media and 50 clients through Zoom meetings with HD video cameras enhancing the beauty of the novelties to unprecedented levels. I can say that all the brands, retailers and media publications have been extremely positive: they all appreciate the format and its spirit. The GWD events are easy going and very cool, we want to keep it that way. In addition, I confirm that it will continue and dates for the 2022 edition in early September have already been announced.

We saw some very interesting new launches – What for you is the standout piece we should be talking about this year?

The new launches were an open invitation to travel. In particular the new Octo Roma WorldTimer. We gave this watch the Bulgari touch! Rather than displaying the usual classical 24 cities (for the 24 time zones), we selected locations where Bulgari has, or will have, a hotel, like Rome for instance. And since we all dream of sun and glamour, we picked St-Barths, the Maldives and Cape Verde as other locations! The case follows the same design as the original Octo Roma which is as you know the counterpart of the Octo Finissimo. Meanwhile, the latter houses the ultra-thin, world record-breaking complicated movement. The thicker Roma execution aims to offer useful functions for daily wear. This model has been conceived in order to be user-friendly when you travel.

OCTO ROMA WORLDTIMER

Bulgari continues to break records with its watchmaking – how important is it to you as a designer to always be pushing the boundaries in innovation?

It is important especially for us. We are an Italian jeweller producing our watches in Switzerland, and we are still new in the watchmaking industry. These elements provide us lots of freedom to create and innovate, to avoid often being conformist as this industry is. Look at the past ten years: Bulgari has modified its strategy to reach a position within the elite of watchmaking. Our seven Octo Finissimo world records mirror this evolution which is not limited to that collection. We cover a very wide spectrum of products: typology, complications, chiming watches, jewelled watches, new materials with the BB Aluminium, etc. Bulgari’s Watch division plays in all the compartments today and delivers a strong perceived value.

Tell us about the inspiration behind the latest women’s watches and how they bring together Bulgari’s DNA with innovation and modern timekeeping? 

The new Divina Mosaica Minute Repeater – along with its Divina sisters – go back in time to the splendour of the Roman Empire. Rome is Bulgari’s constant source of inspiration, and in particular the Baths of Caracalla and its fan-paved floors. The Divina models combine elegance, craftsmanship and history. Its refined shapes open up all manner of possibilities, including high jewellery and horological complications. For the first time, the fan motif is not only reflected in the shapes of the watch but also on its dial, for an overall effect that is still very contemporary.

As a designer, it is interesting to work for a brand with such an important and rich story behind it, even if sometimes you might have several constraints, but those constraints become the most important challenge to overcome. Rome with its history, architecture, monuments and its special light represent a strong source of inspiration. The proportions found in Roman architecture embody a magnificence that we often try to transfer and convey in our products, like in this case too.

OCTO ROMA WORLDTIMER BLACK

With the Divina watches we see again gemstones, something that is of course closely associated with the brand – how do you manage to find the correct balance between high jewellery craftsmanship and watchmaking and ensure it continues to be relevant for today’s customer?

Bulgari has to create women’s watches that reiterate the brand’s image. But we see also that female clients are sensitive to the combination of jewellery and watch complications, especially the chiming mechanism or the tourbillon. Both are playful and can be very feminine. The Divina Mosaica Minute Repeater diamond set is quintessential since it reunites our most edgy expertise: high jewellery and hyper-complication.

How do you go about selecting the gemstones used in Bulgari’s timepieces and what is a stone you love to work with? 

Expert knowledge of gems and cuts is fundamental in developing high jewellery watches. The in-house buyers and gemmologists continually comb the international gem markets in search of the best quality stones. Bulgari loves to shift the lines and overturn established conventions. Our jewellery expertise enables us to constantly innovate in the field of watchmaking, in terms of design and above all, through surprising associations between different and new materials. For future collections, we will keep being faithful to this typical feature of the Italian design culture which is also at the basis of the Bulgari design. There is not a special stone to me, what is extremely important is that the design of every precious watch must enhance the quality and uniqueness of the stones and craftsmanship.

GERALD GENTA MICKEY MOUSE

Tell us about the Mikey Mouse Gerald Genta watch and how this partnership came about?

In recent years there has been a great demand for this watch. Since we are the owners of the brand, we decided to relaunch a Disney Mickey Mouse Arena retrograde for all of those who were asking for this product. And this is just the start. The brand is aimed at watch collectors and enthusiasts so our strategy and approach with Gerald Genta is to remain exclusive.

How important is it to you to have an element of Italian design and craftsmanship in all that you do? 

My mission is to constantly reinterpret Bulgari’s Italian rich stylistic and cultural heritage in a contemporary language, in tune with the brand’s DNA. Through our pillar collections – such as Octo, Serpenti and Aluminium – we have exactly the same approach in terms of design: a special way of playing with common materials, the unique and very Italian way of “making a virtue out of necessity” and a different way to wear a watch. All these elements represent the roots of the Italian design culture and are crucial to me.

DIVAS DREAM MALACHITE

Tell us about your design process – how does it start and how do you go from the initial idea to the physical product?

The main challenge is to translate the most iconic Bulgari elements and codes into authentic masterpieces, fusing Swiss watchmaking know-how with Italian creativity. I do not have a specific wearer in mind: when I think about the customers who will use our watches, I try to anticipate their hidden needs as well as their refined taste and desire for things created with passion, which are often also the most beautiful and long-lasting. In addition to this, I constantly try to imagine how they will use the products. A watch designed for a man is strictly related to the movement and the concept of performance. Ladies watches are tied to emotions and to the pleasure of wearing the object. It is true that today women are becoming much more interested in mechanical watches and certain complications are becoming more and more in demand.

When are you at your most creative state of mind? 

I do not have a particular moment of the day. My creative process starts when I am attracted by something I see: an object, a detail, a special light, a particular shape, etc. it can even happen during a meeting: I have an idea and I start to translate it onto paper.

The past 18 months have been difficult for all, and the business of watches is all about emotions – how have you managed to keep in touch with clients and keep the emotion alive during this time?

We experienced a serious slowdown of sales in most markets and 2020 was the worst year of the last two decades including the 2008 financial crisis. On a positive note, this challenging situation has forced us to reconsider our ways of doing business, from the acceleration of our e-commerce platforms worldwide, to the development of new ways to secure business continuity and sales, like the development of the Geneva Watch Days event format. On my side, I never stop creating, sketching and keeping in touch with colleagues, clients and media through Zoom meetings. I tried to transfer to them my passion for the brand and the beautiful products we create.

OCTO ROMA TB PAPILLON

What is the biggest challenge you believe the watchmaking industry is facing today?

To launch our products digitally and physically and to re-scale where possible, events at a local level. All companies had to quickly adapt to this new way of working and the process is still ongoing.

As we see many smaller and virtual shows and events taking place – what in your opinion, is the future of large trade shows and events?

The online presentations and exhibitions are at the time being, the only way to connect to our communities, be it clients, retailers or media. We are all happy since it allows us to maintain the relationship and technology allows us to present products in a very appealing way. That said, we miss the physical encounters during exhibitions and on the markets, for sure. That is why our 2020 initiatives have been extremely well perceived by the community. It showed that despite the pandemic, there are means to organise something in a different way. The formats were not comparable to the classical fairs due to the circumstances: we had to reinvent it and it demonstrated that our proposal was matching the expectations and the reality of the market, especially for the Geneva Watch Days as it was a “phygital” event. This format; very light, self-managed and flexible, was a “première” in the watch industry. And considering its impact, it will probably not be the last.

Live meetings are mandatory but we, as companies, have to adapt. I don’t think we will revert to back to formats that we had before COVID-19, with big yearly fairs and gatherings. Even if gatherings are necessary for the community, what will change is the scale, the way they are organised, by combining them with digital channels and tools that complement physical activations. This is what we have been doing at Bulgari and it works very well. Our motto is; globally digital followed by local presentations.

Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration?

Inspiration can be found anywhere. Clearly, the city of Rome with its architecture, monuments and its special light is always a very strong source of inspiration.

DIVINA MOSAICA PINK

What is the professional motto that you live by?

The key issue when designing a product, it is to understand the design and aesthetic language behind it, the usage possibilities, the materials and its history. In a few words, the “culture of the project”: once you understand this, you can draw create anything.

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

I am lucky because my work and my passion for design coincide. I try to create projects and designs that show a different aspect of the same brand each time.

Amna Al Habtoor the founder of Arcadia by Amna, has launched a new fragrance to raise funds for the Noor Dubai treatment programme in the UAE.

The Noor Dubai UAE treatment program, launched in 2016, provides funding for UAE residents with limited financial means, who suffer from critical eye diseases. The collaboration will support the treatment of UAE residents in recognition of World Sight Day which takes place on 14th October.

Arcadia Unity fragrance

Arcadia has launched a special limited-edition fragrance titled “Unity” designed to underscore the sense of havoc and confusion created when losing one of the senses yet being anchored by the others.

The bottle features a unique design with all labels and box sleeves written in braille, while the perfume itself is inspired by Noor Dubai’s branding and coloured in a shade of blue. 20% of all sale proceeds will be donated to the Foundation.

The collaboration was launched with a series of videos featuring visually impaired individuals who were asked a series of questions about their condition, their heightened senses (smell particularly) and emotions and memories recalled when smelling the Unity fragrance. The videos have been commissioned to create awareness on how visually impaired people lead their day to day lives and with increased reliance on other senses.

“Arcadia is a brand that represents the idea of a utopic existence where each nostalgic fragrance is coupled with a narrative, underscoring the euphoric experience that occurs while reminiscing. When we all understand the struggles of a visually impaired person, our humanity unites our vision for better days. We are proud to be supporting a UAE charity with the mission to fight blindness worldwide,” said Amna Al Habtoor.

Arcadia Unity fragrance

Arcadia will also be providing free eye screening at its Dar al Wasl branch via the Noor Dubai mobile eye clinic, raising the importance of regular eye checkups. The team at Arcadia will provide a complimentary 15ml Unity fragrance for everyone participating in the screening which will take place between 5pm – 8pm on Thursday 14 October. Results of the screening will be shared with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) as part of their global campaign for World Sight Day.

Dr Manal Taryam, CEO & Board Member Noor Dubai Foundation, said: “It is our pleasure to collaborate with the homegrown brand Arcadia to support our national treatment program. We hope to inspire other homegrown brands and companies to take part in supporting our mission of improving the well-being of individuals through the prevention of blindness worldwide.” 

This year, Bell & Ross presents a new addition to its BR 05 collection.

The BR 05 GMT is a watch that offers a more urban interpretation of travel and time and can be worn for any occasion, while still offering the best in watchmaking and honouring the DNA of the brand. Launching at a time when many of us have been grounded for over a year, this watch encourages its owners to embrace travel once again and combine it with the most dynamic developments in design and innovation. The BR 05 GMT was created for the urban explorer who values both function, style and adventure. With a design inspired by a pilot’s cockpit, the BR 05 GMT is designed to accompany the transition between different times zones and is the modern globe trotter’s ultimate tool.

The BR05 GMT is a combination of stainless and robust materials encasing the finest Swiss watchmaking mechanics. Equipped with an automatic calibre with a GMT function, wound by a 360° oscillating weight, the new model reveals the beating heart of its movement through a sapphire glass case back. The black 41mm dial features large Arabic numerals and indices and hands coated in white Super-LumiNova®. It comprises colours that are ingrained in the brand’s DNA and reflects those used on-board flight instruments. While the white hands on the main dial indicate the time at the wearer’s current location, the red arrow-hand on the 24-hour graduated inner bezel shows the time in his country of origin.

This September Bell & Ross showcased the BR 05 GMT in Dubai and A&E was there to discover it first-hand. We met with Fabien de Nonancourt, General Manager at Bell & Ross to find out more about the importance of this launch and what else we can expect to see from the brand in the region moving forward.

BR05-GMT

What can you tell us about the watch we are here to discover today?

The BR05 line was first launched two years ago and the BR 05 GMT is an evolution of our iconic square design, presented in a more urban way, with an integrated design so you can still feel the characteristics of the watch – the square case, the round dial, the Arabic numerals and the four screws – but with a totally different approach, featuring an integrated bracelet that’s easy to wear. It’s a very versatile watch that can be worn for sports or with a suit. The collection already featured an automatic watch with a 40mm dial and a chronograph with a 42mm dial and we felt there was room for a size in between (41mm), and that’s how we came up with this project. It was interesting to work on a watch with a GMT function when we were not allowed to travel, so we were travelling only in our imagination! It was a great project and I think it has come at the right moment as countries are opening up and we can travel again.

Who is the person that this watch is designed for?

It’s designed of course for people who are travelling a lot and who enjoy having a GMT function on their watch, but also for those who are interested in design and having a small watch complication on their wrist. It’s designed for what we call the “urban explorer”; it’s a watch inspired by aviation in its origin but it’s for everyday life and for those living in the city.

BR 05-GMT

Why do you think watch fans and collectors in the region can resonate with this timepiece?

Bell & Ross is popular not just in the Middle East but everywhere among watch connoisseurs because it has such an iconic design. We believe they are looking for something that shares the same philosophy as the brand but that can be worn more easily. We had the vintage collection which is more classic and we wanted to add the Bell & Ross touch by finding something that was really inspired by aviation with a unique design but captured the DNA of the brand. I think the BR 05 GMT is a really good compromise because you can still feel the brand in the design but you can wear it for any occasion and I think that’s what will please most of the watch connoisseurs. Also, compared to the BR 03 that is very instrumental, here we have a watch that is more into watchmaking and we have very nice finishings etc. It has a nice combination that is more about true Swiss watchmaking in its design. Also, of course, there is the link to travel which, with an international city like Dubai, is important as people are travelling all the time.

We know that Bell & Ross is a brand that’s about going against the norm and pushing the boundaries – how do you think this sets you apart from others and what challenges does this throw up?

The biggest challenge with this watch was to create something that shared the same codes as the BR 03. The Product Committee would meet every week to discuss how we wanted to create a product that can be worn every day but would still feel as though it was displaying the DNA of the brand and the collection. We saw several very nice prototypes throughout the process but with many of them, we were losing part of the DNA of the collection. So the challenge was to maintain the key components of the watch. We briefed our designers that the basics were that we needed to have a square watch with a round dial and four screws and from there, they could play with it. And I think this is what makes the watch so unique. In a way, it’s easy to make a nice watch, but to make something really special you need to have some limits or constraints and this is where you can create something at its best. I think we found the right balance with the BR 05 GMT.

BR 05-GMT

Dubai Watch Week is coming up shortly – will Bell & Ross be participating and what can we expect to see? 

Yes, we will be participating in Dubai Watch Week. Along with our local partner Seddiqi, we will be introducing a limited edition watch that has been specifically created for the 50th anniversary of the UAE. I cannot tell you much about it now but it will all be revealed during Dubai Watch Week!

The past 18 months have been unusual, to say the least – how has the strategy at Bell & Ross changed post-COVID-19?

Surprisingly, because of the situation where we could not meet our clients in person, we have actually got much closer to them. Because they weren’t able to go to the stores they became more involved with the brand through our digital platforms and for us, it became a way to contact them directly. So I think this was a major change that we will continue moving forward. If there were any positives to come out of the COVID-19 situation this would be it and we are seeing the results.

BR 05-GMT

Can you tell us a little about the online business at Bell & Ross?

It’s doing very well. Bell & Ross was one of the first Swiss watch brands to start selling online. We started back in 2008 which was a long time before most other brands. We have seen tremendous growth over the past two years with the COVID-19 situation. I think it was a trend before, but COVID has accelerated the speed at which it has developed.

What can you tell us about Bell & Ross in the Middle East and the relationship you have with clients here? 

Here in the Middle East, we have customers who are true watch connoisseurs and who understand the brand. We have been in the region for many years but we took new steps five years ago when we started to work with Seddiqi and we have since been promoting the brand a lot more. I think everything we have been doing has helped and we have started to feel we have a good customer base here. We see good growth every year but we still have room for more and to see more people from the Middle East discovering our collections. I believe we are well known amongst watch connoisseurs but we need to target people who are interested in watches but not necessarily to this level.

What is something you would like to see being done at the brand that hasn’t been done yet?

That’s a tough question! In my position what is great is that I get to see the products that are coming up. I cannot tell you much but I know what’s in the pipeline and I think it will be very exciting. At the moment we need to further develop the BR 05 collection and that’s what we’re focusing on and what you will see in the near future.

BR 05-GMT Rubber

What else is in the pipeline for the brand in the coming months?

Aside from the limited edition UAE watch, we have a project that has just been released. A BR 05 in full gold with a gold skeleton movement. This is a limited edition of 99 units and it’s a really nice watch.

What is a message you would like to send to Bell & Ross clients and friends in the region?

Bell & Ross have had a very consistent strategy from the beginning and the brand has always been connected to aviation. While I am here in Dubai it is not only to launch this watch but we are also partners of the Patrouille de France, the acrobatic team from the French Army, who will be in Dubai this coming Saturday to present an air show for the French National Day. Through this event we want to show our fans here in the Middle East that we are still connected and faithful to our aviation roots but we want to find ways of bringing that to the region.

We are talking about a watch that is closely connected to travel – where is your favourite place to travel and why?

I am a person that likes to discover new locations that I have never been to before. This summer I went to a once-in-a-lifetime destination close to the North Pole where I walked on the ice pack and saw polar bears – it was an amazing experience and my favourite place so far. I’m always trying to look for unusual locations like this.

From October 5^th to October 7^th 2021 jewellery house Boucheron hosted “La Maison” a visionary jewellery experience in Riyadh.

This exclusive pop-up, located at Lakum Artspace offered Boucheron clients and guests the chance to discover some of the brand’s latest jewellery creations as well as a sending them on a journey of discovery through the House’s history.

Innovation room

With new jewellery pieces on display, visitors are invited to discover the latest collections from the Parisian Maison, including exclusive high jewellery pieces and iconic collections including Quatre, Serpent Bohème, Jack de Boucheron.

Heritage room

Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of Maison Boucheron discusses the event: “Middle East is a crucial region for Boucheron business-wise. While it is one of the regions in which we have been operating for the longest time – we are actually one of the oldest jewelers established there – it still represents a huge potential and remains a very important part of our customer portfolio. We operate right at the very top of the market, selling to highly educated and savvy collectors who are buying investments, as well as dreams. We are also very proud of our local clientele because they are those who most likely have the best understanding of the Maison, its values and its personality. That is why Boucheron chose Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host its first edition of La Maison event in GCC.”

Entrance

Before arriving, guests were invited to create a profile on their phone via a minisite that created a personal Boucheron style recommendation. At the end of the questionnaire, each guest received a personal QR code to scan during the physical experience. This unique QR code allowed visitors to enjoy a personalized journey and discover their own Boucheron style.

La Maison comes as Boucheron also announces the opening of a new boutique in Riyadh. Located in Al Faisaliah this is the third Boucheron boutique in Saudi Arabia and further reinforces the brand’s commitment to expanding its presence in The Kingdom.

As Guerlain relaunches its L’Art & La Matière Haute Parfumerie collection we meet the man behind these special creations

For almost two centuries the house of Guerlain has seen fragrance as an art form. More than just scents, Guerlain’s luxury perfumes are works of art, and the artists behind them are the perfumers that bring them to life. Working with raw materials in the same way that an artist would work with paints, each fragrance creation brings together the finest ingredients in a unique way to create something truly special.

This Fall, Guerlain is relaunching its L’Art & La Matière haute Parfumerie collection. First introduced in 2005, this collection of rare and exceptional compositions was designed for fragrance lovers and informed connoisseurs. Using the best raw materials these exclusive perfumes elevate the concept of fragrance to the next level. The eleven iconic scents are joined by four of the House’s beloved fragrances, which have been renamed for the occasion — Frenchy Lavande, Herbes Troublantes, Oeillet Pourpre and Épices Volées, as well as two new additions to the family in the form of Rose Chérie and Santal Pao Rosa. The fragrances are housed in a new refillable bottle which was inspired by an iconic bottle from the House’s heritage.

Thierry Wasser, Guerlain Master Perfumer was responsible for bringing the modern-day collection together and creating the two new fragrances that complete the family. We find out more.

Thierry Wasser

What is the message you want to share with the L’Art & La Matière high perfume creations? 

When the collection first launched in 2005, no one besides Guerlain had a collection like it. Previously, the Aqua Allegoria collection which was introduced in 1999, was the only thing that came close, so in 2005, L’Art & La Matière introduced a more Haute Parfumerie feel which is today interpreted as “niche”. At the time this collection was mind-blowing, but the reality is that to create something like this is our trade and so it makes sense for Guerlain because we have been doing it for 200 years. After the success of the collection, other brands started making similar offerings, but they are not Guerlain – our legitimacy in creating and promoting a collection like this is our trade and that’s very important.

Before COVID-19 we decided that we would relaunch this collection but the pandemic actually helped us, as it gave us plenty of time. It was a process that needed to be matured until we refined it so that we express the true meaning. In 2005, the meaning was to showcase our craftsmanship and our trade and today we want to consolidate that. Firstly, we have changed the bottle, going back to our roots with a design inspired by a bottle from the 19th century. When it comes to the fragrances, many of them are the same as the fragrances we had in 2005, but since it is a collection it is alive, like a family, and as it matures, some products come out and some come in. So we now have two additional babies: Rose Chérie and Santal Pao Rosa. We also took fragrances from other parts of our catalogue to bring them all together into this family and that family idea is the philosophy of the collection. It’s not something that is frozen in time, there is a circle of life and this is a true reflection of that circle. That’s why it is relevant.

Furthermore, this collection is about raw materials, underlined by our craftsmanship. I am responsible for manufacturing the products and in the world of fragrance, when you say manufacturing it means sourcing. And what do you source? Raw materials. Raw materials are a true reflection of what we do and the artistic part is truly the inspiration. We can be inspired by whatever sparks our imagination. What I love about this collection is that very often there is a contrast within the scents and when you put a contrast of ingredients together they play off each other – everything has a purpose and a meaning and that’s what this collection is about.

What can you tell us about the two new additions to the collection, why did you decide to add them at this moment and how do they complement the others?

The future will tell us whether these two fragrances fit or not and that is the beauty of a collection. A fragrance is the result of a perfumer telling a story, so when you have the freedom of telling whatever story you want, it makes your life much easier. These two new fragrances are coming into the collection like part of the family. Much like a family needs to have balance in its members, I don’t think romance was really expressed before and that’s what I wanted to add. Rose Chérie is a light rose that expresses the romance of Paris, but if you are looking for more depth that’s grounded; then you have Santal Pao Rosa. Every member of the family has something to give to the whole collection.

When you begin to create a fragrance do you start with the emotion or with the ingredients and the emotion comes later? 

There are no rules. Sometimes you smell something and instantly the magic is there and you start going on an internal trip because of that scent. And then by association, you connect an idea to this journey and you build on that. On the other hand, however, very often the feeling comes first. For me, smell has texture, colour, sound and it expresses something. And this is why I cannot explain it. I once told someone “raw materials talk to me”. And they thought I was crazy! But you have to understand that smelling something can transport you to another world. So if you are engaged in the moment which you should be, you can go to the next level. Every fragrance collection begins with a sparkle and by association, you build on that.

Is there a favourite ingredient that you love to work with? 

When it comes to choosing ingredients I can only compare it to the way you could be craving chocolate after not eating it for six months, then suddenly this craving comes from nowhere, you eat two bars, and you move on to the next thing! Raw materials are like this. Suddenly you have the crazy willingness to work with Bulgarian Rose for example, and once you have exhausted yourself with that rose, you remember something else and you move on to that. I cannot say there is one favourite ingredient but I have a lot of cravings!

During the past 18 months it has been difficult to travel – how have you gone about sourcing raw ingredients when you can’t physically go to the source? 

Yes, thirty per cent of my time is spent going around the world, sourcing ingredients. Those sourcing routes are very secure so you don’t just buy the ingredient, it is also about the people you buy it from. And that’s why I travel because I want to know these people. So when you cannot travel you find other ways. Because of the relationships that I have created, we can continue sourcing in the best way, even when I cannot travel. These are relationships that need to be cherished and nourished even when you cannot physically be there.

Which fragrances from the collection do you think will particularly resonate with people in this region?

I wish I knew – but that’s the beauty of a collection! My advice would be not to intellectualise fragrance or overthink it. Pretend there is a big vacuum between your ears and go with your emotion and what it draws you to. Who am I to say which fragrance will be popular in the Middle East? You have to be free to allow people to like whichever fragrance they want and to wear it in any way they feel. So I cannot answer as it is not something I think about when I am designing them. It’s similar to how I don’t believe in fragrance for day or night, or fragrance for summer or winter, or even fragrance for a specific gender. If you travel as much as I do, you understand that you can’t put things in boxes.

What do you think people are looking for from fragrance today? 

The motivation for people when buying a fragrance is a mystery to me, but I do wish that people would experience their approach to fragrance in a more honest way. Sometimes they can easily be drawn to the image of a brand or a concept and I think that can distract from the purpose of fragrance which I believe is for the wearer to express something about themself. It’s like invisible clothing, it gives you a way to present yourself. And that’s what I mean by honest – because a scent should appeal to you and so you want to own it and for it to become you. That’s why I don’t like to express too much about how I design a fragrance because a bottle coming out of my factory is not mine anymore, I want each customer to truly own it. I think that people need to have an approach in which as little thinking as possible is involved. Once you have that freedom of mind, you can approach a collection. The point of a collection is to give you the freedom to choose, in order for you to own it. With these fragrances, you should not be intimidated you should see which you are drawn too and then you can narrow it down and make a choice, but you have to be open-hearted and open-minded – and stop thinking!

The Public Art Programme at Expo 2020 Dubai will showcase specially created immersive artworks from a selection of local and international artists throughout the six-month event.

The artworks will form a creative journey around Expo 2020’s public spaces and will live on as part of the future city of District 2020. The programme will mark the first-ever curated permanent open-air art exhibition in the UAE and the artworks will remain at the World Expo site after the event closes leaving a lasting impact on the UAE’s vibrant and thriving art scene. The idea of the programme is to provide a prism to view contemporary art creations and a context that allows an exploration of the philosophical aspect of Ibn Al Haytham’s theories on visual perception. The famous Arab mathematician, astronomer, and physicist is the source of inspiration for the project.

As Curator, Public Art Programme, Expo 2020 Dubai, Tarek Abou El Fetouh has been working on the programme for a number of years, striving to find the perfect blend of artists that will showcase the best of the UAE’s talent and celebrate the art and culture scene in the region. Located across the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability districts and Expo 2020’s two parks, the artworks will form landmarks on the site, inviting visitors to discover more. We find out more about this project and the lasting legacy it will leave.

Chimera © Monira Al Qadiri 2021. Commissioned by, and collection of, Expo 2020 Dubai

What can you tell us about the Public Art Programme at Expo 2020 and what are you hoping to achieve with it?

The Public Art Programme will present 11 creations of artists from the UAE, the wider region and the world in the public spaces of Expo 2020 site. These permanent substantial public artworks will be landmarks, becoming an essential part of District 2020’s innovative character, interwoven within its urban fabric and a future platform for contemporary artistic practices in the city of Dubai.

How do you think the project is helping to support and nurture local talent?

The Public Art Programme is the first of its kind in the UAE and the region, as the programme engaged contemporary artists to create artworks within the public spaces in a neighbourhood while it is being planned and built. These artworks are permanent, they will stay in the urban fabric, the residents and visitors of the neighbourhood will interact with concepts, aesthetics and knowledge coming from different parts of the world. This reflects Expo 2020’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. The presence of these artworks will open doors for creativity and imagination to flourish. The artworks of local artists are presented in connection with the creation of their regional and international counterparts.

Chimera © Monira Al Qadiri 2021. Commissioned by, and collection of, Expo 2020 Dubai

How did you go about choosing the artists that are participating in the project? 

The artworks are commissioned, and creating them required long engagement and ongoing discussions with the artists on the conceptual framework that connects all the works across the site as well as studying the precise locations of their work. It was a long process, that required committed artists. The artists visited the site and proposed works for these specific locations that were identified carefully and in connection with the urban design of the site for the duration of Expo 2020 and for the legacy of Expo. Additionally, the participating artists are all engaged with socio-political and aesthetical research, they are engaged in the programme based on their concepts, aesthetic language and eagerness to explore new horizons.

The conceptual framework of the Public Art Programme takes inspiration from the famous Arab mathematician, astronomer, and physicist Ibn al Haytham’s seminal work, “Book of Optics” (c. 11th century). Ibn al Haytham has been called “the father of modern optics”, for his significant theories and foundational principles of optics and visual perception. This framework provides a context that allows an exploration of the philosophical aspect of Ibn al-Haytham’s theories on visual perception, including his definitions of vision, recognition, and the impossibility of envisioning a full picture of reality within oneself, without the power of imagination. Recalling Ibn al-Haytham today inspires us to understand the explanation of phenomena and the relation between the imagined and the perceived and explore human commonality while understanding cultural particulars. It may be that the only human capacity that helps us navigate diverse cultural particulars is the power of the imagination and the ability to grasp stories, however strange.

Afra Al Dhaheri,
Pillow Fort Playground
Marble, 289 x 357 x 160 cm, 52 x 143 x 120 cm
© Afra Al Dhaheri 2021
Commissioned by and Collection of Expo 2020 Dubai

Can you tell us about some of the upcoming artworks that will be presented throughout the project? 

This conceptual framework allows several threads of artistic visions and complex layers of exploration. Re-visiting the “Book of Optics” today invites us to think about the universe, to look at the sky, see the planets and the stars. This is an important thread in the Public Art Programme around the Mobility District within the Expo site. Visitors will see the floor sculpture of Nadia Kaabi-Linke that shows the revolving shadows of an invisible bicycle over the course of one day, the shadows cast by the sun and the moon are calculated precisely on this point on Earth in Jebel Ali and Dubai. Artist Haegue Yang created a huge sonic planetarium model with planets covered in bells. Her work alludes to the achievements of Ibn Al-Haytham and his work on perception, based on his observations of the moon appearing larger or smaller depending on the position of the viewer. Artist Khalil Rabah created a sculpture that references an instrument invented in the 11th century to measure latitude without any calculation tables, using only sunlight and the three objects. Rabah deconstructs the tool and enlarges its elements to create a playful arena on a white marble platform, with an engraved diagram indicating the latitude of the Expo 2020 site.

In the Sustainability District, Shaikha Al Mazrou created a sculpture that conceptually and formally references plinths, and its form allows space in District 2020 for other artists to create artworks that can be exhibited in relation to it. Shaikha challenges and questions the sustainability of public art in the district and in Dubai. Not far from this work, visitors will see an iconic work by artist Olafur Eliasson, a bronze sculpture that was cast over a glacial ice block from Greenland that was formed over millions of years from layers of highly compressed snow. The sculpture is an indexical trace of the Greenland ice sheet, which loses tens of thousands of similar blocks each minute as a result of global warming.

Afra Al Dhaheri,
Pillow Fort Playground
Marble, 289 x 357 x 160 cm, 52 x 143 x 120 cm
© Afra Al Dhaheri 2021
Commissioned by and Collection of Expo 2020 Dubai

Another thread explores the role of monuments in the local landscape and their connection with memory, architecture and nature. My colleagues and associated curators, Muneera Al Sayegh and Mohammed Al Olama worked on this section with artists Afra Al Dhaheri and Asma Belhamar.

The work of Afra is a large-scale marble sculpture inspired by the tikkay, traditional Emirati floor pillows, revisiting childhood moments of impromptu play. Asma’s sculpture explores the visual distortion experienced when commuting from mountainscapes into cityscapes, where the change from landscape to architecture and from typography to iconography feels like a journey through shifting scales and times.

These are some examples of artworks that visitors will see on the site, in addition to other works by Hamra Abbas, Yinka Shonibare and Abdullah Al Saadi.

Can you tell us a little about the work of Monira Al Qadiri and why she was chosen for this project?

One of these 11 permanent artworks is created by the Kuwaiti artist Monira Al Qadiri. It is a gigantic iridescent, oil drill-shaped sculpture titled Chimera. Through this giant sculpture, Monira attempts to merge the pre-and post-oil eras into one body. She creates aesthetic connections between pearls and oil, through their colour, materiality, symbolism, ecology and economy to reimagine the past, present and future of the wider Gulf region. The sculpture looks like a futuristic creature from outer space, its presence in the public space is intriguing, raising questions, diverse reactions, and imagination.

Afra Al Dhaheri,
Pillow Fort Playground
Marble, 289 x 357 x 160 cm, 52 x 143 x 120 cm
© Afra Al Dhaheri 2021
Commissioned by and Collection of Expo 2020 Dubai

What can visitors expect to learn over the course of the six months of Expo 2020 from this project?

The artworks carry, not only the aesthetical language of the artists but also their concepts, ideas and knowledge. These ideas and knowledge come from different parts of the world so they also invite visitors to explore the ways humans perceive objects and also each other.

Born and raised in Dubai, Emirati fashion designer Ahlam Shahin decided to turn her passion into a business in 2016 with the launch of her namesake brand.

After studying Civil Engineering, Shahin realised her true calling and pursued her dream to create a brand that is rooted in defining understated elegance and promoting a vision of bold femininity. At the core of the fashion brand are the select fabrics she chooses to work with, something that is key to the longevity and timelessness of her pieces.

Combined with her skill for design and her eye for details, Shahin is able to create an array of feminine yet timeless pieces that will appeal to women from all walks of life. Offering affordable luxury through fluid pieces that illustrate a sense of refined sophistication is the ethos of the brand. We discover more about the brand and where Shahin plans to take it in the future.

Tell us a little about your brand and how would you introduce it to the world?

Ahlam Shahin is a Dubai based brand that channels a vision of bold femininity. It is rooted in defining understated elegance through an array of designs that are unique, timeless and creative.

Your background was not in fashion so what made you decide to enter this world and create your own fashion brand? 

I have always had an eye for fashion. I loved playing with different fabrics and types of embroidery to create customised designs for myself as well as for friends and family. I soon recognised a passion fuelling in me and I decided to start my own brand and take this to the next level.

Who is the woman that you design for? 

I like to design for the modern woman of today who looks to express her style and personality through pieces that are feminine yet exude a statement essence.

Your pieces combine traditional style with modern elements – how have you perfected this balance? 

While designing my pieces, I like to work with traditional silhouettes but reimagined from a modern angle. Elements such as statement sleeves, embroidery, patterns and the use of fabrics elevate each style to offer a balance.

How does your heritage and the style of women in the Middle East inspire you in what you do? 

I like to keep the lifestyle, tradition and taste of the women in the region when I’m designing my pieces to which I add the Ahlam Shahin signature aesthetic.

We know that your choice of fabrics is very important to you, how do you go about selecting and sourcing the materials that you use? 

When sourcing fabrics, I am very particular about the quality. We source from excellent local suppliers who provide high quality imported fabrics to match our designs. We also work with luxury fabrics sourced from Italy.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Dubai and everything that surrounds me is an inspiration – the culture, the art, the heritage and the people.

What is the vision for your brand? 

My vision is to see our unique pieces on women around the world.

Tell us about your boutique in Dubai and the concept behind it?

As the brand was growing, I decided to take the step to open a boutique to give my clients a unique experience.

Can you share a little on your latest collection?

The Spring/Summer 2022 collection is inspired by the “Moon Woman” painting by Jackson Pollock. The curved lines in the painting have been translated into clean cuts and voluminous silhouettes, while the abstract patterns inspired the embellished details adorned on each design. The collection features statement pieces that embody creativity as well as bold femininity.

What are your thoughts on the fashion industry in the UAE and where would you like to see it go to?

The fashion industry is growing in the UAE with many talented designers and artists who are showcasing their creations and I’m delighted to be a part of it. I would love to see Arab talent represented at fashion weeks around the world.

What is in the pipeline for the coming year that we can look forward to’?

We’re on the road to showcasing our collection at retailers such as Threads Styling, Ounass and Harvey Nichols, Doha.

How would you describe your brand in one word?

Unique.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

The secret of life is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.

This year the UAE celebrates 50 years – what does this occasion mean to you and what is a message you would share on this day?

I feel truly honoured to be a part of a country that provides us with all the opportunities and support to achieve any goal we set and I hope I can offer my contribution to the country through the ever-growing fashion industry. This year is extra special as we get to celebrate 50 years as a country but also to welcome Expo 2020 Dubai.

In memory of the late Alber Elbaz, 44 international fashion houses and designers came together to close Paris Fashion Week, creating looks that paid homage to the designer who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Under the theme “Love Brings Love” Alber’s own company AZ fashion brought together the designers who have each created a look that inspired them or reminded them of their friend and fellow creative.

Fashion houses including Dior, Valentino, Givenchy, Versace, Giorgio Armani and many, many more created designs that reflected the beliefs and skills of Elbaz as a fashion designer and recognised his passion for love and making women look beautiful.

Scroll down to see some of our favourite designs…

Balenciaga

Saint Laurent

Off White

Louis Vuitton

Lanvin

Jean Paul Gaultier

Iris Van Herpen

Gucci

Givenchy

Giorgio Armani

Fendi

Dior

Comme des Garçons

As Louis Vuitton presented its Spring/Summer 2022 collection presentation at The Louvre the show was shockingly disrupted by Climate Change protestors with security guards forced to remove them from the runway.

Men and women carrying signs with remarks such as “Overconsumption = Extinction” managed to make their way onto the runway to share their views, but, while the points in some ways should be taken seriously, the show must go on.

The collection itself which was described as “le grand bal of time” in the show notes, celebrates various decades throughout the last 200 years and echoed the travel heritage of the company which celebrates 200 years since its founder Louis Vuitton was born, this year.

With a strong focus on eighties punk, Nicolas Ghesquière’s designs were a perfect mismatch of old meets new which a strong focus on the expressive experience of dressing and how its functions and codes combine to make something completely unique and beautiful.

The setting for the presentation was decked out with dozens of antique chandeliers which had been collected over a number of months, setting the mood for this grand celebration of fashion.

See more of the collection below:

Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection presentation took us back to fashion shows of the past.

Chanel Creative Director Virginie Viard recreated a nineties-style runway show with photographers lined up along the catwalk and clothing paying homage to the 80s and 90s decades and putting photography at the forefront of the offering.

“I used to love the sound of flashbulbs going off at the shows in the eighties, when the models were on a raised runway. I wanted to recapture that emotion.” Said Viard.

A soft colour palette of pastel shades and monochrome brought to life the mood of the eighties while high leg swimsuits, jackets embellished with multicolour crochet and denim suits were juxtaposed with bold prints of big, colourful butterfly wings on black chiffon.

Certain silhouettes are punctuated with a big shopper or a soft quilted bag embellished with a large chain. The flared heels and the buckles of the Mary-Janes and sandals “remind us of pirate shoes,” Virginie Viard says with amusement. “I always like to have something romantic. A touch of mystery.”

See more of the collection below:

Miu Miu presented its Spring/Summer 2022 collection designed by Miuccia Prada on Tuesday, October 5th 2021.

The collection; “Basic Instincts,” took us right back to our teenage years with new interpretations of the ‘belt’ low-rise mini skirt and school girl look, as worn by the likes of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton in the noughties!

The foundations of the collection came down to classic pieces: trousers, shirts, blazers, suits and sheath dresses, which have been given new proportions combining old and new. Edges are left raw and elements of the construction exposes as if open to the elements. For evening, elegant (more modest) feminine looks were embellished with elegant sparkling details and embroidered detail.

Accessories came in the form of pointed Mary-Janes worn with calf-length socks of school-girl inspired pumps and sneakers. Bags were held firmly in the fist or oversized accessories worn on shoulders.

The Show Space for the show was decorated with artworks by artist Meriem Bennani whose body of work explores intimate relationships mediated through the camera. Here, that idea is echoed and overlapped with another interrelation, of women and fashion. Conceived alongside the collection, Bennani commands control of the Miu Miu live stream via a series of filmic artistic interventions starring her own mother. These fantasy sequences are mixed real-time into the broadcast of the show to blur lines between virtual and real.

See more of the collection below: