The Tod’s Group has shared today its ongoing participation in a project that is working to restore Rome’s Colosseum, one of the most iconic historical monuments in the world and a key part of Italian history.

The end of the second phase of the project celebrates the history of this iconic landmark and the symbolic message of trust in its repair.

The project to restore this iconic Roman landmark was developed for the commissioner of the archaeological areas of Rome and Ostia Antica in agreement with Rome’s Archaeological Heritage Department. The project was implemented thanks to the involvement of the Tod’s Group who were active supporters of the work.

Diego Della Valle and Andrea Della Valle, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Tod’s Group

The second phase of the project, which began in December 2018 under the supervision of the new autonomous institute Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, has focused on the Colosseum’s hypogea, a monument within the monument, corresponding to the portion of the amphitheatre which lies below the arena and that in ancient times was invisible to the spectators.

The restoration saw the involvement of more than 80 people, including archaeologists, restorers, architects, engineers, surveyors and construction workers.

At the end of the works, a 160-metre long walkway was installed in the Colosseum, opening up to visitors an area of the monument that had never been accessible before.

This second instalment consolidates Tod’s Group’s commitment to this World Heritage site – a commitment that was established with the Group’s support of the restoration of the external façade of the Colosseum, which was completed in 2016.

The project will continue with the restoration of the building’s galleries of the Colosseum’s second order, and with the overall optimisation of the technical implementation. Finally, the service centre will be relocated and moved in the outer area of the Colosseum, allowing visitors to access it in a more comfortable manner.

Tod’s unveiled the latest progress on its social media account today, a film that shows the beauty of the city of Rome and its history.

Watch it here…

Louis Vuitton Men’s collection by Virgil Abloh Spring-Summer 2022 titled Amen Break features iconic staples and reinvented classics.

The collection was revealed in Virgil Abloh’s latest collection a cinematic presentation where kung fu and raving collide.

Based on an unusual concept, “Amen Break” saw the Men’s Artistic Director zoom in and out on archetypes and subcultures known to us all, highlighting at once their cultural context and collective re-contextualisation.

A chapter in the Black Canon’s preservation and teaching of Black art history on a par with that of Europe, the Amen Break exemplifies the arts’ instinct to sample and resample a core design.

In this case, when it’s applied to fashion, the staples of suits, tracksuits, shirts and t-shirts are re-interpreted on a never-ending loop and the Amen Break becomes a metaphor for the myth of ownership in contemporary creativity.

Two core themes of martial arts and raving are present throughout the bold collection. Abloh looked to the rise of electro in the late eighties and the pioneering DJ’s of the time.

This was juxtaposed with the martial arts craze of the nineties, specifically the 1995 album Liquid Swords by Brooklyn-born hip-hop artist GZA. Underpinned by the teachings of martial arts, and inspired by the 1993 film Legends of the Liquid Sword, the record also integrated elements from the 1980 film Shotgun Assassin and dealt with philosophical themes analogised through the game of chess.

The graphic chequered pattern of a chessboard was a great source of inspiration and informed a variety of motifs, while the physical form of the game manifests in silhouettes through skirts, hats and gloves.

GZA employed the virtues of composure native to martial arts to express values of mental strength through physical self-discipline. GZA features in the Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2022 film.

The collection breaks down key menswear staples from these eras including the tracksuit which is juxtaposed with the tailored suit for Abloh’s collection. The contrast between formal and casual is reflected throughout and fluidity of styles and genders are key elements of the collection.

Virgil Abloh collaborated with Nike to create a bespoke design of the iconic Nike Air Force 1 basketball trainer. This new design fused together with the trainer’s classic codes with Louis Vuitton modernity, and pays tribute to Hip-Hop culture.

See more of the collection below:

Gucci has announced the introduction of a ground-breaking new material to be incorporated into their future collection.

Demetra is a new material, made in Italy with a fully eco-friendly ethos. Born from Gucci’s desire to explore and innovate materials for the future, Demetra is the result of two years of research. The first products to showcase this material are three sneakers that debuted this week. Titled The Gucci Basket, Gucci New Ace and Gucci Rhyton the three sneaker designs are the first in a planned line of product launches using this new sustainable material.

Gucci Rhyton

Produced entirely in Italy in Gucci’s factory, the new material is created using the same expertise and processes for tanning, therefore, achieving characteristics that give this material a distinctive, pliable and resilient performance, with a supple and luxurious finish.

The eco-innovation behind Demetra combines efficient processes with animal-free raw materials that are primarily from sustainable, renewable, and bio-based sources.

Gucci New Ace

“In our 100th anniversary year, Demetra is a new category of material that encapsulates Gucci’s quality and aesthetic standards with our desire to innovate, leveraging our traditional skills and know-how to create for an evolving future,” said Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci. “Demetra offers our industry an easily scalable, alternative choice and a more sustainable material that also answers the needs of animal-free solutions.”

This versatile, more sustainable material will be used over a number of product categories. There are no limits on the volume that can be produced and the process is exclusive to the house. With this in mind, Gucci will make Demetra available for the industry as a new material source that can be customised to offer exclusive finishing. Demetra scraps will also be upcycled and reused.

Giorgio Armani’s menswear Spring/Summer 2022 collection “Back Where It All Started” was presented with a physical show on Via Borgonuovo, the original home of the fashion house and the place where it all began.

The designer explores once again the idea of clothing that frees the body instead of constricting it, with fluid shapes and a style that moves away from formality and decisively embraces the informality of sportswear.

Reflecting the times that we are living in, Mr Armani recognises the need for comfort, wearability and versatility from clothing and this collection fits all of those needs.

The suit is revamped in its shapes, proposing the idea of coordinated top and bottom: an evening shirt with a stand-up collar or a denim jacket-like cut combined with trousers with darts made in the same pinstripe wool, or a gilet-jacket with Bermuda shorts.

There is a sense of lightness about each of the looks with a clear theme of elegant sportswear running through the collection. Weightless fabrics that move with the body represent freedom and expression.

The colour palette spans from soft blue to sandy hues and chalk white, with pops of red and green that recall the world of nature.

See more of the collection below:

LVMH-owned luxury hotel brand Cheval Blanc will open its first property in Paris later this year.

With just 72 rooms and suites, it’s set to be the most exclusive address in the city, offering panoramic views of the Seine River in one of Paris’s most iconic locations.

Designed by renowned architect Peter Marino, the architecture, fittings and amenities are nothing short of extraordinary, offering the incredible level of luxury that you would expect from a Cheval Blanc property.

The hotel comes complete with an ultra-luxe Dior spa, extraordinary rooftop terrace and a number of dining venues headed by three Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Donckele.

The hotel is set to open on September 7th with reservations and bookings now being taken.

Developed by LVMH Hotel Management, Cheval Blanc now has several properties across the world including Cheval Blanc Courchevel, which opened in 2006 in Courchevel, Cheval Blanc Randheli, in the Maldives and Cheval Blanc St-Tropez.

Tod’s presented its men’s Spring-Summer 2022 collection via a virtual presentation this week as part of Milan Fashion Week.

Titled “Tod’s Under The Italian Sun” the video was shot at Cantina Petra, Suvereto in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and is a celebration of modern Italian craftsmanship.

The collection is made up of classic staples reinterpreted in contemporary ways using modern materials new details and new proportions.

This season the inspiration combines the adventurous imagery of Peter Beard with the idea of ​​the urban safari, imagining a wardrobe focused on leisure. Volumes are soft, enveloping, even in tailoring. Mediterranean and sandy colours harmonise with the landscape.

Classic staples including the Jack Biker jacket and the iconic T Jacket are given modern updates including patch pockets in leather, suede details and gommino pads on the arms. Trench coats are made of light nylon in bright hues and lightweight safari jackets are parted with chambray trousers and canvas shirts. Trousers are practical, in parachute canvas, with drawstring detail at the ankle. Knitwear is chunky yet light.

Accessories feature thick-soled desert and Chelsea boots, and the Winter Gommino returns with a new look. The new sneakers Dots Run overlap nylon and leather and combine contrasting colours, with soles that are always characterised by the iconic gommino.  The penny loafer or T Timeless moccasins have deconstructed and soft shapes.

The Camera Bags, inspired by the bags of photographers, are also marked by the T, while the lion recurs like a herald: embossed on the leather of the large backpacks and weekend bags in canvas and leather, and on the bags in woven raffia and leather, embroidered and enlarged on the canvas bags.

See more of the collection below:

Chanel presents a new capsule collection of watches. Chanel Electro features graphic codes borrowed from Electro culture.

In the 1990s, this music genre offered a world that was radically different and original, reflecting the night scene and the atmosphere in which it emerged. Electronic music moved beyond the confines of the music world and gave rise to an authentic aesthetic culture.

Lying at the heart of this narrative are contrasts between black, white and colour. White is illuminated by colour. Colour is intensified by the depths of black.

“I conceived this capsule collection like a performance program, inviting our classics, the J12, PREMIÈRE, CODE COCO and BOY·FRIEND, to perform side by side on this stage, drawing their inspiration from the codes of this world,” explains Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the Watchmaking Creation Studio.

The collection consists of new additions of the iconic J12, PREMIÈRE, CODE COCO and BOY·FRIEND watches featuring bold colours and bold new accents.

PREMIERE ELECTRO

The PREMIÈRE Electro is inspired by the energy of electronic music. Now in a blackened steel version with a chain bracelet, interwoven with multicoloured leather. It is limited to 555 pieces.

CODE COCO ELECTRO

The CODE COCO watch features a quilted pattern leather strap in neon pink with black braiding. A blackened steel design set with a princess-cut diamond comes equipped with a high precision quartz movement. It is a limited edition of 255 pieces.

BOY·FRIEND ELECTRO

The BOY·FRIEND watch is reinvented in a steel version set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds. This new interpretation is embellished with a robot motif and a quilted pattern calfskin strap lined in neon pink. It is a limited edition of 55 pieces.

J12 ELECTRO

The iconic J12 is presented in a black highly resistant ceramic and steel model with accents of vibrant colour in its numerals. Available in a 38mm version equipped with the Calibre 12.1 or a 33mm version equipped with a high precision quartz movement. It is available in a limited edition of 1255 pieces.

Dior presented its Cruise 2022 collection last night in the heart of Athens at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium.

Inspired greatly by the surroundings Maria Grazia Chiuri reimagined House codes taking inspiration from icons of Greek history. Sportswear meets elegance and classic Dior pieces such as the Bar jacket are given a Grecian twist.

Combining heritage and modernity the collection represents the notion of freedom and expression, something that has become so important to the women of today.

Chiuri looked to a series of photographs of one of Monsieur Dior’s Haute Couture collections, taken near the same iconic Parthenon in 1951 and took inspiration from this special moment in the brand’s history.

The Creative Director was also inspired by Giorgio De Chirico, a pioneer of Surrealism who drew on poignant memories of Greece to paint metaphysical places frozen in the silent contrast of light and shadow.

A colour palette of white resembled the Grecian Goddesses of the past as well as solid black, and touches of gold, were both regal and sophisticated.

Shoes came in the form of sneakers which were paired with everything from suits to evening gowns, representing the juxtaposition of athleisure style and femininity today. A series of white suits mirror those worn by Marlene Dietrich.

Maria Grazia Chiuri also explored the universe of Alexander Lolas, the cosmopolitan gallery owner who preserved his close ties to Greece and his home in Athens. There he assembled a collection of vases, decorated with the intertwined bodies of wrestlers. Giant close-ups of those silhouettes stand out in the sketches by the artist Pietro Ruffo or are camouflaged onto sportswear pieces.

The collection reinforces Grazia Chiuri’s desire to explore the variations of femininity.

See more of the collection below:

Expo 2020 Dubai has announced an exciting new project in collaboration with Cartier. The Women’s Pavilion will reaffirm a shared commitment to closing the gender gap and promoting gender equality. The collaboration will Cartier will celebrate changemakers from around the globe.

As part of this unique project Expo 2020 will be the first World Expo to have a standalone pavilion dedicated to women. Under the exhibition titled “New Perspectives”, the Women’s Pavilion will invite visitors to recognise the central role that women, known and unknown, have played throughout history, leading up to the present.

Celebrating the significant – and often forgotten – contributions of women, the pavilion will demonstrate an important principle: when women thrive, all of humanity thrives. It will highlight important contributions women have made in advancing societies, as well as the challenges women still face, especially as the world navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic and works toward a more sustainable future.

Breaking stereotypes and deconstructing misconceptions on women’s roles, the pavilion will raise awareness by showcasing both female and male contributors to women’s empowerment and gender equality, inspiring visitors of all ages to become change-makers within their own communities and beyond.

Expo 2020’s focus on women’s empowerment and gender equality builds on the example of the UAE, recognising the important roles women play and the contributions made by all members of society.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “The international community has made progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment, but much more needs to be done. By welcoming visitors from across the planet and from every walk of life, Expo 2020 Dubai is a unique, powerful platform that will drive the necessary attention to this issue.”

She continued: “Gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) has been a central principle of the UAE since its inception 50 years ago as evidenced in initiatives by great female leaders such as Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. We in the UAE have practiced empowering women as integral to national development, and so it has proven in half a century of unprecedented growth. The pace of our development is only going to quicken with what we aim to achieve in the next 50 years. Unless we place gender equality and women’s empowerment centre stage, we will not progress at the pace we need to.”

Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International said: “At Cartier, we believe that empowering women has a multiplier effect: it helps drive economic growth and development, and benefits societies and humanity at large. As gender inequality persists and continues to impact women’s lives, it is ever more imperative to show unity and togetherness in promoting women empowerment. We are honoured to take our long-standing support to women change-makers further by collaborating with Expo 2020 Dubai and present the Women’s Pavilion to a truly global audience. More than ever, we remain committed to sharing our vision of a future where all women are empowered to reach their full potential and of a more inclusive society for generations to come.”

The Women’s Pavilion will feature five structures with different narratives located on the ground floor: the Introduction will explain the purpose of the pavilion; the Achievements section will shine a light on women’s impact on the world; Challenges will acknowledge what is holding women back; Solutions will highlight the initiatives enabling women to thrive so humanity can thrive, and Engaging with visitors will encourage visitors to become champions of gender equality and women’s empowerment and take the journey forward.

The Women’s Pavilion and Cartier have gathered a diverse community of creators and artists to contribute both to its design and curation including Oscar-winning film director Nadine Labaki, French actress, screenwriter and director Mélanie Laurent, French architect Laura Gonzalez and Dubai born artist Kholoud Sharafi.

The pavilion will feature a Majlis, a vibrant and inclusive space for everyone – including artists, scientists, thought leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs and business leaders – to engage in constructive and solution-oriented conversations on women’s empowerment.

Across the six months of Expo, the Women’s Pavilion will host an array of events, programming and meaningful dialogues that will not only enhance knowledge and understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment but also drive tangible, collaborative action that can be shared with the world.

Expo 2020 will run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, inviting visitors from around the world to join the making of a new world, experiencing a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

Louis Vuitton Presented its Cruise 2022 collection in an impressive runway presentation at Axe Majeur, near Paris.

This architectural masterpiece, known for its impressive design was transformed into a runway as models presented the latest womenswear pieces designed by Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière.

Inspired by this architecture of reconciliation, where water, light, wind, sand, concrete, stone and steel create a unique relationship between nature, space and time Ghesquière transferred this geometry into his designs.

“A collection of proud, positive looks that advance straight ahead, serenely. They are the picture of harmony in an environment that is so close and yet so far away, borderless and open to adventure,” the show notes explained.

Ghesquière merged nature, space and time to create a more structured and vibrant offering bringing a militaristic feel to vacation wear. Bold colours, voluptuous and striking cuts represent optimism and harmony at a moment when we all need it the most.

Much like the setting for the show the pieces are not conformed by boundaries or restrictions. Free in the way they flow and the way they are worn there is a nod to the future juxtaposed with sixties silhouettes and styles.

A rich colour palette gave way to bold prints which clashed in a harmonious way against textured materials.

As the show closed, model’s looks were flowing in the wind as we look forward to a positive future ahead.

See more of the collection below:

Situated in one of London’s most iconic buildings, The OWO Residences by Raffles, Europe’s first Raffles branded residences launched today, offering potential buyers the chance to own a piece of history.

The Grade II* listed building in one of London’s most exclusive addresses has been closed for over 100 years and has since undergone an impressive renovation now housing some of the most luxurious homes in the city.

The OWO living room – image credit Grain London

The OWO Residences holds 85 district homes and will also house the capital’s first ever Raffles hotel with 125-rooms and suites, a collection of nine restaurants and bars, and an immersive spa.

The OWO master bedroom – Image credit Grain London

Situated on Whitehall, alongside London’s great ceremonial route the iconic building was originally completed in 1906 and designed by British architect William Young. Formerly the site of the original Palace of Whitehall, home to Henry VIII and other monarchs, the building has witnessed world-shaping events whilst inspiring Ian Fleming to write the infamous James Bond series. Its grand architecture has made the building a dramatic location in Bond films, and more recently “The Crown” drama series.

The OWO – residence stairwell – Image credit Grain London

With grand high ceilings that reach heights of up to 4.4m and full floor to ceiling windows to match, the interior proportions of the residences reflect the Edwardian architecture that has been adapted for modern living. The residences feature interiors created by design studio 1508 London with bespoke handcrafted kitchens from British brand Smallbone of Devizes, Waterworks brass ironmongery and Onyx marble. Many incorporate original heritage features such as oak panelling and mosaic flooring. The unwavering attention to detail in each residence demonstrates the years of craftmanship that have been applied to every aspect of the majestic building.

The OWO living room

There are a number of different layouts including, duplex, lateral and penthouse residences ranging in size from studios to five-beds. In addition, two spectacular turret residences, elevated above the London skyline, offer a home like no other. Homeowners will also benefit from having all the facilities of a world-renowned Raffles hotel on their doorstep.

The OWO residents’ swimming pool

The OWO directly faces Horse Guards and is adjacent to the stunning 57-acres of St. James’s Park. Residents, hotel guests and visitors will be a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery, The Tate and The Royal Academy, as well as the sought-after shopping streets of Regents Street, Bond Street and Jermyn Street.   Sales are via Knight Frank and Strutt & Parker. Prices for a two-bedroom residence start from 5.8million British Pounds. Media tours of the newly opened Marketing Gallery Suite at 5 St James’s Square can be arranged on request.

St James’s Park views from one of the turrets of The OWO Photo credit: @Grain_London

Click here to find out more / Sales Tel: 0207 139 5012 / enquiries@theowo.london

Dubai’s first underwater Pilates class offers the ultimate in relaxation as you immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Designed to improve strength, flexibility and core stability, the newly designed class will provide an intimate and immersive workout, with yoga and Tibetan bowl meditation in a tranquil setting.

Set against the ultimate backdrop of 65,000 colourful marine animals, the 60-minute class led by an expert practitioner guides guests through a series of pilates exercises, incorporating breathing techniques and engaging their core strength – while getting a solid toning workout and prioritising self-care.

Taking place every Saturday from 8:00am-9:00am at The Lost Chambers Aquarium, pilates class goers can dedicate an hour to their wellbeing, emerging from their mats feeling fully revitalised as they round off their weekend.

Yogis can also return to the tranquil setting to practice yoga during 60-minute sessions, every Tuesday and Friday from 8:00am-9:00am. Underwater Yoga at The Ambassador Lagoon involves a sequence of calming postures, traditional breathing techniques and relaxation exercises suitable for people at all yoga levels to connect mind, body and soul, channelling positive energy from the majestic marine surroundings.

On the last Friday of every month, the one-hour yoga session from 8:00am-09:00am will be followed by a 30-minute Tibetan singing bowls meditation for a longer switch-off from the outside world. Tibetan singing bowls are an ancient form of medicine that are not only used for meditation but for deep release and restoration, relaxing the body as the vibrations of the bowls help to lower blood pressure, strengthen immunity, soothe pain and significantly reduce stress levels. Creating a perfect harmonious balance to optimise inner healing, this combined yoga and meditation session will leave yogis feeling fully refreshed and rejuvenated.

All guests are advised to book in advance. As per COVID-19 government guidelines, participants must bring their own towels and mats; alternatively, the hotel has a special partnership with SUGAR yoga mats, which will be available to purchase on the day.

For all bookings, please visit: www.atlantis.com

Ferrari has built an iconic name for itself in the automotive world, but now, for the first time, the car manufacturer has turned to the world of fashion to launch its first in-house collection under the brand Ferrari Style.

The concept is to offer fans of the Ferrari brand a touch of “couture” with a contemporary clothing range inspired by some of the iconic motifs and design associated with the brand.

The collection was envisioned by Creative Director and former Armani and Dolce&Gabbana designer Rocco Iannone. Presented through a runway show at the Ferrari plant in Maranello, a catwalk was set up on the assembly line for the “Prancing Horse” V12 sports cars, such as the new 812 Competizione.

Most of the fabrics used were high performance,  technical fabrics, reflecting the key values of the brand and motifs such as the Ferrari horse icon were emblazoned across the looks for men and women. Most of the pieces are unisex and will span a wide range of sizes to be fully inclusive.

The launch marks a major step in Ferrari’s new brand strategy which plans to ensure that luxury fashion accounts for around 10 per cent of the company’s profits in the next decade.

Further plans to extend the brand also include a new restaurant in hometown Maranello in northern Italy with Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura.

The Ferrari Style collection will be on sale online and through the company’s official stores in Maranello, Milan and Rome, while further store openings are scheduled in Los Angeles and Miami this year and in China in 2022.

Lebanese design Hussein Bazaza presents his new Seasonless 21-22 collection; Predation.

Not conforming to any dates or schedules the new collection breaks all the fashion rules and goes against society standards.

The collection is presented in several stages, each tagged under a specific unconventional topic inspired by the hypocrisy in today’s world.

More than just a fashion statement but a pollical one, this collection proves to be a mental journey that will take the audience through everything they have ever been silenced to say.

Tailoring comes in a variety of fabrics from mesh, wool and leather to tulle and lace, with contrasting gowns in long shimmering beads, accompanied by diverse accessories and new bags in three distinctive versions.

A total of thirty looks capture the mood that the Lebanese designer wants to shed light on. A mood of shock, and savagery that can be found in the world today.

There are nods to the House’s signature styles and techniques of colour blocking, geometric cuts and lace collage, while the new introduction of 3D embossed petal-like motifs is the latest method adopted by the brand.

The collection can be worn freely across all seasons in a number of expressions, inviting the wearer to use the clothes to share his or her own personality traits.

See more of the collection. below and shop at www.husseinbazaza.com

Photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, Chanel’s new Coco Beach campaign stars singer Angèle.

The young singer and Chanel ambassador is shown on a vast expanse of sand, in an atmosphere where dawn and dusk meet, representing the moment of sunset on a summer’s day.

“The prints in the collection remind me of Hawaii, on the bucket hats, summer shirts and Bermuda shorts, whose cuts I love, it’s all very summery,” says Angèle.

Dedicated to the beach, the collection features floral motifs of camellias intertwined with the House’s double C on blouses, shorts, cycling shorts and swimsuits.

The accessories – bucket hat, beach towel and wake surfboard – also feature these motifs.

A line with a resolutely sporty energy, combining feminine and masculine, and where refinement is the keyword, as shown by the jackets and blouses in cotton poplin, muslin or terry towelling worn over swimsuits embellished with a bow.

This collection also celebrates the freedom of movement so dear to Gabrielle Chanel: “Comfort has always been important to me because I’m very active,” says Angèle. “I find it hard to wear things that restrict my movements. And sometimes it’s to the detriment of style, because what’s comfortable is not always the most beautiful. But at Chanel, there’s always been this desire to combine the two. That’s what really attracts me to this House and to the history of Gabrielle Chanel, what she wanted to bring to women, this liberation.”

A vision shared today by Virginie Viard. “She’s a woman I admire a lot for her work, her history, her career path, her humility and her passion. She is attentive to the world, to the era and its evolution. She also listens to women, and what they have to say, and she puts them at the heart of her work,” Angèle confides before concluding: “I loved doing this campaign because it reinforced the path I have chosen: to continue something light and joyful.”

The Coco Beach 2021 collection is now available in the seasonal Saint-Tropez boutique as well as in the ephemeral boutique on Jeju Island in South Korea, as well as in a selection of CHANEL boutiques around the world.

Cartier presents some timeless designs all together for the first time with an exclusive pop-up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Located in Jeddah’s Al Khayyat Center the pop-up features some of the Maison’s most iconic and timeless watch and jewellery designs in celebration of Cartier’s culture of design, and part of the Maison’s strong commitment to connecting with its community within the Kingdom by showcasing its savoir-faire singularity locally.

The presentation is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience some of Cartier’s most fascinating pieces, embodying the Maison’s spirit of boldness, attention to detail, and expert craftsmanship.

Cartier has made iconic shapes its signature, becoming signatures of unrivalled originality in the design of watchmaking. The experience will allow visitors to discover the Maison’s four distinct jewellery design principles: purity, the accuracy of the shape, the precision of proportions, and precious details.

There are a number of heirloom watches on display including the Tank, first designed in 1917 by Louis Cartier; the Ballon Bleu de Cartier, which gives new meaning to round design; the Santos de Cartier, created in 1904; and the Panthère de Cartier, which creates a work of art through clean lines.

The exceptional jewellery pieces include some of Cartier’s most recognisable and intelligent designs, including the radical Juste un Clou, which transforms the shape of a nail into a precisely-proportioned bracelet; the Trinity ring, made up of intertwined bands in three colours of gold; and the Love bracelet, an icon of clean lines and one of the Maison’s distinctive pieces.

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has opened a new luxurious rooftop suite.

Suite Prince Rainier III, the largest suite in Monte-Carlo’s most iconic property was inaugurated by H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco and H.S.H Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

This spacious suite pay pays tribute to the “Prince builder” to whom Monaco owes its transformation into a leading luxury destination.

The Sovereign Prince of Monaco, Prince Rainier III, who reigned for 56 years, loved and respected by the people, left his mark on Monaco at so many levels: economic, political, social, educational, scientific, sport, cultural.  Under his guidance, Monaco experienced a period of unprecedented expansion, including its admission as a Member State into the United Nations in 1993. Today, the Principality is a dream destination for people the world over.

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo held a special place in the life of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. In 1956, their wedding breakfast was served at the hotel; 20 years later, they celebrated their wedding anniversary there; and in 1974, Prince Rainier celebrated the 25th year of his reign at the hotel with great pomp. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo now pays tribute to Prince Rainier, giving his name to this new, exceptional Suite that harmoniously combines the classical luxury of noble and precious materials with contemporary design, creating a space that is light and cosy with clean lines and a warm atmosphere.

The rooftop villa suite features over 500 m² of refined luxury with breath-taking views over the mythical Place du Casino. Designed by Richard Martinet it was created using the best in French and Italian craftsmanship: straw marquetry; leather headboards; textured paints and decorative elements made in the workshops of artisans. The lights were also specially created for the Suite from original designs. Photos, paintings and some of Prince Rainier’s personal effects add a personal and intimate feel to the Suite. Sculptures by the Sovereign provide the final flourish to the interiors scheme, creating a unique experience in the heart of the Principality.

The suite includes two bedrooms, a large main lounge with a bar area, a smaller lounge and a library, a dining room and an office space. It can be extended to 600 m² with a third connecting room. Each bedroom has a private bathroom with a steam room shower, a blend of brightness, marble and transparency. The Suite also contains a glass-walled sauna that opens onto the Mediterranean sky.

It also features a 135 m² split-level terrace overlooking Place du Casino. The first level is home to a heated infinity-edge swimming pool and a staircase leads to the lower level which guests can experience unrivalled views over Place du Casino. It’s also the perfect spot to watch the annual Monaco Grand Prix.

The Suite offers a set of tailor-made luxury services provided by a dedicated team of private Clefs d’Or concierges at the entire disposal of guests of the Suite.  Valets, housekeepers, cooks, sommeliers and maîtres d’hôtel are also committed to making the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo experience totally unforgettable. Each guest is welcomed at the airport or heliport, with welcome gifts and personalised touches. Guests also have access to bespoke treatments at the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo in winter and a beachfront tent on Monte-Carlo Beach in summer.

Find out more about this iconic suite and how to book at montecarlosbm.com.

Alexander McQueen presents its Autumn/Winter 2021 women’s collection.

Designed by Sarah Burton it was inspired by a new sense of life with a bold extravagant silhouette representing the anticipation of the future.

Titled “Anemones,” the collection focuses around the Anemone flower which features as a key motif throughout the pieces.

“It feels like now is a time for healing, for breathing new life, for exploring echoes from the past to enrich our future. More than ever, a sense of humanity, of the team working together with a single aim – to make something beautiful, something meaningful – feels both precious and important.” Said Creative Director Sarah Burton.

She continued; “we looked at water, for its healing properties, and at anemones. Anemones are the most ephemeral flowers, here made permanent in cloth. The women wearing the anemone dresses almost become like flowers, like their embodiment, their character – but amplified, grounded, radiant and strong.”

The collection features a catalogue of dresses fitted at the waist and but exploding out through an exaggerate silhouette of skirts and sleeves.

The classic McQueen leather biker jacket is worn with feminine dresses to add a raw edge to looks. A colour palette of neutral tones with a splash of red and blue denim accents.

Shoes come in the form of Wander Chelsea boots in black leather, Tread Heel Chelsea boots in black leather and Deck sneakers.

The Curve bag returns  in rose gold leather, ice pink and black leather and in lake blue washed denim and black leather. Other bags in the collection include the Bundle Bag, Mini Bundle and Sculptural Mini Jewelled Satchel.

See more of the collection below:

Oscar-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips has teamed up with YOOX to create a capsule collection of unisex organic cotton t-shirts inspired by the rich history of cinema and Hollywood.

The collection is available exclusively at YOOX and all proceeds will be donated to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to support the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Arianne Phillips has designed costumes for films including Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, James Mangold’s Walk The Line and Madonna’s W.E. She has received a number of Oscar nominations for her work and has become one of the most sought after costume designers in the industry. In 2019 Arianne co-founded RAD (Red Carpet Advocacy) with her partner Carineh Martin. The aim was to celebrate culture through cause by leveraging influential platforms to drive social progress through education, inspiration and activation. RAD’s signature advocacy campaigns amplify conversations about human rights, social justice, climate change and other global issues, while also raising money and awareness for charities working in these areas. RAD has so far produced 35 campaigns with 150 talent and 32 brands impacting 50+ charities since their launch. Their campaigns have generated billions of earned media impressions and organic reach on social media by promoting advocacy that creates impact.

We find out more about the latest project with YOOX and the importance of this exclusive collection.

Why did you decide to partner with YOOX on this project?

I have been a loyal YOOX customer for well over ten years. This is not the first time they have kindly invited me to collaborate with them and I am always incredibly excited to work with them and I’m grateful for their interest in the relationship between fashion and film, which is essentially celebrating costume design and its influence on culture and fashion.

Tell us a little about RAD and the mission behind the organisation?

RAD is a female-founded social enterprise that creates advocacy campaigns to illuminate values and drive impact for charities. I co-founded RAD  with my friend, Carineh Martin who is a luxury marketing veteran. We curate organic, purpose-driven partnerships that leverage influential platforms to educate, inspire, and activate fans towards social progress and giving back.

Our mission at RAD is to celebrate culture through cause. Our advocacy campaigns can be seen on global red carpets, at live and digital brand events, academy screenings, and RAD Talks, in film and TV content campaigns, on retail platforms, and via a broad range of marketing and media projects. 100% of the money raised by RAD is donated. Since launching last year, RAD has produced 36 campaigns with talents including Charlize Theron, Priyanka Chopra, Travis Scott, Margot Robbie, Tracee Ellis Ross, Camila Cabello, Olivia Wilde, Elizabeth Banks, Demi Moore, and brands including Gucci, Amazon, Giorgio Armani, Moschino, Piaget, Levi’s, Matchesfashion, La Prairie, ThredUp, Sony Pictures and more.

Tell us about the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles and how the project with YOOX will help this?

Opening September 30, 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will be the world’s premier institution devoted to exploring the art and science of movies and filmmaking. Visitors will experience the magic of cinema and the creative, collaborative process of filmmaking through the lens of those who make it. Built in Los Angeles, the movie capital of the world, the museum will be housed in the renovated and expanded May Company — now the Saban Building — on Wilshire Boulevard and a distinctive spherical addition designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano with Renzo Piano Building Workshop. The museum will feature more than 50,000 square feet of gallery space for both a highly immersive permanent exhibition and a schedule of diverse temporary exhibitions, two film and performance theatres, a state-of-the-art education studio, and dynamic spaces for public and special events.

The Academy Museum has actively been acquiring three-dimensional motion-picture objects since 2008. Its holdings now number approximately 5,000 items representing motion picture technology, costume design, production design, makeup, hairstyling, and promotional materials. The museum will also draw from the unparalleled collection of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which contains a vast range of motion picture production and history-related objects and technology, works on paper, and still and moving images covering the history of motion pictures in the United States and throughout the world. The collections include more than 12.5 million photographs; 237,000 film and video assets; 85,000 screenplays; 65,000 posters; and 133,000 pieces of production art. Highlights feature more than 1,700 special collections of film legends such as Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Hattie McDaniel, Alfred Hitchcock, and John Huston.

What can you tell us about the capsule collection, we know it is made with organic cotton – can you share a little more on the collection itself and the choices of prints and logos?

The purpose of the TSHIRT capsule collection is to come together with YOOX to give back by celebrating Hollywood and filmmaking. A world where dreams come true and movies are made. I loved the idea of revisiting the iconography and mythology of HOLLYWOOD. I had so much fun designing these T-shirts, which are putting a new spin on the classic “tourist” T-shirt, basically designing something celebrating Hollywood as well as being something that I would want to wear.

Why do you think it’s important for platforms such as YOOX to support charitable causes and how do you think it helps to raise awareness?

In my opinion, the best product or brand is one that is socially responsible and transparent about what they are doing to help make our world a better place. We are living in a time when we should expect the brands we patronise to reflect our values and are doing “good” in the world. Especially post-COVID-19 and the social justice movement we “vote” with our dollars. Infusing “purpose” into what we are buying or doing already relevant today. YOOX is that company and so it made sense that to celebrate the culmination of our collaboration on the past few months shoppable edits we give back to the industry that has inspired this collaboration. The Academy Museum is a non-profit organisation that is dependent on donations and membership, so it made perfect sense. There are so many causes and charities to support. In this case, it is especially meaningful since the donation to The Museum is aligned with our collaboration.

Tell us a little about you as a person – what is your biggest achievement and what would you still like to achieve?

My biggest achievement so far has been launching the entrepreneurial social progress endeavour RAD. This has enabled me to change the conversation at work and come together with other creatives and brands to raise awareness and donations for charities.

I would still like to achieve pay equity for Costume Designers which is a huge issue, as well as Costume Designers owning their own IP (intellectual property) , so that we own our work. As of now we are “work for hire” which means we do not “own” our designs. This prevents us from benefitting anytime a Halloween costume, a doll or even a collection is designed or inspired by the costumes we design. As of now the film studios “own” our work and we are not included in the “merchandising “ side of filmmaking. So this is something I would like to change.

What is a current project or issue you feel very passionate about?

So many things! The effects of climate change and the state of our planet, inequities, systemic racism and the social justice movement, artists rights as stated above, equal pay and equal rights for women and all marginalized people.

Looking forward, What is your vision for RAD?

We have a few very exciting BIG picture and “scaling” opportunities we are developing in the tech world and other areas that will enable advocacy and giving back on an even larger scale.

Moving onto fashion what is your favourite film you’ve worked on and why?

It’s impossible for me to say a favourite as every film experience is unique and different.

I would say though that some of the highlights have been “W.E”, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” and the film I just finished shooting which directed by Olivia Wilde; “Don’t Worry Darling”.

What is the all-time favourite look you’ve styled?

Again that’s impossible to answer! I would say any of the fashion editorials I have done with Steven Klein, and especially our collaborations with Madonna are some of my most favourite.

Who is your fashion muse?

SO MANY!!! It is a forever expanding list.

This year has been unusual, to say the least – what is a lesson you’ve learned from the past year and how were you able to continue working?

This past year was one of the most humbling and also the most productive. As soon as COVID hit, RAD went into high gear, working to raise money and advocacy for a number of projects. Our largest scale project was for COVID Relief. We worked with photographer Mark Seliger and the auction house Christie’s. When the lockdown happened, Mark called me and said he wanted to do something, and what could we do together? So together we curated a collection of 23 of his most iconic portraits, we asked the subjects of these portraits, everyone from Brad Pitt, to Jennifer Lopez, to Oprah, to Billie Eilish, Barack Obama and more, to join our efforts, raising money for their COVID relief charity of choice thru the auction we had at Christie’s. We raised over 250 thousand dollars for over 19 COVID-relief charities. We went on to do a number of campaigns raising advocacy and donations for,  Voting rights, a social campaign with Amanda Gorman benefitting Michelle Obama’s charity When We All Vote, as well as campaigns at Venice Film Festival and The Emmy’s red carpet benefitting UN WOMEN, and Facing History a non-profit that teaches equality and anti-hate thru education, as well as a campaign for Women’s health benefitting The Center for Reproductive Rights. When COVID hit we knew it was our time for RAD to step up. This is the whole reason why we created RAD, to be able to help make a difference in the lives of others and create community thru coming together for good.

I was also extremely fortunate to be able to go back to work in the fall of 2020 for the film “Don’t Worry Darling”. So juggling both my work as a costume designer plus RAD kept me very busy, unfortunately, I didn’t get to learn how to bake bread or watch all the great series on tv, but I was able to see it all unfold on social media!

What are your thoughts on the fashion and style of women in the Middle East?

Some of the most beautiful traditions of native dress come from the middle east. Also some of the most interesting new generation of designers we are seeing come from the Middle East. With so many varied cultures and customs, I love seeing how that translates into daily life and how people choose to express themselves thru the way they dress and the fashion choices they make. Being connected thru social media has given me a window into street culture and trends, I wouldn’t have normally been able to access.

How do you think women and men can incorporate sustainable fashion choices into their day-to-day life?

By making purchases that are consciously and well made that will last beyond a trend or a season. Building a wardrobe of classics that can be sustained over time. Taking the time to look into the practices and ethics of any given brand. Not buying fast fashion, being mindful of denim manufacturers and patronising brands that are transparent in their supply chain.

What is a message you would like to share with our readers on why they should go but the Arianne Phillips X YOOX collection?

First and foremost to have a little piece of HOLLYWOOD, a playful fun, chic organic cotton unisex T-shirt for men or women, whether you wear it with jeans or a simple skirt, you could buy it oversized and wear it as a dress or to the beach or pool as a or cover-up. Or just around the house with shorts …AND the added bonus is that 100% of the sales of the T-shirt will benefit a great academic museum supporting the tradition of movie-making that will inspire generations of filmmakers to come!

Shop online at YOOX.com

You can see RAD’s work at www.wearerad.org or on Instagram @radvocacy

After new arrangements have been made between the UAE government and several countries around the world, fully vaccinated residents can now travel to several countries around the world, completely quarantine free.

The new announcements will be a relief to thousands who are hoping to jet away to cooler climates over the summer.

Athens

In Europe, fully vaccinated travellers can now visit countries including Greece, Italy, Spain, Malta, Cyprus, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, Iceland and from July it’s thought that France will also be added to this list.

In Africa, travellers can visit Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Tunisia, and Zambia.

The Maldives

In the Middle East Jordan, Lebanon and Bahrain are now open to quarantine-free arrivals.

While if you’re looking for an islands escape, Indian Ocean destinations The Maldives, Sri Lanka and Seychelles are both open to travellers, requiring only a negative PCR test.

If you are travelling further afield to the Americas and Caribbean, travellers can now visit The Bahamas, Barbados and Costa Rica.

Barbados

Various restrictions still apply, depending on the country you are visiting to so make sure to look into all the guidelines from each country before planning your trip.

Stay safe!

Level Shoes new campaign showcases the latest styles on its own employees.

This is the first campaign of a series that highlights and features some of its own talents, making them part of the concept’s continuous journey.

“We recently looked at a lot of different ways to celebrate our people on our platforms, because we realised that no matter how many brands we sell — our real sense of purpose is ultimately our people,” says General Manager, Elisa Bruno. “It’s the people that you have the opportunity to meet and work with, because those people can change your life in so many ways. We leaders have the responsibility to inspire the people in our organisation so that they can do the same with our clients”.

The new campaign features a curated selection of the latest international collections worn by a multi-cultural squad, embracing the company values of inclusion and sustainability.

Each one of the brand’s employees makes up the identity of Level Shoes – they are trusted advisors to clients, buyers, personal shoppers, visual merchandisers, and marketers. They are the enablers of the whole experience and the face of all brands to the customers.

The campaign was shot in Dubai and saw each of the staff members wearing the products they proudly sell – from sandals, sneakers, flats, slides and more for both men and women.

The latest collections are now available at Level Shoes in The Dubai Mall or online at levelshoes.com

Cartier’s new Panther Head Bangle is the latest addition to the La Panthère collection.

A flexible bracelet that hugs the wrist like a second skin, magnetic just like the emblematic Panthère de Cartier, it features clean lines and a curved shape with a panther with emerald or tsavorite garnet eyes.

The bracelet is designed to be paired with other pieces and mix and matched with varying styles. Choose from rose gold or yellow gold and with diamonds paved on the head or on the head and tail depending on your preference.

With this new design, Cartier explores skilful craftsmanship to create a clean curved design with intricate details on the panther’s head.

The bracelets can be personalised in a number of different ways, either with an engraved message, initials or a date on the inside.

There is also the option to have the Panthère’s red box embossed and personalised with initials or a significant date in a golden tone on the front of the case.

The Panther Head Bangle is now available at Cartier boutiques across the region.

Homegrown Athleisure brand L’Couture has unveiled its first flagship store in Dubai.

The new store is located on Al Wasl Road, close to the Burj Al Arab and encompasses a yoga and photography studio, glam room, retail floor and the brand’s headquarters.

With innovation in-built as part of the brand DNA, a traditional bricks-and-mortar store was never in the pipeline. Instead, L’Couture has curated an on-trend, experiential space with stand-out features for the loyal L’C community to engage with – fully immersing them in the brand. With a focus on shareability, the customer-centric store offers a completely on-brand experience from the moment a customer walks through its doors.

“I am beyond excited about the opening of the very first L’Couture boutique in Dubai. I wanted to create a unique space that really captures the essence of the brand for both customers and my team, and that’s exactly what we have done. The boutique is feminine and Instagrammable – a place I want our girl gang to come and hang out, whilst they browse our latest collections. We can’t wait to welcome all our customers, loyal and new, to our new home,” said Lyndsay Doran, Founder of L’Couture.

The store is housed in a modern two-story standalone building. Created by Emma Stinson, from Studio Em and inspired by the brand’s aesthetic, the Instagram-friendly store features a chic yet fun design with neon signs, luxurious marble, soft lines seen in furniture pieces, flowers and velvet touches, with gold finishing.

“L’Couture have designed pieces that are robust and can withstand the day’s challenges without pleating or threading, but they also create a beautiful silhouette around the female form – this is something that I really wanted to translate into the design. Considering the team’s spirit and personality, we were able to have a lot of fun with the project. It’s an uber cool brand, a trendsetter in the market and the label was founded here, so with this flagship store, the aim was for it to be a place that captures the L’Couture spirit,” – said Emma Stinson, Studio Em.

For more information about L’Couture, and the collections please visit www.lcouture.com, or the LC store located in Villa 8, on Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai. Join the #LCGIRL gang today.

After launching its international e-boutique last year, Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen presents a dedicated e-commerce platform in the UAE.

The easy-to-use platform will allow users to purchase watches any, time, anywhere with from the localised platform.

When arriving on the site visitors will be taken to the façade of the IWC boutique where they can discover the history and craftsmanship of IWC Schaffhausen. Upon entering the e-boutique, visitors can explore panoramic displays that tell the story of the IWC collections and learn about the watch manufacturer’s numerous successful partnerships through storytelling; an element that is at the very core of the brand.

Thanks to 360-degree dynamic video technology, visitors can click on displays and compare products, find out more about customer service, browse online catalogues, and take guided tours of the boutique. IWC watch owners can also book an appointment for the IWC Watch Spa and interact directly with IWC watchmakers for a more bespoke experience.

The new omni-channel e-commerce platform offers a unified shopping experience at the touch of a button where customers can purchase their favourite timepieces from the core collection or shop exclusive, limited-edition online pieces.

Once orders are placed, customers can either opt for a delivery service or choose to pick up their watches from The Dubai Mall or The Galleria Al Maryah Island boutiques. Shoppers will also have the option of personalising gift cards and gift-wrapping watches for special occasions.

“The IWC e-commerce platform has launched at a crucial time, especially when customers are shopping more frequently from the comfort and safety of their homes. With a dedicated customer service team available for virtual appointments, the platform will provide a smooth online shopping experience for new shoppers and also reinforce the brand’s relationships with its top customers,” said Mehdi Rajan, Regional Brand Director of IWC Schaffhausen for the Middle East, India and Africa.

To shop from IWC Schaffhausen Boutique visit the link below:

https://watches.iwc.com/E_Boutique

Prada has opened an exclusive pop-up boutique at Mall of the Emirates featuring the Prada Outdoor collection.

The collection is part of a global project that sees capsule collections around the world, reflecting their local environment.

In the UAE, the collection is focused around the beach, the desert and relaxing in the sun. It features everything from Prada tents, to beach bags, to surfboards to inflatables (and there’s even something for dogs!

Running from 25^th May until 6^th June the pop-up which is located at the Central Atrium at Mall of the Emirates, is designed as a fun-filled beach complete with sand dunes, rocks and white and blue tents and sunshades. The immersive experience invites guests to discover all that the world of Prada Outdoor has to offer.

Re-Nylon, Prada’s recycled nylon appears in the form of beachwear, white T-shirts are covered with crystals, chiffon slip dresses with sequins recreate the crystalline iridescence of water, and beautiful floral embroidery brightens up tunics, vests and t-shirts made of white cotton jersey.

The men’s attire has a similar feel: terry garments with a casual, fifties look; regular and Bermuda shorts made of stretch poplin in bright block colours or with an iconic striped pattern; bowling shirts with a mix of trademark prints; black and white sweatshirts – recalling a new form of uniform – with a three-dimensional Prada logo; and extremely lightweight perforated Nappa bomber jackets.

Accessories come in a range of unusual and vibrant materials. Highlights include a multicoloured cotton drill and woven straw shopping bags, and mini bags made of wicker and leather with a chain or soft terry with an embroidered logo. Scarves decorated with beach prints and wooden jewellery with silver charms sit alongside beach accessories including balls, inflatable rings and mattresses, terry beach towels and cushions, and picnic sets with lunch boxes and water bottles.

The collection is rounded off by a range of sports accessories: surfboards with nylon covers, snorkelling masks, flippers and water shoes, not to mention rackets, skateboards, frisbees and beach volleyballs – everything you need for a sunny day out!

The pop-up will run at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai from 25^th May to 6^th June

Designed by men’s Artistic Director Kim Jones, Dior presents its Spring 2022 menswear collection.

A reflection of classic Dior codes, the collection reimagines statement pieces from the House’s archives to keep alive the legacy of the Dior.

Inspiration is taken from the brand’s rich heritage from as far back as 1947; the debut of the Maison. Leopard motifs, shown in that first collection, are woven or knitted and waists are belted. Floral patterns reference Christian Dior’s love of gardens and nature, while graphic insignia drawn from the 1960s, created by Marc Bohan, stylize ‘CD’ as a love heart. Gentle and subtle, these archival references are embedded in pieces that speak, inherently, to the attire of a modern man – the Dior of now.

Jones redefines his own work for the brand reworking his signature hybrids of tailoring and sportswear. There is a clear mood of transformation and change.

Shearling Bomber jackets feature contrasting colours on the inside, while lightweight outerwear pieces are worn with the iconic Dior Saddle Bag. A muted colour palette of grey, pink and earthy tones is inspired by Christian Dior’s beloved country home.

Materials are hyper-luxurious and tactile. The Kumo embroidery – meaning “cloud” in Japanese reveals a macro version of the Dior Oblique motif.

Other must-have bags come in the form of the Dior Lingot line and are presented in various sizes including as a travel bag. Inspired by the ateliers of 30 Avenue Montaigne the “Atelier Christian Dior” signature features as an ode to the craft of couture, reflected in pieces that combine utility and luxury, paying homage to French ceremonial and industrial uniforms and classic workwear shapes.

Tailoring is relaxed as the gap between formalwear and sportswear is closed. Tailored looks are worn with the new Dior B30 sneakers or soft moccasins in precious leathers.

See more of the collection below: 

Lebanese design duo George Azzi and Assaad Osta have launched their AZZI & OSTA Spring/Summer 2021 Ready-to-Wear collection “Holiday”.

Conjuring the image of sparkling beaches, bright blue seas and sweet sorbets the collection represents the holidays we are all dreaming of. Feminine and dreamy this colourful collection is filled with hope and optimism. There is a nod to the sixties era with a playful spirit combined with a modern touch.

A colour palette of marshmallow pink, sherbet lemon, powder blue and Hamptons white is a summer’s dream.

The collection takes inspiration from the vintage American travel magazine; Holiday. The publication was famed for its stunning photography and literary prowess – with writing from heavyweights like John Steinbeck, Jack Kerouac, Truman Capote, Joan Didion and Ernest Hemingway.

Silhouettes bridge the gap between relaxed and sleek. Gently-flared jumpsuits, exuberant bell sleeves and deep pleats create lightness, movement and joy. Tailored separates feature clean, asymmetric cuts juxtaposed with billowing cape-like sleeves.

Softly structural elements appear throughout the collection – long tunic tops are reinvented with unexpected cascades of ruffles, exaggerated cocoon sleeves revolutionise column dresses and geometric cut-outs transform necklines. A white lace jumpsuit is impeccably nipped at the waist by a glamorously oversized bow.

Elegant dresses are cool and minimal despite their detailed embellishments. A delicate tulle gown features dramatic Mikado ruffles, while one floor-grazing dress marries a guipure lace skirt, is inspired by ocean waves with a floral lace bodice.

Waistlines are decorated with embroidered elements, while necklines bloom with flower appliqués and straps and finished with sparkling vintage accents.

AZZI & OSTA’s SS21 collection is available to pre-order online at azziandosta.com.

See more of the collection below: 

Infinity des Lumières and Dubai Culture Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) have joined forces to open an Immersive digital art centre later this year. The centre will present a fusion of cutting-edge technology and brilliant artistic expression.

The partnership will mark the beginning of a new era of digital artworks in the city and will help to elevate this unique experience in the country.

Infinity des Lumières, who create digital art experiences, aim to develop a niche community where tech-driven artists have a place to gather and innovate. The art centre also seeks to create a platform where digital artists can present their creations for the world to marvel.

When the centre opens later this year visitors will be able to experience a multi-sensory journey as the arts of Van Gogh, Dreamed Japan, and Verse come alive before them. Spread over an impressive 2,700 square metres, Infinity des Lumières has created an innovative, technology-driven art and cultural platform using 130 projectors, 58 speakers, and an incredible 3,000 HD digital moving images.

Infinity Des Lumieres – Dreamed Japan

In addition, Infinity des Lumières is also home to the largest digital facade in The Dubai Mall – a magnificent art projection with a total display area of 200 square metres – where mall-goers will be captivated with living dynamic art. The centre will also feature a boutique, where art lovers can revel in an exquisite collection from the region and beyond.

Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said: “Infinity des Lumières is a new and innovative experience in the world of technology-based arts in the GCC, and its launch in Dubai is an addition to the emirate’s thriving creative scene. At Dubai Culture, it is our pleasure to be supporting such a pioneering centre via our partnership through which we seek to strengthen the emirate’s position as the city of the future and an incubator for talents and creative entrepreneurs.”

Catherine Oriol, director of Infinity des Lumières follow with: “Dubai is a vibrant and vital crossroads for an incredibly diverse variety of industries, and we are honoured to receive Dubai Culture’s support for the art centre. Infinity des Lumières is a dynamic, innovative and engaging multi-layered cultural platform for people to encounter art, experience it in a new way, and radically change the approach to art appreciation. Through this partnership, we solidify our commitment to elevate the emirate’s portfolio by bringing our world-class expertise to the region and delivering a superior art and culture experience. With the support of Dubai Culture, we look forward to creating a strong local platform for Arab talents in the near future.”

For more information click here.

We discover the UAE’s newest beachside hotel; Address Beach Resort, Dubai.

As one of the UAE’s leading hotel chains, it was only a matter of time until Address Hotels + Resorts opened its first beach resort. Towering above JBR this property can’t be missed with its stunning exterior and impressive architecture. The 77-floor twin tower structure features the tallest inhabited sky bridge in the world which is also home to the world’s highest infinity pool (more about that later).

The Resort’s interior follows the modern mood of the other Address properties with close attention paid to the finest details. Upon entering the bright and airy lobby we were overwhelmed by the incredible smells and stunning floral arrangements. Each of the Address properties is known for its impeccable service and this resort is no different with friendly staff there to cater for your every need. Despite being fully booked every weekend the property has a very calming and welcoming atmosphere – exactly what we were looking for!

Hotel Lobby

Rooms and Suites

The hotel features 217 guests rooms with either Marina or Sea View. Our personal preference was to stay in a sea view room, overlooking the JBR beach, with views across the ocean and Ain Dubai – this really is one of the best views in Dubai! While not all rooms have balconies, we highly recommend opting for a room with a balcony to enjoy the stunning sunset in all its glory.

Guest rooms range in size and include deluxe rooms, one and two-bedroom suites as well as a three-bedroom Presidential Suite. The décor is super modern and features special touches like the in-room entertainment system which can be controlled with the touch of an iPad. The rooms are clean and you can’t almost still smell the fresh paint!

Food and Dining

Beach Bar and Grill

There are a number of dining concepts across the resort so depending on your taste and preference, there is something for everyone. For breakfast or a light lunch, The Restaurant offers homely international food with something to please everyone. If you like to eat beachside The Beach Bar and Grill has stunning views and a delicious menu of seafood, pasta and fresh meats. We highly recommend the fresh Lobster Salad, followed by the signature Surf and Turf. If seafood is your thing try the Signature Ocean Seafood Plate which is full of delicious shrimps, oysters, lobster, king crab and more. All ingredients are freshly sourced and of the highest quality.

Li’Brasil Terrace

As the sun sets, head for dinner at L’Brasil. This unique concept combines the best of Lebanese and Brazilian cuisine for a dining experience like no other. With a sharing concept, this immersive experience combines Lebanese signatures with delicious Brazilian meats and dishes. You’ll want to try everything on the menu! After eating head to the outside terrace to enjoy shisha and sample the unique mocktail and cocktail menu.

ZETA Seventy Seven

We are sure you’ll agree that there is one aspect of this resort that truly takes it to the next level. ZETA Seventy Seven is the hotels’ restaurant and lounge situated high above the clouds on the 77th floor. It’s also home to the world’s highest infinity pool, which has officially been verified by Guinness World Records™ on 24th May 2021 and is 293.906 m high. The pool area is open exclusively to in-house guests.

The views from ZETA Seventy Seven are quite simply incredible. From the nearby Dubai Marina and Bluewater Island, you can see as far as the tip of the palm or the Burj Khalifa. These are views you can only usually get from an aeroplane! We highly recommend lounging by the pool during the day (it’s also a perfect photo opportunity), and by night head over to the restaurant for Asian Fusion dishes.

Spa & Wellness

Situated on the 75th floor the Spa at Address has quite possibly one of the best views in the city. Focusing on holistic wellness, the resort also features a state-of-the-art fitness centre that allows you to work out high above the clouds. Hotel guests have access to the exclusive leisure and recreational facilities.

The spa features 9 treatment rooms, a luxurious couple’s suite, sauna, relaxation lounge and steam room. The spa treatment menu features signature treatments including the Signature Citrus Indulgence, Moroccan Bliss Journey and Triple Oxygen Glow Facial.

For more information and bookings visit Address Beach Resort