See Dior’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection in the latest fashion editorial “Beautiful Day.”

Dior’s ready-to-wear Spring-Summer 2021 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri takes inspiration from natural surroundings with pieces designed to represent the new way of living today.

White shirt, Navy skirt ,“DiorDouble” Black Belt, Black shoes Necklace, All Dior

Navy dress, “DiorDouble” Black Belt, Black shoes, Earring, Necklace, Ring, All Dior

Multicolored long dress, “DiorDouble” Clutch, Earring, All Dior

Multicolored long dress, “DiorDouble” Clutch, Earring, All Dior

Denim Dress, Medium “Lady D-Lite” Bag, “DiorDouble” Black Belt, Black shoes, All Dior

Headscarf, Multicolored long dress,  All Dior

Headscarf, Multicolored long dress, Medium Blue “Dior Bobby” Bag, All Dior

Headscarf, Blue shirt, Blue and white sleeveless blouse, “DiorDouble” Clutch, All Dior

Medium “Lady D-Lite” Bag, Dior

Medium “Dior Bobby” Bag, Dior

Headscarf, Blue shirt, Blue and white sleeveless blouse, Beige skirt, All Dior

Headscarf, Blue shirt, Blue and white sleeveless blouse, Beige skirt Black shoes, All Dior

Hosting the Diriyah E-Prix opening race in Saudi Arabia has firmly cemented the country’s position in the racing calendar. The E-Prix event which sees drivers globally travel to The Kingdom has continued momentum and growing reputation in hosting world-class motorsport and was able to go ahead behind closed doors, despite the challenges thrown up due to COVID-19.

As the sun sets in Diriyah the engines started and British racing driver Sam Bird took victory at his debut event with Jaguar Racing in Round 2 of the season-opening Diriyah doubleheader. “I was a bit emotional in the car,” said Bird. “It was a big move and a big step for me moving away from what was my family in Envision Virgin Racing to join Jaguar Racing, but they’ve welcomed me with open arms and I’m pleased to deliver this win.

Speaking of his experience of racing at the historical Diriyah circuit, an emotional Bird said: “I absolutely love racing here, it’s one of the best tracks on the calendar and is always a great event. We’re in a unique situation being in the middle of a pandemic but the people of Saudi and Formula E have managed it so well through rigorous testing; it’s been a very well thought-out procedure from start to finish and couldn’t have gone more smoothly.”

The unique track at the world UNESCO heritage site at Ad Diriyah was illuminated with renewable energy technology as part of the country’s commitment to the future of sustainability. With eco-friendly LED technology lighting and the glow of the full moon, the race track was lit up magically.

Podium celebrations under the stars following the second ever Formula E night race

HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation said: “Over the last two days we have seen the first-ever night races for the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and we’re really proud of this. The Kingdom is on an exciting journey of embracing renewable energy and technology, and Formula E is more than just a race to be the best, it is a partnership committed to the future of sustainability.”

Nico Muller gears up for second day of racing

Ahead of the race Reema Al Juffali, the First Saudi Female Racing Driver spoke of her experience of racing in her home country. She said: “The circuit has been hailed by many drivers as a very unique and challenging track to drive, and I think part of this is because we have the world’s most modern motorsport taking place on a site which honours the Kingdom’s past – it’s a very special combination. Racing in the heart of Diriyah gives you a very strong feeling of connection to our Kingdom’s history.”

She continued by sharing her excitement of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the event: “the passion for motorsport in the Kingdom runs deep, and bringing events like Formula E to Saudi is very exciting for racing fans who aren’t familiar with street racing. I’m also very proud for the first ever Formula E night race to take place at the circuit on home soil which will be an incredible moment for the country and the sport. It’s fantastic to see the organisers making the most of the global spotlight that motorsport brings to showcase some of the beauty of our land and our capacity to put on brilliant, world-class events.”

The Saudi Arabian leg of the Formula E season kicks-off the race calendar and will be followed by race weekends across the world, held in cities such as Rome, Monaco, Marrakesh and Santiago. Following the season opener for Formula E this weekend, April will see the first ever Extreme E race take to the breathtaking Al Ula, before the country plays host to its inaugural Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in early December. Then finally closing out the year with the return of Formula E Season 8.

Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum has held her first major media event presenting Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery to the world

Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum has invited global media to come behind the Palace walls at the beautiful Sheikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Palace in Dubai, for the very first time as she presents her jewellery brand Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery to the world. The first major media event for the designer revealed the inspiration behind her stunning debut fine jewellery range “My Treasure”.

Local and international media representatives were given a rare insight into Sheikha Sana’s design ethos. A certified gemologist, she founded “Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery” in 2020, at the age of just 21. Her vision is to create beautiful, high-quality jewellery pieces, that empower women to look and feel their best. Her style is ethereal, feminine, and thoroughly modern.

The beautiful and spirited Sheikha Sana attributes her grandmother (elder Sanaa) as her greatest inspiration, and the muse for her signature butterflies, which feature so prominently in her “My Treasure” Collection.

The 13 pieces feature ethically sourced diamonds, alongside pink, yellow or blue sapphires, and encased in white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold. Some butterflies are captured at rest, while others quiver on the wearer, using the enchanting “en tremblant” technique.

“My late grandmother was herself an avid jewellery collector and always so supportive of my creativity. To this day I feel her presence always fluttering around me. I consider her my ‘guardian butterfly’. Sheikha Sana explained. A butterfly is ever-transforming, and as a jewellery designer, and as a woman, I feel I too am very much evolving”. 

Her Highness has also revealed, a greater vision to use her personal jewellery brand, to create positive change for women and children, through education-related charity partnerships. Details of these charity collaborations will be released in the coming weeks. She said: “It’s important to me that my jewellery is not just beautiful, but empowering to women of all backgrounds”  

Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery can be found on Instagram @sanaalmaktoumofficial

For Dolce&Gabbana’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection the Italian fashion brand partnered with Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) to celebrate the excellence of Italian research in the technological field and its infinite applications by using multifunctional humanoid robots as part of the show.

The show, which was broadcast live across the brand’s digital platforms highlighted Dolce&Gabbana’s commitment to the future and scientific developments that will help create advanced solutions to meet our daily needs.

“We are really happy that IIT has accepted this challenge: it is incredible to think how man’s cleverness and determination can give life to new forms of intelligence, which can learn from their own experience and be deployed in the medical, environmental and social fields. Fashion has always been the result of the confluence of worlds that can be very far from each other: if technology is truly serving the man, his needs and his passions, then a craftsman and a robot will be able to coexist”. Said Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

The collection itself celebrates the future, but also looks to the past, with inspiration taken from the nineties; a decade of bold styles and colours. Dedicating this collection to the future generations; the “Tik-Tok-ers”, the millennials and the technology-savvy.

Looking to the archives, classic prints and symbols from throughout the brand’s nineties reign reappeared as motifs and prints. Kaleidoscope colours and bold clashing textures came together to create a psychedelic aesthetic.

The iconic D&G silhouettes could still be seen, even between the chaos, and while the future is very much the starting point for the collection, this new chapter for the Italian House perfect celebrates its legacy and the true essence of the brand.

Pierpaolo Piccioli was inspired by the theatre for his Fall/Winter 2021 collection for Valentino.

Titled “Act Collection” the Roman House took over the symbolic Piccolo Teatro di Milano for a sombre but beautiful presentation within the iconic building which is currently still closed to the public as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

Models meandered around the spectacular location to the sound of British artist Cosima, who performed live a magical soundtrack that truly captured the mood of today.

Dressed almost entirely in black and white, with just a hint of gold, models were both graceful and edgy representing a new generation of fashion.

Hemlines were shorter than ever and a new “punk nostalgia” mood was off-set by the placement of studs; a classic motif for the house, including on the Valentino Garavani Rockstud bags and on the toes of pumps.

This collection was cool, collected and simple yet multi-faceted. The short silhouettes paired with very high heels represented feminism and the right to express ourselves. Men’s looks were too shortened with trousers cut above the ankle.

Piccioli also explored the relationship between men’s and women’s fashion and the simple colour palette reflected this, as well as the choice of geometric checks, animal prints and polka dots.

The idea of showing the body by uncovering or veiling parts of it, overlapping nets, lace, and intensely worked surfaces that reveal instead of hiding, is sensual.

This notion of sensuality is something that stayed in the forefront of the designer’s mind when creating this collection. An awareness of the body that does not deny romanticism but radicalizes it in a libertarian instant.

Contemporary cuts combined with traditional techniques create a tale of modernity featuring the Spring/Summer 2021 collections for men and women.

Dolce & Gabbana

Dior

Chanel

Chanel

Hermès

Givenchy

Celine

Alexander McQueen

Dior Men

Versace

Valentino

Valentino will present its Fall/Winter 2021 Collection live from Milan on Monday 1st March.

Watch the show #ValentinoActCollection live on the link below:

Ashi Studio was a celebrity favourite for attendees at the 2021 Weibo Gala Night Awards in Shanghai. Three Chinese stars stole the show as they dressed in spectacular dresses by the designer.

Actress Victoria Song wore a black tulle dress embroidered with pearl and strass from the Ashi Studio SS2021 Couture Collection. She took to the stage to receive the award for “Breakthrough Actor of the Year” during the award ceremony.

Victoria Song

Victoria Song

Tong Li Y’a wore a bi-colour yellow and white strapless silk faille dress and separate pants, with a draped detail from the Ashi Studio SS 2021 Couture Collection called “Mrs. Dalloway”. The Chinese actress was styled by Wilona Lin.

Tong Li Y’a

Tong Li Y’a

Rising Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu, known for her “Under the Hawthorn Tree”, wore the bright yellow tulle dress with embroidery, also from the Ashi Studio SS 2021 Couture Collection.

Zhou Dongyu

Zhou Dongyu

This year’s Golden Globe Awards took on a different format as celebrities walked the red carpet in their own living rooms but that didn’t see them compromise on style.

We discover some of the most stylish looks from this year’s part physical, part digital Golden Globes.

Emma Corrin, star of The Crown wearing Miu Miu

Gillian Anderson, star of The Crown, wearing Dior Couture

Anna Taylor Joy, star of The Queen’s Gambit wearing Dior Couture

Amanda Seyfried wearing Oscar de la Renta

Nicole Kidman wearing Louis Vuitton

Daisy Edgar-Jones, star of Normal People wearing Chanel

Isla Fisher wearing Alex Perry and Van Cleef & Arpel jewellery

Regina King wearing Louis Vuitton

Lily Collins wearing Saint Laurent and Cartier jewellery

Dany Levy wearing Valentino

Kate Hudson wearing Louis Vuitton

Jared Leto wearing Gucci

Elle Fanning wearing Gucci

Viola Davis wearing Claude Kameni and Pomellato jewellery

The Giorgio Armani Fall/Winter 2021-22 collection “Nocturnal” celebrates classic elegance that transcends time.

True to the brand’s DNA of subtle elegance, this season’s collection features a soft precision that enhances both femininity and personality. Rich in gentle romantic touches it features a colour palette of shimmering turquoise greens, pale purples and soft pinks. Accentuated by ruffles which feature on the collars shirts and necklines of small boxy coats and the cuffs of sweaters.

The collection evokes the excitement of the evening. An elegant nocturnal atmosphere. Velvet returns this season as a key material while checked prints are given a touch of sparkle thanks to crystals and abstract motifs.

Silhouettes are fluid and elongated. Elegant in their structure yet softly feminine at the same time. The new jackets and coats are defined at the waistline, while blazers are long and roomy.

The men’s collection “Passages” explores the psychology of dressing. The result is a structured wardrobe, a collection of garments that are both timeless and modern. Spanning decades and uniting together in the now.

Pieces that every man needs and pieces that can be mixed and match in a way he desires as a form of expression.

Jackets are soft and flowing like shirts, coats are supple and enveloping and geometric-printed sweaters move with the body. Patchworks of velvet and wool or brightly coloured floral patterns make each garment unique.

A colour palette of deep blue and black is juxtaposed with natural hues for a contrasting effect.

Kim Jones presented his debut women’s ready-to-wear collection for Fendi beginning a new chapter for the House.

The wardrobes of the five Fendi sisters were an inspiration for the collection which paid tribute to the traditional codes of the House, a homage to the key codes of the brand and the women who have embodied its legacy.

Taking inspiration from the clothes worn by members of the Fendi family, Jones’ first collection featured elements of the past, presented in a truly modern way.

He drew on specifics from the wardrobes of the Fendi sisters including the bell sleeves of a washed mink and bonded suede coat, the pinstripes of their office attire now rendered in silken shirting or perfectly proportioned wool tailoring, and a utilitarian shirt jacket, inspired by Silvia Venturini Fendi’s daily uniform, is elevated into a new, luxurious, shearling iteration with a bonded mink interior. “The Fendi family are women of intellect who work hard – and that’s what I wanted to celebrate,” notes Jones. “A powerful dynasty.”

Double cashmere and camel outerwear which extends into mink tricot or wool-fringed scarves appears at once profoundly practical and deeply desirable, its form elsewhere translated into draped shirts and dresses. “I’m taking the amazing, strong women who I both know and work with, and listening to their needs,” Jones continues. “There’s a usefulness to the collection, explored in a chic, timeless way.”

An honorary member of the Fendi family was also acknowledged through this special collection. Jones revived Karl Lagerfeld’s Karligraphy monogram.

The remarkable craftsmanship of the Fendi ateliers is clear throughout – in a mink herringbone jacket made featherlight through its suspended construction, leather suiting inset with ajour embroidery, or Karligraphy monograms laser cut into suede.

The embossed Selleria stitching applied to gabardine trenches, double cashmere coats or leather accessories is a tribute to that meticulous exceptionalism – a quality most visible to the women who will wear the clothes. “Fun isn’t always just about bright colours,” says Jones. “It can be about really luxurious self-indulgence, which pleases the person wearing it more than anyone else.”

This is a collection designed with those women in mind: clothing that translates everyday femininity into hyper-luxurious terrain.

Bags for this collection were directed by Silvia Venturini Fendi who debuted the FENDI First which pays homage to the off-kilter irreverence of the brand, with the Fendi monogram tilted into the frame of a clutch.

New silhouettes were also presented through the Fendi Way tote and Fendu Touch shoulder bag. While classics including the Peekaboo and Sunshine Shopper are seen from a new perspective, distorted into new proportions and decorated with Selleria details.

This season, the FENDI hand in hand project – which enlists craftspeople from each of Italy’s 20 regions to reimagine the iconic Baguette – translates Campania’s artisanal excellence into a limited-edition series of objects d’art. Here the same, intricate wood inlays found in 6^th century Benedictine monasteries become a veneered, structured Baguette with a baroque floral motif.

The Prada Fall/Winter 2021 Womenswear collection Possible Feelings II: Transmute by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons is inspired by the idea of change and transformation, opening possibilities.

A coming together of opposites and embracing the freedom of expression through fashion. Classic pieces are re-engineered to cater to the woman of today and her ever-changing needs.

Inspired by the idea of change and transformation; two aspects that open a world of possibilities, this collection, the second for the design duo, reflects the ever-changing landscape we live in today.

This collection explores the space that exists between conventional polar opposites – the point between simplicity and complexity, elegance and practicality, limitation and release, transmuted.

The freedom of the body is celebrated through fitted bodysuits in stretch jacquard-knit. While movement is represented through pleats and gathers in skirts and trousers. Tailored suits are both classic yet modern, bridging the gap between masculinity and femininity.

Clothes are both functional and stylish with pieces being re-engineered to be multi-functional. evening-gowns become utilitarian jumpsuits and tailored coats are proposed in bright colours or executed in paillettes, transforming and mutating between antonymous purposes. Outerwear is key to the collection. Executed in re-nylon and jacquard, faux fur and sequins.

Traditionally gendered fabrics are recontextualized. Embellishment is structural, economical, and combinations and juxtapositions of surfaces evoke tension. This is mirrored by the multi-textural environment that envelops the models.

This collection was not just highlighting the new chapter of Prada now two great fashion minds are working alongside each other, but a new chapter of the world and an adjustment to fashion moving forward.

The Moschino Fall/Winter 2021-22 runway show will take place on Thursday, February 25th at 6pm Dubai time.

WATCH THE SHOW LIVE HERE…

Brunello Cucinelli’s Fall/Winter 2021-22 collection “The Touch of Knit” celebrates the return to authentic and natural values.

Blurring the boundaries between day and evening wear and embracing the beauty of beautiful fabrics such as Cashmere, wool, silk, alpaca and mohair for an all-round cosy and warming experience.

Knitwear is of course key to the collection and features strongly throughout. The warming qualities of knitwear reflect through to all elements of the collection. From fluid and lightweight coats, blazers, down jackets and matching-sets to knitted dresses, all-over looks and twin sets, as well as bags and footwear.

Unique manufacturing processes and soft volumes represent the cardinal elements of fluid and well-proportioned cosy wear. Timeless textures highlight the noble fibres, which alternate with captivating organic effects and delicate dazzling reflections, always with refined and minimal taste.

Malfilé, tweed and checks in classic colourways bring to mind the open-air, closer to the tranquillity of nature.

The colour palette reflects the whole ethos of this collection. Soft, warming and timeless a spectrum of creams, greys, and natural pastel tones that are both elegant and classic.

A collection that embraces the now and looks forward to a new generation of fashion where products are long-lasting and sustainable and comfort and style are perfectly aligned.

Italian fashion brand Genny will present its fall/winter 2021-22 collection live on Thursday 25th February at 1pm UAE time. Scroll down to watch the video…

WATCH THE SHOW LIVE HERE… https://genny.cdn.live-stream.ch/

Rich autumnal colours and warming textures that embrace the body were the basis of Alberta Ferretti’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection which debuted at this season’s digital edition of Milan Fashion Week.

Classic shapes in unexpected volumes suggest unexpected ways to wear staple garments. Reflecting the times that we’re in this collection is both surprising yet comforting.

Enveloping shapes that embrace the body in the warmth of fuzzy, protective textures; flowing in curves. Even carrying a bag means hugging it. A true representation of what we are all craving today.

A new minimalism arises, grounded on platform boots with chunky glam heels; then, suddenly, the daring to sparkle explodes, without hesitation, into dreamy, nightly escapism.

Coats edged in blanket stitching are cut wide like ponchos, or fluid-like dressing gowns, and can be worn alone, or under sturdy trench coats. Ruffle necklines, turtlenecks, ribbed sweater are cosy and warming, while long pleated skirts open over soft trousers.

There is a sense of modesty to these looks. A pleasure in covering up, from the neck down to the ankles. Overalls alternate raw-cut dresses, blousons and high-waisted slacks with shearling coats, denim suits with tuxedos.

Boots, wide-brimmed hats, and soft bags complete the strong silhouette.

Colours and materials underline this fluid movement. Black, dense and severe, and gunmetal grey dissolve into earthy tones of ochre, brown, beige, in touches of petrol green and olive, and then get back to the nocturnal sparkle of non-colour, illuminated by sequins, lit by gold.  As the flow progresses, fabrics pass from dense felts, flannels and shearling wools, to leathers and suede, finally opening up to the softness of silk and transparencies.

The result is a harmony of contrasts, a balance of decisive or reassuring gestures.

For its Fall/Winter 2021 collection Roberto Cavalli starts a new chapter that launches an empowering vision for the brand’s future.

Season Zero;  the first collection by Creative Consultant Fausto Puglisi represents a new direction and new creative path, embracing the challenges the world is facing today.

Fausto Puglisi, Creative Consultant, says: “I want the Cavalli print to represent a statement: The United States of Cavalli. A universal flag connecting and wrapping together citizens of all cultures – empowered, free, fierce. A pervasive statement running throughout the collection, from garage kids’ cool denim to Hollywood- Couture frocks.”

Fausto Puglisi, Creative Consultant

The collection for men and women revisits classic Cavalli icons including the animalier print which is a key symbol throughout. It highlights the experimental and rebellious spirit of the label’s ‘70s beginnings and the red carpet glamour of the 2000s, reworking them in Puglisi’s vision.

Graphic animalier prints featuring, tigers, zebras and jaguars heads become bold and graphic, patchworked into iconic styles.

The feminine silhouettes of the famously seductive figure-hugging, high-impact Cavalli dresses are firm, sculpted, contoured and empowering.

Daywear options, combine boldness and eccentricity with the need for protection. Quilted blanket-capes of generous proportions alternate with smart trench coats; the suit is reimagined as a versatile three-pieces where an all-over printed animalier slim-fitted blazer is paired with a matching tight turtleneck and a full circle skirt.

Menswear is equally bold and sexy. Denim, a Cavalli signature from its hippy era, is treated with airbrushed textures in black and nude skin tones, conveying a cool, worn-out ‘garage kid’ vibe, in a fluid genderless offer suited to a diverse audience.

Black leather amps up the assertive message: Patched biker jackets are the ideal match for animalier- printed oversized boxy shirts, puffed capes, hoodies and sweats.

The colour palette is edited down to a neat selection of black, chocolate brown and nude, to emphasise a powerful, focused message.

Breitling has been announced as the official timekeeper of the UAE Tour 2021, the Middle East’s world tour race.

The luxury Swiss watchmaker will award the winner of each of the tour’s seven stages, and the overall General Classification victor, with the Breitling Endurance Pro. The model features a red inner bezel ring and a bold red rubber strap, matching the UAE Tour’s official colour.

The partnership is Breitling’s latest move in a long relationship with cycling and continues a legacy that has embraced legendary riders such as Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, as well as partnerships with major competitions including the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.

Commenting on the partnership, Aed Adwan, Managing Director, Breitling Middle East, India and Africa said: ‘’We are delighted to be the official timekeeper of the UAE Tour 2021 and to be continuing Breitling’s legacy in competitive cycling. With the Endurance Pro we adapted our SuperQuartz™ technology to the needs of professional athletes who play as hard as they work. And the Breitlight® case is so light that it won’t interfere with anyone’s training routine or sporting activity.”

The Breitling Endurance Pro features the ultralightweight 44-millimetre Breitlight® case and a thermocompensated SuperQuartz™ movement ten times more accurate than conventional quartz. It offers comfort, precision, and functionality that will appeal both to committed athletes and to more casual sports enthusiasts.

Designed for men and women whose active lives blend a professional mind-set with a sporty lifestyle, the Endurance Pro is equal to the challenges of a rigorous workout but fashionable enough for everyday wear.

Every year Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates the arrival of spring with jewellery pieces that reflect the warmth of these months.

For 2021 the jewellery Maison presents Lucky Spring; a colour collection that pays tribute to the season of rebirth.

Luck is a symbol that has been a close part of the house for many years and the Lucky Spring creations are brought to life with motifs of ladybugs, plum blossoms, as well as lily of the valley leaves and bells which complement one another and express the positive vision of life which the brand celebrates.

A long necklace, three bracelets, a clip and a pair of earrings portray joyful ladybugs, along with flower and leaf motifs. Blending rose gold, mother-of-pearl, carnelian and onyx in delicate harmony, the collection adds a new and vibrant touch to Van Cleef & Arpels’ enchanting garden.

Like an invitation to celebrate nature’s rebirth, ladybugs, leaves and flowers joyfully feature on the long necklace and the five-motif bracelet. A sign of attention to detail, fine golden pistils glimmer in the heart of the plum blossoms, while the mother-of-pearl corolla harmonises with the nacreous sheen of the lilies of the valley. The pieces are interspersed with tasselled leaves in textured rose gold, delicately reflecting every movement.

Two bracelets honour the ladybug, known for heralding the resurgence of flora. This much-loved creature is represented either at rest with its wings folded, or with wings fully spread, as if ready to take flight. The bracelets are set with carnelian for a dazzling red hue that contrasts with the deep black of the onyx portraying the head. The ornamental stone motifs are fitted within a beaded rose gold contour. This fringe is further echoed in the polished gold pins adorning the wings to represent ladybugs’ distinctive spots. The ladybug in-flight features a slightly vaulted body made of mirror-polished rose gold for intense radiance.

Designed as a springtime tableau, the Lucky Spring clip brings together the different motifs in a high-relief ensemble. The interplay of perspectives highlights the bright, vibrant colour of the carnelian, setting off the iridescence of the mother-of-pearl that adorns the floral motifs. Earrings in the shape of plum blossoms round out the collection, gracefully indulging a desire for matching parures.

Van Cleef & Arpels selected and matched the materials with the utmost care, to compose a poetic rendering of nature’s hues while imbuing the creations with a particular vivacity. The Maison’s stone experts single out carnelian featuring a vibrant, uniform and slightly translucent red-orange hue, while the onyx is selected for its deep black tone and its intense gleam. White mother-of-pearl is chosen for its harmonious iridescent nuances.

The gentle tinge of the rose gold captures light in dazzling reflections thanks to the harmony between the golden beads and the polished or textured surfaces.

The Lucky Spring collection is available at Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques.

Reema Al Juffali is the first Saudi female racing driver to officially compete in The 2021 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The event, which is being held in The Kingdom later this week returns to the historic surrounds of Diriyah and surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage site for the third season in-a-row, and this time it’s set to be a spectacular event in the dark, as Saudi Arabia plays host to Formula E’s first night races.

Ahead of the race, Reema Al Juffali The Kingdom’s first female racing driver speaks of her excitement and expectations for the race.

You made history in Diriyah by becoming the first female racer to drive competitively in the Kingdom during the Jaguar I-Pace, what did that moment mean to you?

That was a day of many firsts for me and one I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was my first time ever racing in an electric car and my first time racing in an international event on home soil – it was truly a historic moment for me and my country. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to race in front of home fans and it was the highlight of my career so far. Hopefully there will be many more opportunities like this in the future.

The Diriyah Circuit has become one of the more iconic circuits in Formula E, what do you think makes it so special?

The circuit has been hailed by many drivers as a very unique and challenging track to drive, and I think part of this is because we have the world’s most modern motorsport taking place on a site which honours the Kingdom’s past – it’s a very special combination. Racing in the heart of Diriyah gives you a very strong feeling of connection to our Kingdom’s history.  For me, having never raced on a street circuit before, I had to adjust to being closer to the walls whilst driving an electric car but it’s something I loved and I will never forget.

Now in its third year, we’ve seen Saudis become more engaged with the Diriyah E-Prix.  Can you tell us about  the excitement you’re sensing ahead of this year’s race?

The passion for motorsport in the Kingdom runs deep, and bringing events like Formula E to Saudi is very exciting for racing fans who aren’t familiar with street racing. I’m also very proud for the first ever Formula E night race to take place at the circuit on home soil which will be an incredible moment for the country and the sport. It’s fantastic to see the organisers making the most of the global spotlight that motorsport brings to showcase some of the beauty of our land and our capacity to put on brilliant, world-class events.

Formula E stretches beyond just sports but it also aims to promote a sustainable and clean future, which is in line with the Saudi Arabian government’s initiatives. How important is it that a sport to promote the sustainability message in Saudi and beyond?

Saudi Arabia is on a journey towards sustainability and Formula E’s message for promoting a clean future compliments the aspirations of Saudi’s Vision 2030. As a driver I feel a sense of responsibility to spread awareness regarding the need for a more sustainable approach to everyday life and I’m honoured to be a part of a journey towards a more environmentally conscious future.

You’re currently competing in Formula 4, what are your aspirations for the future?

One of my ultimate goals in life is to race Le Mans with some of the best drivers in the world. But more than anything I just want to excel in my field, regardless of the category or the event. I want to feel proud of my performance. The sky is the limit!

If you’ve ever thought of escaping to nature there could be a new destination on the horizon.

Nestled in the shadow of the Wasatch and the Uinta Mountains amid rolling ranch land and protected forest, Benloch Ranch is Utah’s newest community. It rests on a plateau with expansive views of the Jordanelle Reservoir, just 20 minutes from Park City. A far cry from the traditional master-planned community, the 2,550-acre Benloch Ranch is designed with minimalism and practicality in mind and captures the essence of bringing the outdoors in. Home designs and lot locations harness significant outdoor living areas, while the master plan conforms to the undulating terrain. Pre-designed and custom architectural plans are available, ranging from mountain modern to traditional cabin couture.

Modern, elegant, and sustainable, Benloch Ranch homes are designed with both luxury and the environment in mind. The architectural designs stand in harmony with the natural beauty of the area, with a range of mountain-inspired home plans created to capture the spirit of the valley. The homes feature high-end touches, open floor plans and fluid outdoor living spaces.

Understanding and embracing the natural surroundings at Benloch Ranch is central to its conservation philosophy. With over 900 acres of open space and 20 miles of trails, Benloch has implemented policies to protect the beautiful landscape, including seeding native plant species, sourcing sustainable materials, reducing storm water runoff, conserving rain and potable water, and reducing noise pollution to protect the health and safety of native wildlife species.

“Our highest priority is to minimize the negative impacts of our activities while striving to be better stewards of the land,” said aid developer Jamie Mackay. “We have adopted a high level of sustainability standards including protection policies surrounding wildlife preservation, conservation of vegetation, and water quality protection.”

Responsible land management and sustainable practices are at the core of Benloch’s mission. The Ranch community is committed to a legacy of responsible environmental, community, and economic stewardship to ensure that generations to come will enjoy what is left behind.

With convenient easy access to five national parks, more than 40 state parks, an array of world-class ski resorts, terrific fly fishing on the Provo and Webber Rivers, and 15 golf courses, Benloch Ranch is truly an adventure living community.

If you’re looking for a move across the pond or a second home to escape from it all this unique destination will offer tranquillity and escape from the world.

Interior designer and Founder of Harf Noon Design Studio Nisrine El Lababidi Moghraby has redesigned homes of all shapes and sizes in the UAE and beyond.

But this year has been somewhat different, as the home has taken on a new role in all of our lives. Becoming not just a living space, but also a workplace, a school for kids or an escape from the outside world. The global pandemic has seen us all appreciate our homes in ways we may never have thought of before. Throughout this past year, customer needs have changed drastically and as a result, our home environments have become more important than ever. Here we discuss some of the ways you can update your home to adapt to your lifestyle as well as an outlook on the upcoming home and interiors trends for 2021.

When it comes to a new year what are some of the ways we can easily update or freshen up our home?

The past year has been like no other, we have seen a shift in how people utilise their homes and spaces and connect even more with their surroundings. Colour is a key part of that. Pantone has announced “Ultimate Gray” and “Illuminating” to be the colours of the year due to their warmth and dependability, however, I think many will be shifting towards rich browns, jewel tones and a range of greens, that will bring the outside in at a time where we are all spending more time at home. Paint has the power to transform a space on a tiny budget.

What are some of the interiors trends you are looking forward to in 2021?

I think we will see an increase in sustainable furniture and accessories. Antique, repurposed, salvaged and retro pieces all have their place in 2021. The key is to go with a ‘less-is-more’ approach for a cohesive aesthetic – collecting items over time that mean something to you and contrasting them with a few luxe pieces to create a modern take on it.

I also think earthy colours and warm natural textures will prevail. Be it through accessories or finishes, it’s nice to show the influence of nature, the nostalgia of travel and the desire for a getaway through the home. Maximalism is another trend I foresee increasing in popularity. This is where one would curate a home packed full of personality. Think highly decorated layers that tell a story, from bold wallpaper overlaid with furniture and souvenirs that have been collected. You can read more about trends in my book; “HOMES: We Make Them, They Make Us”.

For those who like their home to be more of a blank canvas – how can we use accessories to brighten up the home?

For the colour shy or those who get bored quickly, I would suggest purchasing larger pieces of furniture in neutral tones such as beige, white, grey or even black, then layering with colour through cushions, throws and accessories. Warm golds and terracotta tones look great together or you can opt for jewelled tones of ruby and emerald green. The trick is to follow the 60-30-10 rule: 60% neutral, 30% one colour, 10% contrasting or complementing colour. Vases, flowers, interesting objects, trinket boxes and art all provide opportunities to inject colour onto a blank canvas.

As many are now working from home – what are some of the ways you would recommend designing your living and workspaces so that we can ensure a clear separation between the two?

First and foremost, if possible, find a quiet spot that can be dedicated purely to work. This way you can have a clear division between work responsibilities and home responsibilities. If your home doesn’t have space for a home office, set up in your kitchen, living room, bedroom or even walk-in closet. But take extra care to make these areas work-focused by day and home by night. Clear enough space for technology, office supplies, coffee and anything else your job may require so you can access and use things comfortably. Lighting is very important too. Brighten your workspace by setting up near a window or using a desk/floor lamp. Keep your space decluttered and tidy as this will increase productivity and improve your mood.

How have some of the requests you have from clients adapted since the beginning of the COVID-19 period?

Of course, we are receiving more requirements for office spaces that can cater up to two people, often in a guest room. We are also seeing an increase in requests for home gyms, as well as more and more parents requesting desk setups for their children in their bedrooms. And finally, there’s an increase of requests for fully-kitted-out spa and hair salons inside villas that have the space for this!

• The first trick is to keep it clutter-free and designate areas for storage that are easy for everyone to use.
• Having your storage units hanging off the floor also clears floor space and maximises the use of your walls. Think hanging sideboards, tv units, etc.
• Using mirrors will multiply the feeling of space and they bounce off the light to make rooms feel larger and brighter.

How important is it to have a home environment that you love?

It is extremely important. Our homes are reflections of us and they are our sanctuaries, so if we do not love them they can become toxic and you may not want to spend time there. If you are the type of person that dines out every day or would prefer staying in hotels over the weekend, then make some changes to your home and see how that all changes!

What are some tips and tricks for those with kids to ensure a balanced living environment?

Having a home with kids does not mean losing style. I often advise my clients to go for baby and toddler safe options when it comes to tables, for example, choosing round tables, or upholstered ottomans and then layering them with accessories that won’t break like coffee table books, a small metal tray with a trinket box, some wooden vases and perhaps even an X&O set. You can even decorate with shells collected from a beach trip or some interesting sticks from a walk in the park! Candles are also very safe to style with, but be careful when lighting them with kids around.

Another important thing is to include their toys in your living space but dedicate an area for their play. That could be a small corner with big baskets for toys that they can tidy up on their own – it also means the space looks tidy. Having a soft rug is also nice for them to sit and play on. You can carve up a small reading nook for example under the stairs or create a boho-style tent that is cute and stylish at the same time. They will love you even more for that!

What is the one thing we should invest in the home for 2021?

Elevate your home with dramatic touches of luxury and bring the ultra-glamorous trend to your living environment. Consider how playful opulence and patterns lift an interior’s moods, redefining the home with all the comforts and refinements of boutique hotels. This can be incorporated by adding geometric shapes, luxury velvets, monochrome prints and cashmere throws.

How would you define your style as an interior designer?

An aesthetic vocabulary that references both classicism and modernity with a layered narrative.

What advice would you give to anyone who is confused about where to start with the renovation of their home?

First and foremost think of the function of every space and if it is serving the home dwellers as needed. Is there, for example, a need for a closed office space? A gym? A guest room? Is an open plan living room working to its best or is it better to have a closed kitchen to stop cooking scents from escaping? Asking these questions allows one to get creative and really dissect the home when approaching a renovation. Perhaps the house lacks architectural detail or it is not naturally lit – so these issues are the first to be targeted. Next is to properly set a budget – this is sometimes overseen and often results in disappointment. Committing to a budget allows one to realistically focus on the necessities and often means that decisions can be made more quickly. Thirdly I would say decide on the mood and style intended from the renovation – this will again very much depend on your budget.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

It always seems impossible until it’s done.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking about changing their home in 2021?

Your home is the most important safety haven – find one that truly reflects your identity. It could be a high-rise overlooking our beautiful city landscape. Or you might be someone who rolls out of bed onto the running track or someone who longs for a quiet life surrounded by lush gardens. Whatever it may be, find a house, an apartment, a condo or a bungalow that adds to your soul and energizes your daily living – then make that a home.

Upcycled by Miu Miu is a special collection of vintage dresses reworked and transformed by Miu Miu, while the memory of the originals is preserved in cloth.

Seven exclusive dresses will be available in the Middle East at the Dubai Mall boutique in Fashion Avenue, inviting shoppers to come and discover these unique pieces.

Strictly limited to a selection of just 80 one-off pieces and numbered designs, Upcycled by Miu Miu is built around precious, anonymous finds, dating from the Thirties to the Eighties, carefully sourced from vintage clothing stores and markets worldwide.

Once restored, pieces are re-fashioned and finished with signature Miu Miu embroideries and embellishments. Each piece is entirely unique and all are completed by hand.

Re-imagined through the Miu Miu lens, the lives of garments worn and loved in the past are extended, renewed and sustained, enriching the lives of the women who will wear them by return.

Upcycled by Miu Miu dresses are available in nine selected Miu Miu boutiques worldwide, including Dubai.

We reveal some of the skincare solutions now in the middle east to look out for this year.

Augustinus Bader

This celebrity-favourite skincare brand has been creating miracles around the world, but it only recently arrived in the UAE. Founded by world-leading expert in stem-cell research, Professor Augustinus, the skincare line is based on the principles of science, with formulas that will provide true, visible results. Augustinus spent 30 years unlocking the body’s innate processes to self-heal and he uncovered how to reawaken cells that go dormant over time due to ageing or trauma and thus produce products that offer real life-changing results.

Augustinus’ mission first started with the intention of helping burn victims, particularly children with traumatic injuries. In 2008, he formulated a ground-breaking wound gel that works to heal even third-degree burns without surgery or skin grafts. It works by carrying a set of healing signals to the site of the wound or burn, triggering the damaged skin cells and facilitating perfect healing. Augustinus Bader Skincare was born out of this breakthrough. When he saw the potential of his formulas he decided to open it out to a wider audience and in 2018, Augustinus Bader Skincare launched with two hero products – The Cream and The Rich Cream; followed by The Body Cream which was launched in 2019.

All three creams contain patented TFC8® (Trigger Factor Complex) technology, which supports the skin’s natural processes, leaving all skin types – mature, dry, oily, or sensitive – looking restored and regenerated. TFC8® is comprised of natural amino acids, high- grade vitamins and synthesised molecules naturally found in the skin. It guides key nutrients and powerful natural ingredients to the skin cells, creating an optimal environment for the body’s innate processes of repair and renewal.

Augustinus Bader Skincare is available exclusively at Harvey Nichols – Dubai and Bloomingdales Middle East, and online at Ounass.com and Bloomingdales.ae

Fenty Skin

The long-awaited arrival of Rihanna’s skincare line Fenty Skin has excited the region over the past few of months. The pop icon’s debut skincare offering made headlines during the recent Dubai Shopping Festival as shoppers were invited to discover Fenty Skin Island which took over The Dubai Mall promenade to celebrate the arrival of the skincare line at Sephora and invited customers to discover the new products.

Fenty Skin was developed in partnership with Kendo Brands, an LVMH-owned beauty developer, with a mission to provide simple solutions for all skin tones and types. It represents a new culture of skincare, providing clean, uncomplicated, effective products for all women (and men). Every product is designed to multitask and is packed with multiple benefits.

Fenty Skin brings together ingredients from around the world and pairs them with skincare powerhouses, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, for clinically proven results. Rihanna was keen to create formulas that are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and earth-conscious. Packaging has prioritised recyclable materials and smart refillable packs that still feel luxurious. The products in the range are inspired by Rihanna’s own skincare needs and routine for achieving a bright, healthy-looking complexion. Highlights of the range include the Total Cleans’r Remove-It-All Cleanser, Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum and Instant Reset Overnight Recovery Gel-Cream.

Fenty Skin is available at Sephora stores and online throughout the Middle East.

Tata Harper

Tata Harper skincare launched for the first time in the Middle East late last year. The luxury beauty brand prides itself on producing high-performing products that are non-toxic and 100 per cent natural. Founder and CEO Tata Harper created her skincare brand with the mission of pushing the boundaries and innovating for the next generation of beauty to deliver luxurious products that really are effective. Since founding her company Harper has worked with the world’s top botanists and chemists to find non-toxic ingredients that will truly make a difference to women and men’s lives and not be harmful in any way.

Using the latest technology, Tata Harper’s products are formulated with the highest-quality natural ingredients available. Every product is created from start to finish on the Harper’s 1,200-acre certified- organic farm in Vermont Champlain Valley, meaning every aspect of the production process is able to be controlled and overseen by Harper herself. Every Complex Formula is engineered with the highest possible quantity of precious innovative ingredients, captured at their most effective peak for maximum potency.

If you’re new to the brand you must try the 7-Step Winter Ritual which is made up of seven key products from the range which work together to revive the skin for a nourished long-lasting result. Key products from the range include the Hydrating Floral Mask which is designed to recharge the skin, replenish lost moisture and reduce redness. While the Rejuvenating Serum 2.0 is an intensive age defence serum with micro-smoothing technology to combat visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.

The full range is available on Ounass.com, at Bloomingdale’s Dubai Mall and Harvey Nichols Dubai, and is distributed exclusively in the Middle East by Wild Distribution.

Sunday Riley

Sunday Riley’s products arrived in the UAE a while ago but they are still creating a storm. A favourite of beauty experts and insiders, Sunday Riley’s products focus on using key ingredients that really get to the root of skincare problems. With a background in science, Sunday Riley is a Cosmetic Chemist and Product Formulator who spent years developing her own skincare products after being dissatisfied with other formulas on the market.

These products are fun and great to look, at but the real test is in the results which truly are visible after regular use. One of the cult products Good Genes, a Glycolic Acid treatment is a multitasking treatment that smooths, refines, clarifies and brightens, while Luna Sleeping Night Oil is beauty sleep in a bottle! The latest product line CEO Glow features products that are rich in Vitamin C – a key ingredient needed to brighten, hydrate and give us that summer glow we all long for.

Sunday Riley is available exclusively at Sephora stores and online.

Patek Philippe has unveiled three new Twenty~4 models designed for modern, active women.

The “manchette” or cuff-style models with quartz movements now include a new version in rose gold with a chocolate-brown sunburst dial. The Twenty~4 Automatic, in a round case, offers two new models, one in steel adorned with an olive-green sunburst dial, the other in rose gold, its dial gilded with a rose-gold sunburst. Three new expressions of the Patek Philippe style, bring beauty to every moment of daily life.

The three new Twenty~4 models, mean women have a total of twelve lifestyle companions in the collection – with either a round or “manchette” design, quartz or automatic movement, a steel or rose-gold case and bracelet, and a splendid palette of dials, together with diamond-set versions ranging from discreet sparkle to dazzling.

Twenty~4 Reference 4910/1201R-001 is a new model in rose gold with a chocolate-brown sunburst dial. It pairs an 18K rose-gold case with a chocolate-brown sunburst dial. Two vertical rows of Top Wesselton Pure diamonds are set with textbook precision to highlight the distinctive two-tier shape of the case. The clean layout of the dial gives centre stage to the Arabic numerals, and the trapeze-shaped hour-markers and the rounded baton-style hands, all in rose gold with a luminescent coating. A Calatrava cross, emblem of the manufacture, decorates the crown. The rose-gold bracelet with fold-over clasp is a jewel in its own right. Fully hand-polished, it feels smooth and cossetting on the wrist. The mechanical components of the Patek Philippe caliber E15 quartz movement are crafted with the same devotion to fine workmanship as those of the mechanical movements.

The Twenty~4 Automatic Reference 7300/1200A-011 features an olive-green sunburst dial. The olive green colour makes its first appearance in the contemporary Patek Philippe collections. The white-gold Arabic numerals and white-gold hands have a luminescent coating, ensuring excellent legibility under all conditions. A white-gold frame adorns the date aperture at 6 o’clock. The pure circle of the case is lit with 160 diamonds (0.77 carat) set in two staggered rows according to the “dentelle” (lacework) technique. A transparent case back reveals the painstaking hand-finish and decoration lavished on the caliber 324 S C self-winding movement. The polished-steel bracelet features a new, patented fold-over clasp secured by four independent catches.

The Twenty~4 Automatic Reference 7300/1200R-011comes in rose gold with a gilded rose-gold sunburst dial. This watch extends the warm sheen of its case to a dial gilded with a rose-gold sunburst and to hour and minute hands, applied Arabic numerals and the frame of the date aperture all fashioned in the same precious metal. A double row of diamonds in a “dentelle” (lacework) setting adds a touch of brilliance, as does the fine hand-finish and decoration of the caliber 324 S C self-winding movement visible through the sapphire-crystal case back. The new, patented fold-over clasp adds to the comfort of the bracelet, whose three rows of rose-gold links are fully hand-polished.

To mark the arrival of these three new models Patek Philippe strengthen its communications campaign “Rituals of My Life”. This digital campaign launched in autumn 2020 focuses on the precious personal moments that, day by day, punctuate and illuminate the modern woman’s life. Cherished moments to which the Twenty~4 contributes its grace and beauty.

Codex Beauty is not your usual Beauty Brand. Guided by bio-science the Silicon Valley-founded company aims to set new standards in skincare thanks to its team of scientists, technologists, botanists, cosmetic chemists and dermatologists.

The brand was founded by Barbara Paldus, a scientist with a PhD in electrical engineering and decades spent at the forefront of research and innovation at spectroscopy and biotechnology companies. Paldus founded two Silicon Valley companies that, among many breakthroughs, helped bring intelligent sensors and state-of-the-art control software to the market, paving the way for carbon cycle trading, food integrity testing, accessible vaccines, personalised medicine and cell therapy.

But now, this entrepreneur has found a new passion as she sets about to create a new wave of beauty products that go against all the rules. Realising the potential of natural ingredients, Paldus began to use unique extraction techniques that would enable natural ingredients to be used in ways never seen before. The result is Codex beauty. A beauty brand built on science, organic and vegan ingredients, plant-based preservatives, pharmaceutical-grade processes, safety and efficacy trials, innovative and sustainable packaging and third-party certification. All products are submitted to the kind of rigorous testing found in biotechnology and strict adherence to goods manufacturing practices that have never been seen before in the beauty industry. Paldus is on a mission to change the rules in the industry and is encouraging others to follow her lead. We find out more as the unique brand arrives in the Middle East for the first time.

What first inspired you to launch your company Codex Beauty?

I have a now 11-year-old son who had a severe allergy to phenoxyethanol, an ingredient used in baby products and this led me to try to ask questions to manufacturers, but I did not get very far as a consumer. After I sold my previous biotech company (Finesse Solutions), I decided that the beauty industry needed greater transparency, as well as quantitative answers. I started questioning every claim on my products and wondering – having spent most of my career developing measurement tools – how the beauty industry quantified anything. This experience led me to build Codex Beauty in order to demonstrate to the beauty industry that not only is quantitative data about all aspects of the products relevant, but it is essential for customers to make the best purchasing decisions and obtain truly functional products at the best possible price.

What makes Codex beauty different?

There are three key differences:

1. We are not a beauty company: we are a high-tech, biotech-based skin solutions provider. I have assembled a technical team of experts in the fields of biotechnology, genetics, plant biology, ethnobotany, dermatology, cGMP manufacturing, pharmaceutical quality, cosmetic chemistry, and environmental science. Then added a team specialising in business process automation, logistics and digital infrastructure.
2. We are a data-driven first company: if you can’t measure it, you can’t claim to understand it. The beauty industry has a lack of transparency, lack of science and is afraid of data. More recently, the “clean” beauty movement started a trend of fearmongering clients about chemicals, when in fact, even water is a chemical! By burying science and logical thought, they are doing a disservice to the consumer who cannot make rational decisions based on facts. Our mission is to lead the beauty industry in adopting a scientific and data-driven approach to ingredient sourcing, product safety and product performance in order to improve customer satisfaction and trust.
3. We are totally obsessed with sustainability. Our airless, touchless tubes are plant-based and reduce greenhouse gas emissions—a major feat in the beauty industry. We went beyond the standard-issue containers to find ones made with green polyethylene, a plastic resin produced using sugarcane ethanol, which is a renewable raw material. By being plant-based, the production of green polyethylene captures and fixes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere — actually helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How do you think your background in science has influenced your choices in the business?

My background as a scientist has led me to question everything and to rely only on data that is generated by qualified specialists and can be reproduced. I don’t believe in storytelling. If I don’t see supporting data and scientific evidence, then I won’t believe it. I won’t allow marketing campaigns to make flowery claims on our products that we cannot support with efficacy trials overseen by trained technicians, measured with instruments that quantify (no before and after picture interpretation here!) and a statistically meaningful population sample.

As an engineer, my goal is to provide solutions that work. I’m not here to make money by selling a lifestyle or guesswork. I’m here to solve skin issues. That’s why we have our Bia collection that is optimised for hydration and Antu (launching in 2021) that addresses inflammation. And we are also very focused on creating microbiome-supporting products.

Tell us about some of the research that goes into each of your beauty products?

Science can teach us a lot about skincare. Here’s a sneak peek at how the different branches of science impact the lifecycle of our products…

• Ingredient Selection: We use botany and historical research to figure out what plant-based bioactive compounds to use and which parts of the plants to harvest.
• Ingredient Processing: We use herbal science and biochemistry to determine the best process for extracting the bio-active compounds from the plants and how to combine these extracts when designing a product that delivers results. We also work with biotech companies who can create a fermented version of these ingredients.
• Ingredient Sourcing: Agriculture teaches us how to select organically and sustainably grown plants and manage wild harvesting of plants that cannot be grown in large quantities. We also work with commercial ingredient suppliers who can provide detailed data on performance, quality, sustainability, and certifications.

• Preservatives: Biochemistry teaches us what plant-based ingredients have protective capabilities and microbiology principles teach us how to design a preservative system to protect against potential contamination. This is how we developed our biotech-based, fermented PreservX system that is microbiome friendly. All of our products undergo preservative efficacy testing (PET).
• Allergy Testing: Chemical and medical knowledge, specifically toxicology, teaches us how to review for allergens and properly test for safety. All of our products undergo human repeat insult patch testing (HRIPT).
• Efficacy Testing: Dermatology teaches us how to design meaningful human efficacy tests and measure product benefits (such as hydration, firming, wrinkle depth reduction). All of our products are clinically tested for specific performance parameters by a third-party laboratory under the supervision of a toxicologist and dermatologist.
• Stability Testing: All of our products undergo accelerated and long-term stability testing to ensure their integrity on the shelf is not compromised. The test labs measure product parameters such as pH, colour and viscosity.
• Microbiome Testing: We work with MyMicrobiome group to test all of our products for microbiome friendliness. Sometimes we have to formulate more than once. There are still many things we don’t understand about the microbiome, especially the effects of surfactants (cleansers) so we are still doing research with them.
• Certification: this includes certification by the EWG, Vegan, Leaping Bunny and EcoCert (COSMOS) organizations.
• Sustainability: Environmental science teaches us to protect native species (plants and animals) when scaling up product production. Material science plays a role in developing new bio-based plastics and fabrics. And forestry determines how to produce sustainable packaging.

What can you tell us about the ingredients used in the products and what are some of the requirements and standards you set for them?

First of all, we require that all of our ingredients are vegan, alcohol- free, preservative-free, and cruelty-free. When we are doing our product development, we start by trying to understand the biological causes of a particular skin problem that we are trying to solve. We usually follow these steps to qualify ingredients:

• Overview of the research literature for that particular skin issue.
• We work with our team of ethnobotanists to identify a part of the world where there might be plants that have been used to solve this problem.
• We try to source these ingredients from high tech cosmetic suppliers, or if we can’t find them, we reach out to the local universities studying indigenous people in that area.
• We test the impact of these ingredients on skin cells through genetic expression.
• If we can’t source them from a supplier, we find a partner to develop the extraction and sourcing of the ingredient.

The top winners make it into our formulations where our expert cosmetic chemist creates synergistic formulations from this ingredient database. Our dermatologist then reviews them and helps us design the efficacy testing.

Are there any particular ingredients you love to work with?

Yes, I love to work with Microbiome – fermented ingredients. Recent studies have shown that the use of certain natural ingredients, including fermentation-based preservatives, not only has less of an impact on microbiome balance, but depending on the type of natural ingredient used can actually reinforce it. For example, biotech-based natural preservatives in the form of antimicrobial peptides derived from the fermentation of lactic acid (lactobacillus fermentation) have been found to effectively destroy pathogenic bacteria, while at the same time supporting bacteria balance. With their use, the microbiome remains properly balanced leaving the skin healthy and protected against harmful pathogenic bacteria. In short, fermented preservatives appear to be superior to their synthetic counterparts when it comes to maintaining a healthy, well-functioning skin microbiome.

The patented Codex Beauty PreservX system, found in all our water-based products, comprises of three fermented ingredients and two organic acids, which together, effectively preserve these formulations. PreservX also enhances both skin hydration and skin barrier function by supporting the microbiome. In fact, it is worth noting that all our products are MyMicrobiome certified. Those concerned with protecting and supporting their skin microbiome should look for this certification on fermented skincare products.

Secondly, comes anti-inflammation ingredients. Once the skin has become inflamed, it is very important to calm the inflammation as quickly as possible, otherwise, the skin’s health and appearance will begin to suffer. Since inflamed skin is inherently compromised, its barrier function is diminished making it more vulnerable to pathogens that can cause infection. The skin’s barrier function is highly correlated to its degree of hydration. If not properly hydrated, the skin’s ability to protect itself will suffer.

Our Antu line that fights inflammation will be launching in early 2021. The patent-pending Codex Beauty AntuComplex is made from three Patagonian plants traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions that contain powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids (that help soothe irritated skin), polyphenols with a high anthocyanin content that can help inhibit cellular damage. The AntüComplex is supplemented by other plant or fruit extracts from South America that are known for their immuno-stimulant and analgesic properties.

With everything that’s happened in the last year, can switching to non-toxic beauty products help our immune system?

Quarantine has made us rethink not only our skincare but our lifestyles. Makeup can help give you a temporary glow, but nothing can really replace the beauty of naturally glowing skin. Exfoliating regularly, a simple daily skincare regime and leading a healthy lifestyle are the best ways to keep your skin smooth and radiant. With the stress of the lockdown, it is even more important to have a healthy lifestyle that leads to radiant skin. Plenty of water, no smoking and eating a healthy diet are important. Equally important is getting enough exercise and sleep. No skincare routine will replace these. In terms of skincare products, people are turning more and more to products that support the natural skin microbiome or that reduce inflammation (or both).

We know you travelled the world looking for the perfect ingredients – where is your favourite place to find them?

I realised that the ethnobotany of herbal medicine around the world is a common human thread that has never been broken. I realised that no one has undertaken a systematic study of how these plants affect human skin cells to prove or refute the lore of plant healers. Ireland has sustained a long history of herbal medicine which was the inspiration behind our hydration line. Until the mid-1900s, Irish people harvested wild herbs for medicine as part of everyday life and passed local cures down through generations. Many of these cures can be traced back to the ancient Celtic tribes that inhabited Ireland and were documented in Roman times by historians. Herbal medicine in Ireland is currently being invigorated with new knowledge, learning and rigorous scientific research. Based on this knowledge, we were able to invent the BiaComplexTM, a nourishing and hydrating formula made from a blend of oil infusions that are combined with aqueous counterparts using food-grade emulsifiers. It is the base of our hydration products.

Another favourite place for ingredients is Chile. Our 2021 Antu collection focuses on managing reactive oxidative stress (ROS) with a blend of ancient Mapuche herbal knowledge, genetic analysis of the extracts, partnerships with local Mapuche wild harvesters, organic producers, and a high-tech cGMP manufacturing facility. The AntuComplex is designed to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation, especially from sun exposure and pollution. Our Brightening products harness the power of bio-actives from Patagonian plants long valued by the Mapuche people for their protecting and healing properties. We are now scouring the Arctic for anti-ageing plants for our anti-ageing line for 2023 and we are reaching out to tribal peoples in Siberia, Scandinavia, Alaska and Canada.

What advice would you give to women thinking about making the switch to all-natural beauty products?

I have three pieces of advice:

1. Natural beauty products won’t do everything that you may be used to from your regular products. For example, you won’t have the instantaneous and strong effects from retinol or chemical peels. You should expect more gradual results and be patient. You need to give your skin time to adjust to the new routine. You also can mix and match products. You don’t have to go ALL natural!
2. Test for allergies early! The disadvantage of natural beauty products is that they can uncover allergies. So do a patch test on your arm, or behind your ear before putting a new product on your face.
3. Don’t switch over everything at once! We recommend switching products one at a time every two weeks. You can start with your cleanser or facewash, then add a moisturiser, eye gel, serum, and maybe a toner.

If we were to invest in one product from Codex Beauty what would it be and why?

It would be the Skin Superfood. It is a go-to product for face, hands, and body. It is especially great right now when dealing with “maskne” and over-sanitised hands. It moisturises deeply, protects the skin barrier and microbiome, and provides a light protective film to trap the moisture, leaving your skin looking hydrated, healthy and happy. Based on our extensive efficacy testing, we know that our Skin Superfood can provide comfort and protection. Our efficacy trials have shown that: after 28 days of use, it provided a 42.5% hydration increase in 90% of subjects tested, a highly significant improvement in skin barrier function as evidenced by a 13.4% reduction in trans- epidermal water-loss in 77% of subjects tested, and a 40.5% decrease in skin flakiness in 100% of subjects.

As an entrepreneur what advice would you give to those who are afraid to chase their dreams?

Being an entrepreneur is by definition risky and difficult. Failure is frequent and challenges come in abundance. Surprises lurk around every corner and it is not for the faint-hearted! Some people say you need to have a degree of insanity to do it! To me – it is a matter of will. And in some cases, it is a matter of necessity to solve problems other refuse to acknowledge. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, “We must become the change we want to see in the world.” My advice is: Pursue your passion, but be honest and do your research. Don’t tell stories; get factual data. And figure out how you will give back to the world from your business idea.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face currently with your business?

Our biggest challenge this last year has been COVID-19 and maintaining our new product development and clinical testing plans. Logistics and supply chain were also a huge challenge as countries would shut down or our suppliers would face waves of employee infection and stop producing ingredients or packaging. Finally, many retailers had to shut their stores and go digital which was a painful transition in some cases. We expect these same challenges to continue well into 2021 as it will take time for the vaccines to be distributed and administered globally, and the COVID-19 virus will keep mutating and creating new issues. But we are up for the challenge! We have now evolved into a much more flexible, digital organisation with a full disaster recovery plan that will allow us to operate despite pandemics, natural disasters, and social upheaval. We are now a better organisation because of these extreme challenges!

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

I want to set a new standard in the beauty industry and see its adoption by other brands over the next five years. The most important aspect of Codex Beauty for me is its exceptionally effective and sustainable skincare. For this reason, we have developed our own Beauty Code, a set of core principles, guidelines and ethical codes of practice that have been orienting the beauty brand since the beginning. All products are submitted to the kind of rigorous testing found in biotechnology and strict adherence to good manufacturing practices. This means that we do preservative efficacy, stability, and performance (clinical) testing on every single product. And we have tried to make the pricing as affordable as possible.

I want to solve more skin problems. In two to three years, I would like to see us have a successful solution for other skin problems like inflammation (that leads to premature ageing and loss of collagen), collagen-loss and wrinkle formation, as well as drive Codex into more pharmacies with innovative solutions for acne, dermatitis, SPF, and after-sun care. I would also love to develop products focused on skin problems of athletes and people with active lifestyles, as well as feminine hygiene where inflammation, infections and microbiome protection are still unresolved.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

I have three guiding principles that have never failed me:
Never give up. No matter how hard it is, no matter how many people say it’s impossible, no matter how many people laugh at you along the way, never give up your dreams. Focus on solving problems. Sometimes, you have the break the problem down to bite-size chunks.

If the technology doesn’t exist, go invent it. If you can’t do it by yourself, go find the right partners who are smarter than you.

Treat people right. We hear about so many great entrepreneurs who were hateful people, who used others, who had huge egos. Every human, irrespective of age, race, orientation, or religion deserves respect. People are smarter than you think and will surprise you. If you treat people right, they will be there for you when the going gets rough. What you put in is what you get out.

Do the right thing. It’s the hardest path, but the only way to keep you soul, ethics and integrity. Shortcuts are tempting but lead to a slippery slope, so be uncompromising if you really want to change the world.

What can you tell us about Codex Beauty in the Middle East?

We are very excited to be entering the Middle East through a partnership with Al Futtaim. To me, having travelled through the world, Middle Eastern women are not only incredibly beautiful with great skin and thick lustrous hair, but they have a rich tradition of self-care. I was amazed at the hammam baths, Dead Sea salt scrubs and muds, oils such as camellia, argan, olive or frankincense, as well as incredible exfoliating tools such as “rooshor”. Plant-based ingredients such as mint, lemon, figs, and roses have fantastic properties when naturally used. While not vegan, camel milk has incredible brightening and skin-soothing properties. So, we were very nervous about bringing our products to such a sophisticated consumer base!

As Codex Beauty, we humbly hope to bring some additional, high- tech tools from other parts of the world for specific skin issues: specifically, hydration, inflammation, and exposure to pollution. Our goal is to complement a skincare regimen, in an effort to help preserve beauty and slow down the ageing process. While beauty always comes from within, a little extra help never hurts!

Ralph & Russo has collaborated with eyewear brand Linda Farrow on a capsule collection of glasses as part of the SS21 collection.

Designed by Co-Founder and Creative Director of Ralph & Russo, Tamara Ralph, the capsule collection is comprised of two contemporary styles of sunglasses that capture the unique spirit of both brands.

Having partnered for Ralph & Russo’s most recent Spring- Summer 2020 and Autumn-Winter 2020 Ready-to-Wear shows, both of which featured several pieces from Linda Farrow on the runway, the collaboration was born organically as a result of the success and synergy both brands experienced by coming together for these special events.

The Robyn

This new collaboration brings together two family-owned companies, both with female founders, who share in an unwavering dedication to quality and creativity.

The Watson

In designing the sunglasses for this collaboration, Ralph wanted to capture the unique spirit of both brands in a way that is fresh and modern, as well as sculpted and polished, but still in keeping with house codes. Both styles; the ‘Robyn’ and ‘Watson’, explore unique shapes and framework, whilst incorporating the colours that have become iconic to Ralph & Russo and simultaneously paying homage to Farrow’s own affinity for vivid colours.

Available at Ralph & Russo stores across the region.

If you’re still not sure how to treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day – Cartier has you covered with their selection of luxury gifts. See more below.

PASHA DE CARTIER WATCH

BALLON BLEU DE CARTIER WATCH

TANK SOLO WATCH

CARTIER DESTINÉE SOLITAIRE

CLASH DE CARTIER BRACELET XL MODEL

PANTHÈRE DE CARTIER BRACELET

LOVE RING

LOVE NECKLACE

MUST DE CARTIER SMALL MODEL CARNASSIERE BAG

LA PANTHÈRE WATCH

OUD & ROSE LES HEURES VOYAGEUSES FRAGRANCE

L’Heure Osée Les Heures de Parfum Eau de Parfum

DIABOLO DE CARTIER TRINKET TRAY, MEDIUM MODEL

As we approach Valentine’s Day, treat your loved ones to an extra special gift this year. we discover some of the latest watches and jewellery offerings to inspire you.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS HIGH JEWELLERY CLASSIC CHEVAL RING WORN WITH PLATINUM AND DIAMOND NECKLACE

TIFFANY T COLLECTION, TIFFANY & CO.

PIAGET ROSE NECKLACE, RING & EARRINGS

Chopard Happy Hearts collection

CHAUMET EUX DE LIENS HARMONY MEDALLIONS

Vacheron Constantin Egérie collection

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight

RICHARD MILLE RM 65-01 AUTOMATIC SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH

Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski Red Magic

BREITLING CHRONOMAT-AUTOMATIC 36 IN BICOLOR WITH DIAMOND HOUR-MARKERS AND DIAMOND SET BEZEL

AUDEMARS PIGUET FROSTED GOLD FLYING TOURBILLON

A. LANGE & SÖHNE SAXONIA THIN