Driven by her passion to create artist and Founder of The O Jewelry Shamsa Al Omaira embarked on a journey to launch her own fine jewellery line

The worlds of art and jewellery have always been closely intertwined. While the mediums may be different, the creative concepts and inspirations have often overlapped throughout history. It was this that inspired Emirati artist Shamsa Al Omaira to diversify her background in the art world to found her fine jewellery line The O Jewelry. Al Omaira’s artwork explores the philosophy of the mind, expressed through a variety of media including painting photography, printmaking and mixed-media installations. Through her artworks, she sends personal messages and confessions, inspired by her historical possessions and childhood memories. The artist has always been fascinated by the mind and the ways thoughts and stories can be translated through art. Al Omaira’s work as an artist has been greatly celebrated both in the UAE and internationally. She has exhibited her works at art fairs and galleries as far afield as Italy and London and has even had her work published in a book by Richard Noyce.

A passion the artist has always had in the back of her mind is her love for jewellery. This has led to her creating her own jewellery brand The O Jewelry which has the same values as her artwork. A brand that strives for excellence in quality, design and materials, Al Omaira creates pieces that celebrate life, appreciate art and provoke sentiments. The designs celebrate the richness of the past and the simplicity of the present, creating a unique aesthetic that combines modernity with classic, timeless design.

To celebrate UAE National Day The O Jewelry has launched an exclusive collection dedicated to the Emirates. These pieces which are part of the Patriotism collection, were designed to evoke love and hope, tradition, legacy and respect. Featuring the image of Zayed bun Sultan as well as motifs and the map of the UAE, the collection in gold and diamonds is a tribute to the protection, welfare and happiness that the UAE provides. We find out more about this collection as well as the designer’s passion for art and creativity.

How do you think your background as an artist translates into your jewellery brand The O Jewelry?

As an artist, I found myself forming my own creative language, which eventually translated into fine jewelry. In my designs, I conceptualize jewelry, reference art movements, avail writers, and have conversations with great artists. When I design jewellery, I work in the same way as when I paint or create art; expressing thoughts and conveying feelings.

What made you want to start your own jewellery business?

I ventured into fine jewelry to explore new means of design and creation. The response I got from my customers after creating my first collection was overwhelmingly motivating which inspired me to create the brand.

What can you tell us about the UAE National Day collection, Patriotism and what is the message you want to send with these pieces? 

I believe patriotism is something that is always felt in the heart, my pride and love for my country is a constant presence that goes beyond the National Day celebration. The lead-up UAE National Day celebrations heighten my sense of loyalty and nationalism which inspires new creations. Wearing a diamond-encrusted emblem of the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed portrait inlaid with diamonds, the precious map of the UAE or any of our pieces sends a powerful message of pride and patriotism. 

This year the UAE celebrates 49 years – what inspires you the most about your country?

The UAE is a young, globalised and modern country that is constantly open to change and growth, yet remains rich in its culture and rooted in traditions. I find that truly inspiring.

What is a fond memory you have of growing up in the UAE? 

 The joy and happiness of waking up to the scent of Oud, a new Thoub and my mother’s chosen traditional jewellery on the UAE National Day. The celebrations, the beautiful energy, the smiles of everyone while patriotic songs play; these are the memories that are secure in my mind.

This year has been a strange one for all – have you been continuing working and how has this period affected your creative state of mind? 

This might be strange, but I believe my creative state of mind reached new levels this year. Aside from being constantly inspired, the abundance of time and clarity of mind was useful; my priorities shifted, and I became more focused. 

Who is the woman you design jewellery for? 

A confident woman; one who appreciates beauty and relates to the concepts behind my pieces.  

How do you think the way women wear jewellery has evolved?

Women were choosing jewellery based on monetary value, something that is obviously luxurious. Nowadays, as important as the monetary value is, they look for pieces that provoke sentiment and preserve memories. 

What is the first piece of jewellery you owned? 

A mother of pearl necklace.

What can you tell us about ethical sourcing and sustainability at The O Jewelry? 

At The O Jewelry we are constantly aware of where our diamonds, stones and gold metal originate from. All that we use is ethically obtained and conflict-free. 

Tell us a little about your bespoke service and why did you think it was important to offer this to your customers? 

Since the beginning of The O Jewelry I have been working on bespoke pieces for the family. Seeing the impact these pieces had in preserving memories and creating beautiful connections resonated with me, I decided it would be great if I could offer this to the public. 

What is your biggest achievement so far?

I think one of my proudest moments was displaying the Zayed Bin Sultan 1949 necklace at the founder’s memorial in Abu Dhabi. Internationally my biggest achievement was exhibiting my work at the Sotheby’s London.

What is something you would still like to achieve?

There is so much more to achieve, I cannot name one thing; what I have accomplished so far is just the start.

If you could tell your younger self something what would it be?

Have patience, trust the process and let go. 

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

I think the biggest challenge I face is in the risk-taking aspect of designing. I love innovating in design and production; doing that with expensive materials is a risk because at the end of the day we want to succeed in appealing to the customers.

What advice would you give to anyone afraid to chase their dreams? 

What do you have to lose?

What is the life motto you live by?

Thankful through everything.

Tod’s has announced a collaboration, initiated last July as part of Tod’s academy with Central Saint Martins – University of the Arts for a project that celebrates and encourages the creativity of the young generation and combines their talent with the values of Tod’s.

33 young designers, selected by Central Saint Martins, were asked to give their own interpretation of one or more of Tod’s codes, focusing on the creative process that led to the final proposal. During the process, each student was assigned a fashion master as a mentor. The roster of mentors includes some of the most prestigious international editors, journalists and designers: knowledgeable personalities whose point of view and references have been of inestimable help and enrichment for the students.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE…

Conceived by Diego Della Valle and coordinated by Fabio Piras, course director of Central Saint Martins MA Fashion Course, the project will be presented in February, during London Fashion Week, through a digital exhibition.

“This is a beautiful project that supports students and at the same time brings unusual and innovative points of view to Tod’s.  I would like to thank all the mentors who have helped us, Central Saint Martins and Fabio Piras for their exceptional contribution” says Diego Della Valle.

Actress Zendaya has been unveiled as the new face of luxury Italian fashion House Valentino.

The brand which is re-signifying its codes, creating new connections between the past, present and an imaginary future see that actress as a perfect fit for the future of the House.

For Pierpaolo Piccioli, Creative Director of the brand, the actress is a natural representative of his contemporary concept of romanticism and his vision for the future of the house.  Pierpaolo Piccioli said: “The reason why we chose Zendaya as the new face for Valentino is because she perfectly embodies and represents what Valentino is and stands for, today. She is a powerful and fierce young woman that uses her talent and her work to express herself, her values and her generation as well.”

Zendaya has been outspoken in her wish for the world and the fashion industry to be more inclusive and accepting of women and men from all backgrounds and this resonates with Piccioli’s vision for the brand.

Zendaya added: “I am honored to have been chosen as the face of Valentino. I’m so excited to begin this amazing collaboration with Pierpaolo and the entire Valentino family.”

Afra, Ahad and Alia Bin Haider founded their fashion House ILLUSTRELLA in 2016 with a goal of producing elegant glamour and unique pieces for the modern woman.

The word ILLUSTRELLA is a fusion of the words ‘illustration’ and ‘sorella’. ‘Sorella’ meaning sisters in Italian reflects how the brand honours each of their strengths. Blending three different personalities to chase one dream while merging their backgrounds in architecture and fashion has led them to open doors into a universe catered to high quality, luxurious pieces.

In 2019 the three Emirati sisters decided to expand their bespoke fashion brand and they introduced ILLUSTRELLA Moda – a ready-to-wear line dedicated to redefining everyday glamour from the house of ILLUSTRELLA. Featuring abayas, kaftans and timeless dresses finished with embroidery and feminine cuts that exude elegance ILLUSTRELLA Moda offers a modern update on traditional silhouettes that cater to today’s woman. ILLUSTRELLA Moda doesn’t follow traditional fashion seasons, but instead releases new collections every few months to keep the momentum. Its unique essence lies in the distinctive inspiration that changes with each collection. This year as it has been for many has been a challenging one for the Bin Haider sisters, but as they prepare to celebrate the 49th UAE National Day, we discuss moving forward and how working together as a team inspires their continued success.

The UAE is celebrating 49 years – what for you is the most memorable moment of its history? 

There are a lot of memorable moments in the UAE’s history but we believe one of the most important to every Emirati was the launch of Emirates Mars Mission which was led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center. This allowed many Emiratis to better understand the field of space travel. It has also grabbed the attention of the younger generation and we are sure we will be seeing many more Emirati Astronauts in the near future. It was such a remarkable step in the future of UAE!

What are your first memories of fashion growing up? 

Our first memories of fashion growing up would be us flaunting around in the gowns that our mum would design and make for us.

What first inspired you to launch your own fashion brand together as sisters? 

Growing up, we watched our mother design and produce beautiful dresses in her at-home atelier which influenced us more than we had imagined. It ignited our passion and drive to launch our own fashion brand.

How do you balance the responsibilities of the company between the three of you?

Having a brand owned by three sisters means that we all get to bring our unique talents and expertise to the table. While all three of us design every collection together, we each have our own strengths and responsibilities that we bring to the company as well. Afra is our Creative Designer and responsible for our brand image as well as being our in-house Illustrator and Graphic Designer. While Ahad loves to sketch out every design, she likes to share her ideas and thoughts with our bespoke clients and bring it to reality. Alia is the brand’s Managing Director who handles the brand as a whole while designing with her sisters.

This has been a strange year for all – what are some of the biggest challenges you have faced? 

One of the biggest challenges we faced was holding on to our amazing team and not lose them during the lockdown period as we had to temporarily close our factory. This meant that we had to stop production for a while and depend on our ready-to-wear sales. We knew it would be really hard to lose the team that we spent time building, but we were fortunate to make it through this difficult period and we are very thankful for those who made it through with us during this period.

Who is the woman you design for? 

An elegant woman who makes bold fashion choices and loves to portray her style and personality through the pieces she wears.

Is there anyone you would love to dress? 

There are so many women whose sense of fashion we love such as Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lawrence and Natalie Portman to name a few. As well as Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor in Bollywood. And, Yousra, Dorra, Yasmin Sabri, Mona Zaki , Nelly Karim and many more!

What can you tell us about your latest collection? 

Our latest collection ‘Bouquet de Fleurs’ is inspired by the artfully arranged world of flower bouquets and it exudes artistic flair with a focus on bold femininity. Featuring an array of long dresses and suits in taffeta silk and tulle, these styles evoke a sense of fantasy. Each piece is designed to amplify traditional silhouettes in an unconventional way to bring out the best of every woman.

What is something you would like to see change in the fashion industry in the UAE?

We would love to see and be part of an official international fashion week that will showcase emerging Emirati brands.

How do you think the concept of “modest fashion” has evolved in recent years? 

Modest fashion is no longer subjected to this region. In fact, it has evolved into a type of aesthetic that is loved by many women around the world. Through talented designers and artists from the region, modest fashion has grown into a beautiful universe filled with one-of-a-kind silhouettes and statement details.

What is a brand or designer that you look to for inspiration?

We don’t have a specific designer as such but we are so inspired by the forties and fifties eras and all the beauty that revolves around them.

What would you still like to achieve with your brand?

We would love to see ILLUSTRELLA become the go-to brand for women all over the region and one of the top 10 in the world!

What is the professional motto you live by?

Do it with passion or not at all because if you can dream it you can do it!

How would you describe your brand in one word? 

Unique.

15-year-old singer-songwriter Alya had her biggest pinch-me moment when music industry powerhouse Simon Fuller compared her to a young Jennifer Lopez.

He dubbed her performance “faultless”, while Jennifer Lopez’s choreographer Kyle Hanagami coined her as “something special”. While still on her journey to success, Alya has already received incredible recognition from global industry experts and she plans to take her UAE-born talent to the global scale. Born to a British mother and Emirati father, Alya has a special combination of the two cultures which can be clearly seen through her style and her music. She speaks both Arabic and English and grew up listening to western and Middle Eastern music. It has been Alya’s lifelong passion to be a singer and performer since the age of three. Growing up singing and dancing she has been surrounded by music her whole life and always had a talent for replicating the dance moves of her music idols including Beyoncé and Ciara.

Alya writes and sings her own music and currently has over 60,000 followers on her Instagram account. She has already amassed a global following from as far afield as Brazil as well as being popular throughout the GCC. At the young age of just 15, Alya has her whole life ahead of her and she has great aspirations for success on a global scale. Here, we find out how and why she hopes to spread her success in the UAE to the rest of the world.

What inspired you to start a career in the music industry?

Growing up, I was always surrounded by music – everything from Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé as well as Miami, a very popular Arabic band in the UAE. With so much music in the house, I fell completely in love with the industry and wanted to explore it further

How do you think your diverse upbringing has influenced who you are today?

My upbringing has influenced who I am hugely – I have the best of both worlds and I connect and appreciate both my British and Emirati influences. There are cultural aspects, as well as customs and strong traditions that come from my Emirati side that I absolutely treasure, including the food and the warm hospitality. But my British side also has some wonderful elements and I feel very blessed to be able to relate to and draw from both of these cultures.

What is your fondest memory growing up in the UAE?

My fondest memory of growing up in the UAE would have to be spending time in the desert, riding horses and being there in winter, sitting around a burning fire and enjoying delicious food and Chai Karak with my family under a sky full of stars. Just beautiful.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Musically I would have to say Beyoncé – she is insanely talented and an incredible artist in every way. From the UAE, I would have to say His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as I find his forward-thinking vision and drive for this country utterly inspiring.

How would you like to see the UAE represented on a global scale in the music industry?

I would love to see someone from the UAE succeed on a global scale as it hasn’t really been done yet. Anyone who makes it here seems to have their success limited to the Middle East.

I think possibly it’s because when you are Emirati, there is a certain way you are expected to behave and sometimes it’s hard to dare to be different while keeping respect for the traditions that emanate from your cultural background. I think it would be wonderful to have someone breakthrough to the global music industry and if it happened I think the UAE would be proud. I would love it if it was me that manages to achieve this!

You are still so young – what would you still like to achieve? 

I am utterly focused on my passion for dance and music and I would like to achieve global recognition and a few number one hits! “Think big or go home” is my motto!

How do you think the younger generation in the UAE is more open to new experiences and ways of doing things?

I definitely think that the younger generation in the UAE is more open-minded. I also think that the new generation of Emiratis are not what you would associate with the stereotypical Emirati. Now there are a lot of dual-heritage Emiratis and they have been influenced by both sides of their family – this is the new Emirati and I am proud to be one of them.

How has social media helped you grown your career?

Social media has given me a wonderful platform to share my music with the world and be able to gain fans across the globe, something that would never have happened without it. It has changed the music industry and how things are done for the better.

You have been compared to a young Jennifer Lopez – how did that make you feel? 

Well, Jenifer Lopez is extremely successful, beautiful and an amazing dancer and artist so I take the comparison as a huge compliment. If I could get a fraction of the success she has had I would be delighted!

What genre of music would you say has influenced you the most? 

Many different genres have influenced me but predominantly it has been RnB and Hip Hop.

What has been your biggest “pinch me” moment so far?

It was when Simon Fuller and Kyle Hanagami (Jennifer Lopez’s choreographer) endorsed me and complimented my talent as a singer and dancer during the Now United Competition. Another high point was when Universal released my debut single and video and it was very exciting, especially when it was received so positively.

What is something you would still like to achieve?

Musically, I would love to achieve global success and record an album that achieves platinum status. If my music career does not work out, I would love to be a diplomat for the UAE.

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

I think the biggest challenge currently is juggling the commitments to school work and more or less a full-time job in music – it’s a balancing act, but I’m doing it and I love it!

What advice would you give to anyone afraid to chase their dreams?

My advice would be if you have a dream follow it with all your heart and give it all you’ve got. Ignore the haters and be sure to surround yourself with positive people and a positive attitude. Work hard and never give up

In your opinion what is the future of the music industry in the Middle East? 

In the future, I would love to see it produce an increasing number of global artists. There is a huge amount of talent in the Middle East and we need to think outside the box and share our talents with the world.

Chanel presented its 2020/21 Métiers d’art Collection at Le Château des Dames in France this week.

An iconic castle designed and lived in by women it seemed like the perfect location to present this collection designed by Virginie Viard. “Showing at the Château de Chenonceau, at the “Château des Dames”, was an obvious choice. It was designed and lived in by women, including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici. It is a castle on a human scale. And Catherine de’ Medici’s emblem was a monogram composed of two intertwined Cs, just like that of Chanel,” said the Creative Director.

Catherine de’ Medici, Queen Consort of Henry II of France during the Renaissance era was one of the most influential women of her time and undoubtedly was a source of inspiration to Gabrielle Chanel who was inspired by women of that era.

The runway was set with a black and white checkered floor reminiscent of a life-size game of checkers. This same motif appears on sequinned mini-skirts and a long skirt in a fringed geometric tweed patchwork worn with a black and white jacquard sweater.

“I like everything to be mixed up, all the different eras, between the Renaissance and romanticism, between rock and something very girly, it is all very Chanel.” Said Viard.

The warm tones of the classic Chanel tween reflect the tapestries of the castle while the flowers from the gardens inspired the floral embroideries on the wide lapel of a jacket.

A long coat in black velvet has a “The Bride Wore Black” aspect, because, after the death of King of France Henri II, Catherine de’ Medici only wore black. This long black piece was paired with tweed in soft tones.

As with all of its Métiers d’art collections this offering displays the finest in skills and craftsmanship from Chanel’s ateliers. A long black lace dress is composed of lattices punctuated with studs, made by Lemarié; while the top of a damask dress is embroidered entirely by Lesage.

Khulood Al Nakhi, Founder of Beyond gave up her career in the corporate world to launch her own fashion label

After spending many years in her corporate banking job, Khulood Al Nakhi decided to take the leap and follow her passion for fashion. She had always dreamt of starting her own business but was waiting for the right moment. With this in mind, Khulood recently launched her modest fashion brand Beyond. The Prêt-à-Porter label combines the classic Abaya with modern materials and styles that allows each woman to express her individuality. Borrowing shapes and colours inspired by patterns of nature, the brand’s creative direction looks to make garments chic yet playful, with a touch of sophistication. The collections, are suitable for both casual and formal occasions and are composed of rich fabrics manufactured in Italy and France, carefully selected to cater to the tastes of the region. To find out more about the latest collections and the journey of the brand so far, we talk to Founder Khulood Al Nakhi.

What inspired you to start your own fashion business? 

I have always wanted to start my own business and was always passionate about fashion. When I was working in banking, I realised that the industry didn’t resonate with what I wanted to achieve in life so I packed a bag and set off to Paris to explore new business opportunities. I decided to take the unconventional route and turn my passion into a business which was difficult at first, but so worth it.

This has been a year of many challenges – what is the biggest challenge you’ve faced with the launch of your collections?

The first step is always the hardest and a big threshold to overcome, but the results that follow make it an important part of learning and building self-confidence. I believe that my first decisions, which were based on a personal conviction about the form and line of my own business, made the road ahead clear and therefore made it easier to deal with challenges. There are still are so many challenges to overcome, mainly in terms of how to operate safely and economically at the same time. To overcome this we have built a new strategy to allow the business to cope with new economic changes and a new customer behaviour system as we realised that during these times, online shopping is the way to go for any business to thrive during a pandemic.

Who is the woman you design for? 

When I launched my fashion label Beyond, I wanted to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for the women of today. This is why I decided to design garments for the modern-day women who is looking to go beyond the boundaries of traditional modest-wear.

What would you like to achieve with your brand?

My main goal is to one day see Beyond featured and recognised in international fashion platforms and forums as a modern, conservative and specialised brand that’s high-end and is aimed at Eastern women. I want to become the first brand that comes to mind for all Arab women. My other goal is to one day grow and expand in the Gulf region by selling my garments on the most prestigious shopping platforms.

What do you think makes Beyond unique? 

All of our Abayas are composed of rich fabrics manufactured in Italy and France and are carefully selected to cater to the tastes of the region. The garments are composed of luxurious artisan-made silk and satin and feature innovative weaving techniques, unique translucent looks, and modest embellishments. My goal is to present the public with one-of-a-kind, feminine, unique pieces that will not be seen anywhere else.

What can you tell us about your latest collection?

My latest collection is called Infinite and features an assortment of gowns inspired by the eternity symbol. The infinity curve endlessly depicts perfection, empowerment, and mystery, which is a representation of the modern-day woman. The collection invites women into a world of wonder where reality and illusion merge, through its endless line fixtures and unique patterns. Uniting exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design, the collection conjures a vision of infinite possibilities that celebrates the human imagination and eclipses the conventional limits of the mind.

What is something you think is missing from the fashion and design industry in the UAE? 

The UAE is packed with a lot of designers and brands that reflect a rich and varied culture. However, it seems what is lacking is the representation of the UAE industry in the rest of the world. Competition and business prominence in the global fashion market are very difficult and therefore, we need to nurture those talented designers to not only succeed in the field of design but also in the field of business and marketing so that UAE representatives can expand regionally and globally.

In this issue we celebrate UAE National Day – what does this occasion mean to you?

The UAE National Day means a lot to me. It is the day when we celebrate the growth and success of our country and being a proud Emirati means that no matter how far we come, how much we achieve, we never forget our roots, culture, and heritage. Every year we celebrate UAE National Day and we are honoured and proud of our country and our leaders who are making our lives better each day.

How does your UAE heritage inspire you to succeed?

All our designs are inspired by our heritage, from the gorgeous fabrics, colours, weaving, embroidery, and embellishments, it all showcases a fascinating insight into the UAE’s culture. The Abaya is considered a key element in traditional UAE dresses, dating back to 1984 where Shayla reflects an earlier style of this type of headscarf. Over the past two decades, we noticed that the Abaya and Shayla have become a fashion statement for most women in the UAE and women have started wearing bold coloured Abayas instead and fashions have evolved.

How do you think the concept of “modest fashion” has evolved in recent years? 

What I’m loving about the fashion industry today is that it’s not afraid of taking risks. Modest fashion has evolved immensely throughout the years given fashion designers a chance to be creative and think outside of the box. If you look at the modest fashion scene today, you will find that there is a wider variety and to choose from than in the past, and this something that I’m proud of seeing.

Who or what inspires you? 

I have always believed that one of the most important things that every ambitious person should strive for is the balance between life and work. My husband has always been my biggest supporter and inspiration. When I created my own business, I had a desire for self-fulfilment, progress, and advancement, which was consistently supported by my husband as he never fails to help me achieve my goals.

What advice would you give to anyone afraid to chase their dreams? 

The best advice I have received is that you are never too old or too young to chase your dreams. With passion, perseverance, and persistence your dreams, however big or small, can become a reality. Just be patient and always know that there is a plan and purpose for everyone in the world.

We know you are an advocate of women’s empowerment and celebrating women – why is this important to you? 

I have always looked up to women who can juggle it all. Being a business owner, wife and mother of four is not easy but it is so rewarding. I want to empower young women and show them that it is possible to become all three and I would never have thought it was possible if it wasn’t for other female representation in the Middle East and across the world showing me that it is.

What is the life motto you live by?

Always dream big and work hard towards achieving your dream.

For the second edition of the Louis Vuitton 2054 collection Men’s Artistic Director, Virgil Abloh expands his experimentation with functional fashion on a bigger scale.

Part of the Pre-Spring 2021 collection this line devoted to performance and tech fuses together urban and activewear through contemporary, adaptable essentials.

This season, LV2054 clarifies its message and extends its reach with a multi-climatic collection derived from methods used in professional skiwear. These technologically advanced garments acclimatise to changing weather conditions to be both functional and stylish.

The multi-faceted textures of Nylon give a futuristic approach to the collection while a green and black print evokes the luminosity of night vision, while a multi-colour pattern imitates the infrared effects of heat vision.

A ski suit composed of a padded jacket and trousers fuses the properties of water repellence and breathability in a functional proposal for the everyday city wardrobe while a leather parka is adorned with a 3-D printed pattern that doubles as texture. The multi-zips of a jacket enable the wearer to transform it into multiple different garments.

Using the unique in-house technique of compressomorphosis, a shirt self-compresses into a cross-body bag. It is a transformability echoed in ergonomic waterproof bags of body-adaptable volumes with extendable and removable pockets. The collection debuts a technical black runner with bright colour detailing and reflective effects.

The name of the line; Louis Vuitton 2054 plays on themes of futurism and progress, uniting the present century with 1854, the year the House was founded, in a salute to its two-hundredth year.

Photo Credits:

Photographer – Jean-Vincent Simonet

Models – Jeremiah Berko @ New Madison / Fabian Mellberg @Bananas Models 

Rashid Al Mulla taught himself to paint alongside his regular job as an engineer.

While art has always been a hobby, he started his career in art at Sharjah Art Institute in 1998, where he took different art classes ranging from sketching, oil painting, acrylic painting, to sculpture. He has exhibited in several galleries and events around the UAE and was commissioned to create a 140-metre-long mural alongside other artists by the Cultural Office of Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammad Al Maktoum. While his artwork is his passion, Al Mulla balances this with a full-time job as an engineer, so this year has seen him be able to spend more time focusing on his art and subsequently led to his latest solo exhibition “I Have So Much To Tell You” which is currently taking place at COYA Dubai.

As someone who is passionate about humanity and the environment, most of his works — acrylic paintings on canvas — focus on delivering human emotions and shedding light on issues such as water scarcity, deforestation and animal cruelty. Each artwork dives into the different stories of culture and emotions of humans, specifically women, and how their simple facial expressions can convey a message to the viewer. We find out more about the latest exhibition and discover why Al Mulla was inspired to paint by his Emirati heritage.

What inspired you to pursue a career as an artist? 

I’ve been drawing since I was a child. I can’t remember exactly how it started but I knew that I always wanted to continue in this field. Creating art always gave me a chance to express myself and for me it is a kind of meditation and a way to escape from the world.

You are self-taught – have you always been creative and what is your first memory of art growing up? 

When I was very young, I remember that two of my brothers used to draw. I would either copy what they were doing or I would copy characters from comic books or cartoons. My Eighth Grade school teacher pushed me to stick with art and gave me the chance to participate in many art events in and out of school. My work would get selected to be hung on the wall of the classroom and that always gave me a sense of achievement.

This has been a year of many challenges – what is the biggest challenge you have faced, and have you still been inspired to be creative? 

To be honest, regardless of not being able to travel or participate in or attend art exhibitions, this year was good for me. I have a day job as an engineer which consumes most of my time usually so the pandemic gave me the chance to spend more time at home focusing on my art, reflecting on my past work and seeing what I need to keep, change or improve.

What is the message you aim to share with your paintings?

I always aim to tell a story or deliver a deeper message through my paintings. I study human emotions and provide insight into people’s lives through their eyes and facial expressions.

What inspired the direction of your artworks?

I loved impressionism at school and it always influenced my art. Lately, I changed to a more contemporary portrait painting style that combines impressionism with abstract art. I also like experimenting with colours which led me to create more colourful pieces.

What can you tell us about your latest exhibition at COYA Dubai and the pieces you are displaying there?

There is something about people that intrigue and interest me. Perhaps their background or hidden stories that are often only told by their eyes and facial expressions. My portraits are mostly of women from different cultures and diverse backgrounds who each have their own stories to tell. Stories that quite so often they couldn’t share because of fear or cultural constraints.

You cover many relevant issues in your artwork – why is it important for you to raise awareness on these subjects?

Besides exploring human emotions, I also direct people’s attention towards the environment. We live in a time where the environment is at risk every day and awareness is so important. We all need to come together to work towards protecting it. This is one message that I focus on and something that I address in my work and this is something that I know is also important to COYA.

In this issue we celebrate UAE National Day – what does this occasion mean to you?

Being an Emirati artist it means a lot to me, it is difficult to describe the feeling, but having this sense of unity and seeing how it is celebrated all across the UAE, reminds me of how we are united. It is a blessing and I appreciate it, not only on this occasion but every day.

How does your UAE heritage inspire you to succeed?

If we look into the UAE heritage from an art perspective, it is very inspiring to paint or draw the country’s heritage. I started as an artist painting the UAE seascape and landscape. I’m a huge fan of the ocean and I was inspired a lot by the UAE heritage and this what made me excel in my art career when I first started.

What is the period of art that inspires you?

It is and always will be the impressionism period.

What is something you would like to see happen to support the UAE’s art scene? 

We need more facilities for artists that will allow us to rent studios at reasonable prices.

What is your dream or vision for your artwork?

I would love to have the chance to produce large scale art and dive deeper into environmental art.

What can we expect to see from you in 2021?

I’m aiming to go big with my artwork and I intend to focus more closely on my new style. In 2021, my artworks will be more focused on narrative and storytelling. I will not say anymore as I rather keep the rest for myself for now!

As a self-taught artist – what advice would you give to others who want to explore their artistic abilities? 

Many people didn’t have the chance to study art in an academic sense but if you a passion for it, whether you study it or not, you can always find ways to practice and improve your art. You only need patience and dedication.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

It is never too late to chase your dreams.

Rashid Al Mulla’s exhibition “I Have So Much To Tell You” will run at COYA Dubai until the end of the year. For table reservations or more information, email reservations@coyarestaurant.ae, visit www.coyarestaurant.com/dubai or call 04 316 9600.

We discover some of the destinations in the UAE that allow you to escape, get closer to nature and explore the beauty of this country.

Courtyard, Dubai

Nestled within the busy streets of Al Quoz you will find Courtyard. This artistic destination houses an art gallery, theatre coffee shops, gift shops, boutiques and photography studio. With a welcoming atmosphere, the Courtyard is the perfect place to take the whole family for a day of escapism. Mirroring the quaint streets of Europe this street of boutique destinations surrounded by greenery and unusual architecture is perfect for creative types, looking for a break from busy life.

Designed by architect Dariush Zandi in 1998, Courtyard was created as a community centre that would bring together people and allow them to engage in the worlds of art and culture. Zandi created the buildings by repurposing materials and components that were found around the UAE. He carefully preserved objects found on building sites or art auctions and brought them to their new home where they would be cared for. The result is a beautiful courtyard-style space, with each building façade inspired by a different country or region. The Courtyard which now regularly sees gift markets, yoga classes, art lessons and more taking place behind its gates, has become a home to many boutiques and creative businesses in the UAE over the last 22 years.

Al Ain Oasis

Al Ain Oasis is a 1,200-hectare area of lush greenery. This vast oasis became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011 and the recent construction of an educational Eco-Centre and the addition of an extensive system of shaded pathways has allowed it to become a perfect place to escape the stress of our busy lives. Miles of forest and lush green walkways Through a series of immersive interactive exhibits, the Eco-Centre highlights the measures being taken to preserve the delicate oasis ecosystem and celebrates the invaluable contribution that Al Ain’s oasis farmers have made to agriculture through their traditional farming methods.

There are many crops to be found growing within the oasis including thousands of date palms of 100 different varieties as well as mango trees, orange, bananas and figs. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization recognises all of Al Ain’s oases for their importance as repositories of genetic resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Hatta Dam

Located in the Hajer mountains of Hatta, the not-so-secret Hatta Dam area has become a destination of choice for UAE residents looking to be at one with nature. As a result of the Dam, a large blue lake has become a destination for water sports and sightseeing.

The picturesque location has become home to activities including kayaking, boating and more. The winter months are the perfect time to visit the lake and its incredible mountain backdrop make it one of the most Instagrammable destinations in the UAE.

Sharjah Art Foundation

Sharjah has long been known for its commitment to art and culture and was recognised as the UNESCO cultural capital of the Arab World back in 1998. The Emirate has been rapidly growing it’s dedication to the cultural sector in recent years thanks to the Sharjah Art Foundation and the extensive programme of events, exhibitions and attractions that take place throughout the year. Located in Sharjah’s historic Art and Heritage areas, Sharjah Art Foundation activities and events take place throughout the year and include exhibitions featuring the work of Arab and international artists, performances, music, film screenings and artist talks as well as extensive art education programmes for children, adults and families.

There are dozens of museums and galleries to be explored with in the area and the Foundation hosts the annual Sharjah Biennial every two years which has become a central event within the Arab world. This is truly one of the best places in the country for those looking to immerse themselves in the worlds of art and culture and support the local art communities.

 Al Zorah Mangroves, Ajman

Spanning over 5.4 million square metres the lagoons and mangrove forests of Al Zorah are home to an incredible variety of marine and plant life. The site was carefully developed to protect its rich natural heritage as well as inviting visitors to enjoy its beauty. The site has been recognised as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.

For visitors there are hundreds of miles of pathways and waterways through the mangroves, allowing guests to explore the beauty of its nature. One of the main attractions is the tidal lagoon; an inland creek that extends over 2 square kilometres of biologically and ecologically rich wetland. All of the districts of the mangroves are easily accessible to visitors with promenades and walkways inviting gets to get even closer to nature. There are a number of activities including kayaking and bicycle trains to be explored.

Jubail Mangrove Park

Abu Dhabi’s Mangroves have long been a feature of beauty in the city but until the opening of Jubail Mangrove Park in 2018 there was no self-contained centre, allowing visitors to get even closer to the protected beauty of the mangroves.

The aim of the park is to enhance the awareness appreciation and understanding of the important ecological function of the mangrove habitats as well as protecting the Abu Dhabi coastline and supporting biodiversity. Visitors will discover a meandering boardwalk that will take them through the mangroves and allow them to get closer to this cherished naturally occurring elements.

Nahla Al Fahad is one of the leading Directors in commercials, entertainment, documentaries and music videos in the UAE and the Middle East.

All looks Featuring Breitling’s Chronomat for women. 

Shot on location at Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton

In a world typically dominated by men, Nahla has become an inspiration to aspiring female filmmakers hoping to follow in her footsteps. But her success didn’t come without hard work. After studying in Dubai, Nahla travelled to the United States where she accomplished her first film making course in 2011. After realising her passion for film, Nahla returned to Dubai and established Beyond Studios, a UAE-based TV and film production house that would allow her to produce films, series and documentaries on a larger scale. Her first documentary feature film came in 2015. “The Tainted Veil” deals with the global attitudes towards the hijab and was shortlisted for the best documentary feature at the 88th Academy Awards.

Nahla wears Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36 Stainless Steel & 18k Red Gold – White

Nahla has won numerous awards and been recognised for her work both in the UAE and internationally, but she hopes to take that to the next level in the future by encouraging young women to follow in her footsteps and support the UAE’s film industry to expand at a global level. When she’s not working, Nahla is an adventurer who loves to travel and explore. Her sense of adventure is infectious and inspiring, and it is that inspiring nature that will continue to encourage younger generations in the industry to achieve their dreams, something that is very important to the Director. As we gear up to celebrate the 49th UAE National Day, we discuss what this celebration means to her and why she is keen to spread the values and culture of the UAE to the rest of the world.

This year has been a strange one for all, how have you been continuing your creativity and how has this period affected your work? 

This year was tough on all of us and our industry was definitely hit by COVID-19, but I actually filmed my first feature film during the pandemic. We had been preparing for almost six months and the shoot happened for a month throughout the summer. We have been working throughout this time and taking all the necessary precautions. During the lockdown, I also wrote a short movie and I was part of some online sessions that allowed me to share my experience with aspiring filmmakers around the world. I am also putting the final touches on a documentary which sees a group of twelve filmmakers, including myself from all around the world sharing the impact of COVID-19 on each one of us. So yes, it’s been a busy year!

When will you release your upcoming projects?

We are looking into participating in different film festivals internationally for both the documentary and the feature film. I am going to release the film in 2021 because as you know, people are still afraid to visit the cinema and I don’t want to release the film and nobody sees it because of the situation. So I would rather release it through film festivals as well as through digital platforms and that is the strategy moving forward.

Nahla wears Breitling Chronomat 32 18k Red Gold – White

Can you give us a sneak peek into what the feature film is about?

It’s a story of a girl who has passed through difficult times with her father and faced a lot of abuse from her family. The film is a suspense, and it tells her story and the way she used social media to get out of the situation she was in. I personally wanted to work on a story that relates to our social lives today. Looking at how we are so well connected through social media but also how what we share on social media isn’t always realistic. I’m so happy and proud that I’ve managed to finally create my first feature film.

What does UAE National Day mean to you?

To me, this time of year is so special. National Day is all about celebrating our nation, our history and our leaders’ vision. Every year I participate through my own projects by working on National Day videos and this year I’m working on a song and producing a video for Expo 2020. I always make sure I put my touch on everything I do at this time of year as this celebration is unlike any other for me. I always enjoy seeing others who are not Emirati celebrating our National Day. It’s about joy and everyone coming together to celebrate,  it makes me feel so happy.

How would you like to greet the UAE on its 49th anniversary?

It’s always so sensitive when we talk about how we celebrate the UAE National Day. It’s the best time of the year. When it comes to my country, I am speechless and I just hope that it will continue its vision into the next 50 years and beyond.

If there was a gift you would like to give to your country at its 50th anniversary what would it be?

What could I offer back to my country? It’s a really hard question and it’s really hard to think of something to give back because the UAE gave us a lot. The only thing I can do is to be a good example for the next generation and to represent Emirati women in the best way.

How does your UAE heritage inspire you to succeed?

I always carry my Emirati values and traditions with me and they are always embedded in my work. Of course, I have to be careful in terms of representing the country and sharing the message of who we are and how proud we are of our culture. Even when it comes to simple things like hospitality and how we want to project ourselves and our work to others, I’m always making sure that we share our message in a very careful way that is representative of the UAE because this is how we are spreading the message of our country to others.

Nahla wears Breitling Chronomat 32 18k Red Gold – White

How do you think your work has helped to get the UAE recognised on an international scale in the world of film and documentaries?

Each year the UAE has a theme, whether it’s the Year of Tolerance, Year of Happiness etc. and as a company, we make sure that we are aligned with the government in terms of the work that we create. We always make sure that our work represents the vision of our company. If you look into video content today it is considered as a “soft power” because it is this content that is influencing how others perceive the message of our country. So as a film director and content creator I should be aligned with the overall vision which will also help in terms of writing scripts and telling stories. In a way, it has become our duty as Emiratis to be the messengers or ambassadors of our country.

What more would you like to see being done in the film industry in the UAE moving forward?

I would like to see it flourish and expand as well as seeing more participation from UAE filmmakers on a global scale. In the past ten years, the industry has grown greatly and it’s great to see people trying and producing as it’s encouraging others to learn and do their best. To be there is better than not to be there, but there is still a long way to go and there is still a lot of trust that needs to be built from international platforms to allow Emirati filmmakers to share their work. I’ve attended screenings of lots of my colleagues in the industry and I’m always telling them to keep trying and growing as this is what the industry needs.

Nahla wears Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36 Stainless Steel & 18k Red Gold (Gem-set) – Copper Abaya, Beyond-Label.com

In your opinion what is the future of the film industry both in the UAE and internationally?

I think it is shifting towards digital platforms. Even though people still love to go to the cinema, they find it more convenient to stay at home and watch their favourite movie when the time is convenient. Sometimes we don’t want to watch a whole movie in one go for example,  so it gives more flexibility for the audience to watch films whenever they want, wherever they are. With the events of this year especially, going to the cinema is a completely different experience, you have to maintain social distancing and not sit so close to your friends. So there a shift, but personally, I always prefer to go to the cinema. As a filmmaker, I would always love to have my premiere screening in a cinema with a red carpet and see everyone coming together to see my movie. It also allows me to see the reactions of the viewers and listen to their feedback directly.

What is something you would like to change in the industry moving forward? 

It’s more about changing the style of storytelling and how I would love to see people thinking about it more creatively. I have been reading a lot of scripts lately and I feel like I’m reading the same story over and over and the only difference is the name of the family. I really want to see more stories that are out of the box. There are no limitations to story-telling so I want to see the creativity flourish and see people being more daring and confident with their writing.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

There are many and I am so proud of that. If I talk about cinema, I Co-Directed “The Tainted Veil”; a documentary movie that was released in 2016 which was shortlisted in the 88th Academy Awards. I have produced and directed a lot of music videos for many successful singers across the GCC and I also directed three series filmed in the region as well as a number of documentaries. This year I directed my first feature film which is my most recent achievement.

What is something you would still like to achieve?

I still want to develop myself more in terms of writing and creating more movies. I want to be part of expanding the presence of local movies internationally. My dream is to establish a film academy in the UAE. There are a lot of young filmmakers who approach us and we have been asked by many studios to be part of giving education to them but there is still no platform or academy locally that specifically targets this.

What is a period or genre of film that inspires you the most? 

I don’t think I’m inspired by a specific period or genre, it depends on the story itself. What is most important for me is that whatever genre or era the film is representing it is done in the best possible way with all the details replicated perfectly.

We know you are a great advocate for women’s empowerment – why is this important to you? 

I believe that everyone should be equal in terms of living and achieving what they want in their work. I think women should have their own freedom to get the right education and give their best in order to raise their children and families and give back to this world.

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

It’s about finding the right stories and very well written scripts. I have always wanted to read a script and fall in love with it from the first moment. We are nearly there and I hope that the industry here will become more aligned with the international way of writing stories. All of the writers here in the UAE are watching films on digital platforms and they love it, so I would love it if they could try to be closer to this style.

And what about your biggest challenge on a personal level? 

My biggest challenge was to prove myself in terms of showing key people or producers that I am talented, and I can do the job with a magnificent outcome. It took me a long time to do that because at the beginning I was shy and used to avoid talking to people. Someone taught me that I should show people that I am capable of doing what I’m there to do and after that, I realised that if others succeeded, I can succeed as well. I managed to overcome this struggle and I realised that everyone can achieve what they believe in.

Who or what inspires you the most?

When it comes to my family, my mum inspires me in so many ways. She is a strong woman who raised us and is still taking care of us and she’s always encouraging me to be the best in the industry. She always comes with me when I’m travelling and filming and I enjoy having her with me. In terms of our leaders, the late Sheikh Zayed inspired most of us in so many ways. And Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan are still inspiring me today with their words and the encouragement they give us to represent Emirati women both locally and globally. I always want to be the best person I can be to represent Emirati women in my field.

Nahla wears Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36 Stainless Steel – Green Abaya, Dolce&Gabbana

We heard you are an adventurer, what has been a memorable trip or adventure that you take with you until now?

It’s really hard to pick just one but I enjoyed going to Africa – I enjoy being in the wild with the animals and this is somewhere that I’m looking forward to visiting again. Last year I went to Rwanda and Uganda and I did gorilla trekking. It took hours of trekking through a bamboo forest and the gorilla forest before we met the gorilla family, but it was incredible and worth the wait! I encourage everyone to go and experience this. I really enjoy travelling a lot and everywhere I go I like to take away something from that place.

What’s the next place on your travel wish list?

I would probably say Tokyo.

What is the life motto you live by?

The sky is the limit.

Vacheron Constantin has partnered with The Louvre Museum in Paris and Christie’s to present a unique auction offering one lucky bidder the chance to have a one-of-a-kind Les Cabinotiers watch.

The “Bid For the Louvre” auction will see the winning bidder will have the opportunity to choose a work of art preserved in the museum which will be reproduced on the dial using the miniature painting or grisaille enamel technique.

This exclusive experience will begin for the bidder with a private visit to the Louvre led by its best expert, in order to select the masterpiece that will be reproduced in enamel on the dial, from among the paintings and sculptures conserved in the Museum.

Following this they will be invited for an exclusive visit to Vacheron Constantin’s Manufacture in Geneva and given the opportunity to personalise their watch through full participation in its creation, along with experts and master craftsmen of the House.

Example

In addition to the dial, which will reproduce an artwork from the Louvre Museum, they will be able to choose the case material – platinum or pink or white gold – to have an engraving made on the officer-type case-back; and to opt for a strap from among the many possibilities of materials and colours.

This timepiece will be powered by in-house Calibre 2460 SC, crafted according to the demanding standards of Vacheron Constantin and Haute Horlogerie in terms of both reliability and finishing.

“We are proud to be taking part, along other artists and Maisons, in this exceptional auction organized by the Louvre and Christie’s in support of the Museum’s solidarity projects. Our ongoing commitment to art and the transmission of savoir-faire – which has been expressed alongside the Louvre since the announcement of our partnership a year ago – takes on even greater significance within a global context that is troubled and challenging in more ways than one. Putting up for auction a Les Cabinotiers timepiece based on a masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind model personalized in accordance with the acquirer’s wishes, symbolizes the identity of our Maison and its mission to promote the sharing of culture and emotions”, says Louis Ferla, Vacheron Constantin CEO.

The “Bid For the Louvre” auction will take place from December 1^st to 15^th 2020 exclusively on the Christie’s website with the entire proceeds being donated to the museum’s solidarity projects.

As per the plan outlined earlier this year the YOOX NET-A-PORTER Group has announced the appointment of  Geoffroy Lefebvre as CEO.

Lefebvre who is currently Group Digital Distribution Director at Richemont will become CEO on 4^th January 2021, replacing Federico Marchetti who will remain Chairman of the Group to ensure a successful transition.

Johann Rupert, Chairman of Richemont, commented: “Richemont’s digital journey, since our first investment in NET-A-PORTER in 2002, to my encounter with a visionary entrepreneur, Federico Marchetti, that led in 2015 to the creation of the YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP, then its acquisition in 2018, has been fascinating in many ways.

I would like to thank Federico for his relentless passion, his energy and his drive in shaping the largest player in Luxury Selective Distribution. He has crafted and delivered the vision that has prevailed since 2000 and has inspired so many. I wish Federico all the best for his future career. And I am happy to introduce Geoffroy, who has been driving the expansion of Richemont’s e-Commerce for the past two years after several other executive positions within the Group. He will now lead YOOX NET-A PORTER GROUP’s teams in their growth journey to delight ever more our customers around the world.”

Federico Marchetti said: “As part of the succession plan communicated at the beginning of 2020, I am delighted to be handing the baton to Geoffroy Lefebvre as the CEO of YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP. We have worked together over recent times and he fully masters our business model. In our 20th anniversary year, it is a fitting moment to kick-start the handover and I look forward to working with him as Chairman during the transition period.

Over the last two decades, the Group has grown exponentially, from a fledgling start-up to the biggest player in luxury e-commerce. As an entrepreneur, I am proud to have created a tech unicorn and built a digital powerhouse. The Group has solid foundations, which will propel it towards long-term growth. I will continue to innovate combining human touch with digital disruption, while retaining the focus on people, customers and our communities.

A huge thank-you to all the teams, partners, brands, shareholders – and especially to Johann Rupert – who have created the legendary YOOX NET-A-PORTER Group!”

Prada presents the new ‘Prada Enchanted’ pop-up store at The Dubai Mall. Dedicated to precious gifts for men and women the space at Fashion Avenue features bags, accessories and jewellery that will make perfect gifts this festive season.

The space, located in the Fashion Catwalk with an extension of about 102 square meters, is defined by a multifaceted glass casket, decorated with triangle motifs that refer to the iconic Prada logo.

The design of the installation is dominated by two colours – chic black on the outside and classic Prada green on the interior, reflecting Prada boutiques worldwide.

The store is divided into small corners, each dedicated to a different product. Featured products include the new exclusive Cleo bags, scarves and hair accessories, as well as practical cases for technological devices. The central sales area is defined by a round island where jewels – including silver models – flank the gifts for women.

The pop-up store is open at Dubai Fashion Avenue from 25th November until 14th December

Dior has unveiled a festive homeware collection that celebrates the art of the Luminarie, the traditional and colourful architecture that set the stage at the recent 2021 Cruise.

Presented in Lecce, Puglia, the show was an uplifting spectacle of light and colour and the new homeware collection celebrates this theme once again.

Sparkling new prints designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri can now be seen on porcelain plats ad valet trays, vases and coasters, as well as delicate fans and cushions in shimmering colours.

The pieces feature hand-blown, hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments, scented candles, greeting cards and more, all with a touch of magic and sparkle for the festive season.

Available in Dior boutiques and online at dior.com, these objects will add a touch of Dior magic to your home this festive season.

The Lagoon Beach at Park Hyatt Dubai is the ultimate spot for uninterrupted luxury.

Hidden along the coast of Dubai Creek, The Park Hyatt Dubai feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lush green surroundings and Moroccan style courtyards transport you to another world.

And while our hectic schedules might not always allow for a long-stay getaway the Lagoon Beach at Park Hyatt Dubai has the perfect alternative to a weekend away.

The unique Lagoon Beach consists of a 100-metre long infinity pool with its own manmade beach, overlooking the glistening waters of the creek. While you may be a few miles from the coastline this unique feature offers all the luxuries of an island getaway, without having to worry about coming away with sand in your toes!

This hidden gem has launched a daycation experience that’s perfect for those needing some me time. The Lagoon Beach Experience includes use of the spacious lagoon pool and a recently-refurbished lagoon room from 10 am-7 pm, a filled mini bar, a round of sundowner cocktails, a welcome fruit platter and AED 500 in F&B credit.

When you’re finished by the pool head to one of the resorts many restaurants and lounges to watch the stunning uninterrupted sunset as it lowers across the sparkling water of the creek.

And if you still don’t want to leave, you can pay an extra 20 per cent to avail of an overnight stay for two people.

The Lagoon Beach Dayacation Experience starts at AED 2,225 net per room for 04 persons. Prices are slightly higher at the weekends. Find out more at www.dubaicreekliving.ae/lagoon_beach/

The all-natural beauty brand launches its 2020 holiday collection.

Codex Beauty’s Bia Collection is now available in their signature holiday packaging that will make the perfect gift for your loved ones this season. 

Founded in 2018 by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Barb Paldus, PhD, Codex Beauty strives to bring a bio-science approach to all-natural beauty.

FESTIVE BYTES

By offering complete visibility of ingredients, methodologies and testing results, Codex Beauty represents the next generation in exceptionally pure yet potent, vegan skincare solutions sourced from around the world.

The latest collection includes:

The Bia Day cream which combines the revitalizing effects of calendula and the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid to moisturize, provide intense nourishment and reduce irritation and redness.

The Exfoliating Wash which is a gentle everyday cleanser with exfoliating natural jojoba grains and infused with elderflower water, grapefruit, safflower and milk thistle oils for both toning and cleansing benefits.

BYTE SIZE TREATS

The Eye Gel Cream is a lightweight cooling and brightening eye gel that helps reduce undereye puffiness and dark circles while providing instant hydration and soothing to the skin.

The Skin Superfood which is a hydrating and nourishing treatment cream for face, hands and body. Made with a unique BiaComplexTM herbal formula, this cream helps treat dry, flaky or irritated skin and leaves it silky smooth.

And finally, the Facial Oil consists of light, dry oil that helps to hydrate, seal in moisture, firm and smooth the skin with vitamins and essential fatty acids.

Codex Beauty is available in-store at Watsons and online at Watsons.ae.

As we lead up to celebrating UAE National Day, Breitling launched three Middle East exclusive watches that are available in a limited number.

The three Aviator 8 models are brand new interpretations of the design showcasing Indian numerals o the dial. The designs bring together the contemporary elements with the classic design DNA and technical features of Breitling’s first pilot watches.

The Breitling Aviator 8 Chronograph 43 Middle East Limited Edition is limited to 100 pieces and features a military green dial with a matte finish and tone-on-tone subdials and is presented on a green leather military strap. Its black nickel-plated hour and minute hands, as well as the large Indian numerals on the dial, are coated with Super-LumiNova®, whose luminescence makes them easy to read wherever your adventures might take you. It’s powered by the Breitling Caliber 13.

The Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic 41 Middle East Limited Edition has a military green dial and is presented on a green leather military strap. The hour and minute hands, as well as the bold Indian numerals on the dial, are coated with durable Super-LumiNova®, which ensures optimal legibility even in low-light conditions. The watch features a bi-directional rotating bezel featuring a subtle – yet vibrant – red pointer and a central seconds hand that also has a touch of red at its tip. The stainless steel 41mm case features a Breitling Caliber 17. This watch is available in a limited series of 250 pieces.

And finally, the Breitling Aviator 8 41 Middle East Limited Edition makes a statement style. Inspired by Breitling watches of the 1930s and 1940s, it features a DLC-coated steel case, rotating bezel and the Breitling Caliber 17. The striking blue dial which showcases the Indian numerals is available on a black or blue leather strap.

Managing Director, Breitling Middle East, India and Africa, Aed Adwan commented: ”Our Aviator 8 collection is much loved within the region, we, therefore, choose to develop three watches from this collection in a special series exclusively for the Middle East market. The series, which is now available across the region,  includes two watches with a military green dial and one with a striking blue dial.”

Available at Breitling stores in The Middle East.

The Armani Group has launched its latest charity initiatives.

Thanks to its continued value to support and promote projects that support social, cultural and environmental issues, The Armani Group has further expanded its charity initiatives.

The latest announcement from the Group will see it supporting non-profit organisations in the fight against COVID-19 and poverty and well as supporting those helping to protect our environment.

Throughout the global pandemic, the Group’s corporate commitment has included the donation of part of the revenue from Giorgio Armani boutique worldwide to fifty-two non-profit organisations working around the globe to support those affected.

The Group will continue to support these associations during the Christmas period and will also renew its customary contribution to Opera San Francesco per i Poveri, the well-known and popular Milan organisation which, through the refectory in the Capuchin friars’ monastery, has offered for over seventy years free meals and a range of services to the needy and homeless and to those unable to access public assistance.

Emporio Armani Green Project

These initiatives stand alongside the contribution to Save the Children for a project in Mozambique targeting motherhood and neonatal health. The undertaking, involving actions for food safety, training, information and welfare programmes, sets out to reach approximately 26,000 adults and 13,000 children in two years. The Group management has also decided to add a portion of their salaries to the donation.

The environment is also a hugely important topic to the Group and to Mr Giorgio Armani himself. The Group has once again pledged its active involvement in sustainable development with a plan for expanding green areas in nine different regions of the world where Armani has a presence.

This initiative begins in Milan where, along with the City Council, Emporio Armani is supporting the development and enhancement of green areas throughout the city. Over one hundred trees are to be planted this year as part of a project that aims to plant three million by the end of 2030.

The environmental initiative is then to be extended also to London, supporting the Green Roof project, and to Munich and New York, with a commitment towards the upkeep of some city parks, to Tokyo and to the French village of Saint Martin d’Ablois, to some inland regions of Mongolia and to some areas of Australia, for reforestation and to help spread a new environmental culture.

Tashkeel is hosting a new exhibition at its gallery space in Dubai.

The exhibition title COVID Conversations invited over 40 UAE-based artists and designers to present their interpretation of the unusual year we have all experienced.

Mental health, mortality, loss, faith, isolation, family, and personal identity will be amongst the several issues that the exhibition will reflect on, giving the artists the opportunity to express the rollercoaster of emotions the world has experienced throughout this time.

162 artists applied to take part in the exhibition and the 40 chosen participants while all UAE-based come from a range of nationalities including Egyptian, Iranian, Brazilian, Spanish, South Korean and French. Exhibiting artists include names such as Boushra Almutawakel, Saeed Al Madani, Sawsan Al Bahar, Ana Escobar, Debjani Bhardwaj, Ichraq Bouzidi, Khalid Al Banna, Michael Rice, Azza Al Qubaisi, Nouf Al Jadhami & Ali Dawi, Ji-hye Kim, Becky Beamer, Altamash Urooj, and Stephanie Neville.

“Tashkeel was humbled by the incredible response from UAE’s art and design community to this open call – which is a testament to the overwhelming creativity expressed in the face of, and because of, such adversity. After extensive deliberation, the works selected signify the capacity of humanity to overcome and endure. Journeys of love, loss, introspection, communal strength, and experimentation are captured through an array of mediums that celebrate the importance and power of creative expression in times of crisis,” said Lisa Ball-Lechgar, the deputy director of Tashkeel.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of talks, tours and workshops delivered both online and live at the Tashkeel exhibition space in Dubai.

Running from 8^th December 2020 until 4^th January 2021, COVID Conversations will be open from 10am to 8pm, every day except Friday and public holidays. Admission is free. Booking in advance is essential via email tashkeel@tashkeel.org or call +971 4 336 3313. Guided tours available upon request. For details, visit tashkeel.org.

As we get used to the new normal of wearing face masks every day, our make-up routine has become all about eyes. we discover some of the latest products, tips and tricks to getting perfectly groomed brows without having to visit the salon.

With today’s products ranges, you don’t even have to visit the salon to get brows you love. Benefit Cosmetics is the leading beauty brand when it comes to brows and the new Brow Microfilling pen has captured the feel of microbladed brows but without the cost, pain or time usually involved. The Brow Microfilling Pen is a go-to when it comes to creating a natural microbladed brow look at home. Yara Ayoob, Benefit’s Regional Brow Artist reveals on-trend brow looks you can create at home with the Brow Microfilling Pen.

Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel

Statement Brows

• A Statement Brow is often bolder with lots of texture and volume. However, creating a bold and textured brow is not always easy with pencils or pomades because you need to have consistent shape and colour of the hair-like strokes.
• For the best result, use an inky, ultra-fine tipped pen-like Benefit Brow Microfilling Pen. It has a 3-prong tip that helps keep the strokes uniform in shape and in colour, both of which are important in a Statement Brow.

Benefit Cismetics Brow Microfilling Pen – Deep Brown

Laminated Brows:

• Lamination is a professional brow service using perm solution to help redirect the hair of your brow hairs, giving the illusion of fuller, more defined brows. The results leave you with a brushed- up BOY BROW style. You can replicate this style at home by using a clear brow gel and Brow Microfilling Pen.
• Start by using a clear brow gel like Benefit’s 24-Hour Brow Setter and brush the brow hairs upward toward the hairline and outward toward the temple. After the hairs are coated, use your fingertip to gently press the hairs to the skin. After it dries completely, go in with the 3-prong tip of Brow Microfilling Pen to add in more structure in areas that may be sparse.
• For those with full brows, you will still see some spare areas after you brush up your brow hairs. To help fill those holes and keep the structure the same, try turning the Brow Microfilling Pen to the side and use the single prong to flick in a new hair or two or three.

Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows

Years of experience taught makeup mogul Charlotte Tilbury exactly what women needed when it came to perfecting their brows at home. That’s why her extensive brow makeup range doesn’t miss anything out. For a solution that really works, start with the Brow Lift eyebrow pencil to fill in the gaps and create shape, then finish with Legendary Brow, a precise eyebrow gel that will add volume and make your brows look fuller and thicker.

Fenty Beauty

Before applying any makeup on your brows it’s important to sculpt them into shape. Fenty Beauty’s new Brow MVP Brow Sculpting Wax Pencil & Styler is a clear, universal brow was with a sweat and water-resistant formula that shapes and sets with a long-wear, flexible but firm hold. It also allows you to change the shape of your brows if you feel like a different look. Founder Rihanna explains: “I like to switch up my brow shape sometimes. Do I want a simple brow when I’m on the go, or do I want to be extra and have a more editorial, soap brow look? This brow wax lets you have fun and shape your brows just how you like them!”

BEST OF THE REST: 

Shiseido

Anastasia Beverly Hills on Ounass

Bobbi Brown on Ounass

Guerlain

Clinique

Sisley

YSL Beauty on Ounass-

Ralph Lauren unveils its new holiday campaign celebrating family, togetherness and unity.

The brand will also be introducing Innovative digital experiences will reinvent the shopping experience and create new ways to experience the world of Ralph Lauren.

The Attal Family

It is launching a first-to-market program in partnership with Snapchat, that will enable users to scan the iconic Polo Pony logo from embroidery and fabric to unlock a series of augmented reality experiences. This industry-first technology will allow users to scan any Polo Pony logo wherever it appears and in any medium –  printed materials, shopping bags, digital executions, advertisements – and from apparel for the first time ever. Timed to align with the upcoming shopping season, this innovative technology and accompanying holiday-inspired AR experience offers users the opportunity to discover the rich world of Ralph Lauren. On an ongoing basis, the AR experience will routinely refresh with new themes and creative executions.

The Attal Family

The holiday campaign stars a diverse selection of characters including families and friends. The cast includes Saudi-born and London based entrepreneurs and sisters Thana, Sakhaa and Duaa Abdul. The sisters are grounded by their deeply-shared bond: “I’ve learned that nothing in the world matters before my mother and my sisters. They’re always there. That’s just a bond that I will forever appreciate,” Thana says.

Also included is London-based model Nora Attal and her family, who expressed how grateful they were to be together during these uncertain times. “For me, family is the ultimate gift” Nora says.

The Attal Family

Other profiles who appear in the campaign include the Parisian dance collective ‘La Marche Bleue’; professional rugby player Maro Itoje and family; and Paris-based Ralph Lauren employee Kevis Manzi and his family.

The pieces worn by the cast also make for the perfect Holiday Gift. An array of signature Ralph Lauren icons for the whole family will be offered this season, including classic Polo Shirts, luxurious cable-knit cashmere sweaters, and timeless Polo Bear items.

Dior presents its first capsule collection entirely dedicated to Loungewear.

Dior Chez Moi was created by Maria Grazia Chiuri during the lockdown period and reflects the relaxed, functional style of today that everyone is looking for.

Dior Chez Moi was created in collaboration with Roman artist Pietro Ruffo who redesigned his emblematic zodiac motifs – a tribute to the superstitious nature of Monsieur Dior – as a world map linking sky and earth, continents and constellations, flora and fauna.

Alongside a revisited version of the toile de Jouy, one of the House’s hallmark codes, his sketches sublimate precious pyjama sets, delicate bathrobes and snug ponchos – irresistible, timeless pieces that can also be worn outside. An invitation to refinement and the gentle way of life.

The collection consists of loose-fitting co-ords, pyjama-style ensembles, robes and laid back jackets and trousers. A neutral colour palette makes these pieces perfect for wearing at home or outside of the house.

Now available at selected Dior stores globally.

Miuccia Prada refashions vintage designs and gives them a Miu Miu touch with a new environmentally friendly collection

To support Miu Miu’s dedication to a more sustainable fashion system, the House presents Upcycled by Miu Miu. A capsule offering of up-cycled vintage pieces that have been given a new lease of life by Miu Miu ateliers. The collection was first revealed at the recent Green Carpet Fashion Awards which saw actresses Elisa Visari and Chen Ran wearing dresses from the line.

Chen Ran wearing Upcycled by Miu Miu

Launching globally this holiday season, Upcycled by Miu Miu is a selection of one-off designs built around precious vintage clothing finds dating from the Thirties to the Seventies. Each piece has been carefully sourced by Miu Miu from vintage clothing stores and markets around the world and reworked in a unique way. Once restored and brought back to life, the pieces are re-fashioned: cut, shortened, lengthened and then embellished and embroidered with classic Miu Miu signature touches including paillettes, crystals, ribbons and bows.

The collection will initially be limited to 80 pieces. Each piece is completely different, but also representative of Miu Miu’s feminine, quirky style. All pieces are finished by hand, each detail reimagined in the Miu Miu way. This unique project allows these garments from the past to be celebrated once again, extending their beauty to future generations as well as increasing their lifespan more sustainably.

For the first ever digital edition of the Green Carpet Fashion awards Italian actress Elisa Visari wore an Upcycled by Miu Miu orange cocktail dress, made from an original 1960s design, customised with glass pearl embellishment on ivory duchesse silk puff sleeves. While actress Chen Ran wore an Upcycled by Miu Miu burgundy evening gown, made from an original 30’s design, with an original sequined collar and customised with crystal embroidery on Victorian sleeves in black silk duchesse.

The pieces are expected to be available in selected Miu Miu boutiques at the end of November.

For the occasion of the launch of the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillion, the Manufacture has unveiled three new 41mm references in stainless steel, titanium and 18-carat pink gold, all complemented with a refined dial design.

This new model is powered by Calibre 2950, the Manufacture’s latest generation of selfwinding movement combining a flying tourbillon with a central rotor. Meticulously crafted inside and out, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon interweaves contemporary design with age-old savoir-faire.

“The Royal Oak Tourbillon first made its debut in 1997 for the 25th anniversary of the Royal Oak. This latest evolution featuring the flying tourbillon and selfwinding mechanism reintroduces this modern classic with updated aesthetics for the new decade.” Said Michael Friedman Head of Complications

The full titanium reference presents an innovative dial design. An elegant sandblasted slate grey dial, with snailing in periphery, offers an alternative to the Royal Oak’s trademark “Tapisserie” pattern. The dial’s grey shades and white gold hour-markers and hands subtly echo the flying tourbillon making its rotation at 6 o’clock.

Reminiscent of other models in the Royal Oak collection, the stainless steel version adorns a refined smoked blue “Tapisserie” dial. Its state-of-the-art sunburst motif evolves from the flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. These vibrant hues of blue give depth to the flying tourbillon, while serving as an elegant backdrop to the white gold hour-markers and hands.

The third model in 18-carat pink gold provides a contemporary contrast. A smoked grey sunburst “Tapisserie” dial enriched with pink gold hour-markers and hands illuminates the pink gold case and bracelet. The flying tourbillon cage adds a delicate glimmer of pink gold.

All of the cases and bracelet have been hand-finished with the brand’s emblematic alternation of satin-brushing and polished chamfers for a powerful juxtaposition of matte and polished finishing.

The watches are powered by a Calibre 2950, the Manufature’s latest generation of self-winding movement combining a flying tourbillon with a central rotor, first released in 2019.

The hand-finished flying tourbillon cage provides a beautiful view of some of the watch’s regulating components enabling its rotation. The caseback also reveals the movement’s refined decorations such as “Côtes de Genève,” satin-brushing, snailing and hand-polished chamfers, as well as the dedicated open-worked oscillating weight in pink gold or rhodium- toned pink gold.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi kicks off tomorrow with an all-new digital-only concept.

Georgia’s biggest fashion event has become one of the hottest up and coming fashion events in the world, showcasing the best of local and global talent.

This year’s event which starts tomorrow will be showcased to a global audience via a new digital platform. The platform will showcase designs from over twenty designers, a number of who are presenting their collections as part of the event for the first time.

The virtual space is organised in a calendar with slots for each brand, offering a rich agenda that’s accessible by all; allowing a front-row seat to all of the shows and presentations.

SITUATIONIST SS21

In times of travel restrictions due to the global pandemic, the new digital experience serves as a meeting spot for designers, creatives, media, retailers and cultural institutions playing a pivotal role in bringing fashion and art under one roof.

In response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 outbreak, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi collaborated with the Georgian Fashion Foundation on the opening of Factory – Art & Culture Center in Tbilisi. Spread over 27,800 Sqm, the industrial creative hub allows designers, artists and photographers to showcase their creations, develop their visions and share ideas with like-minded people. The urban space aims to boost Georgia’s creativity and to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage through interdisciplinary interaction between fashion, design and art.

12 MaterieI SS21

“I am delighted to cooperate with the Georgian Fashion Foundation in our mission to financially support all those creative communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Sofia Tchkonia, Founder and Creative Director of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. “Our joint effort will contribute to sustain a number of talented designers who are facing an existential threat and are at risk of going out of business”.

The digital platform is accessible from November 19th-22nd at www.mbfwtbilisi.online.
It will offer unique multimedia content, including interviews, designers’ diaries, backstage moments and virtual showrooms.

The new Rolls-Royce Ghost made its debut in Dubai and A&E was there to experience this masterpiece of engineering and craftsmanship first hand.

For a car manufacturer that is always looking for inventive ways to bring its expression to life, Rolls-Royce is constantly moving forward with its designs and innovation. This year, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost was introduced as the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet. While the design is elegant and minimalist, the product has a highly complex creation and is a welcome addition to the Rolls-Royce offering. Over a ten-year period, the Ghost has become the brand’s most successful car in its 116-year history and this new edition is expected to continue the momentum.

Today, with the new Ghost, Rolls-Royce introduces a car that will set the standard of its manufactory designs for the next years. This car was inspired by the Rolls-Royce customers and their needs. “These business leaders and entrepreneurs demand of their Ghost more than ever. They require a new type of super-luxury saloon that is dynamic, serenely comfortable and perfect in its minimalism. Ghost is this product.” Said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. He continued; “the only components that we carried over from the first Goodwood Ghost were the Spirit of Ecstasy and umbrellas. Everything else was designed, crafted and engineered from the ground up. The result is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet. It distils the pillars of our brand into a beautiful, minimalist, yet highly complex product that is perfectly in harmony with our Ghost clients’ needs and perfectly in tune with the times.”

The first Goodwood Ghost in 2009 had a laser focus on meeting the demands of its clients and throughout its ten-year lifecycle, this transformative motor car became the most successful product in the company’s 116-year history. Ghost’s decade-long market presence enabled the brand’s Luxury Intelligence Specialists to gather vital information about developing behaviours in how Ghost clients use their motor car, how they commission it and how they perceive Rolls-Royce. As Ghost clients required even more of their motor car, Rolls-Royce used its knowledge to respond, incorporating technology such as all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering in Ghost and unlocking an entirely new, purposeful personality.

Reserved exclusively for Rolls-Royce the new Ghost features the proprietary aluminium spaceframe architecture which allows for fewer constraints than high-volume vehicles. It creates an acoustically superior, highly rigid and dynamic proposition for Ghost within the Rolls-Royce product portfolio. The Rolls-Royce architecture is based around four fixed points, one at each corner of the motor car. The moveable aluminium bulkhead, floor, cross-members and sill panels were positioned specifically to ensure the new Ghost meets client expectations as a motor car that is equally enjoyable to drive as it is to be driven in. Two of the cast suspension mounting assemblies were pushed to the very front of the car, placing its 6.75-litre V12 behind the front axle to achieve an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.

To accommodate this without intruding on new Ghost’s interior suite, its overall length has grown by 89mm, compared to the first Goodwood Ghost, to 5546mm, and its overall width has grown by 30mm to 1978mm. Significant changes were also made to the double-skinned bulkhead and floor structure packaging. These were undertaken to incorporate an all-wheel drivetrain, all-wheel steering and completely redesigned Planar Suspension System, which further enhances the marque’s hallmark Magic Carpet Ride. This was achieved without compromising the motor car’s low centre of gravity, which aids cornering dynamics. The car’s outer body is rendered as one clean, expansive piece, flowing seamlessly from the A-pillar, over the roof and backwards to the rear of the car. To achieve this, four craftsmen hand-weld the body together simultaneously to ensure a perfectly continuous seam. In addition, 100% aluminium, laser-welded doors have been used. This not only offers weight benefits and remarkable 40,000Nm/deg stiffness, but the material has a lower acoustic impedance than steel, improving cabin ambience.

Engineering specialists redesigned the motor car’s suspension completely to deliver what is called the Planar Suspension System. Named after a geometric plane, which is completely flat and level, the system is the result of ten collective years of testing and development to create a sense of flight on land never before achieved by a motor car. Created through physical engineering developments as well as sophisticated scanning and software technology, it incorporates a world-first Upper Wishbone Damper unit above the front suspension assembly, creating an even more stable and effortless ride. This works alongside the Flagbearer system, which uses cameras to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension system for any changes in the road surface, as well as the marque’s Satellite Aided Transmission. These technologies are managed as one through a bespoke Planar software system. The new Ghost can now anticipate and react to the most demanding road surfaces.

Rolls-Royce’s self-closing doors for years have been a favourite element of customers for years. The new Ghost allowed the innovation to go even further and for the first time, clients can now also open the doors with power assistance. The car also benefits from a new Micro Environment Purification System. This unique system develops the existing air filtration technology to incorporate a full suite of hardware and software improvements.

The new Ghost is the most technologically advanced motor car Rolls-Royce has ever produced. Further equipment includes: LED and laser headlights with more than 600m of illuminated range, vision assist, including day- and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning; alertness assistant; a four-camera system with panoramic view, all-round visibility and helicopter view; active cruise control; collision warning; cross-traffic warning; lane departure and lane change warning; an industry-leading 7×3 high-resolution head-up display; Wi-Fi hotspot; self-park; and the very latest navigation and entertainment systems. The bespoke audio system also allows drivers to experience the best of sound and make the most of the highest quality uncompressed music, providing an exceptional listening experience.

When it came to the design, opulence and minimalist luxury were at the front of mind of the craftsman. Rolls-Royce’s proprietary architecture allowed the design team to increase the width by 30mm, subtly communicating presence. This is framed by sharp bowlines that intersect with an angular light signature, creating an assertive yet beautiful front end. In addition, the new Ghost was given its own ethereal front-end character. This was achieved not by way of overt design, but with light. 20 LEDs underneath the top of the radiator grille subtly illuminate the veins. In the spirit of Post Opulent aesthetics, the marque’s engineering team brushed the back of the metal grille bars, making them less reflective, subduing the effect and perfecting the restrained glow desired. The front of the new Ghost is an exemplar of the design team’s obsession with reduction. Owing to the hand-welded aluminium body structures, the main structure of the car appears as one fluid canvas, uninterrupted by shut lines, recalling the coachbuilt Silver Dawn and Silver Cloud. For the first time, the Spirit of Ecstasy is not surrounded by panel lines but rather stands sits within her own ‘lake’ of bonnet.

Inside, you’ll find the same minimalist design aesthetic. The finest materials were sourced to ensure the approval of even the most seasoned clients. Wood, leather and metal have all been crafted by hand to ensure the very best in quality and perfection. And finally, for those looking for something truly unique, Ghost’s Illuminated Fascia offers the ultimate in luxury. A world-first innovation that was developed over two years and more than 10,000 collective hours, this remarkable piece brings an ethereal glowing Ghost nameplate, surrounded by more than 850 stars, into the interior suite of the motor car.

The new Rolls-Royce Ghost is now available to order in The Middle East.

Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pet is an exclusive customising service that celebrates our pets.

Dedicated to our beloved animals this personalisation service allows bag owners to exclusively personalise their Valentino Garavani Rockstud bag with an image of their pet.

The super cute service has been curated in collaboration with illustrator and artist Riccardo Cusimano who will embellish the bags by hand with the owner’s initials and a charming portrait of their pet. The two elements are blended together to ensure each owner has a completely unique design.

The illustrations can be embossed on three different styles of the Valentino Garavani Rockstud bags, in five different colour variations. An exclusive selection of Valentino Garavani Rockstud leashes and dog collars, in a matching colour palette, will also be available for purchase.

Shoppers can personalise their bags online at Valentino.com by choosing their preferred colour combination and sending over an image of their pet which will be the basis of their design. Once ready they can have the bag delivered or collection from selected Valentino boutiques.

Special packaging completes the Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pet experience, a venture of pure craftsmanship dedicated to the Valentino community.

We discover some of the hotels in the UAE that are working towards a long-lasting, safer and more sustainable future

The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah

Since its official opening, The Chedi Al Bait has outlined clear goals for its dedication towards sustainability. The resort in Sharjah completely banished plastic consumables (including room keys, water bottles and straws), from the offset and its comprehensive sustainability plan embraces recycling, organics and energy efficiency strategies. The on-site water filtration system allows the resort to produce its own water which is used in-house. The Chedi Al Bait also has a zero-waste policy, recycling all food waste which it uses as compost for the landscaping in its gardens. All waste is segregated and collected by a waste management contractor. At the same time, the resort has minimised its dependence on consumables, it’s trying to mitigate its use of energy in general. The Drop of Water campaign has drastically curtailed its use of water and energy. The resort’s air conditioning is also set to default at 26 degrees when guests are not in their rooms and in communal areas the AC is automatically powered down when not needed.

As well as reducing its carbon footprint, the resort’s spa is building for the future too but using organic, Halal-certified products only. None of the products contain artificial colour or fragrances, GM ingredients, petrolatum or petrochemicals, parabens, animal derivatives or sodium lauryl sulphate. For nail treatments only vegan, wildcrafted, organic Spa Ritual products are used. All of which are free of toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and parabens that are normally found in nail treatment products so you can really trust in the products you are using on your body.

The Chedi Al Bait was also awarded the Modama Green Hotel & Resort Award for its continuous efforts in practising and promoting sustainable hospitality. Established by Ajman Tourism Department the Modama Award was developed to recognise the most sustainable hospitality companies in UAE. This award acknowledges the hotel’s founding vision in supporting the local authorities, aligning its long-term goals with the UAE’s vision to grow into a sustainable business hub for international establishments.

The Four Seasons Hotels, Dubai

The Four Seasons Hotels in Dubai follow the Four Seasons Dubai Green Committee which was founded to create an environmentally responsible business where employees are committed to reducing the ecological and carbon footprint from activities associated with the brand. The goal of the Four Seasons Jumeirah and Four Seasons DIFC Hotels is ultimately to reduce waste and energy use through the educating of its employees who are guided to work more sustainably and responsibly.

The Hotel’s commitment to conserving water is highlighted in several ways. Without compromising on guests comfort, water reduction systems have been installed that work to reduce the water flow by almost 50%. Employees are encouraged to pay close attention to water usage daily. Four Seasons Hotels Dubai have food composters present in the kitchens, and water is generated from any composted food waste and is then treated and reused for on-site purposes such as watering the plants. Light sensors have been installed in all rooms to reduce energy usage. The Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach has recently partnered with ChoChoMa Studios to create one-of-a-kind fruit bowls made completely from recycled glass. The design is unique to the hotel and each bowl is compiled of five green bottles and five clear bottles collected from the resort. ChoChoMa Studios is the only artist-run, hand-crafted glass studio in the UAE and we are proud to partner with them on this initiative. All plastic straws have been replaced with a paper alternative, as well as eradicating plastic cup use where possible including in the hotel’s spa. Inside the spa itself, the resorts are committed to using organic and natural product ranges including Sodashi and Du Burgener.

Andaz Dubai, The Palm

Andaz Dubai The Palm recently launched a new container farm in partnership with Green Container Advanced Farming (GCAF), introducing its own organic container farm on the terrace of its Palm Jumeirah location. The hotel’s ongoing commitment to sustainability has been a focus since its 2019 opening, with multiple initiatives to reduce single-use plastic and use of environmentally friendly products. Through the partnership with local organisation GCAF, the property is able to harvest its own hydroponic produce onsite, to be utilised in the preparation of dishes at the hotel’s restaurants and cafes.

This method of farming not only reduces the amount of water needed to grow by up to 90% compared to traditional soil farming but also reduces the carbon footprint created by distribution modes of transportation whether by air or land and reduces food waste by harvesting only according to daily requirements. The new container farm is 400 square feet in size and completely pesticide and herbicide-free. Produce grown in the farm includes salad and lettuce variations, herbs such as basil, microgreens and edible flowers. Guests visiting Andaz’s dining venues, including neighbourhood eatery The Locale and popular Japanese eatery Hanami are able to enjoy culinary creations made with the freshest and most nutritious produce sourced daily from the hotel’s very own farm.

Francesco Tonon, Head of Product Planning at Maserati on producing luxury cars that will help to save our planet.

The automotive industry is one of the key sectors that is crucial when it comes to building a better future and sustaining our planet. It’s commonly known that traditional cars play a huge role in contributing to climate change and more work needs to be done to limit the greenhouse gases produced by car engines before the contribution to global warming becomes irreversible. When electric cars were first on the market they came with the taboo of being uncool and ugly, but things have come a long way since then. Many luxury car manufacturers have begun to question how they can build cars for a better future, and one of the answers is to create electric “hybrid” engines.

Italian car manufacturer Maserati has recently embarked on a journey into the world of hybrid cars. The new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid combines luxury, excellence and performance with the car manufacturer’s first-ever eco-friendly design. This unique design is one of the most ambitious projects taken on by Maserati yet and is the beginning of the future of the car manufacturer with a direction of greener consumption, without compromising on quality or design. The hybrid technology uses the kinetic energy that the car uses when in motion and transforms it into electricity that is stored in the battery and used to run the engine. This reduces fuel consumption, improves performance and cuts harmful emissions. We find out more about this care and the future of sustainability at Maserati with Francesco Tonon, Head of Product Planning at Maserati.

The Ghibli Hybrid is a milestone launch for Maserati – how long has this car been in the works and tell us a little about the initial idea?

The launch of the Ghibli Hybrid is a milestone for Maserati because we are entering a new era. We are writing a new book and the Ghibli Hybrid represents the first chapter as it is the first hybrid model by Maserati. Ghibli Hybrid is the link between a past of internal combustion engines and an electric future. When we started thinking about this project, at the beginning of 2018, the goal was to create a car that was able to deliver efficiency and at the same time, enhance the performance. With the Mild Hybrid system, we can offer to our consumer the best skills, options and values of two engines. The performance and the smooth response of a 6-cylinder petrol engine and the low emission and consumptions of a 6-cylinder diesel engine.

What are some of the biggest challenges you faced with this car?

This is a historical moment because for the very first time, we are producing a Maserati equipped with a hybrid engine. It’s truly an exciting time because we’re on the verge of a new era. The challenge is combining the brand’s traditional values with the electrification project. That’s why we need to find a balance in meeting the market’s demands that push toward green mobility and at the same time, we do not want to forget the traditional Maserati DNA.

Why did you decide on the Ghibli model for the hybrid engine?

We decided to apply this technology on Ghibli because it perfectly embodies Maserati’s DNA. Maserati has a long history with sedans dating back to the 60s. Maserati invented the high-performance sedan in 1963 by fitting a race car engine in a sedan – the Quattroporte. The current Ghibli is a very successful model produced in over 100,000 units since its presentation in 2013. Consequently, we believed Ghibli would be the ideal Maserati model to be equipped with our new hybrid unit.

What were the challenges in ensuring the Maserati sound was still present even with this engine?

The Ghibli Hybrid is a Maserati in every respect, the signature sound is completely authentic. It is achieved without resorting to amplifiers, but by just tweaking the fluid dynamics of the exhausts and adopting resonators, tuned to deliver the typical roar. Anyone on board a Maserati hybrid must still hear the unmistakable sound of a Maserati engine.

Who is the person this car is designed for?

In terms of demographics, the younger generations have been the early adopters when it comes to electrification and sustainability. However, this situation is changing as these values are becoming important among different generations of consumers. Considering that our hybrid solution provides enhanced performances as well as efficiency, this is a combination of assets that is desirable for a very wide range of consumers.

How does the Maserati Hybrid differ from those on the market?

The Maserati 48 volt hybrid system has four parts: BSG, battery, eBooster and a DC/DC converter. The BSG and eBooster combination is unique in the hybrid sedan segment and provides an extra boost when the engine reaches peak rpm in sport mode, at which point the performance benefits can be fully enjoyed, while in normal mode it balances fuel use and performance.

Tell us about the blue colour – why did you decide on this colour to identify the hybrid cars?

The blue colour is universally adopted as the symbol of clean mobility. The Ghibli features several details in blue: the three traditional air ducts on the front mudguard have a blue trim, the Brembo brake callipers and the thunderbolt in the pillar logo are in the same colour.

How do you ensure that you continue to keep the Maserati spirit and DNA with an electric motor car? 

The Hybrid system is the best solution we could have adopted because it combines the best features of the two previous power plants, offering the driver a car that is fun to drive, with the genuine Maserati sound. It squares the circle by delivering the smooth response of a 6 cylinder engine with the low-rpm torque of a diesel. The outcome achieved is almost perfect: even greater performance, with less fuel use (100 km/hour in 5.7 seconds and delivers a top speed of 255 km/h).

How do you ensure that long-term clients will be interested in the Ghibli Hybrid and at the same time appeal to new potential customers?

By staying true to our DNA. Our everyday aim is to infuse our pride and dedication to people who love excellence. Choosing a Maserati is never done by chance, but instead, it is an act of deep passion and knowledge. Innovation, audacity and uniqueness guide the brand in this phase of total renewal. It’s not about offering a huge number of models, it’s about offering the right ones. This is the secret to ensuring the commitment of our long-term clients and at the same time appealing to new potential customers: never forget the past; start from the roots to create our future. It’s about staying true to Maserati’s soul.

Of course one of the challenges today is sustainability which of course is very important to the brand – can you tell us a little about some of the ways you are tackling sustainable alternatives and practices?

The Ghibli Hybrid aims to enhance performance while saving fuel. It represents the Maserati approach to hybrid propulsion, an approach in keeping with our DNA. The Ghibli Hybrid takes Maserati into the future without betraying the past. In a way, it even further highlights the keynote features of every Maserati: exceptional performance and luxury. The first hybrid engine in the history of the marque, where innovation and technology have always met with high-performance automotive engineering, to drive Maserati forward towards a more sustainable future. Faster than diesel, greener than gasoline: that is the Ghibli Hybrid philosophy in a nutshell.

Earlier this year you announced that you would cease production of V8 engines for you GranTurismo – what does this significant move mean for the brand and the future?

As we have recently declared, all-new Maserati models will be 100% developed, engineered and built in Italy, and will adopt electric solutions (hybrid and/or 100% electric) delivering all the innovation and outstanding performance typical of the Brand’s DNA. GranTurismo and GranCabrio remain part of the Brand’s roots and the new versions heralding the age of full electrification for Maserati, constituting the first models to boast 100% electrical systems.

This issue of a&e talks about the future – in your opinion what is the future of luxury cars?

Luxury is not just about expensive and outstanding things; it’s not the coolest bag or the fastest car. Luxury is being able to do what you want when you want; it’s freedom of expression; it’s desire. For sure, the consumer who buys an electric car is interested in sustainability and in the environment, but he’s also attracted in the innovation and the ability to constantly innovate. Innovation doesn’t mean twisting, we have to respect the heritage of the brand and securing its timelessness. In the automotive industry, Innovation is the constant improvement of performance and technology, it’s a matter of anticipating customer’s wishes. Creating and satisfying desires is important to sustaining luxury.

How do you continue to combine tradition and innovation with sustainability at Maserati without compromising on quality or performance?

The choice of the Mild Hybrid technology used for the Ghibli is a clear sign the Maserati wants to re-establish the historical performance DNA, embracing ate the same time the future with the hybrid. We are offering the new Hybrid for the best experience driving with a combustion engine: our concept offers high performance combined with fuel economy. From a customer point of view this Hybrid should like a “new performance Diesel” – and CO2 like the V6 Diesel, power, performance and like V6 Gasoline (e.g. CO2 & Taxation Reduction Lower CO2 Emissions vs V6 Diesel and ~ -25% emissions vs. V6 350 gasoline)

What can you tell us about Maserati in the Middle East?

The Middle East is an important region for Maserati and we have been present there, with our partners for over 50 years, boasting among the most beautiful showrooms in the world. We have a strong base of clients that, unlike other regions, has an exceptionally high and growing number of young and female clients who truly appreciate exclusivity and unique craftsmanship. We are looking forward to strengthening our offer to our customers in the region by demonstrating how a luxury and performance brand like Maserati can lead the way to satisfy numerous market trends like electrification and contactless interaction, while at the same time remaining true to its DNA of high performance and beautiful Italian design. The first steps of this journey are already at our doorstep with the arrival in the Middle East of the Ghibli Hybrid, Trofeo Collection and soon the highly anticipated super sports car MC20.