As far as hotel locations go, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue is up there with the best. Conveniently placed on Fifth Avenue with the Empire State Building right next door and all of the city’s iconic stores, restaurants and tourist destinations on its doorstep.

As part of the Langham Hotels and Resorts Group, The Langham, New York embodies modern sophistication and timeless glamour. Drawing on the brand’s distinctive British heritage, the hotel is simple and modern in design with a touch of character. The Langham Group’s iconic pink colour can be seen throughout the hotel and modern artworks hang on the walls adding personality to the property. When you first enter the lobby of the property it feels deceivingly small – the intimate and welcoming atmosphere makes you feel relaxed and right at home thanks to its residential-style décor. We discover more of this unique property – fit for the perfect escape for the festive season.

Rooms and Suites 

The Langham, New York is home to 234 stylish guest rooms and 17 one to four-bedroom suites. The rooms are some of the largest in Manhattan, where hotel rooms can often be small and underwhelming. The rooms at The Langham are bright and airy with touches of Langham pink giving a delicate feminine touch. All rooms have panoramic views of the city through their floor to ceiling windows with many even having a direct view of The Empire State Building.

Suites vary in size with the largest of all being the Empire State Presidential Suite. Designed by Roche Bobois, this 1,900 square foot suite combines classic luxury with a modern touch. Situated on the top floor of the hotel the Presidential Suite has the best views in the property and benefits from having plenty of natural light making its way through the space. Integrated throughout are bold Hermès accents, contrasting Roche Bobois signature pieces, lush fabrics, and contemporary artwork by Alex Katz. Guests staying in this suite can also benefit from a private chef just to add that extra touch of luxury.

Food and Dining

The Langham, New York is home to one of New York’s most sought after restaurants Ai Fiori. As part of the Altamarea Group (the same group that owns Italian eatery Marea, which is well worth a visit if you’re in town), Ai Fiori is the brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Michael White and is a favourite amongst high society New Yorkers and celebrities alike.

The restaurant is situated on the second floor of the hotel and offers French and Italian cuisine with its own twist on European dishes. It’s a great place for dinner and even better to visit for a long, relaxing breakfast. The hotel also offers the option of private dining with dinners prepared for up to 80 guests by Executive Chef Romeo Stivaletti.

Spa and wellness

On the fourth floor of the hotel, you’ll enter the haven that is Chaun Body + Soul Spa. Designed to create an ambience of tranquillity the spa is the perfect escape from the busy streets of Manhattan. The Chinese word ‘Chaun’ means owing water which is seen as the source of life in Chinese culture; a key to keeping the mind-body and soul in balance. We can assure you that you’ll feel completely balanced after spending an afternoon in this relaxing atmosphere.

When it comes to treatments we highly recommend the Chaun Signature massages. Combining traditional Chinese massage techniques with modern methods each massage is designed to create harmony in the body and mind. The facilities at Chaun Body + Soul Spa are designed with the idea of Feng Shui in mind – perfect for the busy man or woman who wants to escape the daily stresses of life.

Local attractions

When it comes to knowing what to do in New York the options are endless but there are still many less known attractions to discover and enjoy – even for the seasoned New Yorker! The recently opened Vessel at Hudson Yards is the latest in architecture in the city. Chances are you’ve already seen this spiral staircase on Instagram but the structure is definitely worth a visit. The interactive artwork was imagined by Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick studio as a focal point where visitors can get a new perspective of the city from different heights, angles and vantage points.

The Statue of Liberty

If you’re looking to get back to the heart of tourist destinations in the city take a trip over to Liberty Island. Home of The Statue of Liberty this iconic island will never get old. Catch the ferry over to Liberty Island and discover more about the 150-foot statue that has become an icon of American history and a symbol of freedom across the world. Another one to tick off the tourist list is the recently renovated Museum of Modern Art. One of the most iconic museums in the city MoMA has expanded galleries with some of the most iconic modern art pieces in the world. See paintings by Monet, Picasso, Andy Warhol and more.

Museum of Modern Art

Of course, no visit to New York would be complete without shopping. At The Langham, New York Fifth Avenue you are in the heard of Manhattan’s shopping district with endless luxury stores on your doorstep. If you’re looking for something a little of the beaten track, we recommend a walk down to Chelsea market to discover handmade jewellery and local products, or if you want to explore further afield, neighbouring Brooklyn is a treasure trove of vintage finds and locally made fashion and accessories.

Travel to New York with Saudia Airlines Business Class daily from Dubai via Jeddah. To book visit www.saudia.com. 

For more information on Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue visit langhamhotels.com

READ MORE: 

A&E Reviews: Anantara Kihavah Maldives – The Stunning Resort Island Making Loyal Friends of First Time Vacationers

Find Tranquillity at Bvlgari Resort Bali

Fancy A Fitness Filled Weekend Away? Newly Opened W Muscat Is Hosting Fuel Weekend Very Soon

The Iconic Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi will be managed under the Mandarin Oriental Group as of 1^st January 2020.

The hotel will be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental property and will see a two-year renovation period that will restore and upgrade the hotel to today’s standards. Guestrooms and public areas will see significant upgrades and the property will also open new dining options.

The hotel has become somewhat iconic since its initial opening in 2005. The set of many films, photoshoots and a must-see tourist destination for millions of tourists, it has become more than just a hotel, but an iconic landmark in the city’s skyline. It has a private beach of 1.3 kilometres and houses 394 guestrooms, 12 restaurants and bars and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 people.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi – Beach

James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said in a statement; “This is a unique opportunity to manage one of the most high-profile properties in the Middle East and will be an excellent addition to our portfolio in the region. We look forward to bringing the Group’s exemplary service standards to Abu Dhabi and to introducing the brand to a new audience,”

Mandarin Oriental currently manages one property in the UAE in Dubai’s Jumeirah and the new acquisition will be its first move into the capital.

READ MORE: 

Five Reasons The Visit The Newly Opened W Muscat, Oman

A&E Reviews: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

A&E Reviews: Anantara Kihavah Maldives – The Stunning Resort Island Making Loyal Friends of First Time Vacationers

A brand new multi-brand e-commerce store has just launched and it’s based out of Dubai.

ATTUALE.com which literally translates from Italian as “contemporary” is based in Dubai’s Design District is your new one-stop-shop for contemporary luxury.

Attuale.com

Launched with 54 brands many of which are launching in the UAE for the first time, ATTAULE has a very unique offering of luxury fashion pieces for the woman who really knows style.

The product offering has been carefully curated by founder Giuditta Spezzapria and her team to ensure everything fits that modern minimal trend that has become so popular over the last year.

Paris Georgia

Some of the brands to look out for include Paris Georgia, New Zealand-based brand Aeydē, the Berlin-based footwear line; and Trine Tuxen, the modern minimalist jewellery brand from Copenhagen.

The selection of pieces has been carefully chosen to appeal to women who really know about style and trends. Offering simple pieces that can be styled in many ways to suit each woman’s style and unique personality.

Matteau

Attuale has an environmentally-friendly approach to fashion and prides itself in promoting sustainability through the brands that it partners with as well as their packaging, reducing waste and the amount of paper they use, and always using recycled materials where possible.

READ MORE:

The Best Holiday Fashion Campaigns of 2019

Michael Kliger CEO at Mytheresa.com Discusses Future Expansion of the Online Luxury Retailer

Bows are going to be the go-to look for all things celebration this festive season.

The Cruise 2020 shows saw many runway looks finished with feminine bows which are perfect for the holiday period. Bows of every colour texture and size have been popping up on the runways all year, but if you haven’t been brave enough to embrace this girly trend yet, now is the time.

Chanel Cruise 2020

More is definitely more when it comes to bows and they can transfer an outfit in an instant.

From bows on belts at Virginie Viard’s collection for Chanel to pussy-bow blouses at Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana the bow adds a classic feminine touch to any outfit.

Gucci Cruise 2020

We saw bow details in dresses at Givenchy who put the bow at the forefront of some of its designs, while Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director Wes Gordan elegantly incorporated bows into his architectural designs.

Bows can also be used as accessories either in the hair or on shoes and bags or even finish a headscarf with and oversized bow as seen at Carolina Herrera.

Carolina Herrera

READ MORE: 

The Best Holiday Fashion Campaigns of 2019

Etro Has Your Ski Destination Covered With Its Pop-up Winter Experience

Chanel Strengthens Its Close Partnership With Cinema

What started out as a sole multi-brand luxury store in Munich became a global phenomenon when Mytheresa launched its eCommerce site in 2006. It quickly widened its customer base around the world offering a curated selection of the highest quality luxury goods via an online shopping platform.

Today, Mytheresa.com stocks products from over 200 brands and offers 900 new arrivals each week. They have not been tempted to expand too far beyond this, adamant that their selection only includes the highest luxury brands. Brands on the site today include Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and so many more. Mytheresa is now present in more than 130 countries around the globe.

With so much competition out there, the company is very aware of its need to stay unique in order to stand out from the rest. With this in mind, Mytheresa is constantly looking for new ideas and ways to keep the customer engaged. One way to do this is to offer exclusive products and capsule collections, which is something that they have recently done with Parisian shoemaker Roger Vivier. Michael Kliger My Theresa.com CEO travelled with Gherardo Felloni, Creative Director at Roger Vivier on a recent visit to Dubai to present the latest of these capsule offerings.

Kliger joined Mytheresa in 2015 after it was acquired by American group Neiman Marcus. He had previously worked at eBay so knows his stuff when it comes to eCommerce. Since he joined, the luxury retailer has expanded into markets worldwide and even launched childrenswear. As the latest collection by Roger Vivier launches in the Middle East, we meet with Kliger to discuss the company’s business strategy going into 2020 and the plans to launch menswear on the site.

Mytheresa packaging

What is the vision and direction for Mytheresa in terms of expansion?

Our expansion is more focused on customer acquisition. We want to stay very curated and we don’t want to go beyond the real luxury brands, but we believe there are many customers that we haven’t reached yet. We still have a large proportion of our business in Europe but we are expanding overseas in Asia, The Middle East and America.

How would you define Mytheresa in The Middle East today?

We have seen a real shift to online in the last two years in the Middle East. Our business in the region is more for the locals and people living in the region, rather than tourists. We have seen a dramatic increase in online shopping across the region and we are really enjoying that although we have to remember that if we are increasing so are our competitors. It’s also a very mobile market – the largest amount of sales come from mobile buyers. We believe our selection which is really focused on high-end brands speaks a lot to our customers and we’re working really hard ensure that our delivery experiences are as good as it can be as service expectations are very high in the Middle East.

What is a key selling point that Mytheresa is focusing on to set itself apart from competitors?

What we are doing is investing a lot in exclusive pieces and allowing our customers to have early access to products. The Middle Eastern customer always wants something special and something that you can’t find anywhere else, so in the last twelve months alone we have had around 30 capsule collections that were exclusive to us.

How important is it to offer these capsule collections?

It is very important. Our customer is very important to us. She knows what’s on the runway so she will already know in September what she can expect to see on the site in January or February. So there is an appetite for newness and freshness and we need to offer new ways of presenting products to keep the customer excited. Sometimes we have a pre-launch, we’ve had products that have been packaged in interesting ways, that kind of thing. There is a need for entertainment. Our customer is so deep into fashion and she wants to see something new every day. And then on top of all this, you still have to have excellent service.

What challenges do you face with the business model that you have?

The main challenge is that the consumer has no patience. Once she’s bought the product she wants it to arrive that second and every time we get faster the customer wants it to be faster still. That’s one of the biggest challenges – making it faster, easier. Yes we are a digital business but we still have to physically pack and ship products so it’s still a very physical process in that respect. I think that’s a constant challenge, especially as we move abroad to new regions.

How do you offer an experience through the platform?

Experience is important and we do invest a lot in experiential content. We package our content within fashion films, music videos that kind of thing and through our partnerships with brands, we also offer experiences that money can’t buy. Tonight, for example, we will invite some of our customers not only to have dinner but to meet the designer of Roger Vivier. We’ve done visits to La Scala in Milan with a brand and customers love going to lovely places but what they really crave is to get as close as possible to the fashion and by allowing them to get closer to the brand or meet the designer we are offering that.

Michael Kliger, Gherardo Felloni

To what extent do you think Omni-channelling is important?

I think the shift to online is clear. Today ten per cent of luxury is online but I think in the future that will go up to thirty per cent. That’s huge, but on the other hand, it means seventy per cent will still happen in physical stores. Consumers don’t think in the way that we in the industry do, they care about wanting the product now, it doesn’t matter if that’s in a store, online, on social media etc. The customer wants her problem to be solved and her problem is how to get that product as easily and quickly as possible.

You are here in Dubai with Roger Vivier – how would you describe this brand in one sentence?

I hope Gherardo agrees, but for me, it is truly feminine luxury. We see many trends but the brand has always been really luxurious and always has a level of femininity. That’s a very special spot and that’s why we have a very special relationship with the brand.

What are the common codes between Mytheresa and Roger Vivier?

They are both true luxury from the beginning. Mytheresa has always been very feminine which fits perfectly well with Roger Vivier. Our customer won’t do anything that she doesn’t want to do and the beauty with Roger Vivier is that as well as being feminine and stylish the shoes are comfortable which is what our customer is looking for.

Mytheresa x Roger Vivier Event, Dubai

Tell us about the spring/summer collections that we will see on Mytheresa

For us, spring/summer will be very exciting because we will, of course, have women’s collections but we will also have men’s collections for the first time. This is the next step for us. At the moment I think men’s fashion is even more exciting because it is changing even more than women’s. We had a long and very successful period of streetwear but there is a movement towards suiting, tailing, more jackets and formal wear. It’s a new interpretation rather than going back to what’s been done in the past but I think there is a whole generation of men who loved streetwear who want to know what’s next. There is a gradual move away from hoodies and tracksuits. There will be more tailoring – it may well be deconstructed tailoring. We’ve seen it happening at many brands – Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Dior, Loro Piana. It’s a very exciting movement and we are really excited to have a great choice for men.

Do you think this change in menswear is partly due to the fact that there is a change in the world around the freedom of men?

You cannot impose anything anymore, people make their own choices. I think there are two movements happening at the moment. The first is from more classic men who also want fashion – maybe a classic silhouette but with a more daring colour, or a traditional colour but a more daring silhouette. Then, the second trend is coming from the younger generation of men who grew up with the hoodies and tracksuits and they are asking ‘what’s next for me?’ If you go to China, for example, you’ll see a lot of young customers buying into Loro Piana – and this kind of thing is the next evolution. So I think there are two movements happening at the same time, it’s not just one new silhouette there are so many variations but there is definitely a break up of codes across generations.

What can Mytheresa customers expect in the coming year?

I can promise fantastic products of course! They will find things that they just have to have! We also strive to provide excellence with our customer service. We are lucky to have great customers and we always do the utmost to satisfy them. That can be the speed, inspiration, efficiency – it’s a whole spectrum.

READ MORE: 

Emirati Product Designer and Founder of Tharb, Eisa Alsubousi Talks Design and the UAE

The Best Holiday Fashion Campaigns of 2019

Chanel will partner with Cinémathèque Française festival highlighting the French New Wave cinema which was a source of inspiration for Virginie Viard’s spring/summer 2020 collection.

Iconic French film À Bout de Soufflé (Breathless) was released in cinemas sixty years ago. Directed by Jean-Luc Godard, the film made him an icon in the industry.

Now in 2020, a retrospective of director Jean-Luc Godard coined Tout Godard will be presented at the Cinémathèque Française and Chanel has partnered with the event in order to support the celebration of this iconic director and  the films he made.

Alongside Godard himself, Anna Karina who starred in many of Godard’s movies is expected to be the guest of honour at the opening night of the event which takes place on January 8th.

Chanel said in a statement; “this partnership is an opportunity for the House of CHANEL to reaffirm its close ties with cinema and the special relationships with certain film directors and actresses that were initiated by Gabrielle Chanel in the 1930s.”

Tout Godard will run from January 8th to March 1st and will feature films including Breathless, Contempt and Pierrot le Fou.

READ MORE: 

Chanel N°5 Debuts its Holiday Campaign Featuring Lily-Rose Depp

EXCLUSIVE: Backstage Beauty at the Chanel Metiers d’Art 2019/20 Show in Paris

Eisa Alsubousi has always been inspired by his heritage and surroundings. Growing up in the UAE Alsubousi had a keen interest in quality and unusual materials. After studying product design he decided to launch his own brand in 2016.

His passion for materials led him to start his company Tharb, which specialises in products created using the best quality materials and the finest in craftsmanship. Alsubousi creates elegant yet minimal bags and accessories that showcase the natural beauty of the materials without compromising their quality. All of the products available at Tharb are made in the UAE.

Earlier this year Alsubousi opened his first store at The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. The clean, minimal concept of the store reflects the designs of the products and the designer’s signature style can clearly be seen through the store’s architecture. After the recent opening of Tharb we talked to Alsubousi to discover what inspires him and why his heritage and upbringing are so important to him in what he does today.

What first inspired you to begin Tharb?

I’ve always been inspired by architecture and the constant rule that whatever the product features, it needs to serve a purpose and not just be an aesthetic choice, so I have always been drawn to functional pieces that are eloquently designed. However, such pieces were rare to find and I found myself sketching alternative solutions to leather products I already had. Naturally, that led me to seriously start thinking about creating my own brand. The inspiration behind Tharb was to create designs that merged the concepts of minimalism and functionality. From rough sketches of handbags such as Dana, to simple yet functional wallets such as Theyab and Saif. It was the inspiration in the making.

Why did you choose Abu Dhabi to open your concept store? 

As cliché as it sounds, the saying ‘home is where the heart is’ definitely rings true to why I opened in my home city of Abu Dhabi. I wanted to start this new journey, where Tharb began. Familiar surroundings yet in a new modern space, that being the new extension of The Galleria on Al Maryah Island.

What do you think customers get from you that they can’t get anywhere else? 

Clients receive a flawless blend of luxury with practicality while maintaining a minimalist design. As the designer, I am my harshest critic and I ensure that all the leather pieces are nothing short of perfection. For instance, Mayed goes beyond being just an elegantly designed leather notebook sleeve. It has a generous outer pocket for essentials such as keys and a phone. It also has various interior slots for small notes, cards, a dedicated pen and a very special eyewear loop.

How has your Emirati heritage inspired you in what you do today?

I am inspired by how Bedouin Emirati artisans take simple materials and create extraordinary pieces while still allowing the material to be the main focus. I have tried to follow that same mantra, where I primarily use premium leather with a minimalist approach to showcase the beauty of the material.

What is your first memory of the UAE growing up? 

I grew up on seeing the example of unstoppable ambition from the late Sheikh Zayed. It was ingrained in me from a very young age. The idea that if you set your mind to something, you’re bound to reap the rewards of your ambitions and hard work. Seeing this continuous and rapid evolution in the country was always a strong motivation.

What was the biggest challenge when setting up your business?

Every business has challenges, but the biggest ones are always the ones that you don’t expect or don’t even realise can be challenges until you are faced with them. Setting up a business goes beyond the product. From sales to marketing, to accounting, IT and government services. As prepared as I was, I faced new challenges in sectors that weren’t my area of expertise, however, I am proud to say they were all learning experiences that I am grateful to have had.

What would you say has been your biggest achievement so far?

Opening the first concept store of Tharb has been a great achievement, although my biggest achievement was taking the first step to create Tharb. Having the determination to take it from being an idea to a company is what I am most proud of.

What would you still like to achieve?

As a designer and entrepreneur, my goal is to keep expanding in terms of products and reaching new markets. My goal is for Tharb to be synonymous for luxury leather products on an international platform. Also, locally designed and made products can compete on a global scale. As part of this goal, I am soon launching new leather products that appeal to a larger demographic and extend into product categories that weren’t previously available.

Who is the person that inspires you the most?

My mother has and continues to inspire me. Her resilience and positive outlook toward any situation motivates me to adopt her approach. One of my first products was the iconic Shamma Marble Handbag, which is named after my mother. The incorporation of leather represents her ability to weather any situation while the marble highlights her refined elegance. I always say that Shamma is as soft as leather and as strong as marble.

Talk us through your creative process from idea to product? 

I am continuously drawn to filling the gap when it comes to functional pieces. I typically start from a simple need then I think of the added features to enhance the product. Technically speaking, I start with several sketches that solve the need I’m trying to tackle. After settling on a design sketch, I create a technical design document that includes technical drawings, dimensions, and features. After sending this document to the factory, we begin by creating a rough prototype followed by several leather samples. It’s often an iterative process until we go from samples to the final product.

For instance, when designing Alyas, which is a laptop sleeve, I took into consideration the need for it to be lightweight, durable and include enhanced functionality. The final Alyas design is now extremely lightweight, made with premium Tuscan leather and with external pockets to hold all your essentials.

How are you trying to preserve traditional craftsmanship through your products? 

I focus on creating unique pieces that rely on hand-craftsmanship and primarily avoid mass productions or outsourcing abroad. All Tharb pieces are produced on the concept of “limited-runs” and all Tharb pieces are proudly made in the UAE.

Have you been inspired by any traditional Emirati crafts for your designs?

I have been always inspired by the simplicity and pure functionality of the Emirati Sadu making process. In addition to the fact that, due to limited resources, local artisans of the past had to utilize every part of the palm tree into different products. From building material to food preparation items, they would never let anything go to waste. Who is the customer that you design for?

I haven’t focused on developing my products for a particular consumer but rather producing luxury goods that any consumer would find functional and would be proud to wear. The design of Tharb leather products encompasses a minimalist approach and are practical for travelling or simply going to the mall. Regardless of the city, my aim is for Tharb to have a global reach, spanning from the streets of Manhattan to the dunes of Abu Dhabi.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

The motto that I continue to use throughout my career and while designing is “take another step” it simply acts as a reminder to keep progressing, trying and exploring. Whether it applies to discovering new materials, creating prototypes or pursuing my vision. This motto helped me to find an incredible premium material for our upcoming phone cases that are even more durable and luxurious than ever before.

And your personal motto?

“Always aim higher” is my personal motto. I believe that by focusing on creating bigger goals for yourself, you’re bound to achieve greatness.

What is a book that had inspired you? 

I tend to explore architectural books when in search for inspiration. In addition, I’m inspired by the German industrial designer Dieter Rams. The book “Dieter Rams: Ten Principles for Good Design” is such an important book to me that I actually kept a copy in my new store for visitors to enjoy.

How would you describe Tharb in one word? 

Tharb is actually an Arabic word that originated from a poem written by the Late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan. Tharb is defined as “a person with noble character, refined manners and calm demeanour.” There is no better word to describe the brand “Tharb” than the word itself.

READ MORE: 

Alexander McQueen Opens a Pop Up Store in Dubai

Etro Has Your Ski Destination Covered With Its Pop-up Winter Experience

If you’re thinking of heading somewhere cold for the holidays, make it Etro’s new pop-up winter destinations.

In collaboration with Italian multi-brand store Franz Kraler, the brand, known for its Paisley prints, has partnered with the store in ski destinations in Italy to create a festive winter experience for the holiday season.

Dedicated to womenswear, menswear and home collection the Etro Ski Club Cortina will provide Etro’s version of the winter experience as it continues on from the brand’s previous installations in Mykonos and Porto Cervo which offered a contrasting summer experience last July.

The installations will be accompanied by a capsule collection of mountain themed pieces featuring the Etro Ski Club Cortina emblem. The collection of unisex pieces consists of cardigans, crew neck sweaters, scarves, hates and in true Etro style, Paisley bags in shades of red, white and blue.

You’ll have to head over to the ski destinations to get your hands on the capsule, but what better excuses to book a new year’s skiing break in the mountains?

The ETRO x FRANZ KRALER capsule collection will be available starting this weekend exclusively at the FRANZ KRALER boutiques in Corso Italia 76-78, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Via Dolomiti 46, Dobbiaco.

READ MORE: 

Alexander McQueen Opens a Pop Up Store in Dubai

Festive Gift Guide For Men

British fashion brand Alexander McQueen has opened a pop-up boutique within Level Dubai at The Dubai Mall.

The boutique is the first for the brand in the region on it draws on the love of nature that is so key to the DNA of the house and to its Creative Director Sarah Burton.

The pop-up features a limited edition collection of exclusive styles designed especially with Dubai’s multicultural customer in mind. The collection consists of Oversized Sneakers and Tread Slick Boots featuring the house’s signature bugs and beetles, hand-embroidered in gold bullion, jeweller or in colours inspired by their glittering surfaces.

Alexander McQueen Level Exclusive Oversized Sneaker

The pop-up store also features some unique aspects including the latest in technology with Augmented Reality experience. With this customers can download a dedicated app that will allow them to trigger the insects on the shoes and see them moving across the product! The customer can then capture their own images to share on social media platforms. This super cool idea enhances the shopping experience for the customer and brings life to the products.

Alexander McQueen Level Exclusive Embroidered Tread Slick

The store space is design with a lenticular effect that has previously been seen at the McQueen studio in London. The effect consists of a printed image featuring creatures that give the impression of depth and transforms depending on the angle it is viewed from.

The best way to experience these innovative features is to head to the store yourselves. Open now until January 28^th 2020, Level Dubai, The Dubai

READ MORE: 

Dolce & Gabbana Introduces an Exclusive Dubai Collection

Laudomia Pucci Discusses the Future of Emilio Pucci

In 1992 Carlos Antonio Rosillo and his close friend Bruno Belamich made their long-time dream a reality when they launched their own watch brand.

Bell & Ross was conceived as a brand that would shake up the industry. Rosillo and Belamich had a common passion for watches and the industry and they had a clear goal in mind: to create watches suitable for professional use that adhere to strict military specifications, where function takes precedence over design. In 1994, Bell & Ross introduced its first collection of functional and durable timepieces. They were inspired by aviation and the military specifications and technological advances that accompany it.

BR05 Gold

As a relatively young company, Bell & Ross still has much to do. Only recently did the brand partner with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and make its first move into the Middle East. CEO Carlos Antonio Rosillo was recently in Dubai as part of the brand’s participation in Dubai Watch Week. A&E caught up with the entrepreneur to discover what it is that makes Bell & Ross different from any other brand out there and what we can expect to see from the future of the modern watchmaker.

What can you tell us about your experience in Dubai and the feedback from Dubai Watch Week?

It seems like SIHH or Baselworld has moved to Dubai, it was a fantastic event. The organisation and kindness of everyone has been great and the state of mind of the people involved was very relaxed, yet professional. We are at the heart of what’s important in the luxury watch industry – transmitting, cultivating and making sure it’s not just the watchmakers who are passionate but ensuring that this comes right through to the point of sale and therefore to the customers. This means they understand why they are paying so much for a beautiful watch because they understand what is behind it and the craftsmanship.

BR05 Designs

I must say congratulations to the Seddiqi family who are so devoted to the watchmaking industry in the region. Yesterday we closed with a beautiful event and we were lucky enough to have all the family including the young ones attend and it was a very beautiful moment. Some people today will say that young people only care about digital. This is wrong. Yes, we all need digital but does it give you emotion? No – it’s useful but it doesn’t give you the same emotion that you get from a timepiece.

What can you tell us about your customer in the Middle East? Do the buying patterns and habits of consumers differ in this region from those in the rest of the world? 

Customers here are very knowledgeable and informed. It is a new start for us in the region as we only started working with Seddiqi one year ago, so it’s quite fresh, but we have definitely made the right decision. Bell & Ross is about partnering, even when you look at our logo it highlights this. We represent the link between designer, watchmaker, engineer and customer. When you build a brand, you need a good product, good communication, good distribution and good servicing. If one is missing you will not succeed. Since partnering with Seddiqi we have a good distribution system and that means that the end-user has good service which means they can understand the products much better.

BR05 Automatic Silver Face in Metal

People in this region are very knowledgeable and they appreciate luxury. They are very sophisticated. Until recently they didn’t really know Bell & Ross. At Dubai Watch Week I saw people being captured by what I was saying and they wanted to understand the brand better. They are very open to learning more about a brand that isn’t yet established in the market and they are very engaged with what we are doing. That engagement means that they love to discover. Bell & Ross goes from very professional watches to very high-end watches and when the customers

What is the vision of Bell & Ross today and has it changed since you founded the brand? 

We haven’t changed a single thread of the initial vision. We are more mature and older but our vision is still the same. We love professional watches and this is the soul of the company, whether it’s aviation watches, diving, or racing watches. But our philosophy is and has always been about credibility, precision and functionality. We have kept this vision to have a brand that is creative and distinctive.

What do you think are the challenges a modern watch brand faces in comparison with those that have existed for centuries? 

The biggest challenge we face is getting people to understand the brand and creating brand awareness.

What about the advantages you have over others by being a modern brand? 

The big advantage that you have as a new brand is that you don’t have hundreds of years on your shoulders. You’re free to experiment. When you’re an old man you are wise, but you don’t have the freedom to create your life – that has been done and you hope it has been wonderful. When a new baby is born its life can become anything it wants to be. So that’s the difference and we were lucky to have that freedom. There are so many things that are only possible when you’re a new brand.

BR05 Automatic Gold Face Bracelet

What can you tell us about the novelties you have coming up in 2020? 

We’ve had different chapters in our story. The first was building the brand, the second was creating our factories and production. Then came the launching of the Square 1 which was the iconic watch, then the X1 which was the high complication watch. Now we move into the city. Previously we created watches for the heroes – divers, aviators, racers – now we are moving into the city with an urban watch – the V05. With this watch, we have kept the DNA of the brand but we are moving into a different sector. These watches are for urban explorers. The challenge now will be bringing the watch to key cities around the world.

How will you spread the word? 

The most important thing for us is the product. Then comes the distribution. When you have these two in place, things move naturally. You can establish a boutique – but there’s no need to rush. I think the biggest mistake you can make in business is to make a decision because of your ego. There is no point in opening a boutique before you can sustain it. You need to take your time. When you have a good product, you know that one day or another it will be a success.

BR05 Automatic Blue Face in Rubber

How is Bell & Ross dealing with the increasing demand for e-commerce?

E-commerce is something that is great for us. We were the first watch brand to have an online boutique. We have been in the digital world since 1997. In that year no one else was doing it. I remember some brands at that time having a black screen with the text “this is not appropriate for a luxury brand.” We were the first ones to believe it could work and it did – we were the pioneers. In 2007 we launched an e-boutique and we were the first watch brand to have one. So we have a lot of experience and it is paying off. People think that through digital you can only sell cheap products but that is not the case. We created a blue sapphire watch that retailed exclusively on Mr Porter for half a million dollars and it sold almost instantly. When people want something they will but it no matter where it is selling.

What is one thing you would like to do that you haven’t had the chance to do yet? 

Many things! I would like to do many more collaborations. I think the art of watchmaking is endless. We have been working with master watchmakers who are great, but I like collaborations as they make sense and I like to create something that is mind-blowing.

BR05

What is the professional motto that you live by? 

Life is about a journey, not a destination.

Do you remember the first watch you owned and what was it? 

Yes, it was a pocket watch I inherited from my great grandfather and it is still working today. This is the beauty of mechanical watches – they will work forever. There is no worry of running out of battery with a watch!

How would you describe Bell & Ross in one sentence?

Strong and unique.

How do you stay unique? 

By being consistent and different.

READ MORE: 

Julien Tornare Zenith CEO, Discusses the 50th Anniversary of El Primero

Audemars Piguet CEO, François-Henry Bennahmias Discusses the Successes of the Watchmaker While in Dubai

This festive season Chanel has partnered with French illustrator Jean-Paul Goude to celebrate the magic of the holidays through an exciting campaign. Goude has been a loyal contributor to the brand for nearly thirty years, and this December he immerses the customer into his artistic world filled with joy and fantasy through a playful campaign celebrating Chanel’s iconic fragrance N°5 L’EAU and staring brand ambassador Lily-Rose Depp.

Wearing a festive dress, fingerless gloves and red boots, Lily-Rose Depp looks fresh from a 1940s movie with her crimped hair and popping red lip. Sitting on a giant fragrance bottle, Depp gazes into a large snow globe and sees a pile of festive gifts, Amongst this, she discovers her favour fragrance N°5 L’EAU. The model dances in the snow, before becoming immersed in a Broadway musical-like scene. The happiness and spirit of the holiday season are perfectly captured through Depp’s playful personality. “I loved playing the character created by Jean-Paul. The joy and wonderment reminded me of how I felt as a little girl on Christmas morning,” remembers Lily-Rose Depp.

Jean-Paul Goude added; “For me, Lily-Rose incarnates the freshness and vivacity of a young girl, mixed with the maturity of a seasoned actress… with this film, we wanted an experienced actress to play a purely commercial message in a natural and spontaneous way, something that Lily-Rose accomplished brilliantly.”

The oversized fragrance bottle is a key feature of CHANEL advertising campaigns, but it is also part of the director’s creative signature: the artist had the three- meter-high bottle specially created for the film, along with the giant double C in the background to heighten the magic of his story without having to use special effects. Augmenting reality as opposed to virtuality to create an amplified sense of magic is one of Jean-Paul Goude’s favourite techniques.

While the touches of red on Lily-Rose Depp’s accessories and the CHANEL name recall the lively colours of Jean-Paul Goude, they are also a nod to the longstanding tradition at CHANEL of slipping this hue into its iconic fragrance campaigns… They are also a tribute to the “colour of life, the colour of blood” in the words of Gabrielle Chanel, as well as to the femininity, passion and daringness embodied by Lily-Rose Depp.

See the new campaign throughout the festive season. #CHANELHoliday

READ MORE: 

Cartier Launches a New Limited Edition Version of La Panthère

EXCLUSIVE: Backstage Beauty at the Chanel Metiers d’Art 2019/20 Show in Paris

UAE leaders announced via Twitter last night that the year of 2020 will be coined as “2020: Towards the next 50.”

The coming year will look with anticipation to the future of the country ahead of UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2021.

Dubai’s Media Office published a statement from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and ruler of the Emirate of Dubai

The statement read:

“Next year will witness the biggest national strategy to prepare for the coming 50 years on the federal & local level as the country approaches its Golden Jubilee in 2021.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “In 2020, we will work on making giant leaps in our economy, education, infrastructure, health, and media to share the UAE’s new story with the world. 50 years ago, the founding fathers shaped our life today, & next year, we will shape the coming five decades for the future generations.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan followed with the comment; “in 2020, we will coordinate efforts, deploy possible resources & strengths & deepen our community partnerships to lay the foundations of a significant phase in the journey of our development.”

He continued; “way towards making the #UAE among the best countries in the world by 2071 requires special focus on preparing sectors across the country to the post-oil era & building a knowledge-based economy based on innovation, science & modern technologies.”

Each year the UAE decides on a theme or mission for the country. 2019 was marked as the Year of Tolerance which resulted in a year of events and activities celebrating the UAE’s acceptance and welcoming of people from so many different walks of life.

READ MORE: 

The UAE’s Best Festive Experiences 2019

Dubai Airports Will be Plastic Free From 2020

Thirteen Saudi women will make their debut at the FEI sanctioned Diriyah Equestrian Festival in Saudi Arabia and be in with a chance of competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The Diriyah Equestrian Festival reaches its second edition this December and will see 120 riders from around the world competing in various challenges. The festival will see thirteen female Saudi entrants – the most even seen at such a competition in their home country. For many of these women, this will be the first time riding in an internationally recognised competition in their home country, having previously had to travel across the region and the world in order to compete.

Saudi Arabian-born rider Lama AlAjmi said “This is a dream because it’s an international four-star competition and its beautiful that I finally get to represent my country on home soil. For me, this is the start of Lama. This is the start for all of us. I want to be on top and the Olympics are my dream.” The eighteen-year-old has loved riding horses since she was a child and this marks the first time competing in her home country.

Sultanah Abar has equestrianism in her family – her brother is also competing in the festival. She said; “I started riding when I was four years old. My father is a horseman and my mother is a horsewoman. Up until now, I’ve only been able to compete abroad. Finally, we can compete at home and it makes me proud to participate in this.”

Winners from the competition will qualify to compete in the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year.

The festival comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is opening itself up to many international sporting events. Just last week boxing champ Anthony Joshua won the World Heavy Weight Championship title against Andy Ruiz Junior in The Kingdom and some of the world’s top tennis stars will play in the Diriyah Tennis Cup this month.

READ MORE: 

UAE Leaders Announce 2020 as The Year of Preparing for the Next 50 Years

The UAE’s Best Festive Experiences 2019

Italian fine-dining restaurant Marea will host a one-time festive celebration on 18^th December 2019.  Known for its fabulous weekly jazz nights the restaurant, which is part of the Altamarea Group, founded by Chef Michael White, will take things to the next level with a festive jazz evening this week.

Claudia Patrice at Marea

Indulge in the best of luxury Italian cuisine whilst relaxing to the soulful jazz hits and Christmas tunes sung by international vocalist Claudia Patrice.

For the occasion, there will be some specially created festive dishes on offer as well as all the usual menu favourite. For starter choose from delicious seafood options including the refreshing Orata (sea bream, buckwheat Panzanella, castelvetrano olives). Or if that’s not your thing the Astice which consists of lobster, cream of burrata, eggplant and basil is a must-try. This dish has become one of the eatery’s cult dishes and we know why!

When it comes to the second course you can’t visit Marea without tasting the hand-rolled pasta. Try the Garganelli dish which consists of black trumpet mushrooms, black truffle and Parmigiano, or the Fusilli with braised baby octopus, tomato and bone marrow is one of our personal favourites. If you’re really feeling hungry be sure to samples the Banzino – a whole salt-baked sea bass for two – the perfect way to ring in the holidays!

Of course, no visit is complete without dessert and Marea does it best. Choose from a selection of homemade traditional Italian offerings.

The Jazz After Dark Festive Edition takes place on Wednesday 18^th December from 7pm. Located at Gate Village 7, DIFC, Dubai.

READ MORE:

The UAE’s Best Festive Experiences 2019

Dubai Airports Will be Plastic Free From 2020

Inspired by the landscape and colours of Morocco, Maria Grazia Chiuri presented a collection of vibrant prints, muted denim and statement accessories for the Dior cruise 2020 collection. We discover more…

READ MORE: 

Roger Vivier and Mytheresa Team Up For An Exclusive Event In Dubai

A&E Editorials: Homecoming – A Tribute to Emirati Designers

Behind the Scenes of The New Coach Festive Campaign Starring Kate Moss

The make-up look at Chanel’s recent Metiers d’Art 2019/20 show in Paris was classic with a touch of sparkle.

Lucia Pica Chanel’s Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer created three different looks to complement Virginie Viard’s designs, which were inspired by Gabrielle Chanel.

Models hair was pulled back in a chic chignon by hairstylist Sam McKnight, while the make-up was all about attention to detail with the addition of touches of sparkle to complete each look.

“The sources of inspiration were the beautiful mirror stairs and the craftsmanship of Métiers d’Art. I wanted to play with texture and materials.”

Said Lucia Pica, Chanel’s Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer.

Firstly, skin was prepared with Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Micro Gel Yeux, Hydra Beauty Mirco Serum and La Solution 10 De Chanel. Next, Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint was applied to the skin with a foundation brush to create a radiant complexion. Next, the Pallette Essentielle was used to conceal, highlight and contour before the looks were created.

There were three individual make-up looks in total, each with its own unique highlights. All of the looks had a touch of sparkle. The first saw an intense silver eyeshadow brushed over the lids to create a retro look while For the second look Pica applied subtle crystals to the inner corner of the eyes,  and the third was completed with a rich burgundy lip.

Full make-up credits below:

On all looks:

                                                   LES BEIGES EAU DE TEINT Medium Light

FACE:

LES BEIGES WATER-FRESH TINT

LES PINCEAUX DE CHANEL – 2-in-1 Foundation Brush – Fluid and Powder

PALETTE ESSENTIELLE

LE CORRECTEUR DE CHANEL

LES PINCEAUX DE CHANEL – Retractable Dual-Tip Concealer Brush

POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE

LES PINCEAUX DE CHANEL – Powder Brush

                                                  Collection Automne

EYEBROWS:

STYLO SOURCILS WATERPROOF

LES PINCEAUX DE CHANEL – Retractable Dual-Tip Brow Brush

LE GEL SOURCILS

NAILS

LA BASE

LE VERNIS DE CHANEL – N°167 Ballerina

LE VERNIS DE CHANEL – N°512 Mythique

LOOK 1 :  

EYES

LES 4 OMBRES – N°334 Modern Glamour (Fall/Winter 2019 Collection – NOIR ET BLANC DE CHANEL)

LES PINCEAUX DE CHANEL – Rounded Eyeshadow Brush

LE VOLUME REVOLUTION DE CHANEL – N°10 Noir

LES 4 OMBRES

CHEEKS

PALETTE ESSENTIELLE

LES PINCEAUX DE CHANEL – Retractable Highlighter Brush

Look 2 : 

EYES  

BAUME ESSENTIEL Transparent

LES PINCEAUX DE CHANEL – Rounded Eyeshadow Brush

LE VOLUME REVOLUTION DE CHANEL – N°10 Noir

*Strass applied on the inner corners of the eyes (not for sale).

LES BEIGES POUDRE BELLE MINE NATURELLE N10

CHEEKS

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SHEER POWDER – N°50

LES PINCEAUX DE CHANEL – Contouring Brush

LIPS

LE CRAYON LÈVRES – N°156 Beige Naturel (ROUGE ALLURE CAMELIA 2020 Collection)

ROUGE COCO GLOSS – N°792 Aphrodite

LOOK 3 

EYES                          

BAUME ESSENTIEL Transparent

LE VOLUME REVOLUTION DE CHANEL – N°10 Noir

CHEEKS

JOUES CONTRASTE – N°440 Quintessence

LES PINCEAUX DE CHANEL – Precision Powder Brush

ROUGE ALLURE VELVET EXTRÊME – N°130 Rouge Obscur (Fall/Winter 2019 Collection – NOIR ET BLANC DE CHANEL)

LIPS

LE CRAYON LÈVRES – N°188 Brun Carmin (ROUGE ALLURE CAMELIA 2020 Collection)

ROUGE ALLURE VELVET EXTRÊME – N°130 Rouge Obscur (Fall/Winter 2019 Collection – NOIR ET BLANC DE CHANEL)

ROUGE COCO GLOSS – N°772 Epique

ROUGE COCO GLOSS – N°772 Epique

READ MORE: 

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Has a New Look Inspired By the Brand’s Fashion Designs

Celine Launches the Haute Parfumerie Collection

House of Garrard is the oldest jeweller in the world. A jewellery house that has been closely linked to Royal family members worldwide for centuries, its first commission came in 1735 from Frederick, Prince of Wales, marking the start of an enduring relationship with the British royal family.

House of Garrard was appointed as the first-ever Crown Jeweller by Queen Victoria in 1843, and in the centuries since, the jewellery maker has gone on to become one of the most recognised luxury jewellery houses, both in the United Kingdom and worldwide. In recent years, House of Garrard has created some of the most iconic pieces worn by the British Royal family including the sapphire cluster engagement ring given to the Duchess of Cambridge on her engagement to Prince William, as well as the tiara worn by Meghan Markle on her wedding day. The house also designs silverware and recently created the medals for the Invictus Games, as well as the Royal Ascot Gold Cup and even the Dubai World Cup.

Sara Prentice, Creative Director

These iconic creations weave throughout the bespoke jewellery and the mainline collections which are very much inspired by the rich history and creativity the brand has had over the last three centuries. Leading the brand’s creative force is Creative Director Sara Prentice who brings 20 years of experience in the luxury jewellery industry to House of Garrard. As well as designing bespoke pieces for clients, Prentice has developed a number of collections since joining in 2012.

She has a renewed focus on the heritage and fine craftsmanship of the brand, celebrating this priceless history through new designs and signature motifs. On a recent visit to Dubai, during which the brand showcased some of its most recent pieces to prospective clients, we met with Sara Prentice to discover what it takes to continue the legacy of a brand that’s three hundred years old.

Wings Embrace Collection

What can you tell us about the pieces you are showcasing in Dubai?

We have a large selection here in Dubai but we’re mainly focusing on the Wings Embrace collection. We launched this collection last year to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Wings collection. We decided, due to its popularity, that we would add some colour to the new pieces. So we’ve used pink gold and pink sapphires, yellow gold and yellow sapphires and white gold with aquamarine. The pieces are inspired by iridescent light shining through an angel’s wings. All of our Wings collections represent peace, purity and protection. It’s a nice positive symbol and it has worked really well so far.

We also have many high jewellery pieces with us as well as The Jewelled Vault. This is something that we introduced around two years ago and it consists of pieces featuring very special, unique stones. It’s slightly different from our other collections in that we find the stones first. So it’s a different design concept. Each stone has a uniqueness and we look for the best of the best. All the pieces are one of a kind, there are no two stones that are the same, so it’s quite a special collection.

            Wings Embrace Collection

What do you look for in stones when you’re sourcing them for pieces such as these?

It can be all sorts of things – the clarity, the colour, the cut – all of these things together can make a stone special. It could be one of the smallest rubies for example, but it can be so beautifully cut and the purity so great, that actually the size doesn’t matter. We have a great team of gemmologists that do the work of sourcing the stones and then my responsibility is to bring them to life within the pieces. What pressures do you feel when working for a brand that has such a long history?

There is quite a lot of pressure, we’re three hundred years old so I wouldn’t want to be the one to mess it up! In all seriousness, I am very aware that I need to be very respectful of the brand’s heritage. For me, it’s about using that heritage and turning it on its head to make it modern for today. We’re an all-female design team and I think this is a positive when it comes to understanding how the jewellery will be worn and whether it’s comfortable to wear. Women like to have choices so that’s why many of our pieces are adjustable or transformable. A lot of our rings stack together as well. For me, it’s all about giving the woman the choice to decide how she wants to wear her pieces.

What would you say has been your biggest achievement at House of Garrard so far?

Thinking about this question really puts things into perspective and makes me realise how much I have done. If I had to choose one particular thing I would say introducing The Jewelled Vault. Before this, we had our primary collections and we had high jewellery pieces but I felt there was a gap in the collections and that’s why I created The Jewelled Vault. Some of the pieces are really absolutely stunning.

 Wings Embrace Collection

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

I absolutely love meeting clients. I’ve never been to the UAE before, so for me, this is actually a really exciting trip. Having the chance to meet the women I’m designing for and see how they wear the products, that’s what it’s all about. I love making bespoke items, I love interreacting with the clients so I would like to do more of that. That interaction feeds my imagination and helps to inspire my designs.

What would you say is the biggest challenge you face with House of Garrard? 

The more internationally we spread, the harder it is for me to actually go and be with the clients. That is something that is hard for me because I love to interact with them it’s something really important, particularly when we’re creating bespoke pieces. A positive is that in the last few years with technology moving on, it has become easier to interact with the clients without physically being in the room with them. So it is becoming less of a challenge.

Who would you say is the woman that you design for? 

She has very wonderful taste. She’s a confident woman who knows her own mind. She appreciates the finest things in life and she likes good quality. She is also very interested in our history. I wouldn’t say this is the primary focus of why she’s buying jewellery, but the stories that come with the pieces are very interesting and I think our customers really appreciate that.

                                              Wings Embrace Collection

Since you joined you have had a strong focus on the history of the brand – why did you decide to go in this direction?

Honestly, it was a no brainer! I joined seven years ago and at that point, there were only two collections, so I thought ‘OK this is a fantastic situation for me’. So I got creative and was able to have a lot of freedom to create new collections. I had all this history so I didn’t have to make up stories around the pieces, that part was already done. I actually had the reverse problem that there was so much history and such a diverse back catalogue that there was too much to go through. I work very closely with my head of design and she has an immense interest in the history and has now kind of taken on the role as our heritage expert! It’s absolutely amazing, she’ll go down to the vault and come back up having found the most incredible things. It gets very exciting in our office sometimes! One thing I do want to mention is that I was very aware that I didn’t want the new collections to be a copy of the past, it had to be something modern.

How does House of Garrard balance creating for its long term customers while ensuring it appeals to the younger generations?

I think there is a natural progression because the jewellery that we are creating is modern but still classic at the same time. We have very classic styling but in a modern way. There are over ten collections now and I do think there is something for everyone within those. We have everything from classic drop earrings to studs to a more modern ear cuff. And the versatility of our products also helps with appealing to customers.

               Wings Embrace Collection

House of Garrard also creates corporate silverware, how does this differ from jewellery making?

I actually studied silverware so I do have a bit of background knowledge on this. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t physically make something now, but I have the knowledge of how it’s done. In terms of design, jewellery and silverware aren’t that different when it comes to balance and proportions etc. but in terms of the manufacturing; they are very different and it requires a very different skill set to the jewellery. We have the most amazing skilled craftsmen who can do both, so my work is brought to life with very trustworthy hands.

I was lucky enough to work on the medals for the Invictus Games which was a very cool thing to do. I worked with Prince Harry and one of the injured servicemen. Harry had a very focused idea of what he wanted and he was very involved in the process. It was an amazing experience.

What is House of Garrard doing to support sustainability? 

We are very proud to have received the Positive Luxury Award which took about two years for us to research and get up to the standards it required. It covers all areas and looks at the ways we are being sustainable through our processes which were examined over a two year period. The sourcing of our stones and diamonds, everything. We are very strong believers in it.

                                                        Wings Embrace Collection

How do you feel when you see someone such as The Duchess of Cambridge wearing your designs? 

On a personal level, it makes me very proud when I see it. Of course, we never disclose the pieces we have made and we never know when they are going to wear them but it’s interesting to see. The reaction when someone wears one of our pieces is incredible.

What was the first piece of jewellery you owned? 

It was a bracelet that was given to me by my mother and it had belonged to her grandmother. It was a diamond and sapphire yellow gold bracelet and I still have it today.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt through your career in jewellery? 

Everything is possible. I’m a big believer in that we can do anything. Sometimes I’ll draw a design and the team will say ‘no we can’t do this’ and I always tell them ‘it can happen’. Sometimes there can be a bit of compromise on the way, but for me, anything can happen.

Do you have a favourite stone to work with? 

Yes. It does change, but at the moment I’m loving Padparadschas. They are part of the sapphire family and they come in many different tones ad they are usually a mix between orange or pink. They’re absolutely beautiful and look great with rose gold.

How would you describe House of Garrard in three words? 

Classic, confident and contemporary.

READ MORE: 

Discover the Latest Watch Collections by Dior

Julien Tornare Zenith CEO, Discusses the 50th Anniversary of El Primero

We discover some of the festive happenings, designer Christmas trees and luxury seasonal experiences to be had throughout the UAE over the coming weeks

Mandarin Oriental, Jumeira

Fashion Designer Kenzo Takada of Kenzo has envisioned a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree at Dubai’s Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Hotel. As the hotel celebrates its first Christmas in the city the property decided to make it a spectacular one and commissioned the Japanese-French designer to create a tree that perfectly combined his modern design-style with the chic contemporary design of the hotel. The seven-metre high Christmas tree is located in the outdoor area of the resort, with an unparalleled beachfront view. The gold mirrored design looks spectacular in its surroundings both day and night.

Bvlgari Resort Dubai

Bvlgari Resort Dubai

Bvlgari’s luxury destination in Dubai is bringing some elegance to the festive season with its chic Christmas tree. Across the period there is the chance to experience the best of festive luxury from family brunches to one of the most exclusive New Year celebrations in the city. If you’re looking for that perfect gift Bvlgari Resort Dubai has created special festive hampers complete with a selection of Bvlgari delicacies including panettone, homemade chocolate and more.

JA The Resort

This iconic Jebel Ali resort will be welcoming the festive season this month with a huge illuminated tree, live entertainment and unique experiences for all the family. Santa will arrive at the hotel on 24^th December and is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for the little ones. Stay over the Christmas period for the chance to discover a series of festive-themed brunches for all.

Taj Dubai

Taj Dubai is being that festive feeling to the heart of Business Bay. The Festive Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea is the perfect experience to have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Bring the little ones along who can also bring their choice of teddy bear to donate to charity as part of the season of giving. Treats include Gummy Bears, Rainbow Sandwiches, Teddy Candy Bars and Teddy Bear Cookies

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort has a number of festive happenings across the coming weeks. A Christmas Afternoon Tea will be served daily inspired by Caroline Astor, mother of the St.Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV who first hosted a similar elegant affair in New York. You’ll also find specially design festive menus across all of the resort’s restaurants and there’s even a special festive package available in the Iridium spa.

READ MORE: 

How to Spend a Weekend Staycation at Dukes The Palm

A&E Reviews: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

Louis Vuitton has combined forces with  gaming giant Riot Games to create a League of Legends capsule collection, designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections.

As the gaming industry continues to be one of the fastest-growing in the world Riot Games has become one of the most dedicated platforms to develop, publish and support the most player-focused games in the world. It’s first game League of Legends has become the most-played PC game in the world and is a huge part of the lives of much of the younger generation.

With this in mind it only seemed fitting that Louis Vuitton partnered with Riot Games on a capsule collection that celebrates the game as it celebrates its 20^th anniversary.

Designer by Nicolas Ghesquière the collection embodies the signature styles of the house with a sporty twist. It showcases a unique Monogram Louis Vuitton x League of Legends canvas which appears across classic pieces and new shapes and styles in ready-to-wear and accessories. Looks range from futuristic sports pieces for women to sports-casual looks for men. A colour palette of blue white and grey is modern and clean. Materials are modern and technical.

There is also the addition of a new Louis Vuitton Signature, inspired by the League of Legends character Qiyana’s ring blade. Bags in the collection include the Neverfull, the Speedy, the Boite Chapeau and a Bumbag, while shows come in the form of the Louis Vuitton Archlight sneakers, the Star trail boots and the most recent Beaubourg platform derby shoes.

The collection is available on e-commerce platforms worldwide.

READ MORE: 

A&E Editorials: Chanel Cruise 2019-2020

Laudomia Pucci Discusses the Future of Emilio Pucci

Dubai’s two airports have announced that it will be free from all single-use plastic by 2020.

Starting from January 1^st there will be a ban on all single-use plastics from all of the retailers and food and beverage outlets at Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports.

Dubai International see around 90 million passengers pass through every year and that’s a lot of plastic that is potentially being used and wasted, so as a new initiative airport has worked closely with all its retails to remove plastic from all points of sale.

The initiative, which was first decided on in June 2019, will include straws, water bottles, coffee lids plastic packaging, cutlery and more from over ninety-five per cent of its retailers. McDonald’s will even be replacing a total of 5,608,740 items with recyclable materials and Costa Coffee has vowed to replace all of its plastic-lined cups with a 100 per cent renewable “smart cup”.

The full initiative process won’t be fully rolled out until the end of next year, but expect to see noticeable changes in the airports if you’re flying from early January onwards.

READ MORE: 

The Faces to Know in the UAE

Dubai Design Week Returns For 2019 – Here’s What To Expect

Emirati jewellery designer  Noora Shawqi has always had a love for creation. we discover why it was her passion for jewellery that led her to develop her own label and what we can expect to see from the future of the brand

Emirati Jewellery designer Noora Shawqi began her jewellery career with her Instagram account @noorask, which shared her love of fine jewellery through some of her favourite pieces. Her following quickly grew and Shawqi decided to take her passion one step further by creating her own jewellery line.

Noora Shawqi

In 2018 she launched her jewellery brand and she recently debuted her first collection exclusively in Robinsons in Dubai. The Ceylon collection draws inspiration from Sri Lanka, a country that has a rich history of colourful gemstones and vibrant jewellery making. After travelling to the country Shawqi began to discover gemstones she wasn’t previously familiar with and from this, her collection was born. The Ceylon collection combines culture with craftsmanship and features statement pieces with clean outlines in 18-carat gold. It features Sapphires, Aquamarines, Amethyst, Morganites and Blue topaz as well as other carefully chosen colourful stones. Here we talk to Noora Shawqi to discover more about the collection and the inspiration behind her designs.

What first inspired you to start your own jewellery line?

Starting my own jewellery line was something I have always wanted to do as my love for jewellery has been with me since a very young age. Attending courses at the Gemmological Institute of America and with L’ecole Van Cleef & Arpels further developed my passion to go down this path.

How do you think growing up in the UAE has influenced your brand?

Growing up in the UAE has instilled certain values and traditions in me that I like to portray through my designs. I grew up admiring the Emirati woman’s eye for beauty and love for fine jewellery, which definitely influenced the way I see jewellery.

What can you tell us about the Ceylon Collection?

The Ceylon Collection is inspired by Sri Lanka which is affectionately known as the Gem Island. Fusing Sri Lanka’s rich culture with its colourful gem industry history inspired a collection that embodies an array of gemstones placed into statement pieces.

Why did you decide to partner with Robinsons for this collection?

I was searching for a retailer that would be a great fit for my brand and Robinsons seemed perfect! It is a great department store and is loved by regional clients making it an ideal choice.

Talk us through your creative process. 

In order to get inspired, I usually travel as it refreshes my mind from stress and lets me focus on the beautiful things around me. The things I see around me during my travels are always new and uncommon and this initiates my design process. New details, new concepts, and new visuals together fuel me to sketch designs and develop new pieces.

Who is the woman that you design jewellery for? 

A woman who is modern, confident and unique. I like to design for women who choose meaningful jewellery as an everyday companion or to mark a special occasion in their life.

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

My biggest achievement is developing a reputation of becoming “The Jewellery Girl”. I’ve loved jewellery my whole life and it was surprising yet humbling to see how people trust my choices and come to me for advice based on my blogging experience. This has also helped in creating a trust for my brand which I’m very thankful for.

What would you still like to achieve with your jewellery brand?

I want to see Noora Shawqi grow into an internationally known brand and be available at high-end boutiques around the world.

Why did you decide to keep your base in Dubai?

As an Emirati, it is only a natural fit for my brand to be based here with the immense support system I have. I also have access to great production houses here which is vital for my brand.

What is your first memory of jewellery? 

One of the first memories I have of jewellery is going to the mall with my mother and seeing a beautiful Cartier necklace. I will never forget this!

Your pieces are often inspired by travel – what do you think travel adds to you as a person?

Travel is the best way to immerse oneself in a new culture and surroundings. Experiencing a new country has exposed me to different values and traditions which inspire my designs as well.

Where is the place you like to travel to the most? 

I love to explore and visit new places so I try not to repeat places. However, if I am looking for a very relaxing vacation, I would definitely go back to The Maldives.

Who is the person that inspires you? 

My mother and my mother-in-law are two people who have really helped me achieve everything that I have. Their support and the passion they carry inspire me on a daily basis.

Growing up in the UAE – what is your first memory of this country?

My fondest memories of growing up in the UAE are going on trips around the country to explore all the Emirates with a big group of family and friends.

What would you say is the biggest challenge you face today?

As a new designer, it takes time to build a name for yourself and create brand awareness in the jewellery industry. People often think it happens overnight but it is a long journey that requires a lot of hard work and perseverance to get your brand recognised.

What is a book that has inspired you? 

You are a Badass by Jen Sincero

How would you describe your brand in one word? 

Sophisticated

READ MORE: 

Dior Joaillerie Celebrates its Twentieth Anniversary

Van Cleef & Arpels Is Opening Its First Heritage Exhibition in the Middle East

Julien Tornare has made a lot of changes since he joined Zenith two and a half years ago. The CEO came in with a mission to bring a fresh feel to the watch brand, developing new pieces and planning for the future, but not forgetting the rich history Zenith was built on.

Throughout 2019 Zenith has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the El Primero watch movement. This movement, which was first introduced in 2019, has become an icon in its own right, defining the brands DNA. The mechanical precision of the movement allows 36,000 vibrations per hour and was a pioneer of the industry when it was first developed 50 years ago. Since joining as CEO Tornare has spent time discovering more about the movement and celebrating the uniqueness of its design. As he arrives in Dubai on the final leg of a celebratory world tour, A&E met with Tornare to discover more about this unique celebration and his plans for the future of the brand.

ZENITH 1971 Vintage Model

You have spent this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of El Primero how has it been so far and what have been your highlights?

I joined the company two and a half years ago and we all knew that this anniversary would come in 2019. Celebrating a movement is a bit of a tricky exercise. Usually, brands celebrate their own anniversary or the anniversary of a watch model, so this is quite different. It’s a legendary movement so we had to do something big. I wanted to understand what was behind the movement so I decided to meet the people who made the El Primero fifty years ago. I managed to find eight gentlemen who worked on it and we met and talked about the past and they gave me so many inside stories. There was so much creativity and innovation in the time when they created the movement and it was a great moment to relive that past. When I met these men I realised that my mission at Zenith is to bring the brand to the next level and push the boundaries. The Swiss watchmaking industry often tends to turn to the past. There are two categories – the brands with a long history who are repeating the past, scared to evolve from what they have been doing; and the brands that are starting from a clean sheet; the ones who can do what they want because they have no heritage. So I think the El Primero celebration was a good way for Zenith to connect the two – the traditional heritage and the future of what we want to do. I believe that the best way to pay tribute to these gentlemen is by continuing to create. We’ve celebrated in 19 cities around the world and it’s been fantastic. The brand is doing really well and I’m super happy about it.

Are there any highlights you can share with us? 

It’s been a year of celebration and we have not only celebrated the movement but we have given tribute to Charles Vermot. He was one of the people who created the El Primero in the sixties. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2002. Soon after the El Primero was created in 1969 the Quartz crisis happened. The Japanese created the Quartz movement and the whole industry was shaken up. Around that time Zenith was purchased by an American group. They came to Switzerland and declared that Quartz would be the future and that the brand had to get rid of everything that had come before, including the El Primero. But Charles Vermot did not listen to his boss and instead he started to hide everything connected to the El Primero. He spent six months hiding everything in the attic of the company and then he built a brick wall to keep it all secret. Many years passed and when Vermot was retired in 1984 the company was bought by Swiss owners. The new owners wanted to relaunch the legendary movement. They called a few people in the company and someone suggested that Charles Vermot could help. So they got in touch with him and he drove to the factory, broke the wall and revealed what we call today ‘the hidden treasure’. It’s an amazing true story.

Unfortunately, I could not meet him but I managed to meet his son who came with me to some of the events this year and shared many stories about what his father did. He didn’t only do it for the passion but he took a huge personal risk. He didn’t even tell his family for ten years. His son really had tears in his eyes when he was telling me and it’s really meaningful because Zenith is not only about the product, but it’s about the people and it’s about emotion.

Charles Vermot in the 1980s

What has changed in Zenith since you joined two and a half years ago?

A lot of things I hope as that was my job! First of all, I think I brought a new mindset to the brand. It had been moving slowly before I joined. I felt that the people were down and there had been a lot of changes. So I had to do two things. The first was to bring a new dynamic to the company and I also had to create stability and show people a real vision. So that’s what I did for the first six months – I reassured the people, I told them my mission and invited them to join me. People appreciated it a lot I think. I told them I wanted a ‘start-up spirit’ and I wanted to continue to build a future as these gentlemen did in the sixties. It probably took a while for everyone to understand but I think it’s working well now. I put a lot of tools in place in terms of management to create this new atmosphere. Then, of course, we introduced new watches with a more modern and contemporary design and step by step the brand has been doing fantastically and I’m happy, but we still have a long way to go.

What would you still like to do at Zenith that you haven’t had the chance to do yet?

So many things. Honestly, I could work at Zenith for 1,000 years and I still wouldn’t have achieved everything I wanted! But what I really want is for more people to know about the brand. It’s such a beautiful brand but we are still missing awareness and people still don’t know what they are really buying when they buy a Zenith watch. For me, it’s about capitalising on our long history as well as our authenticity but also looking to the future. Zenith is one of the few brands where every watch still has a movement that’s made in house. So we have substance and we sell something true. That’s not to forget that we are creating for people living in the 21st century, so I don’t want to be selling our customers the same watch their parents or grandparents bought, I want to sell a watch that was made for them and that’s really important. I want to raise awareness by communicating the brand in better ways and raising the desirability around Zenith. That will be my challenge in the coming years.

How do you balance appealing to the customer of today without affecting your existing clientele?

I think clients respect you if you respect yourself and they will respect you if you explain why you’re doing things. I’m never going to run away from what Zenith has always been which has always been about Chronometry and precision. That’s what we are known for, so I’m continuing to work on that but in a more modern and contemporary way. When I joined the brand my boss asked me if I wanted to launch a connected or smartwatch. I told him I didn’t get the point. Many brands are doing it and it’s great, but it’s not part of Zenith and who we are and who I want the brand to be. I think by being truly who we are, even if we are evolving, clients will be in line with us. That’s what I’ve experienced so far.

ZENITH DEFY El Primero

The DEFY watches have been a huge launch for Zenith, what has been the feedback from them so far?

People love them, even the most dedicated watch collectors. The DEFY is inspired by a watch called the A384 which was launched in 1969. It’s much more contemporary but it’s about chronometry because it’s the first chronograph measuring 100th of a second. Yes, it was made for the 21st century, but it’s still purely Zenith because the shape was inspired by a Zenith watch and the chronometry is our own field of expertise. DEFY has become a very strong watch for us and within two years it’s now representing a huge part of our business.

What about the Middle East – how are the products received here and does it differ from other parts of the world?

I often get asked this question and I honestly think the differences from one market to another are becoming less and less. Twenty years ago, when you travelled you would have the opportunity to buy local products that you couldn’t find anywhere else, but today you can buy everything from everywhere. People today have such easy access to information like we have never had before, so I strongly believe in truth and authenticity. In the golden years of marketing you could basically make up stories and people would believe them. Now people have developed a much more critical mind and they doubt everything and want to know about everything in-depth, so we need to be authentic. It’s something that’s easy at Zenith and this is why we are coming back stronger. Every single watch has a Zenith movement and we are not only innovative with the product, but we were also the first watch brand to open up the doors of our manufacturer to the public. This also highlights our transparency and I believe very strongly in that. Some may disagree with me but I believe that millennials do care about what’s inside the watch and the authenticity. They want to understand what they are getting for their money, much more than people did before because they have access to so much information. I really pay attention to that and I take the time to meet the younger generation from different regions, including Dubai, and what people are looking for when they buy luxury is really quite similar wherever they are in the world. So no, I’m not going to make special editions of watches for certain markets, because overall everyone is the same and it’s more about quality and authenticity. This is the key to making a brand successful.

Zenith CEO Julie Tornare

What is Zenith doing and what can be done in the future to support sustainability and what are the challenges you face related to that?

There are a lot of challenges. The LVMH group is very much into becoming greener and into sustainability, so as a watch brand we also have to question ourselves. We have put a lot of measures in place to change quite a lot of processes, whether that is within the industry as a whole or simply inside the company. It could be turning SUVs into electric cars or stopping using all plastic cups inside the manufacturer. We are doing a lot of things like that. But a mechanical watch in itself is actually quite green. I’m not saying we only use green processes to build it, but we do build objects that will last forever. A mechanical watch is one of the very few objects in the world that will still be functioning in 1,000 years. Yes, maybe you might need to put some oil on it and apply some basic maintenance, but it’s going to work 100, 300, 1,000 years from now. How many things will still exist in 1,000 years? This is one way to look at it.

How important is the store experience today?

It’s hugely important. At Zenith we are catching up because we don’t have a lot of boutiques yet. We only have twenty and we should have fifty, but Zenith has always been more of a wholesale brand. This is also good, don’t get me wrong. I think today the right strategy for watches is to be balanced with an omnichannel strategy. Of course, I can’t be here telling you we are an innovative brand and not talking about e-commerce, so we need to have it to a certain extent. It’s more of a communication tool, but it’s important. Our boutiques are important, but I do believe that multi-brand retailers are very important. We sell something that is very technical and not easy to understand. So sometimes I think it is good for our customers to visit somewhere that offers neutral advice and this is what you can get from a multi-brand retailer. I think it’s important to have a balance between these three channels and that’s the way we’re going to keep on going.

Can you tell us more about e-commerce at Zenith? Is it more a research tool or are customers actually buying online?

We have a bit of both but I would say more of a research tool for sure. I can’t say 100 per cent but I believe most of our customers look online first – this could be to learn more about a specific watch or to learn more about the brand. I don’t think any brand is selling big quantities online today. If you go online there are two types of customers – those who go onto the grey market websites looking for a better price and those who look for something that they cannot find in the regular stores. The latter is the reason why we have been working very successfully on some limited edition pieces. We created one that was available exclusively on Net-A-Porter which sold out in just over an hour, and we have done others that sold out very quickly. We made a limited edition piece with Phillips Auction House where we sold a one-off piece for charity – I barely finished my speech during the evening and it was sold! So this is how it’s working. We’re not talking big quantities but we are talking communication buzz and good noise for the brand. The ones who really want something special are now waiting for the new limited edition pieces to come online. I think this is the right way to utilise it for now.

We know that you are coming back to Dubai for the LVMH Days event in January – can you tell us a little bit more about that?

You can expect a major event. I’m so happy that we are doing the first edition in Dubai because historically we have had the big trade shows in Geneva but it has always been very Switzerland focused. When I joined LVMH I also joined the Baselworld committee where I represented the LVMH Group and I told them we have to open up to the world. It’s good to have a show in Switzerland, but we also need to go to the markets. So after discussions with my colleagues, we decided to come to Dubai and do this in January. Every year we will go somewhere in the world for such a show. When you visit the markets, not only do you offer a special experience to the people, but you also have the opportunity to look after the local clientele and that’s super important. If we keep having one trade show a year in Switzerland and one out there in the market, it’s a very 21st-century approach.

What can we expect to see from Zenith in 2020?

A lot of things! DEFY has been a fantastic growth engine for the brand over the last few years and we will see some extra developments in this, which is really important for us. This year we launched a few revival editions of the Chronomaster which was made in the sixties and we will be launching a 2020 Chronomaster new edition which goes back to a very beautiful case shape with a fantastic dial and the pure tradition of watchmaking but again, always turning to the future.

What about women’s watches?

Another bit of good news is that we will be launching a great offering for women which is also a very important subject. We shouldn’t be making watches purely for women.
I think this is a thing of the past. I think we should make beautiful watches that will please men and women. So it could be a men’s size with a feminine touch. It works both ways. In Asia, we have a lot of male clients wearing diamonds. So I think it’s really interesting and we are coming back with pieces that will appeal to women and we will have an event dedicated to women as well. Dubai will actually be the first country that we launch this watch.

How would you describe Zenith in one word? 

Emotion.

READ MORE:

Audemars Piguet CEO, François-Henry Bennahmias Discusses the Successes of the Watchmaker While in Dubai

Discover the Latest Watch Collections by Dior

To celebrate the fifth birthday of its iconic fragrance La Panthère Cartier is launching a new limited edition of the perfume.

Cartier celebrates the fifth anniversary of its fragrance La Panthère with an elegant new bottle. The bottle reflects the feminine feel of the floral fragrance and captures the strength of the panther. The scent features gardenia and a musky structure that is both animal and molecular. These elements come together to create something that’s elegant and feminine and will make the perfect gift for the festive season.

Cartier – La Panthere Limited Edition

Originally created in 2014 by Cartier’s perfumer Mathilde Laurent, La Panthère has become the house’s fragrance icon thanks to its classic appeal and feline-floral accord. It embodies the contemporary creativity of Cartier and combines it with classic elegance. Possessing the same qualities of the Panthère jewellery, the fragrance pays homage to the panther – its feline qualities, agility and sensuality. While the Panthère jewellery mimics the panther’s movement, the perfume recreates its velvety aura, resulting in an undeniable magnetism.

The panther has been a source of inspiration to Cartier since 1914 when a panther motif first appeared on one of the brand’s watches. In the 1980s the panther inspired the first-ever Cartier perfume and has since been deeply engraved into the essence of the brand. Today the La Panthère fragrance symbolises strength, femininity and power, giving confidence to the woman that wears it.

The new La Panthère limited edition bottle is now available.

READ MORE: 

Cartier Launches a New Limited Edition Version of La Panthère

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Has a New Look Inspired By the Brand’s Fashion Designs