Lindsay Judge, Author at A&E Magazine

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

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty has a revamped design that pays tribute to women and their innate charm.

The latest make-up collection from the brand is designed with one mission in mind: to empower women, bring them joy, confidence and make them feel like a “Queen” in their everyday life. The campaign highlights the inclusiveness of the collection with women from all ages and nationalities displaying a natural and glowing complexion.

The make-up products feature new and advanced textures that used the latest in technology to develop products that not only make every woman look her best self but also are kinder and nurturing to the skin. Featuring Mediterranean fig extract and organic Italian olive oil, activated by hyaluronic acid, each product in the collection is hydrating and illuminating on the skin to capture the healthy glow of every woman.

Inspired by the brand’s fashion collections, the packaging is bright and colourful featuring iconic prints and designs have been previously seen in throughout the ready-to-wear collections. The prints include classic baroque, animalier, black lace and roses and flowers – each one highlighting and aspect of the house and designed for a different kind of woman.

The “Solar Glow” products are designed to replicate a woman’s glow after a sun-drenched Sicilian getaway. New products include the Solar Glow Universal Bronzing Drops and the Mediterranean Glow Complex, designed to create a natural and warm glow on the skin.

As part of the “Flawless Complexion” offering, you’ll find the new Secret Veil and Gloriouskin designed to enhance and illuminate the women’s natural complexion.

The “Passionate Lips” collection represents passion and sensuality – two aspects that are crucial to the Dolce & Gabbana woman. The colours are rich with a soft, silky texture that moisturises and enhances the lips. The new Only One Luminous Colour Lipstick enriches the existing lip collections.

“Collection Complexion” provides a natural, healthy blush on the woman’s cheeks. Giving every woman a rosy glow the textures and hues take inspiration from the flowers of the Mediterranean.

The “Eyes of Emotion” collection offers a selection of eye products that can be used to create any level of make-up. Choose from Intenseyes, Passioneyes and Felineyes depending on the intenseness required.

Available exclusively at Sephora and then nationwide across the GCC.

Sisley Presents the New Phyto-Ombres Eyeshadow Collection

Dolce & Gabbana Introduces an Exclusive Dubai Collection

Dolce & Gabbana presents a special collection for men and women, created exclusively for the Dubai Mall boutique.

Featuring the brand’s iconic animalier print, Dolce & Gabbana introduces a capsule collection of sports-inspired pieces available exclusively at The Dubai Mall boutique in the new Fashion Avenue extension.

The Dubai Mall Exclusive Capsule SS20

Leopard print has long been a key pillar of D&G’s DNA. In the Dubai Mall capsule collection, it exudes personality and provides sophistication on casual sports pieces. The ready-to-wear for men and women include jogging bottoms, sweatshirts, tank tops and shorts for the stylish sports lover.

Embellished with gold and black details or in full animalier, this iconic Dolce & Gabbana print add some attitude to the casual style of the collection The pieces are paired with matching accessories including hats, sneakers, sliders, belt bags and backpacks for a complete coordinated statement look.

The Dubai Mall Exclusive Capsule SS20

The collection will be available for purchase at the Dubai Mall boutique exclusively starting November 26th.

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

Miss South Africa Crowned Miss Universe 2019 Wearing a Crown by Lebanese Designer Mouawad

Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa was crowned Miss Universe 2019 at the grand finale of the competition in Atlanta last night.

The 26-year-old is the first-ever black winner of the competition who fought off tough competition from runners up Madison Anderson of Puerto Rico and Sofia Aragon of Mexico. There was a real sense of women’s empowerment during the ceremony which saw many of the women talking about the opportunities that the competition has given them to speak out.

Zozibini Tunzi with runners up Madison Anderson of Puerto Rico and Sofia Aragon of Mexico.

Tunzi is an activist who has a great passion for ending gender-based violence and promoting natural beauty amongst women. She told the audience “I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me — with my kind of skin and my kind of hair — was never considered to be beautiful. I think it is time that that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine.”

Tunzi was presented the Miss Universe sash and crown by last year’s winner Catriona Gray from the Philippines. Gray also spoke of how winning Miss Universe has been a life-changing experience. She said “We’re getting this amazing platform to voice the things we’re passionate about, the things we care about. I always had a voice, but Miss Universe allowed me to amplify it.”

This year’s crown is named the “Power of Unity,” and was created by Lebanese jewellery house Mouawad. The Middle Eastern brand was inspired by the universal themes of nature, strength, femininity and unity to create the 18-carat gold design featuring 1,770 diamonds. The centrepiece is a golden stone weighing 62.83 carats.

The international beauty pageant was hosted by Steve Harvey at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

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

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

Audemars Piguet has always had a close relationship with sport and in particular golf. CEO-Henry Bennahmias was, in fact, a successful golfer himself in the past and his keen interest in the sport and the way it’s closely entwined with the Audemars Piguet brand is clear to see. On a recent visit to Dubai the luxury watch brand partnered with the DP World Tour Championship. Audemars Piguet had nine brand ambassadors taking part in the international golfing event and the watchmaker invited some of its VIP clients to come and share the experience in Dubai.

As part of the event, François-Henry Bennahmias travelled to Dubai to meet with clients and share the brand experience with the local market. Bennahmias is known to interact closely with customers and when we meet with him in Dubai his relaxed approach is infectious and he tells us it’s also something he is very proud of when it comes to motivating his team. Since becoming CEO in 2012 the Frenchman has moved the brand forward slowly but surely. The Swiss brand is proud of its exclusivity (they still continue to limit their watches to around 40,000 per year), but Bennahmias’ approach has allowed him to open up the brand to the world, while still managing to keep the element of exclusivity and luxury. After a very successful year for Audemars Piguet, we sit down with Bennahmias to discuss the brand’s relationship with sport and his big plans for 2020.

CODE 11 59 by Audemars Piguet

We are here today as part of your partnership with the DP Championship in Dubai. Of course, you have a background in golf so how does this influence your choices and alignments for the brand?

All of our brand ambassadors have to pass job interviews with me! I really want to know who they are. If they are just good at golf and nothing else then they cannot work with us. They have to have a specific character – I want them to be easy going with people and passionate about many things other than golf. If you’re only going to talk to our clients about golf then it’s not going to work. So I want to know what they know about the world.

Why do you think golf works as an alignment for the brand?

First of all, golf was the first sport that we ever got close to back in 1989 with our first brand ambassador Nick Faldo. Golf is a sport that wealthy people play a lot worldwide and it’s also a sport where you have a lot of time. When you go to play golf for four hours it often becomes a business meeting. In what other sport could you get four hours with the CEO of a company for example? So it’s a great place to do business and it’s the sport in my mind, where you never know what’s going to happen so it’s exciting.

What is the biggest challenge you are facing currently with Audemars Piguet?

Very honestly – our team of 2,000 people is going to end the year very tired. We have grown so fast, we have shifted our business model so quickly and it can be draining for people. It’s tough and we keep pushing because I know that we’re on a roll and that’s when you have to even potentially pick up more speed. So that’s about managing the people and keeping them motivated without pushing them too far. That’s my biggest challenge.

How do you do that – what is your technique for motivating your staff?

It’s a mix of several things but I really care about people so I pay attention. We do a lot of fun things outside of the normal office environment. I always have my door open for when people want to talk and share their issues. I spend a lot of time coaching actually!

Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin

What about the perception of the brand in the Middle East – how do you think it is seen here and what is the reaction from customers?

Audemars Piguet is booming here in the region. We had lunch with clients yesterday and what I find unbelievable is the youth coming into watchmaking – both men and women – who are coming to the brand. We’ve been hearing for so long that the young generation doesn’t wear watches anymore or they only wear smartwatches and we are really seeing that this isn’t the case. I recently gave a speech at the University of Taiwan. 160 students attended and sixty per cent of them were wearing watches but only one was a smartwatch. So the notion of the fact that watchmaking doesn’t appeal anymore; it’s not the case.

Why do you think the younger generation is showing an interest in mechanical watches?

I really believe that it doesn’t matter what age people are for them to appreciate the craftsmanship. From our side, it’s a case of offering them to be part of what we do and allowing them to understand that. The generation of people who grew up with screens and speed also have much more of an understanding of slowing down and taking time to appreciate – to them this is a luxury.

Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked

Are there any particular buying patterns in the Middle East that differ from the rest of the world?

No, I would say that our stores and patterns are the same in almost every place. We have actually evolved by watch industry standards incredibly fast. We have grown by around 11 per cent. What I can say that we see here in the Middle East is that the average age of our customers is shockingly young. In a good way. When I meet people I feel like they all want to take selfies! People think it’s really cool and it’s very interesting for me to meet and interact with them.

You know the younger customer is there and they are coming to you but how do you focus on that customer but still appeal to the existing clientele?

We don’t focus especially on any customer. What we do is adapt to the new world. Social media, of course, is now a very important platform. We need to consider the language we use – we cannot be delivering long boring messages. We have to adapt and be appealing. We are a serious brand but we don’t take ourselves seriously. We don’t want potential customers to feel that we are inaccessible or too stuffy for clients to approach us. We want to be welcoming and inclusive. We are working with a number of industries including sports, art, music and these are our three pillars of communication that talk to people.

Some of your newer brand ambassadors are quite young – is this also a method to help you connect with a younger audience?

They are young, yes but we don’t sign them to touch a young clientele – it is more because if they are young there are more expectations for them to succeed.

You will be opening a museum at the Audemars Piguet headquarters next year – what can you tell us about that?

It’s almost done! By April next year, we will open. I was there two days ago and it’s really impressive and beautiful. I think people will really appreciate what goes into our watchmaking and the craftsmanship. Also the craziness of the architecture. There are no walls to the building which is very unique. We have roughly 1600 watches in total as part of the museum but we will not expose them all at the same time. They will be on rotation – there will be special events and themes and we will also be launching a specific watch for the opening of the museum.

Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in White Ceramic

What is and what can Audemars Piguet do to support sustainability?

First of all sustainability at Audemars Piguet started back in 1992 with Jasmine Audemars when she created the Audemars Piguet Foundation. She had a vision back then of becoming green as it was something very important to her. We were the first factory to be built under the Minergie-ECO Label which was something very complicated to achieve. Our hotel and museum are also built in the same way, as will our new factory be. But that’s only one part. In the watchmaking industry, we are working with products where we have to pay attention – diamond, gold, leather – so we have to ensure we are receiving materials in the right way and we have to follow changing guidelines. For example, California is banning exotic skins as of 2020 so we have to work as fast as possible to find other options. This is the kind of thing we are going to see happening more and more. And then we have the third part – the lab rolled diamonds which everyone is talking about – so that’s something we have to keep in mind as who knows what’s going to come next? Sustainability is also how our people go to work so there are many aspects we need to consider at the same time.

What can you tell us about what’s happening in regards to women’s watches at Audemars Piguet and the industry as a whole?

Five years ago we had an 85/15 split of men’s to women’s watches. Right now it’s 65/35. So we have increased a lot in the women’s world, and knowing that many women are also buying men’s watches which we cannot keep track of, it’s likely that this number is even higher than we know. I do believe that it’s going to go a lot further than that. Women are starting to pay more attention to watches and it could go completely crazy.

How important do you think the store experience is today and how are you managing the increased demand for an online presence?

First of all, we are not selling online and if you look at all the companies selling online from low end to high-end luxury, they are all losing money. But for us, it’s not about making money. I look at online potentially to be another tool to facilitate an encounter between the brand and the people. We don’t want to be selling watches online but we want it to be more of a tool either to tell people where we have stores or discover more about our watches or allow customers to understand the brand or to get in touch with us. I think we learn every day about this subject and we are really looking at what could be best for our clients as an online experience. Every day something new comes up so we have to work really fast and look at it really carefully.

How important is the store experience today and are there any plans to re-vamp your stores?

Yes, we are looking at a whole new brand identity. It’s a long process that we’ve already been working on for a year. We are in an industry where things are really difficult in terms of displaying products in the right way. We are selling very small products so it’s hard to present them in the windows for customers to see. The depth in a watch is in the details – how can we show the details in a store? So we have to think very carefully about that. The second point is what do we do when we don’t have any watches left to sell? Why would people come to our stores with no watches in there? So there are a lot of questions that make us think about what we want from Audemars Piguet retail 2.0.

What do you want customers to feel when they come to your stores?

We want them to feel like they are in a dream world but that’s not the case yet. I want customers to leave our stores thinking ‘wow, now I need to go visit their store in another city.’ The reason why is because we are completely done with having the same stores everywhere on the planet. It doesn’t work anymore. You cannot have the exact same brand identity across the world. Of course, you have to have a common ground, but you need to adapt yourself to the local cultures, you cannot just copy and paste your stores in every city.

What is the watch that you’re wearing today?

A white ceramic perpetual calendar. We launched the black ceramic three years ago which was a big success but it took much longer to make the white. This is because, as silly as it might sound, to machine white ceramic is twice as hard as black. At the beginning it starts as a powder, it’s then heated, moulded and it passes through many phases before it becomes the final watch. With white, you see all the impurities in the material that you can’t see in black so it’s not unusual to actually have to throw away fifty per cent of the ceramic made. It’s a real trial and error process and there is a lot of waste which is unavoidable. We also can’t create ceramic in many other colours because it is so difficult to do. Many brands have been using ceramic for a long time but it has been mono-finished in the sense that it’s either brushed or polished. Ours is a mix of two finishes which makes it very complicated.

What would you still like to achieve with the brand?

If I could I would go back twenty years with the knowledge that I have now. There is so much more to achieve, we are far from being done.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Do or do not, there is no try.

Dubai Watch Week 2019 Highlights

Laudomia Pucci Discusses the Future of Emilio Pucci

Laudomia Pucci, Deputy Chairman and Image Director at Emilio Pucci talks her father’s legacy and preparing the brand for the future.

At the age of just 28, Laudomia Pucci found herself taking the helm of her father Emilio Pucci’s fashion house after his untimely death. While the young woman had already worked in design at Givenchy and subsequently within her father’s company in many roles, it was a huge task for someone of such a young age to take on so unexpectedly. There are many ways it could have gone, but luckily for Laudomia and for the rest of the world, she has since succeeded in taking the fashion house from strength to strength.

She has redesigned the style, image, commercial and marketing approach of the brand, including a new distribution pattern worldwide. She has re-launched and re-structured the company and in 2000 she negotiated an agreement with LVMH which included the sale of 67 per cent of Emilio Pucci to the luxury fashion giant. Emilio Pucci has expanded globally from its home in Italy and has become one of the most recognisable brands in the industry thanks to its iconic colourful prints.

During the FFWD October Edition 2019 at the Dubai Design District

Today, Laudomia Pucci has a focus on developing the brand for the new generation and educating today’s millennial on what it means to use such highly skilled techniques to create beautiful products. The concept of keeping her pieces made in Italy is something that’s very close to her heart and she hopes to continue this legacy with future generations. Laudomia has been working with Italian fashion institute Polimoda. Considered to be the best fashion school in Italy, Polimoda trains young aspiring designers and fashion visionaries in the heart of Florence. Working closely with the Polimoda, Laudomia is often on campus, meeting students and sharing her knowledge and experience through classes and talks. It was, in fact, Polimoda that brought Laudomia to Dubai on a recent visit during Fashion Forward. Laudomia was invited to take part in the Fashion Talks sessions during the recent event. It was here that we met with her to discuss the brand, the importance of educating the younger generations and her plans for the future of Emilio Pucci.

Palazzo Pucci

What are your thoughts on the fashion industry in the Middle East and why did you decide to take part in Fashion Forward?

I came here thanks to Polimoda. Polimoda is something that is very close to my heart and it was the same for my father. In those days he had this vision to offer young people the opportunity to learn and he wanted to give something back. It’s something I have started to appreciate now and I work a lot with young people too. I teach at Polimoda sometimes and I have a close relationship with them and it’s a bit like a home to me. So that’s what brought me here and I’m very grateful for that.

Secondly, I think this is a part of the world that is so full of energy and you need to come here and experience it and touch it to really understand it. I don’t think people realise how strong women are in this region and how determined that can be and that can’t be ignored. You have to be here to really understand that. There is an enthusiasm for fashion that I think is contagious and I think we can learn a lot from that.

Are there any designers in the region that excite you?

There are some fashion shows I was hoping to see while I was here and I would like to do some more research on the local talent as well as visiting the malls. It’s one thing to see a fashion show but it’s very different to see what’s actually in the market. I think it’s really important that there is local creativity happening in the region. It doesn’t matter where you go or where you sell, what matters is how you interpret what you have learnt from your culture.

How does it make you feel when young aspiring designers want to meet you or ask for your advice?

I hope it means that I’ve probably done something right! It was very touching to meet a fourteen-year-old here today who is so interested in fashion and it reminded me of my daughter. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy ride for the younger generation, so if they have a strong passion they should cultivate it. It’s nice to be able to give some advice and that’s what I’m trying to do in Florence at Polimoda. We have very high unemployment rates in Italy and a lot of people are moving abroad because they can’t find jobs. We were the country of the Renaissance and we were in the hands of the young ones who were learning at a very young age. I think that we need to restart that and if we can encourage young people to follow their passions and not let go, that’s important.

How do you preserve the heritage of a brand like Emilio Pucci in today’s market but still continue to be modern?

One part is our latest visual campaign. It was created by a friend of mine who is a video designer and I asked him to come up with something that was very Pucci but use a new language to express it. So he took elements of our prints, and created a seasonal moving visual print. It’s about using new mediums to project our ideas and present new ways of saying ‘it’s always me, but I can do different things.’ It’s about finding different ways to tell the story.

Pucci has had several well-known creative directors but currently, you don’t have one – do you think this will change?

We haven’t no, we are working with a studio but we’re working with a lot of different talents – stylists, merchandisers etc. and it works. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to have a creative director at some point but it is working as it is today.

How important is it to preserve traditional craft techniques and continue to justify the notion of “Made in Italy”?

There are a few ways to look at it. Some countries do certain things beautifully but are weaker in other things. Our beading is done in India for example because no one does it better than them and it’s quite impossible to do it in Italy now. When I was growing up we had in-house ateliers doing the beading and that shows you how things have changed rapidly. But on the other hand, in the Tuscan region we have incredibly skilled artisans when it comes to silk. We are not only manufacturing for brands in Italy but all over the world and I think this is wonderful. If we can keep the quality, then I like to keep the manufacturing in Italy, but if we can’t then we might as well go somewhere else. As long as people are respected in their working conditions.

What is the biggest challenge you face today?

The biggest challenge is probably keeping up with time. This isn’t only our challenge but the case for the whole industry. How can you as a creative company manage to keep up with timings when there is so much demand? I’ve worked with creatives my whole life and I feel for them when it comes to time. Imagine being halfway through a drawing and then in the middle, you’re told you have to finish. That’s what they face and we have to try and give space to the creation as well as time for the product to live. But it’s really difficult.

You inherited the company from your father – is it something you would like to see passed on to your children in the future?

I never wanted it to happen when it happened to me. It was an extraordinary challenge and in the end I was lucky it worked, but it easily could not have worked out that way and it could have been one of the most beautiful things in the world thrown down the drain. I don’t think it should be one person’s responsibility. Of course, as you know we consolidated the company with LVMH, so it’s not actually my decision anymore and that makes me feel a lot better!

My eldest daughter is a very creative graphic designer. She does draw scarves and prints and these kinds of things so maybe she will start her own brand, I don’t know. But she is very interested in these things. All of my daughters love fashion and understand the product, they are very quick to see things on the market, but at the end of the day, I think to force something like this onto them is not fair.

How would you describe Emilio Pucci in one word?

Happy.

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

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

An increasing number of Emirati fashion designers are carving a new niche in design in the region. here we discover some of the local talents, putting a modern twist onto Arabic inspired designs.

Dress and shirt, I AM MAI

Jewellery, MKS Jewellery Shoes, Christian Louboutin

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Jumpsuit, Azzalia

Jewellery, MKS Jewellery

Dress, Shatha Essa, Available at Robinsons

Jewellery, Noor Shamma

Abaya, Abeer Al Suwaidi, available at Robinsons

Coat, Serrb

Jewellery, Noor Shamma

Abaya, Fmm Dubai

Earrings, Noor Shamma

Dress, Twisted Roots

Jewellery, MKS Jewellery

Shoes, Rene Caovilla

Top and trousers, Madiyah Al Sharqi

Earrings, Noor Shamma

Shoes, Rene Caovilla

Jacket and trousers, ILLUSTRELLA Moda

Earrings, Noor Shamma

Shoes, Rene Caovilla

Dress, House of Fatam

Fashion Director: Lindsay Judge

Photographer: Ziga Mihelcic

Hair: Jamilla Paul at Sisters Beauty Lounge

Make-up: Leena Kahwaji at Guerlain

Model: Maira at Signature Element

Location: Al Bait, Sharjah

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

A&E Editorials: Chanel Cruise 2019-2020

Discover the Chanel 2019-20 Cruise Collection designed by Virginie Viard.

Purple tweed jacket
Patterned black and white leggings, in sequinned jersey
Belt in gold metal interlaced with black leather
Earrings in metal, leather, and strass
Bracelet in metal and resin
All Chanel

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Grey and silver dress in embroidered tweed
Brooch in metal and strass
Black satin brooch
Bracelet in metal and strass
Black and white shoes in patent leather
All Chanel

Earrings in metal and glass beads
Navy leather blouson
All Chanel

Fuchsia, green and blue dress in printed chiffon
Bracelet in metal and resin
Cuff in metal and resin
Belt in metal and resin
Brooch in metal and resin
All Chanel

White and black leather coat
Black leather pants
Black and white booties in crinkled leather
Chanel 19 bag in bronze toile
Cuff bracelet in metal and leather
Cuff in metal and resin
All Chanel

Navy blue, red and black coat in sequinned tweed
Patterned black and white leggings, in sequinned jersey
Chanel 19 bag in a light blue jersey
All Chanel

White jacket in sequinned tweed, embellished with braid
Ecru, red, blue and yellow top in cotton and silk
All Chanel

Navy leather coat
Chanel 19 bag in red jersey
All Chanel

Navy leather blouson
Navy leather pants
Bracelet in metal and glass beads
Earrings in metal and glass beads
Chanel 19 bag in beige leather
Black and red booties in patent leather
All Chanel

Fashion Director: Eliza Scarborough
Photographer: Vivienne Balla
Hair and Make-up: Kenny at Carol Hayes
Model: Veronika at Wild Models
Makeup Collection: Holiday 2019 Collection, Les Ornements De Chanel

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

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

Online retailer Mytheresa recently partnered with Parisian shoemaker Roger Vivier to host an intimate event in Dubai.

In what was a very special joint visit for the two in the region, the dinner was hosted by Gherardo Felloni, Creative Director at Roger Vivier and Michael Kliger, President at Mytheresa. The two welcomed VIPs and media to the event and spoke of their excitement to be in the region.

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

The dinner was hosted in collaboration with Dubai-based Dinner Club 57 who specialise in creating unique and unusual dining experiences. Housed in abandoned restaurant La Boheme, the baroque-style décor served as the perfect backdrop to the elegantly designed table settings and opulent furniture – a perfect fit for the shoemaker whose elegant design and bejewelled buckles have become somewhat iconic.

Gherardo Felloni

As one of the leading global luxury e-commerce fashion retailers Mytheresa offers a highly curated product offering from brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Fendi and of course Roger Vivier.

The brand has previously launched exclusive capsule collections on the site, offering shoppers the chance to get their hands on rare pieces envisioned by Creative Director Gherardo Felloni. Felloni who joined the brand in 2018 has injected a new life into the brand, updating its image and making sure it’s long heritage is given a cool update for the twenty-first century.

Ingie Chalhoub Discusses Karl Lagerfeld and the White Shirt Project

Dubai Watch Week 2019 Highlights

Dubai Watch Week made a return to the Emirate and saw watch enthusiasts from all over the globe visiting for the Middle East’s largest watch event

The fourth edition of Dubai Watch Week presented the theme of Innovation and Technology. The event at Dubai’s DIFC discussed how these two driving forces are shaping the watch industry today.

Dubai Watch Week

Under the guidance of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Dubai Watch Week was open to collectors, brands, watch enthusiasts and member of the media who came together to share knowledge and discover the latest novelties and trends in watchmaking. Opened by the Dubai Watch Week Committee, the event saw a number of key CEOs from around the globe sharing their knowledge in talks and panels. Participating brands included Roger Dubuis Ulysse Nardin, Rolex, Bell & Ross, Chopard, Bovet and many more.

Dubai Watch Week

The Horology Forum was host to several discussions throughout the event with a focus on technology and innovation in the industry. Guest speakers included Jean-Claude Biver, Aline Sylla-Walbaum, Global Managing Director of Luxury at Christie’s, watch collector Hamdan Al Hudaidi and more. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum also attended on Day three of the event and showed her interest in some of the pieces on display.

Dubai Watch Week

The launch of the Hublot and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons Classic Fusion Special Edition Bronze Anticlockwise watch was much talked about. The all-new timepiece was launched on November 22nd and is Hublot’s first-ever watch made fully from bronze. Featuring a grey dial, Arabic numerals and an anti-clockwise movement, which is a first for the brand.

De Bethune X @byJorgHysek Dream Watch 6 Table Clock

Another exciting launch was the De Bethune X @byJorgHysek Dream Watch 6 Table Clock. This unique piece uses contemporary art mechanics to give a moon phase with an accuracy of 5.7 seconds in a lunar month, or one day every 1225 years. The complexity of this clock is so in-dept it combines a unique design with the most forward-thinking technology.

Dubai Watch Week was organised in partnership with Christie’s who presented a number of talks and discussions across the four-day event, as well as the opportunity for visitors to discover auction pieces and have the opportunity to bid for some of the rarest watches in the world.

Two New Models of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Collection are now live on Ounass.com

Tod’s Fall/Winter 2019 – Discover the Collection in Our Latest Editorial Shoot

Discover the fall/winter 2019 collection by Tod’s as ease meets elegance with a classic yet modern take on winter wear and accessories that will last a lifetime.

Green jacket in croco printed calf skin
Croco printed calf skin skirt
Satin pouch bag with metal studs
All Tod’s

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Patent leather caramel trench
Turtleneck pullover
Tod’s D Styling in white calf skin
Angle boot with rubber sole and Gommini details
All Tod’s

Wool and cotton gabardine short coat
Turtleneck white pullover
Caramel boots with a rubber sole and Gommini details
Tod’s Crossbody mini bag
All Tod’s

Bordeaux puff jacket in technical fabric and patent skin details
Patent leather skirt
All Tod’s

Forest green shearling coat
Turtleneck pullover
Double T leather belt
Forest green patent leather boots with rubber sole and Gommini details
All Tod’s

Pony skin effect trench with lynx pattern
Black calf skin pouch bag with metal studs
Chain necklace
All Tod’s

Croco printed shirt
Wool check pants
Croco printed D Styling
All Tod’s

Coat in check wool with shearling and leather details
Classic black moccasin
Bordeaux shopping bag
All Tod’s

Green jacket in Croco printed calfskin
Croco printed calfskin skirt
Satin pouch bag with metal studs
All Tod’s

Fashion Director: Eliza Scarborough
Photographer: Carla Guler
Hair and Make-up: Kenny at Carol Hayes
Model: Georgina at Models 1

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

American fashion brand Coach recently launched its new holiday campaign Wonder For All starring Kate Moss, actress Yara Shahidi, rapper Megan Lee Stallion and more. The campaign is set in New York and features a magical get together, setting the mood of the festive season.

SCROLL DOWN FOR EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

The campaign also introduces the house’s new Horse and Carriage collection. With a new version of the Kat Saddle Bag, the collection reimagines Coach’s iconic Horse and Carriage motif in the form of a cool, colourful pattern. First introduced to the brand in the 1950s, the Horse and Carriage is a symbol of Coach’s legacy of leathercraft and New York Heritage.

Here we get an exclusive look into what went on behind the scenes while making this colourful campaign.

Giorgio Armani Presents His Pre Fall 2020-21 Collection in Milan

The Faces to Know in the UAE

We discover some of the influential Emirati nationals who are carving out the future of the country both from abroad and within the UAE.

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh is flying the flag for women’s empowerment. In 2013, she became the first Emirati woman to be appointed a Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations. She has also served as President of UN Women since 2017. Nusseibeh has a strong focus on women’s empowerment, regional peach, sustainable development and human rights and has been known to speak powerfully on these subjects.

Hazza Al Mansouri

Hazza Al Mansoori made headlines in the UAE this year when he became the first Emirati national to travel to space. In 2017 young astronauts were invited to register for the UAE Astronaut Programme through the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. Al Mansouri was one of two people selected from over four thousand candidates and his first mission to the International Space Centre took place this September. Al Mansouri was in space for eight days before successfully landing in Kazakhstan on October 3rd.

Abdulla Al Kaabi

Born and raised in Fujairah Abdulla Al Kaabi started as a TV presenter before moving into the realm of directing – something he had always dreamed of. In 2010 he directed his first short film The Philosopher starring French actor Jean Reno. Al Kaabi was just 23 at the time. His movie Only Men Go To The Grave earned him global recognition and awards. It’s thought Al Kaabi is currently working on an Arabic series that will air on platforms including Netflix and Starzplay in the region.

Alia Al Neyadi

Following in the footsteps of her mother Svetlana Al Neyadi, who had a 20-year career as a ballerina in The United States, Alia Al Neyadi became the First Emirati ballerina to perform publicly. Al Neyadi knew she wanted to dance from a young age as she watched her mother. After moving back to the UAE from the States Alia was taught how to dance by her mother who set up her own ballet school in 1998. Alia has fast become a role model to young girls in the region and her dedication dance has seen her take to the stage across the world.

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi was recently named CEO of Dubai Design District. Having worked with the creative zone as COO since 2014, Al Shehhi was previously CEO (Strategies, Technologies and Executive Affairs) at Dubai Media Incorporated and he has been instrumental is directing the purpose-built creative zone towards realising its potential. D3 has become the go-to creative hub and community in the region, bringing together local and international creative minds. As home to D Dubai Design Week, Fashion Forward, Sole DXB and many more international creative platforms, D3 has begun to build quite a name for itself under the guidance of Al Shehhi.

Hissa Al Dhaheri

As Deputy Director at Louvre Abu Dhabi having a passion for art is essential for Hissa Al Dhaheri. Born in Abu Dhabi Al Dhaheri spent her childhood studying visual arts and even considered becoming an artist. Today, Al Dhaheri serves as deputy to the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Director Manuel Rabaté and plays a crucial role in ensuring the international art museum lives up to its name and continues to pave the way for the art industry in the region. With many of the team at the museum coming from international backgrounds. Al Dhaheri has become somewhat the local representative of the museum.

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi

The UAE’s Minister for Tolerance is one of the UAE’s most prominent names in the region and has been especially important in the nation this year as it was announced 2019 would be the year of tolerance in the UAE. Sheikha Lubna was also the first woman to hold a ministerial post in the United Arab Emirates, and the first Emirati to receive the Clinton Global Citizen Award. She has been named one of the most influential women in the Arab world by Forbes.

HE Reem Al Hashimi

Reem Al Hashimi was named Director General for Expo 2020 after it was awarded to Dubai. She also became the UAE Minister of State in the cabinet of the UAE in 2008. She is also is a chairperson for Dubai Cares, a children’s education charity established by Sheikh Mohammed in 2007. Since her ministerial appointment, she has managed the International Affairs Office of the UAE Prime Minister, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Last September, Al Hashimi revealed the UAE’s plans to welcome 15,000 Syrian refugees into the Emirates over the next five years.

Swarovski Honors Women Of The Region With New Power Collection

Giorgio Armani Presents His Pre Fall 2020-21 Collection in Milan

Last night Giorgio Armani presented the Pre-Fall 2020-21 collection at the Armani/Teatro in Milan. The show was part of a series of events that took place throughout the day including the beginning of the Accents of Style exhibition at Armani/Silos and the unveiling of the first every Giorgio Armani High Jewellery collection.

The runway show was a flurry of elegance, as would be expected. In a chic setting, models walked the runway in clean statuesque silhouettes. With a clear influence of the eighties, it seemed Armani looked to the past to bring this collection into the present day.

Trousers suits with oversized blazers were the star of the show. Blazers came in a variety of materials – silks, cotton, velvet. Geometric lines and the occasional flower prints accented the monochrome colour palette which was broken up by flashes of rose-red during the second half of the presentation.

Men’s looks came in warm burgundy tones. Colour coordinating casual suits made for easy wearing. While the smarter looks featured pinstripes and layering.

The show closed what had been an eventful day for the design legend. He had earlier opened the Accents of Style exhibition. The first exhibition of its kind dedicated to the world of Giorgio Armani’s accessories.

And in the morning the first Giorgio Armani High Jewellery collection launched at the Armani Hotel. The collection is characterised by the absolute elegance of its lines and materials and complements the ready-to-wear range, offering a fresh interpretation of authentic and personal luxury.

Milan Fashion Week Highlights: From Salvatore Ferragamo to Gucci

Breitling CEO Georges Kern Discusses the Future and the Latest Novelties From the Watch Brand

Since joining Breitling as CEO 18 months ago, it’s safe to say that Georges Kern has made a lot of changes. Kern has completely redesigned the product offering, re-imagined the boutiques globally, introduced the Breitling Squad concept and that’s just the beginning. He has taken the brand to new markets, most importantly China in which Breitling had zero visibility before, and he has repositioned the watchmaker in line with his vision. Kern has previously spoken of how he looks at Breitling as a “start-up”, with the potential to become bigger and more visible than ever. And it seems to be working so far. During the recent Asian Summit in Dubai A&E met with Kern to discover the latest developments of the brand and his plans for the future.

A lot has changed in the products since you joined Breitling as CEO – what can you tell us about this?

When I first joined eighteen months ago, even I had difficulties understanding the collection. I would go to the store and try to differentiate the watches, and everything was more or less the same. There were essentially 26 variations of the same watch. There needs to be clear segments, that are also aesthetically different and tell different stories and this was not the case when I took over. So we actually went from 41 references to 14 with two simple designs – one in classic steel and one military. That’s it and that’s enough. When a customer comes, (especially if it’s a man), you don’t need to show him 20 watches – you show him three. Yes, with women it might be slightly different, but for a man if you show him more than three watches it’s too complicated and he will run away! So diversity is important but within our three different lines – air, land and sea – there is limited choice, because we don’t need anything more than this. In doing this we allow customers to understand the brand in a much better way.

What have been your achievements since you joined and have you achieved all of your goals yet?

We are doing very well. We are suffering less in Hong Kong than other brands because we didn’t invest there – we invested more in China – so the weaknesses that other brands are facing because of what’s happening in Hong Kong has actually become our strength and we haven’t felt the impact that others have. We have been growing in historically strong markets like The UK, Japan, The United States and we have been putting all of our investments in the last two years into mainland China. This is doing very well but it is still at a level that is too small. We need to triple or quadruple what we are doing in China to reach the levels that we want to reach, but you need to physically build boutiques and that takes time. I think we are one of the very few brands growing at this pace right now. This is also partly because we are younger and fresher, it’s like we are big start-up. We have the loft design in our boutiques which is beautiful and we have the squad concept which I think is working very well, and all the work we have done with the products has been successful. We have kept the DNA of the brand but modernised and simplified it.

You mentioned that you have had success in China – are the physical sales reflecting this?

Yes we have the sales. We have an International Warranty Card System where buyers have to register their card online and this allows us to see where the products are sold. We are having very good sales in China already but the levels are still too low compared with where we want to be. Currently we have 25 boutiques but we should have over a hundred. So we still need to grow. I think the market in China has pivoted over the last two or three years. Today, millennials especially don’t want to buy the watches that their parents bought and with the transparency of the market and digital visibility etc. they know what’s going on in the rest of the world. We had zero visibility in China 18 months ago, but because the market is more transparent, thanks to digital and because the customer knows so much more, things are doing very well and moving very fast.

How important are ladies watches to Breitling?

We have a huge plan for next year. We have two ladies lines coming and one is a sports line. Funnily enough the Superocean is the number one watch for ladies. Which is surprising as it is a tough, sporty watch. So this suggests that there are not enough sports watches in the market for ladies. There are plenty of elegant ladies timepieces, but women today also want bigger, sportier products and this is what they are getting from the Superocean.

Breitling Aviator 8 Mosquito

What can you tell us about expansion in the Middle East and what challenges are you facing here versus other markets?

I don’t think there are too many differences between markets. We have to stop thinking in this way. The luxury consumer is the same everywhere and in the Middle East there is a huge tourist business – yes that has slowed down a little bit but it is still fundamental. It’s similar in Switzerland for example where you find fifty to sixty per cent of sales are to tourists.

We have done a lot of work in the Middle East. We have new boutiques, a strong network and we’re going through the same process that we are going through in the rest of the world. We are growing really well in the region and we are very happy about this part of the business, but we still have good growth to achieve. I think one of our advantages today is that we have a very good price point and I think it is a sweet spot in the market where you can always sell. It’s a very commercial price point so we have constant business.

How are you appealing to today’s customer?

It’s obvious that we are a young brand when you look at our boutiques. We call it inclusive luxury. Everyone talks about exclusivity – yes we are exclusive by definition because of the price of the products and because of the limited distribution – but the way we talk to the customer, the way we present our boutiques and the sports that we’ve chosen to partner with through our squads, it’s very non-traditional and it appeals to everyone. We have a totally different image to any other brand. It’s not about someone being a surfer for example, it’s about what this represents and the message it portrays. What is the message if we have single celebrities in our adverts? It would be weird, you wouldn’t remember them. So this is why we have the squads – they are a statement towards a much broader audience and it allows us to give a powerful holistic message rather than a single message that can sometimes be misleading.

Breitling Avenger Swiss Air Force Team Limited Edition

How can you accommodate the digital requirements of today with the heritage of the brand?

Seventy per cent of the decision process for luxury goods is done online. So the information is gathered and the decision is already made before the customer visits the store. But that doesn’t mean that the customer is buying online. Studies have been done to suggest that millennials still want the store experience. I think in the next few years e-commerce will generate five to ten per cent of sales but you still need to have the physical stores.

What else can Breitling do going forward to support sustainability?

It is something very important to me and I think it is horrible what is going on in this world in relation to this. We as one company cannot change the world, but what we can do is to educate, inform and use a language that will have an impact. We’re not going to change the world with our ECONYL® straps but by doing this we are spreading the message to our clients and these are people that have money and influence. So by them knowing the story, it helps to encourage them to tell the story too. Of course we can’t do everything – I have to take planes for example, but it’s really about the overall message.

One other thing we are looking at is the packaging. I actually think the idea of packaging is crazy. So we are going to change our system – we are not going to ship watches with the packaging, we are going to ship them separately and we will ship fifty per cent less packaging. If somebody requests the box in the stores we will give it to them, but otherwise we won’t. Furthermore this will be recycled packaging and it will be a much smaller box. This will be happening in the next few months. Everything else we do is going to be digital. You don’t need a leaflet for anything anymore. We want to become carbon neutral, I want to reduce plastic within the company. Eighty per cent of being environmentally friendly is easy, but it’s the last twenty per cent that is difficult. You cannot be 100 per cent plastic free, but you can solve eighty per cent of the problem easily with no harm to the business.

Breitling Superocean Outerknown

How do you best sum up what you have done so far at Breitling?

We have changed everything when it comes to the image. Breitling has one of the biggest back catalogues that I’ve ever seen in the industry. It’s crazy but consumers were never aware of it because we always had the last twenty years in mind – the big, bulky pilot watches. Breitling is so much more than this. So this is why we now have the three segments of air, land and sea, and why we have capsule collections and why we have so many stories. We are closely linked to the seventies and civil aviation as well as the sea with our sporting heritage. I think with our style now it’s a whole package and it’s very interesting – it’s younger, more dynamic and inclusive. All of this makes it very different. But honestly I did not know this 18 months ago. The beauty with digital is that you can spread a message very quickly. I think the single most impactful move we have made was the Surfer Squad. This was phenomenal in terms of changing the image of the brand. It added a coolness and a relaxed way of living which is very different from say golf or tennis.

What lessons have you learnt since you joined Breitling?

I have learnt a lot from my investors. When you are working in a big corporation as I have previously, you have people for everything. But when you are in an independent company you have to do everything by yourself and I am doing things that I have never done before, especially related to finances, and my learning curve has been huge.

In one sentence how would you describe Breitling today?

We offer a cool, relaxed, and an informal alternative to other more conservative brands.

Breitling Unveils New Superocean Watch

Celine Launches the Haute Parfumerie Collection

Created by Hedi Slimane, Celine launches the Haute Parfumerie Collection. A collection that draws its know-how from French high perfumery, in keeping with the tradition of the Couturier Parfumier.

The collection consists of 11 perfumes, with the first nine launching this month and the last two, early next year.

The perfumes are designed to be worn by both men and women, something that is becoming increasingly common today and also fits in with the vision of Hedi Slimane. The accords and compositions in each scent harmonise masculine and feminine notes.

The spirit of Paris is at the core of this project and each of the fragrances is aptly named after something related to the city or another experience in Slimane’s career. Ranging from Saint-Germain-Des-Prés to Dans Paris to Parade and Le Peau. Each fragrance has its own name and unique identity.

For Hedi Slimane this project was about once again raising the question of French taste and its meaning within our era. The starting point was his Olfactory Journal, where each perfume relies on a specific memory.

All the perfumes feature a powdery note, preferred by Slimane. This powdery note provides sophistication and elegance.

The perfume bottles were designed in keeping with the tradition of French glassmaking. It is decorated on two sides with sharp-edged fluting and topped with a faceted black lacquered cap. The bottle has a distinct feel of Art-Deco.

The first Haute Parfumerie boutique is now open in Paris in parallel with the launch of the perfumes. Designed by Hedi Slimane the boutique was created in line with the brand’s aesthetics.

Get To Know: Hourglass Beauty’s Global Makeup Artist, Chanel Temple

Sisley Presents the New Phyto-Ombres Eyeshadow Collection

Sisley presents the new Phyto-Ombres eyeshadows for 2019. With a rich velvety texture, they are blendable and incredibly lightweight with a vibrant selection of twenty rich, intensely pigmented shades.

Sisley Phyto-Ombres

Photographer; Henry Pascual
Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Dior Sauvage: Explore the New Fragrance for Men from the World of Christian Dior

Get To Know: Hourglass Beauty’s Global Makeup Artist, Chanel Temple

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

Dubai Design Week returns for its 2019 edition this month serving as a regional hub for creative forces.

The main exhibition venue Downtown Design is located in Dubai Design District and sees design-based companies from all across the world travelling to Dubai to showcase their latest innovations and projects. The six-day event also includes the Global Grad Show which brings together projects from 100 universities from around the world, and Abwab; the curated interactive project containing original designs from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

Held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, this year’s Downtown Design will see more exhibitors than ever with 100 new brands championing the growth of the region’s design industry and concreting its place on the global scale. For the first time, visitors will be able to engage with a multi-faceted expression of contemporary design as three leading practices will present never-seen-before concepts specially commissioned for the fair. Downtown Editions will also return as a dedicated section for limited edition and bespoke design, celebrating the next generation of talent.

Installations will feature throughout, highlighting creativity from around the world: Preciosa will present their large-scale interactive installation Carousel of Light, technology artist Anthony James will bring his dynamic glass and LED sculpture Icosahedron and global architecture practice LWK+ Partners will present an interactive space that reflects both the heritage and modernity of the studio’s home base in China.

Downtown Design’s Trade Programme continues to address the needs of the competitive design industry, helping members to raise their profile and forge industry relationships. Featuring a series of networking events and privileges, put in place to help design professionals make the most of the fair’s platform, it facilitates opportunities for architects and interior designers to connect with peers, brands and industry influencers.

The Forum at Downtown Design will present a number of talks over the six days which will see design professionals sharing their knowledge and insights into brand building, the current market trends and the future of the industry. There will be unique opportunities for design professionals to network, as well as raise their profile in the region. Themes will range from how to build a business in design to managing clients in design firms and design marketing.

The Global Grad Show will also return, showcasing 150 graduate projects from over 100 universities across the world. Visitors are invited to interact with the graduates and discover the projects and innovative ideas, giving a glimpse into the next generation of the industry. This year’s programme will include a conference about social impact education and an initiative supporting graduates to develop social startups.

This year will also see the return of Abwab – the exhibition created to focus on design talent in the region. In this year’s edition designers are challenged to recreate the local classrooms of their cultures – with designers coming from India, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit each pavilion and interact within the space.

Dubai Design Week will run from 11-16 November 2019.

Bvlgari and Save the Children Sent Three Students to Italy to Train With Chef Niko Romito

Alessandro Sartori, Artistic Director of Zegna Talks, Legacy, Sustainability and the Future

Alessandro Sartori the Artistic Director of Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna, talks design, legacy, his true passions and why now is the perfect time to launch the latest campaign What Makes a Man.

Alessandro Sartori has truly succeeded in ensuring that legacy, craftmanship and modernity perfectly meet since taking on his role at Ermenegildo Zegna. His modern and forward thinking designs have gone from strength to strength since he became Artistic Director in 2016. Now, with the What Makes a Man campaign, Sartori opens a new chapter for the brand. One the starts a conversation and addresses the personalities and emotions of men rather than just what they wear on a material level.

We met with Sartori in New York for the launch of the campaign and sat down to discuss the conversation he is starting and why it is such an important conversation to be having in 2019.

How did the What Makes a Man campaign come to life?

The lifestyle we are envisioning at Zegna is not only about a clothing silhouette, it is about a persona, someone that has his own life, feelings and emotions. We meet people around the world every day as tailors, doing fittings in people’s apartments etc. and I always get into these topics. It’s been a part of our daily conversation since I first joined Zegna. When we meet these people, conversations are happening, we start opening Pandora’s Box of fabrics and models and at the same time we start to talk with them about their lives. And it is these conversations that we constantly have within our team about our clients and also about our friends and ambassadors, what are they thinking and how do they live and express their masculinity? There is not one answer or one definition, there are in fact many and many of these that are very private and personal. So we decided to open this conversation because we think it is important to discover the truth of Zegna, after the clothes.

Who is the man that you are designing for today?

He’s not one man, he is a cluster of different characters and people from every part of the world. It is very inclusive. We did our last show at the Central Station in Milan and we talked about diversity and standing out, so it is this idea of a huge broad casting, more than a specific ethnicity or character. It is embodying a very inclusive approach and delving into a unique opinion.

What are the prerequisites when you are choosing brand ambassadors?

Authenticity, credibility and a very honest approach to what they do and a very open point of view. The reason why we chose Mahershala Ali was not for the advertising, it’s because we have been working with him for years, but there was one time in LA when we had a fitting for him and he came himself rather than sending the stylist because he wanted to meet the people behind the brand and see what we were doing. He explained his approach to fabrics and his relationship with his father and how he used to go home with beautiful suits, and we actually felt that he should become one of our friends and we then explained the concept of the campaign and that’s when we decided to work together. So it’s always organic and natural, most of these people are our customers and friends before being ambassadors.

What defines you as a man and what are three characteristics that you are proud of?

First of all being honest to myself. That’s something that I am particularly proud of. Secondly is to love what I like to love. To love and to be open to love whom and what I like to love. Thirdly is that I don’t consider private and professional life to be split and I choose to be happy in what I do – so if I work 16 hours it’s because I like to work 16 hours, not because I’m paid to do the work and little by little this is something that I’m working on that’s giving me a lot of satisfaction.

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

The work we are doing is constantly transforming. There are so many layers we can touch and this campaign is one example. Some of these layers we treat like the idea of recovering the waste and transforming, with the new fabrics. Some of our projects I’m still working on, and I think my mission is to accomplish all the ideas I had.

How is Zegna moving forward in terms of sustainability?

It is a mindset and process. We have a lot of layers and Zegna is now one of 32 companies who signed The Fashion Pact. The company however has always been focused around sustainability. The factories producing our fabrics now, are sustainable as far as energy goes, because they produce energy from water that is used by the company and is totally eco-friendly. This is just one example. There are so many. I’m very interested in the Carbon Footprint and waste. So we use sustainable cashmere and leather, we re-use water within the production of our clothes, we try not to create a lot of waste and we use a very clean process.

On top of that I think a big part is how we move the pieces to the final customer and what we do with the waste. There are so many issues with waste today be it with food or clothes, waste is a big thing that we all need to consider. During the journey from the initial raw material to the final fabric that is used to make the garment, fifty per cent of what was collected initially is gone. It’s like saying your car is losing fifty per cent of its gas before getting to the engine. So to organise a new process where this fifty per cent is reduced down to thirty or twenty and then to use that waste to create something new, is something I am working on. It’s also a mindset that I’m working on with my design team and as far as everything that goes into the garments – lining, padding, trimming etc. – everything is affected.

Zegna is a brand that has a great legacy. What is the strategy you use when you are designing to make sure you respect this legacy but also appeal to the young modern crowd?

First of all we perfectly know the rules of our savoir-faire. Not just the style but also the make and the way things are made. We use our own vintage pieces when we make new collections and the main reason for this is is not to check the details or the style, but to open the garments and check how they were made before. If you see that a jacket has the possibility to be reduced one size but enlarged one size as many of our pieces did, it will date back to the forties and fifties as everything that was a little costly was cut after that to make production less expensive. Actually we go back to the roots and we all know how these little details were done. There are so many techniques and rules to these things and this is part of the legacy, as well as knowing there is a strong legacy in using the most beautiful fabrics. So we are totally attached to the craft, as far as the legacy is concerned, but we work forward as far as the style is concerned.

What are we expecting to see from you next year?

Another big step forward. I am a big fan of collecting garments, and mixing the old and new, and I am a big fan of adding layers. It means that in the future collections you will see this and you will see what masculinity means today. There will be beautiful cashmere and wool that we create from an organic process in Australia. There are other layers that we will be unveiling that are important in which we are creating a new language.

When you want to be inspired and clear your mind, what do you do?

I need to be connected with my passions aside from fashion. These are art, photography and classic cars. These are particularly interesting to me because I seem them as a way to refresh my mind. What I really like about modern art and photography is the self-expression of an individual and their artistic point of view. When I see photography by photographers I really love, I feel that after the picture that you see at first, there is the message within the colours, perspectives, angles etc. and that attracts me a lot.

As far as classic cars are concerned I’ll tell you a little story. A friend of mine is a very well-known car designer. When he used to work at BMW he was the guy that designed the new Mini and when we met I asked him about it. It was interesting because the Mini wasn’t a new project. First of all he told me he didn’t design it alone and he told me how he had very little time and he was very nervous because himself and the team, they didn’t know how to connect the past and the future. He was very disconnected with the idea of having something that was an old car, but it needed to be new. So they decided to decorate four rooms within their studio based around four decades. The first the seventies, was full of orginal Minis from that era as well as photography, music and movies of the seventies. Then they created the room of the eighties, nineties etc. without any car. They then designed two cars that were never made – the Mini of the eighties and the Mini of the nineties – he has them in his sketchbook. Then at the end he was able to design the car of 2000s. He said that he wanted to act like it was an evolution, not a revolution. So they designed two cars that were never made in order to help them get there. I think what is particularly important is to be connected but to evolve. This to me is the best story that explains not only this success but also other successes and it is a legacy, with a mind that looks forward.

If you were to describe the What Makes a Man campaign in one word, what word would you use?

One word is difficult! In four words I would say ‘we open the conversation’. We do not want to define what the man has to be or what masculinity is, we don’t want to be pretentious, but we want to open a conversation because there are a lot of different feelings, emotions and types of people so we think it’s important to open the question and to receive different answers.

What is a life lesson that you can share with us?

When creating this campaign I saw a lot of different things, some of these were known to me already, some weren’t. But basically I came to the conclusion that normally when you do a photoshoot, you have a very strict idea of what you want to achieve and explore around that. This advertising campaign however was all about the journey, then we got the result. So the idea was living in the moment and being open to different emotions, because we wanted these emotions to come out even before the photo. And there I learnt something that I really like, it’s not my own sentence but it is something I’ve seen in a book and that is ‘life is a journey, it’s not where we want to go.’ And this is exactly what’s behind this campaign. The journey of creating it makes it exactly what it is today. It was totally free and out of the barriers.

By Lara Mansour Sawaya

Alexander Wang Talks to A&E on his New Collaboration With Bvlgari

Bvlgari and Save the Children Sent Three Students to Italy to Train With Chef Niko Romito

As a part of the partnership between Bvlgari and Save the Children, three students were chosen to travel from Bolivia to Italy for a once in a lifetime opportunity to train and work with world renowned Chef Niko Romito

Established in 2016 by Save the Children in partnership with Bvlgari, a Youth Empowerment Program was implemented in four countries, including the African countrey of Bolivia. The program aims to provide youths aged 14 to 20, who are in vunerable situations, with new personal and professional skills that will help them through life and allow them to achieve their potential and goals they never thought possible.

In Bolivia, the lack of economic opportunities and high unemployment rates expose young people to poverty and mean a high risk of exploitation. The Youth Empowerment model aims to help reduce this risk and empower these young people, allowing them to have a better chance in life. So far, over 8,000 youths and more than 4,000 adults have benefitted from the program in nine states of Bolivia. A 3.4 million dollar donation was made by Bvlgari to help achieve the goals over a five-year period.

In 2018, twenty two students of the Bvlgari and Save the Children’s Youth Empowerment Program in Bolivia took part in special training with three Michelin-starred Chef Niko Romito, who has restaurants in many of the Bvlgari Hotels worldwide. The project saw Romito travel to La Paz in Bolivia, to deliver an education on the art of baking with young students. The world-famous chef taught children and teens how to bake for their own families, with a special focus on baking bread.

This year, the second part of this project saw three of the youngsters from the group being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Italy and continue their training with Niko Romito in his home country. The three chosen youths included siblings Claudia and Oscar as well as aspiring chef Juan Louis. All three were travelling outside of their home country for the first time. The three visited the region of Abruzzo – where Niko Romito born and the location of his prestigious restaurants Reale, Bread Laboratory and Academy. Here they were given the opportunity to train and work with the chef in his own restaurants.

Claudia and Oscar baked fragrant bread, also taking part in the delicate preparation of traditional desserts including the famous bombe at the Bread Laboratory.

Jean Luis got to experience the meticulous work that lies behind a sophisticated dish and impeccable service at Reale restaurant. The three students spent one intense week immersing themselves in the kitchen environment, learning new skills and gaining confidence and a better awareness of their potential.

After the project Claudia sent a letter to Niko Romito with a message that read; “Your support has given me the strength to believe that, no matter what, I will succeed in fulfilling my dreams.”

Discover Exhale the Dubai Based Fashion Brand Inspired by Mental Health

Ingie Chalhoub Discusses Karl Lagerfeld and the White Shirt Project

The White Shirt Project plays homage to Karl Lagerfeld’s love of the Wardrobe staple. Ingie Chalhoub shares more on joining the initiative

Karl Lagerfeld’s death last year was one of the biggest losses the fashion industry has suffered. The outspoken designer became a living legend thanks to his unique approach to design and his ability to perfectly combine tradition and the modern day. Lagerfeld worked for 36 years at Chanel, and over fifty years at Fendi, as well as launching his own-named brand in 1984, so his legacy will surely live on through the visions he created.

The latest project by the house of Karl Lagerfeld is doing just this. A Tribute to Karl: The White Shirt Project celebrates one of Lagerfeld’s most beloved styles: the white shirt. A wardrobe staple that the designer reworked again and again – modernising the classic shape while continuing to keep its undeniable elegance. For this project, a group of 50 artists, actors, designers, models and friends of Karl Lagerfeld were invited to create their own interpretation of the white shirt. The group includes many well-known names such as Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, Lewis Hamilton, Tommy Hilfiger, Carine Roitfeld and from the Middle East; Ingie Chalhoub – founder of INGIE Paris.

Each of the participants was presented with a classic Lagerfeld white shirt and invited to interpret it in a way that embodied their own style. The project was originally launched during Paris Fashion Week, with a celebration at Lagerfeld’s Paris residence that saw all fifty of the contributors attend. Seven of the final designs will be replicated seventy-seven times and sold for charity at a price of seven hundred and seventy seven Euros as a homage to Lagerfeld’s favourite number; seven. All proceeds of the shirt sales will be donated to the French charity Sauver la Vie which funds medical research at the Paris Descartes University – a cause that Lagerfeld supported for many years.

The final shirts were displayed at an exhibition in Paris during Paris Fashion Week. This exhibition then travelled around the world, with the first stop in Dubai. As the shirts arrived in the UAE for a limited time only, it seemed very fitting that we found the opportunity to talk to Dubai-based designer Ingie Chalhoub who was representing the Middle East in this project. Chalhoub’s standout design features and array of feathers and lace – combining her own unique design style with the elegance and sophistication of Lagerfeld’s white shirt. When we m

et with her in Dubai, Chalhoub spoke of her admiration for Lagerfeld and why she decided to be part of this special project.

What inspired your design and why did you decide to be part of this project?

I’m so proud and honoured to be invited to join this project. I have always admired Karl Lagerfeld very much. I believe he was one of the few designers of this century who successfully brought modernity to the classic chic style and at the same time created pieces that were beautiful with a touch of femininity. This is what I wanted to bring to my design. I wanted to capture the DNA of INGIE Paris while keeping in mind the identity of Karl Lagerfeld’s style. So I created something that was simple and chic, yet glamorous and feminine. The whole idea was really to create a shirt that combines the two brands as well as being something that can be worn in many different ways.

You used feathers on your design, what inspired this?

My previous ready-to-wear collection was created around feathers and embroidery so I decided to bring this to my white shirt design. I wanted to keep the link between my own brand and this project and I felt this was the right way to do it.

How do you envision the shirt being worn?

In a very cool and modern way. Either with blue jeans, white pants or with a pencil skirt. It should be worn in a very simple way because the design is already quite busy so you need to break it up with something chic and cool.

What does a white shirt represent to you?

It represents an individual that is very confident and bold and suggests that a woman is strong and bold yet modern and contemporary when she wears it.

How has Karl Lagerfeld influenced you as a designer?

I have always admired Karl a lot. I think he will leave a big legacy in the fashion industry. His designs have always been undeniably modern and contemporary yet classic and elegant. Since he started with Chanel I have followed his path and I have worked very closely with the brand as well as many of the other brands he has worked for and I’ve always been very impressed by what he did.

What’s been the reaction since this project was first presented in Paris?

I was very happy because it seems that a lot of people admired my shirt in Paris. I heard Anna Wintour was actually one of them! As well as Gigi Hadid and Suzy Menkes. I’ve had some really nice compliments about my shirt. I’m very proud to have been part of this project. The event itself took place in his residence in Paris so that was so emotional. We all gathered under the same roof inside his house and it was really special.

What’s in the pipeline for INGIE Paris?

I just came back from Paris where I showcased my latest collection. It was amazing and I had great response to it. I had a lot of people coming to buy the collection after the show. I feel like each season I’m getting better and better and this is the way I want to go to reach higher and higher levels of success.

The Ramadan Edit: Fashion, Jewellery and Accessories For A Glamorous Celebration

Giorgio Armani Will Present His Cruise 2021 Collection in Dubai

Legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani will present his 2021 Cruise collection in Dubai with a spectacular fashion show next year.

The show will coincide with the highly anticipated reopening of the Giorgio Armani flagship store in Dubai Mall.

Giorgio Armani has a special relationship with Dubai thanks to the opening of the Armani Group’s luxury hotel in 2010 within the world’s tallest building, The Burj Khalifa.

The designer spoke of the announcement; “I’m very happy to be back in Dubai after ten years, especially on the occasion of the Expo 2020 which will place a great emphasis on the city.”

He continued; “Dubai is a luxurious and fascinating place with a soul focused on the future, always in pursuit of the imagination; and it’s the perfect place to present my Giorgio Armani Cruise 2021 collection.”

This will be the first time the brand has held such a show in the Middle East. While full details of the show are yet to be released it’s sure to be spectacular.

Sergio Rossi Launches a New Project That Celebrates Its Heritage

Two New Models of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Collection are now live on Ounass.com

Two new models from the TAG Heuer Aquaracer collection featuring emerald green dials are now available to order online in the UAE.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer Male Collection now live on Ounass.com

The Swiss watchmaker presents two new watches inspired by the blue and green shades of the ocean. Part of the Aquaracer collection the two green-dialled models offer a combination of sports and classic watches. For men and women the two pieces are distinguished by their everyday versatility and dive-ready technology.

Designed to be purchased alone or together as a couples pair of watches the Aquaracer watches are the perfect festive gift. The two watches are robust and designed for sport experiences – whether that be diving at sea or dune-bashing in the desert. Both watches feature all standard diving features of the collection including being water resistant up to 300 metres, an unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, luminescent hands and makers, a double security clasp and a sapphire crystal.

These two elegant pieces are now available to buy at Ounass.com meaning you will have the watch at your door in as little as two hours thanks to the same day delivery policy in the UAE as well as express delivery to KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. Click here to buy… Ounass TAG Heuer

Dubai Watch Week Will Return Next Month, We Discover More

Discover Constance Hotels and Resorts in The Maldives

The Constance Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives are an ideal destination for the whole family, newlyweds, honeymooners and even expectant mothers as a way for rediscovering yourself and reconnecting with nature and marine life.

Constance has two properties within the cluster of islands and we were lucky enough to discover both. Constance Halaveli Maldives island resort stands out for its luxurious style and its unique villas that ensure all guests enjoy their privacy. While Constance Moofushi is a social oasis on a green island that cares about the environment and sustainable resources.

When you choose to visit Constance Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives, we advise you to go to the Constance Lounge near the capital city airport, Male where the seaplane is ready to take you to your destination, or can reach it it by speedboat if you prefer.

As soon as you step foot on the islands, you’ll be warmly greeted by the staff as they smile and wave at you, taking you to the reception to give you your villa keys. You will get to sample the luxurious location as they will take you on a mini-tour in a buggy around the resort to explore the bars and restaurants which cater to many different needs and tastes.

At both resorts, everything is picture perfect, so you’ll find yourself stopping at every moment to take pictures. Some of the best spots include the Instagram-friendly decor such as swings made from cane, and old boat painted blue, and seats that are overlooking the beautiful blue sea and white sands. For some of the best social media snaps, you’ll have to swim to the seats immersed in the water to take the most memorable photos.

ACCOMODATION

The villas in Halaveli will captivate you with their luxurious designs. You can choose either a sea villa floating on wooden planks and ideal for newlyweds or for those who wish to be with nature directly. Or there are the beach villas, which are ideal for families with young kids, as it allows you to live in the heart of nature among the coconut trees and flowers which are spread everywhere.

You’ll even have the opportunity to see some wild animals and it will make the children very happy to get to know the likes of birds, bats, colourful lizards, crabs and octopus. The villas are spacious inside and out to enable you to run around freely. You can spend the day inside without getting bored and enjoy feeling free and independent, and you will definitely enjoy the privacy of your own swimming pool.

FOOD AND DINING

Many tourists book their holidays with the full board option to enjoy one of the best things to have in life. The food itself at these resorts could be considered a new adventure thanks to huge international offering at the resorts. From Indian to Mediterranean to Thai.

If you are looking for a romantic experience opt for the beach dining where you will find a table decorated with red roses, for the ultimate private experience.

SPA AND WELLNESS

An absolute must is trying the full body massage on the beach in on both islands, as it’s a great experience. As soon as you enter the spa, you feel as though you are transported to another place.The staff are welcoming and will show you to a private room overlooking the sky blue sea with a glass window on the floor so you can watch the fish and sea creatures amongst the coral reef during your treatment.

Your therapist will even give you the option to choose your the music you want to listen to, As well as a choice of body oil you prefer and what type of massage you would like. Once you’ve finished, head to the lounge to enjoy and a cup of warm ginger or iced tea.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

When you arrive at Constance Moofushi Maldives you will see clear signs of sustainable living under the management of Sasha Fay, the resort’s general manager. Protecting the environment and getting involved in building a new environment of respect of the nature is a priority at this resort. As Fay explained, this starts with the staff respecting each other and making the cause feel like one big family effort, resulting in getting rid of all the waste and plastic in a sustainable way.

Constance Moofushi Maldives is a pioneer of environmentally friendly tourism, as it was the first resort in the Maldives to sign an agreement with an environmental friendly resort management company (West Management Cooperations LTD) in 2017. The resort is expected to receive the Green Global Award Certificate, which is given to environmentally friendly establishments, as it already has so many different green initiatives such as recycling, water and energy conservation, fertilisation and protecting agriculture and livestock.

ACTIVITIES

This resort offers guests a lot of special activities on both islands so you can enjoy the Maldives’ nature in the rich details. Travel around the island by boat and enjoy the golden hour in serene and calm at sunset or try your hand at mocktail making with the as the resort’s courses designed for family participation.

If you prefer to be in the water snorkelling around these island is one of the best experiences ever, whether you are a professional swimmer or not. As soon as you dive in the water you will feel as though you are in a more peaceful and calm world. You will see colourful fish, coral reef and sea turtles. There are some very beautiful other creatures living on this earth in their own environment away from our fast and digital world.

For those who like challenge there are a number of water sports to experience including stand-up paddling, jet ski trip and speed boats, so you’ll always have something to keep you busy!

Reviewed by Ruba Nesly

A&E Reviews: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, Oman

Discover Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2019 Collection

Fendi’s autumn/winter 2019 collection was the last designed by Karl Lagerfeld in partnership with Silvia Fendi featuring some of his signature design elements and celebrating the beauty of the female form. Discover more in our latest editorial shoot.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO…

Organza pleated skirt with mesh turtleneck
Frame knee-high boot
Eyeline Sunglasses Fendi Mania Watch

All Fendi

Organza pleated skirt with mesh turtleneck
Frame knee-high boot
Eyeline Sunglasses Fendi Mania Watch

All Fendi

Organza dress with silk Foulard belt
FF Frame knee high boot
Peekaboo XS

All Fendi

Organza dress with silk Foulard belt
FF Frame knee high boot
Peekaboo XS

All Fendi

Miniskirt tailleur with white bow blouse & Karligraphy tights
FF frame boots
Tote bag

All Fendi

Mesh Skirt & Jacket
White Karl Lagerfeld inspired blouse
FF Frame heel
Patent Baguette Regular

All Fendi

Tulle Princess dress Karligraphy underlay
Kan U regular
FF Frame knee high boot

All Fendi

Cropped patent & shearling jacket
Black Karl Lagerfeld inspired blouse
FF Frame Heels
Fendi Mania Watch
Grey Wool Pleated Trousers

All Fendi

Photography: Ziga Mihelcic
Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge
Model: Bruna at Signature Element
Hair and make-up: Sophie Leach
Location: Kulture House Dubai

Milan Fashion Week: Fendi Spring/Summer 2020

Fendi Watches Presents the Forever Fendi Timepiece

Discover Sisley’s new foundation Phyto-Teint Ultra éclat

Sisley’s iconic foundation gets a new update with Phyto-Teint Ultra éclat. This radiance activating skincare formula offers an ultra-velvety finish that will last all day. Available in fourteen shades, get ready for a complexion that’s beaming with light

Phyto-Teint Ultra éclat
All Sisley

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Photography: Henry Pascual

K By Dolce & Gabbana Is The New Fragrance For Men You Need To Know About

Benefit Cosmetics Regional Brow Artist Discusses Tips, Trends and Tricks to Having Great Brows

When it comes to brows, Benefit Cosmetics has been the expert since 1976 and in 2016, Benefit established itself as the number one Brow Brand Worldwide and has remained number one ever since.

With an extensive range of brow products available, as well as in-store brow grooming, in the Middle East, thousands of women rely on Benefit to perfect their brows. Leading the movement in the region is Yara Ayoob, Benefit Cosmetics Regional Brow Artist. Here we talk to Ayoob on how to get the best brows for your face, which products to use and the latest in brow trends.

Can you share with us some of the latest trends in eyebrows?

Nowadays, we see a lot of women embracing their natural brow shape and filling in their brows very subtly. There is a trend for “Minimalistic Brows” that look just a bit more enhanced than your actual brows. Women have been depending on brush-through gels a lot to shape their brows.

Do you think the big eyebrow trend is still as popular as it was?

Big and bold brows are a beautiful style in my opinion and will never go out of style completely. It will always be there but there will be a few tweaks to match ongoing trends. If you love big and bold brows, but you’re afraid or feel they are not your style, you can still rock them in a subtle way without intensifying the colour while filling in your brows.

What is the one eyebrow product every woman should have in her handbag?

Benefit Gimme Brow+ of course! It has always been my go-to product as it is a tinted gel that you brush through your brows to make them look volumized on the go! It’s super convenient, quick, and easy to use no matter what your level of expertise is. You can also use it to fill in gaps by dabbing the tip of the product against the area.

What is the best way for women who only have five minutes in the morning to have good looking brows?

You just need two products to get your brows looking gorgeous in under five minutes! My favourite combo is the Benefit Brow Styler wax pencil and powder along with 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel that will help lock in your brows the whole day. Brow Styler is super easy to use. Use the diamond-shaped tip of the wax side to define and shape your brows. Next, use the powder on the other end to fill in only the spaces that need filling in order to have natural fuller-looking brows. Then you can set your brows by brushing 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel through them. Your brows will stay in place all day long and will look full and defined in that ‘I put minimal effort, but I still look amazing’ way!

When colouring your brows what advice do you have on the choice of colour? Should it be darker than the natural brow tone?

If you want to tint your brows, which will last you up to 3 weeks, I advise you to go for a shade darker than your natural brow-tone as the colour will slowly fade after 3 days. If you want to colour and shade your brows with a pencil or a tinted gel, you should choose a colour that matches the shade of your hair as well as the undertone of your skin. Undertones are split up into 3 categories; cool, warm, and neutral. If you have a cool undertone then ashy colours like blonde, grey, and black suit you best, whereas brown and auburn hues compliment people with warm undertones more. As for women with neutral undertones, they should follow their hair colour and match accordingly. At Benefit Cosmetics we have a wide range of shades that suit all undertones.

What is the biggest problem women that come to you are facing with their brows?

I often have women asking me how to fill sparse brows. I always advise by starting off by brushing the brow hairs upwards as it will help identify the spaces they may have. Then with a brow pencil, all they have to do is draw hair-like strokes wherever they have gaps and then brush again to diffuse the product into the brows to avoid any harsh lines.

What advice would you give for at-home touch ups in between salon visits?

Trust me, I’m saying this out of experience: do not pluck your brow hairs on your own and save it for when you get to the salon. I’ve done my fair share of overplucking under my brows back in the day and now I have a few gaps that could have been easily avoided if I were a bit more patient. Concealer will be your best friend in between visits to cover those extra hairs!

What would you say is the best brow removal method – plucking, threading or waxing?

Waxing, for sure. The reason being that unlike threading, waxing removes the hair from the root and exfoliates your skin to give you a beautiful and clean glow! Removing the hair from the root allows it to grow back slower and it is much less painful too.

How often would you recommend getting eyebrow maintenance?

It takes around three weeks for excess hairs to grow back so that is the ideal period of time to wait in between visits. Make sure to stop by your nearest Benefit Brow Bar to get your brows serviced to perfection. We have been helping women achieve the perfect brows for their face for over 40 years.

What advice would you give to women who are trying to grow their brows or wanting thicker brows?

Try using a conditioning primer. I used to have spaces in my arches up until I finally started using the right conditioning primer to nourish my brows and make them look thicker and healthier. I swear by BROWVO! Conditioning Eyebrow Primer which contains Keratin and soy protein that nourish your brows and make them thicker and fuller. You can wear it overnight so it conditions and works while you sleep.

Explore the New Fragrance for Men from the World of Christian Dior

CEO of Ulysse Nardin Patrick Pruniaux Talks Innovation

Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Ulysse Nardin talks technology and the latest developments in the watchmaking industry

When Patrick Pruniaux joined Swiss brand Ulysse Nardin as Chief Executive Officer in 2017 there was much talk in the industry of the direction he would take this marine inspired watchmaker. Joining the brand straight after a three-year stint at Apple, where Pruniaux was involved in the launch of the Apple Watch, it was no surprise that questions were raised about plans to develop an Ulysse Nardin smart watch and how the brand might move forward in terms of technology. But so far it has been a steady ride since Pruniaux took over two years ago as he seems to be taking small steps towards his overall goal for the brand.

With a history dating back to 1846, Ulysse Nardin has always been known for its pioneering and innovative approach to watchmaking. Founded by Mr Ulysse Nardin who was inspired by the sea, he produced some of the earliest marine chronometers which are among the most reliable ever made, still sought after by collectors around the world. As a brand that prides itself in being at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and the innovative use of materials like silicon, it is no surprise they sought leadership from someone from the technology field.

Ulysse Nardin store opening in The Dubai Mall

The brand is one of the few with the in-house expertise to produce its own high-precision components and movements and this has earned Ulysse Nardin membership in the most exclusive circle of Swiss watchmaking, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie. Today, from its manufacturer in Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, the brand focuses its products around five collections: The Marine, the Diver, the Classico, the Executive and the Freak. In 2019, Ulysse Nardin introduces the X-factor in watchmaking.

At the opening of the brand’s first store in Dubai, we met with Pruniaux to discuss what makes Ulysse Nardin so unique and his plans for the future of the watchmaker.

How have things been since you took on the role?

It’s been very exciting. I inherited a company that has a lot of history and a very interesting product line with a lot of potential. Most importantly, I think Ulysse Nardin has always been quite a reserved brand, it was a brand that even I wasn’t that familiar with although I knew some of the products, the Freak in particular. I’ve worked with the team over the last two years to continue finalising the product line-up. We have launched a new diving watch and extended the Freak to be not only one product but a whole collection. We worked a lot on the story and the storytelling around the brand. This already exists but it’s about making people aware of it.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Honestly, I’m facing a lot of challenges! My job is to make sure the level of excitement around the brand is the right one. For me and the team, all of our products are exciting, but for the consumer it’s not always the same. For watch lovers some products are more exciting than others and for some consumers it takes more time for them to understand the products. So probably the biggest challenge I face is how to be ready for that. How can we be ready for the success and how can we try to figure out what is going to be the next success?

What can you tell us about your planned direction for the brand?

It’s actually to reinforce the current strengths of Ulysse Nardin. We are a watchmaker with a lot of history and expertise and we are very genuine and authentic. Our method of manufacturing is disruptive, so we are making things differently. We are also innovative and we are still inspired by the sea and what’s happening today in the world. I think what’s important to me is to acknowledge that watch collectors or watch lovers aren’t only buying watches. When a customer buys a watch, to some extent, they have to do a trade up between a watch or buying another product. So our benchmark is to create the excitement regardless of the product.

How do you think your background in technology has helped you at a brand like Ulysse Nardin?

I’m actually not the only one who has a background in technology within the company. Yes, there are a lot of experts internally including some engineers that are very strong in terms of movement, materials and design but there is also a very wide knowledge in terms of technology. For me, having that background probably makes me feel at ease and closely linked to the innovation within the company.

FREAK X TITANIUM BLACK

What would you like to achieve with the brand in the near future?

For Ulysse Nardin to remain an exclusive brand, but I want to make sure it’s not only for people in the know, which is the case at the moment. We have to widen the level of awareness amongst a larger crowd, even if they aren’t buying a watch, we want them to understand what the brand stands for. We will do this in a number of ways. I am very happy with the new boutique in Dubai Mall but we don’t want to go too wide with store openings, instead we will raise awareness through our communication and our products and the way they explain what we do.

Of course, perhaps because of your background there has been much talk of the possibility of a ‘smart watch’ since you joined – are there any plans in the pipeline for this?

No because I believe in added value. What’s the added value in bringing a smart watch to our business? To be honest the best smart watch in the market is made by Apple. And to only buy a movement from somewhere else and put it into a case with our logo on it, that’s not what we are all about. What we are about is authenticity and our own innovation. I do understand that some brands are trying to make that move, but I don’t think it’s for us. It doesn’t exclude us from taking some initiatives and looking at some other new technologies.

Who is the Ulysse Nardin customer of 2019?

It depends. Usually it’s a male or female who is educated when it comes to watches and someone who is looking for a different experience and not wanting a mass product. When he or she wears the product they are saying something very clear about who they are. They are everything but a follower. It requires a certain level of education about watches to come to our brand. Having said that, with the Freak X for example, it was very interesting to see the excitement around the product and the number of new customers it attracted. They were and still are excited by the design as much as by the movement because it is so unique.

When you are working with a brand that has such a rich heritage how do you ensure that you honour that but also appeal to the modern day customer?

We do that by not compromising on the quality of our product and by remaining true to our values of quality, design, watch expertise, being our own manufacturer and being innovative. That’s actually a good point – if innovation is part of the heritage it makes things easier. The Freak for example is already 18 years old. We created a new generation of movement and widened the product availability on that line but it’s not like we made something completely new. The only thing we want to be doing more of is explaining the story better. At the moment we are only scratching the surface, there is so much more we could be saying about the brand and its very rich history. We are also making sure our Maison is being renovated and we are inviting even more people to come and visit our factory.

You’ve just opened this new store in Dubai – can we expect to see more of you in the region?

Yes maybe but I don’t want us to become overexposed. I really believe quality should prevail over quantity. We have a fantastic boutique with a stunning design and it’s great. Maybe we could have another one or two in the region in the future, but that’s it.

FREAK X ROSE GOLD, FREAK X CARBONIUM, FREAK X TITANIUM BLUE

Are there any new trends in watchmaking that are particularly exciting to you?

It’s a very interesting time for watchmaking. Everything is changing and the customer experience is growing, which is great. Everyone has to be innovative, whether you are a retailer or a watch brand. I think there is a reward for brands that tell a very clear story.

With so many luxury watch brands what do you think makes Ulysse Nardin stand out?

We very often ask ourselves ‘what would the world miss if Ulysse Nardin did not exist?’ And actually there is a certain sense of freedom with the brand that allows our customers to express themselves. I use the world freedom because it encapsulates the notion of our heritage and innovation and a way to express things differently. We believe we have freedom to make watches in the way we want and I think that’s really important. It’s interesting to secure excitement but it’s also important to secure value of time.

How important is storytelling in watchmaking today?

Super important. But for me storytelling is about the genuine, authentic story.

What are your thoughts regarding online selling of watches – do customers still want the in-store experience?

Yes online selling will come, but customers absolutely still want in-store experience. Everyone is talking about omnichannel, and that’s why we have to create an experience. If you look at the store front of our new boutique in Dubai you’ll notice how big the door is, it needs to be welcoming. There was a time when you could be luxurious and welcoming or you could be luxurious and unwelcoming but I think now it’s important to be very welcoming.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

I’m a very optimistic person and my role is to be optimistic and pragmatic at the same time and balance the two. So I think my professional motto is really about development. Self-development, helping others to develop and developing our business. Questioning how we grow, how we change things, how we do things that haven’t been done and how we look at the world in a way where we’re being creative and thinking out of the box.

What’s your personal motto?

It’s actually a quote from a poem by Rudyard Kipling; “If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same.” It’s from a poem called “If”. If you think about it, you could have some success that doesn’t say much about what you’ve done, and you could have failures that actually you’ve done your best and you learn from them.

What is a book you’ve read recently that inspired you?

Black Swan by American Lebanese author Nassim Nicholas Taleb.

How would you describe Ulysse Nardin in one word?

Freedom.

A. Lange & Söhne Presents the iconic Lange 1

Breitling Unveils New Superocean Watch

A. Lange & Söhne Presents the Iconic Lange 1

A Lange & Söhne presents it’s iconic Lange 1 watch, a piece that withstands the test of time and is eternally modern. Here we discover more in our latest editorial shoot.

Mia wears: LITTLE LANGE 1 in pink gold with brown dial
Dress, Max Mara
Samir wears: LANGE 1 MOON PHASE in platinum with rhodié-colored dial
Shirt, jacket, trousers and tie, Hugo BOSS

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Mia wears:
LITTLE LANGE 1 in pink gold with brown dial
Dress, Max Mara

Samir wears:
LANGE 1 MOON PHASE in platinum with a rhodié-colored dial
Shirt, jacket, trousers and tie, Hugo Boss

Mia wears:
LITTLE LANGE 1 MOON PHASE in pink gold with guilloched, argenté-colored dial
Dress, Chloe
Samir wears: GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE in pink gold with argenté-colored dial

Samir wears:
GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE in pink gold with argenté-colored dial

Mia wears:
LITTLE LANGE 1 MOON PHASE in pink gold with guilloched, argenté-colored dial
Dress, Chloe

Samir wears: LANGE 1 in white gold with argenté-colored dial
Tuxedo suit, Hugo BOSS
Mia wears: LANGE 1 in pink gold with argenté-colored dial
Dress and earrings, Elisabetta Franchi

Mia wears:
LANGE 1 in pink gold with argenté-colored dial
Dress and earrings, Elisabetta Franchi

Samir wears:
LANGE 1 in white gold with argenté-colored dial
Tuxedo suit, Hugo BOSS

Mia wears: LITTLE LANGE 1 in white gold with grey dial
Dress, Dolce & Gabbana
Samir wears: GRAND LANGE 1 in white gold with black dial

Photography: Ziga Milhelcic
Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge
Hair and make-up: Manuel Losada
Models: Mia at Signature Element and Samir at Bareface
Location: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

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Dior Joaillerie Celebrates its Twentieth Anniversary

As Dior Joaillerie celebrates its twentieth anniversary we take a look back at the journey of Creative Director Victoire de Castellane as she presents a new collection to celebrate the history of the jewellery maison

Since the first inception of Dior Joaillerie twenty years ago Creative Director Victoire de Castellane has been at the helm of this luxury sector of the French Maison. Over two decades, she has designed thousands of high jewellery and fine jewellery pieces included dozens of collections and many one-off bespoke jewellery pieces for individual clients. Castellane is a legend in the jewellery making business and has loved jewellery since she can remember.

As a young girl, Victoire de Castellane admired the flamboyant jewels of her grandmother who she remembers “changing her jewels several times a day so that they match with her outfits”. At the age of five, she took apart a lucky charm bracelet to make it into a pair of earrings. And at twelve years old, without telling her mother, she melted down her gold medallions and accordingly created her first ring. Castellane was brought up with tales about her great-great-uncle, the French politician Boni de Castellane, who was never seen without his pocket watch, cufflinks and signet ring.

Castellane’s creative influences were with her through her whole childhood and her love for jewellery was undeniable. Her career in jewellery began with Chanel, where she joined as a studio assistant working alongside Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld soon asked her to oversee the development of costume jewellery designs and her passion grew and grew. Castellane worked with Chanel for fourteen years until in 1998 a brand new jewellery department was created by the Maison Christian Dior. Victoire de Castellane was appointed Artistic Director.

From this moment on, the invincible quartet of precious stones – diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires – were to keep a lower profile amongst the chromatic richness of coloured fine stones. Now everyone could discover the infinitely shaded hues of the tourmaline, spinel and morganite or even the opal, Castellane’s favourite.

Castellane has had many sources of inspiration over the years. From Manga cartoon characters and Alice in Wonderland to the Grimm brothers and Walt Disney movies to carnivorous flowers, candies, the visual excesses of Bollywood, the obscure depths of the subconscious and her own childhood memories.

Victoire de Castellane has a unique way of designing jewellery. She creates narrative jewellery revealing poetic and fantastic tales centred around the house of Dior. Each theme represents the codes of Maison Christian Dior and translates them into a treasured language. She has recognised Mr Christian Dior’s love of gardens and roses in particular with the Bal des Roses, Rose Dior Pré Catelan and Rose Dior Bagatelle collections. She acknowledged his love for architecture with the High Jewellery collection Archi Dior. And she looked to the the Château of Versailles, the very symbol of the French-style art of living, to inspire her High Jewellery trilogy, Dior à Versailles, Dior à Versailles, côté Jardins and Dior à Versailles, pièces secretes.

She also celebrated the Maison’s Haute Couture collections with the talisman medallion Rose des vents and the Dior Dior Dior collection of High Jewellery, unveiling precious lace, its unique properties scrolling freely unfolding on necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings. Dior Joaillerie’s symbolic creations are worn like lucky charms imbued with a message of eternity.These jewels also reflect the standards of the jewellery-making metiers, always developing new kinds of know-how at the service of boundless creative freedom.

Now twenty years later Victoire de Castellane takes inspiration from her own previous collections to create an anniversary collection that celebrates everything Dior Joaillerie has become today. Gem Dior brings to life poetical and whimsical pieces that feature the most exquisite coloured stones. A collection that is a declaration of love for gemstones and their beautiful colours and infinite hues, glorified by intense monochromes and subtle shadings or by virtuoso visual impact.

The collection consists of ninety-nine pieces – the biggest by far of any of the house’s High Jewellery collections. The pieces are abstract yet geometric and express Victoire de Castellane’s universe and vision with their poetic settings, asymmetrical effects creative colourways and futurism. Behind this tribute to the gemstone is the exceptional know-how of the craftsman, stone cutters and polishers that come together to create these elegant pieces. Gem Dior shows the finest in jewellery creation and highlights the attention to detail that goes into the production of high jewellery pieces.

As the collection is revealed A&E speaks to Victoire de Castellane about the inspiration behind this collection and some of her fondest memories of working with the Maison.

How do you think Dior Joaillerie has evolved over the past two decades?

I like to constantly change the concept and I think that’s how the collections have evolved throughout the past twenty years.

Do you still remember the first piece you designed for the brand?

Yes, it was a ring called Incroyable et merveilleuse.

What can you tell us about the Gem Dior collection – how does it differ from previous collections?

I wanted to play with the idea of looking at all of my previous collections and zooming in, so the stones become pixelated. I call it abstract, but it’s also organic because nothing is symmetrical or geometrical. It amused me to imagine that I was putting all my previous very figurative collections into a shaker, then throwing them on a table and they would just abstractly recompose themselves. I like to work with shapes and colours and I found it fun to make monochrome and polychrome jewellery. The collection starts with monochrome that goes through gradients and that ends with multicolour. It’s a game with all the colours that we find in the world.

The collection is a lot about colour – what for you is the perfect colour combination?

I like to assemble colours in a way that they do not kill, but magnify each other. It’s like a party when a mix of the right people make it a success.

When you are designing a piece where do you start? Is with the colours of the stones or the shape of the piece etc.?

It can happen either way but mostly it starts with a design. I have the image of the finished jewel in my head. I explain the different ideas to the studio who at the end, are able to produce a gouache drawing (a drawing in the real dimensions of the jewel, often from various angles) of each piece of the collection. We then submit this design to the ateliers in Paris. Then following that there are many comings and goings between the atelier and myself so that each stage – from the green wax for casting to the setting or polishing – complies with the original image that I had of the jewel.

What is your favourite stone to work with?

Opal because they contain all colours in one.

How do you want women to feel when they wear a piece of your jewellery?

I like to think that I make jewels that are friends to the women and they protect them. I want women to hand their jewels down to their daughters, making them eternal. When I wear a piece of jewellery that my great-great grandmother wore, I feel her presence. She continues to live through me. In four thousand years, if an asteroid has not wiped out the earth, jewellery will still be here! It’s a bit of eternity. I would also like my jewels to give women the power of escaping from reality.

What is a piece of jewellery you designed that is special to you?

I do not have a favourite one, they are like a family, I like them all.

What was the first piece of jewellery you were gifted?

As a child, I admired Cleopatra and all her world and my father gave me a golden snake-shaped bracelet that was made of plastic with green stones as eyes. That was my first piece of jewellery.

Do you have a favourite collection since working with Dior Jewellery?

I’m fond of each of my collections, they are all special to me, each one has led me to the next.

How important is storytelling within jewellery?

I like the idea that each jewel and every stone is related to a story.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Feel free in creating.

How would you describe Dior Jewellery in one word?

Joy.

TIMELINE OF DIOR JOAILLERIE COLLECTIONS

1999

Christian Dior’s garden and the very idea of Couture and fancy dress were the inspiration for Dior Fine Jewellery’s first collections. The colours and volumes of Incroyables et Merveilleuses can be found throughout the collections.

2000

The couturier’s favourite flower the rose is composed of coral roses with a bee gathering honey for the Rose Dior Pré Catelan and paved with diamond and pink sapphire for the Rose Dior Bagatelle.

2003

The passion of Christian Dior’s muse Mitzah Bricard for the leopard inspired patter inspires Mitza where the animal’s paw becomes a yellow gold and black lacquered ring. This was also the year of the one-of-a-kind pieces in the boundlessly creative Coffret de Victoire.

2006

The Precieuses reinterpret the solitaire in a fairy-tale décor while the bouquet stays eternally fresh in lacquered gold for the Diorette collection.

2008

For the first time Dior Fine Jewellery takes part in the Paris Biennale des Antiquaires. For the occasion new acidulous and carnivourous flowers inspired Milly Carnivora a Techncolour Eden.

2012

My Dior presents a gold-like mesh or a precious ribbon.

2013

High Jewellery collection Cher Dior opens a new chapter. Precious stones take pride of place and the back of the jewels are elaborated like dotted netting on a veil.

2014

For the Paris Biennale des Antiquaires, Archi Dior, the high jewellery collection and one-of-a-kind High Jewellery pieces paid tribute to the first collections designed by Christian Dior.

2016

Colour plays a starring role for Victoire de Castellane’s 2016 fine jewellery collection. The way in which the pieces are assembled creates a sense of equilibrium that means no colour dominates and each has its equal chance to shine.

2017

The opal, Victoire de Castellane’s favourite stone is the centrepiece of the Dior High Jewellery collection Dior et d’Opales.

2018

Archi Dior is enriched with two pairs of Milieu du Siecle earring. One asymmetric and the other graphic, both in finely polished rose gold with diamonds.

The Rose des vents collection has grown to include new variations designed for stacking and mixing together offering a personalised way to wear jewellery.

Gem Dior Collection Celebrates 20 Years of Jewellery Making

Dubai Watch Week Will Return Next Month, We Discover More

Dubai Watch Week will return next month with the theme of Innovation and Technology. These two crucial drivers of the watch industry will be the focus of talks, presentations and experiences that will celebrate the watchmaking culture and the preserving of this centuries old business

Founded in 2015 by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Dubai Watch Week is open to collectors, brands, watchmakers and members of the media to interact and share their knowledge of the world of watchmaking. With this year’s theme there is sure to be much talk about the transportation of clock movements into wristwatches and how technology has developed in recent years as well as disruptive message, mobile and digital and the innovations in movement creating.

Dubai Watch Week committee members consist of Mohammed Abdul Magied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer, Seddiqi Holding, Remy Julia Christie’s Watch Specialist – Dubai & Head of Watches Middle East – India – Africa, Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi Chief Marketing & Communication Officer, Seddiqi Holding and Melika Yazdjerdi, Senior Marketing & Communications Director, Seddiqi Holding. Together the committee has developed a programme that will educate, create a conversation and bring together a community that will share ideas and knowledge.

Highlights of this year’s Dubai Watch Week will include the Exhibition Hall which will allow brands to explore this year’s theme. Some of the world’s most exclusive brands will present their interpretation of the theme and showcase their latest timepieces. Dubai Watch Week will team up with Christie’s to present the Auction Room, showcasing rare timepieces and holding discussions with industry experts and collectors. Across the five day event there will also be a panel discussions, workshops, talks and experiences that will allow visitors to immerse themselves into the world of watchmaking.

Dubai Watch Week will run from 20th-24th November, 2019

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