As Guerlain makes a name for itself in the sustainable beauty movement, we discover what it’s doing to support the cause.

In 2007 Guerlain made the decision to include a sustainable development plan in its company strategy. Guerlain has identified as a pilot in the LVMH Group’s environmental strategy from the inception thanks to the vision of its Chairman and the Guerlain teams. The commitment, driven by Chairman and CEO Laurent Boillot is structured around six issues. These are:

• Biodiversity – To contribute to protecting raw materials and ecosystems on sites – a source of inspiration and innovation for the Beauty of the World, and vital for Guerlain.
• Eco-Design – To perfect how they innovate and manufacture while limiting the environmental impact of products and activities.
• Social Responsibility – To promote diversity and improve the working conditions and lives of employees and local communities, and to support charitable associations close to the brand.
• Transport – To control CO2 emissions caused by shipments and travel.
• Sustainable Procurement – To adopt a sustainable development approach in collaboration with partners, suppliers and service providers.
• Eco-Responsibility – To be eco-friendly on a daily basis and adopt the best citizenship practices on all sites.

Today Guerlain ensures that through every department and area of its business sustainability is taken into consideration. A board that includes 15 team members from each department oversees the action plan to ensure their area of the organisation is practising in a sustainable manner that’s coherent with the rest of the company.

Facts & Figures

There are many steps that Guerlain has taken to ensure sustainability in its products, packaging, production and more. Here are some of the highlights that are supporting the cause today:

• By 2020 one hundred per cent of all Guerlain’s products will be eco-designed.
• Since 2009, 10,000 orchids have been replanted by Guerlain in the Tianzi Reserve in Yunnan, China. Guerlain has also revived the growing of Vetiver in India in Tamil Nadu in the Coimbatore region. It is a sustainable industry as one hundred per cent of the plant can be used and – thanks to crop rotation – yields are thirty to forty per cent higher.
• Ninety-five per cent of Guerlain’s perfume bottles are recyclable thanks to CEDRE – LVMH’s recycling platform.
• Seventy-two per cent of the company’s waste from Industrial sites in France is recycled.
• Guerlain’s overall CO2 emissions aim to be down by fifty per cent by 2020 compared with what it was is 2007.

THE BLACK BEE ISLAND

Ouessant Island off the coast of France is the place where the unique Black Bee has found it’s a safe haven. This rare species of bee is protected by Guerlain and safeguarded for the use of its royal jelly. The Brittany Black Bee Conservation Association works closely with Guerlain to protect the unique species which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

The rare honey produced by the Black Bee is created in one of the purest ecosystems in the world. The bee gathers nectar and pollen from a unique flora and produces the purest of honey. You can discover these sustainable ingredients, with unique healing benefits in Guerlain’s Abeille Royal Age-Defying skincare range.

Ouessant Island, Brittany, France

Chairman and CEO Laurent Boillot on Sustainability

“Nine years ago, when I took the helm at Guerlain, I was naturally keen to showcase these core values in our strategy by creating a dedicated sustainable development and by setting up a steering committee representing all the departments in our House. Our approach has since been based on six issues at stake, which are also included in the Management Committee’s objectives, placing sustainable development at the heart of our company’s strategy. We have a permanent goal. I often say that while we can’t save the planet on our own, we can play our part. And our ambition grows with every new initiative.

“I am incredibly proud of the actions and initiatives we have launched within the company and which are described in the pages of our second Sustainable Development Report. Committing to a more sustainable planet is an ideal opportunity to promote the culture of beauty and goodness and pass on a beautiful legacy to future generations. In the name of Beauty…”

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The Scheufeles, the founding family of Chopard has always held responsibility and ethics as an important part of their family philosophy since the inception of the brand in 1860 and sustainability is something that has always been at the heart of Chopard, no more so than today.

More than 30 years ago, the family had the vision and determination to develop vertically integrated in-house production and to invest in mastering high-quality craftsmanship. This meant that Chopard was able to manage all the processes from manufacturing to the final product and ensure the sustainability of its materials and production process.

Chopard has been a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council since 2012 and the house has partnered with Eco-Age to launch The Journey to Sustainable Luxury. The programme looks at the key impacts of the brand and the ways in which sourcing and production can be improved.

Earrings from the Green Carpet Collection

Chopard has worked with key partners to responsibly source gold and to feature responsibly sourced emeralds, the first traceable and sustainably sourced opals from a family-owned mine in remote Australia and RJC certified diamonds in high jewellery collections.

Chopard Co-President Caroline Scheufele

Caroline Scheufele, Artistic Director and Co-President of Chopard said: “Since the launch of The Journey to Sustainable Luxury, we have been improving the sustainability performance of our production processes, building responsible supply chains, and playing our part to catalyse positive change for the communities and people touched by our business and products”.

One of the goals of The Journey is to create sustainable supply chains, including the sourcing of gold, emeralds, opals and more. Chopard takes its commitment to the highest standards of ethical sourcing very seriously and that’s why as of 2017 Chopard has taken the decision to cease sourcing Burmese gemstones.

Earrings from the Green Carpet Collection

Over the last five years, Chopard has continued to build on its promise, achieving a number of landmark steps including creating the incredible Green Carpet Collection of High Jewellery using only sustainably sourced and traceable precious materials; the Palme Verte Collection, the first diffusion lines in Fair-mined gold; the world’s first watches in Fair-mined gold in the L.U.C Collection; not forgetting the mythical Palme d’Or which has been crafted from Fair-mined gold since 2014. In 2017, Chopard also launches the new Ice Cube collection, a jewellery diffusion line crafted in Chopard ethical gold 100 per cent responsibly sourced.

Ethical Gold

As of July 2018, Chopard announced that it would be sourcing 100 per cent ethical gold. Chopard defines “Ethical Gold” as gold acquired from responsible sources, verified as having met international best practice environmental and social standards. Chopard gold is responsibly sourced from one of two traceable routes:

Artisanal freshly mined gold from small-scale mines participating in the Swiss Better Gold Association (SBGA), Fairmined and Fairtrade schemes.

RJC Chain of Custody gold, through Chopard’s partnership with RJC-certified refineries.

Chopard’s vision is to increase, as much as it possibly can, the proportion of artisanal gold the Maison buys as it becomes more available on the market. Today Chopard is the largest buyer of fair-mined gold in the world and has joined forces with ARM to support and enable a new artisanal mine to reach Fair-mined certification – CASMA, located in Ancash (Peru) – which will provide training, social welfare and environmental support.

To date, several mines in Latin America including Cooperativa Multiactiva Agrominera de Iquira and Coodmilla Mining Cooperative in Colombia have now achieved Fairmined certification through Chopard’s direct support. By investing alongside ARM in the formalization of mining organisations and their communities Chopard creates hope for these forgotten communities on the margins of society and helping them to make a legitimate and dignified living.

As a responsible company, Chopard wanted to go above and beyond compliance and measure how the Maison can contribute to the achievement of the ambitious and much needed UN Global Goals; including contributing to decent work, reduced inequality and responsible resource consumption.

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Giorgio Armani recently presented its first ever Cruise show in Tokyo. The collection celebrated the brand’s love of the Japanese culture with bold prints and colourful designs.

The model’s beauty look was created by Linda Cantello, International Make-up Artist at Giorgio Armani using the brand’s make-up line. Inspired by the culture of Tokyo, models were given a fresh-faced complexion with an intense dark smoky eye liner.

Linda Cantello developed this look for the first time specially for the show, she said:

“Inspired by the duality of Japan, a modern society steeped in ancient culture, a graphic black eyeliner on the top lid is softened underneath with feathery strokes. This dichotomy is all drawn together with a matte POWER FABRIC base and LIP MAESTRO shade #202. Classic Armani Sophistication meets the modernity of urban Tokyo. ”

See the step by step guide on how to get the look using Giorgio Armani Beauty below:

FACE

Moisturise the face using CREMA NERA SUPREME REVIVING CREAM LIGHT TEXTURE. Apply FLUID MASTER PRIMER. Then use a mix of POWER FABRIC FOUNDATION in a shade matching the skin tone with a drop of POWER FABRIC FOUNDATION in shade #1.

EYES

Lightly fill in the eyebrows using EYE & BROW MAESTRO in appropriate shade and make them straighter, longer and thicker.

Then using black SMOOTH SILK EYE PENCIL in shade #4, draw a straight line on top of the eye and blend it towards the outer corner. Then make a straight line using the black shade from the ‘Notorious’ EYE QUATTRO EYESHADOW PALETTE’.

Then taking the pencil, apply a straight line under the eye to meet the top line and blend.

LIPS & CHEEKS

Use LIP MAESTRO liquid lipcolour in shade #202, ‘Dolci’ on the lips as well as on the cheeks.

And there you have it!

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A hotel that we often take for granted as one of the city’s long-standing properties, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai still one of the UAE’s most premium hotels after more than a decade.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, JBR – Palm Grill Sunset

It’s ideal location with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, and lush green gardens make it a perfect oasis for a weekend getaway or a day away from the business of the city.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai Ocean View Room

The hotel’s 294 guest rooms and suites are designed for relaxation and peace. With sea facing views of the hotels garden’s, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away.

The room interiors combine tradition Arabic décor with a modern and contemporary Ritz-Carlton style. For extra privacy visit the Club Lounge for premium food and drink experience throughout the day.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, JBR – Amaseena Restaurant

If you’re looking for something more active, the hotel boasts four tennis courts, a multi-purpose gymnasium, and six swimming pools including two children’s pools.

With children in mind, enrol the little ones onto the Ritz Kids program which will take your children on a journey of exciting experiences and discoveries throughout their stay – and keep them busy while you have some well-deserved you time.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, JBR – La Baie Lounge Pool Bar

Escape to The Ritz-Carlton Spa. An Arabesque designed oasis with the twist of European and Oriental treatments and techniques. The spa features twelve treatment rooms and separate male and female relaxation lounges as well as an outdoor relaxation and hot and cold plunge pools.

The treatment menu offers over 35 experiences including massages, facials and a section dedicated to male spa services.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dubai, JBR – The Ritz-Carlton Spa Suite

When it comes to food and drink The Ritz-Carlton Dubai has nine exclusive restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a romantic beachside dinner or a lively brunch with friends there are many options to choose from with cuisines ranging from Pan Asian to Middle Eastern to Italian.

Whether you’re spending summer on the Amalfi Coast, the iconic coastline of Capri, the French Riviera or maybe even island hopping around Greece, Tod’s has you covered with comfortable and stylish accessories that will make the perfect travel companions.

DOUBLE T CROSSBODY MINI

LOAFERS IN LEATHER

LEFT IMAGE: DOUBLE T CROSSBODY IN LEATHER

RIGHT IMAGE: GOMMINO IN SUEDE, TOD’S DOUBLE T BACKPACK MINI

LEFT IMAGE: SNEAKERS IN FABRIC, SHOEKER NO_CODE_01 IN LEATHER AND HIGH TECH FABRIC

RIGHT IMAGE: CROSSBODY MINI, SANDALS IN LEATHER

LEFT IMAGE: SLIP-ONS IN LEATHER GOMMINO DRIVING SHOES IN DENIM

RIGHT IMAGE: CITY GOMMINO DRIVING SHOES IN SUEDE, TRAVEL BAG IN SUEDE

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Photography: Henry Pascual

This year Ermenegildo Zegna celebrates the 56th edition of its prestigious Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Trophy which annually awards the worlds best quality providers of wool. The awards for the “Superfine Wool Trophy” and the “Vellus Aureum Trophy” were presented to the chosen Australian wool-growers during an exclusive gala dinner hosted by Paolo Zegna, President of the Group.

In a relationship that dates back to the early 1900s, Ermenegildo Zegna was the first luxury house to recognise the importance of supporting the growers and the Australian Superfine Wool Growers Association and encourage wool to be sourced in the best, most environmentally friendly way.

This incredible natural fibre is at the core of the brand’s high-quality materials and is essential to the luxury house as it is the core of some of the brand’s most precious fabrics and exclusive garments. The competition recognises the importance of the material and how essential it is to the brand to continue its legacy of the best quality and most unique fabrics.

The Vellus Aureum Trophy was established in 2002 to recognise the quest and celebrate the incredible advances made by Australian wool-growers for absolute excellence by benchmarking every year the finest woollen fleeces – measuring 13.9 microns and finer – in the wool production countries.

In 2016, the finest and best fleece was recorded at an exceptional 9.9 microns, making it still an unbeaten world record. This year’s award was given to David and Angie Waters (Tarrangower Merinos – Hillgrove, NSW), who won for the third time in a row.

The long-standing partnership between Ermenegildo Zegna and the Australian Woolgrowers Association is a testimony to the unwavering shared commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of superfine Australian wools and jointly promote the incredible skills and dedication of the best wool-growers.

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New York hotspot and two Michelin starred restaurant Marea recently opened its doors in Dubai’s DIFC. The glamorous Italian eatery is headed up by chef Michael White who has seen everyone from Barack Obama to Jay-Z and Beyonce sampling his fine dining menu.

The restaurant offers a menu of clean Italian recipes created using the finest ingredients, many of which are sourced locally in The Middle East. Head Chef Michael White gave A&E a sneak peek into what goes into making one of his signature dishes.

To taste for yourself visit Marea at DIFC, Dubai.

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Nour Kays takes discarded plastic bags and makes them into something special through her unique designs. Sitting down to talk with the Fashion Designer, she talks through her creations in more details and lets us in on her plans for the future.

Nour Kays is on a mission to change the perception of recycled fashion. The Lebanese based designer takes unwanted plastic bags and develops them into one of a kind handbags. Kays has long had an issue with discarded bags, especially in her home town of Beirut which suffered the garbage crisis in 2015.

This resulted in a line of products that are locally produced, water-resistant, light, durable and made of waste. NK complies with slow fashion norms, working ethically with local artisans and the brand aims to have a zero waste production. Here we discover the woman behind the brand and why it means so much to her to be able to initiate this project.

A&E Interviews Fashion Designer Nour Kays

Nour Kays created bags using recycled plastic

What inspired you to use plastic bags for your designs?

The project started as a final project for my MA in London at Kingston University (in Communication Design). I wanted to use waste and transform it into something new. I thought that using raw material would be a waste of material, as we consume and waste so much in our daily lives, especially plastic items which take years to decompose. I looked around and found that I had piled up many plastic bags under my sink, so I began experimenting with them. Why Plastic Bags? Because at that time in London, they were still given out for free, and very easy to pile up. The awareness around plastic bag waste was not as big as it is now.

Tell us about the production of the bags?

The process begins by collecting unwanted plastic bags. We started by collecting them from family and friends, and then with the help of social media, the circle grew wider, and we currently place bins within businesses to collect them. The bags are then washed and prepared by cleaning them with a sponge and water. Next, we cut them to flatten them and then we sort them by colour to make it easier to assemble sets of bags together.

Once we place a few bags together, we assemble different bags together making different colour combinations and then we send them to the technician who presses them into flat sheets. Next, we cut them according to the patterns, into various simple shapes, add any additional items we need and send them to our tailor, who then sews them into our line of products. This results in many leftover trims from the cuts, that we collect in order to reintroduce in our production process, to create new items.

What challenges do you face in the process?

With our production process, it is almost impossible to replicate the same sheet twice, as colours vary from one plastic bag to another and the composition varies. Which makes it hard to provide customers with the same design twice. We cannot reproduce an item, we can do something similar but not the exact same. This means each bag is completely unique.

How do you ensure you don’t run out of plastic bags?

Although we have never experienced shortages in raw materials so far, if needed due to increased demand, we could collect additional bags from waste collectors in the city, who are ready to supply us for free with sorted used plastic bags.

Would you consider expanding your line to use other recyclable materials?

More and more we are seeing countries implementing plastic bag bans, and even though Lebanon seems to be far behind on anything environmentally-friendly, we have to expect it to happen there one day too. This is why, since the beginning of our project, we mentioned that we aim to move to other “waste” materials in the next phase. For us, at NK it is just the beginning of the journey, and there is still a lot more to do and dream about, but we are confident that the opportunities are endless.

In the next couple of years, we aim to be a completely sustainable brand, making sure all the items we use are consciously chosen, and for that, we need to research in the market and try to find better alternatives for some materials we are currently using.

What is the life expectancy of your bags?

We have been operating for almost five years now and we have people who are still wearing the items they bought from us at the beginning. However, with time the plastic does get softer, and changes in texture.

We keep improving our production process, making the material sturdier. We follow circular economy principles, by constantly rethinking the whole lifecycle of our products. Never wasting any trims from our material, and always finding new ways to reintegrate them in our production process, whether it is to make smaller items, or to fill our cushion cases.

How do customers react to your bags?

A lot of people are shocked that they are made of plastic bags. People usually like them because of their aesthetic appearance and sustainability is an added layer. I also have people who come to me simply because it is a repurposed product and they want to support the cause.

Sustainability today is of great importance. How does that affect your brand?

I started my brand before the garbage crisis in Beirut. And I have noticed a shift in peoples perspectives, an awareness, and curiosity. People on individual levels want to take action, and make changes. There are a lot of private sector companies and eco-friendly brands that have popped up in the past few years. And it became a sort of hub in Beirut, where all the “sustainable” brands know one another and support each other.

This has brought opportunities, to make events themed for sustainable lifestyles. The first event was when Beirut Design Week in 2016, which had a Sustainable theme and then many events followed. Beach cleanups were made, a sustainable hub was created by Joslin Kehdy, founder of Recycle Lebanon, and she recently opened the first “eco-souk” in Beirut, which I am part of.

What is the goal you want to achieve with your brand?

Our mission is to make conscious wear look cool and effortless by reducing the amount of plastic bags ending up in nature and repurposing them creatively into new high-quality products; giving plastic bags a new life.

As kids, my twin sister and I would spend a lot of time in the mountains around nature and we would eat from the plants and trees that our grandpa had planted. We would play with sand and mud, climb trees, go on hikes, walk along the rivers, and play with animals and insects. I think this shaped me into the person that I am today and the reason why I respect nature. I did not decide to be a green entrepreneur, it just happened, there was an issue that I considered a problem and that was plastic bags, so I found a solution to divert it from ending up in nature and polluting it.

What future projects are you working on?

Our products have been mostly basic items. We are not following trends, and our products are mostly functional, designed in the most simple shape; usually flat shapes, using the least material possible to produce while keeping them functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Our line of products is still fairly small, and thus we do plan to expand in many ways.

We plan to expand product design, by designing our own line of packing boxes, and cushions (we are currently prototyping these designs). We also plan to expand our line of bags and pouches, by adding new designs. Additionally, we have experimented with fashion items, such as sandals, and coats. We experimented with the material and we came up with many new ways of using the material.

Do you think that the steps you are taking may contribute positively to the environmental reality that the world is experiencing today?

Yes, but in a very small percentage. Since we started operating we have managed to divert approximately 10,960 plastic bags from ending up in landfills, nature, and the ocean. We have managed to prolong the life span of those used plastic bags. Since plastic bags are not fully recyclable yet, one of the solutions is to repurpose the plastic bags into new usable materials; give them a new life and divert them from nature for as long as possible.

What would you still like to achieve?

On a business and brand level, I hope that it will grow into becoming a full-time job as I am still doing it as a hobby. The social value of the project begins by involving the community, by asking them to provide us with the raw materials. We are raising awareness whilst making use of their waste. We are also providing ad hoc work to local artisans, and hopefully green job opportunities to the local market in the future.

What criticisms do you get regarding the project?

The value for money. Some people assume that since its made of “waste” it should be cheap. but they don’t take into account the process the “waste” material went through to transform into this new product. And the fact that we are working at a craftsman level, and we value the people we work with. We are all about slow fashion, and producing in small batches.

We implement incremental growth which allows each individual artisan, to progress at a rate of production that is in harmony with their own personal lives.

What would be your advice to anyone who wants to take a step towards sustainability and thinks it is simple?

As individuals, we have a very strong power to change. We can change our behaviour in our daily life with very simple actions like saying no to plastic straws or taking tote bags with us to supermarkets instead of using plastic bags. By refusing, reducing and reusing items, we are helping the environment and choosing a sustainable lifestyle.

I always tell the people who supply me with their plastic bag waste to reduce their consumption. Being aware of what we are consuming and where it ends up is key. As we usually think that once we throw something it simply goes away.

What is the motto you live by?

To constantly grow, question yourself, and change.

NK by Nour Kays

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As part of our Ramadan series we are meeting with some of the region’s experts and leaders in key areas related to the Holy Month.

As Eid approaches we talk to Balsam Al Khalil, Etiquette and Protocol Expert and Image Consultant on the dos and don’ts of dressing, attending events and celebrations and the etiquette to keep in mind during the Holy Month.

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She’s probably the most well-known name in fashion today, and Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director at Dior is making sure her message is heard.

MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI © Francesco Scotti

A self-proclaimed feminist, the Italian-born fashion designer together with the House of Dior is re-defining the way femininity is perceived in the world.

When Maria Grazia Chiuri joined the House of Dior in 2016, Chiuri was already well-respected in the industry after stints at Fendi and of course Valentino, where she worked alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli for almost two decades. Since joining Dior, Chiuri has gone from strength to strength, creating collections that not only respect the history of the brand but also represent her own personality and values.

Maria Grazia Chiuri has a huge job to fulfil. At the helm of one of the world’s biggest fashion houses, there is, of course, a lot of pressure, but the designer seems to take it all in her stride and whatever she does, she does with passion.

This year alone Chiuri has already presented the Haute Couture spring/summer 2019 collection in Paris, autumn/winter 2019/2020 Ready-to-wear and most recently Cruise 2019, for which she travelled to Marrakech to put on a spectacular show.

Well-known for her love of embracing the many different cultures of the world, earlier this year Chiuri travelled to Dubai to present her Haute Couture collection that had previously been seen in Paris, as well as introducing an exclusive capsule collection for the region. This month her latest pre-fall collection arrives in stores, as well as an exclusive Dior Or capsule collection.

Fresh from her show in Dubai A&E sat down with the Creative Director for a very honest and fascinating conversation.

A&E Interviews Maria Grazia Chiuri

A&E chats to Maria Grazia Chiuri

What goes through your mind just as a show is about to start?

Honestly, the first thing is that I’m happy because we arrived on time! Because the mission is to arrive on time with a collection that you like. For the Dubai show, when we decided to make a special collection they told me “OK you can do 10 dresses” then I said, “no, please we need to do 50!” And the negotiations between me and the atelier happened because it’s also very hard for them. So I’m very happy because I realised my vision and my project.

At the same time with every show, you feel like it’s an exam because you hope that everyone will enjoy it with you. To come to a fashion show is not only to see a collection, it is to invite the audience to have an emotion, and sometimes you don’t know if they will get the same feeling that you have. So you try to create that emotion and translate this new moment for them.

Dior Haute Couture Dubai © Mazen Abusrour

You designed exclusive Haute Couture pieces for the Middle East region why did you feel it was important to do this?

I think it’s important to travel around the world in order to feel the influence of each place that you’re in. It’s very different to show in Dubai compared with Paris. We tried to think more about Dubai with the pieces to introduce something that is in the same story but at the same time, especially in the colours, is a change of attitude. When you are in Dubai you think about colour, not greys so we used a lot more colour in the pieces. We tried to translate the feeling Dubai gives so that it was relevant and had a different attitude to the way we speak in Paris.

Dior Haute Couture exclusive Dubai looks

Pre-Fall 19 © Sophie Carrie

What’s been the feedback from the collection so far?

I saw the people enjoying the moment and that’s very important. I came here with the idea to put on a show that could be a moment people enjoy and I felt that happened and that makes me very happy. When you move around the world it’s a lot of work not only for the designer but for the whole company. There is a big production for us and our job is completely different from when we are in our atelier or office back in Paris. There are so many people working so many hours with jet lag it’s not easy.

And you brought the tent all the way from Paris?

This question is fun because people think it came from Dubai but no, honestly we worked so hard preparing for the show. We have to find the girls, fly them, find their visas, there are many practical things that have to be considered. You have to find local people to help you and realise the set up here – it’s a big production.

Why do you think pre-fall collections are important now?

The pre-collections are important because they are the collections that are in the store most of the time. It’s very important for the business, and also very important for the women because they find a collection that starts in summer and sees them through to winter. So it’s a collection that works all around the world. Of course, the temperature around the world isn’t the same and the collection has to work everywhere. But at the same time you have to give an image that is very clear and specific, it has to have the Dior codes but also represent a historical moment, as well as having an idea of functionality – this is very important.

Pre-Fall 19 © Sophie Carrie

What can you tell us about the Cruise show?

I’m very excited about it because I will close my eyes and think of summer. We are going to Marrakech and we are very happy because it is a place that is behind Africa and Europe, so I really think that we need to create a collection that speaks like fashion is a common ground. I am working on this direction for the next collection and I will try to have some collaborations with women and artists that come from this country. I really believe that it’s very important to send a message about common grounds.

You are a self-proclaimed feminist and we often see this through your designs – can you tell us what it means to you to express your views in this way?

For me, it’s very important because honestly when I started to work in fashion many years ago, I didn’t understand how a dress is worn so close to our body and it’s therefore so important that we express ourselves with clothes. When I started to work in fashion I had this really naïve idea that it was a way to express myself. I was very lucky because I grew up in a family who supported me and encouraged me to express myself and find my way, but at the same time, times have changed and what we believed was normal I now understand is not. Things are completely different today and the message is different. Honestly, that shocked me a lot.

When I started to work with Fendi it was a company that was really focused on women so I never felt like there was a problem. I was very lucky in this way. After having my son and daughter I understood that this is not the case for everyone. Now I have travelled I have seen many different things. When I joined Dior the first thing they told me was that Dior is a feminine brand. That was probably the moment that I decided that I wanted to speak about feminism.

I started this big reflection about fashion and what I was going to be doing. I decided that it was very important for me, but also for the brand, to start a new conversation about women, men and femininity. I never imagined at the time that the world was so ready to perceive this message, it was a very personal thing but the timing was perfect. I never thought something that was so personal would be so universal.

I’m studying a lot about this argument. The time is so different now. We live in a world that changes very quickly and for many years we didn’t reflect on how lucky we are. I criticise my past because I had an education, but no international education. So I never got to see the things my son and daughter see and get all of the information they have access to.

I tell my daughter she is so lucky that she studied in London. I have found many ways to study and understand the time we live in today. I think around the world there are many girls like me who have not had these opportunities, so I want to use the power of fashion and the power of Dior to send a message to these people to read books and research and get the support to learn about themselves and the times we are in.

You have spoken of your wish to make women feel confident – how do you think you are doing this with the pieces you create?

I don’t think it’s about dresses. Yes, a dress can help you to be confident but before you wear the dress you have to be confident in yourself. You have to really understand your personal style and that will help you to be confident. I really want to make collections that give a point of view of course, but at the same time, I want all the women that come to Dior to choose a piece and adapt it to their own personal style. I don’t want to impose a look. I think that’s something that’s in the past. We are all different and it’s about expressing that.

When I think about my past, my family liked to dress me like a ‘pretty girl’ and I remember I liked to have denim pants and a military jacket from the flea market! And so for me, fashion was about freedom. But as generations changed people were sent another message that they had to dress in a certain way. I want to give another message, one that says: “people are to use fashion to enjoy the dream and to express themselves”. Fashion is nice when you play with it.

I really love when I see men and women mixing pieces – that really fascinates me, I spend hours looking at them and the way they are styling clothes. It needs to be a creative thing, it’s super nice when people mix the looks in a different way. It’s more about expressing you and your attitude and less about the clothes.

Pre-Fall 19 © Sophie Carrie

We hear you are a perfectionist – what are the details that you find hardest to perfect?

I wouldn’t say I’m a perfectionist! I grew up with a very traditional idea of fashion. So I really like things that are well done with good craftsmanship. That’s part of my Italian culture and part of my generation. This is what I really love. I know that now with new media and new audiences people look more at image.

I know the power of image, but at the same time I think a luxury brand, especially a couture brand, needs something more. So it’s in the details. We have to propose to our audience something that has value. The craftsmanship and the human touch is what makes the difference.

Pre-Fall 19 © Sophie Carrie

What is one thing that inspires you in the fashion world?

I think all designers have clothes that are in part something that is in their memory from when they were young. So for me, I really like uniforms, denim, these kinds of things because this was the first time I tried sportswear. I grew up with this idea of Haute Couture and I was fascinated by it, especially things that came from other countries because it was unusual to have these things in Italy.

Now it’s different of course, but I remember the first time I went to a flea market. It was great! So probably because they came from outside of Italy, I was fascinated by these things. I think because I grew up in a place that was not so multicultural it was something new and different from what I had in my normal life. I was very fascinated by other ways to dress from around the world.

To what extent is storytelling important in runway shows today?

I think what’s more important is to give an emotion and to create an atmosphere so the audience takes this emotion with them. When I create a collection I like to think of a film that I have in my mind. So probably more than telling a story it’s the film that you want to create. Especially when you have a show in another location because you dream about this place and imagine it as a film. It’s a very visual job.

The inspirations behind your collections are often very focused – what are your main triggers of inspiration?

My personal life. When I went to London and saw the Dior V&A exhibition, that influenced me. Honestly, when you start a collection it’s like starting a film. You know, in some cases, the location but you don’t know the final film because only when everything is ready, will the image be clear. Everything that happens in your life you somehow translate this into your job – sometimes I’m shocked about that! If you are open-minded and travelling the world you receive a lot of information and this is inspiring.

This kind of job isn’t a job that you do closed in your room alone, it’s one where you see many things, meet many different people and you become inspired. Right now I’m fascinated by calligraphy and I love art. I’m learning all the time – I’m a very curious woman and new things excite me.

When you look back at the history of the brand how do you think you are continuing its legacy today?

For me it’s natural. It’s like if you come from Rome you know that you have a lot of history and you have to live this history in a way that is very natural. I don’t think you have to respect this history like it’s a museum but you can touch it. You have to appreciate this incredible history and legacy but at the same time, you have to translate it in a way that is for now. It’s like if you were given a beautiful house from your parents but you live there with your own personality. You respect that it’s beautiful and its value, but at the same time you need to put your own touch on it. Of course, you feel the responsibility to take care because it has a beautiful history.

You always have a certain femininity to your designs – why do you think it’s important for women to feel feminine?

I don’t think feminine is something you can define with what you wear. It’s more of a process. I don’t think women were born feminine, I think that as you grow, you define your femininity. It is something very personal. It’s not about what you wear. I never think of myself as feminine, I think of myself as Maria Grazia – but I don’t know what that is! I have to define that step by step in my life.

What is the biggest challenge you face today?

A big challenge is to try to make something good for the future. I really feel that we have to think about the future and future generations. My generation was very lucky. We didn’t know many things, so we probably have to listen more than the new generation. The problem that we have is that we have to try and make something different for the future.

What is a life lesson you can share with us?

So many! I’ve learnt a lot of lessons. The first that comes to mind is that – I don’t know why – but I grew up with many stereotypical ideas. I don’t know where they come from. I think that we have to lose this and we have to try and take away all stereotypes. This for me was a big lesson. But it’s not our fault, I don’t know where it comes from but I really detest this idea now and so that’s the biggest lesson I’ve learnt.

What is the motto that you live your life by?

My motto is “everything you can do is good if you do it with passion.” It’s an Italian motto that’s quite difficult to translate into English. It’s not important where you arrive, but it’s important that you do your trip in a way that you enjoy.

If you had not become a fashion designer what would you be doing today?

I never planned to be where I am, and so I don’t know what else I would be. I started this job with passion and a very simple ambition to find a job to pay to rent a house and buy a car – very simple things! But I did it with passion. Now I know I am working with a credible brand that is so well-known around the world so I feel a responsibility, as I don’t represent only myself, I represent the brand. I think that I have to work in a way that is not important just for me, but for all the people that work with the brand.

What would you still like to achieve at Dior?

My goal is to move the brand into the future and change the stereotypical idea that there is about femininity around the world. I want to show women in a different way and to have a conversation with all the women with an open mind and a different point of view.

Dior Or capsule collection © Sophie Carrie

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Italian fashion designer Gilberto Calzolari became the name to know when he was awarded the award for Best Emerging Designer at the 2018 Green Fashion Awards in recognition of his design made from recycled coffee bean bags.

For the annual event celebrates environmentally friendly and sustainable fashion from across the globe, Gilberto Calzolari found the sacks used in his design at an Italian market and crafted his design from them. The prize allowed him to present his work at Milan Fashion Week this past February. He was most recently awarded again at Monte Carlo Fashion Week where he took away the prize for Best Emerging Designer.

But this wasn’t the first time sustainability has been part of Calzolari’s work. It is something that has been at the centre of his thoughts, long before beginning his career as a fashion designer. He prides himself on sourcing precious and unusual fabrics and combining them with the highest quality Italian production techniques and tailoring craftsmanship to create a brand that is elegant with a “green” heart. Gilberto has a mission to work against the fast fashion concept that became so popular in the early 2000s.

Instead, he promotes the concept of “slow fashion” that produces quality, long-lasting pieces from materials that are more natural and kinder to the environment.

Calzolari’s fall/winter 2019-2020 collection entitled UNNATURAL was presented as a special event at Milan Fashion Week. It represents the coherent development of a precise artistic path and an even more radical and surprising step forward, where the topics of environmental sustainability and respect for our planet are laid out in an extremely creative and original way. Here we discuss with Calzolari his dedication to sustainability and how he hopes to change the mindset of consumers and the industry with his innovative designs.

How do you think the Green Carpet Awards is helping to raise awareness of sustainability in the fashion industry?

I believe that the initiative of Eco-Age and its founder Livia Firth offers an incredible spotlight to address this crucial issue and honour those brands and celebrities who are revolutionising the fashion industry with their example and their efforts. The fashion sector is currently the third cause of pollution in the world and things need to change.

What did it mean to you to be chosen for the prize last year and how has it impacted your career since?

I can hardly express what it meant to me. Ethics and aesthetics have always been the core values of my brand philosophy, and the award felt like an acknowledgement that I’m on the right path. I believe sustainable fashion is the future and the only way to go but it’s not an easy direction to take as we still face many obstacles.

What can you tell us about the award you were recently given in Monte Carlo? What does it mean to you to be recognised for your contribution to sustainable fashion?

It was a great honour to receive yet another important and international award for my work, and I particularly appreciated the motivation that came with it, as it was given to me for my “green approach”, and for the ethical and aesthetical values at the core of my brand, based on sustainability and innovation.

Gilberto Calzolari receives the award for Best Emerging Designer at Monte Carlo Fashion Week

Why is sustainability important to you as a designer?

I’ve always paid attention to environmental issues. I consider nature one of the biggest sources of inspiration and in my work, the natural element has always had an important role, even concept-wise. So much so that on the occasion of my first collection, inspired by the Arctic, I partnered with Polar Bears International, the most important non-profit association for the safeguard of the polar bear and its habitat. My catwalk show during the “Next Trend” event at the Milano Fashion Week started with images of polar caps collapsing and icebergs melting to the soundtrack of Depeche Mode’s “Wrong” as a statement on the risks of Global Warming.

Needless to say, this commitment is reflected also in the choice of materials, as I love the juxtaposition of unusual fabrics, sometimes even technical and innovative ones, but always keeping in mind the environment. Collection after collection I realised that sustainable fashion is not just a moral imperative but it also offers a great opportunity to be creative and think outside the box.

Your winning dress designs were made from used coffee bags – how did this come about?

The dress has a pure “green” soul even in its conception. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that only when mankind turned away from nature to live in an urban environment, it began to develop an aesthetic perception of the countryside, and a melancholic longing for it. Its beauty soothes our senses, awakens our desires, and reminds us of the true meaning of life. I found all these feelings perfectly represented in a film by Jean Renoir “Une Partie de Campagne”, a bittersweet love story between a young Parisian woman from a bourgeois family and a down-to-earth boater she met during a picnic in the countryside.

From this initial inspiration, I decided that I wanted to pay homage to my own Lombard countryside, so I went in search of the right fabrics. I knew I wanted to use jute but when I saw Brazilian jute bags at the Navigli canals’ market, originally used as coffee bags and then as barriers against the flooding of the canals – a growing concern due to climate change – I knew I could bring the concept further. So I decided to treat the upcycled jute as a real couture fabric, creating a tight-fitting bodice, lined with natural cotton muslin, with “a gocce” draping to form a tulip shape.

Finally, to create a clash from the original material and the high-end tailoring, I embroidered it with Japanese floral motifs in Swarovski crystals, with their exclusive “Advanced Crystal” lead-free recipe that complies with the most rigorous eco-sustainability requirements. I wanted to create a contrast between “poor” and “rich” materials and at the same time prove that creativity and luxury can, and must, go together with the respect for our planet.

What can you tell us about your latest collection UNNATURAL and how is it embracing the use of sustainable materials?

UNNATURAL, my latest FW 2019-2020 collection, represents the coherent development of my artistic path and an even more radical step forward, as the topics of environmental sustainability and respect for our planet are laid out not only in the choice of the materials but also from a thematic and conceptual point of view.

The theme of nature that is altered, filtered and modified by man is in fact at the core of the collection and explodes in precious brocade fabrics with floral motifs shining in green and copper lamé reflections, as if they were contaminated by acid radiation; or in embroideries shaped as beautiful blossoming flowers, in reality made from recycled plastic bottles, a symbol of a nature trapped in plastic; while the light blue top in transparent PVC is a tribute to the provocative works by Damien Hirst, where nature is literally immersed in formaldehyde.

As for the choice of fabrics, it is inextricably linked to the theme of eco-sustainability and respect for our planet, thanks to the support of important textile companies that have embraced the “green” issue who without, this collection would not have been possible. From GOTS certified silk to eco-sustainable denim, from EVO nylon, extracted from the seeds of the castor plant, to SEAQUAL polyester, derived from the plastic recovered from the sea; and it even involves accessories and embroidery: from the padding, made of fibres one hundred per cent recycled from PET bottles to the coloured die-cast maxi zippers, up to the upcycling of food-grade packaging – nets for the wrapping of citrus fruits – decorated with scrap embroidery materials.

Are there any restrictions or struggles you face by trying to ensure your designs are made from recyclable materials?

Thanks to the visibility obtained by the Green Carpet Award, I found the support of different textile companies: they want to showcase their innovative fabrics and this allows me to experiment and use different sustainable materials. This said I face many challenges, since at the moment there are not many companies that can guarantee traceable, certificates ecological materials, and on top of this, these kinds of fabrics, padding and accessories are much more expensive than their non-eco alternatives. The economic aspect is probably one of the most difficult obstacles. Sustainable fashion nowadays is still a luxury.

What are your favourite materials to work with?

I like to experiment with different materials, often unusual. Sustainability means not only purchasing bio and eco fabrics but also re-using already existing ones in order to avoid waste, from recycling unused stock fabrics to upcycling “poor” materials and turn them into couture textiles, by giving them a glamorous touch.

How was your recent experience at Milan Fashion Week?

For the first time, thanks to the support of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion and its President Carlo Capasa, I had the opportunity to present my latest collection, FW 2019-20, in a special event in the official calendar. I wanted the audience to experience a performance more than simply attending a fashion show, and for this reason, I set it in the evocative Mosaic Room of the Teatro Franco Parenti, a Milanese historical site which was restructured using original materials recovered thanks to the scientific collaboration of the National Trust of Italy.

The audience found a place of extreme cleanliness and discipline, cold and conceptual like the hall of a museum of contemporary art; and yet magical and surreal, in its succession of aquamarine doors through which models would come and go, illuminated by the diffused light coming from the overhanging skylight. I think fashion needs to communicate emotions along with delivering important messages.

What is the biggest challenge that you face today as a designer?

The biggest challenge is probably the commercial aspect. A lot of people asked me why I decided to commit to a high-end eco-sustainable brand one hundred per cent made in Italy, since it comes with higher production costs, but I never doubted my choice: fashion goes in cycles and after a few years of infatuation for fast fashion and streetwear, customers are coming back around to tailoring quality and refined, certified fabrics. It’s a moral imperative as much as an aesthetic choice and you can tell the difference when you were the clothes!

Who has been your inspiration or career mentor?

Since I was a child I wanted to become a fashion designer and express my personal style through my own collections. I think I inherited this from watching my father, who was a fabric salesman and then a buyer. He was always very elegant and would take me with him to watch runway shows and I fell in love with it. But before creating my own brand I worked for many years for some of the most important luxury fashion brands made in Italy (such as Marni, Miu Miu, Valentino, Alberta Ferretti and Giorgio Armani) and that was an incredible learning experience. I compare it with being a painter during the Renaissance era and attending a workshop by one of the Old Masters.

How would you define your signature design style?

If I have to describe my style, I’d call it fresh, glamorous, romantic and playful – an elegant and timeless design, expressed in a refined silhouette of clean lines, retro details and unexpected combinations. The latter is an important stylistic element for me, which I believe makes a collection modern. I’m always looking for a certain eccentricity.

How important to you is the concept of “made in Italy”?

This is a topic that’s particularly dear to my heart. Made in Italy means the highest quality in production techniques and tailoring craftsmanship. It’s not just a luxury label, it means adhering to the values of environmental sustainability as well as elegance and excellence, which is something even more important nowadays: it’s the sustainable answer to the world of fast fashion. For this reason, though, it’s important that Italian brands fight together to preserve the true value and meaning of made in Italy.

What would you like to see happen in the fashion industry in terms of sustainability?

I would love to see it becoming more accessible to everyone so that we can see a real impact on the environment. This is why technological research is so important in our industry so that we can discover more alternatives in textiles and manufacturing and production processes that lower the carbon footprint and the impact on our planet.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

I truly believe in the importance of doing things with love and passion, and in following my instinct. I believe in the power of positive energy, and this is why nature has such a big impact on my collections. That’s where we come from, and what really matters in the end.

How would you describe your brand in one word?

It’s hard to use just one word as I like the juxtaposition of contrasting elements. I could probably say eclectic, which is a way to say elegant and playful, contemporary and timeless all at once.

In one sentence what is a message you want to portray to the world?

We all need to be part of a big change. Environmental responsibility is the most important challenge of this day and age. We owe it to our planet and to the next generations that will come after us.

Since we last met at the end of 2018, Ingie Chalhoub has been a busy woman. So in mid-2019, we meet to discuss her latest ventures and what we can expect to see from her in the coming months.

Since the time we last chatted to the designer, not only did she finish and present her fall/winter 2019 collection for INGIE Paris, but she’s also been working on a special edition capsule collection for Ramadan and planning her spring/summer 2020 collection. All of this is alongside managing the brands she looks after in the region, as well as her recent appointment as part of the leadership circle for UNICEF with the mission to support and help refugee children in The Middle East.

On the occasion of our interview, Chalhoub was excited to present her fall/winter 2019 collection for INGIE Paris, which was inspired by Cleopatra. Ingie Chalhoub travelled to Egypt and was taken aback by the history and beauty of the ancient Egyptians. This soon became the starting point for her latest pieces. The collection is a reflection of East meets West combining the two worlds that are very important to Chalhoub and bringing them into the modern day, for the woman of now. We met to discuss her latest ventures and what we can expect to see from her in the coming months.

What have you been up to since we last met last year?

I have been working a lot on this collection. We went to Egypt with the First Lady Entissar Mohameed Amer and it was a very interesting trip. Of course, I was born in Egypt so it was interesting for me to combine that culture with the European and the Lebanese culture. The collection is based on a modern Cleopatra, I was so inspired by her. There’s lots of gold, there’s leather. Sometimes it’s very glamorous, it’s still romantic but with a twist. So I’ve been very busy with that. Also on a humanitarian level, I got invited to be part of the leadership circle of UNICEF. So since January, I have been working on that. This is something very close to my heart. And with that and all the other brands, I represent I have a lot of things happening!

What can you tell us about the work you are doing with UNICEF?

You know in this region we need to have a real circle in charge of these kinds of activities. Raising money is very important but that is not the only thing. We have to create awareness, we have to promote to others and also look to ourselves to see how we can leave an impact and how we can grab opportunities to take these children out of their conditions and help them to be part of our lives. It’s an ongoing thing. We have a lot of activities going on throughout the whole year, but one of the most important ones is when we go into the field on a trip that we will take with some prominent people from the leadership circle.

We are going to be travelling to Jordan to a refugee camp. It’s going to be heart-breaking, but it’s going to create awareness and we also need to look at how we can find ways to get those children out of these conditions and find their place in society. It’s very hard to educate them and give them the skills they need. To raise awareness is one thing but for me, it’s not enough, the goal is to really get inspired for other activities. I want to do something that has an impact on our society.

What can you tell us about the collection you presented in Paris for fall/winter 2019?

More and more I want to make a difference and highlight the link between the East and the West. This is my culture and I want to embrace these two cultures together and I believe this is unique. Being unique is really to have nostalgia about the past but still have a glamorous twist of modernity. This is very important for me because this is how the woman of today lives. She has to live in today’s world, not in the past. For me, it’s very important to get that twist. I’m feeling that I’m more and more sure of what I want and how I want to translate that.

Are there any particular fabrics that you’re enjoying working with at the moment?

I’ve always done prints, you can see this in all my collections, but this time I wanted to work more on embroideries. Embroideries in an oriental way but at the same time a modern way. I also tried lace as knitwear. We used velvety threads and we made knitwear in a very special way. We also worked a lot on the cuts and having more daywear. Daywear that is more casual but at the same time chic and elegant. I wanted pieces that you can mix and match. There is a whole rock ‘n’ roll look with the boots and the leather. There are a pair of boots that are leggings and then go down into boots. You can’t see this from far away but up close you will see the details. This was a playful way of creating something unique that’s never been done before. I had a lot of joy creating this collection. Working with accessories, putting gold accessories with a beautiful gown, going all the way crazy with accessories. It was really fun and was great to imagine what Cleopatra would have been like today.

Do you have a favourite piece?

They’re all my favourites! It’s so hard to select. One thing I have to say is I was very proud to have a very good casting of models this time. I worked very hard to pick the right models. The girl who opened my show also opened the Dior show. She was amazing. So if I had to pick one look it would be that first look. It represents the whole story of the 21st century Cleopatra, modern contemporary with all the embroideries. It tells the whole story of the collection.

What can you tell us about the kaftans you have created for Ramadan this year?

This Ramadan, I have created a few styles that are really strong. We’re going to have to surprise you a little bit but we wanted to have something really special this time. You’ll see glitter, personalised things, dresses. It will be a special capsule.

How does designing a Ramadan collection differ from creating your main line?

I immerse myself completely when I’m designing a collection. So for me, it’s like putting myself into that mood, living it from the inside, not from the outside. When you’re creative you have to go all the way out and then come back in and bring everything together. At the beginning, you have to think very wide and then come back to the essence of your idea.

Why is it important for you to create a Ramadan collection?

My heart is in the Middle East! I believe so much in the Middle East. That’s why I wanted my flagship store to be in Dubai.

What can we expect to see from INGIE Paris for the rest of 2019?

That’s a big challenge! Every time I finish a collection I ask myself ‘what else can we do?’ I’m in the middle of doing another collection and I have lots of new ideas. I can’t share everything yet but you will see soon!

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be?

I was very shy when I was young. I was not assertive enough. So I would tell myself to be more assertive, and more sure of myself and go all the way without hesitating. I think this is something that happens when you’re very young and when you reach maturity you realise how you want to be. I understand this now.

If you weren’t a fashion designer what would it be?

Painting, or doing pottery. Something still creative. I also found myself being very good at organising events. Maybe because there is this creation part of it. I think I would have also liked to work in interior design. I enjoy re-decorating my houses so much!

What do you say ‘no’ to?

I say ‘no’ to things that are fake and untrue. I don’t like people who put on a façade. I feel like you have to be genuine and I like to be with genuine people. I don’t want to waste time being with fake people. I like to be myself and like being around positive people. I’ve seen myself being dragged into negative situations and I didn’t like it. So I like to be surrounded by people that bring out positivity.

How would you like the world to remember you?

I would like the world to remember me as a person who had an impact and influenced the path of others. I do feel very lucky sometimes when people tell me that I changed their path and inspired them.

Describe INGIE Paris in one phrase.

Roman twist.

Ingie Paris FW19 Collection

READ: Ingie Chalhoub On Her Brand, Her Legacy And Her Plans For The Future

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

READ: You Will Love Ingie Paris Collaboration With Demanumea

In preparation for wedding season, UAE-based Wedding Planner and Founder of Carousel Events Zainab Al Salih talks to A&E about planning the perfect big day, and she helps brides prepare.

Zainab Al Salih is a wedding planner and the Founder of Carousel Events

Planning a grand event or a wedding is as equally stressful as it is exciting. Zainab Al Salih, founder of Carousel Events, and her team of experts strive to make your job that little bit easier.

Originally from Iraq, Zainab Al Salih founded Carousel Events as a solution for creating bespoke events. Carousel quickly became one of the region’s go-to companies for luxury weddings that has produced some of the most exclusive and unique weddings in the region. Al Salih left her career in the banking world and founded her company in order to follow her passion for making people happy.

She is very hands-on with her business and is always seen running around, organising the finest details. First and foremost Al Salih is about her clients. Organising a wedding is a very personal and sometimes very stressful experience so she believes her job is to make it that bit easier for the bride and groom, as well as ensuring they get exactly what they hoped for our of their special day. Here we discuss with Zainab what goes into making a wedding day as special as it should be.

Tell us a little bit about Carousel Events.

Carousel Events started around ten years ago. It is a boutique event design and management company. We cater to a very distinct clientele who are after unique events and experiences.

What ingredients make for a perfect event?

Besides the aesthetic part of the event and the whole design element, I think the most important ingredient is what a couple and the family bring to each event and wedding, it’s that joy and happiness. I think no matter what, in the end, it really is that important ingredient that makes a wedding what it is.

What, in your opinion, makes a good wedding planner?

A good wedding planner should be a good listener and communicator, to understand the bride’s vision for her wedding, and communicate that vision to all the vendors and suppliers. A good wedding planner must also be a master of crisis management and conflict resolution. Everything should run smoothly, but if it doesn’t, you need a capable person at the helm to help manage the situation and ensure the event is a success regardless of what unexpected issues may arise. Just like a pilot on a plane, things almost always go perfectly well, but if they don’t, you want the best pilot in the cockpit!

What should a bride and groom look for in a wedding planner?

The best way to find a good wedding planner is through recommendations from friends and vendors. Many planners have their own websites, which is another good place to start, but be sure you also meet the planner in person.

When picking your planner ask yourself the following: Are they organized? Are they presentable? Do you feel comfortable with them? Are they friendly? Are they knowledgeable? Do they have any references and recommendations? Are they within your budget? Did you see examples of weddings they have planned in the past?

Finally, it is advisable to meet with several planners and compare their credentials and personalities before picking one. In the end, you must pick a planner that you simply feel good about, and have good chemistry with, and most importantly, one that can help you sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

How much time on average would you advise it takes to plan a wedding in full?

Try and begin your wedding planning as early as possible. Whilst it is perfectly possible to plan a wedding within three months, most couples will have a planning period of 6-12 months. Beginning early will give you the best possible chance of being able to book your first choice for venues and vendors including photographers, especially as the best of these can be booked up months in advance.

What do brides need to keep in mind for their special day?

They need to not lose sight of what’s important when they’re planning their wedding. Yes, it is about the destination, but not at the expense of the journey. It’s very important for them to understand that the journey is just as important. Enjoy it, try to make the most of it, it goes by so quickly that you look back and might think to yourself ‘why didn’t I relax more? Or enjoy it more?’ So I think it’s important to focus on the experience leading up to the big day.

What do you do when a bride starts to panic or has doubts about her wedding?

The most important bit of advice I would give to any bride is ‘have fun and don’t let your wedding be a source of stress.’ The best way to do this is to hire the best planner you can, and then sit back and enjoy the journey.

What would be your advice to couples for relieving stress just before the wedding?

Focus on what truly matters and don’t lose sight of that. A wedding is first and foremost a celebration of love amongst your family and friends. it is all about the journey and not just the destination.

What are your favourite worldwide destinations for weddings?

Italy, and many of its beautiful venues.  Whether it is a piazza in a beautiful historic town, a country house, or a seaside village – there is such an abundance of beauty, history and authentic charm.

Is there one thing brides and grooms always forget to cover in their wedding planning?

Lighting! Sadly it is one of the most overlooked and underestimated elements when planning a wedding. Bad lighting can ruin everything from the colours of your flowers to your guests’ skin tone. Good lighting makes everything come alive, and allows us to change the mood of the night from romantic and whimsical to party time! We also always tell our brides that there is no such thing as too many candles. Nothing flatters the skin like the soft glow of candlelight, so use them everywhere you can!

Do you have a favourite wedding venue in Dubai?

We are spoilt for choice in Dubai, we have so many beautiful venues, so many luxury venues, it’s difficult for me to pinpoint the one that I like the most. It really depends what we’re looking for and the type of event or wedding that we’re planning, it depends on size and location and time of year. If I were to pick some of my favourites it would be Four Seasons Jumeirah, the Ritz Carlton Dubai, the new W The Palm, and the Mandarin Oriental which is exciting to have open this year.

Are there any wedding trends you’re excited about at the moment?

I’m loving all the garden themes. I think they have always been popular but especially after the royal wedding in 2018, it has become even more of a trend. I have a lot more brides asking for a garden-themed wedding. Especially given that in Dubai we are limited with our outdoor venues, so I think a lot of the time you find that the people want to bring the outdoors in which is quite nice. Secondly, although I’m a big fan of white weddings and they will always remain really classic, I’m loving how bold brides are becoming with the use of colour. Just a pop of bright colour will really bring a wedding to life. The focus on the afterparty is nice, to see couples nowadays wanting to give their guests a memorable experience, focusing more on the entertainment and what happens when the formalities are over.

What do you consider your biggest career success to date?

Being part of so many people’s beautiful memories and making dreams come true. This is the main source of my inspiration and is what drives me. It has been fundamental to the success of Carousel.

I

Zainab Al Salih shares her wisdom with A&E 

Morning Coffee With Zainab Alsalih, Founder Of Carousel Events

READ: The Gift of Romance: Founder of Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs Mandy McMechan on the Role Of Flowers in Weddings and Romance

READ: Boho Bridal: Founder of House of Moirai, Barbaranne Heaton, Discusses Her Homegrown Bridal Brand

Whether you’re a bride to be or just looking for that something special, Dior’s high jewellery and watches will add a touch of romantic flair to your jewellery box.

Stainless steel bezel set with round cut diamonds and decorated with a pink gold ring. Antireflective sapphire crystal glass. White lacquered dial set with pink gold threads. Semi Matte white alligator Strap.

“Dior Grand Bal Plume Blanche’’

By Dior Timepieces

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White gold case and crown paved with snowset diamonds. Serrated and chased bezel set with diamonds.

‘‘La D De Dior Abeille’’

By Dior Timepieces

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White gold bezel set with pear shaped, oval cut, princess cut and triangle cut diamonds.

Case middle paved with snow-set diamonds, crown paved and set with rose-cut diamonds.

Faceted sapphire crystal glass.

“La D De Dior Cocotte’

By Dior Timepieces

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Yellow gold, diamond and mother of pearl

Pink gold, diamond and pale opal

“Rose Des Vents’’ Bracelets

Yellow gold, diamond and mother of pearl

“Rose Des Vents’’ Ring

By Dior Fine Jewellery

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White gold and diamonds

“Archi Dior Milieu De Siecle’’ Earrings

White gold and Diamonds

“Archi Dior Milieu De Siecle’’ Necklace

White gold and Diamonds

“My Dior’’ Cuff

By Dior Fine Jewellery

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White gold and diamonds “Archi Dior Milieu De Siecle’’ Earrings

White gold and diamonds “Archi Dior Diorama’’ Necklace

White gold and Diamonds “Archi Dior Milieu De Siecle’’ Ring

By Dior Fine Jewellery 

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White gold and diamonds “Archi Dior Milieu De Siecle’’ Earrings

White gold and diamonds “Archi Dior Diorama’’ Necklace

White gold and Diamonds “Archi Dior Diorama’’ Bracelet

White gold and Diamonds “Archi Dior Milieu De Siecle’’ Ring

By Dior Fine Jewellery

White gold and diamonds “Rose Dior Bagatelle’’ Earrings

White gold and diamonds “Rose Dior Bagatelle’’ Necklace

By Dior Fine Jewellery

Photography: Ziga Mihelcic

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Hair and make-up: Ania P at MMG Artists

Model: Gema at Wilhelmina Dubai

Flowers by Alissar Flowers Dubai

Cartier presents its latest collection Clash De Cartier, a range that brings together the Maison’s aesthetic heritage of studs, beads and clous carrés. These elements make up a singular, ribbed mesh that forms a collection of bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings full of attitude and modernity.

These striking Cartier pieces appear strong and sharp but are soft and smooth at the edges. They are ordered and structured but created in a unique way that allows them to move freely with the body.

Geometric shapes are designed for the woman who is feminine but with a punky, outspoken edge. Coloured stones and diamonds bring individuality and personality to these bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces.

Now available at Cartier stores.

READ: Skeleton Watches Are Making A Comeback In 2019

READ: Five Classic Fashion Pieces That You’ll Wear Forever

READ: The Modern Take On Bridal Jewellery

Mohammed Al Turki – often nicknamed as Mo Turki – is the man of the moment in the world of movies. A&E speaks to the Saudi Arabian Film Producer about the progress and future of cinema.

Saudi Arabian Film Producer Mohammed Al Turki broke onto the international film scene in 2010 with the release of The Imperialists Are Still Alive!, a movie he was the executive producer on. He has since gone on to work on films such as Arbitrage starring Richard Gere, 99 Homes and Time out Of Mind.

He regularly rubs shoulders with the who’s who of Hollywood and is going to strength to strength in his career, currently working on a movie starring actor Armie Hammer.

But it hasn’t always been an easy ride for Al Turki. Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, a country that only recently lifted its ban on cinema, he was in the minority when he decided to take on a career in film producing.

But Al Turki indulged in his passion for film from a young age, seeing as many movies as possible while in London over the summer, and packing his suitcase full of DVDs when he travelled back to his home country.

Today, Al Turki is inspiring an entire generation of young Saudi Arabians to follow their passion for film – something he takes very seriously, he tells A&E when we sitting down with him on a recent visit to Dubai just before he jets off to Saudi Arabia’s first ever film festival.

How do you think you are inspiring others from your home country with what you do?

Well, I hope I’m inspiring others from my home country! When I started doing film cinemas were banned in Saudi Arabia. The ban lift happened about a year ago. I chose a profession that I completely believed in. I love the form of film, the art form of creating content and sharing stories to the world. When I chose to do film people back home had questions about it. But I soon realised that I had established a following.

A few years into my career I was giving a talk at the New York Film Academy and about 80 per cent of the audience were Saudi students. The moderator told me that 6,000 students had registered to study film and this was before cinema was permitted in Saudi so I realised then that this was a huge thing. A few people have told me and people have commented on my Instagram saying “we saw that you chose the path to go into film and we thought ‘if you can do it we can do it’.” It’s a huge responsibility but I hope that I can help in the future.

What inspired you to choose a career in film?

I always loved film, it was a big part of my life growing up. I watched so many films with my dad and my mother. Whenever we had a chance to go to London we would buy a magazine and highlight the movies we wanted to see. It became a thing that in the summer we had to watch as many movies as we could before going back home. We would go to the stores and buy boxsets and videos to bring back to Saudi.

How do you think your work contributes to the industry in Saudi Arabia?

I’m actually flying to Saudi for the opening of the Saudi Film Festival which is being backed by the government. I’m participating in a talk called Journey in Hollywood. When the festival contacted me originally it was supposed to be a small talk for around 60 people and then they contacted me again to tell me there was a large interest from participants and the talk would be in front of 300 people instead. So this is really exciting especially as it is being supported by the government. The cinema industry in Saudi and the GCC is relatively new, but in terms of Saudis, I think there are individuals who have really excelled.

We have a few examples including Dina Shihabi who is an actress in the show Jack Ryan. We also have Saudi Director Haifaa al-Mansour who has won multiple awards and was a jury member at Cannes Film Festival which as a Saudi woman is a big achievement. I feel like she is our Saudi pride. There is also the actress Ahd Kame who starred in the show Collateral with Carrie Mulligan. So I feel like, in just a few years, these are people who have crossed over and been a perfect example for the industry.

With lots of changes and cinemas now open in Saudi Arabia what are your thoughts on where the industry is going?

The industry is changing because there is a lot of push and investment in the entertainment and art world. A lot of things have been happening this past year that I had never imagined would happen in Saudi Arabia. We have a lot of musical performances, an opera house was just built in Riyadh, the government has permitted the opening a school of music and they honoured big Arab legendary musicians to participate and be part of the school.

Other than that we have concerts, we recently had Mariah Carey perform there. There is a concert with Akon and French Montana. It’s really changing fast. They have also introduced something that we didn’t have in Saudi before and that’s the prime dining experience. We have always had a lot of nice restaurants but never this prime dining experience. In Riyadh, they have opened venues like Cipriani and Nozomi for example and we are also having pop-ups all around Saudi. It’s really exciting.

What can you tell us about your new movie? 

I’m working on a film called Dreamland. It sheds light on the Opioid crisis, which is the second largest cause of death in America. I think it’s really important to work on movies with a social conscious. My motive in movies is to shed light on issues that people in the world are going through today. In 2012 I worked on a movie called Arbitrage starring Richard Gere. That movie was in the aftermath of the financial crisis.

After that I worked on 99 Homes, this was at the aftermath of the housing crisis in Florida. Then I worked on another movie with Richard Gere called Time out of Mind which also sheds light on the homeless community. So for me, I love working on films that don’t just entertain but also have a message. I want the viewers to go home and think about what they’ve watched.

What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?

On a personal note, maybe surviving my twenties! And being content with myself and finding my inner peace. I feel like when you’re in your twenties you struggle to find your identity and to know who you are and fight your insecurities. But I feel that when you’re in your thirties, for me it’s a complete night and day comparison to when I was in my twenties.

My biggest achievement in terms of film, which I always pinch myself about because it’s very surreal, is that two of the films that I’ve worked on were nominated for Golden Globes.  My goal is to hopefully get an Oscar nomination, that’s something that I would like to achieve, but also in terms of Arabic cinema and Arabs in Hollywood, this year was a very important year.

I attended the Oscar after parties, but just to be there this year having Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek winning the Oscar and talking in his speech about how important it was to him that he was the son of an immigrant moving to the United States and talking about his background that was incredible. Also, Lebanese director Nadine Labaki was nominated for her film Capernaum, which just shows you that there are incredibly talented people from The Middle East, and me being there as a Saudi made me very happy.

What has been the biggest challenge?

There are many challenges! But I think the biggest challenge is a personal thing and it’s a characteristic I’ve worked on for many years to change and that is being impatient!

Who is the person that inspires you the most?

A lot of people inspired me but I think it really comes close to home, my mother and father inspire me a lot.

What’s your personal motto?

It’s changed throughout the years, to be honest, but I feel like nothing is impossible and my most personal motto is “tomorrow is a new day,” so if you’re having the worst day, work-wise, relationship-wise, financially wise, there’s nothing you can do, sleep on it and tomorrow is a new day.

And your professional motto?

Be persistent, even though sometimes it can come across as annoying!

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Honestly, I would not give my younger self a piece of advice. I believe everything happens for a reason and everything I went through, good or bad, has made me the person I am today. Having said that I would not want to live through my twenties again!

What would you tell yourself ten years from now?

Well let’s go this way – ten years ago I would not have imagined being where I am today, so I’m sure ten years later I would be surprised with what’s going to happen. I’ve also realised that when I was younger I kept on talking about the future like it was a long time ahead, but it really does go very quickly. It’s crazy how time flies.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is classic. I love wearing clothes that are plain. But also my style has evolved with age. When I was younger I used to love ripped jeans and more brand orientated outfits. Throughout the years I got rid of anything that had a logo. I also love a lot of comfortable fabrics – soft cotton, linens.

When it comes to my relationship with style, I have to give credit to my father and my late uncle. Growing up, me and my brothers and sisters used to call my late uncle “The Don” because he used to always wear a three-piece suit – it was so chic, he and my father looked like they had walked in from the set of The Godfather! So when I dress for red carpet events I always look at that as the way I want to be perceived – classic and very chic and elegant.

What do you say ‘no’ to?

No to me has been very new, it’s been introduced in the last few years as a way to protect myself. I have said yes to a lot of things I shouldn’t have said yes to because I didn’t know how to say no! But now anything that I feel uncomfortable with I would say no.

What book are you reading at the moment?

I’m not reading a book but I am reading a script!

How do you want the world to remember you?

That is a big question but I would like the world to remember me obviously in a positive light. I’m very happy to be a pioneer filmmaker in the region so that’s already something that I’m very happy and humble about. I’m very happy that I’m used as an example.

Even though I’m not an actor I have read in articles people saying that I’m like the Omar Sharif of the new era – no I’m not, but it is an honour to be compared to him! He is a complete legend. I wrote a dedication to him when he passed away that said, “growing up and knowing that someone like him existed pushed me into making my dreams a reality.” An Egyptian actor who has been in movies like Dr Zhivago, Gone in the Wind and Funny Girl it makes him a screen legend, and for him to do it in the fifties and sixties made me realise, if he can do it I could possibly be able to do it. So if that helps in the sense of somebody in Saudi realising that I’m in Hollywood, and I came from Saudi in a small town and I was able to do that, they can too.

Mohammed Al Turki at the Saudi Film Festival

READ: Highlights from the Fifth Saudi Film Festival for 2019

READ: Morning Coffee with Film Producer Mohammed Al Turki

READ: Three Female Emirati Authors You Need To Know About

Wood are the two new D2 fragrances, a new starting point for D2. Inspired by the strong and sturdy nature of the natural element, the scents form a complex, unique and alluring aroma.

Wood is a contemporary fragrance for men and women that is young and captivating. These fragrances are for those who live on passion and good vibes while looking for a sophisticated essence that says everything about their personality. A smooth rounded bottle in burnished glass for men and clear glass for women, the cap is made with the highest quality ash and mirrors the rounded shape of the bottle.

The men’s fragrance opens with the Mediterranean freshness of bergamot from Calabria, mandarin and lemon from Sicily and is enriched with elegant, sharp notes of ginger. Vibrant tones of violet leaf and cardamom contrast with the distinct sensuality of ambrox. A modern blend of white woods brings light to the deep, elegant character of vetiver.

BY DSQUARED2

While the women’s offering features a contemporary composition that’s vibrant and ultra-feminine. The scent is made up of mandarin from Sicily and raspberry leaf, combined with lily of the valley and magnolia, which add fresh, ethereal notes. Osmanthus and jasmine reveal an intense femininity while bright notes of white woods and cedar, along with the depth of ambrox add an unmistakable character.

BY DSQUARED2

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Photography: Henry Pascual

Flowers have been a sign of love for centuries and they still continue to be a pivotal part of the wedding celebrations. So as wedding season approaches, A&E speaks to the Founder of Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs, Mandy McMechan about romance and getting the right flowers for your big day.

Florist and Founder of Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs Mandy McMechan talks to A&E as wedding season approaches

Any bride or groom-to-be knows that flowers are one of the most important aspects of the wedding day. Having the right floral arrangements to fit the mood and the location of your wedding is crucial and can really make or break the mood of your big day.

Someone who knows all about choosing the right kind of flowers for your big day is Florist and Founder of Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs, Mandy McMechan. McMechan realised that a career in floristry was her destiny when, after 12 hours of flower arranging in her garage, she was still happy, captivated and eager to carry on. With her floristry currently located in Dubai, she has ambitions to expand on her unique, luxe business throughout the region.

We got to catch up with Mandy to talk about all things romance and bridal, and why having the perfect flower arrangements on your big day is so important.

Why do you think flowers are a symbol of romance?

When somebody gives you flowers it means they’ve been thinking of you. That to me is the ultimate in romance.

What have you learnt about romance since becoming a florist?

This is a really good question! I find that in today’s day and age things have to be bespoke. People love to have things custom made. I have clients that come in with the most expensive gifts – jewellery, a Chanel bag, an Hermès bag – but they still want to add flowers when they present it as if the gift is not enough and to me, that’s romantic.

When did you know you wanted to be a florist?

I started [flower arranging] in the garage of my home, one day, it was seven in the morning, by about 11am my daughter came down and told me she was going to a party, by 11pm she came home and I was still in the same position doing the same thing. That’s when I knew – after twelve hours I was doing it and I was still happy, that’s destiny.

What would you say most women are looking for from a wedding bouquet?

Elegance and durability. Most brides look for softer colours and pastels and are not so particular on the type of flowers used as long as we give them our expert advice on durability – it has to last the whole day without water and look fresh for photographs, so we tend to select flowers that will do just that.

Why do you think it’s important to have flowers on your big day?

It’s not a wedding without flowers. Flowers are one of the top five most important part of a wedding.

Are there any wedding floral trends or colour combinations you love at the moment?

There are three trends for 2019 which we tend to receive a lot of requests for. Colour trends of choice remain pastels, pastels, pastels. We are big fans of soft delicate colours and unique blooms. Although we will always honour and respect our clients’ choices if they insist on strong colours or a traditional rose or peonies bouquet, we love to interest them in unique flower trends for weddings this year, and giving a little ‘Plaisir’ twist to it – using unique stems such as Lily of the Valley, and freesias can take your bridal bouquet from traditional to modern and still remain highly elegant.

Overflowing greenery is another trend which has become popular this year, with a single large bloom such as a Garden Rose or a Dhalia – but we recommend doing this design in a much smaller and more controlled bouquet in order to stay far away from the ’80’s ultra-big looks.

Minimalism is the third trend. Stems such as carnations, which used to be known as ‘fillers’, are now taking centre stage with very unique and elegant colours. For example, we had five stems of peach multi-petal carnation for a bride recently, simple, without frills and not even tied together. Five stems loosely placed in layers.

What are the differences between having flowers for an event or special occasion compared with those in the home?

Home florals need to be selected mainly for their durability. You want your home flowers to last at least five days and look as fresh as the first day. Whereas your aim for an event floral bouquet is not so much durability. You, therefore, have much more freedom in selecting any types of flowers you like for events.

How do styles of flowers change with the seasons?

Colours are the biggest factor when seasons change. In fall we tend to have many more requests for yellows and oranges, whereas in winter the trend is more festive with reds and greens, as well as white. Spring, of course, we are inundated with pastel colour requests, Cherry Blossom, Forsynthias and such. And summer tends to be more jewel-toned colours.

Are there any flowers that are particularly popular in the UAE and why do you think this is?

A local standard in the UAE are Orchids and Longlife Roses. Both of which have a durable and very long life, as apparent in name. Another popular choice here is Peonies; loved by all for their beauty and delicacy (but not for their durability) – however, this particular flower blooms for a very short time so when it is in season, we can’t keep enough on hand! It sells out very quickly.

What’s the biggest challenge you face as a florist?

There are many challenges you face as a florist in the UAE because we don’t purchase with our eyes, we purchase with our minds. You have to think of a flower and its name and order it online. Many times we receive it and it’s not the same as what we ordered or the colour is different, so we have to send it back and wait another four days. Whereas in other parts of the world you go at four in the morning to the flower market and that is so important because it inspires you. Maybe there was something that you weren’t thinking of and then all of a sudden you’re visually stimulated to create something new. That’s’ an option we don’t have here and that’s challenging.

What’s the professional motto that you live by?

Be good to your team because your team is everything.

Mandy McMechan has a very unique style at Plaisir Flowers

READ: Boho Bridal: Founder of House of Moirai, Barbaranne Heaton, Discusses Her Homegrown Bridal Brand

READ: The Modern Take On Bridal Jewellery

READ: Stella McCartney Debuts Bridal Collection Including THAT Meghan Markle Dress

Ramadan is a time for spirituality and celebration. An opportunity to spend time with family and friends be it at iftar or suhoor or a glamorous Eit-Al-Fitr celebration. Whatever the event it’s crucial to be elegantly dressed, so we take a look at some of the designers offering specially designed glamorous kaftan, dresses and accessory collections for the Holy Month.

The Modist 

Online luxury retailer The Modist has teamed up with a carefully curated selection of brands to created exclusive designer kaftans for Ramadan 2019. Working with both regional and international designers the site will play host to exclusively designed pieces that can’t be found anywhere else. Capturing elegant modest style some of the designers who have created pieces for the collection include Roksanda, Rami Al Ali, Dima Ayad, Bambah, Taller Marmo and lots more. Each of the designs captures the styles of the designer who created them and embody the glamour and elegance of The Holy Month.

Ingie Paris 

For her exclusively designed Ramadan collection Ingie Chalhoub presents a classic yet contemporary take on the Kaftan, combining modesty and style to offer a collection perfectly timed to suit both the region and the international fashion conscious INGIE Paris woman. Inspired by late fashion icon Jackie Kennedy and the effortless styles and shapes reminiscent of the ’70s, the bright and graceful collection comprises of seven limited edition kaftans, created exclusively for the INGIE Paris boutique store in Dubai Mall.

MKS Jewellery 

UAE-based jeweller MKS jewellery has created a special Ramadan capsule collection with unique pieces that not only look great, they give back. 30 per cent of the proceeds of the pieces will be donated to the causes supported by Emirates Red Crescent. Founder and Creative Director of MKS Jewellery H.H Sheikha Mariam said of the collection; “I really wanted to create a gift for the buyer that also gifts back to the community which is so important to us.”

The collection consists of four delicate pieces stemming from creations existing in the brand’s full collection. There is an Emirati mother of pearl and diamond bracelet as well as a bracelet, necklace and ring with a floating yellow gold moon and diamond studded stars. “I love how they are so sentimental, precious, delicate and beautiful, which in this moment of reflection reminds us of the meaning in life and relationships with yourself and others,” says H.H Sheikha Mariam.

Net-A-Porter

For Ramadan 2019 Net-A-Porter has unveiled a curation of 17 exclusive capsule collections from designers including Dundas, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, Ralph & Russo, Carolina Herrera and lots more. The collections were launched in Dubai last month when Dundas Creative Director Peter Dundas took to the stage to present his bold and colourful printed kaftans. Elizabeth von der Goltz, Global Buying Director for Net-A-Porter said “The interest in special pieces designed specifically for Ramadan alongside modest fashion, in general, has increased significantly over the past few years, not only in the Middle East but globally.

Our curation of 17 exclusive capsules purposely tailored to the occasion is our largest edit to date and will no doubt fulfil all our customers’ needs. Highlights include elegant offerings with exceptional craftsmanship and intricate details from Oscar De La Renta, Ralph & Russo, Dundas, Jenny Packham, Reem Acra, Naeem Khan, Mary Katrantzou and Haider Ackermann.”

Bloomingdale’s Dubai 

Bloomingdale’s have pulled together a special Ramadan edit featuring dresses, kaftans and accessories from international designers, including exclusive products, from the likes of Malone Souliers. The footwear brand has created a Ramadan capsule collection of exclusive pieces, while major and emerging brands are honing in on the Ramadan shopper with kaftan and Abaya oriented releases.

Fendi presents the capsule collection, a collaboration with graffiti artist pref that celebrates the relationship between Fendi and Rome in a bold youthful and eye-catching way.

Fendi Roma Amor

Denim jacket with FF series detailing, Iconic motif trousers, Baguette in jacquard with fluo edging, Gentle Fendi Sunglasses

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Fendi Roma Amor

Bralette, Iconic graphic motif pleated skirt, Baguette in jacquard with fluo edges

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Fendi Roma Amor

Iconic graphic motif dress, Baguette in jacquard, Nano Baguette in Selleria leather, FFreedom ring, FFreedom sandal

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Fendi Roma Amor

Roma Amor waves & rainbow leather bomber jacket, Knit dress, Mini Baguette in Selleria Leather, Nano Baguette in Selleria leather

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Fendi Roma Amor

Fluo dress, Earrings, Peekaboo X-Lite in fluo Selleria leather

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Fendi Roma Amor

Dress with fluo detailing, Baguette in jacquard with fluo edges

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Fendi Roma Amor

Dress with fluo detailing, Baguette in jacquard with fluo edges

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Fendi Roma Amor

One-shoulder dress with paillettes & fluo, Roma Amor waves and rainbow effect, Mon Tresor Mini in Selleria leather

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Fendi Roma Amor

Gentle Fendi sunglasses

Photography: Mox Santos

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Hair and make-up: Ania P at MMG Artists

Model: Klaudia at MMG Models

Location: The London Project, Dubai

Guerlain’s Absolus d’Orient collection represents a new oriental dream shaped by the scents of precious balsams, rare woods, fabulous spices and exotic essences. It’s latest family member CUIR Intense evokes the emotions of rich luxurious leather that caresses the skin, balancing woody notes with delicate florals and smooth apricot accents. The fragrance is finished with an exquisite blend of sandalwood, cedar and tobacco. We discover the beauty of this new addition and the rest of the family in this collection.

CUIR INTENSE

All by GUERLAIN

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CUIR INTENSE

All by GUERLAIN

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CUIR INTENSE

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BOIS MYSTÉRIEUX  Intense Wood. A sumptuous chiaroscuro, this deep and enveloping leather reveals all its radiance and luminosity thanks to a few touches of Atlas cedar and precious myrrh.

All by GUERLAIN

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ENCENS MYTHIQUE Enigmatic Amber. Ethereal frankincense leaves only a fleeting impression on this woody musky oriental, set off with ardent rose accents. New Zealand ambergris gives this precious elixir an extreme softness and exceptional depth.

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MUSC NOBLE

Sensual Wood Mysterious. warm and powdery musk, haloed in the sensual breath of deep rose and the spicy, leather-tinged effect of saffron. The verticality of cedar wood is all it takes to elevate this fragrance to the apex of emotion.

All by GUERLAIN

SANTAL ROYAL

Creamy Wood. An eternal rose paired with sandalwood in a velvety, fruity peach cloud that develops towards more amber and leathery notes.

MUSC NOBLE

Sensual Wood Mysterious. Warm and powdery musk, haloed in the sensual breath of deep rose and the spicy, leather-tinged effect of saffron. The verticality of cedar wood is all it takes to elevate this fragrance to the apex of emotion.

OUD ESSENTIEL

Precious Wood. Like a homage to the eternal Orient, the charismatic presence of precious wood is enfolded in the warmth of Bulgarian rose and an enchanting leather note.

All by GUERLAIN

Photography: Henry Pascual

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

READ: Happy 190 Years Guerlain

READ: Guerlain Master Perfumer Thierry Wasser Chats Fragrance in The Middle East and Creating His Masterpiece

READ: Indulge in a Little Luxury Thanks to One&Only The Palm’s New Luxe Spa Treatments

For the past eight years, Mr Porter has been embracing the way men like to shop with a stress-free easy alternative to the retail experience. In 2017, much like its sister company Net-A-Porter with the launch of Iris and Ink, Mr Porter decided to expand its offering with its own in-house brand, Mr P, offering wardrobe staples and classics to complement a man’s designer buys.

Fiona Firth, the Buyer Director of Mr Porter, talks about how the e-commerce site’s own brand Mr P. is changing the game

Now in its eighth season, Mr P. has gone from strength to strength and is one of the most purchased brands on the e-commerce site. As Mr P. prepares to launch its spring/summer 19 capsule collection we talk to Mr Porter Buying Director Fiona Firth on what we can expect and the shape of the men’s fashion industry in The Middle East.

What can you tell us about the SS19 Mr P. collection?

We debuted our eighth and latest Mr P. collection in March encompassing 56 high-spring and early-summer pieces across ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories. I believe this collection provides the building blocks to a great summer wardrobe including a range of iconic menswear styles reinterpreted through modern silhouettes, quality fabrics and a soft colour palette of pink, green and blue. We have some standout pieces including a suede blouson jacket in pink and green which are perfectly lightweight and refined to wear this summer.

Workwear lines such as chore jackets are key and are gradually becoming a Mr P. trademark alongside our range of best-selling shorts, available with four different fits in a range of premium fabrications including Italian linen and Japanese selvedge chambray. This summer we have also introduced Mr P.’s first sandals for the beach in a brown leather and suede style. Our hot weather offering doesn’t end there as we have a high summer edit launching in July across seven ready-to-wear styles including two exclusive graphic print camp collar shirts.

How does the Mr P. collection compliment the other brands you have on the site?

Back in 2017 when we shared the news that we were launching our own label, there were, of course, many questions alongside some concerns. Since Mr P. arrived on Mr Porter, the brand has aided in complimenting the department and our existing brands. The contemporary category as a whole has grown across the business with the other brands benefiting in increased sales and traffic. Mr P. is designed and centred around providing apparel we deem to be essential in every man’s wardrobe; pieces that are classic and wearable, so are very complimentary as they can be styled with a vast array of brands.

Why do you think it’s important for Mr Porter to have its own brand?

Mr Porter has been in business for over eight years now and during that time we have grown to become the global retail destination for men’s style. The initial launch of Mr P. was an organic process as we felt there were lots of reasons for us to have our own brand, ranging from pure product to timing and relevance. We also felt there was a gap on Mr Porter for a contemporary brand with this style and the ability to offer seasonal product when men actually need it.

Mr P. is the solution to our customers’ see-now-buy-now needs, so that if you want to buy a good coat in February or March and not in the summer beforehand, you can as we have control of the cycle of production. Mr P.’s brand model of offering continuous wardrobe staples alongside seasonal products ensures that we can always cater to our customers’ requirements. We have the luxury of being able to offer a constant stream of products from t-shirts, coats, cashmere jumpers and shoes exactly when consumers want to buy them, rather than needing to rely on other brands for this. Ultimately, Mr P. has become an important reflection of Mr Porter’s strong aesthetic and brand DNA, whilst embracing the core brand values of quality, convenience and relevance.

Who is the Mr P. customer and how does he shop?

The Mr P. customer is similar in many respects to the Mr Porter customer; he is someone who appreciates quality and wearing clothes that make him feel good. We know that a lot of men sometimes find shopping, in general, a confusing and stressful experience, which is why we make sure Mr Porter offers our customers brands that have a unique DNA so that they are not left feeling too overwhelmed.

The Mr P. customer is someone who purchases certain items at the timely period of year when he needs it and is willing to spend more on key pieces with longevity, repeat buy certain wardrobe staples and is buying more casual looks than ever before. Our white Mr P. t-shirt is a great example of this, it is now one of the top three best-selling t-shirts across all brands on the site and is the item that is most frequently re-ordered from Mr P.’s offering.

How would you like to expand the range going forward?

The beauty of having our own brand is that the world really is our oyster. We can grow and expand the Mr P. range however we want. Our current plans are to develop and build on the collections, shaping the offering to what the Mr P. customer wants. For example, we have interpreted best-selling items such as our suede desert boots, cotton-pique polo shirts and pleat front trousers into lighter fabric compositions and different colourways to meet the demand of our customers. We have also increased the number of options available to our customers by over fifty per cent of styles vs last year.

We are very much still learning who our customer is and understanding how best to communicate with him. Developing and introducing Mr P.’s footwear range last September was a significant moment for us and we worked endlessly to source the best manufacturer to work with to master the shoe’s design and quality. We have also expanded into small accessories such as socks, hats, scarves and ties which are all performing well for us. Our immediate plans do not include expansion into further areas, however never say never.

What is it you see in a product or brand that entices you to bring it to the site?

Our thorough understanding of the MR PORTER customer helps to tailor our brand approach. As a global player, we identify brands that we believe will resonate within local markets while honouring heritage brands that our customers know and love.

What is the direction you would like to see Mr Porter heading in?

Men come to Mr Porter for everything from suiting to casualwear, lifestyle goods and accessories; we are an inclusive retailer and cater to all men and styles. I am looking forward to seeing Mr Porter further expand its brand portfolio, ramping up our lifestyle, grooming, contemporary and sports categories to offer all elements that are important in a man’s wardrobe. I’m excited for Mr Porter to further cement itself as the global authoritative style destination for men.

What is your opinion on seasons as far as the men’s industry is concerned – do you still believe in the concept of autumn/winter and spring/summer?

With brands and retailers operating on a global scale and customers travelling more, I think the lines between the distinguished seasons are becoming blurred. I believe seasonal collections will always remain as it gives context and direction to a designer’s range, however, we are seeing more and more on Mr Porter that men are buying items when they actually need them, rather than in the designated seasonal drop.

How do you think the online shopping experience differs from the in-store one and how do you entice customers?

The benefits of shopping with an online retailer vs a brick and mortar store is that the experience is quick, easy and stress-free – just how men like to shop. I think one of the reasons Mr Porter is successful is because it was designed to fit into a man’s everyday lifestyle compared to being a chore or an excursion.

The teams here have done all the hard work for our customers, curating an edit from the greatest brands so they don’t have to scroll through pages of product; the confidence is there that we have chosen the best available. To complement our product offering there is the content element you don’t get in a physical store, which is one of our unique selling points.

The clothes are styled in different ways and in different scenarios across our editorial platforms to enable our customers to understand how they can put different looks together. Our seamless shopping experience and exceptional customer service is also one of our greatest attributes, with a team of dedicated personal shoppers available 24/7 alongside our express delivery to over 170 countries, including same-day delivery to New York and London.

Even down to the moment the items are delivered to your door, the shopping experience on-site is a luxury. For example, the Mr Porter packaging, which has been a strong and distinguishing component, is core to our brand and customer experience. Every time our customers receive a package from us, it’s very much like receiving a gift to themselves and is a continuation of the luxury on-site experience.

What can you tell us about the habits of Mr Porter’s Middle Eastern customers?

The Middle East is one of our key regions with our client base continuing to grow over the years. It’s always interesting to see how each market varies in the types of top performing brands we have on the site, whilst some stay the same. With a high proportion of top spending customers and an average order spend that’s higher than the global average, we know that our customers across the Middle East are always on the lookout for the latest apparel and accessories from renowned brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, Gucci, Hugo Boss and Prada.

That said, brands such as Nike and Adidas Originals also do particularly well in the market, as well as globally, with sneakers and t-shirts being the top two best-selling categories. I would say that the main difference we see in this region compared with others is the differentiation between climates. Customers shop with us for a balance in transitional product alongside summer essentials when other parts of the world aren’t necessarily. Additionally, a significant development we have seen recently is the rising number of women shopping on Mr Porter and particularly for luxury watches. The Middle East now has a larger proportion of female customers compared to the rest of the world.

What is a lesson you have learnt from your experience in the industry?

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt from working in this industry is to always be fair, open-minded and approachable. Some of the most exciting and rewarding experiences I have had to date are in recognising the potential of a brand in its infancy and watching it flourish. That said, I have also learnt the importance of knowing when best to place a large order with a small designer; it is vital to understand a brand’s capability and infrastructure to help it grow healthily once ready.

What is the biggest challenge you face today?

Being a progressive menswear retailer means keeping up to date with industry shifts and adjusting our strategy accordingly. One of the biggest challenges we face today is catering to a global market and interpreting the vast level of information we have access to. Developments from new and existing competitors is a challenge we continuously face but also welcomed as a positive. It ensures that Mr Porter remains current, relevant and drives enhancements to the business, whether that’s through a new and exclusive product offering, our service propositions, the Mr Porter app or via our brand campaigns and editorial content.

What would you still like to achieve with Mr Porter and more specifically the Mr P. range?

Mr Porter was created to make the world a more stylish place and life easier for men. I feel we constantly achieve this with our product offering, informative and educational editorial content and exceptional customer service. Growing our luxury watch category has been a big focus for the business and we now have 20 leading luxury watch maisons on-site including Vacheron Constantin, IWC and Cartier. My aim is to continue expanding this category with more of the world’s best brands – increasingly focussing on limited editions and exclusive timepieces you can only get at Mr Porter. This, hand in hand with providing our loyal customers and those new to us with engaging original content and a first-class global service, will allow us to educate, advise and embrace a digitally savvy audience of male shoppers within the world of luxury watches. Specifically, with Mr P., I would like to grow the brand organically focussing on the quality and delivering pieces that our customers desire. Mr P. currently ranks within the top 15 brands on Mr Porter, I would like to grow the brand to position in the top 10!

What is your advice to others wanting to get into the fashion industry?

It’s very important to have a genuine interest and passion for the industry and an understanding of the global retail landscape. It might sound simple, but try to consistently learn from the people you work with, don’t be afraid to ask questions, listen and this will give you a broader outlook. It can also be a relentless ride at times so have the enthusiasm and the drive to embrace a busy schedule!

How would you describe Mr Porter in one sentence?

The global retail and content destination for men’s style providing an edit of unparalleled product from the world’s best menswear and lifestyle brands, unmatched editorial content and a seamless shopping experience.

See our top picks from the eight capsule collection from Mr. P for spring

READ: Mr P. Drops Capsule Collection For Spring 2019: See Our Top Picks

READ: The Modern Office Wear By Off-White

READ: Brunello Cucinelli Design A Capsule For Mr Porter

Unleash your adventurous side with the new Defy Inventor from Zenith. The newest addition to Zenith’s Defy range, it presents an innovative era of precision thanks to its disruptive new Zenith Oscillator control system.

ZENITH DEFY INVENTOR

95.9001.9100/78.R584

Jacket, trousers and T-shirt, Fendi

LEFT IMAGE:

ZENITH DEFY INVENTOR

95.9001.9100/78.R584

Jacket and T-shirt, Fendi

RIGHT IMAGE:

ZENITH DEFY CLASSIC TITANIUM

95.9000.670/78.M9000

Yellow T-shirt Slowear at Harvey Nichols Dubai

ZENITH DEFY CLASSIC

87.9001.670/79.R589

Trousers and Jacket, Ermenegildo Zegna Couture XXX

T-shirt, Stone Island at Harvey Nichols Dubai

LEFT & RIGHT IMAGE:

ZENITH DEFY CLASSIC

87.9001.670/79.R589

Trousers, Jacket and shoes, Ermenegildo Zegna Couture XXX

T-shirt, Stone Island at Harvey Nichols Dubai

LEFT IMAGE:

ZENITH DEFY 21 CERAMIC

49.9000.9004/78.R782

Jacket T-shirt and trousers, Stella McCartney at Harvey Nichols Dubai

RIGHT IMAGE:

ZENITH DEFY CLASSIC CERAMIC

49.9000.670/77.R782

Jumper, Sacai at Harvey Nichols Dubai

Trousers, Ermenegildo Zegna Couture XXX

Sunglasses, Mont Blanc

LEFT IMAGE:

ZENITH DEFY 21

95.9002.9004/78.R584

Top and trousers, Dries Van Noten at Harvey Nichols Dubai

Sneakers, Nike

RIGHT IMAGE:

ZENITH DEFY ZERO G

95.9000.8812/78.M9000

Jacket, Diesel

T-shirt Stone Island at Harvey Nichols Dubai

ZENITH DEFY 21 CERAMIC

49.9000.9004/78.R782

Jacket T-shirt and trousers, Stella McCartney at Harvey Nichols Dubai

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Photography: Ziga Mihelcic

Grooming: Meagan at Art Factory

Model: Jasmin at MMG Models

Location: Horizon Club, Level 42, Shangri-La Dubai

The EsposaCouture creator talks through being immersed in gown making from her childhood,  wedding dress trends and the importance of getting it right.

Kristie Romanos has been immersed in bridal couture her whole life. Born into the Romanos family who founded the Middle East based bridal boutiques Esposa Privé, Kristie along with her two sisters Juliana and Jihane bring the best of international luxury and couture bridalwear to the region.

Their Dubai boutique along with the Beirut branch have become the Middle East’s must-visit destination for brides-to-be, offering an exclusive selection of gowns and dresses for the elegant woman who knows a thing or two about luxury.

But Kristie has taken things one step further with her own line of wedding gowns. EsposaCouture comprises of bespoke creations distinguished with luxurious fabrics, and meticulous attention to detail. Inspired by her background in bridal couture, Kirstie specialises in pieces that are designed for the modern woman but have the timeless elegance of classic bridal couture.

The latest collection for 2019 is inspired by sacred love. Floral and leaf patterns are very much in play and designs are deeply influenced by the lotus shape. Dresses float effortlessly with cascading layers of fabrics, exuding a feeling of lightness at all times. There is also intricate embroidery combined with rich lace and layered details, translating the designer’s sophisticated taste with a longing for modernity.

Through deep plunge, strapless, off-the-shoulder, and high neckline cuts weaved with luxurious fabrics, the result is full-on seduction combining craftsmanship with innovation and promising romance and sensuality for the contemporary and fashionable woman.

We caught up with Kristie to discuss her latest collection and why she was so inspired to create wedding gowns.

What do you think today’s woman is looking for in a wedding gown?

The most important element that the bride seeks to find in a wedding dress is to choose the right dress for her shape, personality, character and wedding theme or venue. She should be comfortable and happy and reflect her personality through her dress.

What is your first memory of weddings?

Fashion was always present in my life from an early age. I was born into a family that is very passionate about bridal couture. However, I particularly felt involved in the world of fashion at the age of 16 when I started travelling with my mother to luxury couture markets to buy the top brands. This is where I discovered, not only the latest collections and trends of luxury brands but also my immense love for this field, especially bridal fashion.

Why were you particularly drawn to designing wedding gowns in particular?

When I joined the family business after my studies and career abroad, I felt the need to add my own input, to make a difference somewhere. This is when I started designing dresses based on my clients’ demands, adding this extra something they were desperately looking for. This gradually led to the birth and expansion of Esposacouture, which today is a full bridal line that is being distributed worldwide.

What’s the feeling you get when a bride finds their perfect gown?

To see the happiness in the eyes of a bride when she finds the dress of her dreams is the most beautiful thing we can achieve. Knowing that we have realized the vision she has been dreaming of and contributed to her love story. This is the ultimate aspiration and the strongest testimony of success for me.

How difficult is it to keep creating gowns that are timeless but also follow trends?

Trends are very important since they revolutionise the designs and create something different. However, you can always go for something classic while adding a trendy twist which will create a timeless look.

How would you sum up what you are trying to achieve with EsposaCouture?

I see the future of Esposacouture as a brand that keeps on making a difference in the lives of the people we work with or meet along the way and a brand that continues to influence women. We hope – and we will work hard – to make more and more women happy around the world, and to keep weaving love stories and influencing the bridal industry through a forward-looking vision and a love spreading philosophy.

What can you tell us about your latest 2019 bridal collection?

The Esposacouture 2019 Collection is inspired by Sacred Love. Celebrating love in the purest of its forms, I was inspired by the lotus flower to create pieces that blossom magnificently. Floral and leaf patterns are very much in play, intricately adding my signature style on dresses that exude elegance. Overall, it’s full-on seduction with a myriad of cuts and fabrics that combine craftsmanship with innovation, promising romance and sensuality for the contemporary and fashionable woman.

How difficult is it to keep reinventing your designs?

Adding a modern twist to the classical look is always a good idea. This is why at Esposacouture, we are trying to add the trendy modern elements in a way that will keep the design of the dress a timeless one. And this is done by using bows, capes, sleeves, etc.

When it comes to buying a wedding dress would you recommend made to measure or ready-to-wear?

It really depends on the bride. Sometimes a dress can perfectly fit the bride’s body shape and personality. However, we sometimes have brides who don’t know exactly what they want and who are very modern, and that’s when we advise them to go with the made to measure option where they can create any style in any cut they want.

Are there any particular fabrics or styles you are enjoying working with at the moment?

There are many fabrics – Gazar, Mikado, Chantilly Lace, and Jacquard.

What about dresses that aren’t white or cream – what’s your opinion on that?

Many bridal designers succeed in breaking the rules which say that a wedding dress should be white. And that rule doesn’t always apply to the modern bride. However, to look perfect with coloured dresses, the bride should choose the right colour that’s flattering to her skin tone. I think this trend is a gorgeous idea because not every bride looks great in white.

Are there any bridal trends you’re really enjoying right now?

Geometrics cuts and 3D details on the dress are my favourites.

What can you tell us about the buy and selection of dresses on offer at Esposa Privé?

We make sure that the store holds different styles and cuts of exclusive dresses to satisfy the taste of every woman searching for her look of love.

What guidelines do you follow when choosing dresses for the boutique?

Esposa Privé promises unique diversity in its stores and unparalleled quality of exclusive designs.

How many dresses should a bride try on before finding her perfect gown?

What a wedding dress looks like on the hanger or on a mannequin can be totally different with a real person wearing it! Trying on a selection of wedding gowns in each style will help the bride in deciding which direction she is heading in, be it strapless, full-skirted or empire line for example. In eliminating the styles that she doesn’t like or that don’t work with her body shape, it will help to narrow down the search, saving the bride effort and time.

She should not be afraid of trying on what the consultant suggests even if it is not her idea of the perfect gown at first glance. Many times an experienced consultant can show the bride what will look best on her body. The most important thing is to find the gown that makes her look her absolute best! She would want to accentuate her best features and disguise the areas that are her least favourite.

How do you know when it’s the perfect dress?

When the bride is given the full look of love from the dress, topped with the headpiece and veil, she would be able to imagine herself on her wedding day which will definitely help her in choosing her dress according to what makes her feel comfortable and different.

What’s the biggest challenge you face today in what you do?

Although I grew up in a family that worked in the bridal luxury field and I had the chance to discover this exciting world at a young age, I had my share of challenges in the industry, especially at the beginning of my career. Gaining the trust of clients and graving your own fashion signature is a process that requires time, in an era where competition is rising and digital marketing is unstoppable – and free.

However, leading the growth and expansion of Esposacouture internationally has been a thrilling journey with many beautiful successes. When passion is big enough, nothing can stand in the way of your motivation to accomplish your goals and realize the dreams you’ve always had for yourself.

Do you have a motto or quote that you tell to your brides?

I always tell them that their dress should reflect who they are, they should be happy and comfortable, and they will look effortlessly gorgeous.

Are there any particular gowns or brides that stand out in your memory as proud moments?

I have designed bridal and evening dresses and worked with many celebrities including Nadine Njeim, Amel Bouchoucha, Dana Wolley, Martha Graeff, Mina EL Sheikhly, Bibi, and many other inspiring women.

If you could design a wedding dress for anyone who would it be?

One celebrity that I wish I could have dressed on her wedding day is Grace of Monaco. Her incomparable elegance is a challenge by itself; it makes the idea of designing a bridal style that would match her distinguished look a unique experience that I would have loved to been involved in.

When it comes to brides in the UAE, many women look to Europe or even further afield for their bridal gowns. But you may be surprised to know that there is a local bespoke bridal designer making wedding gowns from the comfort of her own studio in Dubai. Introducing Barbaranne Heaton, the Founder of House of Moirai, who chats to a&e about popular wedding dress styles for 2019, launching her own business and the motto she lives by.

Founder of House of Moirai, Barbaranne Heaton

House of Moirai was founded by Barbaranne Heaton with the ambition to fill a gap in the market for bohemian, relaxed bridal wear, with a luxury edge. Her pieces are unique and designed to cater to each bride’s individual needs and style. Heaton has been a fashion designer for almost two decades. Her mother was a dressmaker and she spent her childhood watching her mother creating designs.

After moving to Dubai she realised the opportunity to design gowns for the less traditional bride who was looking for something unique and different. While House of Moirai is tradition a made to order brand, last year Heaton took the decision to start a ready-to-wear line to provide a more accessible option for brides, still within the boundaries of being a bohemian brand.

Here we discuss with Barabaranne Heaton the process behind her designs and what to look for when choosing your own wedding dress.

What is the first question you ask a woman when she comes to you for a wedding dress?

I ask them about the wedding location and date. I like to be able to imagine the setup and atmosphere when we’re discussing the dress design.

Do you prefer when a woman has an idea of what she wants or is it better for you to start from scratch?

I don’t mind actually. I get a mixture of both. But we always end up making the dress unique to the bride, even when they come in with a clear vision.

What recommendations can you make when it comes to body types and dress styles?

It’s important to ensure you’re wearing the right style not only for your shape but also for you. You have to be 100% comfortable in your choice and feel yourself.

What are the most popular styles you are being asked for at the moment?

I’m finding bridal fashions are really stripping back at the moment and I’m being asked for more contemporary, minimalistic styles which I love because you have to put a lot of emphasis on the cut and fabric, making sure the lines are perfect. Clean, classic cuts with a cool twist.

Why did you decide to start your business in Dubai?

I saw a gap in the bridal market out here and find it an exciting place to create something new.

What is it about bohemian styles that you particularly like?

I like the way they are laid back in the style but still elegant.

Is there one particular bride or dress that you’ve worked with that stands out in your mind?

All of them! Every dress, every bride is unique.

Are there any particular fabrics or techniques you’re enjoying working with at the moment?

We’re doing a lot of hand-dyed ombré effects on silk. I love the natural process and seeing how it develops.

How do you keep reinventing your designs?

I just keep myself in touch with how lifestyle and fashion trends develop. It’s important to take in new and fresh inspiration from all sorts of places, not just fashion.

What’s the secret to designing something that follows trends but is also timeless? Not trying too hard. Less is definitely more.

What did you decide to create a ready-to-wear collection for House of Morai?

I wanted people to see who we were as a bridal house, and also myself as a designer.

What has been the feedback so far?

We’ve had an amazing response. We recently showed during London Bridal Week at an independent pop up and we had an amazing response from brides in London. I think people are looking for something different in bridal these days. Brides want to express themselves more without having to go over the top.

How did designing the ready-to-wear pieces compare with your bespoke gowns?

It’s a completely different process. With bespoke designs, you have a particular bride in mind when designing and there are a lot of other factors to consider, but with the ready-to-wear, I was free to create the looks I wanted to see my brides in.

What is the professional motto you live by?

Hustle.

If you weren’t designing wedding dresses what would you be doing?

I’d definitely something creative. Since I could walk and talk I’ve had a pencil in my hand. I used to draw all over my parents’ walls. It drove them mad!

How would you describe your brand in one sentence?

Think outside the bridal box.

READ: Bridal Gown Designer Kristie Romanos Talks Us Through What It Means to Create a Dream Wedding Dress

READ: Antonio Grimaldi Chats to A&E as He Launches Ramadan Collection Exclusively in Dubai

READ: Carolina Herrera’s Romantic Bridal Collection Is A Tribute To Portugal

Chanel’s Cruise 2020 show was eagerly anticipated as it was to be the debut collection designed by since she took the reins after Karl Lagerfeld passed away.

There was a relaxed atmosphere in the Grand Palais as Viard decided to take the audience on a journey with models walking the runway in a setting that resembled a Beaux-Arts style train station. The House promised an adventure as the Grand Palais was transformed with railroad tracks over which one can picture trains setting off for sunny destinations.

And the designed perfectly fitted the idea of adventure. Playful, whimsical creations in pastel tones and floaty fabrics brought life to the runway. Taking inspiration from the early 20^th century, Viard perfectly combined this classic era with the needs of the woman of today with functional yet feminine pieces that were perfectly wearable. Whether it was the loose fitting summer dresses or cigarette trousers with kimono jackets, these was a sense of realness about this collection that had a strong sense of adventure.

Floaty ruffled dresses in colourful printed fabrics were juxtaposed with elegant jackets. Loose fitting kimono jackets were worn over jumpsuits, and bow shaped tops, while sleeveless jackets, capes and smarter pieces were designed for the working woman. For evening wear it was adventurous again, the kind of designs one would wear o holiday. One shoulder cocktail dresses, decorated with colourful sequins and dresses covered in appliqué flowers were light, playful and fun.

When it came to the details Lagerfeld was represented perfectly throughout the collection with the prominence of the bow – one of his favourite accessories. Bows were in the form of tops, belts or details on dresses. Headscarf’s gave a sense of adventure while oversized pearl-detailed jewellery and earrings ensured  there was plenty of glamour in each look.

As for bags, there was a sense of function with backpacks and crossbody bags taking the lead while others were held tightly under the arm. Accessories came in a rainbow of colours that will add a playful accent to any look.

For the 10th edition of Les Voiles De St. Barth, Richard Mille celebrates sailing and fine watchmaking, and fresh from winning the race, the CEO of the EMEA Region, Peter Harrison, discusses the parallels between sailing and fine watchmaking.

Picturesque scenes provided the perfect backdrop for the 10th edition of Les Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille. The glamorous boat race on the sunny island of St. Barths, has quickly become the most highly anticipated regatta in The Caribbean.

This year’s event marked the 10th edition and saw nine classes of yacht race around the west side of the island, taking in the stunning views and displaying some great teamwork. 1,200 sailors took part in the four-day regatta, which saw 63 yachts battle for victory in a stage of 24-29 nautical miles and winds that varied between 16 and 18 knots.

The annual regatta has been growing in popularity over the last decade and attracts sailing teams from all around the world with over 30 per cent of this year’s contestants joining the race for the first time. The event annually attracts some of the world’s most exclusive yachts and best sailing teams in the world, including Peter Harrison, CEO of the EMEA Region, Richard Mille, who’s Maxi 72 winning yacht Sorcha, won the overall Maxi Class category race and brought home the Richard Mille Maxi Cup and win the coveted Richard Mille RM 60-01 watch, which will be sold through the Paris boutique, with the money raised going to charities that support in young people learning to sail, while the remainder will contribute to safeguarding the coastal areas of St. Barths.

Harrison shared helmsman duties with the event patron and Richard Mille ambassador Pierre Casiraghi who joined for the first time. Casiraghi is a well-known entrepreneur and a member of Monaco’s ruling family, but he is also a seasoned sailor with impressive credentials. A former athlete, he began sailing at a very young age and began his regatta career aboard Tuiga in 2010. “It was great having Peter and Pierre alternate driving,” said Andy Clark, long term Sorcha team member.

But the event is not purely about the race. When the hard work is over, participants and supporters relish in taking the time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, by partying, engaging in sporting activities and basking in the sun on the beach at some of the island’s exclusive resorts, something we were keen to talk about with Peter Harrison.

Peter Harrison has 25 years of experience in luxury goods sales and marketing. In 2006 he created Redgrave Luxury Ltd. a UK-based distribution company that specialises in prestige luxury products across Europe, The Middle East and Africa. One of the company’s key brands is Richard Mille. After developing a relationship with Richard Mille himself over a number of years, the two went into business together. Redgrave Luxury Ltd. became the sole distributor for Richard Mille across EMEA.

Harrison is known for his wish to create a close relationship with the clients and it’s events like this that allow him to bond and form this closeness with the Richard Mille family. Fresh from the boat race A&E caught up with Peter Harrison to talk St. Barths, business and the future.

Why is it important for you to align Richard Mille with the des Voiles de St. Barth?

We like to partner with events from the beginning and make them our own. They have to reflect the lifestyle of the brand. There are a lot of synergies between the sailing world and watchmaking. In both industries the R&D is primordial. The research and engineering it takes to create the best yachts are constant. Yacht companies always aim for better aerodynamics, lightest weights and better resistance. As well as for sailing or car racing, it requires a lot of engineering and hours to create a Richard Mille timepiece. At Richard Mille, we are well known for pushing boundaries to create the lightest and most resistant tourbillons. We test our Tourbillon pieces at up to 10,000 G!

Congratulations on your victory this year! How has your experience been?

Thanks, we have a very good team made of some sailors who won some world cups and regularly take part in prestigious sailing events like the Volvo Race. Most of the 22 sailors onboard are regulars in Sorcha team now and we know each other very well. We are well synchronised; we were meticulous and it paid off as we won the regatta in the Maxi 1 category!

This regatta was very interesting as Pierre Casiraghi, patron of this year’s edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Barth and ambassador for Richard Mille, co-helmed the boat with me. He is an experienced and passionate sailor and it was interesting to exchange with him about sailing.

What can you tell us about the boat you sailed in this year?

Sorcha is a maxi yacht, a JV 72. She is a 72ft custom race boat built to the Mini Maxi 72 rule. She is a racing boat made of Carbon fibre and uses technical materials throughout. She was designed by the successful Judel-Vrolijk. Her overall length is 23m (same as a tennis court), the Mast is 30m high (same as a 10-story building) and is made from carbon fibre and titanium. As you can see from the materials used to build Sorcha, Richard Mille uses a lot of the same ones to produce our timepieces, like Titanium and Carbon. Sails are constructed from TPT.

What do you love most about coming to St. Barths?

St Barths is a beautiful island that offers a unique landscape. I like to travel there every year, take part in Les voiles de Saint-Barth and spend some time there with my family. To me, sailing and competing is a perfect way to discover places. You meet new people and immerse yourself in different cultures. It is a good break from work as when you sail on a boat like Sorcha you need to be 100 per cent focused on the regatta and on your helming. In Les Voiles de Saint-Barth the best crews and yachts compete. It has become one of the most prestigious regattas in the world.

What are the five things that should be on our to-do list while in St. Barths?

It is hard to only limit to five! The whole island is a wonder.

I love hiking from Cheval Blanc to Colombier. It offers some amazing views. Colombier is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. You can only access it by a 20-min walk or by boat. The path from Cheval Blanc to Colombiers can be a bit scary in some places but the landscape you get when you arrive is the best reward. I also sometimes go there with the chase boat and picnic on the beach.

The restaurant from Hotel Toiny offers one of the best lunches on the island.

I like to go to Shellona on Shell Beach after an intense day of racing for a cold drink.

This year I went on Gouverneur beach with my family for a picnic. With Colombier, it is one of my favourite beaches.

There is a new restaurant on St Jean, called Pearl Beach, they serve excellent food.

What would you say has been the most memorable moment for you since the partnership began?

The two victories of Sorcha! We first won with my previous boat also called Sorcha, a TP 52 in 2017 and won again this year with the new Sorcha, the JV 72 mentioned earlier.

Last year was also memorable as it was the first year after Hurricane Irma. It felt good to see the solidarity and all these boats taking part in the regatta and supporting the island. However, it was quite challenging with very strong winds, going up to 45 knots. We broke three spinnakers over the week.

What’s your typical day while you’re here?

I wake up quite early and start my morning with an hour of cross-training with my personal trainer. Then, I go to Gustavia harbour and prepare for the regatta with my crew.

Depending on how long the route of the day is, we generally start at 10 am and finish around 3/4 pm. We debrief about the day, decide on the strategy for the next day and then I either have a refreshing drink or go back to my villa. Every year I rent a villa in Gustavia. It is close to the harbour and some of them offer an endless view of the sea. It is magical and helps me to disconnect. In the evening I either stay in the villa or go to a restaurant.

Have you been reading a book on this trip and if so what was it?

New York by Edward Rutherfurd.

Of course the devastation of Hurricane Irma affected the race last year, what can you tell us about the re-building and recovery of the island since?

In 2018, it was impressive to see all these boats attending the regatta and supporting the island. 53 boats competed last year! This year 60 competed. It is almost full capacity for the island as the organisers cap the number of boats participating to 70. Anything over this number the island would not be able to welcome all the sailors and visitors. The island recovered pretty quickly. Almost everything has been rebuilt now.

Aside from the race what do you like to do here when you have free time?

I like to spend some time with my family, cycling around the island and swimming.

The 2019 edition of the event has been deemed eco-responsible – Why was it key for you to ensure this was a key factor in this year’s event?

The island is a wonder, so it is important to keep it like that. This year the organisation wanted to underline the importance of respecting nature. We see a lot of rubbish and plastic in the sea we witness the damages it is causing while sailing, so we respect it and make sure we do not have a negative impact on the landscape. This year they particularly insisted on the water waste and plastic pollution. Some children from the island often go to the beaches and pick up plastic. From that plastic they made a sculpture representing a wave that was exhibited in the harbour to embody the danger it represents to the sea.

What is the importance of sustainability as a watch brand and how is Richard Mille achieving this?

Sustainability is part of our daily effort. When producing our timepieces, we make sure to recycle and reuse water and oils for example in order to reduce our impact on the environment as much as possible.

What can you tell us about the watches you are showcasing through the race?

While sailing I wear the RM 60-01 Regatta. Every sailor wears a watch during regattas as time is crucial. We need to know when to start and how we are doing during the race. The RM 60-01 is a timepiece that showcases a compass, running seconds function, flyback chronograph with central seconds counter, 30-minute countdown timer, and UTC function.

Which watch are you wearing today and why?

Today I am wearing the RM 60-01 as it is a sailing day.

What do you love most about being at sea?

You disconnect from the day to day life and forget any preoccupation.

What is your first memory of sailing?

In my late teens, I started to windsurf on the south coast of the UK. It grew from there. We have had a house on the Isle of Wight for almost 20 years where we sail competitively and recreationally through the summer months with a Tofinou. I started to race in competition sailing around ten years ago.

What would you still like to achieve at Richard Mille?

The general trend for Richard Mille has been a continued upward trajectory and we have been expanding our boutique network. We are closing our retailers by the end of 2019 and will be from now on distributed in dedicated Richard Mille boutiques only, from 2020.

Between the end of 2018 and this year, we have been opening boutiques in Doha, Kuwait, Jeddah, Riyadh, Istanbul and Moscow and we will relocate our London Boutique on Bond Street. We will maintain a healthy growth of our distribution network.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Work to live not live to work.

And what about a personal motto?

Same…!

Describe Richard Mille in one word.

Richard Mille, the man: Friend

Richard Mille, the brand: Innovation

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As Heitham Adjina presents his first solo exhibition in the region, a&e catches up with the artist to find out how he is bridging the gap between art and architecture.

For his first solo exhibition in The Middle East, British-Iraqi artist Heitham Adjina travels to Dubai to present Architecture of Being, a collection of over thirty canvases from various moments during Adjina’s career that reveals the delicate way in which he combines the worlds of architecture and art.

An Architect by career, through his artworks Adjina couples the structures that make up our world with individual emotional and philosophical inquiry.

He uses a philosophical approach to create works that analyse the wonders of time, place and humanity.

Adjina has had a career as an architect that spans over forty years. Splitting his time between Dubai, London, Kuwait and Baghdad he is the creator behind some of the most iconic architectural structures in The Middle East. Adjina has collaborated with architects including Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid, for which he worked on The Opus building in Dubai.

As an artist, Adjina combines the structures that inhabit our world with the more subjective meanderings of human consciousness. While studying architecture the Adjina has always been heavily influenced by art and believes the two come hand in hand. As his first solo exhibition debuts in Dubai, we talk to Adjina on his inspiration and the challenges he faces as an artist.

What can you tell us about the exhibition you are presenting in Dubai?

It is an exhibition of a selection of paintings that were done over the last two decades. They were not supposed to present a consistent theme of style or thought, but more a process of modes of thinking at certain periods of time. They include some fairly strict abstract formulation, while others embody relationships in life and of life. I didn’t expect that it would be a stylistic exhibition but something to show the viewer various approaches and paintings.

The reaction on the opening night was very pleasing and I felt that both the abstract and emotional paintings were very well received and the reactions of the attendees were very positive.

Why did you choose Dubai for this exhibition?

I had been urged to exhibit by gallerists and private collectors, and in a way, I was reluctant for many years, but I believe we found the right venue and the right time. Art Week is a major event in the region, and it felt like the right moment. Over the past few years in Dubai, I have been immersed with building my architectural practice.

LEFT: A Warm Encounter, Heitham Adjina, Showcase GalleryRIGHT: The Full Story, Heitham Adjina, Showcase Gallery

You began your career as an architect what led you to the art world?

I have a vivid memory of drawing at the age of eight at primary school. We had a drawing class and I began to draw images from my imagination – palm trees and a river. The teacher came to my desk and commended my work, and even brought in another teacher to have a look. That was the very beginning of finding myself, and my love for drawing.

Within the same year, I started seriously drawing and painting and was fortunate enough that my family allowed me to have a dedicated ‘drawing’ room in our house to take on my new passion and hobby, where I would find and lose myself at the same time.

I used to draw and paint with charcoal, pastel and wall-paints at the time – as a substitute to oil paints. I used to copy images from artists and magazines – my first memories were of me copying Van Gogh’s cypress trees and Cezanne’s gamblers, and pictures of celebrities and film stars.

This passion continued throughout my childhood, but it was only when I moved to London at the age of 17 that I was really exposed to ‘art’ – through exhibitions and art classes at A-level – and thereafter I decided to study architecture.

During those years I was very much interested in art and sculpture and visited museums and exhibitions frequently. Actually, my studies in the first two years of architecture supported my interest in discovering more about art and sculpture. They have always gone hand in hand for me.

How do you think the two industries are linked?

For me personally, you cannot separate one from the other. They are intrinsically linked and one has always influenced the other in my design and thought process. Architecture is a combination of 70% fact, and 30% creativity. As opposed to paintings, which are 100% creativity. Architecture influences people and affects our way of life; while painting enhances the visual, emotional, and perhaps the intellectual feelings of a viewer.

TOP LEFT: Heitham Adjina, A Delicate Balance, Showcase Gallery TOP RIGHT: Caught in his Mirage, Heitham Adjina, Showcase gallery BOTTOM: Abstract, Heitham Adjina, Showcase Gallery

Is there a particular piece of art that has inspired you?

There is no specific piece of art or artist that has particularly inspired me. It is a collective residue, or result, of following paintings and painters. It is a fact that – consciously or sub-consciously – these painters and paintings do have an effect on a person, but for me, it cannot be attributed to a specific painter or painting.

Prison Gallery, Heitham Adjina, Private Collection

What would you say is your biggest challenge today as an artist?

Creativity is a challenge. To try and create something that has inner feelings is more challenging than to do paintings that are visually, aesthetically pleasing, but do not require the involvement of the viewer. The real challenge for me is to actually translate thoughts and emotions onto a canvas.

What would you like to achieve with your creations?

I would very much like to see the viewer feel involved in the content of the painting.

Red, Heitham Adjina, Showcase Gallery

Where do you go when you want to concentrate on your paintings?

I work out of my studio in my home in Dubai.

What are your thoughts on the art scene in the Middle East and the UAE in particular?

I believe the UAE is the vanguard of promotion and development of the art and culture scene in The Middle East. It is developing talents and helping towards a collective understanding of the importance of art. I had a lot of specific interest in the artwork of the Emirates, Egyptian and Iraqi artists. Needless to say, artists of Syria and Lebanon have produced exceptional work.

Architecture of Being is now showing at Showcase Gallery, Al Serkal Avenue until May 9th.

One&Only Royal Mirage, located in Al Sufouh Dubai, is an iconic property that celebrates the splendour of Arabia and brings to life the magic and colour of the region.

One&Only Royal Mirage is one of the UAE’s most treasured properties, not just by tourists but by local residents and expats alike. Perhaps it is because of the grandeur of the resort that still allows privacy and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated on the Arabian Gulf, the property consists of three environments – The Palace, Arabian Court and The Residence and Spa – each one unique in its offering.

Accommodation 

Team A&E checked into the Residence and Spa for a relaxing staycation, the most intimate of the hotel’s experiences and most definitely the hidden gem of the resort, the Residence features 49 guest rooms and suites as well as a two-bedroom Beach Garden Villa.

These rooms combine the luxury of a five-star hotel stay with the amenities and comfort of the home, making your stay stress-free and relaxed. The rooms offer views across the resort’s lush gardens and the Arabian Gulf. Watch the sunset over the sea from opulent outdoor balconies or relax by the pool in a quiet secluded gazebo. You really will feel a million miles away.

Inside the rooms the Arabian theme of the hotel continues with intricately-designed fabrics and wooden king-size beds, leading to leaving areas with Majlis-style seating. The four executive suites include a separate entrance foyer, dining area, guest bathroom and a traditional area for entertaining.

If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury check into the Beach Garden Villa. This 300 metre squared private residence is accessed through a dedicated driveway and hidden garden which takes you to a private oasis. The Beach Garden Villa boasts two master bedrooms, each with a master bath and its own hammam steam room and temperature-controlled swimming pool.

Airconditioned terraces allow a year-round outdoor experience and for those who want to work out – there is a cardio studio equipped with treadmills and weights. At the centre of the residence is a private Arabian style Majlis lounge, dining area and kitchen where guests can entertain and celebrate.

Spa & Wellbeing 

Situated close to the Residence you’ll find the One&Only Spa the Health & Beauty Institute. A serene space offering holistic and tailored experiences. Accessed via a private driveway through lush gardens and pools, the space features a huge spa and a traditional Oriental Hamman downstairs. Inside you’ll find a treatment menu consisting of therapies designed to focus on three key pillars – unwind, restore and elevate.

These three pillars focus on soothing the mind and relieving tension, purifying and balancing the body and mind, and reviving and elevating energy levels, resulting in renewed wellbeing and vitality. Signature treatments include One&Only Spa Experience which takes guests on a journey of full-body exfoliation, a total body wrap with marine mud, algae or Ayurvedic Oshadi, a tension-relieving head massage and full body aromatherapy massage.

The ‘Blissful Back, Face and Scalp with Hot Stones’ is a powerful stress reliever, focusing on the classic areas of the body that retain tension. Starting with a purifying back exfoliation, the treatment includes a deep massage with healing hot stones, intensive facemask to soothe and hydrate the skin and a head massage to clear the mind and calm the spirit.     

The highlight of the spa has to be the Oriental Hamman. Featuring a selection of steam rooms, private massage rooms, jet shower, whirlpool and a traditionally furnished relaxation area, guests are encouraged to escape from the outside world and take a journey of relaxation. Incorporating centuries-old therapeutic tradition, a variety of hammam experiences have been designed to suit every need.

‘The Royal Hammam’ is an authentic Arabian experience including a deep cleaning with Vitamin E rich Moroccan soap or Beldi made with black olives, full body exfoliation with a kessa glove, nourishing Ghassoul wrap and honey face mask, head to toe cleansing ceremony and relaxing massage on a warm marble slab. ‘The Hammam Rose Ritual’ uses a pure clay wrap blended with botanical rose extracts to purify and renovate dehydrated skin, before applying a pressure point head and body massage with the scent of sensual rose or uplifting mint. Other hammam treatments include ‘Indulgent Hammam by MorocMoroc’ and ‘Oriental Back Massage’ for aches and pains.

After all that relaxation, check into the Zouari Hair Salon for a bouncy blow dry to take you through to the evening or head over to The Fitness Centre to get your energy pumping in a state-of-the-art gym.

Dining

When you’re done relaxing venture out to the hotel’s dining destinations which offer some of the best cuisines in Dubai. Overseen by Executive Chef Laurent Michel there are a host of dining destinations to choose from.

At The Palace you’ll travel around the world in food with restaurants including Olives which serves up dishes featuring Mediterranean flavours and al fresco dining, while you can experience the authentic taste of Morocco in dramatic surroundings at Tagine, fine dining in European-style splendour at signature restaurant Celebrities and fresh seafood served with the finest sea views at The Beach Bar & Grill. The latter a perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic date night.

Over at Arabian Court, you’ll find the vibrant flavours of India at Nina, savour traditional recipes from the Middle East and northern Europe at The Rotisserie, or enjoy Asian cuisine on a floating Majlis overlooking the Arabian Gulf at Eauzone. Exclusive to guests at Residence & Spa, The Dining Room serves exceptionally prepared cuisine in a light-filled elegant atrium.

For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.com.

READ: Indulge in a Little Luxury Thanks to One&Only The Palm’s New Luxe Spa Treatments

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Maria Grazia Chiuri’s SS19 collection for Dior celebrates movement, femininity and elegance.

Jacket, Pants, Headband, Bracelets, Glasses

All by Dior SS19

LEFT IMAGE:

Jacket, Pants, Belt, Bracelets, Headband, “Dior Etoile’’ Sandals

RIGHT IMAGE:

Dress, Bodysuit, Headband, Bracelet, Ring, “Dior Etoile’’ Sandals

All by Dior SS19

Dress, Bodysuit, Bracelets, Ring, Headband

All by Dior SS19

Dress, “Lady Dior’’ Bag, Headband, “Dior Etoile’’ Sandals

All by Dior SS19

Jacket, Skirt, Bodysuit, Saddle Pouch with Strap, Belt, Necklace, Bracelets, “Dior Etoile’’ Sandals

All by Dior SS19

LEFT IMAGE:

Coat, “Saddle’’ Bag, “Dior Etoile’’ Pump

RIGHT IMAGE:

Jacket, Pants, Bodysuit, “Clutch In’’ Bag, Belt, Bracelet, “Dior Etoile’’ Sandals

All by Dior SS19

Dress, Bralette, Hat, “Dior Etoile’’ Sandals

All by Dior SS19

Bodysuit, Belt, Hat, Necklace, Bracelet, “Dior Etoile’’ Sandals

All by Dior SS19

Photography: John Rowley

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Hair and make-up: Hannah Brooke at MMG Artists

Model: Agnieszka at M+P Models