AN ULTRA-STYLISH HIDDEN GEM IN THE CENTRE OF THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THIS LIVELY CITY.

Hotel Café Royal has the ultimate location in the heart of London. Part of the Set group of hotels, the property is situated in between Soho and Mayfair at the meeting point of Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus, this elegant hotel is of the shortest walking distance of all of the city’s parks, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions, making it the perfect destination for visitors to the capital. A hidden gem down a quiet side street Café Royal is surprisingly large, something you cannot imagine from the outside.

As you step into the super stylish lobby you get a feeling of stepping back in time. With a super cool atmosphere, the property is stylish but welcoming, making you feel completely at home. First established in 1863 by French Grape Merchant Daniel Nicholas, Café Royal quickly became one of London’s most popular destinations, known for its unique and remarkable style and attracted everyone from Royalty to the city’s most fashionable through its doors. Guests over the years have included a diverse array of people from writer Oscar Wilde to Diana, Princess of Wales, to David Bowie.

With a large restoration completed the unique design pays homage to the hotel’s history and a recent redesign saw key aspects from the 1860s and 1920s being restored to their original state and worked into the modern design of the hotel. Moody interiors that are chic and understated are different to any other hotel in the city and offer a unique experience. The legacy of this property truly lives on through its unusual design aesthetic.

ROOMS AND SUITES

Hotel Café Royal features some of the largest rooms in London. 160 spacious guestrooms including 49 suites have been created with contemporary elements yet refined style. Many of the suites have incredible views over London’s most popular streets including suites that directly overlook Picadilly Circus. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects in collaboration with historic building architects Donald Insall Associates, the design in minimalistic with an attention to detail. The Deluxe guestrooms feature rusticated Portland stone while the Superior rooms feature fumed English Oak panels. The bathrooms are stunning, with standalone Carrara marble baths and separate showers. Many of the suites offer an intimate butler service who will be on-hand for your every need.

DINING

The hotel has dining options that will take guests on a culinary journey. The newest addition is Laurent at Café Royal. A restaurant that centres around a traditional iron grill barbecue, known as the parrilla grill. The menu is a combination of grilled dishes and sushi. Ziggy’s stylishly celebrates David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust – the perfect place to unwind. The Oscar Wilde Lounge (another homage to a former guest), has been restored to its original Louis XVI décor and is the perfect spot to enjoy afternoon tea. You’ll also find  Papillon a small space that celebrates Europe’s traditional café culture. There are dining options for all your needs that appeal to the most stylish of customers.

SPA AND WELLNESS.

If you have time to visit the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing spa you won’t be disappointed. An urban retreat spanning over 13,000 square feet, offering a new concept and approach to holistic wellbeing. Said to be one of the best and most unique spas in the city, you need to experience Akasha to understand its uniqueness. The spa features a treatment menu based around the four elements of earth, water, fire and air. A range of signature treatments are designed to relax and detox the body and mind. As well as traditional spa treatments there is also a wellness programme on offer that includes regular visits from renowned therapists, trainers and practitioners. To finish you’ll find an indoor lap pool, Watsu pool, sauna and private Hamman and steam room, as well as a state-of-the-art gym.

Wellbeing doesn’t come without effort, and Dr Dana Alhamwi is on hand to support and guide those through their journey to better health.

The leading clinical dietitian in Dubai shares her tips on maintaining your diet goals and what she still wants to achieve.

Describe your morning routine.
Well my morning starts very early every morning. I start with what I advise my patients and my followers to do, I start every morning with my olive oil, then the dry fig and then warm water. While doing that I browse my social media, I answer my messages, I check my emails and then after that, they day would start. I start with a hearty breakfast and a work out session most of the week days, getting ready for work. While I’m on my way to work my followers get used to see my healthy story every morning so I post something healthy, maybe it’s a quiz or advice. Then I reach the clinic and the day starts.

What are the common problems you see at your clinic?
People that come to me want to lose quickly in a very short period of time without losing the opportunity of attending every buffet invitation, so it’s a very big struggle. I can help them with this because I customise diets for each patient so it’s not the same diet for each person. Depending on your lifestyle, you’re eating habits, your work schedule, and taking into consideration   that you are going to social events. This way I can manage, I can give them hints how to act if they have a buffet invitation. I help them always with healthy recipes for modern food, like the fast food. You can imagine coming to me that you have a diet with pizza and burger which is more attractive, it’s a lifestyle so you have to enjoy it, it’s not like something you do for a specific period of time.

What are the secrets to maintaining you diet goals?

The secret is first of all a food diary. So you write everything you eat and it helps you to control yourself. For example if you come to me and say ‘I don’t want to write, I’m too lazy’ then I make a mobile application so you can take a picture of whatever you eat and then I can see and follow you and maybe observe you. It’s not an easy mission, but if you get used to a healthy lifestyle, you eat everything, you are watching your portions, you are moving like regular physical activities and you’re sleeping well, it will help big time.

What do you consider your biggest career success to date?

My biggest success is that I’m hearing my name everywhere. Everywhere I go, social events, even my home country. Yesterday I met a patient, she came to me, she said that I went to Four Seasons hotel and the chef there lost with you 35kg. I have online patients. I’m so proud, I’m so happy and what makes me maybe like specific is that I’m a medical doctor so people come to me because I am into clinic mode.

What has been the biggest challenge?

There was a big challenge in my work. Once I started my clinic here in Dubai, one month after I had a big accident and I broke my leg so I had to stay in the wheelchair for three months and it was horrible, and at the same time I have to meet my patients in a wheelchair showing the positivity, showing that I’m smiling and overcome my paint, which was the biggest challenge. But nowadays when you have a goal and you believe in it, you can achieve it. I have so many challenges, every day there are so many challenges but when you are believing in whatever you are doing and you are honest in doing it then you can overcome any challenge. And you know, competition is very high in GCC if I don’t develop myself or study the market and see exactly the patients needs, I will not be successful.

What’s is the motto you live by professionally?

Honesty, hard work, in my opinion, are the only keys to be successful.

Who has influenced you the most?
My dad. He was number one who inspired me in his hardworking in his honesty, his risk taking, his ambitions. So I learnt from him many things.

What do you still want to achieve?
Everybody dream to achieve many things. Now my dream is that I see my clinic branch in every capital, I have the biggest wellness centre in the world that covers not only the diet, but stress management, meditation, exercise, all these together.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Think carefully and plan before taking any decision. And not to rely on the heart all the time, to be like logical sometimes and realistic.

What would you tell yourself 10 years from now?
Slow down, calm down, stop putting stress on yourself, relax, everything will happen for a reason. Keep going and don’t put stress on yourself.

Complete this sentence: I’m happy when…
My family, my team members are happy healthy. And whenever I see my patients happy and satisfied in what they achieved. I’m happy when I hear my name spreading in a positive way.

What do you say ‘no’ to?
Cheating, dishonesty are the worst things in my opinion, even at work or human life, relations.

What book are you reading at the moment?
I read the The Power of Positive Thinking. I like this kind of books because they give me a way to think in a positive way and when you read these things it gives you a power specifically at work, even in your relations with people and patients.

How do you want the world to remember you?

Look, I’m a honest person and I have a big passion to my work and to my career, I think it will make people remember. As well adding to it the huge number of success stories now that I had achieved over a long period of time, I think it will help.

Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance at The 2019 Grammy Awards last night. The former first lady was there to support her friend Alicia Keys who was hosting the event. To the delight of the audience, Obama made a surprise appearance on stage alongside some Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Jada Pinkett Smith – all of who were there to discuss the important role music has had in their lives. The five appeared on stage holding hands in a moment of female solidarity.

When the audience finally stopped cheering, Alicia Keys, who was hosting the event for the first time, introduced the segment; “Music is what we all love, music is what it’s all about. Everybody is out here shining and I’m so proud to bring us together to honour this moment because music is what we cry to, it’s what we march to, it’s what we rock to, it’s what we make love to. It’s our shared global language.”

Each woman then went on to say how music has influenced their lives with Lady Gaga speaking of the struggles she faced as a young woman in the industry. She said; “they said I was weird, that my look, my choices, my sound, that it wouldn’t work. But my music told me not to listen to them. Music took my ears, took my hands, my voice and my soul.”

Obama, who took a break from her tour promoting her book Becoming to make an appearance at the event, spoke a couple of lines about her relationship with music. “From the Motown records I wore out on the South Side to the ‘who run the world’ songs that fuelled me through this last decade, music has always helped me tell my story, and I know that’s true for everybody here,” she said.

She followed up her appearance with a post on Twitter where she was standing backstage alongside the four power women. The post was accompanied with the caption. “A big part of friendship is showing up for your girls—that’s why I was thrilled to be there for the one and only @aliciakeys at the #GRAMMYs, [Keys] is one of the most genuine and thoughtful people I know—there’s no one better to help us all celebrate the unifying power of music!”

POWER SUITS, BOLD COLOURS AND SMART TAILORING CREATE STRONG CONFIDENT LOOKS THAT WILL EMPOWER WOMEN.

Jacket, Trousers and bustier, Jonathan Simkhai at Ounass.com

Bag, Tod’s

Shoes, Stuart Weitzman

Sunglasses, Roberto Cavalli

LEFT IMAGE:

Blazer, top and trousers, Max Mara

Sunglasses, Tom Ford

RIGHT IMAGE:

Blazer and skirt, PatBO

at Harvey Nichols Dubai

Shirt, Theory

at Harvey Nichols Dubai

Bag, S’uvimol

Shoes, Bottega Veneta

LEFT IMAGE:

Top, skirt and bag, Valentino

Shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo

RIGHT IMAGE:

Dress, Roksanda at Matchesfashion.com

Bag, Loewe

LEFT IMAGE:

Top and trousers, P.A.R.O.U.S.H

at Harvey Nichols Dubai

Bag, Tod’s

Shoes, Stuart Weitzman

RIGHT IMAGE:

Dress, Paule Ka

Bag, Bottega Veneta

Shoes, Bally

LEFT IMAGE:

Blazer and trousers, INGIE Paris

Boots, Stuart Weitzman

Bag, Valextra

RIGHT IMAGE:

Blazer, trousers and shirt, Stella McCartney at Harvey Nichols Dubai

Shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge and Charline Deek

Photography: Ausra Osipaviciute

Hair and make-up: Emma Gambino

Model: Jak at Signature Models

Location: Citywalk, Dubai

Reem Binkaram, director of Nama Women Advancement Establishment explains how local women are being empowered through the preservation of traditional Emirati crafts.

In a small coastal fishing town in Sharjah you’ll find Dibba Al Hisn, the setting of an ambitious project to revive and redefine Emirati craft and heritage. This project; the Bidwa Social Development Programme, was launched in 2016 by the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council and it aims to bring together local women who are creating traditional crafts. The project is an affiliate of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) and was launched under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of NAMA.

So far the Bidwa Programme has brought together over sixty female artisans who create traditional Emirati crafts known as “Talli” as well as “safeefah”, a form of weaving with dried palm leaves, and “sadu”, a form of loom weaving. In the process, they are learning how to incorporate new technologies and practices into their craft, reinterpreting their skills for the modern markets, and creating a tight-knit female artisan community in the UAE who have a stake in each other’s professional and social development. The programme is giving a purpose to women (often retired or older) who otherwise wouldn’t have a job or hobby to invest their time in. Many of the women have been creating these crafts for decades within their communities but this is the first time they have been recognised on an international scale.

So far the project has had recognition from luxury handbag brand Asprey, who collaborated with Bidwa on a range of handbags that were sold worldwide. The collection which was named “One Stitch at a Time” was sold at an exclusive pop-up Asprey store in London. The centre has also created Talli designs for Emirati-inspired catwalk looks for the Accademia Italiana at the Alta Roma fashion week, as well as a partnership with All Things Mochi. The plan is to take things further with hope of attracting more international brands to adopt these techniques.

The Council aims to provide a fresh narrative for women in the region through the crafts by developing new market opportunities, delivering social development programmes and vocational training, as well as preserving the skills and rich cultural heritage of the UAE for current and future generations. To find out more we talked to Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment who shed light on why this programme is so important to the women involved.

Irthi – Bidwa

How is the Bidwa Social Development Programme empowering women?

At Irthi, the first and most essential step for us was to recognise the true value of traditional local crafts, the handiwork put in by their creators, and share that value with the rest of the world. The Bidwa Social Development Programme has been achieving this goal and empowering women by bringing traditional Emirati crafts produced by local craftswomen to regional and international audiences.

Turning the craft into an occupation has secured a sustainable source of income for these women, and has enabled their professional and social empowerment, paving the way for the next generation of locally-based artisans.

It offers female artisans the chance to not only master their skills but add to them through Bidwa’s vocational training courses in both soft skills and technical craft skills. We are always on the lookout for possible collaborations with local and international design houses and fashion labels, in our pursuit to open new market opportunities for these talented artisans. We will expand to include new training centres in various locations across the emirate in the near future.

Can you tell us about the women who are part of the Bidwa Programme?

The women are Emirati mothers and grandmothers in the 22 – 65+ age group, of various artisanal skills and expertise. More than sixty women have joined our training centre in Dibba Al Hisn since the programme’s inception. They come from various backgrounds, some from the city of Dibba as well the surrounding area. We work with all women who show interest and dedication to begin their journey in the crafts sector and aspire to apply their skills professionally.

The centre offers free vocational courses in the Emirati crafts of Talli (hand-woven braids) and Safeefah (palm-frond weaving). Our most recent course was launched in April 2018 in couture embroidery, as part of an artisan skills exchange programme with Pakistan.

Irthi – Bidwa

Why do you think it’s important for these women to be part of the Bidwa Programme? How do you think it motivates them?

Women join the Bidwa programme looking to learn a new skill, or to develop the skills they already have. What we often notice is that they stay with us longer than they expected. They end up forming strong-knit friendships and a community bond with the other women.

As far as skill development goes, most women who join us show incredible progress in their skills in the very first few weeks, which is a great source of motivation for them, and encourages them to continue their work and aim to reach the next higher level. Most of our artisans arrive knowing a few basic types of Emirati crafts and end up learning several more, eventually mentoring new joiners.

The Council’s focus on design intervention to provide a fresh narrative to the crafts has rubbed off on the artisans themselves who are very keen to work with our product designers to try their hand at pattern enhancements; some of which never been attempted in traditional practice. They have developed a proud sense of professionalism and are committed to present work in a way that meets the highest standards. We are proud of each one of them.

As a result, the Bidwa programme has created over fifty exclusive craft designs that were developed by our designers in collaboration with the artisans themselves, and we are in the process of registering them formally.

Why do you think it is important to preserve the traditional crafts of the region? 

Traditional crafts are a celebration of love for one’s country, its traditions and heritage. They offer a window into the soul of the civilisations they are born out of – a centrepiece of a nation’s cultural heritage. Traditional crafts are a national treasure, which help us distinguish one culture from another and understand the values our forefathers lived by. Crafts give people a collective identity and strengthen that feeling of belonging to a place that we humans are so attached to.

Traditional crafts are the legacy of past generations that must be passed down from one generation to the next. Our crafts make us unique; they anchor our aspirations for the future and give us creative wings to build on the legacy our ancestors have worked so hard to create and sustain.

Some of the work has been recognised by international brands – what can you tell us about this?

Over the past three years, Bidwa has taken traditional Emirati crafts to a global level, through pioneering partnerships and showcasing opportunities with international labels. In November 2018, the ‘Crafts Dialogue’ project was launched by Irthi in collaboration with Barcelona-based ‘Creative Dialogue’ to create four capsule collections will combine the Emirati crafts of Talli and Safeefah created by the female artisans of the Bidwa programme, and clay, with Italian Murano glass, and Spanish leather by Emirati, Spanish, and Italian designers.

In April 2018, All Things Mochi launched an exclusive Ramadan women’s collection boasting over 600 metres of colourful ‘Talli’ embroidery, delicately crafted by 36 female artisans from the Bidwa Programme. His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Prince of Wales also met with women from the Bidwa Programme and attended a demonstration of the ‘Talli’ by the artisans.

In July 2016, a limited-edition range of handbags by iconic British luxury goods house Asprey London featured ‘Talli’ in bespoke designs and striking colourways. The products took 23 women nearly three months to braid by hand. The proceeds of the collection went entirely to support the Bidwa Programme to empower Emirati craftswomen. And finally Irthi collaborated with renowned fashion academy, Accademia Italiana, where Emirati-inspired fashion took to the runway during the Alta Roma fashion week in Rome with collections featuring traditional ‘Talli’ braids created by the Bidwa artisans.

Collaboration with Accademia Italiana

Can you explain some of the traditional Emirati crafts – the Talli for example?

Talli is a type of handwoven braid created using a technique similar to bobbin lace. Traditionally, Emirati women created Talli in the home and used it to decorate the hems, cuffs and collars of clothing. Making a one-metre strand of Talli could take up a few hours, and go up to a few weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the design. It is created by weaving together cotton and metallic threads (‘khosa’) on beautifully-decorated pillows, which are placed on a metal stand known as a ‘kajooja’. Traditionally, Talli designs were inspired by nature – animals, flora and fauna native to the region. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council has developed and reinterpreted this into over 40 different styles of Talli. Our designers work with the artisans at Bidwa to introduce new designs, sometimes merging two or more patterns together to form uniquely intricate designs. Colour palettes and patterns can be created on a bespoke made-to-order basis or purchased from our seasonal collection.

What do you want the world to know about the work the council is doing?

As a social development programme, Bidwa works on three main pillars: social, economic, and environmental. On the social aspect, we focus on improving quality of life, learning, community development, and ensuring equal opportunities and ethical practice. From the economic aspect, we focus on artisan’s rights and sustainable incomes that reflect the true value of their work. Finally, in the environment aspect we focus on using and encouraging sustainable resources, and an environmentally-friendly approach. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council recognises women as true designers, artists and craftspeople.

Part of the challenge is that many crafts such as Talli take a long time to be produced due to their complexity. Recognising this dynamic, Irthi’s strategy is to reimagine and elevate these crafts by introducing them to new markets with a fresh narrative, where the true value of the work can shine. To this end, we partner with design houses, fashion labels and sister organisations worldwide to showcase the work of our artisans through contemporary products, which will offer their craft the desirable relevance and sustainability.

How do you think these crafts are still relevant in today’s culture?

One of Irthi’s essential roles is to preserve traditional crafts by providing a fresh narrative that keeps them relevant to today’s culture and fast-paced developments. Crafts, although they reflect our heritage and traditions, have immense potential in today’s world precisely because of the intrinsic value and meanings they carry. At Irthi, we do not believe in only placing crafts behind museum displays. We think that crafts can be worn, accessorised, draped, displayed, used in décor and furniture, and can be used in as many ways as one’s imagination allows them to. This is why these crafts are ageless and will remain forever relevant.

Asprey One Stitch at a Time collection

How do you think they complement luxury fashion products?

Fashion labels globally are becoming increasingly attracted towards fusing the old and new to create unique aesthetics that appeal to the discerning buyer. The inevitable variance and deviation found in handmade traditional crafts have played a major role in their growing popularity in luxury fashion, which in recent years, has headed towards more personalised and experimental elements. For instance, no two pieces of Talli can ever look the same. The same Talli pattern can come out completely differently depending on the artisan who works on it, the pressure applied, and many other factors that can have a great impact on the pattern’s shape, width and length. Traditional crafts complement luxury fashion products by bringing them deeper meanings and values from cultures around the world.

What would you like to achieve with the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council?

The Council’s vision is to build a valued artisan economy in the emirate of Sharjah, the UAE, and the wider Middle East, North Africa, South East and Central Asia regions. For us, women’s advancement and empowerment, and the elevation and preservation of the cultural heritage of the UAE’s traditional crafts are achieved conjointly.

Future plans include developing our own range of luxury fashion accessories and homeware products in collaboration with Emirati and international designers and labels, and providing a high-level platform and source of revenue for craftspeople across the region.

The council has already launched its first artisan exchange programme with Pakistani artisans earlier in 2018, where 16 artisans trained by renowned fashion designer Rizwan Beyg, worked with Emirati craftswomen to teach them the basics of couture embroidery at the Bidwa Centre in Dibba Al Hisn. We are also keen on launching new phases of the skills exchange programme with artisan communities from various countries.

How do you think we can work to teach the next generations about the crafts?

In today’s fast-changing world with developing technologies, life has taken an especially quick pace for new generations. In light of these developments, teaching children and youths about age-old crafts can pose several challenges. That is why at Irthi, we are always innovating to bring this vital age group into the folds of the understanding and appreciation of our traditional crafts.

We launched an exclusive programme dedicated to children and youth titled ‘Hirfati’ [my craft], and carrying the slogan ‘My Craft, My Future,’ with the specific mission to protect the heritage crafts of the United Arab Emirates by preserving them for current and future generations.

The programme engages with children as young as seven by using meaningful connections to their past, and offering a mix of workshops, activities, and competitions that combine traditional and modern crafts.

With over 30 million followers on Instagram, a hugely successful make-up and beauty brand and friends including Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian West, there is no denying Huda Kattan is one of the region’s most successful female entrepreneurs.

Kattan, who is of American and Iraqi heritage began her career as a make-up artist but soon became one of the first to embrace social media as a way of building a business. Kattan began sharing her beauty tips and tricks which soon led to sharing other people’s tips and as result landed her a huge social media following. It was through her Huda Beauty Instagram account that she discovered her followers’ demand for affordable and quality false eyelashes. And it was from this that her first product Huda Beauty Lashes was born.

In her unique approach to business Kattan connects and responds directly to her competitors. Whether it’s asking them for opinions on which products to add to her range, or re-posting videos they have sent her, and it is this approach that seems to be the secret to her success. While on the surface Kattan is still a social media star, who business is thriving, her products are often sold out and she has now taken her brand onto the international stage, with Huda Beauty selling in Europe and America. When it comes to being a female boss Kattan seems to have it down to a T. So we caught up with the Dubai-based entrepreneur to find out why she thinks she has been so successful and what’s next for the world of Huda Beauty.

You have had success on a huge scale – what do you think makes you different to others in the Middle East?

The fact that I have held a number of different roles in the beauty industry has certainly helped. I have been a blogger, I have created social content, I have worked as a make-up artist, I have worked with manufacturers to create products in the lab, and I am the face of a brand. My experience has allowed me to really appreciate and understand the beauty industry which has given me a competitive edge. But even more than that, I feel like Huda Beauty has a huge impact on people’s lives. We are a brand that really, really cares and that’s special. We get messages from people who are inspired to start their own brands, or that we gave them a shout-out on social media and they were able to be discovered and move into a new place. It’s small things like this that are our biggest motivator. It’s a purpose. This is the stuff that matters. There is a bigger goal than the bottom line.

What does the term women’s empowerment mean to you?

This is really important to me and the brand because everything we do is about showing women that they can literally do anything. We are a brand that is driven by a team of mostly women and we are proving every single day that the impossible is possible, and we are changing the face of the beauty industry. For me, female empowerment is showing women that they can do anything they want – and with enough purpose and passion, you can get there!

How do you think you and your brand are empowering women?

Huda Beauty is a brand that champions female empowerment and uniqueness – we show women that they can have it all, and we love being that role model. We have an amazing relationship with our social family and we love to support up and coming artists who are killing it. Our purpose from the very beginning was to be a place for people to learn about beauty and feel inspired, and that continues to be our mission. We want to give women the tools to be their most confident self and really break down barriers.

There is a close link between beauty and social media and it has of course been part of your career – what is your take on the future of this?

Social media is everything to us as the company was born out of it Social media isn’t going anywhere anytime soon so we’ll continue to grow at the same rate it does. Huda Beauty was created after our social family asked us to sell our false lashes, so the entire company was created as a result of consumer demand and the need we saw on social media. It wasn’t as though we were using social media platforms to leverage the brand – we grew alongside social media and are continuing to grow and evolve at the same rate. As a company, what we value most is product, content and social media – and those three things are inherently intertwined at Huda Beauty.

What is your advice to women who lack confidence?

This is something I have struggled with myself. I was always my own worst enemy wondering, “What are people going to think of me? Will they think I am crazy?” so I needed to work on that and become comfortable with myself – and it’s a real journey! I didn’t want to become a negative by-product of my own criticisms. Sometimes the “negative” things about your personality can be your genius so I had to learn to lean into those areas and accept every part of myself. It’s certainly been a challenge so I wish I had known to ignore my own criticisms and not focus on what other people thought of me – and that is probably my biggest piece of advice for anyone who struggles with the same problems.

What does beauty mean to you?

It’s innate, but sometimes people need to learn to feel beautiful, or to see beauty. Beauty comes from within and I believe everyone is born with it. Something as simple as smiling completely transforms you and those around you. When you feel beautiful, you become beautiful.

As a business woman what advice would you give to others?

Focus on the right things and surround yourself with the right people. Your surroundings are so important so spend your time with people who uplift and inspire you, and are constantly challenging you. It’s very easy to absorb the energy around you, so you need to make sure that energy is positive and upbeat.

If you weren’t doing what you are doing what would have been your Plan B career path?

I always say I would love to be Beyoncé. She is just so fierce. Is that allowed?

What can we expect to see from you in 2019?

We are expanding our make-up range and our territories, but ultimately, we are on a mission to change perceptions of beauty and make a difference to the face of the industry. The team has been working so hard on lots of amazing products that will be launching next year so we’re really focused on perfecting the formulas and creating products that will change the beauty world.

How would you like the world to remember you?

I hope the impact I leave on the world is that I made a difference to the beauty industry, for the better. And I want to be remembered for being a kind and thoughtful mum, daughter, sister and wife.

Wake up to luxury in the heart of Paris at one of the city’s most fabulous hotels.

Situated within easy walking distance of the city’s must-visit destinations The Peninsula is Paris’ elegant getaway set in a stunning 19th century Haussmanian building. The two-year old hotel combines traditional French style with modern interiors and the latest in technology. The properties’ stunning lobby mirrors a museum, with welcoming interiors and grand décor.

The perfect destination for Paris Fashion Week, a sightseeing tour or even just a weekend shopping stopover, the Peninsula has all the makings of an intimate stay in this powerhouse hotel.  The friendly staff are welcoming and accommodating for all your needs, be it a late check-out, chauffer service in the hotel’s MINI Cooper S Clubman or Rolls Royce Phantom sedans, or simply guidance of how to get around the city. All are experts in the location and will be happy to offer their help and advice.

ROOMS AND SUITES

The hotel consists of 200 rooms including 86 luxurious suites. The rooms are spacious with no room being less than 30 square metres in size. All feature the latest technology system meaning you have everything you need with just the touch of a tablet so you can open your curtains, control the TV, adjust the room temperature and turn on the lights all with the touch of a button. The marble bathrooms are heavenly, complete with walk-in showers, a huge bath and mounted TVs on the walls. If you’re looking for the ultimate indulgence the hotel’s largest suites include the Katara Suite, which boasts a 100-square metre private terrace and garden (perfect for summer evenings); the Historic Suite, which features grand furnishings and fixtures of the Belle Époque period; and the opulent Peninsula Suite, with 318-square metres of space including a formal dining room, a grand piano, and a lounge with crystal chandeliers.

DINING

The hotel features six opulent dining options. This includes The Lobby – a restored early 20th-century dining room which comes complete with extravagant chandeliers and opulent décor. The perfect setting for afternoon tea or a long breakfast. La Terasse Kléber is an alfresco café where guests can enjoy international dishes inside one of the largest covered terraces in Paris. LiLi is the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant. It features dramatic interior inspired by the Chinese and French opera, with an menu of surprises and gastronomic delights. L’Oiseau is a French restaurant on the hotel’s sixth floor. Bright and airy this restaurant offers stunning views of the city and is the perfect evening destination.

SPA AND WELLBEING

In the basement of the hotel you’ll find the Peninsula Spa – an oasis of calm in the middle of the busy city. With a treatment menu consisting of Asian, European and Ayurveda-inspired treatments there is something for every need. We tried the Aromatherapy massage. A 60-minute customised full body massage, featuring your choice of oils depending on whether you want to relax, detox or de-stress. We opted for the relaxing option which left us feeling completely unwound and de-stressed. After your treatment visit  the 20-metre indoor swimming pool and relax in the sauna and aromatherapy steam rooms. If you want to work out during your stay you’ll also find a gym with state-of-the-art equipment and free access to hotel guests.

For more information and bookings visit peninsula.com/paris

AT THE TIME OF HER DEATH ARCHITECT ZAHA HADID HAD ALREADY BEGUN WORK ON DUBAI’S OPUS BUILDING, TODAY WE CELEBRATE HER UNIQUE STYLE IN THE UAE.

Zaha Hadid was one of the world’s most sought after architects. As a woman in a predominantly man’s world, the Iraqi-born creative strived to gain recognition for her unique and forward-thinking designs and paved the way for women in the Arab world to have great success.

The architect was lucky enough to do that and became one of the most celebrated names in the creative industry. She was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 and in 2015 she became the first and only woman to be awarded the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects. Hadid has been celebrated as a visionary thinker who embraced the fluidity of designs and captured a unique vision in her creations. She entwined natural organic forms with the precision of mathematics to create structures that truly are unique.

Some of Hadid’s major works include The Aquatic Centre for the London 2012 Olympics, Michigan State University’s Broad Art Museum in the US, the Guangzhou Opera House in China, and the Beijing Daxing International Airport, also in China. Hadid’s signature style of architecture is instantly recognisable. She was described as “The Queen of the Curve’” and gave a whole new meaning to shape and curves within architecture. She is known for her use of geometric shapes and dynamic structures that are some of the most modern buildings in the world.

In 2016 Hadid sadly passed away, but at the time of her death many of her projects were already in progress. This included The Opus by Zaha Hadid in Dubai’s Business Bay. The Opus building which is part of the Omniyat catalogue of structures is a combination residence, offices, outlets and it will also house the ME by Melia hotel when it opens later this year. This iconic building has been taking shape within Dubai’s Business Bay and it finally opened its doors late last year. From the interior to the exterior this futuristic design captures Hadid’s signature style and features unique aesthetics. The Opus comprises of two structures that form a single cube that appears to hover above the ground. It has fluidity and natural curves that mirror an ice cube, eroded by free form. It is a striking structure that changes the landscape of the district.

Within the Opus façade lies a striking display of LED lights. Each light individually programmed and part of a complete matrix. During the day The Opus has a luminous surface, reflecting the sunlight, but at night its LED lighting brings it to life. The Opus void, which is essentially the open space in the middle of the building, was designed to give space to light, while the bridge at the top of the void is a one-of-a-kind architectural and engineering design. It connects the two towers and is manufactured with curved double glass, double curved aluminium frames and steel elements. This area consists of three floors of the most exclusive serviced residents where VIP guests can enjoy a spectacular view.

The name Opus was chosen in reference to the term ‘magnum opus’ meaning a masterpiece or the greatest work of art by an artist. In celebration of Hadid’s legacy and the stunning architecture she envisioned for this building. Within The Opus sits The Zaha Hadid Gallery. A celebration of the architects ingenuity and innovation, the gallery is a space that honours her work and celebrates her achievements. It allows visitors to get a greater understanding of Hadid’s work and her achievements.

For more information visit www.omniyat.com

CELEBRITY STYLIST ENGIE HASSAN REVEALS HER SECRETS TO LOOKING GOOD AND FEELING GREAT IN WHAT YOU WEAR.

Fashion stylist Engie Hassan knows what looks good on you. The international stylist has pulled together looks for everyone from Priyanka Chopra to Miranda Kerr to Saudi Arabian Princess Ameerah al-Taweel.

Originally from Egypt, Hassan graduated from FIT with a degree in Fashion Merchandising Management and she found her calling when she worked on a shoot with Karl Lagerfeld during an internship in Paris. In 2010 Hassan launched EngieStyle – a personal styling business designed to help women look great and feel confident in what they wear. She quickly gained an elite clientele that included models, celebrities and prominent businesswomen.

Hassan has a true passion for styling and prides herself in knowing what really does look best on people when it comes to styles, colours, cuts and more. She has a strong focus on making every woman feel confident in what they are wearing and subsequently ensuring they look great. We got to talk to Hassan about some of the mistakes women make and how to improve your own personal style choices.

What is one mistake that you always see women make when it comes to dressing themselves?

A common mistake women make is not dressing for the occasion. One of the very first questions I ask my clients is “what is the occasion?” I remind them to always consider the environment and dress accordingly.

How would you describe the relationship between what we wear and self-confidence?

Personal style and the clothes you choose reflect and affect your mood and overall confidence.

How would you define power dressing?

I always tell my clients that feeling confident and bold in what they’re wearing will accent their personality. That for me is power dressing. Suits are my go-to for power dressing and I typically favour ensembles that are bold and structured. Colour can vary depending on what works with the skin colour of a client, but the silhouette is always fitted and tailored.

For CEO’s I always suggest wearing a suit. A perfectly tailored power suit compliments most silhouettes, while adding a pop of colour and structured accents is always refreshing, and adds a unique quality. I also encourage them to add one memorable piece of jewellery that showcases their personality, such as a bold statement cuff.

For my red carpet clients, power dressing is to inspire, to be noticed and to feel like a celebrity. When a celebrity is on a red carpet they will always be in a sea of others who are getting attention as well. I always try to choose options that won’t only get them noticed, but that will garner headlines for fashion trend coverage. One of my favourite looks was when I dressed Princess Ameerah in a Reem Acra gown with a sheer cape at an event in Dubai in 2014. Yes, capes have been seen on the red carpet from a few celebrities, but it wasn’t something being showcased in The Middle East at that time. The next day there were headlines about it all over the region.

What key points should women consider when dressing for the workplace?

I always tell clients who are professional women – often CEO’s, lawyers and accountants – that appearance translates to performance. Some key points include: Understanding what’s appropriate in your industry. Make sure your clothing fits. Wear rich colours to portray authority. Darker colours usually convey a stronger impression than lighter ones. Dress more conservatively. Not only is wearing inappropriate clothing distracting, it can also give off an inaccurate impression. Don’t over accessorise. Jewellery shouldn’t be distracting.

What common anxieties do you find women have about what they wear?

Many of my clients anxieties have to do with making sure the garment fits to flatter their body and that they look elevated. Most of the time I am dressing clients for a remarkable moment in their life from weddings, to red carpet premieres, to landing the deal of their dreams. These are already stressful milestones, the last thing they need to worry about is the ensemble, but that usually gives the most anxiety because it sets the tone for everything. Many of my clients prefer to FaceTime me right before they are seen in the ensemble for one last glance. Since they trust me they like to hear my thoughts and receive one last confirmation that they look flawless.

Of course many of the women you work with are celebrities or size zero models – do you still find they have body and style worries and if so what are the common ones?

Yes, of course they do. I always say at the end of the day models and celebrities are just like us! They have the same body and style worries as my entrepreneur clients. Some common worries they have include feeling confident in their look, making sure the ensemble fits to their body type and that it works for the occasion they’re going to.

What about plus size clothing – are you seeing much of an offering of that when it comes to luxury?

For the past two years I have been styling campaigns for Eby, a subscription underwear service started by Sofia Vergara. Eby promotes plus size in the most empowering way. In the campaign shots the plus size models are in the same shot as the size 0(US) models and models average at a size 8 (US). While styling for the campaign I’ve been researching and understanding the plus size market a lot more. I do see the offering for plus size growing when it comes to the luxury market, but not in a significant way yet. Slowly but surely it is becoming more available because of consumer demand. According to NPD Group plus size (size 14(US) and up) was a 21.4 billion dollar business last year, compared to 17.4 billion dollar in 2013 which is why I do believe that each year more designers will follow Christian Sirano and Tadashi Shoji by creating sizes and runway looks for plus size.

How do we know what colours suit us best?

First you have to figure out your skin tone. Once you know if your skin colour is warm or cool that will help with figuring out the best colour tones for you. If you have pink or rosy undertones, your skin tone is cool, and clothes with blue undertones will suit you best. If you have golden or apricot undertones, your skin tone is warm, and yellow based hues will flatter you.

Amani Al Khatahtbeh of Muslim Girl styled by EngieStyle

Engie Hassan

What would you say are they styles and cuts that are most flattering on the body?

Every woman’s body is different, but as a rule accentuate your smallest parts with fitted silhouettes or tailoring, while balancing other areas to create contrast. For my client Amani, founder of MuslimGirl.com, for example, I tend to layer and add jackets/blazers on her over dresses and skirts. The jacket usually should hit right below the hip to create the look of a longer, leaner torso. For her appearance in Maroon 5’s music video I wanted to make sure she would stand out so she wore a pop of a colour. While for her red carpet look for the Webby awards I dressed her in a gorgeous black couture gown and paired it with a denim oversize boyfriend jacket. The gown had lots of beading and trimming around the neck and bust to give the wow factor and the denim gave her a youthful fun addition that showed her personality, but also gave her a slender silhouette. We chose a black hijab to also slim her and keep all eyes on the mixing of the couture and casual cool elements of the ensemble.

Princess Ameerah Al Taweel of Saudi Arabia

What is your opinion of the style of Arab women?

I think Arab women have exquisite styling. I am Egyptian and have always been lucky enough to be surrounded by all types of Arab women. I’ve always admired their style. When an Arab women dresses she is telling a story in some way. They take the time to put their ensembles together and I really appreciate how lively and confident their style is. I can always tell they take the time to have a sense of style with their looks, no matter the occasion. They want to stand out and make a statement through their choices. My favourite thing about Arab women’s style is that they love to accessorize. Something I was able to master and make a part of my styling niche. In some countries, especially decades ago, Arab women’s shoes and purses would always be identically matched. I remember going to the boutiques in Egypt and seeing matching shoes and purses being sold. I would be mesmerized seeing the women with accessories that always perfectly matched.

As a business woman, what do you wear on a day-to-day basis?

I am definitely having a suit moment right now. I feel with suits I am able to go to from meetings, to photoshoots, to client fittings all while feeling confident and looking stylish. My suits vary from being structured to having bold colours or unique prints/motifs. On a more casual work day I wear jumpsuits. I find they are flattering for my silhouette, comfortable, and when I accessorise they feel cool and on trend. My accessories always play a big part, giving personality to the look. No matter where I am going for work I always have some kind of accessory on. I consider it my conversational piece which people will remember me by, and it showcases my personality.

What’s you go-to look when you’re glamming up for an event?

I have two go-to looks. It’s usually a sleek long mermaid style or flared-fitted dress that is long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve with a crew neckline. I like how it embodies simplicity and is conservative, giving me room to accessorise to add personality and create a memorable look. I also wear chic jumpsuits on many occasions and I recently wore a Stella McCartney black tuxedo jumpsuit to a red carpet event.

How important are accessories?

Accessories are key! I always tell my clients anyone can wear a black dress, but the accessories will elevate the ensemble to make you stand out and showcase your personality. While building my clients’ wardrobe with basic items, I always emphasize how they have to invest in key accessories so their basics always look fresh and on trend, plus it gives the look variation. A black dress for example, can be worn for many different occasions, depending on the accessories.

Which looks that you have styled are your favourites?

I have many favourites! I feel lucky that many of the looks I have styled have been a milestone for a client and many have received media coverage which can make the look a trend in the industry. But these moments have become iconic for my career:

Whenever I style Princess Ameerah it’s always a joyful challenge. My job is to remember all the royal rules, keeping her classic and timeless, but still relatable, iconic and young. When I dressed her in Zuhair Murad for the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton it was one of my favourite career moments ever. Another one of my favourite styling moments with her was when an emerging local designer from Saudi Arabia make her an Abaya. I really love to discover new global designers and give them a platform to shine.

I also had the opportunity to style Priyanka Chopra for one of her first US red carpet appearances. At the time she was already a huge Bollywood star, but she was transitioning to Hollywood. It was thrilling to be a part of this milestone. I love working with clients who have not yet become the A-List or the icon because you have the ability to create and set the tone for who they will be in the public eye. I really love the challenge that comes with styling emerging celebrities because when a client is not so widely known it isn’t as easy to work with any designer of our choice. This is where my personal connections and the trust I’ve earned in the industry becomes more important.

Priyanka Chopra styled by EngieStyle

What is the motto that you live by?

I have a few: “What you seek is seeking you,” “Your ensemble is only complete with a smile” and “believe in your dreams, show up on time, don’t give up, work hard and smile.”

What are the biggest challenges you face when you meet with a new client?

One challenge I face when I meet with a new client is making sure they trust me. Once the trust is there anything is possible!

What would you like every woman to remember when it comes to styling themselves?

Styling is all about showing your personality, making yourself stand out and feel special. Take the extra minute to accessorise.

ENGIE’S STYLING TIPS

• Most importantly know your body and your proportion.

• When it comes to proportion wearing full or round shapes on top and bottom will make you look more fuller and rounder. Always accentuate your smallest part by balancing the other areas. For example balance a pair of wide leg pants with a fitted shirt.

• If your body isn’t a size that can be bought off the hanger get the item fitted properly to ensure the fit. Sometimes a dress can be fitted on the chest but not at the waist line or hips for example so be sure to take in these areas in order to have a proper fit.

• Blazers that are hip-length with tailored lines will look sleek; ones that are too baggy or that pull are figure-flattering disasters. Tapered blazers will always whittle your waist.

• When it comes to skirts choose shapely, fitted styles. The cut of a pencil skirt makes all bodies look sleek.

• For many of my clients, especially the more conservative ones, I always recommend adding long cardigans. Waist length cardigans tend to shorten your body while long, hip-grazing versions make your torso seem long.

• Dress denim jeans with heels. This will make you look longer and leaner. The most flattering jeans are usually straight-leg or boot-cut jeans that sit on your hips.

• Always tuck in your shirt!

• Invest in a pump that matches your skin tone. Even if you’re dressing more conservatively, the shoe will elongate your body to look leaner and taller.

• Always add jewellery. Something bold like a necklace or bracelet takes the attention away from curvy body-areas that might attract the eye first.

• Layer darker colours under lighter ones.

• Wide belts usually will make you look smaller than skinny belts.

• I recommend V-neck dresses that are cinched at the waist. It can even be a wrap dress.

• Choose prints wisely. Prints aren’t as slimming as solid colours but you can make them work for you if know how. The smaller the print, the smaller you look.

• Do not wear super-fitted clothing. I always tell my clients no matter their age, anything that is too fitted will not allow you them to look and feel slim because they are showcasing their exact proportions.

• Don’t wear a colour that’s too close in tone to your skin colour.

GULF PHOTO PLUS PHOTO WEEK IS YOUR GO-TO EVENT FOR ALL THINGS PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE REGION.

Gulf Photo Plus Photo Week will bring a creative flair to Dubai this month. Celebrating photography the annual event returns this February with exhibitions, workshops, talks and discussions on photography. Hosted by Gulf Photo Plus, Dubai’s centre for photography, the event aims to educate and celebrate photography talent in the region.

The main event on the programme is The Shortest Distance Between Us: Stories from the Arab Documentary Photography Program. The exhibition will feature curated works from projects by seven photographers who were awarded grants and commissions by the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture which provides support and mentorship  to photographers across the region.

Devised in 2014 the program has been an instrumental force in shaping and nurturing photography talent across the region. The exhibition will showcase experimental photography styles from photographers including Elsie El Haddad whose work follows men and women through their re-entry into society after time in prison in Lebanon. As well as Nadia Bseiso whose work follows a controversial pipeline that transports water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, exploring the effects of war and ecological turmoil in the once-fertile crescent of Mesopotamia.

Aside from this key exhibition, GPP Photo Week will also see workshops from international photographers – including a must-visit session on how to shoot with a smartphone as well as street photography, the fundamentals of architectural photography, editorial concepts, as well as a market place, a course on how to clean your camera and lots more. The event will see photographers and creatives travelling from all across the region to witness a showcase of the newest and best talent in the area.

GPP Photo Week will run from 4 – 9 February. Visit gulfphotoplus.com for more.

REEMA AL BANNA DISCUSES WHY HER BRAND REEMAMI IS DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING ELSE IN THE REGION AND HOW SHE PLANS TO TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

Reema Al Banna founder of Reemami developed her UAE-based brand to find a way of bringing together her background in graphic design and her love for fashion.

Al Banna loves to explore new cuts, volumes and materials with her designs that are known for their unusual and stand-out features. She’s not afraid to experiment and is determined to defy the stereotype of Arab designs with something modern and unique. Reemami’s latest spring/summer 2019 collection is the designer’s first foray into floral prints.

The bright and colourful collection is taking the brand’s signature style to the next level with new shapes, styles and combinations of materials. Here we discuss with Al Banna why being a female designer in the Arab world is such a great achievement.

What would you say sets Reemami apart from other Middle Eastern designers?

At Reemami we like to tell the stories of experiences that we’ve been through. We like to incorporate daily life, passions and activities in our collections. Every season we tell a story of a new sport, hobby or passion that I’m going though at the time and we want to be a positive influence on people by inspiring them to pursue their own passion and hobbies. We visualise and sketch our own prints, and tell stories through them. We love experimenting, innovating and coming up with new textures, fresh silhouettes, and mixed medias or materials to create our final products.

What are the challenges that you face as an Arab designer?

The fact that we are based in Dubai means that we have to travel to fashion week every season to meet buyers both from The Middle East and internationally. This is a small challenge but otherwise as an Arab designer there are a lot of opportunities here in the region.

How did you come to start your brand?

Starting Reemami as a brand here was the biggest opportunity. It began when I applied to a design a dress competition, which then encouraged me to start my own label. At the time I had no business plan, just start, and find a way to make it work!

What can we expect to see from you SS19 collection?

Reemami’s Spring Summer 19 Prismatic Fields collection showcases an array of floral prints envisioned through kaleidoscopic goggles. The collection embodies everything from seasonal trendy prints, to our signature silhouettes. It’s the first time I am working with florals that are true to Reemami’s fashion aesthetics of edgy and cool. All of the prints were hand-sketched, developed and paired with scribbles and rainbows to make florals edgy. Whilst the collection is feminine, all the pieces have an edge, from the biker shorts to the unique tailored pieces and finally to our signature work with buckles and iridescent buttons. Finally, in this collection we also introduce our first swimwear pieces and bodysuits, which came from my love for watersports and the need for trendy swimsuits.

Who is the woman that your design for?

My woman has a fun, optimistic, playful character. She loves fashion, and loves a unique statement piece. She pays attention to the smallest details.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

From my hobbies, passions, and life, and most importantly from my customers.

How do you think the brand has evolved since it began?

It’s been an interesting journey to finally be able to combie my background in graphic design and fashion design in one brand. Over the years we have introduced new fabrics and techniques and of course we are introducing a swimwear line this season, so lots of developments. Today we are able to reach and be available in so many more outlets in the world.

And where would you like to be with Reemami in five year’s time?

I would like to have reached a wider audience and new markets, as well as created collections that captivate the viewers and make a difference in their world.

What advice would you give to aspiring designers?

Just got for it, and take risks!

How important do you think the role of social media is in the fashion industry today?

It’s very important as you can have a  relationship directly with your consumer. It allows you to gain first-hand feedback and promote your favourite items directly to the customer you want to reach.

What would you like to see as the future of the industry in this region?

I would like to see a stronger community that supports local art, culture and fashion. Today in the region there ae so many new small businesses starting up, so many dreams, and visions which need to be supported by the local communities.

Is there anyone you would love to see wearing your designs?

I strive to get Reemami on the woman who loves to have fun dressing up, and really appreciates the work and tailoring that goes into our collections.

What can we expect to see from you in the coming year?

There are a lot of exciting things coming up. New collections, new stories, and always new introductions to the collections, stay tuned!

Describe your office space.

So many white tables, always scattered with sketches of the upcoming collections. There are moodboards stuck on every wall there is. It is a little messy, and somewhat unorganized.

What is the motto that you live by?

Go with your gut every time, and think positive. Your world is your vision! Attract positivity with your positive thoughts.

Where would you most like to travel to in the world right now?

I would love to go to Hawaii to surf.

Are you currently reading a book?

I have around five books next to my bed waiting to be read! I’m currently reading “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind”. Recently I have been listening to a lot of podcasts. I love “How I Built This”, “The End of the World”, “Stuff you Should Know” and “99% Invisible”.

Complete this sentence: I’m happy when…

I’m surfing, being active outdoors, and when I see my designs come to life.

Describe your style.

Comfortable and chic

And how would you sum up Reemami in one sentence?

Reemami is all about telling stories of the present, future and past.

Ahead of her show at Paris Fashion Week, Designer Kristina Fidelskaya talks style, business and empowering women.

Just four years after launching her own name brand, Kristina Fidelskaya has already achieved great success. As designer and Creative Director, Fidelskaya is very much involved in her collections from start to finish as well as developing the brand for the future.

While much of her product is made in Italy, Fidelskaya continues to have a strong base in the Middle East and uses that to her advantage. Her designs have a focus on enhancing the female form and making every woman feel strong, feminine, elegant and confident in a unique way. Sport lux meets elegant modest dressing with her wearable collections. Fidelskaya speaks to the modern woman – someone who much like herself is busy and requires versatility, comfort and style from clothes.

For spring 2018 Kristina Fidelskaya had its debut runway show in Paris and received recognition both in the Middle East and worldwide and has become one of the fastest growing brands in the region. This was followed up by an equally successful fall/winter 2018 show that really put the brand on the map. While the first shows were off-schedule this February the brand will show on-schedule at Paris Fashion Week for the first time, and will subsequently open its first European store in the city.

With all this going on Fidelskaya has also found the time to open her first store in Dubai Mall. The flagship store, which opened just last month embodies the I AM KRISTINA campaign, partnering with women who possess the strong, confident and powerful ethos of the brand. Ahead of her latest Paris Fashion Week show, A&E caught up with Kristina Fidelskaya to find out what makes her brand unique and why we can expect to see its further growth in 2019.

What can we expect to find in your new Dubai mall store?

The new boutique is a reflection of the Kristina Fidelskaya universe, where we welcome our customers to experience my vision of the modern woman. The brand’s philosophy and story is clearly visible throughout the boutique, reflected in the minimalistic design, natural colours and materials and the look and feel of the garments. As well as the ready-to-wear pieces we will be offering limited capsule collections, shoes, perfumes and other accessories.

What can you tell us about your SS19 collection?

Our SS19 collection is named; BEING. For this collection I have taken a very masculine idea and concept and have tried to recreate it in a feminine way. When you put on a man’s clothes or he puts his jacket over your shoulders you feel somebody loving you, protecting you and taking care of you. I wanted to bring these feelings to life as a fundamental element of the collection but recreate it in a feminine way. We are using classic prints that you usually expect in textures such as wool, cotton, or baby cashmere. We have modernized these by using lightweight technical fabrics. The collection also features a lot of unlined constructions, which makes the garments feel like a second skin. Soft, comfortable, and practical.

How is the experience of showing in Paris for you?

Paris has always been one of my favourite cities and it has always felt like home. Being able to present my brand there is a huge honour. To share your collection on a platform with some of the world’s greatest brands and designers is a dream come true. Don’t get me wrong, it is very hard work but it is so rewarding, and working with some of the greatest photographers, models, production houses and PR agency’s has enabled the Kristina Fidelskaya brand to gain international visibility fast. We have done three runway shows so far during Paris Fashion Week, which have been noticed by the industry, and I am always very proud that our hard work is well received and recognised. We have very recently been accepted and admitted by the ‘Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode’ to be a part of the official calendar for Paris Fashion Week. We will be presenting our FW19 collection on-schedule! We are very excited about this opportunity and the further exposure Kristina Fidelskaya will gain from this amazing platform. We will also be opening our first European Boutique in Paris in March 2019.

What makes a Kristina Fidelskaya design unique?

If you take a closer look at any garment, you will see the many details, finishings, the techniques and fabrics used to create the garment. The Kristina Fidelskaya collections are always well-tailored, as we spend time creating the cut, shape, pattern, fit and feel, all through refined craftmanship, which derives from my strive for perfection. There are many steps to my creative process. I use high-quality fabrics sourced from the top Italian mills and factories and when I select the fabrics, they have to be very soft, comfortable and versatile. My goal is that when you wear a Kristina Fidelskaya piece, you don’t want to take it off.

Why is it important for you to produce most of your pieces in Italy?

I am a perfectionist and I want my customers to enjoy a product of the highest quality which means that the final product has to be as good as the sample that we create in our Atelier. Throughout my research and extensive sampling in various countries, I discovered that Italian craftsmanship is among the best in the world due to its long, rich fashion heritage. Most of my garments are finished by hand before they go through extensive quality control. So we produce 90% of our collections in Italy. A small select line of delicate dresses are made in the UK. A ‘Made in Italy’ label is globally recognised and stands for quality. Most of our fabrics are made in Italy, along with our shoes which are handmade and crafted by some of the most skilled artisans in the industry. A large amount of time, care, and attention to detail is put into creating the Kristina Fidelskaya product, Italian producers understand the quality standard that is a strong part of the brand, and the passion that is needed to create each piece.

How would you describe the Kristina Fidelskaya woman?

The Kristina Fidelskaya woman is my vision of the modern woman. Women in 2019 are busy, independent and determined. She can be a mother, or a sister taking care of her family, she studies and has a successful career, and is driven by ambition. I design my clothes for women who are on the go with a busy, versatile lifestyle. They love and appreciate quality, they want to wear something comfortable and also be effortlessly chic and stylish. I want to make any woman who looks in the mirror see someone confident and fierce, ready to take on the world.

How do you create designs that empower women?

When I design my collection I keep in mind the woman that embodies many different roles. A woman feels many different emotions and moods, and I like for her to be able to express this through the fashion and the designs she chooses to wear. I create my collection so that women can find something for every occasion and wear something that makes them feel confident, fierce and stylish at the same time.

What advice do you have to upcoming entrepreneurs?

Starting your own brand is very hard work. You have to be very well prepared, willing to commit to working long hours and making sacrifices, but it is of course so rewarding and worth it. You have to understand who your customer is and how your product is relevant in your marketplace, remaining true to your brand ethos is also key. You have to believe in what you do, and love and respect every opportunity that comes your way.

You started your brand four years ago. What were the challenges you faced when launching?

When you start a brand, it is very important to build a strong team, and it can be difficult in the beginning to attract the right talent that will also fit the brand philosophy. The fashion industry is very saturated and an extremely competitive market, so having faith and belief in your brand is key. As a new brand you have to be persistent in finding the right showroom, PR agency and suppliers, as many like to see a proven track record of success before doing business. It is vital to find the right people to work with, who understand your vision and goals. There are lots of elements to building and running a fashion brand, with time and experience you learn to overcome your challenges and grow.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I get my inspiration from many different things in life. It can be from the books I read during my travels around the world, when I am surrounded by nature, when I hear a song I like, or see a beautiful painting in a museum. I love photography and I like to look at images from famous photographers to stimulate my creativity. I also love sports, and a lot of my designs include sportswear elements and details. It’s important to do things that you love and that make you happy, I believe then inspiration can find you.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

I am inspired by everyone that has the drive and determination and does their best, giving their energy and enthusiasm to bring good to the world in any way. I find inspiration in people who want to grow and make the most out of themselves.

You are of course a mother, how do you create a balance between work and home?

Life of course is very busy for all of us. I spend a lot of time in the office or travelling to Europe to oversee each part of the brand’s operations. My kids are very busy as well, after school they have activities and sports. I make sure to spend my weekends with my family, and take them with me on business trips (if my schedule allows it), and to put them to sleep (almost) every night. It’s very important to prioritise and manage your time carefully. If you organize everything in a very structured way you can take care of even more, but my kids and my family are always my first priority.

What have you learned about yourself since becoming a mother?

That everything in our life starts from our childhood. Once you become a mother you recognise parts of yourself in your children, or see yourself in your mother when you were small. I have learnt that you don’t have to control and plan everything, it’s important to live in the moment and have lots of fun!

Since I’ve had kids my perspective on life has definitely changed. I’ve experienced love in a way that I’ve never felt before. My priorities shifted and you instantly care about another soul, a soul that is part of you. I love being a mother and carry great respect for all mothers around the world.

What does that term ‘women’s empowerment’ mean to you?

It means to give your fellow women strength in any way to make her feel or be better. To make each woman strong, and the best version of herself. My new campaign is titled “I AM KRISTINA”. I am trying to show my vision of a strong woman, who is confident, fierce and stylish.

How would you describe your brand in one sentence?

My brand is a translation of my vision for the woman. A woman has many different roles, parts to play in her life, different emotions and occasions. My collections are very feminine, contemporary, comfortable and luxurious. Beauty is the thing they all share.

What is your professional motto?

If you can dream it you can do it, nothing is impossible.

And your personal motto?

Fall in love with the process of becoming the best version of yourself.

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

Giving back is an important focus for Kristina Fidelskaya. In the future we are planning to work closely with different charity organisations and launch various campaigns where we want to make a difference and a positive change, with a positive empowering message.

We know you have some exciting projects coming up. What can we expect to see from you in 2019?

AMAZING COLLECTIONS! The #IAMKRISTINA campaign launched this January to promote the opening of our Dubai Mall boutique. This is not only a campaign but a strong brand message of the fierce, stylish and confident ethos that will be ongoing. We will be on the official calendar of Paris fashion week with our first on-schedule presentation and on-schedule catwalk show this February. And we are opening our first European boutique in Paris in March 2019.

PROFESSIONAL SKIER AND SNOWBOARDER ESTER LEDECKÁ  SHARES HER SECRETS TO BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN IN A MEN’S SPORTING WORLD.

Ester Ledecká is unique to the sporting industry. She was the first athlete to combine both snowboarding and alpine skiing at the highest level. Defying the recommendation of her coaches to focus on just one sector, Ledecká was determined to compete in both sports to the highest possible standard. And it paid off. At the PyeonChang 2019 Winter Olympics Ledecker surprised everyone by winning gold medals in both sports – a first for any woman in a single edition of the Winter Olympics.

Ledecká who is originally from Czech Republic has been competing in winter sports since she was just five years old and won her fist Milca Cup Series that year. Her grandfather was a World Cup hockey champion and her mother was a figure skater – so sport really does run in the family. Since her first win she has continued to have great successes. In 2013 she became a two-time gold medallist at the World Junior Championships. She won the parallel giant slalom at the 2014 World Cup, her first professional career success and is now a two-time Snowboard World Champion, with victories in 2015 and 2017.

With these amazing successes in sport Ester was recently announced as the latest brand ambassador of Richard Mille. She has aleady been road-testing the RM 007 Titanium and she wil soon wear a prototype of the RM 67-02 Automatic. Having a strong, durable watch that is also comfortable is essential for a sportswoman or man and Richard Mille offers just that. We talk Ledecká on her partnership with the brand and what it’s like being a successful woman in the sporting world.

Why did you decide to align yourself with a brand like Richard Mille?

I was admirative of the many real life superheroes who wear Richard Mille timepieces and I wanted to be part of the family too.

What common codes do you think you and the brand have?

I think we both love what we do. We strive to be the best in the world and enjoy it.

As an athlete what do you look for in a watch?

Something to tell the time and give me an exact time.

You were the first athlete to combine snowboarding and alpine skiing at the highest level – what did that achievement mean to you?

I followed the way I was shown by smart people and sporting experts. I have always enjoyed sport and did not let anyone make a fool of me.

You defied the advice of your coaches and peers to specialize in two sports – how did you know you would succeed?

I have known exactly what I wanted to do since my childhood. I had my plan, which I respected carefully. Day after day, slowly, calmly and persistently I worked to fulfil my dream. Nobody could stop me. Even if the Ski Federation decides to be against it, I’m doing what I enjoy. This is my biggest victory.

You are a hugely successful woman in a male dominated environment – what have been the challenges you have faced?

It’s sensational to be in the men’s world. You know, I love the men around me. I have only men in my team, it’s great and it’s funny. It’s probably more fun because my cheerful mother is bossing everybody around!

Do you think the sporting world is becoming more accepting of women?

Yes I really do.

What is the best way to spend your time?

Time to me is everything when it comes to the start and finish of a race. I have to make sure that time is as short as possible.

What’s a big challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

The Ski Federation banned me from skiing just before the 2012 Olympics in Sochi. Even though I met the criteria, other skiers were sent there instead of me. They said I was just going to snowboard. I said “okay‚ if I’m not good enough, I’ll have to work more and do even better”. So I worked on my strength, until exhaustion. I ended up injuring myself. Before I started in Sochi, I was diagnosed with herniated disc injuries on the 3rd, 4th and 5th vertebrae.

I set out to start and tried to go to the finish. Thankfully it was just downhill (even though there were twelve rides on the snowboard). The doctors were at the start and finish of the race and were riding along the track the whole time to get me out of the ground. The serviceman had to switch on the skis before every race. Everyone was terribly concerned for me, but no one could stop me. I was like a machine. I wanted to finish the race! I felt a great injustice at not being allowed to ski, so I wanted to finish at least the snowboard races. After the races, the doctor told me there was only 30 per cent chance I could still compete. It took me a year to rehabilitate with daily training and I realised that psychological pain could be far worse that physical pain. That’s why my happiest moment was in South Korea when I was at the start of the first GS and I knew I was going to start and nobody would stop me from skiing in the Olympics.

You come from a family of athletes – how did that help you become who you are today?

My grandfather and grandmother taught me that it was not always possible to win and I had to accept that.

What are the thoughts that go through your mind when you ski down a mountain?

If my hair is blown into my face!

What about the feeling you get when you win a gold medal?

It’s a feeling of joy. “Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself”, as Mahatma Gandhi said.

What is it you love about the snow?

I love water in all states. In the snow or at sea in the wind. I love the colour of the snow and the sea. I love the image of the full moon reflecting in water or when it freezes and the sun reflects on it. Eskimos allegedly have about 47 names for the snow. I have only one. Miracle. I am amazed by the fact that you can defrost the snow in your hand when you take off the warm gloves and it turns into a drop of water.

What is something you still want to achieve?

That is my secret!

What’s in store for you in 2019?

Only time will tell.

Global Head of Luxury at Facebook and Instagram Morin Oluwole discusses how social media is helping luxury brands to reach a whole new audience.

As Global Head of Luxury at Facebook and Instagram, Morin Oluwole has a huge job on her hands. She is working as a thought leader in digital advertising, collaborating with international luxury brands to achieve footfall from the content they create for social media platforms and building long-term partnerships with luxury clients.

Oluwole has worked with Facebook since almost the beginning, joining twelve years ago when there were just 150 employees. That number has of course now risen to over 35,000 worldwide. In her current role, Oluwole is based in Paris where she set up the Global Luxury division in France, the first time this sector was based outside of the US, and has grown it from just four employees to over fifty. Oluwole’s background is in science and data management. She achieved Bachelors and Masters degrees in Human Biology and Sociology at Stanford University, before diversifying into the digital world. Despite her training being quite different from her role now, Oluwole believes that her background has helped to her to become a rational thinker and manage a team in a successful and organised way. Here she discusses her future plans for the division and what Facebook and Instagram are doing to guide luxury companies in producing successful international digital content.

Can you tell us about the vision and direction at the department you head for Facebook and Instagram?

I have been at Facebook since 2006 and I moved to Paris four years ago to train this division. One of the reasons was because it was a real focus for us to be partners with our luxury clients, especially those based in Paris. We wanted to help them to really understand what it means to communicate through our platforms. This included everything from creative optimisation, building for the global experience to understanding what it means to connect with their current and perspective customers through the platforms. As well as understanding what it means to build an end to end media strategy that allows them to measure both brand and business metrics. And being able to measure that with the tools that we have available on our platforms. So these are the initiatives and I have to admit this was the first time that Facebook decided to have a global division outside the US so it was really important to us to have a team of expertise based in France.

Can you tell us what you are focusing on right now?

We’re very much still focusing on the different aspects I mentioned, the journey has only just begun and we are one per cent there. Where we have the opportunity to elevate our partners is by being part of their communication strategies and really taking advantage of the innovative tools that exist on our platform. What I mean by that is to include the work that we are doing with artificial intelligence and augmented reality. This is the direction that the company is going in and where we aim to get our partners.

How are you using augmented reality and artificial intelligence with luxury brands?

Our goal with these is to be able to create and enhance the experience for people who are using our platforms, so we are very much focusing on the ‘people experience’ first, and we transfer that to the ‘brand experience’. So the people experience plan is very concrete and we are just at the first step. There’s a long ten-year strategy for this and we are only just at the beginning, so the very first tests that we’ve done have been more so on augmented reality filters on Facebook and Instagram. This is where we can allow people to try on products for different experiences for example, one particular project that we’ve worked on was with Dior where we created a filter so that people could try on the latest collection even before going into the store. It’s a live filter so they literally open their messenger application and they are able to choose the filter and try on the looks immediately. We have had only the very first feedback but we are measuring customer engagement and how that can translate into a business metric and how they link to the website directly to purchase after trying something on through the filter.

What is an objective at the luxury department of Facebook and Instagram that has not been achieved yet?

Within the sector there is a lot! We are very much looking at advancing the work that we are doing with our partners and being able to showcase the work that we are doing with a long-term objective. We are a very young platform compared with brands that have been in existence for decades and sometimes even hundreds of years, so we want to be able to showcase to these brands that for this evolving world and consumer we are a great tool and that people spending time with us gives them an opportunity to take advantage of this digital and mobile experience to reinforce their brand identity and their DNA.

What tips would you give to brands on promoting themselves through social media?

Firstly we need to understand what type of view they want to share. We have tools that work for them but we’re not going to dictate how a brand should communicate. So we have to take the time to understand what is the brief and what brand message they want to communicate. Who is the audience they want to reach and how to make sure that they’re approaching their presence on Facebook and Instagram from a native point of view. So this means that the goal is not the ‘copy and paste’ that’s being done in traditional and offline media but really thinking about the native customer experience. This person is opening Instagram over 20 times a day and Facebook over 15 times a day so how can they as a brand connect with a consumer that’s on the go, very quickly with content that’s going to attract their attention.

So from this do you build up a tailormade programme for each individual brand?

Absolutely. We are there to respond to each brand or partner directly. They share with us what is the true objective that they have. Myself and my team have a structure that brings together this idea of a global decision and we have what we call client partners and solutions managers who are there to meet the core needs of the relationship with the partner. We also have a cross-functional support team that works on different aspects – we have one team called ‘creative shop’ for example whose goal is to help support the creative expression of the client. We have another team called ‘solutions engineering’ their goal is to make sure that they have all the tools and signals that ensure all activities that are aesthetic. We have ‘marketing client services’ that focuses more on measuring business metrics. So there really is a core team that makes sure we address our partners very precisely.

What is the process behind algorithms?

Our focus is on making sure that every person that uses Facebook and Instagram has an experience that’s most personal and relevant to  them. It’s tailored to what they’re interested in with the content that’s most relevant to them. When it comes to algorithms we actually think about the person and make sure that we create the experience that’s most relevant. That means creating content based on signals from the brands and pages they follow, the content that they like and the order in which they engage. From this, each person has a personalised experience and news feed. On Instagram for example we have one billion different news feeds that are unique to each person and on Facebook we have over 1.2 billion unique news feeds. So our goal is really to be as precise and relevant as possible. I don’t personally pay attention to trucks or vehicles for example, so our algorithms will make sure I see they content that is most relevant to me and it is what I want to look at.

What is the biggest challenge you face as a luxury department for Facebook and Instagram?

Initially when we started the division four years ago, our focus was on building long-term relationships. You could even say that this was an unknown world for some of our partners so our goal was to be able to help them understand what we can add to them and what kind of value we can be for them. The initial goal was getting to know them, getting them to trust us and building a dimension with these custom plans. And the goal was first to run this and measure the results so that we can evolve in our activity and our relationships with the brands. Today I would say the question is not necessarily “why digital?” but “how digital?” meaning there’s little convincing brands that they need to invest in digital based on customer behaviour, but the question is how to do it in a way that’s right for the brand. It’s very much tailored to what they want to express and how they want to express it on our platforms.

What difficulties are there when it comes to controlling the content that is out there in the world related to brands?

Our focus is very much on giving brand guidance on how they can shape their relationships on our platforms. There are some brands that haven’t been present on social media for example and the reality is that they’re not the ones that are driving the discourse around their brands but the consumers are. So when a brand has the best quality content and the best and most relevant storytelling that’s present in a frequent manner, it is actually owning the direction they are going. That for us, is the ideal scenario.

You mentioned the project you did with Dior, are there any other recent brand activities that have shown great success?

Absolutely. We also worked with Gucci – they were one of  the first brands to test the Instagram filters. They did this project with the beauty filters. It was a fun experience and also a way to create a light-hearted experience that engaged the brand as well as the consumer. In terms of engagement and getting people to interact with the brand this was a great success.

How are you managing fake accounts and fake followers?

This is something we take very seriously. The development of Facebook is also about making sure that people are their authentic self and that there are authentic people on Facebook. We address this in a number of different ways. The first way is via automation. This is where artificial intelligence comes into play as we have machine learning tools that actually track and detect for example when someone is trying to create thousands of fake accounts in seconds. These accounts are deleted even before they become present on the platforms. To be very concrete about this, during the first six months of last year, we deleted over 1.3 billion fake accounts on Facebook and this was primarily through automation. On Instagram it can be more difficult because on Facebook you tend to have accounts that are about you as a person but for Instagram you can have an account for anything. On Facebook this is where we have worked for several years. We also have a large team of people that are focused on things like fake accounts, spam, abusive content, and removing this.

What can you tell us about Instagram and Facebook stories?

Our focus is on following consumer behaviour. The reality is that stories on Facebook and Instagram have become a major way in which people communicate. If I start with Instagram stories – this was launched just over two and a half years ago and stories are the fasted growing functionality that exists on our platforms. There are now over 500 million active users on Instagram stories per day. If you look at usage of Instagram feed versus Instagram stories, there is now a 50/50 split between the two. So you can see how this has just become a phenomenon and a new way of how people are choosing to share. The thing with stories is that it gives a quick and light-hearted way to share and this is what we are aiming to serve across all our platforms. Even WhatsApp has 215 million users of its WhatsApp stories (which is called WhatsApp Status) and most people don’t even know about this yet. It’s a function that is only a success in certain markets so far. Facebook also has 300 million users of stories every day.

What about when it comes to brands specifically how should they be using this to market themselves?

It’s important to create a consumer experience. People are looking to be able to capture a message very quickly. If you’re posting a video on stories it’s 15 seconds maximum, so brands have to re-think the way that they communicate and the way they are storytelling to build a new global store experience and be able to get across the single brand message in this light way through a quick format.

How does your background in data and science help you with your role today?

I think it helps in a few different aspects. One is how it helps in terms of day to day. Being able to have this very rational and operational thought process in the way that I manage my team. Making sure that we have very clear objectives and making sure that we’re building prospects for people to be able to get there. When I joined the team four years ago there were two people working on luxury, and now we have a team of over fifty around the world. To be able to build the skill to manage these operational traits I think that’s where my experience has really helped me to build up this luxury division that we have here in Paris and now in eight markets around the world.

How do you measure the impact of the work that you do with the brands?

One point that I want to make sure I highlighted and that is regarding this, our goal is very much to be a 360 partner to luxury brands. So we help them in terms of creative development and also in supporting their content. We want to make sure that we’re really helping them achieve their true business metric. We worked with Bottega Veneta for example, to make sure that we are using tools through which we can drive business and business metrics for them. So in a real world way. One specific thing we did was that we worked with them to measure the impact that we have on the sales they get in store through the work we are doing with them. How do you translate what we do to the visitors the brand has in store? We are able to compare the people who saw their ads on Facebook or Instagram with the people who went to store to purchase. So we can measure the impact the ads are having in this way.

What are the differences between sponsored content and editorial content created by brands?

The difference isn’t in the content. The difference is in terms of the strategy and who sees the content. When a brand is pushing content organically the people who follow the brand on that platform are the ones seeing it so this could be anyone. But when a brand is running ads they are actually targeting the people the very people they want to reach through our platforms. This way they can know exactly who is seeing the content because they have a profile that fits the customer they want to attract. We respond to their objective by analysing who makes sense to them and who they want to reach.

What developments can we expect to see in the next few years when it comes to luxury brands and social media investments?

I think if we look at the company vision we have a view that we announced a couple of years ago and we are actively developing that. I mentioned earlier about augmented reality and virtual reality – we are only at the beginning of this in terms of building different tools that can contribute to it globally, so very much look out for more of that in the future. The second aspect is looking at how we build community. How do we build community and reinforce it around the world. When I joined Facebook there were 150 employees and now we are over 35,000. It’s a completely different company today than it was twelve years ago, so our impact on community relations is very important. We are going to be working on very much reinforcing that and supporting community development across different platforms. The third thing, which is on an even larger scale is the aspect of connectivity. So allowing people to have access to information and connect to the people that they care about in an easy way through the internet.

AS SENIOR MAKE-UP ARTIST AT MAC, MARIAM KHAIRALLAH AIMS TO MAKE HER CUSTOMERS LOOK BEAUTIFUL AND FEEL CONFIDENT IN THEIR OWN SKIN.

Mariam Khairallah is MAC Cosmetic’s senior make-up artist in Dubai. Born in Lebanon she moved to the UAE to pursue her dream and explore her love for make-up. She has been an internationally recognized make-up artist in The Middle East for over 13 years and has become the go-to artist for celebrities, brides, personalities and beauty experts, all wanting the chance to experience her services or gain advice from a beauty expert. She is also a trainer to fellow make-up artists, bringing them up to the MAC standard.

MAC has become the number one beauty brand used by make-up artists and Khairallah’s style goes hand in hand with MAC’s signature style of bold statement looks an eye for detail and accuracy.

What is your advice for busy women applying make-up for work?

Obviously working women don’t have much time in the morning to apply their make-up. Beautiful make-up starts with a good skin care so my advice to women is to firstly take care of their skin by investing in great skin care products. Moisturising the skin around the eyes and lips is a very important start. For those who don’t have much time next apply a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream, which is quick and beneficial to the skin because of its moisturising properties. One of the things I do when I’m in a hurry is use a bronzer which can even be applied to the eyelids to give a healthier and more vibrant look. I also always apply mascara. Instead of using black kohl, I would suggest using a brown shade so your make-up appears smoother and simpler and fits in with the early morning. You can also add lip conditioner or tinted lip balm to finish.

Which products would you use from the MAC collection to get this look?

Prep + Prime Fix ++ and Powder Mineralize in medium deep are great. It is used as a bronzer but I often use it as an eye shadow. Extended Play Lash Mascara is also great.

What should we stay away from when applying makeup to work?

Many people make the mistake of trying to achieve soft, natural make-up but choose the wrong concealer colour tone; meaning that the bottom of the eye tends to appear grey. This will make the woman look as if she is poorly and washed out. Be sure to choose the correct colour for your skin tone.

How should we choose the right concealer colour for our skin?

I always tell every woman that she must use concealer. We do not sleep well every night, so the colour of the area under the eye can often change. Sometimes we wake up with eye bags or feel like the area is red or puffy. For this reason I suggest that every woman invests in a concealer palette with different shades. One dark and another light in order to be blended to match the color of the area under the eye.

What is your advice to women when it comes to their make-up?

Don’t follow fashion trends and keep your own style when it comes to make-up. If the on-trend colour is blue for example and you know it doesn’t fit the colour of your skin tone then don’t wear it. Choose something that you know is better suited to you.

What mistakes do you see women in the Arab world making?

I always see women making errors with highlight and contouring. The problem is that there is a big difference between the make-up we see on Instagram and what we can actually apply. The filter and photography we see on social media is different from our daily appearance but I see a lot of women trying to replicate the looks they see but getting it very wrong!

What lessons did you learn from your experience working at fashion weeks?

I learnt how to work under immense pressure. Despite the pressure those moments backstage are very important, everyone works together to get the best result.

What trends are you looking forward to for spring/summer?

There is always a great transition between winter and spring. For this summer metallic colors like gold will still be popular and the bright sun kissed look on the eye will stay. Bold blush and glitter will also be back as well as coloured eyeliner. If you are not a coloured eyeliner fan, I recommend choosing a dark blue pencil and apply just a little for a more natural look. It is a shade that’s suitable for most eye colors.

What are you favourite skincare brands or products?

I love La Mer, Clinique and Origins. I also like the MAC Prep + Prime Fix ++ and I use the Complete Comfort Creme if I feel that my skin is a bit sensitive.

How hard do you have to protect your skin when you have to wear make-up every day?

I don’t think that make-up affects the health of the skin directly. The secret is to cleanse your skin every day. It is also affected by your diet.

What is the motto that you live by?

Always be happy whatever happens.

Where is your favourite place to visit?

New York.

What’s your favorite book

The Nectar of Pain by Najwa Zubain.

What do you want to achieve this year?

I want to focus on having a healthy lifestyle, and to give the people that I work with confidence to apply their make-up in a way that makes them love themselves.

By Charline Deek

Designed in a spirit of casual elegance and comfort Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas collection is evoked with a journey through mystical landscapes and moments in time.

Her

OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING 37 mm, 18K 5N pink gold in blue rubber strap

Him

OVERSEAS CHRONO 42.5mm in black rubber strap

RIGHT IMAGE:  OVERSEAS CHRONOGRAPH 42.5 mm in black rubber strap

LEFT IMAGE:  OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING 37 mm in blue rubber strap

RIGHT IMAGE:

Her:  OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING 37 mm, stainless steel

Him: OVERSEAS DUAL TIME 41 mm, stainless steel

LEFT IMAGE:  OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING 37 mm, stainless steel

OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING 37 mm, 18K 5N pink gold

RIGHT IMAGE:  OVERSEAS CHRONOGRAPH 42.5 mm in black rubber strap

LEFT IMAGE:  OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING 37 mm, 18K 5N pink gold

OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING 37 mm, 18K 5N pink gold

RIGHT IMAGE:  OVERSEAS DUAL TIME 41 mm, stainless steel

LEFT IMAGE:  OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING 37 mm, 18K 5N pink gold in blue rubber strap

Him: OVERSEAS DUAL TIME 41 mm, stainless steel

Her:  OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING 37 mm, stainless steel

Concept Creation: Lara Mansour Sawaya

Photography: Sam Rawadi

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Models: Dashka at Velvet Management, Hadi at Nidal’s Agency

Hair & Makeup: Ivan Bohdana at Velvet Management

Location: Dhour El Choueir, Lebanon

Turkish-German actress Meryem Uzerli received critical acclaim for her role in historical drama series Muhteem Yüzyıl. She has since become one of the most recognised faces in the Arab world and boasts over 4.8 million followers on Instagram.

Uzerli was born to Turkish and German parents and spent her childhood in Germany before beginning a career in film and TV in Europe. In 2010 she relocated to Turkey where she began appearing in the the hit TV series. It was from this that Uzerli’s popularity grew, particularly in the Arab world. A mum of one, Uzerli now splits her time between Turkey and Germany.

As ambassador for Turkish jewellery brand Atasay, Uzeli was recently in Dubai to launch the jeweller’s UAE capsule collection. Renowned for its fine craftsmanship and rich heritage, Atasay was inspired by the landscape of the UAE to create a range of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 22-carat gold. The designs feature unique motifs that are inspired by the characteristics and elements of the UAE, symbolizing the harmony between the sea and desert.

As ambassador for the brand and a regular visitor to Dubai, Maryem Uzerli has a close relationship to both Atasay and the UAE. We caught up with her on a recent visit.

What are the lessons you have learnt since becoming a mum?

One of the biggest lessons is patience. Then discipline. It is not easy if you have a child that you love standing in front of you, wanting something really badly, and you know if you give it to them they will ask for more. Actually I need to learn more about discipline, it is hard for a working mum, you feel bad because you leave them and you need to find the balance between both lives. The third thing is that my view of the love has changed. This is a different kind of love that you cannot find words for and it is the deepest kind of love where you fear at the same time. My father once told me that our kids raise their parents too and I really believe that.

What do you do when you spend time with your daughter?

It depends on the weather, if the weather is bad, we stay indoors and play with her dolls. Sometimes we paint, sing, dance, or we play with her puppies. She has a tiny little kitchen and she pretends to make me food.

Do you still remember the feeling you had when you stood in front of the camera for the first time?

I try to forget! But of course I can remember. Our brain likes to traumatise us with these memories so I can’t forget it! It was like I had forgotten everything, you know that moment when you see the car is coming but you cannot move? That was the worst feeling ever because I lost control of myself. I was very young, just 18 years old, it was so weird, I couldn’t talk I was just like a tree, and then I woke up because of the screaming of the director!

How would you describe your style?

I would say spontaneous and flexible, sometimes chic, but mostly sporty. Sometimes I can be lazy, when I am with my daughter for example, I call these days in the month my “housewife days”, because once a month I like to spend 8 to 10 days with my daughter; just me and her. It is quality time. So then I am very lazy, there is no fashion, only jeans and T-shirts!

On the red carpet I like to feel like a princess, but you know what? So many fashion designers have told me to avoid these kinds of dresses because they are not modern enough or not fashionable. If you ask me, I would love to wear a Cinderella dress every time I step on the red carpet!

How would you describe your relationship with jewellery?

My relationship with jewellery depends on my mood. Do you know why I adore jewellery so much? Because it reflects light – so whatever you are doing, if you are wearing even a small stone, it reflects the light. It is like a pure positive energy, that is why jewellery is important. Sometimes if I’m in a bad mood I wear more jewellery so that it reflects more light. And I also like to feel glamourous so sometimes I wear it for this reason too.

Tell us how you came to partner with Atasay.

When I came back to Turkey nine years ago, I started to wear Atasay jewellery and it has been very popular there for 30 years. I was wearing rings and necklaces and then a few months ago I met with the brand and we fell In love with each other! I am very proud to be their ambassador. The collection we are presenting now is a new collection for the UAE. It is inspired by the landscape of this beautiful country, there are palm trees, birds, keys which are all symbols of the UAE. The necklace with the key and bird for example means freedom, like this country. It is a very meaningful collection. This brand is full of vision. which I really adore and the collection is made with passion.

What do you like the most about Dubai?

This is very a difficult question for me because there are so many things! I am addicted to sushi for example and I have tested all the sushi restaurants in Dubai. But on a deeper note there is this never ending story of love in Dubai it is so fulfilling and overwhelming, I haven’t seen anything like it anywhere in the world.

What is your favourite stone?

I like diamonds, because of the story behind them. They keep shaping them, trying to reach perfection. I think this is similar to life, we always search for perfection and then we find it in tiny things. You can even find perfection in imperfection. What I find very philosophical about diamonds is that you need to look at them from different angles to understand their true beauty.

What are your luxuries in life?

My luxuries are the things which are not material. My daughter is my biggest gift. The unconditional love I feel for her is something incredible. Even the word luxury is not enough to describe it! Luxury for me is to have time for the people I love, to be able to live in the moment, to feel forgiveness for myself and for others and to be able to feel good emotions whatever I have been through.

What beauty product can you not live without?

I don’t use make-up at all during my daily life, but, if I had to choose something it would be a lip moisturiser or lip gloss with a little colour.

How would like the world to remember you?

As someone who was able to make people happy and feel good.

What is the motto that you live by?

From moment to moment.

What’s your favourite book?

The Future of Now.

And your favourite hobby?

Photography.

What’s your favourite food?

Sushi, and a Turkish dish called karniyarik.

Your favourite Holiday destination?

The Maldives.

By Ruba Nesly

While we all love the endless days of sunshine in the UAE, sometimes all you dream of is warm cosy nights with a cup of cocoa when it’s cold outside. Now you can get that same warm feeling of winter without even having to board a flight. The Aspen Chalet Suites at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates offer a unique way to wrap up and experience cosy nights in while in the heard of Dubai. Located overlooking Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates, the suites have all the aspects of an Aspen ski destination, even when it might be 40 degrees outside.

The Aspen Chalets function as a hotel within a hotel with 15 rooms featuring exclusive décor and views over the ski sloop. Suites range from a one bedroom suite to a three bedroom duplex chalet that’s perfect for all the family or a girly get together. Each room comes equipped with a fully functional kitchen, dining area, en-suite bathrooms, personalised butler service and access to the Executive Lounge. Open your curtains and watch the fun and games of Ski Dubai or head down for a morning ski yourself before you return to your room and wrap up for the evening. The interiors feature cosy blankets, throws, and soft furnishings that will make you feel warm inside.

If the cold isn’t your thing combine interiors of an Aspen Chalet with the warm luxury of a summer home in The Hamptons with the Aspen Pool Chalets. Inspired by coastal living, these chalets have the same homely feel to them but they open out onto a luxurious outdoor infinity pool and sun terrace. The Pool Chalets feature a separate living room, bedroom and spacious bedroom with Hermès toiletries. The interiors feature light coloured furniture and wooden walls and benefit from plenty of natural flooding in. Each pool suite offers exclusive access to the dedicated butler service and the Executive Lounge.

Located at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.

THE CLASSIC WARDROBE ESSENTIALS THAT WILL BE THE BASIS OF YOUR CLOSET FOR YEARS TO COME.

Fashion trends will come and go but the only way to ensure your wardrobe is still current in years to come is by investing in “classics”. These “seasonless” staples are the pieces in your closet that can be styled and developed in so many ways as fashion trends change.

They can be worn with more trend-driven products, as well as being dressed up and down for day and night. These are the pieces no fashion-orientated women can live without and are the items that are worth investing in. As we move into a new year, what better time to review the essential classics every woman should have in her wardrobe and give them a 2019 update.

Berluti first introduced 0 Cut for fall/winter 2018 during its prêt-à-Porter show. The purest expression of the brand’s Alessandro lace-up court shoe, 0 Cut is handcrafted from a single piece of leather. This means there is no stitching on the shoe’s upper for optimal comfort and a chic simplistic design. It’s construction techniques are similar to bespoke bootmaking and the shoe features a lightweight shoe tress, blake stitched and wooden nails on the outsole.

The clean and simple design of the Alessandro shoe was first created by Alessandro Berluti in 1895. Despite changing of trends and styles the Alessandro has since remained unchanged and remains a signature part of Berluti’s footwear offering thanks to its timeless and classic design. Of the new 0 Cut edition only fifteen pairs are produced each month resulting in an exclusive experience for the customer. The shoe is timelessly chic in a Démesures shape in deep black Venezia leather or emerald order for special order pieces.

The 0 Cut shoes are available at Berluti’s new Dubai Mall boutique located in Fashion Avenue as well as all other stores across the region.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SIMPLE CLASSIC PIECES THAT WILL CREATE ELEGANCE AND TIMELESSNESS WITH DIOR’S LATEST FINE JEWELLERY AND TIMEPIECE COLLECTIONS.

Rose des Vents necklaces, Rose des Vents rings, Rose des Vents earrings

All by Dior Fine Jewellery

LEFT IMAGE:

Rose des Vents necklaces, My Dior ring

All by Dior Fine Jewellery

Dior Grand Bal Resille

By Dior Timepieces

RIGHT IMAGE:

Rose des Vents earrings, My Dior bracelet, My Dior ring

All by Dior Fine Jewellery

Dior Grand Bal Plume

By Dior Timepieces

Rose des Vents necklace, Rose des Vents rings, Rose des Vents earrings, Rose des Vents bracelet

All by Dior Fine Jewellery

LEFT IMAGE:

Rose Celeste necklaces, Rose Celeste bracelet

All by Dior Fine Jewellery

RIGHT IMAGE:

Rose des Vents necklace, Rose des Vents bangle, Rose des Vents bracelet, Rose des Vents earring

All by Dior Fine Jewellery

Dior Precieuse

By Dior Timepieces

LEFT IMAGE:

My Dior necklace, My Dior ring, My Dior cuff

All by Dior Fine Jewellery

Dior VIII Grand Bal “Plisse Soleil”

By Dior Timepieces

RIGHT IMAGE:

Rose des Vents necklaces, Rose des Vents rings, Rose des Vents earrings

All by Dior Fine Jewellery

Styling and direction: Lindsay Judge

Photographer: Ziga Mihelcic

Hair and make-up: Emma Gambino

Model: Tatyana at Wilhelmina Dubai

Location: Drift Beach, Dubai

THIS JANUARY CHANEL LAUNCHES A NEW INTERPRETATION OF ITS ICONIC FRAGRANCE AND DEBUTS A NEW CAMPAIGN.

For 2019 Chanel presents a newly imagined fragrance as part of the Chance family.

Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum was created by perfumer-creator Olivier Polge as a more intense, more enveloping version that expresses a radiance and confident femininity. A floral scent, Chance Eau Tendre combines exotic jasmine with the essence of rose.

Creamy white musk notes for a cottony effect and a touch of grapefruit-quince completes the composition with a fresh tangy finish. Chance Eau Tendre evokes a feminine woman whose joy and inner glow gives her instant charm. The Chance bottle with its gold neck is given a silvery hue to distinguish itself from the others in the family.

To mark the launch, Chanel teamed up with photographer and director Jean-Paul Goude for a campaign that celebrates the femininity of women. Thanks to his unique style of work Goude’s images have become instantly recognisable and with over forty year’s experience in the industry, he has carved out some of the most memorable images we have seen. Goude first worked with Chanel in 1990 when he created and directed the advertising film Égoïste. He then went on to create films for Coco, Chanel No.5, Chanel High Jewellery collection and many previous Chanel Chance campaigns for which he created the image and concept of the brand. Today the two have a longstanding relationship so who better to turn to when Chanel wanted to present the latest campaign for Chance almost twenty years later?

The film, evokes a playful feminine mood. The link between the round shape of the bottle and that of a sphere (namely, a juggler’s ball or a bowling ball) led naturally on from the 2007 campaign for Chance Eau Fraiche, to a series of photos and films conveying the metaphor of skill and winning the game.

Jean-Paul Goude embarked on a new kind of relationship with Chanel in which, he says himself, he stopped seeing himself as an illustrator, an artist putting his talent towards a house, and began considering himself an integral part of the launch of a fragrance that was enjoying increasing success. A genuine partnership, with discussions on the casting, the line, the music, and the entire production.

Alongside images featuring model Charlotte Di Calypso straddling, knocking over, holding or juggling a bottle larger than she is, the bowling metaphor inspired the story for a short film with the following theme: three heroines, dressed in pastel colours, incarnating the fragrances of the line and celebrating the new addition. The faint whisper of “take a chance” repeatedly in the background emphasises the spontaneity associated with the fragrance. Moving on from playing games, Jean-Paul Goude opted to portray another, more dramatic theatre of chance: the audition for a show. A choice that allowed him to renew with his everlasting desire for a Broadway musical-feel.

The Chanel Chance campaign debuts on January 4.

You cannot go wrong with a chic and classic pair of sneakers, and Saint Laurent’s Andy shoe is just that.

The simple leather sneaker comes in black and white. Featuring laces of the same colour the shoes come complete with the Saint Laurent logo embossed on the side and on the pull tab at the back of the shoe. These classics won’t make you stand out from the crowd but they are sure to become your day-to-day go-to shoe.

CHRISTOPHE NICAISE, CHIEF STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER AT SEDDIQI HOLDING DISCUSSES MIZZEN; THE LATEST BUSINESS ENTITY THAT WILL SHAPE UP THE COMPANY’S RETAIL EXPERIENCE IN THE COMING YEARS.

Seddiqi Holding, is one of the most successful homegrown companies in the UAE. With a background in the luxury jewellery and watch industries, today the group comprises of a number of sectors including Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons; one of the country’s oldest and most established businesses. Headquartered in the UAE, Seddiqi Holding is managed by second, third and fourth-generation family members who are committed to delivering quality and value to their customers, while fulfilling the aspirations of its stakeholders. The Seddiqi family has maintained the vision of the late founder by building the group on integrity, loyalty and long-term strategy.

Seddiqi Holding was established in 2007 to consolidate the existing family businesses. The group operates a diverse collection of companies across various sectors. The business units include Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons – the longest standing and largest unit within the group, Seddiqi Properties, Swiss Watch Services, Dubai Watch Week and the latest retail division of the company; Mizzen.

Mizzen was launched as a division to further expand the group and is an important driver of growth for the company. The aim of Mizzen is to seek out potential partnerships with international retail businesses, e-commerce platforms and franchises that specialise in fashion, beauty, accessories, and wellness that are not yet present in the region. With a strong focus on luxury, Mizzen will seek to acquire brands from key markets in the world and bring them to the region for the first time.

Heading up the project is Christophe Nicaise, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer, at Seddiqi Holding. Nicaise is responsible for the diversification and alignment of all the Seddiqi Holding Business units and its subsidiaries, with an emphasis on developing new divisions focusing on brands that share synonymous organisational values and objectives. He joined the business in 2008 and played an instrumental role in transitioning the operations of the flagship brand into an international corporate entity, whilst maintaining the vision and ethos of the late founder. Nicaise took on his current role in 2017 and has since had a strong focus on developing the Mizzen project. Nicaise led Mizzen to acquire its first brand; Aesop and subsequently beginning the expansion of the business and setting the bar for further acquisitions. In a rare interview with Nicaise we discussed his plans for the future of Mizzen and its importance to the growth of Seddiqi Holding.

Old Seddiqi

Why Mizzen and what can you tell us about this business development entity, its vision, and future direction?

Mizzen has been an initiative that we started talking about around two years ago in order to start diversifying the activities of the Seddiqi group. It’s not a crazy 360 degree diversification, it’s a controlled diversification, capitalising on what we do best, which is luxury retail.

So the idea was to create a new retail division that focused on scouting and finding interesting luxury brands outside of our historical core business of watches and jewellery and bring these brands to the region.

When you look at Dubai’s retail landscape, you think “wow – what more can we have?” But if you’re a bit more attentive and you travel the world then you’ll find that there is unseen potential and this is what we are bringing to the Middle East with Mizzen.

What categories of the business will be under Mizzen?

The Mizzen mandate will be to develop strong retail luxury brands across four verticals. The first one was the beauty and cosmetic sector, the second is fashion, and the third vertical will be accessories – which could be leather goods, sunglasses, writing instruments. The fourth is food and beverage and wellness.

The accessories sector is the next project I’m actually working on. I cannot say any more for the time being, but we are working on something there. The F&B will be the last and probably the most tricky sector. We have to do it in a way that represents the company DNA. I think the market is moving more towards healthy food and wellness and I think if you have an innovative concept there are a lot of things that could potentially come here.

The idea is to look at these four verticals and find brands that actually cross-fertilise every vertical. So let’s say for example we find a good F&B or wellness concept then you can cross-fertilise your fashion division if you have a luxury athleisure brand. So you have the possibility to offer a whole experience where you bring in all aspects.

AESOP store in Dubai Mall

The first brand you acquired was Aesop – what else is in the pipeline for the future?

Yes the first brand we brought to The Middle East was Aesop. It was a very successful brand that already had more than 250 retail stores across the world but wasn’t yet present here in the region. When you associate the prestige and reputation of Seddiqi and the brand of Aesop – you have the right foundations to start attracting more brands.

The second brand we have signed is Olebar Brown – a UK based menswear brand specialising in resort and swimwear. It’s a contemporary and trendy brand that was created around ten years ago and was born on the digital space. It is going for a very strong expansion into brick and mortar. We are now in the rollout phase of this.

What is the criteria?

Firstly it has to be luxury. Secondly it has to be strong in retail. We are not looking at brands that are heavy on distribution because I think the core distribution today is online. The third and most critical point is that we have to find brands that have achieved a maturity level that is already quite advanced – especially in key markets for the region like the United Kingdom, the United States, some countries in Asia, France and Italy etc. So they have to have a certain level of maturity but not yet in the Middle East. It’s hard because as soon as a brand has matured it might have already arrived here or you might find competitors that are already looking to attract it so the timing needs to be just right.

How challenging is it to venture into new categories apart from the watch and jewellery industry?

It wasn’t too difficult because although our background was and still is, the watches and jewellery business, what characterises us is that we are a luxury retailer. So as long as we diversify within the sector of luxury retail, the key ingredients that make the business successful are still the same.

Is Mizzen planning to expand regionally beyond the UAE?

Yes the Mizzen mandate is regional. As part of our diversification it’s new industries but also new geographies that will help the group expand its footprint in other GCC territories.

With your vast expertise on the subject, what is your insight into Dubai’s market today despite the challenges of retail?

Indeed it is a challenging market, but for me the big problem is that for too long brands have been overpriced in the region. Before we had the internet consumers couldn’t check prices so easily so it worked to be more expensive but today the customer enters the store knowing how much something costs in London for example, so doesn’t see why they should pay more in Dubai.

So I therefore think the challenges of the market are more of a pricing issue. Of course there are things you cannot control like exchange rates which have an impact, but beyond that factor the retail price is sometimes too high. This is what has been negatively impacting the market and making it more challenging. Obviously if the price is not right in the store, the customer will divert to e-commerce and order the product online, or since we are talking to an affluent customer, they will buy the product when they are travelling. So this is one of the key focuses of Mizzen, to make sure we offer retail prices that are similar to the original market. It is a challenge for existing brands but I do think it is something everyone should look into and consider.

Yes the cost of operating a business in The Middle East has increased because of the success of Dubai, but I think it’s important for brands to re-evaluate the situation and see how they can correct this issue. Shopping is part of the lifestyle here, so people will still go to the malls, but obviously if the price is wrong they are going to shop somewhere else.

To what extent do you still see the walk-in retail experience crucial versus digital?

It’s more important than ever. Today when a customer enters the store they have already done their research online. They will come to the store to simply finalise the buying process. So I think boutiques have a different objective to what they have done previously – it’s now more of a “wow” experience, which will be the last deciding factor for the customer to make their purchase. They already know everything when they come to the store – the price, availability, size, colour etc. so when they enter the only way to make them take that last step and actually buy the product, is to provide them with an experience and a ‘wow factor’.

I actually think in the long term people who work in the stores should no longer be seen as or called sales people. They are more like personal shoppers or consultants. The sales pitch has been done already so for me, the frontline needs to have a different skill set than the traditional salespeople; one that focuses on customer experience rather than the actual selling of the product. What we are seeing today is a business model that has been turned upside down. E-commerce started as an extension of your brick and mortar presence, but today it is totally the opposite. Today your first point of call is digital, and the store becomes an extension of your digital presence. So that changed the whole strategy of how you look at business and how you serve the customer and what kind of experience you have to create. This is why the store will continue to be important, especially in the luxury segment.

How would you describe today’s digital market in the region?

I think it’s still very new in this market. It really started to be on the agenda of companies around two years ago. Traction started to be created by sites like souq.com for example. So I think that the market is still far behind what’s happening in Asia, the United States and Europe in terms of advancement, but it’s definitely here and it will be here to stay.

For luxury you have companies like Ounass getting a lot of traction. This is because the new distribution channel is online. So at Mizzen we have to have brands that will fit in a retail location and then an online location too. What used to be the middle distribution – the wholesaler, the multi-brand stores etc. – they have tough times ahead.

AESOP store in Dubai Mall

So are you looking to work with online platforms with the brand’s you are bring to the region as well as the stores?

Yes definitely, it’s part of the strategy of Mizzen. We need to make the brands that we are bringing to the region available online. Ten years ago you wouldn’t have even thought of putting an online aspect into a contract like this but today it’s your new channel of distribution, so it is important to secure the online channels for brands that are coming to the region.

Mobile penetration in the UAE is one of the highest in the world so the foundations are here to make digital shopping a big success.

What challenges do you face as a business when it comes to sourcing brands from abroad inviting them to the Middle East?

I think that for people or brands that have not yet been in the region, the most important point is to convince them of how the region has changed over the last twenty years and how Dubai has established itself as an international hub.

Once they understand the maturity of the market it’s good. Then how we convince them to work with Seddiqi – we have such a strong history behind us that speaks for itself. When you’ve been the exclusive distributor for over sixty years of brand like Rolex and Audemars Piguet – they know we have something special! I think once you explain the value of our company and pass on that message you make people feel extremely comfortable. So we have our history, our current value and a promising market and the pieces just click. I would say the first brand was probably the most difficult one. Yes we are known as the number one luxury watch retailer in the Middle East but why are we interested in a beauty brand – this is what we had to convince them of.

Daniel Ricciardo and Osama Ibrahim Seddiqi, Chief Financial Officer, Seddiqi Holding

Huseyin Yilmaz, Retail Manager, Orlebar Brown, Daniel Ricciardo, Christophe Niciase and Seamus Clune, General Manager of Mizzen

So how did the initial process happen?

Aesop are very careful in the way that they select their partner. It’s a brand that has been growing very quickly in the past ten or fifteen years but in a very strategic way. So it took us time to finalise because we had to show why Seddiqi was moving into this new direction, but once it was done everything moved quite quickly.

A fair deal is a win, win situation. So if one partner feels like he is giving more than the other, there will always be a sensation of giving away too much and the deal will eventually fall apart. I’m very transparent and open with brands and I’m always looking to strike a deal that is a win, win deal for both parties. Obviously they know they are partnering with a group that has been in the region for over sixty years, so this eventually leads to the success of the partnership.

What else are you currently working on?

I’m working on many things! Although my focus and immediate mandate is the diversification of the group with Mizzen, part of my role is also to look at the business development and the strategy of the group as a whole. So I still have a few key projects that I’m working on for the watches and jewellery business. I cannot say more for the time being but it’s not only Mizzen it’s also taking Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons to the next level. With everything that’s happening in the region and Dubai in particular, there is still a lot to do that could take the watch and jewellery business to a new dimension.

AESOP

What is your professional motto?

Play to your best but play fair.

How do you think Dubai has shaped up who you are today and what did it add to your path?

I feel more at home here than in my home country. I have been working with the Seddiqi Group for ten years. I think before coming to the Middle East I knew that my personality would fit in this market but I would definitely say that the person I am today has been greatly influenced by my presence in this region. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the region and how business is done here. I think I have embraced the values of the Seddiqi Group and they are now part of me. The region has probably shaped who I am a great deal.

What would you like to achieve with Mizzen over the next year and the next five years?

In a year’s time I would like to have at least one brand in each of the verticals that we discussed but it’s not so much about the short term I’m looking more at the next five years.

We don’t want to become over-diversified, we want to stay very focused on luxury brands and niche markets with good potential. So ideally in five years Mizzen would have two to three brands per vertical but they need to be brands that really have an impact in terms of customer experience and innovation and bringing to Dubai a new retail experience that is not yet here.

We have a strong team to lead Mizzen who are the faces of the sector on a daily basis and they are building a strong relationship with the brands we have. For new brands I am usually the first face they meet and once this trust level is achieved and the negotiation is successful they know that I will always be around supporting the teams to achieve the goals that we as a brand have. They know that whenever and wherever, someone form the Seddiqi group is always there to take care of them.

Fresh from her red carpet appearance at this week’s Golden Globes alongside Bradley Cooper, model Irina Shayk is announced as the newest face of Marc Jacobs Beauty for 2019.

Marc Jacobs Beauty entered the Russian market last year so the choice of a Russian model is a strategic one that will see a campaign featuring Shayk being rolled out in Moscow later this month. The decision to choose the model was explained by Tara Loftis, VP of Marketing, at Kendo Brands;

“When we entered Russia earlier in the year, we knew we wanted to have someone who inherently matched the beauty and strength of the region. Irina was a natural choice, and we’re thrilled to add her to the group of impressive women who have represented Marc Jacobs Beauty.”

Irina joins a line-up of women including Jessica Lange, Edie Campbell, Kaia Gerber and Lila Moss who are also current faces of the brand. The model said of her new role:

 

“I’ve loved and admired Marc for his wonderful fashions and overarching vision of beauty. it’s such an honour to represent Marc Jacobs Beauty in my home country.”

Marc Jacobs Beauty Eyeconic Palette in Frivoluxe

Irina stars in a new advertising campaign that sees her showcasing the coloured eyeshadow trend that we are looking forward to for spring 2019. The look was created using Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette In 730 Frivoluxe, and Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara.

The beauty looks to be inspired by from this year’s Golden Globes.

Coloured eyeshadow was a huge trend and no one stole the show more than Lady Gaga, who matched her subtle lilac eye make-up to her Cinderella-style dress. She finished the look with colour-co-ordinating lilac hair. Meanwhile green eyeshadow was seen on Camille Belle, as well as orange, red and gold hues worn by some of Hollywood’s hottest stars.

It seems the days of heavy contouring are gone and replaced with a much more natural look. Dewy skin and light blusher took the place of heavily bronzed contoured cheeks. Natural, fresh-faced looks ruled  the red carpet.

When it came to hair there were a wide a variety of looks. Julia Roberts brought back old Hollywood glamour with her perfectly prepared side-swept waves. Whilst many others opted for short cropped blunt cut styles that were wither parted at the middle or pulled back from the face.

ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSIONER TO THE UAE DR GIANPAOLO BRUNO DISCUSSES WHAT HE IS DOING TO PROMOTE ITALIAN BUSINESS IN THE REGION.

The UAE has had a very close relationship with Italy for many years. With a love of quality and attention to details the two countrys’ values go hand in hand in providing the perfect environment for Italian brands to flourish in this region. Bring in the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). This government agency promotes the globalisation of Italian companies in various countries around the world. Working in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development, the agency plays a huge part in promoting Italian businesses in the UAE and helping them to break into this market.

ITA helps to develop, facilitate and promote Italian economic and trade relations with foreign countries and promotes the marketing of Italian goods and services as well as the image of “Made in Italy”. Heading up the agency in the UAE is Dr Gianpaolo Bruno. Bruno currently holds the position of Trade Commissioner to the UAE, Oman and Pakistan. With over 25 years experience with the ITA Bruno understands exactly what it is the world is looking for from Italian businesses. At the recent Dubai Design Week the ITA constructed an exhibition area to promote design businesses from Italy who are looking to expand internationally into the region. Headed up by Bruno the project had a strong focus on small and medium sized businesses who otherwise wouldn’t have the budgets or facilities to expand into new international markets. A&E caught up with Bruno to find out what he hopes to achieve from the project.

What were you trying to achieve with the project at Dubai Design Week?

This is an image driven exhibition that is focused on Italian interiors. We organised it to highlight very unique and original objects coming from the design industry in Italy. As you know design is part of the Italian DNA and it stems from our historical background and the artisanal traditions that we have and of course in modern times these traditions have developed. There’s an evolution of the way things are presented to the general public and there is also a peculiar relationship between the designers and the manufacturers and Italian design is now famous all over the world. This is not a classic style trade fair. You don’t see the names of the companies, people have to be interactive with the objects, try them and really experience them. It is a large investment for us but it’s really worth it. Dubai is very interested in Italy so it always works very well for us.

What has been the feedback from the past years?

We have had great feedback. The last couple of years we have experienced a slightly sluggish domestic demand given the political and economic situations, but we’ve seen optimism in recent months and we are hearing positive things, so we are positive.

Why do you think the idea of something that is “made in Italy” is so special to customers?

Because we incorporate our philosophy of life in objects and our philosophy is to have an attention to detail and to care about the quality of materials and the uniqueness of shapes. So it is all of these elements that make our design really unique and trendsetting all over the world. We try to keep this tradition and emphasise in the exhibitions the uniqueness of small and medium-sized enterprises. Sometimes these businesses are not in the mainstream of marketing etc. and they do not have the financial and operational capabilities to go and reach out to international markets. So we as a government institution try to organise this for them. Sometimes these businesses don’t even have a website so we try to help them get exposure in international markets.

Are you just working with design?

No we are working with all aspects of Italian business. We have an eyewear exhibition, a jewellery exhibition so it is not just design. We always focus on the small and medium-sized businesses.

What can you tell us about the ceramic industry in Italy and how it is influencing the region?

Nowadays with so much construction we solely believe there is a drive to quality. Sometimes you can find with ceramics and other construction materials that what fits into a construction budget is not of a good quality so we would like to share the Italian ceramic industry as it is a segment in which Italy has great advantages. We would like to showcase what Italian companies can propose in the high end segment of the market. We do not want to compete on the lower end mass market, we would like to position ourselves strongly in the luxury segment because I think there is a strong market and lots of potential there. Italy has a wealth of different proposals and solutions that you cannot get here.

What about traditional Italian crafts, how important do you think it is to sustain them?

Traditional craftmanship has, in a way, evolved into contemporary arts. Without undermining the traditional way we have to recognise that the world has evolved and we have to figure out the new generation. Millennials do not like the traditional crafts so we would like to really make a difference by promoting contemporary style. Also from a demand point of view there is not much demand for traditional crafts anymore.

What do you think about the luxury industry in the UAE?

We’ve been involved in the luxury industry here since its early stages. We would like to really consolidate our presence in the market and I think there is still a strong demand for luxury items, given the fact that there is a large population of people with high disposable income. There are new luxury projects happening and we really think that with our suppliers we can make a difference in these projects.

What are your thoughts on how the luxury Italian fashion houses are doing in the UAE?

They are doing very well. They are opening up new retail stores. It’s a huge industry. Customers are really brand orientated here so we are doing a great job. Dubai is one of the main strategic markets in the world for Italian fashion brands along with other markets like Japan and the US, but this is one of our main markets and it is closer for us, so from a strategic point of view has a great importance for our companies and that’s why they keep on investing heavily here.

What are the challenges you face in your role?

The challenges are really that the backbone of the economy in all the sectors is made of small and medium sized companies. Sometimes they have very good products but they’re not prepared to market those products on an international level. So it is a very prominent and interesting market but these businesses have to know the rules of the game and it is a very complex market to understand. We spend a lot of time trying to train businesses on the uniqueness of the market from regulations to the market structure etc. as it is very important that these companies have clear objectives and a clear business plan when they approach the market.

So would you say much of your time is spent with the smaller businesses as opposed to the big brands?

Indeed. Sometimes the big brands do not even need the government support because they have their own beliefs, which is perfectly understandable. The rationale of our existence is to be able to help companies that need help and support because otherwise they can’t make it by themselves.

What’s your professional motto?

Commitment, quality, flexibility – these are the buzzwords that I use for my professional experience. I have worked in this business for 26 years and so for me commitment is important because if you do something you have to be committed and serious about it. And you have to have knowledge in what you do and be informed in what you’re talking about.

Quality because nowadays there is no room for things that are not up to a certain level and attention to detail is key.

And flexibility means having a flexible approach. We live in a very complicated eco-system so you have to multitask and adapt in situations very quickly.

What are the luxuries in your life?

I’m very down to earth, I don’t really like luxury! Luxuries to me are enjoying my family and the good things in life without having ambitious goals in terms of the possession of things. Even though my job is to promote these things, on a personal level I like the small things in life.

What’s one thing that you would still like to achieve in your role?

I would like to really make a difference. I’m a hard-worker and so I would like to see my work really working. In terms of the success achieved by the companies I serve. This would create a really gratifying experience for me.

What has been the success of companies you are promoting so far?

Many have had great success. This is a major promotional platform and many of them are getting access to customers they wouldn’t otherwise meet. The problem with companies sometimes is that they come and they don’t believe in the market enough and after one year they give up so you need to continue the presence and have constant commitment in order to achieve. The ones who realise this strategy are the ones that succeed.

ALESSANDRO SARTORI’S SS19 COLLECTION COMBINES TECHNICAL FABRICS, BOLD COLOURS AND GRAPHIC PRINTS.

RESULTING IN A STRIKING FUSION OF TAILORING AND URBAN SPORTSWEAR.

Dipped collar bomber suit in ivory and sunflower yellow blanket pattern linen; knitted vest with zip details, drawstring hem and contrast XXX taping in sunflower yellow glazed cotton. Cesare sneaker in brown and blue calfskin and tech-net, features XXX leather detail on the side, multicoloured round laces.

All Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

LEFT IMAGE:

Antique silver necklace with XXX logo.

Knitted vest in Tropea pink glazed cotton.

RIGHT IMAGE:

Single breasted double sleeve jacket in night ferry grey multicolour blanket pattern crepe linen. Short sleeve shirt in Tropea pink and dark pink checked cotton and silk.

All Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

LEFT IMAGE:

Oversize knitted bi-colour T-shirt in Tropea pink and dark pink glazed cotton. Cargo jogging pants with piping detail in night ferry grey technical cotton. Cesare sneaker in light grey calfskin and tech-net, features XXX leather detail on the side and multicoloured round laces.

RIGHT IMAGE:

Dipped collar bomber suit in desert beige cotton and linen satin. Knitted vest in Tropea pink glazed cotton. Desert beige calfskin visor; Sneaker in perforated brown calf and elastic on the back.

All Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

LEFT IMAGE:

Antique silver necklace with XXX pendant, antique finish dark gold necklace with crab pendant and soft rounded acetate sunglasses.

Single breasted double sleeve jacket in bow green cotton and linen; scoop neck knitted vest in desert beige glazed cotton, convertible trousers with drawstring waistband in bow green perforated calfskin.

RIGHT IMAGE:

Antique silver necklace with XXX pendant, antique finish dark gold necklace with crab pendant and soft rounded acetate sunglasses.

Single breasted double sleeve jacket in bow green cotton and linen; scoop neck knitted vest in desert beige glazed cotton, convertible trousers with drawstring waistband in bow green perforated calfskin.

All Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

LEFT IMAGE:

Single breasted double sleeve coat in night ferry grey and Tropea pink century cashmere with tennis all over print.

RIGHT IMAGE:

Soft rounded acetate sunglasses.

Single breasted double sleeve jacket in ivory and golf course green macro check cotton and silk; knitted vest in ivory glazed cotton, cargo jogging pants with piping detail in foremast taupe cotton and linen satin. Sneaker in brown calf and tech-net detailed hand-threaded sport lace.

All Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

LEFT IMAGE:

Over-the-head bomber with flap pockets in boat trip blue cotton and silk macro checks. Double pleat trousers with adjustable cuffs in boat trip blue cotton and silk checks.

RIGHT IMAGE:

Antique silver necklace with deep carved herringbone circle; antique silver necklace with XXX logo.

Leather blouson with slanted pockets in ocean dive pale blue calfskin, knitted vest in foremast taupe glazed cotton, cargo jogging pants with piping detail in hand bleached and over-dyed night ferry grey denim.

All Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

LEFT IMAGE:

Cesare sneaker in brown and blue calfskin and tech-net, features XXX leather detail on the side, multicoloured round laces.

RIGHT IMAGE:

Knitted vest with zip details, drawstring hem and contrast XXX taping in sunflower yellow glazed cotton; pants in ivory and sunflower yellow blanket pattern linen.

All Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

Concept Creation: Lara Mansour Sawaya

Fashion Director: Lindsay Judge

Photographer: Fouad Tadros

Grooming – Bohdana at Velvet Management

Model Fallou at I Love Models Management

Location: Nirvana Hotel, Laklouk, Lebanon

Success is officially defined as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose”. This accomplishment can be anything from achieving your business dream to completing a project you have been working on.

We all interpret success in different ways with the measure being objective depending on your goals or dreams. What is universal is that we strive to succeed in one way or another. Many of the world’s most influential men have built their success from virtually nothing, growing up with regular childhoods and in many cases even dropping out of school or college. Here we take a look at some of the men who built their careers on simply a vision and the quotes they have lived their lives by.

“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”

SIR RICHARD BRANSON

FOUNDER OF THE VIRGIN GROUP

At the age of 16 Richard Branson dropped out of school and started his own magazine; Student. Run purely by students the first issue sold $8,000 worth of advertising and was an instant success. After growing up within London’s music scene Branson had the idea to begin a mail-order record company called Virgin to help fund his magazine. This led to Branson opening the first Virgin record store in London and this was the beginning of his empire. Today Virgin has expanded worldwide to cover countless sectors from holidays, flights, radio and even Virgin Galactic the Virgin spaceship. It’s one of the biggest companies in the world but Branson is still known for his grounded personality and the flexible way he treats his employees. Branson regularly gives inspirational talks around the world.

“Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.”

STEVE JOBS

CO-FOUNDER, AND FORMER CHAIRMAN, AND CEO OF APPLE INC.

Steve Jobs single handily changed the technology industry with his inventions of the iPad, iPod and iPhone. Jobs’ revolutionary products have defined a generation of technology. Perhaps quite surprisingly, the inventor actually dropped out of college before founding Apple with Steve Wozniak in 1976. They created their first computer in Jobs’ parents’ home and funded it by selling his car. The co-founders are credited with revolutionising the computer industry by making products that were smaller, cheaper and more accessible to everyday consumers. By 1980 Apple Computer became a publicly traded company with a market value of $1.2 million by the end of its first day of trading. Sadly Jobs died in 2011 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer but his legacy lives on through the innovation of Apple.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

BARACK OBAMA

FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Barack Obama changed the world when he became the first African-American President of The United States in 2008. But it was his attitude to life and politics that created his legacy. Obama was born in Hawaii and grew up with his grandparents while his mother lived in Kenya and he had no relationship with his father at this time. Obama grew up wanting to make a difference and in 1985 he moved to Chicago where he worked on the poor South Side as a community organiser for low-income residents. He visited his parent’s home country of Kenya soon after this and it was a life-changing trip for him. He returned with a sense of renewal and entered Harvard Law School in 1988. Obama had a career in law but also published a book; Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance in 1995. The book received praise from public figures and led to the beginning of Obama’s political career.

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”

BILL GATES

TECHNOLOGY ADVISOR AND FORMER CHAIRMAN OF MICROSOFT

Bill Gates first became fascinated with computers when he was at school. This type of technology was still in its infancy at the time but Gates spent all of his free time being examining computers and wrote his own program in BASIC computer language. At the age of just 15 Gates went into business with his friend Paul Allen and later dropped out of Harvard Law School to pursue his dream of working with computers. In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen formed Micro-Soft, a blend of “micro-computer” and “software”. After a rough start, by 1975 the company was grossing around $2.5 million and was seen as one of the most revolutionary companies in the industry.

 

“I think a simple rule of business is, if you do the things that are easier first, then you can actually make a lot of progress.”

MARK ZUCKERBERG

CEO AND FOUNDER OF FACEBOOK

Zuckerberg first had the idea for Facebook while at college and he founded the now multi-billion dollar company from his dorm room. Zuckerberg dropped out of college to concentrate on the site within a year Facebook had one million users. After a large investment in 2005 Facebook gained access to other colleges and schools, allowing users to create their own profiles and connect with others. The site soon began to attract the attention of businesses wanting to advertise on Facebook. Despite offers from companies including Yahoo! And MTV Zuckerberg refused to sell the company and wanted to focus on expanding the site. Facebook had its initial public offering, which raised $16 billion, making it the biggest internet IPO in history and the same year Zuckerberg personally negotiated a deal to buy Instagram. From his small dorm room to a multi-billion dollar business it seems there is no stopping him.

“I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.”

RALPH LAUREN

FASHION DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

The designer began his five decades-long career designing neckties, and went on to create a global business with a style that has become iconic. Known for his impeccable tailoring it is perhaps Lauren that we must thank for creating the female suit and making it acceptable in today’s society. In 1967 Ralph Lauren designed his first range of men’s ties at just 28 years old. While working for tie manufacturer Beau Brummel the company’s president let him pursue his dream of starting his own line. He worked out of a single drawer from the showroom at The Empire State Building in New York, and hand delivered all of his creations to buyers in the city. He created his first line of menswear in 1968 and with hard work and a lot of persistence, his designers were taken on by Bloomingdale’s in 1969. They stocked his collection exclusively, making it the first time the department store had given a designer their own store within a store. After great success Ralph Lauren Corporation was launched in 1971 – beginning with a collection of tailored shirts for women. A full women’s collection was launched the following year. Within a year Lauren opened his first standalone store in Beverly Hills and he launched the iconic POLO Ralph Lauren logo – making the label synonymous with preppy American style.

“I work with people I admire and respect. It’s never because of who they are.”

LEE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

FASHION DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Lee McQueen was one of the most successful British designers at the time of his death in 2010. McQueen was born in London. His dad a taxi driver and his mum a teacher. After school McQueen began an internship at Savile Row. The skills he learned as an apprentice helped earn him a reputation in the fashion world as an expert in creating an impeccably tailored look. He was encouraged to enrol at Central St Martins college and received a master’s degree in fashion design in 1992. His graduation collection was bought in its entirety by fashion stylist Isabella Blow. Blow became McQueen’s mentor and encouraged him to launch his own fashion label that was inspired by her unique style. Blow used her contacts to help McQueen excel with his first collection. The designer’s early runway collections developed his reputation of controversy and shock tactics but also got him noticed on an international stage. In 1997 McQueen was appointed as Creative Director of Givenchy. While his first collection was unsuccessful McQueen toned down his designers and soon became highly successful with the brand but still continued to express his rebellious side with his own name label.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

NELSON MANDELA

FORMER PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a nonviolence anti-apartheid activist, politician and philanthropist who became South Africa’s first black president. Mandela directed a campaign of peaceful, nonviolent defiance against the South African government and its racist policies in his twenties. As a result Mandela was jailed and spent 27 years in prison for political offences. Despite this he was an inspiration to millions in South Africa and the world and he was recognised for his dedication to peace throughout his jail time and upon release. In 1994 Mandela became President of South Africa, something he never thought he would see in his lifetime. Mandela died in 2013 surrounded by his family.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

WALT DISNEY

FOUNDER OF THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

Walt Disney was born in 1901 and co-founded Walt Disney Productions with his brother Roy. He had grown up drawing sketches and cartoons and in 1919 Disney moved to Kansas City to pursue a career as a newspaper artist. Soon after Disney decided to open his own animation business and recruited his friend Fred Harman as his first employee. Their first cartoon was screened at a local theatre and Disney was soon able to buy his own studio. The two created a series of seven-minute fairy tales that combined live action and animation. Unfortunately the company was declared bankrupt in 1923. Disney moved to LA where his began the Disney Brothers’ Studio with his brother Roy. The first Disney character was Mickey Mouse and the brothers created short animated stories featuring Mickey.

“A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.”

BANKSY

GRAFFITI ARTIST

Despite being one of the most well-known artists of today Banksy’s identity still remains a mystery. The British graffiti artist rose to prominence for his controversial graffiti stencils in the late 1990s. Banksy’s work includes some of the most iconic images of the 21st century and despite his identity remaining a secret the incredibly talented artist has drawn attention of the world’s art industry. A recent piece of art made headlines when it was shredded after being sold at auction. The artwork that was listed as “Girl with a Balloon” was sold for over $1 million. Banksy had inserted a secret shredder within the frame in case the artwork was ever sold. After the shredding the artwork was said to have gained value.

MENSWEAR TRENDS REALLY BECOME EXCITING IN SUMMER WHEN IT IS ENCOURAGED TO EXPERIMENT WITH COLOURS PRINTS AND MATERIALS. FROM RAINBOW INSPIRED HUES TO BOLD AND WONDERFUL STYLES WE DISCOVER THE LATEST LOOKS THAT WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH TO THE SUMMER MONTHS.