Lindsay Judge, Author at A&E Magazine

The Best Beauty Looks for SS19

From natural fresh-faced skin to bold eyes and lips, the SS19 runways saw plenty of statement-making beauty looks.

Morning Coffee With Lise Slane, Founder of Simply Gymnastics

Lise Slane took the plunge and left her job in event management five years ago to set up her own company Simply Gymnastics. The gymnastics academy offers artistic gymnastics recreational and academic level to children of all ages in the UAE.

Slane has 30 years of experience in teaching gymnastics internationally and trained in the sport herself from a very young age. The school covers all basic tumbles, vaults, balance beam and uneven bars, using the latest equipment, and provides training for children of all abilities.

Slane has a strong focus on creating a friends environment for all the family to come together and support her students. When we met Slane for morning coffee she was keen to share with us her dreams of moving the business forward and the immense pride she has of her students.

Five things we learnt from our chat with Lise Slane:

She left her job to follow her dream:

“I was struggling with work in the UAE. I’d had an events background and it was hard to get back into events. So I literally had to write myself a list of what I enjoy doing and don’t enjoy doing, what I’m qualified to do, not qualified to do, and it was just there. Something that’s always been in my life is gymnastics.”

She has loved gymnastics since she was a child.

“When I was younger I was always climbing walls, climbing trees, I was a very sporty active child. I started in ballet, then I was in karate, I moved onto trampolining. Whilst I was trampolining I used to see all these little kids walking through for gymnastics and I just wanted to do that.”

She believes gymnastics is great for modern day kids. She said:

“Now is the age of technology and they’re in front of screens too much. We have a huge problem with obesity and diabetes because children aren’t running around enough, so for me it’s important that they find a passion, a sport – healthy body, healthy mind.”

It’s not easy to get into gymnastics as an adult! She said:

“It’s a tough sport. It’s really for the kind of yoga, cross-fit type people. You have to have an understanding of your body and it’s alignment. It’s not easy to just go into as an adult.

She’s created more than just a club but a community with Simply Gymnastics. Slane told us, “new families coming to Dubai will get to know each other. They build life-long friend ships and they’ll always have a place at the club and a memory they can come back to.

Watch Lise’s full Morning Coffee interview here:

Morning Coffee with Harmeek Singh, Founder of Plan B Group

Morning Coffee with Film Producer Mohammed Al Turki

Special Olympics World Games 2019: Inside Abu Dhabi’s Biggest Sporting Event

This March, Abu Dhabi played host to the Special Olympics World Games 2019 in the world’s largest sporting event of the year. The first time The Middle East has hosted the 50-year-old games which saw over 7,500 athletes from 200 countries including people of determination with and intellectual disabilities, compete in a range of sporting activities.

The games, which was hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is part of local, national and regional plans to expand opportunities for people of determination in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s shared vision of a unified and inclusive society and also reiterate the country’s Year of Tolerance.

The games took place over seven days and saw great achievements, stories and incredible moments that have been recognised on a global scale. The finale which took place on the last night saw a spectacular closing ceremony held at Zayed Sports City.

Officials and dignitaries from the UAE and Special Olympics, including His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Khalfan Mohammad Al Mazrouei, Managing Director of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and the President of Liberia, George Weah, led the celebrations. As well as performances by international artists Nicole Scherzinger and Keala Settle, and Middle Eastern performers and singers.

This year’s Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 was one of the largest, most inclusive and diverse World Games in the history of Special Olympics. The incredible achievements were celebrated in a huge outpouring of happiness from the artists and presenters on stage as well as the joy and emotion from every athlete, coach and spectator inside the stadium.

Hourglass Founder Carisa Janes Talks International Growth as Beauty Brand Reaches the Middle East

While it’s had fifteen years of success in Europe and The United States, beauty brand Hourglass founded by Carisa Janes has just arrived in The Middle East.

The international expansion of Hourglass, much to the joy of its clients who have previously had to travel the world in order to get their hands on the luxury make-up products, has finally made its way over to the Middle East.

Hourglass positions itself as a modern, luxurious beauty brand, and with over seventy-five per cent of its products already being vegan, they plan to be one hundred per cent vegan by 2020. Hourglass has a huge international following and has transformed from a boutique beauty hub in the States to an international company, and it’s growing faster than ever.

Founder and CEO Carisa Janes prides herself on being ahead of the game when it comes to using breakthrough formulas and modern designs. She has a strong social responsibility to protect animals and the global environment when it comes to the choice of her ingredients and her mission is to prove that luxury beauty can truly be cruelty-free.

But being cruelty-free is nothing if the products don’t live up to the expectations and this is something Janes is very aware of. She creates products that are the most luxurious in their ingredients and appearance and prides herself on offering a colour option for all, so that no woman leaves her beauty counter empty-handed.

When she founded Hourglass in 2004 Janes was trying to fill a void in the market for a new kind of luxury beauty brand – one with a focus on advanced ingredients, modern design and exceptional functionality. Today as she achieves international expansion for Hourglass we talk to Janes on her plans for the Middle East and why this is such an important market for her.

A&E Interviews Hourglass Founder and CEO, Carisa Janes

Why did you choose now to launch Hourglass in the UAE?

We are based in the United States and I think until now we didn’t feel ready to expand our business logistically and I wanted to make sure that when we came to the region we were ready to support the business logistically and do it properly and that’s why we haven’t done it before now.

Also, there’s a demand for the product here. We’ve been around for fourteen years now and I think on social media people see and find products from all over the world and they want the products, so it was good timing because there is plenty of demand and people are excited that we’re here and we’re very excited to be here.

What are you hoping for with the launch?

I’m hoping to sell my products! I’m also hoping to learn about the consumer and what really works in this market. These are my people – it’s a huge beauty market, I love it!

What do you think sets Hourglass apart from other brands?

I think it’s probably the innovation that we bring to the category. From our formulations to our ingredients, to our packaging. It’s all the details. Our products are luxury, modern and high performance.

Hourglass has very strong values – how do you manage to maintain these in today’s industry and still continue to keep up with others?

I just don’t worry about what other people are doing! I’m not interested, I’m just interested in what we’re doing and how we can do it better. I think a lot about the customer and what she wants and how we can deliver the best possible product that we can. We’re in our own little world, we’re very focused and we do it our way. That’s the only way I know how to do it. Because I’m still so involved in the business there’s no reason why this would have changed.

When would you be willing to compromise?

If I feel like I have to compromise I just don’t do it. I think for me, feeling like you have to compromise is just a sign that it’s not right. So we wait until the time is right and sometimes the same things will come back around.

Why do you think it is important to offer such a wide variety of shades?

I think again it just goes back to the customer. If you have a cosmetic brand you don’t want any woman to come to your store and not be able to find her shade of foundation, so that’s pretty much it. We want to have something for everyone.

How would you say the brand has evolved?

It’s been fifteen years so it’s definitely evolved, I have evolved and materials and technology have evolved. I think the brand has naturally evolved with me and the world as that has changed.

What was the original vision when you started and has that changed?

I think it is the same. When I started there was a lot less choice, so our vision is still the same but there’s more competition now. At the time it was really about wanting to create a luxury brand that was modern and luxury brands at that time tended to be your mother’s make-up or your grandmother’s make-up and I wanted something very modern and luxurious. That luxury to me was not just beautiful packaging but good ingredients and products that are good for your skin, easy to use and simple.

You pride yourself on producing vegan or animal-friendly products – what challenges does this throw up?

I think the big challenge for us is over as far as going vegan is concerned. If you start vegan as we did, it’s easy – that’s who we are and who we have been from the start. For us, it was more about re-formulating anything that wasn’t vegan – that presented different challenges. We’ve sorted that out now and by next year every range will be 100 per cent there. We were already probably seventy-five per cent vegan, it was just little bits and pieces that we needed to perfect. I can imagine for a big major brand it would take a really long time and be very expensive.

Even in today’s society, we know there are some countries where animal testing is compulsory – how does this restrict you as a brand?

No, I don’t think it does restrict us. People didn’t care about it before so there was no demand for vegan products and therefore the manufacturers didn’t make them. Now there are great alternatives so there’s no reason to use animal bi-products in our make-up.

What are the biggest challenges you face in what you do?

A lot of challenges would be if you come to a new market too soon and you’re not prepared. I think we’re at a point now where we have the infrastructure and the team so we feel confident. We knew we had demand for the product – with social media we already knew the customer and what they wanted in this region, so there is some degree of confidence that it’s going to work. It’s the things you don’t know are going to happen that throw up challenges. I’m sure there’s something to be afraid of I just don’t know what it is!

How do you think social media has had an impact on the beauty industry?

Information is instant. Everything is global and we have so much more information and knowledge. It is such an incredible way to communicate, it’s amazing. As a brand you know instantly what your customers think, feel and experience instantly all over the world and the whole world knows where we are and what we’re doing, it’s incredible.

What is a challenge you faced in business that you had to overcome?

I started this business when I was in my early twenties and it was hard – hard to get started, to raise money. It was not easy. I think probably the biggest thing was raising money and having a growing business and getting the finance to keep me moving forward and grow. That’s probably the biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome.

What are the biggest lessons you have learnt in life?

I’ve learnt a tonne of lessons! But I would say my biggest is to hire the best and hire people that are better than you. That makes life a lot easier.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Always think about the customer and do the best job you can for her.

And how about a personal motto?

Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.

Who is your inspiration?

I don’t really have a person that’s an inspiration, it’s more about how I get inspired by things that make me feel inspired. When I get excited about something, the idea of bringing something to the market that is going to make women feel excited the way I do. That’s inspiring and drives me. What’s cool for us is that we launch a product every season and we feel so excited about what we launch and we know it’s going to be something that they’ve never seen and that builds excitement. Hearing their stories is inspiring.

Who is your make-up muse?

Probably myself! Ultimately it’s very selfish – I’m just looking for products that I want to wear and I’m excited about. I never really have that face of a woman I’m creating for I’m always asking “what’s going to make me look better?” and that’s where I start.

What’s the one make-up product you can’t live without?

That’s so tough! I always say something different but today I think I would say mascara. I also love our Ambient Lighting Palette.

What can we expect to see from Hourglass now that it is in the region?

We’re going to be talking a lot about brows this year. That’s all I can say for now!

instagram.com/hourglasscosmetics

READ: A New Vegan-Friendly Hair Salon Has Arrived In Dubai

READ: The Harmonist Founder Reveals How to Find the Perfect Fragrance

READ: The Best Beauty Looks for SS19

Footprints In The Sand: Explore Tod’s Spring/Summer 2019 Collection

Elegant suedes and luxe leather are accentuated with tassels, and fringing in sandy rustic tones for Tod’s spring/summer 2019 collection.

Moccasin in calf leather with leather buckle, Satchel with round buckle, Calf skin shirt, leather pants with side contrasting colours

All by Tod’s

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Shoulder strap bag with round buckle, Leather shirt and skirt

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D-Styling in calf skin, Gommino with fringes, Suede and leather bomber, Jeans with leather details

All by Tod’s

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Satchel with round buckle, Gommino with fringes, Total look in leather and cotton with Tod’s logo print on the pants

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Gommino with fringes

All by Tod’s

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D-Styling, Leather dress

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D-Styling, Double T sandal in leather and cotton, Total look in leather, Cotton t-shirt

All by Tod’s

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Satchel with round buckle, Double T sandal in leather and cotton, Leather dress

RIGHT IMAGE:

Double T sandal in leather and cotton

All by Tod’s

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Gommino sabot with leaves fringes

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Shoulder strap bag with round buckle, Cotton shirt, Leather skirt with fringes

All by Tod’s

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D-Styling, Sneakers in calf leather, Cotton shirt, Jeans with leather details

RIGHT IMAGE:

Moccasin with leaves fringes

All by Tod’s

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D-Styling, Gommino with heart fringes

RIGHT IMAGE:

Leather sandals with colourful leaves

All by Tod’s

Shoulder strap bag with round buckle, Sneakers in leather and technical fabrics, Leather shirt and skirt

All by Tod’s

Photography: Ziga Mihelcic

Styling and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Model: Ayla at MMG Models:

Hair and make-up: Riviera Lynn

Location: Ajman Stud

Morning Coffee with Darine Abu Salim and Saada Domloge, Founders of Fabula Jewels

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Darine Abu Salim and Saada Domloge founded their jewellery brand Fabula Jewels when they noticed a gap in the market for dainty yet glamorous, eternal jewellery. Both ladies have a strong passion for jewellery and decided to put their passion into a business with Fabula Jewels being born in 2015.

Each of their jewellery pieces is unique and tells a story of love, devotion and beauty. Many of the piece can be customised and created for each woman’s needs. They work with 18 carat gold, diamonds and precious stones to craft eye-catching pieces that are subtle, understated and most importantly homegrown in the UAE.

See the full interview here….

Five things we learnt from talking to Darine Abu Salim and Saada Domloge:

They what everyone to take something away from the jewellery they create, Saada told us: “We want our jewellery to mean something to each and every person that purchases it. That’s why our slogan is “a story with every jewel.”

They were inspired by their own preferences of jewellery to start their own company. Darien told us: “we wanted to find jewellery and buy jewellery that fits our personalities and that was something that we weren’t able to find much of in the market.”

Jewellery is something that has always been important in their lives. Saada explained; “when I was a child I used to always open my mum’s jewellery box and mix and match everything she had. I would save from my allowance and once a month I’d go to the jewellery shop and buy something just for me.

They think the concept of jewellery is changing. Darine said: When we were growing up it was always something that was always very occasional and very statement jewellery, or something that you’re only gifted on weddings or special occasions. I think it’s very important because fashion has become a really big icon in the Middle East and in specifically in Dubai and I think jewellery also fits in that, it doesn’t have to just be for an occasion or a wedding.”

They have a special collection launching for Ramadan. Saada told us: “We have a new collection launching in Ramadan which is the moo face collection.”

Morning Coffee With Lise Slane, Founder of Simply Gymnastics

Morning Coffee with Film Producer Mohammed Al Turki

Morning Coffee with Harmeek Singh, Founder of Plan B Group

Business owner Harmeek Singh launched his advertising, production and events company Plan B in 2004, building it up from a small family business to what is now an international corporation present in The Middle East, Europe, India and Russia.

As well as being the founder and owner of the Plan B Group, Singh has many roles. He is Strategy and Marketing Director of the UAE Athletics Federation as well as more recently becoming the Chairman of Dubai Women’s Run and Women of Substance – something we were very keen to talk to him about when we met for morning coffee.

Here Singh shares with us his vision for Dubai Women’s Run and the Women of Substance platform, as well as advice and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Five things we learnt from talking to Harmeek Singh:

His mornings have no routine. Singh tells us;

“My Morning routine is very different from others it’s not planned at all. Coming from an industry which is not planned at all, my morning sometimes begins in the morning or my night ends in the morning! So it’s a different routine.”

Dubai Women’s run is the biggest sporting event for women in the region.

Harmeek explains. “I was very keen on growing it into more than just a run, more than just one day that people come together.” He is encouraging participants in the run to come together as a community and support each other.

He thinks the word ‘empowerment’ is overused;

“Empowerment is something that is used and abused a lot, and a lot of the time people use the term but they don’t even know what they’re talking about.” Singh says.

He’s helping to create a platform where women can share their knowledge in the form of Women of Substance:

“We created a platform where women who have achieved and been successful, who have made it, who have been fighters and we created a platform where they can share their knowledge. So women to connect with other women.”

He never wants to retire. He told us:

“People talk about their retirement. I actually don’t want to retire because I think like water, if it gets stagnated it’s not fresh. I like to move like water and water is a sign of life. So till the time that I am I don’t want to retire, I want to have something I’m passionate about.”

Watch Harmeek Singh’s full interview here:

Morning Coffee with The Magic Of Being Founders, Dani Hakim and Aseya Atiq

Art Hotels: A Cultural Tour of the World’s Most Iconic Art Hotels

From the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, India to the Rome Cavalieri in Italy, here are some of the most stunning art hotels from all over the world.

Chambers Hotel, New York, United States

With a typical New York cosmopolitan vibe Chambers Hotel in Midtown Manhattan is the ultimate destination for creatives when in New York City. Designed by David Rockwell the 72 loft style guest rooms feature high ceilings and exposed piping which is complimented by handcrafted bedding and thought-provoking artworks. There is a distinct kitsch twist to the property with bold colours and modern art scattered around the hotel. There are over 500 original works of art located around Chambers Hotel, each one completely unique and some painted specifically for the hotel itself.

Browse artworks from artists including John Waters, Bob and Roberta Smith and Sheila Pop. The collection of paintings, mixed media works and installations make for a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in this property. And if all that isn’t enough art for you, head around the corner to The Museum of Modern Art for an extra dose of culture.

Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich, Switzerland

Head to the picturesque Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich to experience over 100 works of art by international artists scattered around the hotel’s stunning grounds. The property re-opened in 2008 after a refurbishment and features art works from artists including Fernando Botero, Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely and Andy Warhol which is perhaps the most striking piece at 11 metres long.

The Big Retrospective painting takes pride of place above the hotel reception desk. As a unique touch, the hotel provides guests with an iPad that guides them through the artworks located around the hotel. Users can gather information on the works and see a map of the hotel highlighting where each artwork is located. Upon restoration, the hotel was redesigned by London based architects Foster + Partners and combines the historic building of 1899 with modern architecture.

Le Negresco, Nice, France

This legendary hotel on France’s Côte d’Azur first opened its doors over a century ago and quickly became known for its quaint French personality. Today the hotel houses an incredible collection of artwork that spans over 500 years. Iconic artists including Picasso, Dali and Chagall regularly visited the property which is more of a museum than a hotel.

A Baccarat chandelier with over 16,000 crystals hangs in the Royal Lounge, commissioned and in later years gifted by Czar Nicholas II. Modern sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle are placed next to historic works from Louis XIII’s reign, including a portrait of King Louis XIV. Inside the rooms, baroque and contemporary French art is celebrated with ornate furniture to match. And the new summer wing goes full circle with modern street art. A true art lovers paradise Le Negresco is unique and extravagant yet classic and is definitely worth a visit.

The Merchant House, Bahrain

This brand new boutique art hotel in Bahrain is sure to become one of the region’s must-visit destinations. The Merchant House is Bahrain’s first boutique hotel and has a unique and colourful design that embraces local art.

A collection of paintings and graffiti art was designed by up and coming Bahraini artists over the past few years. In the hotel’s reception, you’ll find a dramatic graffiti backdrop and upstairs on the mezzanine floor you’ll find the carefully design library which houses over 1,000 books. Around the hotel, you’ll find modern works of art scattered in the outdoor garden terrace, the rooftop pool and colourfully designed rooms and suites.

Rome Cavalieri, Italy

Rome Cavalieri is home to one of the biggest collections of art of any hotel in the world. The hotel, which has stunning views across historical Rome celebrates old-fashioned grandeur with a palatial spa, stunning grounds and extravagant décor. Within the hotel is a museum-worthy collection of some of the finest works of art. Paintings, furniture, rare tapestries, sculptures and other artefacts line the hotel’s corridors and rooms. Artworks include pieces from Giambattista Tiepolo, Giuseppe Zais, Frans Snyders and Andy Warhol.

The hotel also houses a representation of paintings from the most major of the Schools of the 17th and 18th centuries whose works are also exhibited in major museums around the world. A number of bronze and marble sculptures are prominently displayed throughout the public areas including a series of spectacular marble and bronze columns and busts, while more than twenty rare tapestries ranging from Flemish 16th century to masterpieces from the Royal Works of Aubusson and Gobelins, 18th century, are on display throughout the hotel. The suites and public areas are dotted with a spectacular collection of exceptional French (Louis XV and First Empire) furniture whose history can be traced to Royal Palaces and history. A true museum within a hotel, Rome Cavalieri is one of a kind.

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, India

As well as being home to some of the city’s most incredible architecture, Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai houses a prestigious art gallery. The hotel has been the epicentre of India’s who’s who for decades and is a must-visit destination for the high society. In 2016 after 20 years of closure, the Taj Mahal Palace re-opened its prestigious art gallery.

The 1,000 square foot gallery is host to rotating exhibitions that show the works of established and up and coming artists and sculptors. Each of the hotel’s 285 rooms and suites are a striking blend of nostalgic elegance, rich history and modern facilities with five star Indian hospitality, with personal butler service on offer. The hotel’s restaurants are compliments with elegant designer and include international and local five-star cuisine. and history.

The Must-Visit Art Destinations in the UAE 2019

International galleries and exclusive exhibitions are a lot closer to home than you think.

Once Art Dubai is over for this year there’s no reason to stop expressing your creative side. The UAE’s art scene is one of the fasted growing industries in the country and there’s plenty of museums and galleries to meander around in your free time. From Sharjah to Abu Dhabi we discover the best art experiences in the UAE.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Of course, the UAE’s most talked about and largest art gallery is The Louvre Abu Dhabi. With stunning architecture and ever-changing exhibitions, The Louvre is fast becoming the region’s most-visited tourist destination. On the agenda this year are Rembrandt, Vermeer & the Dutch Golden Age exhibition which is ongoing until May 18th and pop-up performances and cinema screening over the weekends. There are also interactive tours and creative workshops for children.

Sharjah Art Museum

The lesser known but perhaps more fascinating of the UAE’s museums is the Sharjah Art Museum. Opening in 1997 during the Sharjah Arts Biennial the museum houses a collection of modern and contemporary art by artists from the UAE and surrounding countries in The Middle East. On the ground floor, you’ll find a permanent collection of artworks, including fascinating pieces owned by HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, The Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. You’ll also find a monthly rotating cycle of new works of art, modern installations and sculptures from around the region, many of which offer a fun interactive experience.

Dubai Moving Image Museum

For something slightly different pay a trip to the Dubai Moving Images Museum. The first of its kind in the region, this unique set up is inspired by the birth of cinema and documents the history of the film industry from its low-tech inception to today’s modern technology approach. As well as still imagery you can also experience devices that date back to the 1730s that were used to collect moving imagery. The exhibition details the progression of shadow play, pinhole cameras, peep boxes, magic lanterns, stereoscope images, modern animation and more.

N2N Gallery, Abu Dhabi

N2N Gallery was founded to allow the people of the UAE to discover the rich diversity of the European Academic School of Painting and experience art from contemporary European artists. Founded by art enthusiast Natalua Muzaleve the gallery features sculptures, graphic art and paintings that fuse together realism and modernism. The gallery’s collection is being constantly refined but it usually houses around 170 artworks. N2N also hosts regular workshops and masterclasses for art lovers looking to learn creative skills and interact with others from the local art scene.

Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi

This large gallery showcases contemporary works of art from local and international artists. While promoting modern art Etihad Modern Art Gallery also celebrates the country’s heritage by inviting local artists to host workshops, talks, poetry nights and live music events. The gallery’s current exhibition Reflections by Lucia Oliva runs until April 11th. The Italian artist creates optical illusions by painting, sculpting and adding mirrors to her works. Olivia is a self-taught artist who has developed her own very unique form of art. she recently invented her unique concept which creates a sort of contemporary “trompe l’oeil” effect, with original scenic set-ups that are a combination of sculpture, painting, installation and theatre.

DIFC Gate Village

Dubai’s Gate Village in the International Financial Centre plays host to a number of quirky and modern art galleries. Spend an evening browsing the walls of these small venues that offer a huge spectrum of art from around the world. There’s over 14 galleries to choose from including Opera Gallery which offers unique art pieces for expert collectors or something interesting on the eye for those that just like to browse. While V Gallery represents unique works of art from painting from Europe and Russia. For something a bit different visit Sotheby’s or Christie’s auction houses who host regular specialised auctions of art, jewellery and furniture.

Fresh Outlook: Inside Prada’s Spring/Summer 2019 Shoot with A&E Magazine

Prada talks to the modern generation with playful accessories and modern materials combined with classic style creating a perfect blend of old and new.

Al clothing and accessories by Prada

Style and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Photographer: Fouad Tadros

Hair and make-up: Manuel Losada at Art Factory

Model: Gaba at Art Factory

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

Celebrating Time: New Watches From La D de Dior To Mark Special Anniversary

This year La D de Dior celebrates its 15th anniversary with an exciting new offering of stunning timepieces.

In 2003, Dior Jewellery Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane unveiled her first watch; La D de Dior. Inspired by the purity of the form of men’s styles, she added femininity and created a simple design with just two hands, meaning no index and no date display.

Over the last fifteen years, La D de Dior has become a timeless classic that’s constantly renewed and updated with new colours, styles and sizes. La D de Dior watches are timeless pieces that are designed for passing down with love to members of the family or beloved friends. The timepieces can be embellished with precious and ornamental stones to make them more unique and personal.

Today the watch is available with a diameter of 19mm as well as 25mm, 36mm and 38mm, so there are options for women with all tastes. With every new collection, the timepiece has revealed new traits.

This can be anything from a dial with captivating reflections on La D de Dior Opale, to a face set entirely with diamonds as was La D de Dior Précieuse. There have also been some beautiful colour combinations including vivid brights on La Mini D de Fluo or contrasting shades on La D de Dior Granville.

The launch of the 2016 La D de Dior Satine was a particularly memorable moment with a Milanese knit mesh bracelet that mirrors the suppleness and shine of a satin ribbon. These interlaced gold and steel threads were created using a rare specialised machine for knitted metal, that requires high skill from expert artisans.

This year La D de Dior Satine returns in six new versions. In the 25mm size, it features a dial-in red lacquer and a bezel in rose gold set with diamonds, while two others have a dial-in white or pink mother-of-pearl and a bezel subtly worked to resemble the weave of a fabric. Three others are available in 19mm or 36mm sizes, with a dial-in malachite or lapis lazuli and a bezel set entirely with diamonds.

There is also the beautiful addition of La Mini D de Dior Rose des Vents. Recognizable for the eight-point star at the dial’s centre, a nod to the couturier’s “lucky” star, it comes to life as its wearer moves her wrist. This watch, with its rice grain bezel and clasp, comes in two new styles, in red or pink lacquer.

The final new addition of the family is the La D de Dior Précieuse à Secret, which is embellished with a delicate white opal cabochon. Its case, bracelet and crown are embellished with snow-set diamond pavé.

READ: Daniel Koren on the Inspiration He Gains From Dubai When Designing Jewellery

READ: CEO of Piaget Chabi Nouri Talks Us Through the Latest Novelties and Her Plans for the Future of the Brand

READ: Bvlgari Breaks Another World Record During Baselworld 2019

Jordan Fashion Week Kicks off this Weekend

This weekend see the launch of Jordan Fashion Week. Jordan’s biggest fashion event that celebrates local and regional design talent and brings together the who’s who of the Middle East Fashion Industry.

Founded by Luxury Consultant Shirene Rifai, the three-day event, that will take place at The Kempinski Hotel, Amman will see runway shows, presentations, designer showrooms, events and more featuring the best of emerging designers. Jordan Fashion Week will also work as a platform that raises awareness of the fashion industry in Jordan and further develop the country’s relationships internationally.

Jean-Louis Sabaji

Three days of runway shows will see presentations from regional successful designers including Zainab Al Kisswani, Ayesha Dabbas, and a highly anticipated show from Lebanese designer Jean-Louis Sabaji.

Aside from the runway Jordan Fashion Week will host a Designer Showrooms platform. The showrooms will be host to fashion and accessory brands from around the region, allowing attendees to get a closer look at their products and designs.

Stay with AE World for all the news and gossip straight from the runway, as it happens.

Art Dubai 2019: Highlights from the Region’s Biggest Art Fair in its 13th Edition

The 13th edition of Art Dubai 2019 presented 922 galleries from 42 countries featuring artworks from over 500 artists, and here are just some of the highlights.

The atmosphere at this year’s Art Dubai was electric and exciting, as thousands flocked to experience the coming together of local and international artists, galleries and exhibitions.

This year’s exhibition was split into four sections Art Dubai Contemporary, Art Dubai Modern, Bawwaba and Residents. As well as the new addition of UAE NOW which highlighted local and homegrown subcultures, profiling the UAE’s evolving and diverse cultural landscape. The event was a space for professionals to learn and explore art from throughout the world, as well as a chance for members of the public to discover new artists and artworks and have the opportunity to meet members of the art world from all around the globe.

This year Art Dubai Contemporary featured stands of 59 galleries from 34 countries spread across its two gallery halls, presenting work by some of the most notable contemporary artists working today. While Art Dubai Modern is the only platform in the world dedicated to museum-quality works by 20th Century Modern masters from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

The Bawwaba gallery section showcased art from or about the Global South including Latin America, The Middle East, Africa and Central and East Asia. Bawwaba (meaning gateway in Arabic), hosted presentations from ten artists who are based in or have projects focused on these areas. Bawwaba was curated by Élise Atangana with the aim of highlighting the artistic interrogations of the region and informing visitors of the current artistic developments that are happening.

The works within Bawwaba were created specifically for the fair. Highlights including Shezad Dawood’s painting from his Encroachments series which studies the politics of space in Pakistan’s two largest cities, as well as works from Istanbul artist Gözde Ilkin who creates artworks out of repurposed fabrics such as tablecloths, curtains and bed duvets and Addis Ababa-based Wanja Kimani whose worked evolve from her experiences of migration and a longing for familiarity.

The UAE NOW section was held at Art Dubai for the first time. Created by Abu Dhabi-based curator Munira Al Sayegh the area explored the UAE’s emerging and independent platforms run by local artists, as well as putting the spotlight on youth and home-grown talent. The section featured five platforms that showcased their initiatives with a daily programme of talks, workshops, and performances.

The platforms included Bait 15, an artist-run studio and exhibition space in Abu Dhabi, Banat Collective, a creative online community which discusses womanhood in the Middle East and Daftar Asfar, a ‘travelling sketchbook’ which invited artists to create a collection of artworks within its pages.

Returning for the second time was the Residents section. The unique programme invited selected residents from Brazil, Uruguay, Argentine, Cuba and Colombia to spend eight weeks in the UAE and create works of art inspired by the surroundings. These works were displayed for the first time at Art Dubai. This year’s chosen artists included Alexandre da Cunha from Sao Paulo, Luciana Lamothe from Beunos Aires and Luis Enrique López-Chávez from Havana.

As well as exhibitions and galleries the event also saw talks and presentations from leading artists and curators on key subjects. Some of the highlights included the talk on Modern Art in Lahore by Dr Iftikhar, and a talk on the art world in Beirut.

Watch and jewellery Maison Piaget returned to Art Dubai for the third time to present its ‘L’Art de L’Or’ (Art of Gold) exhibition. The sparkling dedicated area celebrated the work of gold and the craftsmanship of the Maison. Piaget collaborated with French Maître d’Art Pierre Bonnefille, who created artworks and installations inspired by the gold and the details of the craftsmanship in Piaget’s creations. A true celebration of the Maison’s most celebrated creations the installations complimented a selection of Piaget’s high jewellery and watches.

READ: The Louvre Abu Dhabi to Open Its First Photography Exhibition This April

READ: Emirati Artist Ashwaq Abdulla Talks About Her Latest Project That Just Been Unveiled in Abu Dhabi

READ: The Must-Visit Art Destinations in the UAE 2019

Morning Coffee with Designer Alina Anwar Khan

Alina Anwar Khan is a Dubai-based fashion designer. Originally from Pakistan Khan studied in London before starting her own label Alina Anwar Couture in Dubai. Khan creates pieces that are designed to capture the identity of women, while allowing them to shine with strength and sophistication.

Khan has just unveiled her second couture collection. Featuring crispy white modest pieces decorated with iridescent sequins and fathers trims.

The pieces attract the light and are romantic and feminine. The seventeen-piece collection was made of the finest fabrics from Europe and consists of sweeping gowns and cocktail dresses.

We caught up with Alina over a Morning Coffee to talk all things fashion.

Five things we learnt from our chat with Alina:

Her first memory of fashion was making a dress for her mother

She said: “I remember I made a dress for my mum. It was a beige gown with embellishments and I remember when she wore it is was a magical moment for me because she’s the person that I look up to so much.”

She thinks the fashion industry in the UAE has shown tremendous growth over the past few years

The designer told us; “UAE brands are appreciated all around the world and I think it’s a very positive move.”

There’s still a lot she wants to achieve

The designer shared her thoughts on this “I think my biggest achievement is yet to come. I have achieved a lot right now but there’s still a long way to go.” She wants to challenge herself with every collection and grow internationally.

She always wants to stay grounded

This is highlighted in her personal motto which is; “I believe never let success go to your head and never let failure go to your heart.”

She never says no

“I think you shouldn’t say no to anything you should be open to everything and you shouldn’t be afraid to try something new because that’s how you learn. Mistakes are part of your growth process and you should be open to everything.”

EXCLUSIVE: Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum Shares Her Dream of Winning Gold

Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum has made it her mission to champion the world of show jumping in the UAE. Here she discusses her love for the sport and her ultimate dream of winning an Olympic medal.

The equestrian and horse riding industry in the UAE is one of the most important aspects of the country’s culture. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai has shown true dedication to the sport and his Godolphin team is seen as one of the best in the world.

His love for the sport inspires others and is the fundamental backbone of the country’s riding scene. The industry has grown so much with dozens of international competitions now taking place in the UAE every year.

Helping the growth of the sport in the region is the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. The federation is working with the local teams and riders to ensure the industry here lives up to the high calibre of racing that we find in Europe and the rest of the world. No one has as much love for riding in the UAE than Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum.

The 34-year old Emirati athlete competes in show jumping as part of the UAE national team. Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum is part of the Al Maktoum family, her uncle is Sheikh Mohammed who has been a huge inspiration to her choice of career.

As one of the UAE’s leading female riders, she has already achieved a lot in the sport despite her young age. She represented her country at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, as well as the World Equestrian Games in Lexington in 2010.

Her most recent accomplishment has been as part of the UAE Team which consists of Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Abdullah Al Marri and Nadia Taryam. The four competed in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup recently where they came in third only to Germany and Ireland and became one of only two Middle Eastern countries to qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup final taking place in October in Barcelona. The UAE will compete against some of the best show jumpers in the world.

But Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum has an even bigger goal as she plans to compete in the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo. The qualifiers take place this October in Morocco and are the first step in her journey to an Olympic medal.

We were lucky enough to meet with Sheikha Latifah in between her vigorous training schedule. Humble and truly proud to share with us her life and her horses, she spent the morning showing us around her stables in Dubai.

With eight horses currently, Sheikha Latifah barely has time for anything other than riding as she is committed to riding at least six of her horses every single day. And these horses are more to her than a part of the sport – you can really see the relationship she had built with the animals, animals she bred herself and nurtured from birth.

With two dogs aswell, Sheikha Latifah is a real animal lover and we were inspired by her passion and commitment when we met. Here she shares her love for the sport and what she strives to achieve for the future.

“DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF. WE SEE A LOT MORE NOW OF WOMEN GETTING INVOLVED IN BUSINESS, IN SPORTS AND THAT’S SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF.” SHEIKHA LATIFAH AL MAKTOUM

What does it mean to you to represent your country in show jumping?

Representing your country is the biggest accomplishment any rider dreams of. There’s no feeling like winning and hearing your national anthem playing and seeing your flag going up.

Why did you choose the path of becoming a rider?

Riding has always been part of our family. Everybody rides, so I was always around horses. I loved the idea of show jumping because you have such a short time in the ring and it’s so much work at home which nobody sees, they just see the one minute in the ring. But the fun part for me is the work at home and the struggles.

You have to believe in your horse and believe in yourself and that one minute in the ring represents all the work that you do at home and that’s a lot of fun.

Were you ever afraid of riding when you were young?

No, not really. I think when you’re young you don’t really have a lot of fear. I guess if you learn something new when you’re older that’s when you have the fear because you actually think about things. When you’re young you just get on with it. So no I was never afraid.

How has your family inspired you to get into the sport?

They’ve been very supportive. I’m very close with my cousin Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and she’s done everything – karate, she’s been to the Olympics, she’s now doing polo and she’s such an inspiration to me because of what she does for sports in the UAE.

I look up to her and my uncle as well for all the things he does in endurance and in the racing world. So if I can do half of that for the show jumping world I’d be really happy.

What is the message you would to spread as an Arab woman?

Don’t limit yourself. We see a lot more now of women getting involved in business, in sports and that’s something to be proud of.

What importance do you feel horse riding has in this region?

I think it has a huge importance in the region. It’s all about horses here – whether it’s endurance, polo racing, show jumping – it’s our culture, it’s part of us.

What importance do you think there is to being part of a team and how does it compare to competing on your own?

I think riding in a team basically means you push yourself harder than you would if you were doing it by yourself. In the Nations Cup when I had the first fence down I would normally get really demoralised and want to give up, but I knew I had to keep going for my team and I had to ride better. You push yourself that little bit harder because you don’t want to let your team down.

You are preparing to compete in the 2020 Olympic Games what can you tell us about that?

We have the qualifications in October and I think we have an amazing team and can do really well, we just need to polish a few things. We have good team spirit around us and the riders that were with us on the team at the Nations Cup really made us feel comfortable. I knew they had my back, they knew I had their back.

I’ve been to the Olympics once before in Beijing in 2008. I was very young and I didn’t know what I was doing, it was just something completely new for me and I just wanted to do well, and now I think with a bit more experience I could do much better and I want that chance again.

What goes through your mind when you are taking part in a big competition?

What has to happen is that you have to keep your mind very clear. You can’t let yourself get distracted, you have to stay very focused, have a plan, and not worry about anything else that’s going on.

Trust yourself, trust your horse and go in knowing what you want to do and what works for you and what doesn’t and take it one fence at a time. Don’t worry and don’t overthink everything. Don’t think about the course as a whole, just one fence at a time and you’ll be fine.

You travel a lot for your work – what do you think travelling has taught you or brought to you as a person?

The riding community is really small so even though you’re travelling you always see the same people. But what it teaches you is that riding is the same language in any country. All riders speak the same. In the warm-up we communicate in the same way. So I think there’s not a lot of difference and that’s a nice thing.

Who or what has been a big support for you in your career?

My mother. She pushed me from an early age to always try to improve. But I also think for the sport here, in general, The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has been a big help because of the amount of competitions we have here. We have so many international shows back to back, we have international riders coming from all over the world and we barely have to go to Europe anymore to compete.

The shows here are so good, we have three five star shows a year and that’s amazing for us because we don’t have to travel far, we’re at home with the family and that is a huge deal. This many good quality shows with good footing and good conditions for the horses, you don’t find that a lot. In Europe, you have to travel so far to get to these shows, but here everything is so close and comfortable. I think that’s a huge help for us.

How do you balance your work and family life?

Well, I don’t balance it very well! I’m in the stables most of the time or training to be able to ride better. I work out a lot to be able to ride the horses well. My horses are pretty big and strong so I have to be fit enough to ride them.

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

In 2010 when we won silver as a team and I won silver as an individual. We had really good riders at the time – Ramzy Al-Duhami who is my coach – he won gold that year and I won silver so I was really proud of that. I was competing with the best and when you place among the best it’s a huge achievement.

I think my other biggest achievement is winning the President Cup in 2015. It was the first time anyone from the UAE has won a five star Grand Prix, and I did it with a horse that I had from the age of five and built up. She jumped in the Nations Cup and didn’t jump so good and I really had to make up for it in the Grand Prix. We did really well, I was really proud of her.

What’s the relationship that you have with your horses?

I think in show jumping there really has to be very good chemistry between you and your horse because it’s a relationship. They have to understand you and you have to be comfortable in the type of horse you’re riding. It’s very important that the horse suits you. I’m small and don’t have the strongest of legs and I’m not so strong to hold them, so they need to fit me and my riding.

What is there that you still want to achieve?

For sure an Olympic medal at one point. Maybe it’s not so realistic at the moment to think about it for the next Olympics but I think that is the ultimate goal. An Olympic medal is something any athlete dreams about as a child.

What is the motto that you live by in life?

Never give up, hard work pays off.

If you weren’t a horse rider you would be…

I have no idea! I’ve never thought about it. I’m quite an active person so for sure it would be something to do with sports, but without horses – I don’t know! Horses define me I think.

How would you like the world to remember you?

That I always had love and passion for my horses and the sport. I’m a firm believer that you have to work hard for what you want and you have to love what you’re doing no matter what. You have ups and downs and you just have to keep going. So the passion and love for the sport is something I’d like people to remember me for.

Interviewed by Lindsay Judge

Photography by Alysia Knowles

Zenith reveals the new Oscillator control system and a new watch DEFY Inventor

As an innovator in the watchmaking industry Zenith is constantly looking to move forward and modernise watch designs, and the latest oscillator control system does just that.

Developed and patented entirely by the Zenith Manufacture the design replaces the traditional sprung balance that has been used for over 300 years. For the first time this new device features a single element that brings a uniqueness to the new DEFY Inventor timepiece. The watch features a case made of lightweight titanium and Aeronith – an innovative aluminium-polymer composite – teamed with an architectural design.

When Zenith first presented its DEFY line it was instantly recognised as modern and futuristic. A journey that began in 2017 with the 100^th of a second chronograph named DEFY El Primero 21. The same year, Zenith unveiled DEFY Lab, an ‘archetype’ regulated by a revolutionary oscillator developed by the manufacture and issued in a 10-piece limited edition. Today, the design is moving beyond the laboratory stage and becoming the DEFY Inventor, produced in a run of several hundred units and equipped with its own patented regulating organ. DEFY Inventor offers superlative technical performance and a modern aesthetic composed of cutting-edge materials. With its chronometric precision, this three-hand watch is now series-produced – an industrial tour de force – and stylised to appeal to urban aesthetes.

The Zenith Oscillator beats at an extremely high frequency of 18 Hz and is fitted with a two-day autonomy. The single piece Oscillator is was created entirely at Zenith’s manufacturer and is a huge achievement for the brand who have successfully developed and produced this mechanical movement in its entirety. This major development offers increased reliability, stability and precision.

The design has been teamed with a modern and eye-catching exterior. The DEFY Inventor is both architectural and organic. A sophisticated open-worked construction looks chic and modern on the wrist while its powerful stature is carved out from ultra-light materials, making it weightless to wear. Defy inventor features brushed titanium for the 44 mm diameter case, Aeronith for the textured bezel. This lightest aluminium composite in the world was developed using an exclusive high-tech process. Three times lighter than titanium, made of open-pore aluminium foam, stiffened with a polymer, Aeronith is easily forgotten when worn, while asserting a unique modern style.

Dior will Present its Haute Couture SS19 Show in Dubai Tonight

Tonight Christian Dior will present its Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019 collection at an exclusive show in Dubai. The first of its kind in the region, the presentation will be a re-show of the Haute Couture looks that were presented In January but will also feature some exclusive pieces designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri for the Middle East only. Dior’s Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri is in town for the show as well as Creative and Image Director of Dior Make-up, Peter Philips.

While the finer details of the show are still under wraps it’s thought the Dubai presentation will follow the same circus theme that we saw in Paris. Stemming from Christian Dior’s love of the Cirque d’Hiver, the circus has played an important role in the evolution of Dior. In 1955 Richard Avedon captured the essence of Christian Dior’s image when he took the now famous photo, Dovima and the Elephants, an image that perfectly evokes the wonder and majesty of haute couture. Then under John Galliano’s creative direction the circus reappeared in Dior’s designers.

For the spring/summer 2019 Haute Couture collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri brings together a superposition of images: a woman’s tattooed skin, reminiscent of the Victorian circus and its fairground phenomena, becomes a motif-drenched unitard that shapes the body and tells a wearable story under dresses. Powdery shades that come together and blend into an infinite palette – like those on the curtain painted by Pablo Picasso for the ballet Parade – also symbolize this sense of the worn, of the fine dust that sprinkles stage clothes. Skirts embroidered or inlaid with opaque sequins are shortened as tutus that nod to the circus codes of acrobats, tamers and riders.

Full and very light pants, narrowing at the ankle, also come in the form of jumpsuits. Shorts are paired with sheer white shirts accented with ruffs or ribbons seemingly frayed at the edges. There are also leather corsets, sailor stripes, and black jackets inspired by that of the lion tamer. The geometric white clown outfit, whether spare or sumptuous, is reinterpreted through its materials, embroidery and proportions.

Stay tuned to aeworld.com for all the front row action and show reports later today.

Dior Fine and High Jewellery: Discover the Collection that Blends Timeless Elegance with Modern Glamour

Enter the magical world of Dior Fine and High Jewellery with these creations that blend the perfection of timeless elegance and modern glamour.

Archi Dior Earrings By Dior Fine Jewellery

Archi Dior Bracelet By Dior High Jewellery

LEFT IMAGE: La D de Dior Satine By Dior Timepieces

RIGHT IMAGE: La Rose Dior Pre Catelan Rings, La Rose Dior Pre Catelan Earrings, La Rose Dior Pre Catelan Necklace By Dior Fine Jewellery

LEFT IMAGE: La Rose Dior Pre Catelan Rings, Archi Dior Ring, Roses Dior Bagatelle Ring, Archi Dior necklace By Dior Fine Jewellery. Archi Dior Ring By Dior High Jewellery.

RIGHT IMAGE: La Rose Dior Pre Catelan Rings By Dior Fine Jewellery. Archi Dior Earrings, Archi Dior Ring By Dior High Jewellery

LEFT IMAGE: Archi Dior Rings, Archi Dior Necklace, Bois de Rose Bracelet, Bois de Rose Rings By Dior Fine Jewellery

RIGHT IMAGE: Roses Dior Bagatelle Necklace, Bois de Rose Earrings By Dior Fine Jewellery

LEFT IMAGE: La D de Dior Precieuse By Dior Timepieces

RIGHT IMAGE: Archi Dior Earrings, Diorella Ring By Dior Fine Jewellery

Style and Direction: Lindsay Judge

Photography: Ziga Mihelcic

Hair and Make-up: Emma Gambino

Model: Sacha at Art Factor

READ: Christian Dior At Paris Fashion Week 2019: Inside Dior’s AW19 Runway Show

READ: Dior Couture Circus Is Coming To Dubai

READ: Dior Explain Feminist Inspiration Behind ‘Sisterhood Is Global’ T-Shirt That Opened Its AW19 Show

Fearless: See Miu Miu’s SS19 Collection in A&E’s March Editorial Shoot

Miuccia Prada found beauty with crushed cocktail dresses, oversized rosettes, bold prints and a touch of sparkle for a collection of juxtaposed styles that work in perfect harmony.