MOJEH Magazine - Issue 79

PLAYIT

YOUR WAY

Trends to last a lifetime, couture reimagined, the artists turning crisis into creativity and Ikram Abdi Omar in epic outerwear

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CHAT (with a lifestyle specialist)

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16 Chairman SHAHAB IZADPANAH

EDITORIAL

ART

Editor in Chief MOJEH IZADPANAH

Production and Creative Direction MOJEH MAGAZINE

Editor KELLY BALDWIN

Art Director AMIRREZA AMIRASLANI

Staff Writer JENNA CALVERT

Graphic Designer BALAJI MAHENDRAN

Contributing Editors ELIZA SCARBOROUGH HAFSA LODI NAOMI CHADDERTON

PUBLISHING

Contributing Photographers ABDULLA ELMAZ CHANTELLE DOSSER FERNANDO GOMEZ GREG ADAMSKI JASON HETHERINGTON MANN TINA PATNI VIVIENNE & TAMAS

Office Manager JULIA NICOLAE

Sales Manager RABIH EL TURK

Senior Publishing Executive DESIREE LABANDA-GAVERIA Paris Representative GHISLAIN DE CASTELBAJAC Advertising Inquiries Tel: +971 4 553 90 49 Email: advertising@mojeh.com

Guest Fashion Stylists ANNA HUGHES-CHAMBERLAIN ANNA KLEIN CARA CANO DABBY NAVAL NATASCHA HAWKE NATALIE WESTERNOFF STUART ROBERTSON

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Cover photographed by Jason Hetherington Model Ikram Abdi Omar wears Prada WWW.MOJEH.COM Follow us on Instagram @MOJEH_Magazine Louis Fourteen for MOJEH Tel: +971 4 425 86 00, Email: louis@louisfourteen.com Published under HS Media Group FZ LLC SD3-015, Building 3, Dubai Design District, Dubai, UAE, P.O.Box 502333, Dubai, UAE. MOJEH Swiss Representative Office: Rue de Rive 4, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland Average qualified circulation (February-June 2018): 11,077 copies For the UAE printed by Emirates Printing Press LLC. Distribution- UAE: Al Nisr Distribution LLC. Bahrain: Jashanmal & Sons BSC (C). Oman: United Media Services LLC. Lebanon: Messageries Du Moyen-Orient The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessary those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The ownership of trademark is acknowledged, therefore reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All credits are subjects to change. Copyright HS MEDIA GROUP FZ LLC 2011

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STYLE EDIT

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Weekend Max Mara’s latest collection modelled by Karen Elson, Gucci’s next ‘it’ bag, a Space For Giants conservation program, and more

FROM THE ASHES WE WILL FLOURISH “It’s very painful and disheartening to see everything we’ve worked for all these years destroyed and blown to pieces in a matter of minutes,” designer Sarah Beydoun tells writer Hafsa Lodi. What will be of Beirut’s creatives following August’s devastating blast?

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AN ARTIST’S WAY

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Ahead of International Artist’s Day, photographer Abdulla Elmaz captures

the regional artists who are using their creativity to encourage change

IN FULL BLOOM Fashion designer Emilia Wickstead enlists the help of eight pioneering female entrepreneurs to bring her latest collection to life

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, photographed by Tina Patni

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EXPRESS YOURSELF From cloud clutches to floral footwear and houndstooth hats, more is more with our pick of eclectic accessories

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HERMES

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TRENDING, FOREVER This season requires an adjustment to the mindset as trends move from

fleeting and frivolous to buy now and wear forever

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HIGH DRAMA Ikram Abdi Omar stars in MOJEH’s cover story. Photographed by Jason Hetherington and styled by Anna Hughes-Chamberlain

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MA POUPÉE

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Gowns to applaud and scene-stealing high-jewellery. Chanel‘s latest Haute

Couture collection is a love letter to the punk generation

THE BEAUTY REBOOT From facials worth the investment to a renewed love for swimming, these are autumn’s skin, body and mind saviours

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PRIVATE VIEWS

These charming destinations are the ideal getaways for a socially-distant September…

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Rise Up There is so much to celebrate as we ring in a new season and a chance to reboot our wardrobes, and our moods. Yet we find our spirits justifiably depleted. It would be remiss not to acknowledge the losses and devastation that our region is facing; so severe that no amount of spirit-lifting style, playful colour palettes or satirical silhouettes can offset it. The earth shattering explosion in Beirut on August 4 leaves a city and its people – many of whom are the most resilient and courageous that I know – devastated. And while we unite to support a nation, there’s a long journey ahead. In From The Ashes We Will Flourish, writer, creative and avid devotee of Beirut and its people Hafsa Lodi looks at the city’s design and art hubs and questions not if, but how they will rise up from utter devastation. “Beirut is and has always been our biggest source of inspiration. Its energy, its life, its people, its colours, its patterns, its memories…they have all fuelled our creativity over the years. Seeing it deeply wounded today strengthens our passion and our urge to interact with it and impact it through our creative effort,” - beautifully put by co-founders of Beirut-based accessory brand Vanina, Joanne Hayek and Tatiana Fayad.

Impact Lebanon, Lebanese Food Bank, DAFA Campaign, Lebanon’s Angels, Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon, Beit el Baraka, and the Lebanese Red Cross are the Disaster Relief Funds to have on your radar, while Christie’s Middle East is hosting ‘We Are All Beirut – Art For Beirut: An Online Charity Auction’ to support Lebanon’s devastated cultural spaces. It will feature 40 to 50 lots of international and regional art, jewellery, design and watches, and will be held in late October through to the first half of November.

Speaking of art, turn to an An Artist’s Way where three regionallybased creatives state a case for creativity as a catalyst for change.

Faced with the fear of a global pandemic alongside discrimination and now a home in ruins, each argues that art and creativity might be our best hope of revolution.

And because we know you may be reading this edition from your home in the UAE or a respite abroad, most probably in Europe, we decided to focus many of our pages on fashion and beauty that is fit for all. From autumn trends that will last a lifetime and beauty hacks to reset your skin after a long hot summer, to mood-boosting accessories that look just as good in your living room as they do along the seascapes of Santorini, our considered edit is bursting with buynow-and-wear-forever pieces.

To that end we enter a new season with the stunning and strongwilled model Ikram Abdi Omar wearing a larger-than-life Prada outfit. Epically exaggerated outerwear, boots that mean business and an unexpected colour palette all at once put a new spin on style: Play It Your Way. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Mojeh_I and write to me at editor@mojeh.com

Mojeh Izadpanah Editor in Chief

High Drama photographed by Jason Hetherington. Jumpsuit by Lebanon-based couturier, Ashi Studio

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THE MOJEH EDIT Dial up your day dress with structured accessories and a dose of 2020’s most coveted high jewellery pieces

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1. FENDI | 2. BOUCHERON | 3. ISABEL MARANT at Net-A-Porter | 4. ROGER VIVIER | 5. WEEKEND MAX MARA | 6. Trouble-Fête, GIVENCHY | 7. PRADA | 8. CARTIER | 9. DIOR

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24 THE MOOD

All imagery, Mrs Keepa AW20 collection

MY WAY French-Egyptian designer Mariam Yeya of Mrs. Keepa on creating a collection free from restraint “There is never one specific inspiration behind my creations. Instead, each collection is an outcome of so many stowed away ideas, shapes, silhouettes, cultures and anything that has left an impression on me. But if I had to describe the dominant inspirations behind my autumn/winter 2020 collection, it would be as a modern interpretation of Japanese garments through exaggerated silhouettes. There is also a wide mix of fabric from leather, denim, tweed and cotton to faux fur, linen and feathers; this unique fabric mix is something Mrs. Keepa is known for.

“The global pandemic made me eager to go back to the studio and play with fabrics again, but without rules, boundaries or restrictions. Even before Covid-19 retail had become a challenge, and like many others I had been pressured to consider more commercial offerings within my collections. However I was able to reflect so much during the lockdown on both the personal and professional aspects of my life that if the pandemic did anything, it made me stick to my brand’s DNA more than ever. I was reminded of the reason why I started Mrs. Keepa: for a love of creating.”

Available at Gigi Concept Boutique Designer Mariam Yeya, photographed for MOJEH issue 62

Gucci’s Jackie bag re-emerges for autumn

ODE TO JACKIE O the silhouette became synonymous with the ‘60s jetsetter, and was often spotted on the arm of fashion icon, Jackie Kennedy (prompting its name switch from Constance to Jackie). Back for AW20, and retold through the eyes of Alessandro Michele, the Jackie 1961 re-emerges in three new formats, including miniature versions in contemporary colourways of pastel lilac, baby blue and buttery yellow. Also available in GG Supreme canvas, the bag still carries its vintage essence and last-forever appeal.

Audemars Piguet will join Ralph & Russo on the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week in October

TIME TO TULLE Blending Haute Horology with high fashion, Audemars Piguet’s storied savoir-faire meets Ralph & Russo’s intricate embellishments in a collaboration between two Imagery: supplied | Words by Jenna Calvert

meticulous crafts. Aligned in elegance and refinement, the Swiss watchmaker and British-based couturier complement one another with bold design and technical finesse at the heart of each house. To officially mark their partnership, Audemars Piguet will join Ralph & Russo on the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week in October, where the fashion house will unveil its spring/summer 2021 collection alongside a shimmering array of the latest Royal Oak watches. Expect to see glorious tulle gowns teamed with sleek, frosted silver timepieces.

THE INSPIRATION

Gucci’s classic curve-moon shaped carrier, the Jackie, has been a handbag hero since its creation in 1961. Adorned with a gold hardware clasp,

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Ruby and diamond encrusted Butterfly earrings, Fehmida Lakhany x Gemfields exclusively for Walk for Giants

Walk for Giants also includes a series of 15 sustainable collections for Net-A-Porter, the accompanying photoshoot features models Arizona Muse and Selena Forrest at Enasoit Game Sanctuary in Laikipia, Kenya

ON A MISSION that the world’s endangered wildlife species are more vulnerable to exploitation than ever. As such, conservation charity Space for Giants, in partnership with Gemfields, has launched ‘Walk for Giants’ in aid of African wildlife conservation. The campaign kicks off with a 44-piece high jewellery collection, featuring one-of-a-kind pieces from designers across the globe. Here, one of the jewellery designers Fehmida Lakhany, talks about the project.

Why did you choose to work with Space for Giants?

Our collaboration with the international conservation charity Space for Giants, through our partnership with Gemfields, is a great opportunity to bring awareness to the African wildlife conservation programme. Our business has always been more than creating fine jewellery for clients, and we have always sought to find purpose in every project we are involved in; there’s nothing better than being able to combine our passion and simultaneously positively impact our planet.

A percentage of sales from the MKS Jewellery collection will go to the participating organisations to support their non-profit activities

Tell us about your high jewellery design for the project. the symbolic power of one of nature’s most beautiful

A PROMISE

creatures, the ethereal butterfly. The butterfly wings are

“‘Here to Listen’ is an initiative that brings together and gives back to

embellished with a patchwork of the finest rubies and

organisations that work with victims of domestic violence, along with

diamonds in a zebra-style pattern that evokes the spirit of

those struggling with mental wellbeing and personal growth,” says founder

an African safari. There are larger ‘eye of the tiger’ rubies

of MKS Jewellery H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Khalifa bin Saif Al Nahyan.

interspersed, and the earrings are set in 18k rose gold.

To support her latest charity initiative, the brand has created a poignant

Colour is the cornerstone of this piece, how did you

collection centred around the knot, with a percentage of sales going to

select the gemstones?

participating organisations. “The promise knot is a true favourite and

The rubies used for the earrings all come from Gemfields’

has become a signature piece for MKS. We wanted this piece to become

Montepuez mine in Mozambique. Gemfields is a world-

second skin; as if the charity special editions always float. Wearing this

leading supplier of responsibly-sourced coloured gemstones,

piece, the woman is reminded of her promise to stand up for women around

committed to supporting the communities around its African

the world that need a voice, even a reminder to herself to keep her voice.”

mines and local conservation partners. We are committed

The Special Edition Floating Promise series includes rings, bracelets and

to ensuring that the same conversation that has happened

necklaces which feature gold rope knotted into delicate hearts. “We

around ethical fashion applies to ethical jewellery as well.

decided to go with organisations throughout the GCC as a first stage.

Transparency, in terms of the origins of all materials we use

Women from different walks of life came together to stand for every woman

is crucial to our brand ethos.

that had lost her voice amidst the traumatic outbreak of the pandemic.”

My ruby and diamond encrusted Butterfly Earrings harness

Imagery: supplied

THE INITIATIVES

2020’s restrictions on travel and tourism have meant

Tamara Al-Gabbani wears a colour block kaftan from Saudi Arabiabased designer Leem

After spending your summer under lockdown in Saudi Arabia, what have you learnt about yourself? Patience is the most important survival method. Additionally, I have tried working on having a stronger faith in the unknown. It hasn’t been easy but everyone is going through it. Who have you enjoyed spending your time with? My family. Before the pandemic I was always travelling and working so I didn’t have a chance to really spend quality time with them. I also started spending quality time with loved ones and even colleagues over video calls. What’s been your most-used affirmation?

I’ve had a few! “Ride the wave, don’t fight the wave”: accepting the status quo instead of resisting it. Resistance to change is natural for humans, but that’s where all the tension and conflict is. “Alhamdulillah”: thanking God and acknowledging all the blessings. It’s not easy when you’re feeling low but practicing gratitude daily rewires the brain. “Release with grace”: letting go of anything toxic or not meant for us. Easier said than done, but trusting there is something better ahead. “Invest in mental health”: peace of mind is our most valuable asset; therapy, hypnosis, motivational videos, whatever works for you.

Who are your most-loved Saudi Arabian brands and why?

Leem: Modestly on trend and chic, can be worn by any age and anywhere in the world, and it’s also very accessible. Ashi Studio: Avant grade neo classical masterpieces. Hindamme: Unique and modern heritage inspired designs. ArAm designs: Stylish, bold wearable abayas that always have a twist. Chic Diary: Fabulous, glamorous and warm farwas for winter.

Toby by Hatem Alakeel: Pioneer and creator of the modern thob. Today you’re wearing Leem, what attracted you to the brand? It’s such an impressive brand and I find it easy to shop as I can create looks that are on trend, classy and appropriate. It always works all year round, wherever I am in the world. I once wore Leem to the Ralph & Russo show at Couture Week in Paris, everyone loved the outfit! Why is it important to buy and wear regional talent? I have always

“I have always been a huge supporter of local talent. They put all their resources, energy, time and creativity to make something beautiful for us, how can we ignore that?”

been a huge supporter of local talent. They work so hard and they put all their resources, energy, time and creativity to make something beautiful for us, how can we ignore that?

Wearing and buying regional talent is a must; their future and survival depends on our response to their collections. One

Emirati designer, model and presenter Tamara Al-Gabbani advocates the

day the world could recognise the talent as an international

ease, versatility and flair of regional designers. Here, she wears the Saudi

hit which is a positive reflection on the region, its talent

Arabia-based brand Leem and tells us about a summer spent in the country

and creativity, but they do need our support to get there.

WOMAN OF STYLE

a virtue. Health is wealth. Connection with a support system is

STYLE EDIT

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Photography by Tina Patni Styling by Stuart Robertson

From cloud clutches to floral footwear and houndstooth hats, more is more with our pick of eclectic accessories

The Hot Hue Opt for a splash of power pink for a mood-boosting start to the new season. Wear with head-to-toe white by day and black by night for an of-the-moment monochrome look.

Bag, CHANEL

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The New Floral Painterly and almost unrecognisable, autumn’s botanicals should be less boho and more Art Deco. Think oversized, bold and contrasting for an exaggerated pop of print.

Shoe, FENDI

The Bold Brogue This masculine classic will certainly join your shoe rotation for fall. The key for this season is to step away from a simple style and embrace patterns.

Shoe, PRADA

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Conscious Craftmanship Natural wood is back, and an eclectic addition to your wardrobe, so now is the time to look locally for a statement piece which showcases exquisite traditional craftsmanship.

Bag, SARAH’S BAGS at Gigi Concept Boutique

Brighter than White They’ve successfully ditched their trashy ‘80s reputation and now, a pair of gleaming white pumps will give a pristine punctuation to any outfit from day to night.

Shoe, SAINT LAURENT

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The Houndstooth Hat Fusing retro spirit with a distinctly androgynous allure, the classic black and white print is a timeless trend that makes a strong style statement.

Hat, DIOR

Cloud of White Stemming from the ready-to-wear trend of ’80s daywear, oversized clutches are back in the now. There is something undeniably effortless about one tucked under your arm.

Bag, VALENTINO

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Seeing Red When it comes to colours, the most ubiquitous trend for fall was ruby red, with the hue worn head-to-toe and reigning supreme on the catwalk.

Bag, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Cocktail Rings No longer just for cocktail hour, these rings are for making a statement. The aesthetic is big and bold, so stack them high in a combination of colours.

Rings, BIL ARABI at Gigi Concept Boutique

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Biker Boot A biker boot might just be the ultimate street style mainstay.

It’s a simple accessory that has the ability to make a statement and transform an entire outfit.

Boot, ELISABETTA FRANCHI

A Flash of Vibrancy Wardrobe essential leopard print has been given an eclectic upgrade in rainbow shades. Think more is more and team it with gold hardware and leather.

Bag, ROGER VIVIER

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STYLE EDIT

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CODE PINK Commit to a vibrant head-to-toe colour for a mood-boosting look this month.

Ramp it up with matching accessories.

1. VACHERON CONSTANTIN | 2. FENDI 3. ROGER VIVIER | 4. TIFFANY & CO. | 5. FENDI 6&7. THE ATTICO at My Theresa

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Edit: Kelly Baldwin | Images: GoRunway and supplied

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6 NEW DIMENSIONS Layer up for a multi-faceted approach to the new season but keep the colour palette minimal for a pinch of polish.

1. MADIYAH AL SHARQI| 2&7. BOTTEGA VENETA at Net-A-Porter | 3. SAINT LAURENT | 4. BY FAR | 5. FENDI 6. BURBERRY at Matches Fashion

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42 MOJEH speaks to the British fashion designer and stylist Lucinda Chambers about her new collaboration with Italian heritage house Weekend Max Mara, modelled here

by Karen Elson Can the Weekend Max Mara Re-Find signature collection be considered as the perfect wardrobe?

It is everything that women wear: outerwear that’s warm and easy but in beautiful cuts, the fluid dress in the mix of prints and wonderful knitwear both tiny and oversized. It also has the perfect oversized trousers and a super simple but elegant shirt which, with the brocade kilt, takes you from day to night.

How much Lucinda Chambers and how much Weekend Max Mara can be found in the collection?

It’s a real collaboration in the sense that there is nothing in this collection that I don’t want to own…I love all of it! From the very start of the collaboration I thought about what pieces I am drawn to again and again and how I can interpret those in a different way.

At thensame time, I was very aware of the heritage of the Weekend Max Mara brand, who the woman is that bought and loved it and what I could bring to it that could be very personal to me.

What kind of women do you see wearing it?

I see everyone wearing it - there really is something for everybody.

Although it’s very personal to me, it also has everyone’s favourite things to wear and the strength of it is that you can make it very individual to you. It has that breadth and depth.

The spirit of the collection is captured by photographer Jack Davison with British model Karen Elson, the latter of who previously fronted a Weekend Max Mara campaign in 1997. Why Karen?

Karen has a unique beauty inside and out, and an individuality that resonates through the clothes. I was very thrilled that she and Jack wanted to be a part of this. It was pure joy to put them together and see what happened.

In your opinion, what’s the secret to impeccable style?

I think there is no secret, but what really helps is being brave enough to make mistakes, try things out, and to love what you buy. And, very importantly I think, is to be comfortable!

Comfort is greatly underrated, you can’t be stylish if you can’t walk in those shoes!

What do you think about today’s fashion?

I think fashion today has never been better. We are all very conscious of what we are buying and from where. Fashion doesn’t dictate to us any more, it’s never been as diverse and we can make up who we are.

Model Karen Elson wears Weekend Max Mara’s latest collaboration with Lucinda Chambers

Photographed by Jack Davison | Modelled by Karen Elson

THE COLLABORATION

FASHION MASTERCLASS

“I am all about enhancing each woman’s unique character so that her power is magnified”

Interview by Kelly Baldwin | Images: supplied

Talent, charm and a love of glamour is making Eli Mizrahi, the Lebanese designer behind New-York-based brand Mônot, one of the industry’s rising stars. For Mizrahi, a creative consultant-turneddesigner, today’s woman is both sensual and self-confident, and his svelte designs merely assist in amplifying that attitude. He’s best friends with supers such as Ajak Deng and Madisin Rian, while the likes of Kate Moss and Alek Wek are only two of the fashion heavyweights starring in Mônot’s autumn/winter campaign. What’s more, just two seasons in, his collection previews in Paris garner an audience brimming with fashion’s A-listers. Captivated by his penchant for ‘sexiness’ within a landscape that currently favours sentiments such as ‘bohemian’ and ‘athleisure’, we sat down with the designer who is re-writing all of the rules

Tell us about the Mônot woman.

She loves modern luxury and sleek minimalistic sophistication. She is also strong, has a point of view; is self-aware, and has a very clear vision of what she wants out of life. She knows what she looks good in and she is unafraid to go after what she desires. Smart, powerful, and sexy, she sets and accomplishes her goals, enjoys a worthy challenge, and is all about making her dreams come true.

And finally, for the Mônot woman, age is just a number; what it all really comes down to is attitude.

Is she a result of her times or has she always existed?

The Mônot woman has always existed. It’s just that today she is feeling more empowered to speak out, stand up, and stake her claim on the world in a way she couldn’t have in the past.

How do you want your designs to make her feel?

100% herself. I want my clothing to be a framework for her inherent strength, self-confidence and sensuality. I am all about enhancing each woman’s unique character so that her power is magnified.

You once said: “The bad girls are my top priority!

Those are the ones who are going to support my brand and buy my products”. We’re intrigued…

What I meant by this is that my clothing is designed for women who like to be the centre of attention. They are the ones who blaze a path by challenging the status quo and pushing the envelope. The “bad girls” of today are breaking the rules that need to be broken.

You moved from the Middle East to New York as a political refugee as a teenager. Were there any moments that served as a catalyst for creation?

What I remember most about that time, arriving in New York as a kid, was how overwhelmed my siblings were by the energy of the city; of how fast-paced and dynamic everything was. They had a hard time with the city’s rhythm. I, on the other hand…well, it felt like a homecoming really. I just immediately fell in love with the city and all the potential I saw there to reinvent myself and become who I always wanted to be. And you can see that reflected in my work. Everything I create is about transformation.

THE DESIGNER

Model Mariacarla Boscono stars in Mizrahi’s latest campaign, photographed in AlUla, Saudi Arabia

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Alek Wek joined the campaign’s all-star cast which also includes Amber Valletta, Xiao Wen Ju and Candice Swanepoel

Your own personal style is celebrated for its expressionism and flamboyancy – think tangerine pyjama suits, patchwork pants and surrealist suits.

Do you enjoy dressing up?

It should come as no surprise that, like the women who wear my designs, I too like to stand out. Life is too fleeting to live it sitting on the sidelines. I plan on creating a life for myself and by extension, that of my customers that is filled with unforgettable moments. They say “dress for the job you want,” I say dress for the life you want!

What would you tell other creatives looking to cut their fashion teeth in New York?

New York is a city where everything is possible. You can come from anywhere in the world and if you work hard enough in New York - and make it - you can pretty much accomplish whatever you put your mind to. Jay-Z said it best in his song “Empire State of Mind: “Since I made it here, I can make it anywhere.”

You’re now two seasons into the Mônot brand. What

do you most love about the design world?

Designing centres me and grounds me.

But at the same time, it creates a space for me to let my imagination run wild. I can dream big, like having Kate Moss star in my first-ever advertising campaign, and I can make my dreams come true. I love how fashion design is such a perfect hybrid of creativity and business. I get to work both sides of my brain.

Talk us through the inspiration for your A/W20 collection.

This season I was inspired by the contemporary artist Lucio Fontana and the architect Eero Saarinen. The collection is grounded in a geometric concept where strong-lined silhouettes and peekaboo opening on the garments create a neofuturistic tone.

The campaign was shot in Saudi Arabia, AlUla specifically. What made you choose the country as the backdrop to the collection?

I got the opportunity to visit AlUla last December and I instantly knew this is where I wanted to shoot my first campaign. There’s something about its unique nature and landscape that I was immediately drawn to. This is the first project of its kind that has ever taken place in AlUla and I feel extremely honoured that Mônot can be a symbol of the country’s transformation.

Amongst others, Alek Wek, Kate Moss and Candice Swanepoel star in the campaign photographed by Luigi & Lango. What attracts you to these women?

All of these women are modern icons. I wanted to include women of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds in the shoot. For me, it was about who they are as individuals.

They are all-powerful women who are totally in touch with their inner strength and in tune with their bodies.

And in terms of Middle Eastern icons, who are your muses?

Off the top of my head, Sabah comes to mind. Also Haifa Wehbe. And of course Nancy Ajram, who has been such a big supporter of mine since the beginning.

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“This is the first project of its kind that has ever taken place in AlUla and I feel extremely honoured that Mônot can be a symbol of the country’s transformation” designer Eli Mizrahi British model Kate Moss

Your patternmaker and seamstresses are in Lebanon. How did you find them?

Originally I wanted to produce my collection out of New York but as a brandnew label, it was quite challenging to find a sampling house with bandwidth left after serving the big labels. So I turned to Instagram and I started interviewing pattern makers from all over the world.

I ended up working with an amazing professor from ESMOD in Beirut. As I mentioned, Lebanon is where I was born, so it served as an opportunity, after 30 years, to once again reconnect with and find inspiration in my roots. Together we reached out to a community of female Syrian refugees for the craftsmanship and that is how the first collection was born. It makes me incredibly proud to know that the work these women are doing is helping them build a better life for their families.

You were born in Beirut, Lebanon.

How has your Lebanese heritage influenced your design philosophy over the years?

It’s true that I was born in Beirut, but I was raised in Monaco and then I moved to New York when I was a teenager. I think my design DNA is a bit of a melting pot of all of the amazing places I have been lucky enough to have lived or visited during my lifetime. But of course, Lebanon will always hold a special place in my heart.

Can you put into words how you felt after the devastating explosion on August 4?

I am heartbroken. Beirut was once called “The Paris of The Middle East”, and now it is just decimated. I am deeply saddened about how an amazing country like Lebanon, with its rich cultural history and fantastic culinary traditions, not to mention its warm, generous, and hardworking people are suffering under the utterly soulless government.

How has the explosion affected your business?

I am extremely fortunate in that my business is, for

the most part, based out of Paris and New York. Only some of my original samples are made in the city, so I was not affected in the same way as my fellow Lebanese designers who have studios in Beirut. I did, however, lose my apartment in the blast. But that is nothing compared to what others have lost. I have seen images of the wreckage that were once the design studios of some of my peers and it breaks my heart.

How are you trying to stay positive during this time and what is your hope for the future?

My hope is that this horrific explosion will cause the world to finally take notice of the plight of Lebanon.

That international oversight can be put in place to make fundamental changes to the way the country will be run in the future. It is clear that this is what the Lebanese people want. The one thing I do know for certain is the Lebanese people are incredibly resilient. They will use this tragedy to galvanise the people to bring about change in the country.

The will of the Lebanese people is strong and they dream big.

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Futuristic meets fun in autumn’s most high-octane offering. With exaggerated silhouettes in bold hues, flashy insignia and plush textures, get ready to turn heads

Photography by Fernando Gomez Styling by Cara Cano

Coat, BURBERRY | Sunglasses, GUCCI

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Dress, BALENCIAGA | Sunglasses, GUCCI

Top, jeans and bags, MAISON MARGIELA | Earrings, CHANEL | Shoes, MANOLO BLAHNIK

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Top, trousers and blazer, MAISON MARGIELA | Earrings, P D PAOLO | Shoes, CHANEL

Skirt and shirt, MSGM | Shoes, BALENCIAGA | Tights, stylist’s own

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Coat, ANNAKIKI | Shoes, ARTS | Earrings, LESWING

Dress, ANNAKIKI

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Skirt, ALEXANDER WANG | Shirt, BALENCIAGA | Earrings, LESWING | Shoes, MIU MIU

Dress and Gloves, GEORGIELA STUDIO | Top, MAISON MARGIELA | Boots, ARTS Photographer: Fernando Gomez | Stylist: Cara Cano | Model: Zuzanna K at TWO Management | HMU artist: Matilda Beltran | Nail artist: Rosa Matilla | Art director: Victor Heras | Art director’s assistant: Miriam Garcia

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MOJEH FEATURE

From the Ashes we will

Flourish Inspirited with an unwavering commitment to their craft and fellow creatives, Beirut’s designers are rising from the rubble

Designers Azzi & Osta’s studio after the August 4 blast

Words by Hafsa Lodi

“The scope of this tragedy doesn’t compare to any of the obstacles we have faced in the past,” say co-founders of Vanina, Joanne Hayek and Tatiana Fayad, whose boutique was destroyed

Images: supplied

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his time three years ago, I was a stylist sauntering down the sprawling streets of Gemmayze, in awe of the layers of history embedded in the picturesque architecture, the matchless east-meets-west spirit fuelling the city, and the unwavering joviality of the Lebanese locals. It was my first trip to Beirut, and while scouting for a shoot with my fashion editor, we slipped in and out of the side streets of the city’s arts quarters, filling our bags with souvenirs and our stomachs with the freshly-baked ka’ak bread – a fashion accessory of sorts, taking the shape of a sesame seed-embellished purse.

We ducked into The Starch Foundation in Saifi District to get acquainted with some of Beirut’s up-and-coming designers, and were enthusiastically greeted by Roni Helou, whose penchant for deconstructed shirting made us instant disciples of the brand. Then, we trekked towards Zuhair Murad’s atelier, mistakenly taking the back stairs of the building and catching glimpses of statuesque mannequins and decadent fabric rolls before we were discovered and quickly ushered to the main entrance.

We were utterly smitten with the quaint boutique studio of jewellery brand Vanina, nestled in Mar Mikhael, where I took mental images of the interiors – the gold chrome furniture legs, blush pink accents and minimalist greenery – filing them away as a mood board for my next home. A tray filled with glimmering rings emblazoned with catchy phrases in loopy, cursive writing proved too tempting to resist, and I chose for myself a trio spelling out “more” “than” “words”, in intricately-molded gold.

Later, our arms aching with bags full of samples and feet feeling the weight of our insistence on walking all day long, we passed the glorious Mohammad Al-Amin mosque, a stone’s throw away from Martyr Square.

Couture designer Zuhair Murad’s atelier was destoryed in the blast.

The designer’s AW19 collection, photographed by Luis Monteiro for MOJEH 73

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It’s very painful and disheartening to see everything we’ve worked for all these years destroyed and blown to pieces in a matter of minutes designer Sarah Beydoun

wreckage, as were the city’s museums and art galleries, which are the only existing vessels dedicated to preserving and celebrating Beirut’s rich heritage and artistic talent, and already receive next-to-no government funding or support. The Sursock Museum, which showcases the work of predominantly Lebanese artists, and up until a few months ago housed Lebanon’s first-ever Picasso exhibition, is now faced with costly restorations and repairs estimated in the millions of dollars. The interiors of art galleries such as Galerie Tanit, Galerie Sfeir-Semler and Marfa Projects have also been obliterated, with many artworks and artefacts severely damaged.

Couturiers George Azzi and Assaad Osta were planning on shooting their autumn/winter 2021 collection within the month – but now, most of their designs have been ruined. “We picked up dresses from off the trees, basically. The fact that our atelier was completely destroyed will delay us quite a bit… same My editor, a seasoned Beirut visitor, gave me a crash for our autumn/winter 2020 RTW production, which course on this iconic landmark which, over the past two was set to go to stores worldwide,” says the duo. and a half centuries, has been repeatedly renamed and “It’s very painful and disheartening to see everything renovated, and even used as the demarcation line to divide we’ve worked for all these years destroyed and blown to pieces in a matter of minutes,” says Sarah Beydoun the city in two during the 15-year civil war.

“Beirut is home to the most resilient people in the world. of Sarah’s Bag, known for her handcrafted designs that We need to stay strong and united while the storms pass,” empower underprivileged women in Lebanon. “Aside says Cynthia Jreige, the Lebanese stylist, art director from my sales executive getting injured in the blast, the and founder of Jdeed Consultancy, which is dedicated damage was thankfully only material. Both our showroom to supporting emerging Lebanese talent. The resilience and workshop are destroyed; window frames, doors and of residents was put to the ultimate test following the facades were blown open and completely broken by the tragic August 4 blast that took place at the Beirut port, force of the blast. We had to go through the wreckage to rocking the city to its core, killing 171 people, injuring salvage what we can.” over 6,000, and leaving more than 300,000 homeless. “Our Atelier was very much impacted. The explosion The 11-storey atelier of Zuhair Murad is now in shambles. destroyed the facades, the windows, the lighting, the The posts shared by Murad on Instagram paint a bleak furniture, our merchandise, and with it, we lost the picture of what remains – dismembered mannequins, opportunity to continue our operations from Gemmeyze,” torn sketches, broken furniture, and shattered glass adds designer Yassmin Saleh who moved from the UAE to everywhere, wiping out the work of more than two decades her birth place of Lebanon in order to pursue her design in one fell swoop. “80% of the designers have established dreams. “It is hard for such a young brand to go through themselves in the same neighborhood, which is close to this hardship, especially when facing a series of events the port – the damages are beyond belief,” says Jreige. in an unstable and unsafe country. We hope that one day, “‘Severely shaken’ is how I’d best describe our creative all we will have to worry about are normal day-to-day problems such as late deliveries or contract negotiations.” industry in Beirut today.”

Designers’ studios and boutiques were sites of mass Repercussions of the blast, which affected more than half

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Artist, designer and photographer Nadine Kanso’s depiction of life in Beirut

including UNESCO and The Louvre, have pledged solidarity with Beirut, promising to aid with the city’s cultural rehabilitation. Many have launched international fundraising platforms such as the Lebanon Solidarity Fund, created by The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture and Culture Resource, who will contribute seed capital in addition to collecting donations. Starch Foundation, Slow Factory Foundation, Fondation Saradar, Bureau Des Créateurs, Maison Pyramide, Faux Consultancy and Roni Helou meanwhile, have banded together to launch a crowdfunding campaign called “United for Lebanese Creatives”, and are raising money to aid the city’s independent designers and artists whose damages amounted to over $US850,000.

Christie’s has also announced an initiative to raise funds for Beirut’s cultural reconstruction, including the Sursock Museum. Titled “We are all Beirut,” the charity auction will kick off online next month and will feature around 50 lots of art, jewellery and watches. “We need all the support possible,” says Beydoun. “We need the world’s spotlight on Lebanon.”

The demolition of downtown Beirut, and with it, much of the city’s art, fashion and design spaces, is a creative crisis with global consequences. Elie Saab – the Lebanese designer who is a regular headliner at Paris Fashion Week and was the first Arab to join the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de Haute Couture, reported the destruction of his main office and headquarters, in addition to his home, amid of the capital, are weighing heavy on the city’s creative preparations for his September couture show in Paris. establishments, and while they are thankful for their He and Zuhair Murad are two of the most coveted redlives, Beirut’s artists and designers lament the loss of carpet designers among Hollywood celebrities, and can their work, and in many cases, their livelihood. “With be credited for putting Lebanon on the global fashion the economy collapsing, whatever they had they put in map and paving the way for fellow Lebanese brands to their homes and businesses, and now their showrooms follow. “Lebanon has always been a cradle of creativity are underground. It’s a major disaster,” says Beirut- and talent. Red carpet couturiers led the way, but today born designer Nadine Kanso. Known primarily for her it’s a whole crew of fantastic, more minimalistic designers eponymous Arabic calligraphy jewellery line, Kanso is that are representing the region worldwide,” says Jreige. also a photographer – her images are painted with layers of Marcela Danielova, founding member of Fashion Forward nostalgia for Beirut, and focus on the duplexity of the city. Dubai (FFWD), deems Beirut to be “the Paris of the Middle Initial reports implied that the blast was not the result East”, and the fashion capital of the region. “From my of a terrorist attack but an oversight of the government, experience at FFWD, Lebanon and Beirut were always the which had previously been informed of the dangers of source of the most talented designers – they were kind of storing highly explosive ammonium nitrate at Beirut’s the core and building blocks of FFWD. Without Lebanese port. The country’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab and designers, it’s difficult to curate the platform,” she says, his cabinet resigned following the explosion, but the naming talents like Hussein Bazaza, Lara Khoury, Mira Lebanese people are demanding widespread change. Hayek, Tony Ward and Roni Helou as examples of those Civil protests have been underway for the past year, now who have showcased at FFWD. “We worked very closely climaxing in the aftermath of the explosion – all while with Starch Foundation – every year we presented two to the city still grapples with the spread of the pandemic. three of their designers, and they developed into their own “This was a very hard blow to the whole industry, and brands and kept coming and presenting with us,” she says. designers needs to design and create. We had COVID-19 Under her new company, DNA Consulting, she hopes to constraints, a collapsed economy and a devalued currency offer complimentary services to Lebanese designers in – designers need resources, and need the ability to move need to help them get back on their feet.

“I am not Lebanese, but this beautiful city and its diverse forward,” say Azzi and Osta.

In the wake of the blast, numerous organisations, culture and history has always been an inspiration to

me,” adds Saudi Arabian designer Mohammed Ashi, can help them as much as we can, so that they can rise up again,” she says. who has housed his couturier in Lebanon since 2007. Forced into a new and unprecedented chapter, Beirut’s creatives are “We have been devastated by this explosion and how it becoming revolutionaries, burying their losses with seeds of activism. has affected the businesses of so many designers and “We need to be angry at the system we live under and we need to change employees whether physically, emotionally or financially. it,” says Beydoun. We are at a tipping point – we are either going sink The resilience of the Lebanese people will bring back the into gloom and despair at the scale of the damage and violence done to us, or we rise up from it, fight back and reclaim our country.” It will have city’s glow, but it needs the support of everyone.”

With the blast being the final straw in a far-reaching to be a collective effort, driven by the millennial artists and designers series of setbacks, a handful of Beirut-based creatives who are nothing short of desperate for a chance to re-establish the lives are considering emigrating elsewhere, fed up with the they so passionately created for themselves. “It is only by standing lack of accountability and stability in Lebanon. Others together that we can rebuild our country. The hope I have for all of us are eager to stay their ground, pick up the pieces of the in the creative industry, after this tragedy, is that we, the Lebanese broken city and pour a renewed sense of resolve into youth, can finally reclaim our country and build it the way we know it their work. “Since the very beginning of our brand, we should be,” says Helou. were faced with violence, lack of security, and lack of One thing is for certain: the meaning of those three words on my Vanina stability,” say co-founders of Vanina, Joanne Hayek and rings hold more weight now, than ever. It will take more than words to Tatiana Fayad. “The scope of this tragedy doesn’t compare rebuild Beirut’s creative world, from the ashes up – more than social media to any of the obstacles we have faced in the past, yet we posts claiming solidarity and more than magazine articles shedding have developed resilience and a coping mechanism that light on the plight of these soul-shattered artists. As sanguinely stated we believe will help us and the rest of the population go on Instagram by Beirut couture designer Rabih Kayrouz, who suffered through it. We heal and grow, through creativity.” They injuries and a brain hemorrhage from the blast: “Words are not enough. emphasise the central role the capital has played, and We will not forget. We will judge. We will rebuild...and we will dance!” will continue to play, in their designs. “Beirut is and has always been, our biggest source of inspiration. Its energy, its life, its people, its colours, its patterns, its memories…they have all fuelled our creativity over the years. Seeing it deeply wounded today strengthens our passion and our urge to interact with it and impact it through our creative effort,” they say.

Some of the best art, after all, is born from chaos, disaster and tragedy.

“Living throughout war – whether it’s direct war or an indirect kind of war, is an unfortunate cycle for the Lebanese,” says Kanso. “If you look at our history, there were always political tensions, wars and civil wars. These tragedies do inspire people, because for designers, creatives and artists, this is how they voice their concerns and their pain – it’s a statement, and it’s an expression.” One way for artists and designers abroad to support those affected, says Kanso, is by sharing their showrooms and helping organise activations that will help keep Lebanese creatives in business. “I hope we

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These tragedies do inspire people, because for designers, creatives and artists, this is how they voice their concerns and their pain – it’s a statement and it’s an expression artist and designer Nadine Kanso

The work of Lebanon-based couturier Ashi Studio photographed

by Laura Marie Cieplik for MOJEH 42

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MOJEH FEATURE

Suzi Nassif wears: Top and trousers A.L.C at Boutique 1 | Jacket, VALENTINO | Ring, BIL ARABi

An

Artist’s Way

Styling by Natalie Westernoff Photography by Abdulla Elmaz Words by Eliza Scarborough

The change-making power of creativity. Ahead of International Artist’s Day on October 25, three regionally-based artists discuss making a meaningful impact in the world through design, photography and portraiture

Left: A tribute to those affected by the Beirut tragedy, with proceeds donated to the Lebanese Red Cross.

Right: Prayers to Lebanon

Suzi Nassif. The Dubai-based, Lebanese-born portrait artist tells us how art can impact societal change Lebanese born artist Suzi Nassif was aware of her orientation towards visual arts from a young age. Gaining inspiration from cultural diversity, mysteries of existence and the semblance of emotions, with every stroke of her brush she tells a new and different story. Raised in Lebanon in a time of unrest, Nassif had a world of emotion to draw inspiration from. It was this period in her life that became the catalyst for her own creative output, painting passionately during the uncertain times.

Since then, inspiration has come to her from many different walks of life, such as the people and cultures she is exposed to during her travels, the popular culture that surrounds us all, and the ground-breaking artists of the past. “Art speaks volumes about who the artist is as a person, an artwork is a subconscious impersonation of a life journey,” Nassif explains. “My art is my biography, an insight into a mind that interprets life in colours and is the offspring of inspiration and internal waves of time-specific emotions.”

As the world moves in unpredictable patterns, from pandemics to social stigmas and cultural gaps, Nassif believes that this is where we stand to change for the better, finding herself looking for new ways to make a change and impact. “Now more than ever, in this fast-digital age, art and artists are responsible for preserving the sensible part of humanity that keeps people in contact with their senses and engages them to connect and counteract.” While society in its current state is marked by fear and panic, Nassif says, “there’s also a growing sense of stillness and solidarity.”

Highlighting important causes, Nassif shares her view that art is a global language, communicating with you at personal level. “Art does not need to be translated, but rather speaks the mother tongue of every person, in that, its impact is stronger and faster than words where it directly connects to the mind and soul.” Her paintings certainly revolutionise the

way we think and act regarding socio-cultural issues and even politics, allowing people from different cultures and different times to communicate with each other via images, sounds and stories. Always telling a unique story, Nassif boldly experiments with style and colours to communicate feelings of personal happiness and societal tragedy.

Allowing the world to influence her work, Nassif shares that one piece of work she is particularly proud of this year is The Beirut Art which she created on the night of the explosion. “I cannot really explain what I felt that night, I have no words. I wouldn’t say it was particularly a feeling of pride, but rather I would describe it as an emotional explosion painted with tears of grief, sorrow, panic and mainly that unconditional love for Lebanon that makes me feel proudly Lebanese against all odds.”

Bringing people together in the face of adversity through the form of art is something that Nassif has been witnessing through new art movements and contributions worldwide.

“The beauty of art makes us united, and part of something that is bigger and brighter,” she offers, “in times like this art is what keeps us alive.”

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Left: T-shirts made in collaboration with Efro & Co and Bulungi Foundation.

Right: A collaboration with Idris Foundation featuring refugee models

to be conscious and to express your emotions freely; to be able to share what you dream, to explore and experience vulnerability without fear; and to share your work compassionately and empathically.” It is this focus and passion that drives her creativity at Efro & Co. “I love clothes and making something from nothing, and I’m always inspired by my Eritrean culture and worldly upbringing,” she says.

This world experience and strong African identity has given Yassin the tools and drive to not only design but also give more back to society. At the core of Yassin’s beliefs is the concept that art has the power to change the world. “One of the great challenges today is that we often feel untouched by the problems of others and by global issues. Using art as a strong medium for communicating Dina Yassin. Eritrean-American, several issues can make a difference through engagement and using our senses,” she says. This was something that was prevalent at the creative director and designer and Sudanese Revolution last year, one of the most creatively artistic an avid supporter for diversity in the revolutions in history which went viral, motivating people to turn their thinking and awareness towards something that required region, here she speaks about why global media attention. art and representation are important Using art to discuss social, political and ecological issues, can help aid in finding solutions to the challenges that we face in the in the current climate world today, particularly when supporting Black Lives Matter.

As an ardent supporter of this issue, Yassin reflects on the tragic As a stylist and fashion writer for more than 15 years, murder of George Floyd, “it struck a chord that we all needed to working across Europe, the US and UAE, fashion design was come together globally and speak up for what has been done, also a natural move for Dubai-based designer Dina Yassin who for the Black people who were victims to police brutality before was born in Sudan to Eritrean parents. Taking three years him, we’ve all had enough and we had to voice our pain.” It is this to create, Efro & Co is deeply rooted in the origins of East voice which she believes is vital to ensure that everyone is heard, Africa. The fabrics are sourced from different parts of the allowing hopes and fears to be expressed without limit. continent and Yassin considers it a responsibility to bring In the wake of this year’s world events Yassin focuses on being a the local skilled artisans into the fashion forefront and make conscious artist, more so than ever before. “I believe that many them feel as if they are a part of the family. There is a strong of us realise now that we’re not here forever, that we need to put history behind the brand, one which entails cross-migration ourselves and the people we love first, and to create with purpose,” and cultural exchanges with other parts of the world. she affirms. It is with this aim that Yassin is pushing boundaries, In explaining her art form, Yassin believes that to be an allowing her work to unapologetically speak for itself without trying artist is to have unlimited ability to create. “It’s the ability to fit stereotypical standards and moulds.

Dina Yassin wears: Jumpsuit, BOTTEGA VENETA | Earrings, BY SOPHIE at Boutique 1

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Abdulla Elmaz wears: Top, trousers, jacket and shoes, PRADA Hair and makeup artist: Athina Doutis | Styling assistant: Aagam Kaur

Left: Launched to benefit Beirut, this burning rose represents hope in a dark and painful time Right: Part of the series ‘Go Home’ this was shot on an iPhone when lockdown hit

popularity in the region and the world over, with him subsequently working for brands like Louis Vuitton and Valentino. Putting so much of himself into the images he creates, Elmaz explains, “I am proud of all my work as everything I do is very considered, from research, concept creation, direction, technical details, the other creatives I choose to work with me on set, all the way to the final selected photos.”

On what inspires him, Elmaz says, “my work is very intimate at the core and it adapts to the current world state. I am more Abdulla Elmaz. Australian- aware and conscious of the issues faced by humanity and this born Turkish-Albanian surrealist has and will undoubtedly continue to influence my work.” It is this responsibility regarding images, ideas and thoughts that photographer on his relationship is reflected through his imaginative pieces. Sharing how his with escapism, art and how Covid-19 interpretations of art respond to the world around us Elmaz reveals that a piece he is particularly proud of was created as impacted his work in lockdown lockdown hit. “I photographed myself on my iPhone, sending my model friend the poses and she chose her favourite and recreated Dubai-based surrealist fashion photographer and art it. I then put her head and hands on my body and made it look director Abdulla Elmaz captures raw emotion in everything like she was here within a set that consisted of mono bloc chairs, he creates. Setting his imagination free, Elmaz sees the creating the notion of nostalgia in an image.” world through a different lens, capturing intriguing looks Looking now to the current issues that society is facing, art is and visions in every theme he explores. Born to Albanian seeing a renaissance, taking people out of this world and putting and Turkish parents and raised in a small country town them into a space where they can feel safe and see a glimpse of called Shepparton in the north-east of Melbourne, hope, a pattern which Elmaz has seen before. “The most horrific Australia, the 29-year-old photographer moved to Dubai periods in humanity’s history were marked by a resurgence of recently. Discovering a surreal world, he encourages art. People need art to find solace, strength, passion, inspiration, passionate conversation through his impactful images, anything to keep their faith in a better tomorrow strong,” he says. believing that, “where words fail, art expresses the concept Seeing himself as an artist before a photographer and using art as of an image and speaks a thousand words.” Through art the an escape, recently in a series of images highlighting the emotions talented photographer believes important causes can be surrounding the Covid-19 lockdown, Elmaz believes he has, “the made more accessible, showing the issue in a different light. power to speak my truth about issues in the world and show them Elmaz’s work, with an interesting take on light, shadow, in a way that people can take and leave as they please, but will and the composition of objects, has quickly garnered nonetheless leave an image imprinted in the viewer’s mind.”

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MOJEH WOMEN

Emilia Wickstead has reinvented fashion’s favourite print for her latest capsule collection with an army of inspirational women in tow, discovers MOJEH Words by Naomi Chadderton Photography by Edd Horder

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Imagery: MATCHESFASHION.com

In Full Bloom

any of us spent our time in lockdown trying to keep both our businesses and home lives alive and kicking, and as it turns out, Emilia Wickstead is no different. Inspired by charm and romance of the 1950s English country garden, during this time the London-based designer created a magical holiday capsule collection entitled ‘This Woman’s Work’ for MATCHESFASHION, with each and every piece designed to be lightweight and effortless to wear. And in true Wickstead style, she enlisted the help of eight pioneering female entrepreneurs to model the whimsical collection for the campaign, all who have founded their own unique and inspiring businesses which are currently disrupting the market.

“I felt it was incredibly important to capture this particular moment in time,” Wickstead tells MOJEH. “I wanted to celebrate the youth of businesses at their best by making hardworking and resilient women the focus”. Some, such as Celia Pool, are long-time friends of the brand. As co-founder of DAME, a sustainable period brand that invented the world’s first reusable

Best friends and founders of LIHA Beauty Liha Okunniwa and Abi Oyepitan, both 40, are just two of the women featured in Wickstead’s new collection campaign. The pair succeeded in creating a natural beauty brand that honours both their Nigerian culture and the rich botanical life of West Africa.

tampon applicator which sells alongside organic cotton, biodegradable tampons, Pool was an easy choice for the designer. Having launched her business in response to the 1.3 billion single-use plastic tampon applicators thrown away in the UK every year, on a social level she has long campaigned to make periods positive and to improve access to menstrual products that are free from toxins, discomfort and negative language for everyone.

Others Wickstead had read about or discovered through her friends or her own organic online search, but each of these women, she states, have inspired her in so many different ways. “The businesses they run are all diverse, useful and tap into different niches that are so clever.”

Tamara Rajah, 37, is another of these inspiring innovators wearing Wickstead’s effortless-yet-impactful new collection. Through her company Live Better With, she is fiercely dedicated to supporting the two billion people worldwide navigating everyday life with nonacute health conditions including cancer and dementia.

“The idea is so clever and is making an enormous difference to thousands of lives,” says Wickstead, who was thrilled to discover her.

Championing the modern-day woman is something that comes easily to Wickstead. Ever since she began her bespoke made-to-measure studio in 2009, she has made it her mission to empower women through her clothes, and ‘This Woman’s Work’ isn’t the first time she has enlisted the help of extraordinary women to illustrate her designs. For spring 2019, the designer’s capsule collection with Australian wool organisation, The Woolmark Company, was also photographed on a portfolio of inspiring women from her native New Zealand, while her pre-fall 2020 campaign studied modern motherhood through a tender snapshot of mother and baby portraits which illustrated her perfectly polished friends as both professional businesswomen and adoring mothers.

Celia Pool, 38, is the co-founder of DAME, a sustainable period brand that invented the world’s first reusable tampon applicator, which sells alongside DAME’s organic cotton, biodegradable tampons. “Sustainable periods are finally becoming a reality but there is still so much work to do,” Pool explained. “One hundred billion period products are thrown away every year – that’s a problem that doesn’t need to exist anymore thanks to reusables. “

Designer Emilia Wickstead

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In 2015 Maud Faussurier founded Cantine, a catering company dedicated to seasonal and predominantly vegan and vegetarian food. In December she opened her own café called Cantine at Camden Art Centre. Since lockdown and temporarily closing the café, Faussurier has fundraised £30,000 (Dhs144,000) to feed frontline staff during the pandemic using her catering kitchen, located a stone’s throw from the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, England.

Emilia’s biggest inspiration, however, is her mother Angela, 60, who was photographed in Hyde Park, London.

“Growing up seeing her work as a fashion designer trained my eye and was the best education. She has exceptional taste and the most incredible eye for detail.”

“I design clothes that (I hope) can make any woman feel empowered and like the best versions of themselves,” affirms Wickstead. “As a woman, I take endless inspiration from the women around me; from real women who have unique stories and who wear Emilia Wickstead in their own distinctive way. Over the years, I’ve very organically progressed to showing my collections on women as such and it now feels as natural, sometimes more so, as showing it on a model.”

As for this season’s Wickstead woman, she will bloom in traditional floral prints which come emblazoned across 17 unique pieces including light summer floral dresses and separates in 10 best-selling silhouettes.

Designed specifically to simplify summer dressing, the collection is crafted from light cotton voile making it perfect for the balmy UAE climate, with styles to suit every woman. 32-year-old Kelly-Jade Nichols, fashion stylist turned children’s book lover and founder of Woke Babies modelled two of these designs in her back garden,

Kelly-Jade Nicholls, 32, is a fashion stylist turned children’s book lover dedicated to diversifying children’s literature and improving literacy.

In 2017, to rebalance the lack of diversity represented in children’s literature, she illustrated and selfpublished a children’s bible that became a best-seller.

Tamara Rajah, 37, a scientist by background, has witnessed first-hand the impact of living with a long-term health condition. In 2015 Rajah launched Live Better With, an online platform designed to support the 2 billion people worldwide navigating everyday life with non-acute health conditions such as cancer, dementia and menopause.

including the Juniper ruffled mini-dress and Molly brand’s brilliance – web sales have increased over cotton-poplin dress. “Her drive and ambition are so 2000% in the last month – so it’s no surprise the pair energising,” says Wickstead, and are just two of the were on Wickstead’s exclusive wish-list. They stun in many reasons she was chosen to star in the campaign. the Norika midi shirt dress and Molly cotton-poplin “Every time I design a capsule, I think of it as an dress, among others. extension of my world and as an opportunity for women While there’s no shortage of prints to choose from right to add something playful, fresh and, at the same time, now, florals can slot into almost any wardrobe at any timeless to their wardrobes – something that they feel time of year, and Wickstead’s blooms are as simple and excited to put on because of the confidence wearing as versatile as any perennial staple should be. Providing it brings,” Wickstead says. the foundation for both a “I always consider shape, dressy and more relaxed different body types and aesthetic, it’s these prints that “I want any seasonal the use of print and colour – make Wickstead yearn for her things that are so important to English countryside home. collection to be make women feel comfortable “I love feeling nostalgic when effortless to wear but to in their own skin.”

I look at a floral print,” she always look impactful” “The collection covers every explains. “To me, this is what makes a floral print exciting, hem length and a variety of designer Emilia Wickstead sleeve shapes,” she continues. special and bold in its message.

“I want any seasonal collection English countryside homes to be effortless to wear but to and interiors that match their always look impactful. This is very much the DNA of gardens have played a big part in inspiring me this our brand and of the Emilia Wickstead woman.” season and I loved printing onto the transparency of Founders of Liha Beauty, best friends Liha Okunniwa fine cotton which gives it a modern and romantic feel.” and Abi Oyepitan are the embodiment of the Emilia Both refreshing yet oh-so-simple, these portraits Wickstead woman, and today their brand boasts channel everything Emilia holds close to the heart of cult beauty status thanks to products that are multi- her brand – strength, beauty and an independence that purpose, 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The four- ensure her collections come up smelling of roses each to-six week waiting list for orders is testament to and every time. Exclusively at MATCHESFASHION

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Photography by Vivienne & Tamas Styling by Dabby Naval

Embrace the elemental power of remote woodlands with soothing earth tones and spirit-lifting florals. It’s time to roam free...

Monika (left) wears top and trousers, ACNE STUDIO | Fanni (right) wears top and trousers, ELLERY

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Dress, CHANEL

Top and skirt, CHLOÉ

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Dress, GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

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Dress, gloves and shoes, GIVENCHY

78

Fanni and Monika both wear CHANEL

80

Fanni wears DIOR | Monika wears ALAĂ?A

82

Coat, HERMÈS

Models: Fanni at Eleven and Monika at Visage | Photographers: Vivienne & Tamas | Stylist: Dabby Naval | Make-up artist: Hedi Kalmar | Hair stylist: Laszlo Pasztor | Photography assistant: Peter Balazs

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TREND REPORT

FOREVER

From shades of red to shimmering glitz and voluminous silhouettes, autumn/winter 2020 ushers us into a new era of style

I

t’s a season to be remembered. The sudden outbreak of Covid-19 and the subsequent cancellation of future shows means that we might just be purveying the final instalment of fashion week.

Alongside that, sustainability was undeniably in the air – take note of Balenciaga’s flooded runway highlighting climate change – as was a move towards inclusivity and a move away from anything overtly novelty with many brands gearing themselves towards a seasonless approach to fashion. The result? A fresh wave of functional, timeless trends. There are the classics we know and love: colour blocking, fringe and plaid. And a heady injection of octane elements: glistening gowns, hair paint and red statement dresses. There was apocalyptic dressing at Alexander McQueen, electrifying nostalgia at Saint Laurent, and a passionate clash of silhouettes, prints, and eras at both Prada and Louis Vuitton.

It’s a mood-boosting vision underscored by a ‘buy now and wear forever’ sentiment. We’re already sold.

Compiled by Kelly Baldwin and Eliza Scarborough | Image: photographed by Ines Manai for Dior

TRENDING,

When Women Strike Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri stated that the ‘70s and its feminist awakening gave her the attitude that she has: strong, empowered and unafraid. As a result, her A/W20 runway lays the foundations for a ‘70 inspired season.

Think: velvet, denim, mini-skirts and more.

GIVENCHY

PREEN

BOTTEGA VENETA

CHRISTOPHER KANE

86

DRIES VAN NOTEN

EMILIA WICKSTEAD PREEN

RODARTE VALENTINO

Scarlet Fever Not since the heyday of Valentino red in the ’90s has the bold hue felt more relevant. Whether in wrist-to-ankle sheaths at Bottega and Valentino, sheer embellishment at Rodarte or sequins at Preen, the colour packed a punch from city to city.

88

DIOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY MORGAN O’DONOVAN

Fringing

GABRIELE COLANGELO

JIL SANDER

AWAKE

BOTTEGA VENETA

JW ANDERSON

MATTY BOVAN

Fringe detailing has had an upgrade, stepping away from denim and cowboy boots, accessorising a range of aesthetics. At Bottega Veneta, layers of fringe transformed body-con jersey knits, while subtle fringe-trim hemlines were seen elsewhere.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

TOD’S

LOUIS VUITTON

BALMAIN

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16 ARLINGTON

Corset Comeback Originally created to accentuate curves, every designer from McQueen to Louis Vuitton debuted their take on the silhouette enhancing must-have. Cinch in your waist and whether worn over thick tailoring or alone, the corset is super versatile.

DRIES VAN NOTEN

ERDEM

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN LOUIS VUITTON MARNI

Hair Paint Hair statements were created in many forms, from the highshine 20s style with a futuristic twist at Erdem, to wet-look glitter at Marni and streaks of deep crimson at Alexander McQueen. These painterly streaks add all the detail to an otherwise barefaced complexion.

92 Couture Tailoring

GIVENCHY

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Tailoring is a mainstay on the catwalk and for fall 2020 it was taken to a new level with a couture spin. Designers chose to embrace drama with layers of tulle and voluminous sleeves at McQueen, and full ruffled skirts with a nipped in waist at Balmain.

MIU MIU

BURBERRY

MAX MARA

VERSACE

Ivy League From New England sailor girls at Gucci and Miu Miu to Burberry’s collegiate sweaters and yachting stripes at Versace, there’s a newfound appreciation for classic Americana style. Think stripes, argyle prints and sailor collars to add a little more prep to your step.

ERDEM

GUCCI

DRIES VAN NOTEN

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Maximalism isn’t dead if the sparkles coming down the fall runways are any indication. Designers played with the textures of this metallic hue, adding a high-shine, disco ball glitz, from jewel-encrusted eyes at Giambattista Valli to glittering midi-dresses at Marc Jacobs.

MARC JACOBS

All That Glitters

AREA

GCDS

PRADA

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

96 Haute Bourgeois

ALL IMAGES: SAINT LAURENT

Saint Laurent embraces the rich tailoring staples of the affluent bourgeoisie woman. The key to this look is texture; think exquisite jackets impeccably tailored in sumptuous fabrics worn with all-gloss pants, and drop-dead cocktail dresses in high-shine latex and velvet.

CAROLINA HERRERA

MONSE

MIU MIU

PRADA

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Belted Blazer Rarely does a season pass by where tailoring doesn’t dominate, and this season it had a new lease of life in the form of the belted blazer as seen at Prada and Carolina Herrera. A belt-cinch turns the boxy, masculine lines into a more put-together and flattering silhouette.

BOBBY ABLEY

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

ISABEL MARANT

HERMĂˆS OSCAR DE LA RENTA

The Boss Boot Whether knee-high or thigh-high, the tall boot has finally overtaken the ankle boot. Layered under midi length hems, they elongate your legs and instantly give flowy frocks impact, whilst also complementing of-the-moment leather dresses.

100 PRADA

Barely - There Bags

FENDI

CHANEL

Mini bags are a stylish, minimalist staple for the new season.

Fendi stepped up the bite-sized bag game with purses as big as their golden Airpods Pro cases, while at Prada a clutch was turned into a belt and at Chanel tiny totes hung from the waist.

HERMĂˆS

VICTOIRA BECKHAM GIVENCHY

The New Day Dress The day dress may simply be seen as a wardrobe staple and not a trend, but this season the breezy sartorial classic has upped the ante and had an upgrade. Always cut to a flattering midi length, it was seen in exquisite prints with full collars and just the right amount of detail.

102 Seeing Red

JIL SANDER

BROCK COLLECTION

BADGLEY MISCHKA

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER GRADUATES

A beauty classic, the polished red lip was awash on the Fashion Week runways in both high-shine and matte formulas. The pillar box hue didn’t stop there, adding a pop of colour when washed across lids for a flash of the bold bright.

CAROLINA HERRERA OFF WHITE

If last season was a total whiteout with a number of head-to-toe white looks, then come autumn, it’s back to black. Valentino, Victoria Beckham and Dolce & Gabbana all opened their shows with strong black silhouettes, while others championed tonal black throughout their collections.

LANVIN

Back to Black

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BALMAIN HAUTE COUTURE

BOTTEGA VENETA

As the bourgeois look builds, so too has the trend for elegant, chain-trimmed shoes, bags, and jewellery. No. 21’s embellished ankle heels, Bottega Veneta’s chunky necklace and Balmain’s chastity belts give just the right amount of edge to classic pieces.

DION LEE

SACAI

NO 21

LOUIS VUITTON OFF WHITE

Chain Reaction

PRADA

PREEN

MICHAEL KORS

MIU MIU

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Checkmate

DIOR

HAIDER ACKERMANN

DRIES VAN NOTEN

VICTORIA BECKHAM

The exuberant pattern has long been a fashion staple and runway mainstay. This season, the ubiquitous motif was featured in co-ord form at Miu Miu, turned into a cocktail dress at Preen, and embraced its more traditional roots at Michael Kors.

LUTZ HUELLE

GCDS

ADEAM

CHRISTIAN COWAN

PREEN

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Gilded Glow Glamour came in the form of gilded eye make-up at various shows. At Lutz Huelle, blocks of gold winged out of eyelids, intense eyes were created at Adeam with foil scattered along the lash line, and at Preen, gold leaf was applied to the face and ears.

Bubble Silhouette

LOUIS VUITTON

FENDI

JW ANDERSON

With the season more toned down in terms of colour, texture and print than the past, there was one way that designers chose to embrace drama and that was through strong silhouettes, which we saw particularly in voluminous shoulders, sleeves and puff ball skirts.

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

SIMONE ROCHA

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Hair Pieces

LOUIS VUITTON

FENDI

The top down approach to adornment continues to be prevalent, with tiaras and headbands still trending.

Hair jewels added embellishment at Giambattista Valli, elegant veils were seen at Louis Vuitton and at Fendi, headbands were worn backwards at the nape of the neck.

TOD’S CHANEL VERSACE

PRADA

To Tie For Neckties, the most traditionally masculine accessory of them all, received a feminine spin at Chanel, Toga and Versace. Either try pairing them with delicate separates or go all out with a colour-bright pin stripe suit.

CAROLINA HERRERA

HERMÈS

ULLA JOHNSON

CHARLOTTE KNOWLES

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CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS

NINA RICCI

FENDI

FENDI

Winter Sun Bright yellow really shines during the summer months, but consider transitioning the colour into fall, too. From a tailored suit in ombre hues of the sunshine to thigh-high printed boots, the bold shade reigned supreme, even as a flash of colour on the lips at Hermès.

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drama

Ikram Abdi Omar models this season’s overzealous silhouettes in sumptuous shades of cream, beige and everything in between Photography by Jason Hetherington Styling by Anna Hughes Chamberlain

Jumpsuit, ASHI STUDIO | Bracelet and earring, CHANEL

Coat, skirt, shirt, tie and boots, PRADA | Leggings, WOLFORD

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Dress and belt, LOUIS VUITTON

Dress and hat, EMILIA WICKSTEAD | Gloves, T LABEL

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Coat, jacket, trousers, top and boots, BURBERRY | Bag, BY FAR

Dress, cuff and earrings, CHANEL | Hat, flapper | Trousers, stylist’s own

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Dress, MIU MIU | Bodysuit, WOLFORD

Dress, CHRISTOPHER KANE | Hat, ELIURPI at Koibird | Bodysuit, WOLFORD

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Coat, dress and boots, BOTTEGA VENETA

Dress, bangles and earrings, CHLOE | Hat, LOLA HATS at Koibird | Bag, STELLA MCCARTNEY | Bodysuit, WOLFORD Model: Ikram Abdi Omar at Premier Model Management | Makeup artist: Marco Antonio using MAC Cosmetics | Casting Director: Nick Forbes Watson | Production: Stella Creative Artists | Styling assistant: Olivia Jones | Digital Operator: Christopher Bromley | Photography assistant: Gabor Herczegfalvi | Retouching: Shoemakers Elves London

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the WorldStops With the new bar jacket, denim-on-denim and allout-leather jumpsuits, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior is as powerful as it is poetic. “When women strike, the world stops,” she says...

Photography by Greg Adamski Styling by Kelly Baldwin

Dress, mesh socks, bracelet, necklace and D-Major boots, DIOR

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Bar jacket, trousers, shirt, mesh socks and Teddy-D shoes, DIOR

Checkered cape, checkered skirt, shirt, mesh socks and Dior-I heeled boots, DIOR

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White suit, necklace, fish ring and shirt, DIOR

Leather jumpsuit, shirt and mesh tie, DIOR

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Beige bomber jacket, shirt, checkered skort and mesh socks, DIOR

Denim jacket, jeans and velvet oblique blue sadle bag, DIOR

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Dress, belt and gold chain necklace, DIOR

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Down jacket, shirt, mesh tie and checkered skorts, DIOR

Denim jacket, jeans and Dior-I heeled boots, DIOR Model : Kayla at Signature Element | HMU artist: Ania Poniatowska at MMG Artists

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Virginie Viard’s vision for Chanel Haute Couture is all at once majestic and daring. Think dresses that crave dance and opulent embellishment that dazzles from day to night Photography by Chantelle Dosser Styling by Anna Klein

Grey, white and gold jacket in tweed embroidered with beads and strass embellished with braid, CHANEL Haute Couture

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Fuchsia pink and gold boatneck dress embroidered for a tweed effect, embellished with braid and jewelled buttons, CHANEL Haute Couture | Comete Sapphire tiara in white gold, sapphire and diamonds, CHANEL High Jewellery

Light grey jacket in taffeta embellished with an embroidered jewel cross and jewelled buttons and skirt in light grey taffeta, CHANEL Haute Couture

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Off-white dress in taffeta embellished with an embroidered plastron, braid and jewelled buttons, CHANEL Haute Couture | Comete Sapphire ring in white gold, sapphire and diamonds, CHANEL High Jewellery

Light grey jacket in taffeta embellished with an embroidered jewel cross and jewelled buttons and skirt in light grey taffeta, CHANEL Haute Couture

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Long black dress in moirĂŠ and embellished with jewelled embroidery, CHANEL Haute Couture

Off-white dress in taffeta embellished with an embroidered plastron, braid and jewelled buttons | Beige and black pumps in leather and grosgrain, CHANEL Haute Couture | Comete Sapphire ring in white gold, sapphire and diamonds, CHANEL High Jewellery

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Comete Sapphire tiara in white gold, sapphire and diamonds, CHANEL High Jewellery

Black, fuchsia pink and silver dress in ennobled lace, CHANEL Haute Couture

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Black, burgundy, fuchsia and coral dress embroidered for a tweed effect, embellished with feathers, chiffon, strass, braid and jewelled buttons, CHANEL Haute Couture

Grey, white and gold tweed jacket embroidered with beads and strass embellished with braid and grey, white and gold tweed skirt embroidered with beads and strass | White and black pumps in leather and grosgrain, CHANEL Haute Couture

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Grey, white and gold tweed jacket embroidered with beads and strass embellished with braid and grey, white and gold tweed skirt embroidered with beads and strass | White and black pumps in leather and grosgrain, CHANEL Haute Couture

Long black dress in moirĂŠ embellished with jewelled embroidery | Beige and black pumps in leather and grosgrain, CHANEL Haute Couture

150

Off-white dress in taffeta embellished with an embroidered plastron, braid and jewelled buttons | Beige and black pumps in leather and grosgrain, CHANEL Haute Couture | Comete Sapphire ring in white gold, sapphire and diamonds, CHANEL High Jewellery

Black jumpsuit in silk mikado and embellished with a belt embroidered with glass beads | White and black pumps in leather and grosgrain, CHANEL Haute Couture Model: Deborah Gomes at Select Paris | Hair stylist: Annesofie Begtrup | Make-up artist: Anna Sadamori | Photography assistant: Olivier Coleiro | Set assistant: Eric Sauter

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THE JEWELS

The Mademoiselle J12 Acte II in ceramic and white gold with diamonds

Chanel is a dynasty built on iconic people and products over the course of its 111-year history, and in watchmaking, they have always held the same pioneering passions as the brand’s late founder Gabrielle Chanel. With the same trailblazing spirit that saw her introduce jersey into Haute Couture, the house made its mark in the world of Haute Horlogerie when it launched the J12 in 2000, hailed as the first all-ceramic watch. Becoming an icon in its own right, the watch was built upon the idea of self-expression and was created by the then-artistic director of the house, the late Jacques HÊlleu. Named after the J-class racing yachts of the 1930s that inspired its sporty design, the J12 turned industrial, hardwearing ceramic into a precious material, while its all-black debut redefined feminine and unisex watchmaking codes. By the time the allwhite model followed in 2003, the J12 had firmly cemented its reputation as an industry icon.

Two decades and numerous iterations later, the emblematic piece has always remained thoroughly faithful to the style codes of the original design. Now to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Chanel has unveiled an encompassing line up that speaks to every style within the minimalist-maximalist spectrum. Our pick is the Mademoiselle J12 Acte II, a playful piece with a dangling charm of Mademoiselle Chanel, encrusted with 224 diamonds. The bezel is entirely set with baguette-cut diamonds, while its dial features 12 precious diamond indicators. Limited to just 20 pieces for each colour, it is available in black and white.

Words: Eliza Scarborough

Redefining An Icon

Words: Jenna Calvert

Mariacarla Boscono models Cartier’s latest high jewellery pieces: the Gharial necklace (top image) and the Sinopé necklace (bottom image)

Supernatural Beauty Escape into a fantasy land where necklaces laden in diamonds and gemstones depict an altered yet hypermajestic natural world Nature and its magnificent creatures have always been a source of inspiration for Cartier, but for the maison’s latest high jewellery offering, [Sur]naturel, the natural world is depicted through an abstract lens that tilts into a hallucinogenic fantasy. Far removed from the romanticism expected from flora and fauna, the collection reveals supernatural interpretations of water, wildlife and tropical blooms, reimagined in kaleidoscopic stones. Adorning the neck of model Mariacarla Boscono, the Sinopé necklace uses diamonds and scalloped strips of lapis lazuli to mirror the gentle ripple of waves, sat beautifully above five Madagascan sapphires. While the Sinopé is an ode to tranquility, the Gharial necklace symbolises the fierce and majestic spirit of Cartier’s menagerie. Drawing distant inspiration from the crocodile, diamonds and emeralds are placed in disjointed patterns to resemble the texture and depth of the reptile’s skin, resulting in a dazzling effect. Offering a much-needed escape, [Sur]naturel is a hyper-realised spin on high jewellery.

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THE JEWELS

Photographed by Lalo & Eva, MOJEH Jewellery & Watch Book 5

A Digital Dash For Diamonds During these unprecedented circumstances, the appetite for high jewellery hasn’t abated with digital auctions thriving. But when faced with enhanced global competition, a digital-savvy millennial audience and zero opportunity to view pieces IRL, will long-standing jewellery collectors ever be satisfied with the new normal?

Words by Eliza Scarborough

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S

pring usually signals fine jewellery sales at auction in the past five years, which meant that the business was houses, yet Covid-19 curtailed most of them, with the ready to quickly adapt to the new market parameters,” says majority of planned sales either postponed until it Sophie Stevens, Sotheby’s jewellery expert. The bracelet sold is safe to gather bidders together again or forcing auction for a staggering $1.34 million, far surpassing its estimate of houses to embrace digital, with a number of online jewellery $600,000-$800,000. Not only is this figure the highest price auctions still going ahead. Even before the coronavirus crisis, for any jewel sold in an online auction, it was also the highest online bidding was beginning to revolutionise the auction price for any jewel sold at auction so far in 2020. industry, opening up its gilded gates to international audiences With the Tutti Frutti bracelet breaking the million-dollar and new generations. In 2019, Christie’s sold £8.5million of record, Christie’s was next to up the ante. Encouraged by jewellery via online sales, almost double the amount sold increasing digital participation, it hosted an online jewellery online in 2011, while at Sotheby’s, half of the winning bids for auction every month of lockdown, with overall sale totals jewellery in 2019 were placed online. Giving access to those achieving double the pre-sale estimates. The latest auction once in a lifetime pieces, moving auctions online has rewritten featured the most expensive lot the house has ever offered the rulebook for sales, making it easier than ever to place a in a digital sale, an emerald cut 28.86-carat, D-colour, type winning bid from anywhere in the world. Most notably though IIa diamond, set on a platinum ring, with an estimate of is the digital demographic who are now purchasing in online $1-2 million. Having experienced greater client confidence auction rooms, connecting with collectors of all generations in of transacting at higher price points online, Keith Penton, the four corners of the globe as never Christie’s head of jewellery, explained before and witnessing first-hand the how the decision to place the item for sale online was due to “a combination revolution of online bidding and social media. This dynamic environment of the circumstances we were living has opened up exclusive access to in, and to ensure we were meeting the exciting world of bidding and the wishes of our collectors. We were has led to unprecedented results confident that our clients across the for unforgettable diamonds and globe would engage online and elevate gemstones, perhaps thanks to the jewels market to a new level.” D is greater competition. the rarest and most prized colour of This move to online bidding gathered diamond and indicates that the stone pace in the midst of the crisis, with is completely colourless. The Type IIa Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams and classification means that the diamond dozens of smaller auction houses is formed of pure carbon, with no holding online jewellery sales with chemical impurities, so is exceptionally An emerald cut 28.86-carat, D-colour, type IIa ingenious staff moderating virtual transparent, and with less than 2% diamond stands as the most expensive piece to ever be sold at an online auction of the world’s diamonds classified valuations and inspections via Zoom.

“We had started to have online sales in as Type IIa, Christie’s described the 2019 and planned to hold more in 2020, stone as a “miraculous phenomenon”. but the pandemic certainly accelerated these plans,” explains Bidding ended on 30th June, and after 31 bids the diamond Jean Ghika, Bonhams global head of jewellery. Despite the exceeded its high estimate, selling for $2,115,000. This is a current climate, sales soared at online auctions, with collectors new world record for the most expensive jewel ever sold in an having no qualms about purchasing high jewellery without online-only sale, eclipsing the Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelet. seeing it IRL. Most notably, in April Sotheby’s put up for Early to take advantage of the digital world, Christie’s has been bidding a gem-set, diamond and enamel Cartier bracelet. holding digital jewellery auctions since 2011 when it hosted the Named Tutti Frutti, the bracelet was created in the 1930s and inaugural online sale for The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor, is a classic example of a popular Art Deco style made famous which achieved $9.5 million. “Year-on-year we have seen an

by Cartier. Featuring coloured sapphires, emeralds, and rubies increase in online participation, and the value threshold for carved with leaves and flowers in addition to old European transacting online, and the experience gained from the success and single-cut diamonds, and accented with black onyx and in online sales since then, proved it was the right time to bring black enamel, the Tutti Frutti bracelet was meant to be sold online jewels auctions to a new height,” Penton says. at a live auction, but lockdown forced Sotheby’s to change Despite this growing success, recent high jewellery sales are track. Following discussions with the owner, the team decided unprecedented, especially considering the current climate. to offer the bracelet in a dedicated single-lot online auction, Offering such high value jewellery online is uncharted territory a pivot that paid off handsomely. “We have had a long-term for the auction houses. Plus, in times of crisis, one would expect omnichannel strategy and developed many digital innovations collectors to hold off on buying big ticket items, especially

Cartier’s Tutti Frutti bracelet was due to be sold at a live auction, but lockdown forced Sotheby’s to change track.

The bracelet instead sold at online auction for twice the original estimate

without having seen them in real life. Instead, collectors are demonstrating confidence in buying and selling important jewels online, even though in-person inspections are off the cards. “In times of uncertainty, people tend to seek to invest in tangible assets. As some of the oldest and rarest things on earth, exceptional diamonds and gemstones have traditionally been considered a safe haven,” asserts Stevens. “Unprecedented times are often a catalyst for change, crystallising pre-existing trends and accelerating innovations.”

Another way of looking at the increased interest in online auctions is that, for many buyers, it is a very exciting experience to buy and compete for a high value item online against anonymous bidders. The excitement and convenience together make participating in online jewellery auctions a tempting experience at a time of social distancing. Client trust, as well as advanced technology, have also allowed digital sales to thrive. “Many of our clients purchase sight unseen and our commitment to excellence combined with our strong personal relationships has built our reputation, which in turn has created trust, the most important factor for clients when buying online,” shares Penton. “Technology has also played a large part as photo quality has risen and capabilities such as a 3D-view or video have enhanced how objects can be viewed virtually. Going forward, the online auctions will play an even more important role than ever before.”

While traditional live auctions are expected to roar back to life post-pandemic, online auctions have nonetheless proven their own merits. The ease of online bidding has attracted new clientele to the auction rooms and this year, a third of those bidding for jewellery at Sotheby’s were first-time participants - a 35% increase on the number of first timers from previous years. By taking their lots online, auction houses have been able to attract new clients who hail from all over the world. “The jewellery market is constantly opening to more collectors around the world,” explains Stevens. “Since March, our online sales have attracted over 66 countries from across the globe, including a large proportion of collectors from the Middle East region.” Similarly, Christie’s

is welcoming a global buyer: “This lockdown period has been an unparalleled time of change and we have seen this reflected in the way clients have engaged with auctions. Our sales have attracted international interest with registrants from 87 countries during this period,” offers Penton.

Online sales have also garnered the interest of a new generation of younger collectors, with auction rooms shaking off their stuffy image and in the process, attracting younger clients for whom vintage jewellery represents a more sustainable form of retail therapy, not to mention a way to discover pieces that are entirely unique. “There is no doubt that the increase in online sales in recent months has attracted a new client base to auction,” adds Jean Ghika, global head of jewellery at Bonhams. “In our Hong Kong Luxury series in April, May and June, 36% of buyers were new to Bonhams and many of these were in the under 50 age bracket.” For Sotheby’s, the ease of online bidding and an appetite for heirlooms has also attracted digital-savvy millennials. “In the past few years we have witnessed the strong appeal of vintage jewels among younger collectors, perhaps partly linked to the growing preoccupation with upcycling fashion and luxury goods, but also a fascination for antique jewels with historic provenance,” explains Stevens.

This year has presented unprecedented circumstances, enabling auction houses new opportunities through enhanced digital platforms, greater client confidence, and a reach to a new generation, with buyers’ appetite for fine and high jewellery clearly reaching fever pitch. The question is whether online is the new direction, or is there room for both formats? “There are some items that are eminently suited to the online format and these will perform exceptionally well in the digital space,” says Ghika. Other items need to be seen and handled in person, such as a pair of Kashmir sapphires that are due to come up for sale in New York on 28th September. “These are rare gemstones where the colour saturation and tone are integral to their value and prospective buyers need to see them. They are therefore much more suited to the traditional live auction format,” she notes.

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Photography by Mann Styling by Natascha Hawke

P P

OWER IECES

The new Volt fine jewellery collection from Louis Vuitton

turns the signature Monogram into statement pieces that will transcend seasons

LV Volt Mesh earrings in yellow gold and top, LOUIS VUITTON

160

LV Volt Curb Chain earrings and necklace in yellow gold, LOUIS VUITTON

162

LV Volt Upside Down necklace in yellow gold, white gold and diamonds, LOUIS VUITTON

LV Volt One ring in yellow gold; LV Volt One ring in yellow gold, white gold and diamonds; LV Volt Multi ring in yellow gold, white gold and diamonds; LV Volt Multi ring in yellow gold; and top and cardigan, LOUIS VUITTON

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LV Volt Upside Down bracelet in yellow gold, white gold and diamonds; LV Volt Upside Down bracelet in yellow gold; LV Volt Curb Chain bracelet in yellow gold; LV Volt One bangle in yellow gold and diamonds; and LV Volt One bangle in yellow gold, white gold and diamonds, LOUIS VUITTON

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LV Volt One large pendant in yellow gold and diamonds; LV Volt One small pendant in white gold and diamonds; and LV Volt Drop earrings in yellow gold and white gold, LOUIS VUITTON

Model: Agata Wozniak Photographer: Mann at Things by People Stylist: Natascha Hawke Make-up: Sophie Leach Hair: Melanie Meyer at MMG

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MOJEH BEAUTY

Top, NINA GALBE-DELORD | Earrings, SEIDENHAUS

B

Change is possible. Whether you’re looking to refresh your skin after a summer spent underneath the harsh Middle Eastern sun, lay the foundations for a more effective skincare regime or invest time in achieving a cashmere-finish body, MOJEH’s edit covers the treatments to try and technology to invest in. Plus, boost your mind and body by deep diving into a results-driven swim routine. It’s never been easier to find a springboard for a rejuvenated you

EAUTY Photography by Arya Shirazi Styling by Janine Aggen

170 Pigmentation slayer: PICO Genesis, Rebecca Treston, Dubai London Clinic A next-generation laser treatment that boasts supreme results and almost no downtime, the 20-minute treatment reigns supreme when it comes to game-changing technology. PICO Genesis uses multiple wavelengths to target a variation of concerns such as superficial pigmentation, sun spots, melasma and acne scarring (all typical complaints when dwelling in the Middle East). The revolutionary technology combines the benefits of three highly effective wavelengths in ultra-short pulses to cause an intense, non-thermal, photo mechanical disruption and remodelling of the upper dermis. It also destroys pigment, leaving your skin clearer and more even. Required sessions depend on the severity of pigmentation. DHS2,500 per session, dubailondonclinic.com

The hydrater: So Radiant Facial, Sofitel Spa, Dubai Designed to restore the skin’s pH balance and give the visage a hydrating boost, the So Radiant Facial revitalises skin that has been parched by the harsh summer. After a deep double cleanse and exfoliation (removing dead cells), the skin is nourished in La Vallée’s natural botanicals, with a serum to smooth texture and an eye contour gel to fight tired circles.

A restorative mask is then applied to replenish the outer layers of the epidermis and left for 20 minutes while the therapist gently massages the head and shoulders. To repair the hydrolipidic film, the skin is enriched in a restructuring moisturiser that restores transparency and allows natural oils to shine, delivering an instant glow that feels as divinely dewy as it looks. DHS610 for 60minutes, sofitel-dubai-thepalm. com/wellness/sofitel-spa/

Deep clean: Signature Laser Facial, Skin Laundry, Dubai Conceived in Santa Monica California and new to the UAE, expect a cool Cali vibe that’s less frills and fancies and more monochrome and minimal. Skin Laundry offers expert service and put simply: it does the job. The Signature Laser facial lasts approximately 30 minutes and uses the safest energy-based technology to boost collagen production, improve skin discoloration, minimise the appearance of pores and tighten skin at the deepest level, while its deep cleaning element penetrates just below the outer layer of the skin to remove oil, dirt and bacteria. If you’re looking for a lengthy facial with layer after layer of cream massaged into your skin, look again. Skin Laundry is precise, to the point and well worth the investment. DHS795 per session, skinlaundry.ae

MAXIMAL IMPACT

Tailor-made: Customised Facial, Facette Facial Bar, Dubai

A good facial goes a long way towards restoring your skin’s natural radiance. But which treatments and technologies are actually worth the investment?

MOJEH reports on the exceptional facials that take beautiful skin to an opulent new level

vessels to push away toxins and stimulate cell renewal. Slightly

When it comes to facials, there is no one-size-fits-all. Going deeper than ‘dry’ or ‘oily,’ Facette creates tailored-to-you facials that target specific skincare woes. For dry, acne-scarred skin that is prone to flare ups, the first step is the removal of blackheads using an ultrasonic exfoliation tool. Next, a high frequency treatment (which uses a mild electrical current) produces oxygen molecules which help blood teeth-gritting, the experience is uncomfortable but the blemish-free results outweigh the sharp tingling. The skin is instantly soothed with an alginate mask that removes redness and improves luminosity by restoring much-needed vitamins and minerals. Facette recommends coming back for LED therapy. From DHS450, facettefacialbar.com

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SATIN SKIN The skin on your body is just as important as the skin on your face, but a summer spent in the harsh Middle Eastern climes can lead to a tired, dry epidermis and accelerate the signs of ageing

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ith so much focus on keeping the skin on our face and neck at its optimum, taking care of skin on our body is often an after-thought. Consider shoulders, elbows, arms, legs and back – in other words, the body parts that are on show in a backless cocktail dress, a svelte skirt slit thigh-high, or a cold-shoulder top. Let’s coin it ‘body beauty’ for argument’s sake. “Like the skin on our face, the skin on our body is losing 1-2% of collagen each year from the age of 20, so with that in mind, the same principles should apply to both the face and body to ensure you stay youthful,” shares Rebecca Treston, skincare expert at Dubai London Clinic. Think chin-to-toe and instigate a regime that you can maintain: at-home exfoliants and moisturisers three-four times a week amplified with a clinical treatment once or twice a month is enough, but be sure to stick with it.

Working between London and Dubai, Treston has a comprehensive approach to body maintenance. “To prevent the skin from sagging, you need to repair the epidermal barrier with products such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and by having regular body peels. Then you can also do radiofrequency for laxity and sugar threads that tighten the skin,” she explains. AHA’s can be found in non-invasive chemical peels while radiofrequency is available via Fotona TightSculpting at Treston’s practice. “Also, to improve skin health from the inside, you can take supplements and do IV vitamin drips according to what your body needs.” If you’re less inclined to lean on IV needles in the name of beauty then London-based Doctor Nish Joshi offers supplement-led programs that help kick-start health from the inside out. Even more potent is Dr. Barbara Sturm Skin Food and Repair Food; two powdered formulas that promotes epidermal health and includes anti-ageing compounds.

For home care, there’s a plethora of advanced formulas, from polishers and exfoliants to rich moisturisers, that work to resurface skin, prevent ageing and promote the satin soft finish that today’s skin-flashing style demands.

When asked about a one-size-fits-aIl approach for those not able to make regular salon visits, Treston champions dry brushing. “Daily body brushing will exfoliate the skin and increase circulation, and in combination with the use of an antioxidant rich body cream to enhance collagen stores, you can decelerate or even prevent the onset of ageing.”

FIVE TO TRY Fotona TightSculpting is a unique dual-wavelength, non-invasive laser treatment for sculpting and skin tightening for all body areas.

The non-invasive treatment starts with deep skin tightening and fat reduction using PIANO pulse energy delivery which stimulates the metabolism of fat cells. The second stage, SMOOTH pulse, stimulates collagen remodelling and initiates neocollagenesis.

Expect slight discomfort while the energy heats skin, but it’s well worth it, with instantly visible improvements to laxity and elasticity.

Available at the Dubai London Clinic, dubailondonclinic.com.

Superieur Body Renewal Firming Cream is a rich formula best used to target areas that are the first to suffer from a loss of firmness: stomach, thighs and the inner arms. A powerful blend of phytotensors, firming and brightening ingredients, and Superieur’s Bio-Renewal and Bio-Firming Proteins help even skin tone, firm and renew skin. Aim to apply liberally in circular motions to problem areas both AM and PM. Avaialble at Net-a-Porter.

Team Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush and Anti-Aging Body Cream for optimal results. Daily body brushing opens pores, boosts circulation and promotes localised blood flow and the removal of toxins while the cream, infused with Glacier Water, White Almond and Elderberry Blossom, is a nutrientrich formula which helps to restore elasticity and calms any visible signs of irritation. Available at Apotheca Beauty Co. Buff and smooth skin with Lancer’s The Method: Body Polish.

Ingredients include kigelia fruit extract, marula oil and the natural mineral zeolite. The dense formula gently polishes skin with its tiny pure quartz exfoliating crystals leaving it feeling smooth and looking radiant. For long-term results, utilise the formula three to five times a week, or for a quick fix, reach for it the day of an event. Available at Apothecary Beauty Co. Check yourself into Dubai’s Anantara Spa for the Immunity Recharge Magnesium massage. Magnesium is one of the seven macro minerals best absorbed through the skin and helps us to function normally, including regulating hundreds of enzymatic reactions and biochemical activities. It can also remedy skin inflammation and bloating. The one-hour deep tissue massage promotes the movement of water retention while smoothing and revitalising skin. MOJEH recommends: once a fortnight or in the lead up to a big event. Anantara.com.

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SWIM DEEP

With the growing consensus among experts that the possibility of catching Covid-19 outdoors is much lower than indoors, it’s no surprise that people are shying away from crowded gyms and looking to alternative forms of exercise to get their endorphins hit. Meet your next workout routine...

Words by Naomi Chadderton

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ocial media is largely responsible for the surge in popularity of trend-led exercises such as weight training, spin and HIIT which, thanks to its impressive, fast-yielding results, has been the darling of the fitness scene for the last few years. Yet while these short bursts of ‘maximal effort’ exercise are indeed effective, there is a strong case for resurrecting that swimming schedule from your school days and hitting the pool instead.

While every type of workout has its selling points, swimming is unlike any other form of aerobic exercise in a number of ways. Firstly, with your bones and muscles generally unshackled from the constraints of gravity, it’s easy on the joints as the water supports around 90% of your bodyweight.

“Swimming is a low impact form of exercise,” explains Mark Randall, Aquatics Unit Head at Dubai’s FitRepublik. “The buoyancy of the water helps to keep stress off the joints.”

Don’t be fooled, though – a session in the water also counts as strength training too, and it targets more major muscle groups than any other form of cardio exercise.

“Swimming does indeed tone muscle and build strength,” adds Randall. “To build strength in the water, you need to focus on shorter, faster repetitions. You can also include training add-ons such as swim paddles and a pull buoy, which will help develop the upper body. Swimming fins will add more speed to your session while also strengthening the muscles in your legs.”

Different strokes use muscles in different ways. Looking to sculpt those abs? Backstroke causes the hips to tilt from side to side, forcing both core and back muscles to engage, whereas front and back crawl lend themselves to faster cardio workouts. Quite simply, the pool is your oyster.

For those still not convinced about slipping into their

Swimsuit, MAYGEL CORONEL | Earrings, KONPLOTT

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Trousers, stylist’s own

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It’s physically impossible to check your emails or post to Instagram in the water, providing the mind a much-needed break from digital stimulation

swimmers, it’s not only the physical benefits that are worth noting – several studies have found that swimming regularly for around 30-45 minutes can battle depression, stress and age-related decline.

While all forms of regular exercise are proven to reap substantial mental health benefits thanks to a release of mood-lifting endorphins, swimming is so much more than that. As one of the few sports that demand you leave your phone on the side, it’s physically impossible to check your emails or post to Instagram in the water, providing the mind a much-needed break from digital stimulation.

One study by professors at NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences in Nagpur, India even found that hitting the pool was comparable to yoga in terms of reducing anxiety and stress over a 12-week period.

“When you are swimming, you have a goal such as number of laps, and reaching this is all about mind over matter” says Canadian Olympic swimmer Max Bouchard. “You may want to give up, but if you keep pushing until you finish, it builds mental fitness. This is an effective tool for other areas of your life, too.”

Keen to get involved but don’t know where to start? “Like anything, it’s always good to have a goal because it’s easier to track your progress and will keep your motivation high,” explains Bouchard. “If you set your goal at 50 laps, start with 10 and work your way up. When you reach your goal, calculate your time and see how you progress each session.”

For more experienced swimmers looking to set up a solid routine, Randall advises targeting certain heart rate zones for each session. “The first session of the week may include longer, slower swims with a low heart rate to build your endurance and cardio,” he explains. “In another session, include swim sets where you keep the heart rate a little higher for a specified period. Including short, fast sprints in your weekly routine is also a must. Include one session where you are trying to hit all these areas throughout, starting slow and finishing fast towards the end of the course.”

HOW TO BURN MORE CALORIES WHILE SWIMMING The number of calories burnt will depend on several factors such as weight, swim speed and stroke. Butterfly, the hardest and most technical stroke, burns the most calories as it calls for total body muscle engagement, while front and back crawl are next in line.

“Swimming is one of the best workouts to lose weight as it is similar to a marathon,” says Bouchard. “You don’t go too fast, but your heart rate will stay at a decent pace for a long period of time and you will continue to burn calories throughout. It’s not like HIIT where your heart rate is high but you get exhausted quickly. Swimming is all about consistency and perseverance, burning more calories over a longer period of time.”

MOJEH RECOMMENDS FitRepublik Fitness Center, Sports City, Dubai The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai Talise Spa at Jumeirah Al Qasr, Dubai

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IS THE FUTURE OF

BEAUTY WATERLESS? Environmental and innovative, the beauty world is turning off the tap and setting its sights on waterless beauty products which save water with more potent and sustainable formulas

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y 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries with absolute water scarcity, while two-thirds of the world’s population might be living under water-stressed conditions. The average person in the western world now consumes 140 litres a day, and with the global population expected to reach 10.2 billion by 2050, the demand for water is set to drastically outpace supply, leaving it to be considered a luxury. This prediction may sound dramatic, but it underscores the urgency of the global crisis around this diminishing natural resource. Leading market research firm, Mintel, has found that 27% of consumers are now trying to reuse or use less water.

“Water is set to become a precious commodity as consumption outstrips supply,” Charlotte Libby, global beauty and personal care analyst at Mintel, explains. “The more consumers become aware of this, the more beauty brands will need to change how they manufacture and formulate products to limit their dependence on water.”

As water becomes more of a commodity, the impacts of its scarcity are increasingly felt, and so a waterconscious beauty routine may be more important than ever before. This of course urges brands to reconsider their dependency on what could become scarce, and in the last few years, big-name beauty companies including L’Oréal, Unilever and Procter & Gamble have made it their mission to significantly decrease water consumption in an effort to preserve this endangered and vital natural resource. Unilever has

reduced water abstraction related to manufacturing by more than 40%, and L’Oréal has pledged to adhere to a 60% reduction in water consumption for each finished product by this year. While these major beauty corporations are trying to reduce their carbon footprint by decreasing water consumption, other smaller brands are creating completely waterless formulas.

Waterless, water-free, or anhydrous beauty refers to products that are free from water, using soothing botanical ingredients and nourishing oils instead to create more potent solutions while diminishing the need for preservatives and unnecessary fillers.

“The price point of water is much lower than other ingredients, making the final product more profitable to produce. Unfortunately, this view of water as ‘cheap’ contributes to the belief that water is an expendable and limitless resource,” comments Linda Treska, founder of Pinch of Colour, the world’s first entirely waterless make-up range. “In some beauty products, the water content can be as much as 90%, leaving very little room for other beneficial ingredients. We’ve discovered that by removing it, not only are the botanical ingredients like shea butter, apricot and camellia oils left undiluted, but the payoff is more hydrating, too.”

When you look at the ingredients list on the back of your serums, gels and moisturisers, chances are water, often named as aqua, ranks high and is therefore in the highest concentration. This means that the products and the active ingredients that the brand is marketing to consumers are mostly diluted and therefore less

Dress, JASMIN ERBAS COUTURE Model: Bree Smith at Model Werk | HMU artist: Janine Aggen

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While drinking water and consuming water-rich foods may help hydrate us internally, topically, water can dry out the skin

effective. Most skin and body products contain anywhere from 80 to 95% water, while hair shampoos, conditioners, shower gels and even facial toners can contain as much as 95 to 97% water. Used as a product filler, simply adding volume without any additional benefits, comes at a low cost for corporations but a high cost for the health of the planet. Since water is a fairly cheap ingredient, it allows beauty companies to use less of the more expensive active ingredients and to sell the product at a lower price. Additionally, the downside is that when a formula is full of water, it tends to attract more bacteria, requiring more harmful preservatives for a longer shelf life, which are one of the main causes of sensitive skin. Instead, waterless beauty uses oils and botanical ingredients, like mango butter, camellia and jojoba oils, for the same, rich texture but in a cleaner, non-inflammatory formula. In fact, pared back formulas created without it are now proving to be much more potent, allowing ingredients and extracts to work harder, including Vitamin C, which is notoriously unstable and oxidises when brought into contact with water.

More streamlined and sustainable formulas also mean less product per application, since a smaller amount goes a longer way, which reduces excess packaging, waste, and lowers the cost of distribution. Taking that idea further, shipping waterless formulas, which are lighter weight than their water-filled counterparts, requires less space and therefore less fuel. These fringe benefits are what actually have the potential to make a real impact.

Stemming from South Korea, a country known for being pioneers in the beauty and skincare world, a growing trend for products dedicated to slashing their H2O usage were created for their skincare benefits and not necessarily their environmental credentials.

Despite being synonymous with hydration, and while drinking water and consuming water-rich foods may help hydrate us internally, topically, water can

dry out the skin. Water alone is not hydrating to the skin because it just evaporates, leaving you with all the synthetic emulsifiers, chemical colorants, toxic fragrances and preservatives that are added to your water-based skin care. The protective lipids that line the surface of the skin are designed to act as a barrier to water loss. But prolonged exposure to water can strip those oils and allow moisture to escape.

Another factor in the move towards waterless beauty has been the quality of water; over the past decade, a rapid decline in the quality has been seen. “Not only have calcium levels risen, but mining and fracking practices have caused increased metal and mineral content in water runoff,” explains New York dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross. Water with high levels of calcium is called hard water and it can create a host of skin issues. “Hard water causes a chemical reaction with your skin’s natural oils, changing the consistency and, in turn, clogging the pores and leading to acne. It also generates free radicals, causing collagen breakdown.”

So, what is the solution to H2O-heavy skincare? While we don’t want to eliminate water from our routines entirely, as skin is both hydrophilic and lipophilic, it is necessary to develop a water-conscious routine, being more mindful about how we incorporate it can benefit both our complexions and the environment.

Simple and efficacious, anhydrous products can take many forms, such as cleansing balms, moisturising oils, body butters, pressed serums, and dry masks.

Many active ingredients, like Vitamin C, deteriorate over time when mixed with water, so maintaining them in powder form preserves their purity ensuring you get a fresh hit of the ingredients each time you activate them with water at home. Finally, nourishing oils, rather than a filler, can provide benefits to skin while adding the slip necessary to help them apply seamlessly, ensuring blendable, highlypigmented formulas packed with skin benefits.

Waterless Beauty Products That Can Make Your Routine a Little More Sustainable

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask

Ouai Super Dry Shampoo Designed to absorb more oil at

Pinch of Colour Healthy Lips Waterless Lip Oil

Christophe Robin Hydrating Shampoo Bar

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FRAGRANCE NOTE

The Allure of Autumn In comparison to summer scents, fall fragrances call

for something more complex.

It is the season to get a little more spicy, musky, woody, and all-around richer with your perfume. Here we share the deliciously comforting, and equally as unexpected, fragrance line-up that bottles up the scents of the season

2. Based on a combination of notes, Garçon Manqué, also by Givenchy, is an aroma highlighted by a bouquet of softer fragranced floral osmanthus and succulent fruity and smoky hints with deep leather base notes 3. Inspired by Kiehl’s signature fragrance, Original Musk is a unisex scent which starts out citrusy with spicy orange blossom and bergamot nectar and ends with a warm, sensual finish of white patchouli, tonka nut and timeless musk 4. Oud Rosewood by Christian Dior is a scent highlighted by a bouquet of fragrant woody, fruity and sweet-scented tones with a lingering quality of softer fragranced balsamic, sweet fruity and bitter hints 5. Translating the French word free, Libre Eau de Parfum

by Yves Saint Laurent is redefining fragrance rules. A concentrated infusion of orange blossom flowers from Morocco are twisted with the aromatic boldness of lavender from France

Photography: Tina Patni | Styling: Stuart Robertson | Words: Eliza Scarborough

1. Irresistible by Givenchy is a floral, woody and fruity fragrance that plays with the contrast between two opposite accords: the fruity notes of effervescent rose and sparkling pear with radiant blond wood

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THE ESCAPE

We state a case for a cultural pilgrimage to the French Riviera come spring, summer or autumn Words by Laura Beaney

L

Main image: Shanna Camilleri | Others: supplied

THE ART OF THE AZURE

overs of culture are aware that sometimes compromise is required in order to pursue their passion. The perception is that Europe’s greatest cultural assets are hidden within landlocked cities and in order to experience them you must tread uncomfortably through the sweltering streets of Rome, London or Paris. The French Riviera is, in fact, home to a trove of creative treasures from art’s modern masters, iconic architecture immortalised in film and a fresh wave of edgy emerging artists ensuring that there’s something to appeal to every cultural palette.

When considering your base from which to absorb this rich artistic tapestry, there’s an obvious choice. Captured on screen and documented through the lens of Slim Aarons, the InterContinental Carlton Cannes is synonymous with cinema and harbours its own plot-worthy history. The hotel came from a Russian love story. In 1872, the Grand Duke Michael fell in love with Sophie of Merenberg, the granddaughter of the poet Pushkin, who reportedly fell beneath his social ranking. A taboo at the time, the Duke was subsequently banished from Russia by the Tsar Alexander III, so the couple chose Cannes as their new base and turned their attentions towards entertaining their elite social circle. Such prominent friends needed an equally prominent address to frequent so

Artists including Matis made their base in the region, enamoured by the relaxed pace of life

The Carlton, designed by architect Charles Dalmas in the 1800s

famed architect, Charles Dalmas, was employed to craft The Carlton. Charles adorned his magnificent white structure with a turret on each corner, surmounted by a cupola which, according to legend, is supposed to reflect the curves of the illustrious courtesan, La Belle Otéro.

The following century saw the hotel play a pivotal role in the evolution of Hollywood, securing its place as the suite escape, on-screen backdrop and social meeting point for the stars.

Proudly poised at the heart of La Croisette, The Carlton’s famed silhouette needs no introduction to film fanatics. It was a natural choice for the jury and journalists of the Cannes Film Festival during its inauguration in 1946 and the rest, as they say, was history. Its exceptional blend of the Neo-Classical and Belle Epoque finishings inspired the greatest filmmakers of our time. “Alfred Hitchcock took part in building the Carlton legend in 1954 when he chose the hotel as the setting for his feature film ‘To Catch A Thief ’,” explains executive concierge, Maxime Nerkowski. “The hotel exudes old-school Hollywood glamour and our most prestigious suite bears the name of Grace Kelly, who was a regular guest. It was during the festival in 1955 that Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly first set eyes upon one another in the Grand Salon,” he continues.

Gliding through the imposing white pillars of the entrance, past polished marble and twinkling chandeliers, guests today continue to absorb the unwavering sense of cinematic romance and mystic that The Carlton emanates. It continues to honour the stars that drew fame to its vast hallways, naming grand suites in their honour. One can book a room in “Grace Kelly”, “Sofia Loren”, “Alain Delon”, “Sharon Stone” or “Sophie Marceau”, and take to a sun lounger on the sweeping balcony for Cannes’ most privileged sunset vantage point. From there you can look to your map and plot your cultural journey - after all, there’s a wealth of galleries and museums just a short train ride or car journey up the coast.

In 1917 Matisse journeyed south to Nice and famously expressed: “When I realised that each morning I would see this light again, I could not believe my luck.” The artist and many of his contemporaries made their base in the region, enamoured by the favourable lighting and relaxed pace of life that sparked the creation of new works. Their legacy remains to be enjoyed today. The first stop along the coast is Antibes’ Musee Picasso located in the striking Chateau Grimaldi that was once the artist’s studio. It has an idyllic atmosphere with the Chateau caressing the shoreline and the calming chords of the organ from the nearby Cathedrale Notre Dame de I’lmmaculée floating up. The location’s impact on the old master is obvious.

“In just two months, Picasso created 23 paintings and 44

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Autumn on the French Riviera is a delight, whether you happen to be exploring from a luxurious pied-aterre on La Croisette, or a superyacht moored in the marina

drawings. Among these are well-known works including Les Clés d`Antibes, Joie de Vivre and La Femme aux oursins,” says Heinz Playner, curator, art critic and director of PAKS Gallery. Accompanying the collection of over 300 works by Picasso are contributions from Nicolas de Staël and Anna-Eva Bergman. The sculpture terrace sees Picasso’s metalwork set against a jaw dropping blue backdrop of sky and sea, and is an apt spot to snatch a moment of quiet contemplation above the turquoise waves. Another destination for another day, if you take the train a little further north you’ll arrive in Nice where the National Marc Chagall Museum lies in wait.

It’s a magnificent building that houses the largest public collection of the artist’s work, with a spectacular concert hall bathed in blue light from Chagall’s stained-glass visions.

“Chagall discovered the Riviera in 1926 and he was struck by the beauty of the flowers on the markets,” says Anne Dopffer, director of the Musées Nationaux du XXe Siècle des AlpesMaritimes. “The bouquet, a recurrent colourful representation in his art, became a symbol of life and beauty. Another good example of the influence of the Mediterranean on his art is the mosaic Chagall created for his museum: the Zodiac signs are arranged in a twirling Mediterranean landscape.

Reserve at least a day to take in what Nice has to offer.

There’s also Musée Matisse and the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain which holds an impressive collection of contemporary works by the likes of César, Warhol, Wesselman, and Yves Klein. Head back towards Cannes and you’ll encounter the Fernand Leger National Museum in Biot and Pablo Picasso’s War and Peace Museum in Vallauris.

There’s much more in the area and you could spend all evening formulating plans, made all too comfortable by the subtle fifties’ charm of your suite, but it’s not advisable. In a city populated with Michelin-starred eateries, The Carlton Restaurant, under Head Chef Laurent Bunel, is known to surpass the desires of even the most demanding food critics with its seductive menu based around the best Provencal produce. Breakfast is also an exceptional affair; a journey back in time with the past illuminating the present. There’s an air of the colonial as fans softly waft a breeze through the patio and the service is as impeccable and joyful as the setting. Bubbles compliment an array that spans lightly

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events in the film industry’s calendar

Actors Cary Grant and Grace Kelly on the set of To Catch A Thief, 1954

Above: The Cannes Film Festival red carpet Below: The Musée National’s homage to late artist and South of France resident, Marc Chagall

smoked salmon, wonderful cheeses and delicate meats. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day, observing the spot where Slim Aarons captured “Carlton Hotel” in 1958, while sipping black coffee and awakening to the city’s Old World brilliance - it’s as though time stopped at precisely the right moment.

It’s advisable to be strategic with your visit as Cannes is blessed with a brimming cultural calendar. “The Film Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events in the film industry’s calendar, promoting the city to a global audience, but there are so many other ways that film and cinema are threaded into the way of life here,” explains Maxime. “The Ephemeral Museum is the cultural event of the summer that returns to Cannes at the Palais des Festivals. The event is dedicated entirely to the world of ‘the seventh art’. The Cannes International Series Festival also happens each spring and highlights series from all over the world, affording crucial recognition to this new and growing form of art,” he continues.

For those more inclined to travel later in the season, there’s plenty. “The weather is still very warm and you can go to the beach, swim, and enjoy the Monaco night life,” says Guy Antogelli, general manager of Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority. “There’s also a lot of cultural highlights during these months: the Monaco Yacht Show usually takes

place in September, Ballet and Opera Seasons starts in October, and from mid-October you can even enjoy a Luna park fair on Monaco Hercules Harbour.”

For those with more than a passive interest in the arts, Heinz indicates that beyond the international names, there’s a thriving contemporary scene to be explored. “Naturally the unique charm of the towns and cities in the French Riviera continues to inspire the artists of today,” he says. “Take pop art artist Tanja Playner as an example – she has a way of expressing her lifestyle so clearly through her paintings.

We also represent painter and sculptor Pari Ravan, who lives and operates near Nice. Her life took her from Persia via Germany to Nice, and her paintings have a very philosophical nature, while Stefan Szczesny lives and works in St. Tropez and already has a long successful career behind him.”

Autumn on the French Riviera is a delight, whether you happen to be exploring from a luxurious pied-a-terre on La Croisette or a superyacht moored in the marina. And whether you’re there navigating the greats of twentieth century art, absorbing the explosive allure of classic cinema or enjoying the work of future masters, falling in love with this part of France, silver screen starlet-style, is the ultimate predictable happy ending to every traveller’s tale.

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THE ESCAPE

PRIVATE Seeking total seclusion and an escape from the city? Opt for complete privacy in an overwater villa or gaze out across the UAE’s still desert from the cool water of a palatially-sized private pool. For something further afield, check in to Zanzibar’s Matemwe Retreat where it’s nothing but you and the jungle. These charming destinations are the ideal getaways for a socially-distant September…

Imagery: supplied

V I E W S

ANANTARA THE PALM, DUBAI Where better to seek total solace than in the UAE’s only overwater villas?

Think complete seclusion in a 106 square-meter space with all the luxuries one would expect: a generously-sized bedroom with marshmallow soft bed, a bathtub impressive enough to moonlight as a miniature spa replete with ocean views, glass-plated floor gazing directly down to the gently lapping sea, and a private terrace with almost unspoiled views of the Arabian Gulf.

Anantara The Palm Resort is just a 10-minute drive from Dubai’s mainland.

Journey along the Palm Jumeirah’s trunk towards the breakwater at which point the concrete jungle quickly dissipates into the cool ocean winds and spray of the Palm Crescent. Set against the backdrop of wide open sea, the entrance to the Anantara welcomes guests with its Asian-inspired architecture: the rich lobby boasts a high ceiling with ornate columns, East Asian fragrances and kimono-clad staff ready to meet your every need. Journeying to your overwater villa is unique to the region as a tuk-tuk travels through palm treeand bougainvillea-lined pathways around the crystal blue lagoons, which flow throughout the entire resort.

One wakes to breakfast delivery overlooking the morning ocean, followed by an idyllic walk to one of Anantara’s three pools. After a calm morning of relaxing by the pool, the Beach House is a perfect casual lunchtime dining spot for simple courses from seafood salads and pastas to a glass of something long and cool.

Both the exterior and interior aesthetics of the entire property are inspired by Asia’s lush forest-lands: calming neutral tones intermittent with deep mahogany wood are accented by gloriously thick and fragrant flora. An afternoon spent simply meandering around the property’s pathways is enough to do away with any tension. Zen seekers will also be delighted by the sumptuous spa offering facials, herbal massages and blissful treatments aplenty.

Come the evening, Anantara’s signature restaurant Mekon is a total assault on the senses in the most wonderful of ways. Rickshaw tables set the scene while interiors bursting with colour cover the walls. Food is indulgent, but why not.

What to pack… Linen two-pieces, silk and slightly oversized dresses and pared back gold jewellery pieces will capture the zen vibe to perfection.

Opt for either slip-ons or go barefoot and leave the heels at home.

Anantara.com/en/palm-dubai

The Anantara boasts the UAE’s only overwater villas, repleat with glorious sunset views. Below: the palatially-sized bathtub and the resort’s luscious lagoons

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Stunning sea views from the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach’s garden

Each boasting a cosy seating area with plush sofa and huge cloudlike beds, the full marble bathrooms are equally impressive with egg-shaped stand-alone bathtubs, separate shower and exclusive Rajasthan by Etro toiletries. Whether your sprawling private balcony overlooks the beach or Downtown skyline, it is the perfect spot to watch the sunset after a lazy day spent relaxing in a private cabana by the sea. While attentive beach attendants will be at your beck and call, be sure to hit the ‘do not disturb’ button for ultimate privacy.

Housing eight bars and restaurants, food lovers are spoilt for choice.

From breakfast in bed to important business meetings, the Four Seasons’ dining experience can be delivered direct to your door at

FOUR SEASONS RESORT DUBAI AT JUMEIRAH BEACH

any time of the day, while Mercury Lounge is the place to be for those looking to head out. Inspired by both the French and Italian Rivieras, Head Chef Andrea Lerardi has curated a delectable set menu available between 6-9pm, where dishes including crispy parmesan lollipops,

When it comes to luxury hotels in Dubai, there are mostly two distinct

vegetable tempura and tuna tartar are served under the shady red

camps – beach or city. For the best of both worlds, Four Seasons

and white striped cabanas reminiscent of the Côte D’Azur.

Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach offers an opulent location beside

Guests can also escape the typical Friday brunch crowds at Sea Fu,

the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf yet just a stone’s throw away

which instead hosts its beachside Omakase Brunch on Saturdays

from the city’s glowing skyline.

between 1-4pm, serving up an array of authentic Asian delicacies

Freshly cut flowers in Murano crystal vases and an impressive two-floor

alongside refreshing sake cocktails and live music.

picture window framing views across the perfectly manicured lawns to

With two in-house Bentleys waiting to whisk guests away in style, no

the ocean greet guests as they enter the lobby, marrying statement

stone goes unturned when it comes to exceptional service, which,

Four Seasons style with lavish Middle Eastern touches. Rooms are

alongside its breathtaking views, exquisite food and subtle privacy,

some of the biggest you will find in Dubai, and as one would expect

makes Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeriah Beach the ideal hideaway.

from the luxe hotel group, no detail goes unnoticed.

fourseasons.com/dubaijb

RITZ-CARLTON AL WADI DESERT, RAS AL KHAIMAH The Ritz Carlton’s Al Wadi Desert has served as an escape from the city for the UAE’s most discerning guests for a good few years. Tucked away in the middle of the desert and certainly off the beaten track, what is it that gives this bolthole its legendary status and makes it such a dream staycation destination?

We’ll start with the obvious. The private villas are palatial, showstopping, and each tell a story in their design; the beauty of the Arabian desert has been a secret of the Bedouins for thousands of years and through elegant Arabic décor, intricate lattice woodwork, traditional tented roofs and hero views of the dunes, guests can experience the splendour of desert life. Check in to either the Al Sahari or Al Khaimah villas where a king-sized bed faces out towards the sand and an impressive soaking bath has been asigned its own quarters – you’d be forgiven for wasting away an entire afternoon immersed in water with a good read. Outside, the private swimming pool is long enough for morning laps and the double day bed comfortable enough for afternoon’s spent doing absolutely nothing.

Accommodation aside, what a wealth there is to write home about. For the adventure seeker, the equestrian centre offers sunrise and sunset rides across the Arabian desert; once-in-a-lifetime (atleast for those not fortunate enough to own their own stables) and picture perfect. Nature walks, night walks and stargazing are also on the agenda (should you want to leave the ease of your villa). In dining, the seasonal farm-to-table menu at the Farmhouse includes hearty favourites such as lobster bisque, Josper baked salmon and 12 hour oak wood smoked short rib. If the temperature allows, request aperitifs on the terrace followed by dinner inside where earthy interiors – wood, black metal and textured red brick walls all work together to provide a natural open space – momentarily whisk you away to the British countryside. More surprising though is the totally unpretentious service and laid-back atmosphere that accompanies it. At Moorish, Morocco meets the Middle East with Mediterranean twists on local favourites, while the Moon Bar is the perfect spot for sundowners.

In short? Come for a night and end up staying the entire weekend. The atmosphere is relaxed, villas err on the right side of decadent and the cuisine could rival Dubai’s fabled hotspots (prepare to indulge at every possible opportunity). Ritzcarlton.com While away an entire weekend from a spacious private villa overlooking the UAE’s dunes

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THE ESCAPE

For those in need of a short break from desert dwelling, go in search of Rwanda’s magnificent rolling rainforest or Zanzibar’s splendid sea views, both just a few hours from the UAE. MOJEH edits three luxury oases that offer the opportune moment for respite

RAFFLES, SEYCHELLES Raffles Seychelles is located on the beautiful north-eastern tip of Praslin, the second largest granite island in the Seychelles, and is only fifteen minutes by plane or helicopter from Mahé Island. A handful of private pool villas are littered across the island and offer panoramic views of the verdant landscape and azure sea. Days spent exploring the island are accented by barefoot strolls along the beach, lazy lunches that last all afternoon, and replenishing massages at the spa. Peaceful, private and absolute perfection. Raffles.com/seychelles

MATEMWE LODGE, ZANZIBAR Built on top of Matemwe’s coastline and hidden inside its thick, tropical forest sits four enthralling private villas which make up the lodge. Rickety wooden doors open to reveal a sprawling terrace which juts out across the deep, green flora, and a lounge area plays host to an oversized sofa and swing chair. But the real high note comes after the short journey up a winding staircase, where the villa’s rooftop is revealed: Mediterranean blue, sky blue and stonewash décor fills the Portuguese-style space, while crystalline sea flows out as far as the eye can see. With glorious views, wonderful food and plenty of opportunity for snorkelling, there’s little reason to leave the lodge. Matemwe.asiliaafrica.com/matemwe-retreat

GORILLA’S NEST, RWANDA Once controversially dubbed The Dark Continent thanks in large part to its unexplored, mysterious lands, Africa is now safer and more visited than it ever has been (COVID-19 fall-out aside). But for those who prefer their exploration cushioned by extreme luxury, look towards the One&Only’s Gorilla’s nest. Mornings can be spent trekking to tea-picking, while afternoons are best left for blissful spa treatments, reading beside the infinity pool or simply lazing around the over-sized, Africaninspired bedrooms. Oneandonlyresorts.com

Images: supplied

visit chimpanzees, hiking through rainforests or

September’s Haute Hangouts Dubai’s latest F&B openings take their inspiration from the rich culinary history of Far East Asia. Think fiery dishes, eclectic cocktails and energetic interiors that transport you straight to the spirited streets of Japan and China Hanami, Andaz Dubai The Palm With panoramic views, a sophisticated spin on street-food and Instaworthy presentation, the Japanese restaurant takes its concept from the cherry blossom-gazing parties which take place during Japan’s Sakura season (Hanami translates to ‘flower viewing’). At Hanami, Dubai’s iridescent skyline meets the neon-lit streets of Tokyo with sharing-style dishes from gyoza to sides of sushi. hyattrestaurants.com

Hutong, DIFC Dubai With award-winning locations in London, New York, Miami, and

Mami Umami, Renaissance Downtown Dubai

its home Hong Kong, Hutong offers a fresh take on Chinese cuisine. The restaurant

Downtown Dubai’s new hangout comes with an

boasts sleek interiors inspired by the heritage of the Silk Road where Arabic and

unconventional concept: blending Japanese cooking

Chinese influences merge. Both the signature Hutong dishes and those created

with the vibrant culture of Latin America, putting a

exclusively for the Dubai opening salute the fiery and flavoursome nature of Northern

colourful twist on izakaya-style dining. Situated on

China cuisine. MOJEH recommends a selection of dim sum, the signature Red

the 23rd floor of the Renaissance Downtown Dubai

Lantern and Roasted Peking Duck with Pancakes (and anything else that you can

Hotel, the new restaurant delivers an eccentric mix

fit in). Expect flawless service, a mood-boosting atmosphere and dish after dish of

of flavours and styles to create an experience unlike

mouth-watering dishes. hutong-dubai.com

any other. +971 4 512 5555

WHAT TO WEAR

Dries Van Noten

Act No1

Jason Wu

Imagery: Go Runway and supplied

Rich jewel tones, floral-inspired prints and sleek, sophisticated tailoring

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FINAL NOTE

Rising music superstars and sisters Chloe x Halle photographed in LA, California by Julian Dakdouk for Fendi’s #MeAndMyPeekaboo series Chloe and Halle wear Fendi

Italian fashion house Fendi’s ongoing Peekaboo series celebrates the relationship between the iconic Peekaboo bag and family, and for 2020, rising American music superstar sisters Chloe x Halle step into the role (previously held by Kim Kardashian West, Kris Jenner and North West.) “#MeAndMyPeekaboo celebrates the intimate family relationships that represent inseparable bonds,” said Silvia Venturini Fendi, Fendi’s creative director, “and there is no more visible pair of sisters right now than Chloe x Halle.”

Here, the duo who have emerged as a voice of their generation and are celebrated for their activism, speak to MOJEH

1

Why did you decide to take part in this project?

We have been huge fans of the Fendi brand since we can remember. Fendi is the perfect mixture of classy and sexy, and we were more than happy to be a part of this project.

2

The Peekaboo is all about family. What is it like to work side by side as sisters?

Working side by side as sisters is truly a blessing. Constantly having someone by your side, who is going through the same journey as you, is comforting and so very important.

Especially when you’re in the limelight and sharing your life with so many people. Having someone there to hold your hand along the way is refreshing.

3

As sisters, do you have similar or very different styles?

Even though in some ways we are similar, we are mostly opposites of each other. We have very different everyday and going out styles. We think our differences really complement one another, and are the perfect contrast when it comes to our art and creativity.

4

What is your favourite way to style your Peekaboo?

Honestly, there is not just one favourite way for us to style our Peekaboo. What we love about the Peekaboo is how universal it is - we can literally wear it with anything. Of course it looks absolutely amazing with a beautiful going out dress, but also could look great wearing an everyday denim look.

5

What advice would you give to your followers on navigating these times and taking action?

Definitely try to remain hopeful and positive during these times. With everything going on in the world, it’s so easy to get down and give in to the uncertainty of the future. But this year 2020 is not over yet, and through the darkest times come the most beautiful sunrises. Don’t be afraid to continue speaking up for justice and for what’s right. Let’s make the future generations proud of us.

6

What can we expect to see from you in the next few months?

In the next few months, you can expect exciting new performances, new visuals to songs off of our new album ‘Ungodly Hour’, and so much more. We can’t wait for the future.

Talent: Chloe x Halle | Art direction: Andrew Makadsi | Styling: Zerina Akers | Photography: Julian Dakdouk

Freedom Rules,

Photographed by Lara Jade

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