Emirates Woman - February 2023

Personalised experiences await you this season

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Obaid Humaid Al Tayer

MANAGING PARTNER AND GROUP EDITOR

Ian Fairservice

EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Amy Sessions amy.sessions@motivate.ae

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Olga Petroff

FASHION EDITOR Daniel Robinson

JUNIOR DIGITAL STYLE EDITOR Sarah Joseph

GENERAL MANAGER PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar

PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne

GROUP SALES MANAGER

Chaitali Khimji chaitali.khimji@motivate.ae

SENIOR SALES MANAGER

Anna Chipala anna.chipala@motivate.ae

GROUP MARKETING MANAGER Joelle Albeaino

WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi

CONTRIBUTORS

Joëlle

Editor’s Letter

Welcome to The Innovation Issue. Thinking outside the box, staying ahead of the curve, and looking at things differently are all things we champion in this issue. Sometimes, starting afresh and stripping back what we know, reveals new ideas, creative concepts and undiscovered talent.

For our cover we are very proud to have partnered with MOUAWAD, a brand delivering a cool, innovative and exciting new take on how we visualize fine jewellery.

and Kelly Kowal, Chief Platform Officer at FARFETCH in An Innovative Market on page 30, we interview Founder of DREST, Lucy Yeomans in Innovating the Luxury Fashion Space on page 34 and discover what it takes to grow your TikTok account in Digital Innovation on page 90.

EMBRACE THE NEW.

We discuss staying at the cutting edge of technology with industry heavyweights Carol Hilsum, Senior Director of Product Innovation

Beauty wise CEO Sophie Guillon of Valmont Cosmetics tells us about what it takes to innovate and create high-performance products in Cellular Innovation on page 68, and we look at the beauty products doubling down on science in Innovate on page 66. This year we encourage you to embrace the new.

Amy Sessions EDITOR / ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Travel spray – Eau de Parfum Dhs900 Celine

Holli Glass PVC slingback pumps Dhs2,885 Amina Muaddi

Cutout embellished swimsuit Dhs1,850 Christopher Esber

Paneled ribbed cotton-blend and padded shell sweater Dhs3,077 Sacai

Lost Cherry scented candle, 200g Dhs440 Tom Ford Beauty

THE HERO BUYS

Innovate – Beauty products doubling down on science p.66

2864

A New Heritage – Interview with founder of Loquet London, Sheherazade Goldsmith p.42

Signature Cuts –

FASHION

An Innovative Market –We discuss innovation with Carol Hilsum, Senior Director of Product Innovation and Kelly Kowal, Chief Platform Officer at FARFETCH p.30

Innovating the Luxury Fashion Space –Interview with Founder of DREST, Lucy Yeomans p.34

Lookbook: Ezzat p.44

Wearable Tech –Innovative fashion brands born to push the boundaries p.50

Forms of the heart –Repossi p.52

Thinking Differently –The non-conformist luxury brands p.56

An Opulent Vision –Interview with Founder Arwa Alkadi p.60

BEAUTY

Hot New Buys p.64

Cellular Innovation –Interview with Sophie Guillon, CEO of Valmont Cosmetics p.68

A New Kind of Beauty – We discuss the innovation in semipermanent makeup with BROWZ Founder Michele Barclay p.70

Work It Out p.76

Beauty Shelf –Amanda Chantal p.78

AM to PM Beauty –Erica Wright p.80

Smooth Operator –Fendi p.36

The Edit – Innovative knits, unexpected designs p.28

CONTENTS

The Wanderlust –The best short, chic breaks for a Valentine’s Day p.100 The

The Pad – Innovative spaces p.82

Embody Fitness p.72

LIFESTYLE

Assouline –The Metaverse p.84

Apple – The App innovators p.86

Internal Innovation –

We ask a group

of incredible women how they innovate within their company culture p.88

Digital Innovation –We talk to Hany Kamel, Content Partnerships Manager – TikTok

MENA p.90

Personal Space –

Inside the studio with Goshá p.92

Dinner Date –The dinner spots to enjoy this Valentine’s day p.98

Eye of the Phoenix Diamond and Ruby Suite, Total Ruby

Weight: 32 carat, Total

Diamond Weight: 49.15 carat, all MOUAWAD

An Innovative Touch

The latest launches, new openings and hero buys

COMPILED BY: SARAH JOSEPH

SUSPENSE-BUILDING SILHOUETTES

Radical fluidity defines Saint Laurent’s SS23 collection, expressed through silk jersey knits and leather trenches.

THE HERO BUYS

THREE TO OWN

Draped Leather and Suede Maxi Skirt Dhs11,650 Alaïa

Hooded Suede and Jersey Bodysuit Dhs12,308 Alaïa

Oversized Round-Frame Striped Acetate Sunglasses Dhs1,197 Loewe

Spike Crinkled PatentLeather Mules Dhs2,284 Proenza Schouler

Embellished Leather Clutch Dhs3,046 Jil Sander

Fold Crystal-Embellished Earrings Dhs1,491 Sterling King

Magnesium Ease 60ml for Dhs82 The Nue Co.

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The expansive accommodation collection is centred around an oversized infinity pool, bordered by palm trees swaying gently in the sea breeze, offering shade perfect for lazy afternoons dipping in and out of the scintillating, refreshing water.

With 3 distinct resort experiences, make your selection from romantic havens, private pool villas, and the exclusive Club InterContinental experience, combining modern luxury with enchanting local touches.

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CLUB EXCLUSIVE STAY

Book a spacious Club InterContinental room or suite and enjoy an elevated getaway with a stay at Club InterContinental. With a private lounge, dedicated front desk, adults-only pool and complimentary dining offerings throughout the day, a Club experience like no other awaits.

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Reservations.Icrak@ihg.com

icrasalkhaimah.com/en/

Swiss cellular cosmetics with science at the core.

The luxe Italian fashion house known for reinventing itself.

Fine Jewellery focused on charms which tell your story.

@drest

Merging fashion and gaming with infinite metaverse possibilities.

@farfetch

A luxury marketplace designed to empower individuality.

@matchesfashion

An ecommerce heavyweight with directional buying.

Enhancing natural beauty using cuttingedge techniques.

Innovative buildings that are timeless, sustainable and contextually inspired.

Design perfection, leading the tech space.

Social Listings

A curated guide of all the innovative accounts to #follow this month

COMPILED BY: SARAH JOSEPH

@gucci

@loquetlondon

@valmoncosmetics

@killadesign_

@apple

@browz.uae

WORDS & CREATIVE DIRECTION: AMY SESSIONS

PHOTOGRAPHER: GRE G ADAMSKI

DA RIN GLY

DIFFERENT

MOUAWAD delivers a special kind of elegance with a subtle edge

Previous page: Flower of Eternity Collection, Rose Gold Bangles and Ring; Both pages: Enchanted Heart Bracelet and Earrings, Bracelet Total Diamond Weight: 24.69 carat, Earrings Total Diamond Weight: 13.08 carat, all MOUAWAD

Both pages: Eye of the Phoenix, Diamond and Ruby Suite, Total Ruby Weight: 32 carat, Total Diamond Weight: 49.15 carat, all MOUAWAD

Both pages: High

Jewellery, Diamond

Suite, Total Diamond

Weight: 10.05 carat, all MOUAWAD

Both pages: Regina Diamond and Emerald Suite, Total Emerald Weight: 36.31 carat, Total Diamond, Weight: 64.80 carat, all MOUAWAD

Both pages: Flower of Eternity Collection, White and Rose Gold Bangles and Ring, all MOUAWAD

WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS Innovative

01. Lena one-shoulder cutout seersucker swimsuit Dhs658 Hunza G available at NET-A-PORTER; 02. Reilly cut-out ribbed jacquard cotton-blend top Dhs1,297 Jonathan Simkhai; 03. Victoria cutout midi dress Dhs1,482 Anine Bing

Bellinu rib-knitted bra top Dhs553 Jacquemus; Below: Deconstruct Knit Dress Dhs2,233 Chiristopher Esber

Round Neck Sweater Dhs536 SourceUnknown; Right page: Rib Knit Neck Warmer Dhs213 SourceUnknown

We discuss innovation with Carol Hilsum,

Senior Director

of Product Innovation and Kelly Kowal,

Chief

Carol Hilsum, Senior Director of Product Innovation at FARFETCH

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? Mornings can be hectic, especially with young children around! I know for me, it’s a mad dash to make sure everyone is fed, watered and dressed by the time we all have to leave the house. I’ve found that if I can wake up a bit earlier than everyone else, I can use that time to do my best thinking. I like to spend that time reading substacks and newsletters from fellow innovation builders, product creators, and investors. I jot down notes and thoughts that relate to my own work. I find John Cutler from The Beautiful Mess and Startupy particularly helpful right now. Of course, I usually only get around 30 minutes of clear-thinking time before someone starts asking for breakfast!

riences driven by the incredible evolution of AI, content creation, and immersive technologies amongst other evolutions. These digital experiences are allowing us to create multisensory luxury experiences that can truly enhance the traditional luxury experiences we know and love.

Platform Officer at FARFETCH An Innovative Market

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

FARFETCH was the first global luxury marketplace – how do you ensure you continually stay ahead of the curve in such a fast-paced industry? FARFETCH has been a fast-growing company for all of its 14 years and, as such, pace and agility are built into the core of everything we do. In recent years, we’ve developed an open innovation mindset within the company, which means we work very closely with incredible fashion tech founders around the globe who are experimenting and piloting new technology, products and services. By taking this approach, we’re able to see innovation and evolution as it happens and when we see something that we think will enhance the consumer experience or address a clear need, we move quickly to pilot it on the FARFETCH platform. This allows us to test and scale new ideas both on our platform and with our brand partners. How does your role impact innovation at FARFETCH and what are the key goals to lead the charge in terms of innovating in the luxury market? The luxury industry is all about creativity and beautiful experiences and what is truly exciting is the emergence of technology as a new pillar. We are seeing a new wave of digital expe-

At FARFETCH, we are on a mission to support and collaborate with the best startups in these areas, who are building the future of luxury experience. By working together, we hope to develop and shape what innovation means for the luxury industry, today and tomorrow. We want to ensure that the sector creates its own innovative future, one that is truly inspiring and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Our goal is to launch new, cutting-edge experiences on the FARFETCH platform that will not only delight customers but also inspire them to be part of this new era of luxury experience.

What are the core pillars/DNA of FARFETCH and how do they relate to your team? FARFETCH is a values-based company and at the core of our work as a team are two key values: “Be Revolutionary” and “Be Brilliant.” We strive to disrupt the status quo and embrace innovation with a curious mindset. We make courageous decisions and constantly search for new ways to shape the future. Additionally, we strive to be unrivalled in everything we do, with passion and ambition. We don’t let ambiguity or complexity stop us from going the extra mile.

These core values are deeply ingrained in our work and guide us in creating innovative solutions. By staying true to these values, we continue to push boundaries and set new standards in our industry. How does FARFETCH innovate when it comes to content and social and what are the next milestones? At FARFETCH, we see exciting opportunities for the future of digital experience in luxury. One area of focus is content and social, specifically looking at how user-generated content will evolve for luxury and how it can merge with the current digital shopping experience to drive new ways of shopping and inspiration. Another area of focus is digital fashion, specifically looking at 3D assets and fuelled experiences to make the shopping experience more immersive and tactile, such as Virtual Try-Ons and AR experiences that we have launched in recent years. We also see AI-supported shopping as a key area of growth, where AI tools can support human-led shopping and styling services, and there’s even more to come.

What innovation has changed the game in your life, career or business and how so?

I grew up in the 80s and 90s in a small city in a small country, with a love for

fashion and technology but with no realistic opportunity of entering the fashion world, let alone being able to combine these two different interests. I’m so grateful that the evolution of the internet and web-based strategies changed everything for me. It’s amazing to think about how much has changed in such a short period of time and it continues to do so. The work I am doing now did not exist a few years ago and it is inspiring to know that I am a part of this ever-changing cycle of innovation. I would say that innovation, particularly digital innovation, has changed

industry? We are constantly listening to and analysing consumer trends to assess where the market is heading. What customers really want lends to our DNA and what is authentic to FARFETCH and, as such, we ensure we always keep the customer at the heart of everything we do. When it comes to online shopping, customers are more hyper connected than ever and always ahead of retailers and as a result, we are focused on constantly innovating and evolving our online customer experience and user journey to ensure the needs of our consumers are being met.

a problem? Does it unlock a benefit? If these questions do not have an answer, then it’s probably not the right time to be focusing on that particular initiative.

What are the core pillars/DNA of FARFETCH and how do they relate to your team? Customers are a big part of our DNA and one of our core company values. This is one of the biggest values for my team, FARFETCH Platform Solutions, as our main focus is to deliver white label technology solutions for brands and retailers utilising the platform capabilities we built for FARFETCH. Therefore, everything we do is about delivering on customer promises.

everything in my life and continues to do so. It has given me the opportunity to pursue my passions and dreams and has opened up a world of possibilities. And the best part is, this is just the beginning.

What or who is innovative to you and why?

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly remarkable thinkers and builders, from Jane Shepherdson at Topshop to Natalie Massenet at Net-A -Porter to José Neves at FARFETCH. They have taken their love for our industry and created new ways of thinking and opportunities through their entrepreneurship and unwavering passion. To me, they embody true innovation, not just thinking about it or talking about it, but actually creating it. They have inspired me to understand that innovation is 99% about execution and that it requires hard work and commitment. As Natalie always said, “if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.” Their dedication and leadership have been an inspiration to me, and I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them all.

Kelly Kowal, Chief Platform Officer at FARFETCH

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I try to have a regular routine in the morning but life can have other plans, especially when travelling for work! Most mornings, I wake up, have coffee while reviewing my calendar to plan my day and then do my workout which is anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. I always try to take a bit of time for myself in the morning before the day breaks even if it’s only a 5-minute meditation and always with a coffee!

FARFETCH was the first global luxury marketplace – how do you ensure you continually stay ahead of the curve in such a fast-paced

Diversifying our business is also crucial and so that we can take bets on certain trends and be able to offer our customers an unrivalled assortment from the best brands and boutiques around the globe.

We have a number of different avenues when it comes to engagement and retention which are also key. We do look for opportunities where we can bring the offline experience to life by immersing our customers into the world of the many boutiques that sit on the platform and through consumer facing events where we can connect with the FARFETCH community.

How does your role impact innovation at FARFETCH and what are the key goals to lead the charge in terms of innovating in the luxury market? As Chief Platform Officer, one of the roles that I hold is bringing new requirements and functionality to the platform for our clients. The key goal here is to always add value and, as I mentioned earlier, the client and the customer should always be at the heart of all the decisions on what gets prioritised. With new trends or technology that appear, it is always important to ask how that maps back into your strategy. Just because it’s the ‘new thing’ does not mean it will always work for your business or strategy. We always ask ourselves: what is the benefit that this can bring? Does it solve

Being global is also part of our DNA. FARFETCH was global from day one, shipping from five different countries into every country around the world. Global is a big part of why brands and retailers partner with FPS. Not only do we have the global capabilities but it’s also inherently how we think, how we operate and how we strategically add value. It’s also not just being able to ship globally but how we are able to localize in different markets and how we are able to drive demand through our digital marketing capabilities, meaning we create the demand in those markets. Innovation is also a core pillar at FARFETCH. Because our platform runs the marketplace, FF.com, we never stop innovating into our platform as it’s the core piece that sets us apart from our competitors. We put the customer at the heart of innovation, so we are building features and functionality that ultimately benefit the customer. We are customer centric. What innovation has changed the game in your life, career or business and how so?

What or who is innovative to you and why?

I’m not sure there is one piece of innovation that I would say has changed my life. It is more about how innovation is adding ease to my life. Everything from smartphones to wearable tech to better apps make one realise how much innovation impacts our day-to-day lives. I am also a big fan of connected homes and how seamless the tech behind this is. For me, it’s more of the mindset of innovation that has changed as well. It used to be tech for tech’s sake or tech to wow. Nowadays, the most valuable innovation has a purpose, it solves a problem and quickly becomes invaluable.

“We don’t let ambiguity or complexity stop us from going the extra mile.” – Carol Hilsum

“We put the customer at the heart of innovation, so we are building features and functionality that ultimately benefit the customer.” – Kelly Kowal

Innovating the Luxury Fashion Space

We discuss innovation and merging the physical world with the virtual with DREST’s Founder, Lucy Yeomans

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? Having moved to the countryside last year, I now split my working week between London and Wiltshire, where we are in the middle of restoring the late photographer Cecil Beaton’s former Queen Anne house. So in addition to driving my 10 year old to school – a 20 minute drive with not a traffic light in sight but plenty of sheep, deer and other

wildlife – I always have to quickly check which tradesmen are due on site for the day. My one luxury when I am working from the country, is to steal a quick half hour before sitting down at my desk to walk up onto the hills behind our house. The views are vast and breathtaking and I find I do my best creative thinking of the day while walking, not to mention using this rare moment away from screens and calls to get

a clearer perspective on the business and thus better tackle the issues of the day.

DREST has been innovating the luxury fashion and gaming space from the outset. How do you ensure you continually stay ahead of the curve in such a fast-paced industry?

DREST is an immersive and highly creative mobile game and content platform that merges the worlds of luxury fashion, beauty and lifestyle with the infinite possibilities of the metaverse, a space that is evolving at a serious pace so staying ahead of the curve is essential.

As DREST is a gaming experience that is inspired and in sync with real time fashion and cultural news, allowing users to discover, interact with and shop the latest luxury collections as they drop, we are always deeply present in the now, but every day we are also looking to the future in terms of new features development in our quest to further delight and engage our audience.

Ideation often takes the form of asking ourselves how we can harness either the latest technology or indeed types of game play to deliver our audience an even more elevated, creative and interactive experience that both educates and inspires and brings them deeper into the fashion and beauty worlds. Our roadmap is packed full of innovation and exciting feature ideas, so much so that often the biggest challenge is to deliver the necessary tech to bring it all to life. Our avatar system is practically a business in itself and the complexity of the tech behind it is immense and complex. We also continue to iterate on all of every idea that goes into the game based on our players’ feedback – this “co-creative” aspect of DREST is incredibly important to us and ensures the user experience is at the heart of everything we do. How does your role impact the teams which drive innovation at DREST and what are the key goals to lead the charge in terms of innovating in the luxury market? Fashion, gaming and technology are three industries that are united by a desire to innovate, but are also very, very different. In the role of Founder and Chief Brand and Product Officer, my goal ev-

ery single day is to really unite and inspire the teams around the vision for the business – to create a game-changing interactive platform that excites and engage audiences in the luxury fashion, beauty and lifestyle space in the most creative and fun, gamified way, thus enabling a large global fashion-loving audience to discover and connect and create with the world’s top brands and their latest products.

It is an ambitious goal and requires a multi-disciplined team made up of exceptional talents from the fashion, gaming and tech industries. Bringing together creative minds from diverse backgrounds breeds a truly innovative culture, but it is essential everyone collaborate in an open-minded way and learns quickly from each other, as we set about ideating, problem solving and overcoming the numerous challenges and breaking down barriers that are par for the course when operating in a greenfield space. A fundamental element of the way we align the teams is to really unify everyone around our audience – current and potential – and their needs, wants and desires. Indeed the initial idea for DREST which I had some 10 years ago now, was born of observing the challenges being faced by many of the luxury brands in how to reach and engage in a meaningful way that still adhered to their often elevated brand values, with a younger audience – their future consumer – who not only had high expectations when it came to content, but who also crucially wanted to be part of the creative conversation, sharing their ideas and their points of view. So ensuring the team deeply understands our audiences’ motivations and behaviours is vital to ensure we deliver a game experience complete with compelling and inspiring real-world narrative and content, that will really blow them away.

I am passionate about providing truly special experiences for our players, taking them behind the scenes of some of the most exclusive fashion and lifestyle events, but also allowing them to discover new brands and experiment with their own style. To put it simply, DREST’s principal mission is to open up the often exclusive world of fashion to everyone, everywhere. We want to meaningfully connect our players with the brands, the designers and other creative talents they love and admire. It is this desire for connection and participation that we’re seeing manifest in Web3, and it’s incredibly exciting to be a co-architect of fashion’s metaverse-enabled future. How does DREST innovate when it comes to content and social and what are the next milestones? Our daily styling challenges are based on what is happening in the real world. This month, for example, we will be talking about the international Fashion Weeks and in March we will focus on challenges around Awards season, from the Grammys to the BAFTAS and the Oscars. We are also constantly col-

laborating with top brands and talent in the fashion, beauty, entertainment and travel space to highlight their latest projects. This means our players might get to style some of the world’s most engaging models – Natalia Vodianova, Imaan Hammam, Kate Moss, Precious Lee for example… or in the makeup and hair space work with the creations of Lisa Eldridge, Mary Greenwell, Sam McKnight and Josh Wood. We want playing Drest to be an elevated and highly creative fashion education, and give our players the chance to get noticed by global talent – shoe legend Christian Loubouin recently selected his top looks for his challenges – and possibly even consider building their own real-life styling career.

Re Drest’s next milestones, we are now, excitingly, at an important moment in our product’s evolution with DREST moving onto a new faster moving tech platform. With this will come a wealth of exciting new features and game play, and DREST will also be available on both iOS and Android. Some highlights of the new ‘levelled up’ DREST’ will include a new look and feel, animation, live events, the ability to personalise avatars, and a raft of compelling new social features that will connect players both with each other and the brands they love. What or who is innovative to you and why? Innovation, to me, is always staying several steps ahead of people’s desires and working out ways to delight, engage, inspire and entertain them that they don’t even know they yet want. Having worked for over 20 years in the fashion industry and publishing, I have seen incredible innovation from brands and designers – Lee McQueen, Karl Lagerfled, Miuccia Prada,

Virgil Abloh, Stella McCartney etc. – there are so many extraordinary creative minds who are constantly challenging the status quo and making us think about clothes and indeed how we express ourselves differently. Harnessing the magic of technology is to me the next and most exciting step the fashion and beauty industries can take to drive their businesses forward. In a world where physical and digital experiences are becoming ever closer, what excites me is working out how to work with the latest technology to further elevate audience experiences and create meaningful and interesting ways to connect people. I am also passionate about innovations that have the possibility to scale and really change our day to day behaviour and overall landscape rather than being one-off moments that cause a press storm or concentrated moment of interest, never to be realised on a wider scale. I remember when Natalie Massenet first told me about her concept for NET-A-PORTER, based on the simple idea of a website in the format of a magazine that would sell luxury items. Back in the 2000s, shopping for luxury brands online seemed unimaginable. Fast forward today when online is on track to be the single biggest luxury sales channel in the coming years.

I am incredibly excited about all that the next few years will surely hold, as our understanding of both the potential and the shape the metaverse will take evolves, and firmly believe DREST, with its focus on innovative tech, community and ultimately the desires of fashion loving audiences everywhere, will be at the forefront of the luxury fashion and lifestyle metaverse space.

OPERATOR

Fendi delivers a futuristic feel to leather in structural form

A New Heritage

We discuss innovation in the fine jewellery industry and what it takes to grow consistently without compromising on quality with founder of Loquet London, Sheherazade Goldsmith

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? Beauty comes first with a cold face wash, followed by a quick massage with my rose quartz heart facial sculptor. Jewellery is second (always my Loquet). I keep mine in one of our Heidi Bishop for Loquet London jewellery bowls by my bed. A quick green tea with a news brief from the Atlantic on my iPad and then it’s a dash with five minutes to spare to my Pilates class, which luckily is around the corner from my house. How did you know it was the right time to launch Loquet London and what was the catalyst to this? I suppose it was the right time because it felt like the right time for me. It was a moment in my life where I had a window to try something new. I was on a writing sabbatical having just completed my masters and published two books but felt a creative impulse to try something a bit different. I grew up around jewellery as my uncle is a jeweller and I wondered if it would be possible to reimagine the online fine jewellery market and create a shopping experience that allowed each of us to be our own designer. I knew I wanted to create a collection with meaning as the only constant piece of jewellery I always wore was a charm bracelet; the story it told and the memories it held always made me smile. But as a writer I found my charm bracelet would often get in the way of my typing, it was a noisy distraction, so I came up with the idea of keeping your charms close, by holding them together in a pendant. The Loquet online concept came from the sweet shops of my childhood, when sweets were sold individually, stored in huge glass jars that turned the shop into a kaleidoscope of rainbow colours and endless choices. What are the core pillars / DNA of Loquet London? The core pillars are for our clients to be the designers of their own piece in the same way that they are the design their destiny. A Loquet is a celebration of independence and individualism. A story that is unfolding with time. Jewellery with a purpose to be worn every day whatever the occasion.

Loquet London was innovative within the fine jewellery industry by giving a wider breadth of client access to bespoke. Can you expand on this and how you decide on the charms available? The charms are all a reference to my love of travel. Discovering new cultures is one of my greatest pleasures as I love delving into the history and stories that lie behind traditions. Each of our charms is an homage to those adventures and a reference to a deeply held ancient belief. We all have our own interpretation of their meaning, but they are attached to an emotion that make us all part of the same human experience. We might all have different stories to tell but our emotions are the same. This is perhaps why I decided to create a bespoke service where the client can create their own charm. It’s my favourite part of our collection as

it’s such a lovely opportunity to discover what matters to our clients and the process of bringing to life something that means the world to you is a lot of fun.

Can you keep adding to your piece? The lockets are designed with our signature clasp that can be opened and closed so you can add charms as your life story evolves.

How has the offering expended and are there key pieces which drive sales season after season? We often introduce new charm collections, but the evolution has really been in our signature and heirloom locket collections. These pieces are handmade, using the very best materials, with a faceted sapphire crystal façade. Whether we are using diamonds or created a distinctive shape the emphasis is on light, helping to illuminate the charms that are carried inside.

What innovation has changed the game in your life, career, or business and how so? I suppose it’s my own personal innovation. I learned to find time for myself to create a work/life balance that allows me to find space in my head to be creative. Running your own company is often about the business aspect and if you throw family into that mix, life fills up quite quickly. What fuels most businesses and good decisions is the creative thinking, so it’s important to be protective of that time.

What or who is innovative to you and why? My children, as they are at an age where they are re-inventing themselves every day.

Available at THAT Concept Store

“What fuels most businesses and good decisions is the creative thinking, so it’s important to be protective of that time.”

COOL, CLEVER CUTS ARE THE DNA OF EZZAT. WE SPEAK TO FOUNDER

FAY EZZAT ON INNOVATION AND HONING HER VISION

What is at the core of Ezzat, the DNA of the brand? Ezzat is a fashion collection that embodies the modern spirit of fashion. It is unisex, bold, dramatic, and powerful. The pieces are designed to be sharp and edgy while still remaining timeless and stylish. The collection combines the best of both worlds: contemporary silhouettes with classic cuts and materials. From sleek leather jackets to tailored trousers, each piece is crafted with precision and care. Ezzat is for those who want to make a statement without sacrificing comfort or quality. Whether you’re looking for an everyday look or something more daring for special occasions, Ezzat has it all. How did you know it was the right time to launch and how long have you been ideating the brand? I have been working on this brand for over two years and it has been a difficult journey due to the lack of fashion sourcing options with good quality materials and finishing in Dubai. I had to build everything from the ground up, which took me two years to create a studio with all the necessary equipment. Currently, there are only two of us working in the studio; we put together a small facility with all the industrial machines needed. I wanted to launch this collection a year ago but I had to prioritize creating high-quality pieces, which took much longer than expected.

Innovative design is a signature of Ezzat –how did you define this? Ezzat Collection speaks to signature oversized and giant silhouettes. Inspired by a desire to create something unique and eye-catching the designs are bold and daring, with an emphasis on creating pieces that stand out from the crowd. I want to make a statement with these pieces, and ensure each is unique.

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

Wearable Tech

Innovative fashion brands pushing the boundaries of design

Iris

Van Herpen

Inspired by the concept of biomimicry, this multidisciplinary brand creates delicate clothing through artisanal craftsmanship. Whether shaping a dress through electromagnetic weaving or sculpting one from 3D hand-cast transparent leather, the maison challenges traditional notions of the handmade to create ethereal garments that are radically future-facing and exquisitely feminine.

Nike ACG

This exclusive All Conditions Gear line takes performance wear to the next level, with a series of hiking products crafted to perfection. Aimed toward more extreme activities, like rock climbing and mountain biking, ACG boasts an eclectic lineup of durable sneakers that make immaculate use of Nike’s constantly cutting-edge materials and technologies.

Acronym

Scalpel cuts, technical materials, non-standard finishes and surrealist designs are often on the menu of this Berlin-based label’s collections. In addition to the design, it uses technological materials to improve the capabilities of its wardrobe in terms of waterproofing, flex-

ibility and thermal regulation with innovative aesthetics.

Herno Laminar

Designed with functionality beyond aesthetics, the pieces are windproof, breathable and water repellent. Their techwear-inspired collection comes with many unique tops and a small amount of footwear to go with it. One of their most standout items is a techwear blazer that’s great for the office and can muster varying weather conditions.

Charli Cohen

Ever explored the metaverse? Designed with high-performance fabrics, this Londonbased fashion brand was started by Charli Cohen straight out of university. Designed with the finest blends the brand has put the tech in tech-wear and even signed a commercial partnership with Reebok.

Patagonia

Made for everything outdoors, the brand sells bespoke mountain climbing gear including sportswear. The brand also introduced the ‘worn wear’ concept in 2017 allowing customers to return particular items in good condition in exchange for new merchandise credit.

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

FORMS OF

REPOSSI CURATES AN INNOVATIVE COLLECTION TO CELEBRATE ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

THE HEART

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its iconic Antifer Collection, Repossi presents the Antifer Heart capsule collection: three new pieces combining the gentle forms of the heart with the sharp tip of Antifer’s unmistakable design signature.

Sleek lines and minimalist design, inspired by contemporary art and Japanese essentialism, the Antifer Collection was created in 2013 and today embodies one of the three pillars of Repossi’s design identity. An exercise in style for the Place Vendôme jeweller, it reinvents the classic gold wedding band through a juxtaposition of round and angled, achieving perfect harmony of form.

THINKING DIFFERENTLY

WORDS: DAN ROBINSON

Gucci

Italian fashion house Gucci is not shy of making trailblazing moves. It has been a trailblazer in fashion for as long as we can remember, paving the way for many brands to follow. Hiring Tom Ford in 1990 was a renegade move that paid off.

Alessandro Michele’s tenure at the helm was no different and Gucci was re-invested with almost fairytale-like conceptions which drove sales YOY to record numbers. Leveraging social media was a skill Gucci honed and grew its global following in more broad terms, encompassing a new generation of customer.

Key collaborations with artists and heavyweight brands such as Disney and Adidas have kept the brand firmly situated at cult status with millennials making up half of the brand’s sales. With Michele departed, we are excited to see what’s next.

TWO NONCONFORMIST LUXURY BRANDS THAT HAVE LEVERAGED BOLD MOVES AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN TO DELIVER CULT STATUS AND FINANCIAL SUCCESS

LEFT PAGE: GUCCI SS23; THIS PAGE: ALESSANDRO MICHELE

Saint Laurent

Sharp, cool tailoring have always been key attributes of Saint Laurent, since its Yves days. In 2012 Hedi Slimane took the reins and during Slimane’s four-year tenure we witnessed a rebranding of the label. Dropping the ‘Yves’ but gaining revenue the brand saw great success both creatively and commercially. Slimane’s successor, Anthony Vaccarello remains at the helm of Saint Laurent today, continuing to champion a new take on the classic signatures of the brand. SS23’s runway show in Paris was every inch a mix of retro, rebellion and futurism, a bold, brave and heady mix for success.

BOTH PAGES: SAINT LAURENT SS23

AN OPULENT

VISION

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

What do the first 30 minutes of your day, your morning routine look like? I like to start my day with meditation as it helps me start the day with a clear mind. After this, I freshen up and start my day with coffee and relaxing music which helps me kickstart my work day. Talk us through your career. Art, fashion and sketching illustrations have always been a passion of mine as I believe they represent my personality. I started my career in the finance industry but soon followed my inner desire to design and launch my own brand. My background in finance provided me with the foundation to start a business while my creativity fuelled my desire to design styles that emanate a contemporary spirit. What inspired you to launch AMARAH? My passion and desire to create a wearable piece of art inspired me to launch AMARAH. The brand is my reflection of how a mix of contrasts can seamlessly bridge together elevated silhouettes, luxurious fabrics and refined details.

The Sunset Aura collection captures your love for digital art. How did you effortlessly incorporate this? I believe digital art encompasses a sense of aura that is unique to it, through its colours and patterns. Through the Sunset Aura collection, I want my designs to portray this. The colour palette and the subtle touches of embellishments depict this aesthetic.

The brand recently styled Elle Macpherson for the Red Sea Film Festival 2022 – tell us more. It was a proud moment to have the beautiful Elle Macpherson wear a design from my Spring/Summer 23 collection at one of our country’s biggest events. Styled by Noaf AlNamlah, this opportunity was a great platform to show the immense talent in our region to the world.

The label was handpicked to showcase at ‘Saudi 100 Brands’, an initiative by the Saudi Fashion Commission, could you elaborate. Handpicked to be showcased at ‘Saudi 100 Brands’ and represent my country on an international and local platform such as this has truly been an honour. The programme has provided me with knowledge and exposure from experts in the industry on how to place my brand and tell its story, which has been inspiring. It has opened doors and gave me the opportunity to place my brand in the international market. Moreover, it has been a community where like-minded designers come together and support each other.

With six collections so far, what to date continues to be your main source of inspiration?

I am always inspired by art and nature. Each piece of art, each natural wonder is embedded with deep meaning and story which I like to incorporate into my designs from a different lens.

The SS23 collection references the everchanging patterns and curves of the waves. How did you express the same? The serenity of the sea is brought to life through timeless feminine designs. The shades of seashells, deep blue waters and the sunset reflecting on the waters is referenced through a colour palette of sea mist, aquamarine, blush and sand. This season, I worked with flowy fabrics such as silk which illustrates the fluid nature of the waves. I played around with scalloped edges and pearl embellishments that subtly embrace the inspiration. How do you balance the creative and commercial side of the business? Balancing the creative and commercial side has been a learning experience. I start my day by answering emails, checking up on production status and attending to anything that re-

quires urgent attention. In the second half of the day, I let my creativity run free. During this time, I play with new styles, fabric samples, statement elements. I have great help from my team that helps me stay on top of everything.

The brand focuses on innovative designs. Does travelling play a key role in influencing these styles? Travel has always been a source of inspiration as it refreshes my ideas and creativity. Exploring different cultures, architecture and nature helps me view concepts and ideas from a new perspective. How have you managed to scale the brand growth since its inception? With every collection, I learn something new. To grow consistently, I see each step and each challenge as a learning opportunity. Understanding my clientele and seeking advice helps me take my brand to the next level.

This is The Innovative Issue – what makes the brand unique? My brand embodies a sense of new age romance. Each design is an eclectic reflection of how I honour my roots but portray it from a new perspective, making it unique.

Founder Arwa Alkadi of contemporary fashion label

AMARAH on how the brand is an eclectic reflection of honouring its roots with a fresh perspective

Hot New Buys

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

The latest innovative beauty products to invest in

Honey-Infused Formula

This nourishing shampoo gently cleanses and hydrates to leave hair touchably soft, shiny, and more manageable. Honey Infused Hair Wash Shampoo 330ml for Dhs136 Gisou

ACTIVE CAFFEINE

This ultra-luxe body cream visibly reduces the look of skin dimpling with longan seed extract and active caffeine for an instant glow. Hydrating Body Cream Dhs220 JLO Body

24-Carat Gold

Curated with crystal and gold flecks, this sell-out scent is now in oil form. Sparkling Body Oil Baccarat Rouge 540 Dhs716 Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris

Sea Moss Magic

A salty sea breeze, woody hit of cedar and hints of sea moss invite you to experience a new sense of fragrance. Sea Moss Eau De Parfum Dhs512 Sunspel

NATURAL BLUR

This loose setting powder formulated with Amazonian clay controls excess oil for a soft-focus finish. Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay

Finishing Powder Dhs160 Tarte

A Pomegranate Pout

Supercharged moisture for a smoother, firmer and plumper-looking pout. Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask with Pomegranate Sterols + Vitamin E Dhs80 Fenty Skin

Prebiotic Blend

Powered by a blend of prebiotics and salicylic acid, this cleanser decongests pores leaving them purified and balanced. The Simple Cleanser Dhs106 aime

Petal-Soft Skin

Protect your skin’s barrier with rare Japanese Peony Extract. Hyper Real Skincanvas Balm Moisturizing Cream Dhs315 M.A.C Cosmetics

WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS

Innovate

Beauty products doubling down on science

01. The Eyebrow and Lash Enhancing Serum Dhs648 Augustinus Bader; 02. The Exceptional Chronobiology Sleep Mask, 8 x 2ml Dhs1,537 Noble Panacea; 03. Diamond Extreme Serum, 40ml Dhs1,950 Natura Bissé; 04. The Ultimate Soothing Cream, 50ml Dhs1,160 Augustinus Bader; 05. Super Anti-Aging Eye Cream, 15ml Dhs771 Dr. Barbara Sturm; 06. Victoria Beckham by Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum, 30ml Dhs769 Victoria Beckham Beauty; 07. Exfolactic Cleanser, 120ml Dhs224 111Skin; All products available at NET-A-PORTER

Cellular Innovation

CEO Sophie Guillon of Valmont Cosmetics tells us what it takes to innovate and create high-performance products with unique ingredients

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

What do the first 30 minutes of your day, your morning routine look like? I start the day with an application of Renewing Pack before my breakfast and then I apply the Moisturizing Booster, Elixir Vos Yeux and finally the Elixir Votre Visage.

Talk us through your career. I’ve worked for Balmain and Saint Laurent, then later led Valmont Group for more than 20 years. I oversee all aspects of product creation, supervise marketing and communication and manages international press relations, all guided by my intuition, experience and commitment.

Make-up has seen a strong shift from glam to barefaced. How has Valmont played a key role in making this change? Healthy is the new beauty. Young women are in absolute harmony with their environment and themselves. Unlike previous generations, they refuse to hide behind layers of makeup. Women are now aware of truly embracing their skin without artifice calls for an immaculate approach to their beauty routine. With this, Valmont has seamlessly built an image for a minimalist yet effective experience. With our Luminosity products featuring four heavenly textures, Valmont presents to all these women the gift of sublime skin, free of filters!

The Det02x cream is known as radiance in a jar – tell us more. In general, complexions are now greyish because of the city life, the cigarette which one could not resist during the last cocktail, or a plane trip which tired the skin. In addition to these extrinsic factors are those of the pandemic. The skin has never needed so much fresh air. DetO2x cream recreates the perfect environment to boost cells’ longevity. It oxygenates like a super O2 vector, removes CO2 that asphyxiates the cells and renews the cells for an optimal plumping effect. The brand has mastered anti-ageing treatments since 1985 – what’s the secret? Valmont’s treatments are extremely concentrated and remain very consistent in the quality of their active ingredients. Our cellular treatments offer immediate visible results, and the comfort of our textures make our creams totally addictive. The values of discipline and ethical conduct, together with the Group’s unwavering commitment to consistent quality for an international clientele, inspire confidence and devotion to the brand’s various Maisons. In less than a generation, Valmont has grown from 11 products to over 100 spectacular treatments, encapsulating a vision of international renown in more than 50 countries and nearly 1,800 highly selective points of sale.

Most of the products rely on the alliance of alpine ingredients. How does this ensure long-lasting results? Switzerland’s environment offers a wealth of natural resources, as well as optimal conditions to develop and create high-quality cosmetic products: unspoiled nature and pure air and water. Valmont has developed a unique space: the phyto-alpine garden for breeding plants, chosen for their effect on the skin, thus ensuring the quality of the extracts to be incorporated into its products.

Valmont has been true to the concept of cellulo-therapy. How did it all begin? The story of Valmont cosmetics began in the early 1980s in the rolling hills of Montreux, and cellular cosmetics appeared in Switzerland. They were treatment products with active ingredients developed from fresh cells. Valmont belongs to the family of cellular cosmetics, as it features cell extracts (DNA extracted from the milt of wild salmon by means of a complex process) and RNA, extracted from yeast. What makes the products different from others is their

bio-mimetism with the skin. That is to say the way they merge into the skin to reproduce or compensate natural biologic phenomena. By constantly pushing back the frontiers of innovation, Valmont introduced a new DNA in 2016. How is this exclusive to the brand? In 2004, after several years of Research and Development Valmont was able to launch a new form of totally exclusive DNA: Triple DNA because 3 macro-elements from the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factors) are linked to the main HP DNA chain. These macro-elements are Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium. In 2012 the potential for efficacy is greater than ever! Valmont exclusively developed a Triple DNA liposome. Protected by this phospholipid vesicle, Triple DNA can penetrate faster and further and deliver all its regenerating and repairing properties into the greater depths of the skin. In 2021, Valmont gave birth to a new DNA: Polymatrix DNA. This new DNA increases the quantity of active ingredients absorbed by the skin thanks to its structure and composition. The objective is to allow the active ingredients to penetrate deeply.

The Luminosity range harnesses the power of seven skin-boosting plants, could you elaborate. Each of these seven plants is well known in pharmaceutical science for their beneficial effects on the skin. Brought together in a cocktail, they are

proven to remedy imperfections and unify the complexion. Everything is orchestrated to ensure that this living herbarium provides the skin with its full radiance potential. From organic and sustainable agricultural practices to painstaking manual harvesting, not to mention delicate extraction by means of organic solvents. The wonderful botanical resources of Switzerland are combined with the Japanese tradition of the White Mulberry, a nature that guarantees a powerful radiance. The Triple DNA symbolises the Valmont antiageing expertise to reinforce the skin in-depth, to boosts cellular regeneration and to protects against oxidation.

This is The Innovative Issue – what makes the brand unique? Valmont attaches great importance to the R&D department to offer effective anti-ageing products that use the finest cutting-edge active ingredients. Valmont’s fundamental focus is on the process of extracting raw materials and product creation methods. The DNA used is produced using the cold extraction method. By developing this specific and patented extraction process, Valmont made it possible to maintain the integrity of the DNA’s molecular structure, thus preserving its activity. Offer anti-aging skincare of high performance, with proven efficacy has been the brand’s mission since its inception: we are unique.

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

A New Kind of Beauty

We discuss the innovation in semipermanent makeup with BROWZ Founder

Michele Barclay

BROWZ is known for exceptional standards. Was this a key part of its DNA since the outset? BROWZ prides itself for its high-quality standards which is an important part of our key pillars as a company. Innovation is key to our DNA; we are futuristic and pioneers within our field. As a premium beauty business, we are constantly evolving our products and services by travelling and sourcing international products and talents. We utilize our partners to operate in an ethical manner. We follow a simplistic approach to ensure our treatments are of high quality as opposed to quantity. This is part of our values as a company and applies to all areas of the business, from the hiring process to the beauty services that are being offered –it all aligns with our values. Our mantra at BROWZ is to make our clients look and feel the best version of themselves. How has semi-permanent makeup changed and what is the approach you take now? The semi-permanent industry is constantly evolving. At BROWZ, we strive to be the leader

in semi-permanent makeup by offering our clients the latest technologies and highest quality of pigments available on the market. Our approach starts with product development and education, our therapists are highly trained artists that are experts in semi-permanent makeup. They have attended international conferences in order to deliver the best practice for our clients. Fundamentally, they are simply the best at what they do. How does lip blush work and how long does it last? The lip blush treatment enhances the shape and beauty of a woman’s natural lip colour by perfecting symmetry and identifying the correct shade. Lip blush has multiple benefits, such as the stimulation of collagen production as it offers definition and the illusion of a slightly fuller lip. At BROWZ, it is very important for us that we deliver results that are extremely natural and long-lasting. In the case of lip blush, the treatment usually lasts between six months to one year. Is there a wide variety of shades to choose from and is this a technique that works for everyone? There are lots of different shades that can be created to suit each woman. At BROWZ, we adopt a natural approach to semi-permanent makeup and specifically lip blush treatments and enhancements. We correct uneven pigmentation which is very common in the region and our experts are specialist in this specific area. They focus on obtaining the right colour, shade and contouring to enhance a woman’s beauty. Before each treatment, we offer all our clients a private consultation with our artists to ensure the client fully understands the process and treatment. Nowadays, the techniques are softer and the healing process is much shorter than before, it usually takes 3-4 days for the lips to heal.

What approach do you take towards innovation at BROWZ? At BROWZ, we believe in surrounding ourselves with the latest techniques that support the semi-permanent industry. For us, innovation is about working with likeminded individuals who are driven by their passion and talent. Our experts perform these treatments on a daily basis and for us the approach to innovation lies in the training and development that comes into hand.

We are constantly innovating and offering premium services and techniques to our clients in order to maintain our high-standards. We spend time with our clients to fully understand what they like about the treatment. We work very specifically with 2-3 key partners such as Natura Bissé, Sisley and M2 Beauté as their expertise and quality of training fully aligns with our values.

Innovation at Browz means offering the best treatment in the most ethical way as part of the beauty industry. If we do not believe in the treatment, we will not offer it.

Which are the most interesting new beauty technologies and techniques you’ve adopted at BROWZ recently? At BROWZ, we are pioneers in semi-permanent makeup, we do not blindly follow industry trends. We strive to be a voice of authority within the field and through the level of treatments that we have been offering for the past 20 years.

What has been a game-changer in your career to date and why was it so pivotal? Today, we offer treatments in a very different way than we did 15 years ago. In the UK, semi-permanent makeup was always includ-

ed as part of a menu in the beauty industry. We brought an entirely new concept to the UAE by turning it into a stand-alone store that specializes in semi-permanent makeup. That was a big game changer. At the time, semi-permanent makeup did not exist and was completely unknown in the region. We specialized ourselves in this particular sector which is extremely niche and specific.

What or who is innovative to you and why?

Gwyneth Paltrow as she is extremely fearless and created a platform that captured the hearts of many women on a global scale. Kim Kardashian as she is daring, different and always stands on her own. Robin Sharma, who is brilliant for creating a tactic that helps you think outside the box.

“Innovation is about working with likeminded individuals who are driven by their passion and talent.”

The Game Changer

Embody Fitness is taking training and body transformation to the next level. We discuss innovation and staying at the forefront of the industry with Founder James Miller

How is Embody Fitness changing the game in terms of fitness and what are the core values at the heart of its DNA? Embody Fitness is unique in terms of how closely and scientifically we work with our clients so that we can basically guarantee life changing results in just a few months now. Our core values always focus on putting our clients at the centre of everything we do. Then having a strong team ethic to ensure our clients get the very best of our team in all areas of our expertise from strength and conditioning, nutrition, recovery and sports therapy. Coming to Embody is like walking into your family away from home, we all have each others backs and are there to support, encourage, have fun and achieve amazing results. The equipment is state of the art – how challenging was it to define what was needed for a superlative fit out and to execute that? My partner and I have a strong vision for what our facilities need to look and feel like and how they should transport our clients as soon as they enter our doors. We are very design led and attention to detail is really important to us. So many fitness centres lack inspiration, design and basic cleanliness and we really want to continue to push the boundaries in terms of what can be achieved. We believe through the combination of combining a highly professional team through to

award winning design-led facilities means our clients remain inspired and motivated and can achieve the life changing results they are looking for but never achieved previously. You have a recovery suite which focuses on temperature extremes. Why is this key to optimizing the body and mind? I am a strong believer in hot cold therapy treatment having practiced this for a while myself. So we decided to incorporate a state of art recovery suite with the latest in infra-red saunas and ice baths to bring this experience to our clients. The latest research is showing so many new and important health benefits, I believe

most people would benefit in their lives from this type of therapy in some way. From improved muscle recovery, stronger immunity, reduced stress and anxiety, improved sense of wellbeing, fighting cancer, supporting detoxification and weight loss to improvement in chronic pain and auto-immune diseases there are just so many benefits to be gained. What has been the innovation that has changed the game in your life, career or business and how so? Given I am turning 50 soon, I really grew up just ahead of the technology boom, so I would say Apple launching their IPod and then the iPhone changed the way we used to live our lives so much. When my children see an “old fashion” fixed line telephone or casette recorder they just laugh and given how much of our lives exists on our mobile phones these days you can see why. What or who is innovative to you and why? Someone I grew up with who inspired me for their constant innovation was Richard Branson. He has launched more than 400 entrepreneurial initiatives across pretty much every sector and has even joined the race to outer space. A person who is always willing to put themselves in the arena, never afraid to fail, to buck norms and be persistent in their pursuit to create opportunities for a better world is always going to inspire me in how I want to live my life.

“Our core values always focus on putting our clients at the centre of everything we do.”

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

Resync

This futuristic studio provides a host of advanced wellness technologies to heal and repair muscle pain, improve performance, increase the speed of recovery and support ageing. Lighting is masterfully used not only in the treatments but also to softly illuminate walls and guide clients through their customer journey.

THE MUST TRY:

Red Light Therapy

The Alley

Fresh out of a sci-fi movie, this glow-in-the-dark padel centre, situated in the heart of Al Quoz marks the first of its kind in the region. Each padel court comes with its own speaker system, so you can even play your personal music making each session a memorable one.

THE MUST TRY: Glow in the Dark Padel

1Rebel

One of the most luxurious fitness destinations situated in the heard of DIFC, brings a beautifully crafted space with high-intensity workouts. The signature Reshape workout is designed to push limits while improving endurance, speed and strength with a fully immersive experience.

THE MUST TRY: Reshape

Fitness First

Fitness First Middle East is one of the world’s leading health and fitness chains with over 56 clubs across 46 locations in the Middle East. A must-try is the HydroKombat class. It includes movements from martial arts, an intensive rhythm and energetic music for a fresh and explosive routine. Designed to improve your cardiovascular and muscular endurance, this innovative workout fights water resistance.

THE MUST TRY:

HydroKombat

1Beat DXB

The team of experts encourage you to discover new exercises and unleash your potential one step at a time. Burn calories at higher rates with the VersaClimber that promises a raised post exercise metabolism. This allin-one gym machine is a low impact high-intensity exercise for effective results by moving the muscle groups of your body simultaneously,

THE MUST TRY: Cl1mb

ReFIVE Spa

Take a vacation from the stresses of daily life with this contemporary urban spa that offers the perfect cocoon at Five Palm Jumeirah. Plunge into cold waters at the Ice Bath for a series of benefits including faster muscle recovery, improved sleep patterns, stress reductions and even boosting immunity.

THE MUST TRY: Ice Bath

Iyashi Dôme

The Iyashi Dôme detox module is a unique Japanese development that creates a pleasant and absolutely safe activation of detoxification. This 30-minute treatment uses infrared radiation to remove toxins out of the body, stimulates recovery and manages the weight, eliminates agerelates changes and restores the energy balance in Dubai’s Sunset Mall.

THE MUST TRY:

Iyashi Dôme treatment

Above: Iyashi Dôme; Right and left page: Resync

The Beauty Shelf

Founder of Moon Juice, Amanda Chantal Bacon shares her hero beauty buys

COMPILED BY: IZZY TURNER

Sandalwood Soothing Lotion

Dhs143 Pratima

This is the perfect herbal remedy for bug bites, pimples, irritation or rashes.

Gentle Retinol Night Serum

Dhs422.39 Marie Veronique

I use this gentle retinol once a week, it helps with everything.

Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50

Dhs235 Naturopathica

This luxe rich moisturiser seamlessly blends with my skin, doesn’t leave me looking patchy.

The Srunchie No. 001 Dhs55

Crown Affair

I’m obsessed with these scrunchies. Three is simply not enough!

Ela Mint N-Ha Toothpaste

Dhs44 Boka

This toothpaste trades fluoride for nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), making it a healthier option.

Mascara Dhs220 Raven Maven

The best mascara – and in a glass tube!

Calming Digestive Spices

Dhs80 Surya

I sprinkle this digestive spice mix on my sweet potato a few times a week.

New Wash Dhs161 Hairstory

This is the only thing I’ve ever subscribed to in my life.

Repair Masque Dhs213 La Tierra Sagrada

I use this non-shampoo hairstory in my haircare routine and then a dab of this as a leave in conditioner. I’ve also been using

it weekly in the infrared sauna and it works wonders!

Acid Potion + Plump Jelly

Dhs330 Moon Juice

PB & Jelly alchemy! Acid Potion to break down congestion and remove dead skin before slathering my face with Plump Jelly for extra hydration.

SuperBeauty Dhs220 Moon Juice

I take SuperBeauty every morning because that’s when your glutathione levels are naturally the lowest. Much like collagen, glutathione breaks down with age.

SuperHair Dhs220 Moon Juice

It’s the only vegan, bioactive, bioavailable multivitamin with adaptogens, botanicals, and micronutrients for hair. My hair feels so much smoother and stronger.

COMPILED BY: JOËLLE ALBEAINO

TO PM BEAUTY

Erica Wright, Founder of fashion sourcing

network Sourcewhere, talks us through her morning to evening beauty routine

Talk us through your morning routine. I’m currently using the The Gentle Cleanser mild cream from SkinCeuticals, followed by Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, then I apply the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum. I’ve just gone back to using Aesop’s Camellia Nut facial hydrating cream which I love, and then I’ll add a layer of SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense sunscreen and La Prairie’s AntiAging eye and lip duo – I’m not sure if they make it anymore but I’m going to re-fill the compartments with another

product when it’s finished, because the case itself is beautiful and practical to take on-the-go. Finally, a quick spritz of Josh Rosebrook’s hydrating accelerator, because it smells divine.

And how about your evening routine? I use the same cleanser, leave out the exfoliant and use the B & Tea Balancing Toner from Aesop instead, then finish with the Emma Lewisham night cream and oil. I love using a gua sha afterwards, it feels like a treat after a long day.

What are your go-to skincare products?

Josh Rosebrook’s hydrating accelerator to

freshen up throughout the day. SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense sunscreen because it’s super lightweight and also works well as a base under makeup. Any natural Rose Cream in the colder months, because it’s the most hydrating fix for my skin.

Are you a fan of masks? I don’t use them all the time, but when I do I love Sarah Chapman’s facemasks, it really feels like you’ve had a facial afterwards.

How would you describe your approach to makeup? I try to keep it as minimal as possible – I’m a longtime wearer of Per-

ricone MD. I think the products are super lightweight and it really feels like your own skin. I’m not great at experimenting with any new trends, so I’ve more or less stuck to the same routine for a long time. I think a little concealer, clear brow gel and a lip balm goes a long way.

What can always be found in your makeup bag? Hermès lip balm in Rose Tan, Hourglass Vanish airbrush concealer, Benefit’s classic clear eyebrow gel, and the Kosas Sun Show bronzer.

Let’s talk fragrance. What are you loving at the moment? I think Byredo’s Gypsy Water

is a classic. My partner uses it and most of the time I just spray it on too. Otherwise, I really like Loewe 001.

How do you choose your evening fragrance? I love the Atelier Cologne perfumes which always feel super opulent and extravagant, although they’re definitely a statement perfume. When I use it in the evening it’s usually Gold Leather, which reminds me of my mother who introduced me to it.

Are there any innovative products in your makeup and skincare routine? Emma Lewsham’s products are a step ahead in terms of the effectiveness of the natural ingredi-

ents and their approach to sustainability. They’re paving the way for other brands to follow suit with reusable packaging and being able to achieve results that are scientifically backed but still completely natural. Talk us through your hair routine. I always come back to Aesop’s Shampoo and Conditioner. I think it’s the smell more than anything, but I always feel like my hair is softer and shinier after using it. I love to add a couple of drops of the OUAI hair oil before I blow dry it. I’ve used the classic Dyson hairdryer for some years now and think it still gives the best blow out.

Clockwise from top left: Gentle Cleanser Cream 200ml for Dhs207 SkinCeuticals; Shampoo 100ml Dhs65 Aesop; OUAI Hair Oil 45ml Dhs108 OUAI; Gypsy Water Eau De Parfum 100ml Dhs1,073 Byredo; Hydrating Accelerator 100ml Dhs157 Josh Rosebrook; Rose Hermès, Rosy Lip Enhancer Dhs317 Hermès

The Pad

Innovative designs, investment pieces

01. Arco K By Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1962 Dhs38,612 Flos; 02. Pao portable lamp Dhs609 HAY available at FARFETCH; 03. Frank Gehry Wiggle stool Dhs2,341 Vitra available at FARFETCH; 04. Aeris Oyo Ergonomic Rock Chair Dhs1,950 available at dubaistore.com; 05. Michel Ducaroy Togo Corner Chair in Black Leather Dhs8,872 Lignet Roset available at 1stdibs.com; 06. Teodoro Stool Dhs1,154 Al Huzaifa

WHAT IS TO COME

The latest in Assouline’s incredible offering, this title offers a unique immersion into this groundbreaking frontier through a curation of visuals related to and inspired by the Metaverse, ranging from fashion to architecture, from hardware to conceptual design

– a glimpse of what is to come. With this title, the definition of travel is expanding to explore destinations of the future in signature Assouline style, placing more abstract interpretations in conversation with more literal representations of the Metaverse to create a unique visual portrait of this new space.

Assouline’s The Metaverse represents the future, one we can only dream of…

THE ACADEMY

FATIMAH AL MATTER

TEAM: THE VENUE

How do you innovate when it comes to tech and how important is thinking outside the box? In my opinion, for tech companies innovation is key to be a more impressive value proposition than competitors. There is always a way to do things better and always a way to optimize. The how can I do more with less question always help in innovation. Thinking outside the box is key. What is next in the world of apps and what is key to building a successful app with high engagement? In apps, AI will be the gamechanger. The key to building a successful app is the idea itself. App owners should think about one main question before starting (is the chosen idea solving a real problem?) and always be questioning whether or not we’re doing the things we do to address a real need. What’s an innovation that has changed the game in your life, career or business and how so? Many things have changed things in my life and other’s life. For example, iPod was an innovative idea when it was launched – one can put all songs he/she has on one device. Google has changed lives of people by not just giving us information but also even predicting what we need to know. YouTube has changed education and the ability to self-learn. What or who is innovative to you and why? Being innovative is to provide your customers with unique value. It is to be a game changer!

SHATHA ALANIZI

TEAM: AWARE

How do you innovate when it comes to technology and how important is it to think

outside the box? To innovate in the field of technology, it is important to keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in the industry, as well as be open to new ideas and ways of thinking. This can be achieved by conducting research, experimenting with new technologies, and collaborating with diverse teams. Thinking outside the box is essential to come up with unique solutions. What is next in the world of apps and what is key to building a successful app with high engagement? The next big thing in the world of apps is likely to be the integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and blockchain. To build a successful app with high engagement, it is important to conduct thorough market research, understand the user’s needs and create a user-friendly interface. It is also important to continuously update and improve the app based on user feedback.

What innovation has changed the game in your life, career or business and how? The innovation that changed the game in the tech industry is the development of cloud computing and the widespread adoption of smartphones and mobile apps. These technologies have made it easier for me to stay connected with others, access information, and complete tasks on the go. The development of cloud computing has allowed data and applications to be stored and accessed remotely on the Internet, making them more accessible, cost-effective, and scalable.

What or who is innovative to you and why? To me, innovation can take many forms and can come from a variety of sources. I find inspiration in people who are creative, resourceful, and unafraid to take risks. I also look to companies and organizations that are leaders in their respective industries and are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

EMAN MOHAMMED

TEAM: BRAND IT

How important is thinking outside the box? Thinking outside the box means letting go of traditional constraints or default ways of reasoning to embrace new or innovative ways of thinking. It means to find creative ways to solve a problem.

How do you innovate when it comes to tech? Innovation is improving existing products or providing a new product with the latest technological features to set it apart from the other products.

What is next in the world of apps and what is key to building a successful app with high engagement? We live in a world full of new ideas where you can’t guess what’s coming next and which new technology is being discovered. When talking about mobile app success it is the whole journey, beginning from satisfying your end user’s needs quickly and effectively. Your app can do just one thing, but if it can do it perfectly it will succeed. When we talk about our users, we need to think big and to solve a problem that makes their life easier. Just focus on one central and core added value that can make a real difference. The best advice is to keep it simple. What’s an innovation that has changed the game in your life, career or business and how so? Innovation can change people’s lives and make life more manageable. Something innovative should ideally savs time.

What or who is innovative to you and why? An innovative person can turn an idea into a solution as long as it’s solving a problem. Any suggestion that can help people and make life easier is innovative and does not necessarily have to be a creative idea. Sometimes innovation can be done through a great business model, great Ux, or even adding value to an existing product.

“Innovators are able to see solutions to things that aren’t perceived problems.”

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

We discuss innovation with the bright new stars newly graduated from APPLE Developer Academy, in Saudi Arabia

NAJAT ALI

TEAM: HOVER

How do you innovate when it comes to tech and how important is thinking outside thebox? Harnessing technology to innovate and provide services that facilitate and change the lives of people and the world needs courage and a stimulating environment for the maturation of this innovation. Currently, Saudi Arabia is living a qualitative leap and encouraging in the world of innovation and aims to harness technology for it. Especially in the presence of His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, founder of innovation in Vision 2030 and its supporter. Through the projects we have developed at the Academy, we have always been keen to think outside the box, and we mean thinking outside the box to get out of the circle of knowledge in our minds and make our ideas commensurate with the challenges we face and learn about the experiences of others so that we get innovative solutions that facilitate. What is next in the world of apps and what is key to building a successful app with high engagement? There is no doubt that applications have made a big difference in people’s lives through the solutions they provide. One of the foundations of creating successful applications is designing an application suitable for the audience you intend to target, knowing their needs and providing them with easy and accessible solutions.

What’s an innovation that has changed the game in your life, career or business and how so? One of the most important innovations that has changed all our lives is the mobile phone. Through this we are able to use applications to learn new skills and ease our lives. What or who is innovative to you and why? Innovation should not always be about creating a new idea, but about finding new ways to solve

problems and being able to turn new knowledge and skills into a successful product or service.

HANAN ALHARETH TEAM:

TIDY

How do you innovate when it comes to tech and how important is thinking outside the box? Recently, many technical inventions have been created to ease people’s lives and take into account some of the suffering that exists in the society in which we live. In my opinion, when you want to create something related to technology, you must look at the simplest problems, work on creating solutions for them, and think in a creative way in order for this solution to appear.

What is next in the world of apps and what is the key to building a successful app with high engagement? The world of applications is an expanding and accelerating world, and there are many new applications that have emerged in many fields and will soon take over. As for how to build a successful application, whenever it is built in the right way followed by several stages of the idea to program the application with work and perseverance. Furthermore, by believing in the idea and developing it innovatively, and making it valuable, you will have a successful application.

What’s an innovation that has changed the game in your life, career or business and how so? There are many applications that have changed my life, including delivery applications in general, whether food delivery, grocery items, or simple daily needs.

What or who is innovative to you and why?

An innovator is someone who creates a solution arising from a problem he or she has. Innovators are able to see solutions to things that aren’t perceived problems.

FATIMAH ALMALKI

TEAM: DEERHA

How do you innovate when it comes to tech and how important is thinking outside the box? I have the passion and desire to learn new things which enable me to innovate and be creative. The desire for continuous improvement has pushed me to innovate new ideas consistently. Being surrounded by inspiring people in an environment like the Apple Academy Developer helped me take innovation and this way of thinking to a new level. What is next in the world of apps and what is the key to building a successful app with high engagement? Technical sciences are rapidly developing, and we can reach far horizons in technology. Mobile apps, we are constantly looking to provide an easier life for the user and to understand all their needs. The main point to having a successful app is providing a clear and simple user experience, which must go through several stages: First we must empathize with the users (learning about the audience) to understand their pain points, essentially to see the problems they fac. We need to clearly define the problem (identifying the users’ needs), ideate (generating ideas) by brainstorming ideas for design solutions to the user. From this we can then create a prototype (turning ideas into concrete examples), test and generate feedback. All this leads to the eventual success of an app. What’s an innovation that has changed the game in your life, career or business and how so? It is not only one innovation; it is several innovations that changed my life and everyone’s life.

What or who is innovative to you and why?

Daily lifestyle has become easier with innovative applications from an alarm when you wake up to a nighttime routine.

COMPILED BY: DAN ROBINSON

INTERNAL

We ask a group of incredible women how they innovate within their company culture

ZOYA ZAKR

FOUNDER OF THE FLOWER SOCIETY

What does innovation mean to you? It’s something out of the ordinary, it doesn’t always need to be a radical change, but its impact lies within the value it creates to end users. In my business, it’s linked to creativity in line with the brand positioning we created for our brand. Disruption is an extreme form of innovation, and we believe this is possible in all kinds of businesses when being close to customers and their needs.

How do you innovate in your company culture? Innovation at The Flower Society comes from every team member. Our company has a bottom-to-top policy, no hierarchy or stiff layers so creativity can flow. Innovation also comes from our loyal clients becoming part of the brand as they inspire us.

CLAIRE MILLER

FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE SKINCARE EDIT

What does innovation mean to you? In my idealistic view, products, ideas, or methods make the world a better place. As an entrepreneur and facialist within the beauty field, I am excited by the advancements we have seen in skincare formulation. Yet, I feel passionate and responsible that, as a wider industry, we need to examine some real challenges too and not shy away from the complicated issues such as climate change and sustainability that require more innovation.

How do you innovate in your company culture? The Skincare Edit was created from a desire to do things better. Sustainability is at the heart of every decision we make as a team, from the brands we partner with to

product selection, shipping, packaging, and delivery to how we describe the suitability of our products to customers. We want customers to make informed decisions for their skin without commercial hype – with only truth and transparency, which leads to better results and less waste. Our promises are honesty, results-driven products, sustainability, and transparency. For better sustainability, we need to look beyond just the products and the journey they take to get to us, ensuring the carbon footprint is as little as possible. As a beauty retailer and distributor, this is how we try to play our part in innovation.

AMNA AL HABTOOR

FOUNDER OF ARCADIA

What does innovation mean to you? To me, innovation is synonymous with originality. Thinking outside the box, trial and error, fresh perspectives, and advanced methods are all how I perceive innovation. How do you innovate in your company culture? It’s imperative that I adopt a non-hierarchal management approach – I feel that allows a corporate mindset that is always open to change, growth, and hence, innovation. I enforce this in different ways, such as having an open workspace with all my team members and encouraging collaboration between everyone in the company.

EMMA SAWKO

FOUNDER OF WILD & THE MOON

What does innovation mean to you? Innovation is what shakes the world and changes paradigms. And when you want to introduce a new

way of eating, in a region where each community is attached to their food culture as a part of their identity, when you want people to be more environmentally conscious in an environment that does not help, when you want them to take care of their health and vitality even though they did not seem to care that much… It takes a whole lot of innovation and shaking! My luck is that the UAE is a young country with a fresh look at everything and tonnes of enthusiasm for innovation. Since we opened, I have witnessed a shift in mentalities, and I believe the green revolution has started here. I’m also delighted to see more and more young women among the new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. I had the honour of being nominated for the prestigious Bold Women Awards in Paris, where I was surprised to meet hundreds of strong women, all entrepreneurs, many of them true innovators in their fields. I felt touched and grateful for this new generation of bold, empowered women, most of them with a gentler, greener, and altruist takes on success. We all need to encourage our daughters to be bold and innovative.

How do you innovate in your company culture? To become the first vegan, organic, and locally sourced restaurant in the UAE, we necessarily had to innovate. So much, in fact, that it gave my team and myself many headaches. Of course, we created our recipes from scratch with plant-based ingredients and no compromise on the taste. We also wanted minimal environmental impact and worked with architects who built the space using mainly recycled materials. We also had to innovate with nearly every aspect of the project, including finding 100% biodegradable bottles or containers, ways to minimize waste (we aim to be a 0% waste restaurant), or carbon footprint. We can say that innovation is in Wild & the Moon’s DNA.

LYNDSAY DORAN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, L’COUTURE

What does innovation mean to you? It means never resting on your laurels. However, innovation doesn’t always have to mean radical and incremental changes – especially within the fashion industry. As a brand, we have always been consistently focused on elevating and therefore innovating in every sense. Founded in Dubai, L’Couture is a homegrown brand with a global mindset. How do you innovate in your company culture? As a business, we are always looking to innovate in four key areas. In terms of the product itself, from consciously sourcing Oeko-Tex factories that produce new and improved fabrics to extensive fit testing with diverse models to perfect that all-important LC fit. We recently dropped our best-selling Serenity Seamless collection in a new and planet-friendly Amni Soul Eco fabric with an enhanced fit. We constantly look for new technologies to improve even our best sellers.

At the core of our business is people, not only our strong community but our team across the board. We aim to diversify, grow, and promote within the company. The instore experience is a core component of the business and something we are passionate about as a team. In line with trends in experiential retail, we want to ensure the shopping experience is as seamless and innovative as possible for our customers. Finally, L’Couture was launched online, therefore we continue to optimise the website to provide an endto-end shopping experience. The world of e-commerce and digital is forever changing, so in order for us to be competitive, we have to be ahead of the curve and innovative and offer our customers a 360 experience.

ZEINA EL-DANA FOUNDER AND CEO OF Z7 COMMUNICATIONS

What does innovation mean to you? Innovation is the key to success… especially in the world of communications, events and digital. We are continuously finding ways to disrupt

the industry with our creative and experimental approaches to ensure that our clients always stand out above the rest. To me, innovation is about constant growth and agility, being able to stay ahead of the curve and offer something outside the box to create noise! How do you innovate in your company culture? Company culture is very close to my heart, and I have spent the past few years dedicating a lot of time and resources to building a culture that enables my team to feel inspired and help them grow. I believe the physical work environment is very important, we have a beautifully designed office space in Dubai Design District, which is the heart of design, fashion, and culture in the region, but also offers flexibility to the team to work between the office and outside locations where they can gain further inspiration. We organize weekly team brainstorms and monthly skill shares to upskill the team – knowledge gives the team the power and confidence to innovate. We also schedule bi-monthly team activities to enable the team to relax, bond, and foster a fun environment.

At Z7, we empower the team at every level, from interns to directors, no idea is too big or too small, and I always encourage the team to believe in the impossible, push boundaries, and encourage continuous innovation! We offer a safe environment where open communication is cherished to allow the team’s creativity to be seen and heard. Recognizing and rewarding success is something we continually do, and formally, once a month, we also announce an employee of the month who has achieved something special, thus encouraging further innovative behaviours within the team.

FATMA AIMHEIRI

SENIOR MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS – MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE

What does innovation mean to you? Innovation to me is more about being open to new ideas and perspectives. It’s a pathway to selfimprovement and finding novel ways to having a bigger and better impact on those around me. How do you innovate in your company cul-

ture? In order to have an innovative culture embedded in any field, I feel it’s extremely important to welcome creativity and new ideas with open arms. It’s also crucial that your team is empowered enough to share these ideas confidently.

ZOE HALDANE

BRAND DIRECTOR OF THE ARTS CLUB

What does innovation mean to you? To me, innovation is about pioneering change in order to thrive. In our business, we strive to innovate on all levels, from what we offer in our restaurants and how we build and train our teams to how we programme our cultural events and communicate them to our members. Our industry is highly competitive here and in London, and innovation is key to our success. How do you innovate in your company culture? Since The Arts Club Dubai is not only our first international outpost, but also the second ever clubhouse to be opened since our establishment in 1863, we naturally had a blank canvas opportunity to innovate across all aspects of our business, including company culture.

Key to my approach is an open-door policy that gives all colleagues, no matter which department, the space to come and discuss their thoughts and ideas freely. Some of these can be specific to their respective teams or divisions, but there is an intrinsic value in allowing people to share their ideas in a way that is not confined or limited. I’m also a big believer in breakaway brainstorming sessions, some of which take place outside of the office environment. These sessions consistently provide the suitable space and environment for blue-sky thinking, ambitious strategy planning, and long-term vision.

Perhaps most importantly, I always aim to take a positive approach in my role and channel a mindset open to change. I guide colleagues through influence rather than instruction and empower them to think independently and operate with confidence. This non-hierarchical way of management has always been important to me and is an intrinsic contributor to business success.

INNOVATION

WORDS: DAN ROBINSON

Digital Innovation

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I usually try to wake up early to give myself time to get ready for the day, I have my breakfast, and listen to some music just to set the mood for the rest of the day and before I get to work. After this I spend a few minutes scrolling through TikTok. It inspires me every day to see new and upcoming creators sharing authentically with their audiences, or even trends that have started on the platform. I always discover new talent through this medium. Can you talk us through your career and how you ended up in your position as Content Partnerships Manager with TikTok? Previously, I was a journalist in Egypt, where my work had always included investigating interesting and niche topics that I would then develop into stories, and this has been my passion ever since. I joined TikTok four years ago with the aim of exploring new stories and talent through the lens of TikTok, helping nurture and showcase the incredibly creative talent we have here in the region. How does your role drive the business forward and what have been the clear goals? My role is quite diverse. It includes planning a variety of in-app activations and engaging

an active community of movie lovers & series/TV reviewers we launched #WhatToWatch which is an Entertainment Hub on TikTok that not only highlights reviews of the top movies and series for users but also inspire and celebrate some of their favourites. We also managed to create many partnerships with movie festivals across the region, this helped us to level up the young filmmakers to use their talents and skills in the film industry.

How is the Mena region interacting with content on TikTok, how do you keep innovating to ensure the content is fresh and engaging? TikTok’s prominence in the Arab world is expanding due to the platform’s one-of-a-kind approach which prioritizes engaging and authentic shortform video content. The content you see on TikTok is easy to create and discover, and users feel comfortable on the platform engaging with one another, becoming part of unique communities both locally and globally, and of course, being entertained.

In order to ensure the content is fresh and engaging, users need to feel safe expressing themselves. To foster a welcoming and supportive community, TikTok has various app settings that allow individuals to control their TikTok experience, in addition to our Community Guidelines, which work to safeguard our users. We have also introduced various safety controls and campaigns available on the platform, including Screen Time Management and increasing the age to go LIVE to 18 years and above.

campaigns for the community, music selection, and working on user management for the platform. I dedicate myself to leveling up the content in the MENA region by exploring unique talents in every category on the platform and help them grow their talents and elevate their content.

I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work towards these goals and help to drive the business forward and reach exciting milestones. At the end of last year, we worked to enhance the entertainment narrative for the community and since we have

TikTok has become extremely popular especially in Saudi Arabia, what do you think keeps it relevant and people posting? People come to the platform to create and engage with diverse and welcoming communities; giving us a unique position in the market. This has led to authentic connections, grassroots movements, and the birthplace of culture, created by communities on the platform. Every community can find its home on TikTok and I believe this is one of the key reasons the platform has become popular in Saudi Arabia. All kinds of interests, such as gaming, food, fashion, sports or even cultural occasions like Ramadan, which are all very relevant to the Saudi audience, are represented on the platform. Have you had any mentors to date and what knowledge did they impart? My father has been my mentor since day one, he is a selfmade man, he taught me how to be honest, how to respect others and how to always speak my mind no matter what, he was and still inspires me to do better and how one should always seek opportunities and develop themself no matter what. When I was a journalist he used to talk to me about everything, now that my work is a bit different and complex to understand he still feels proud anytime he sees my work or hears about it, and this is my biggest motivation everyday.

We speak to Hany Kamel, Content Partnerships Manager – TikTok MENA

How do you maintain clarity in your work life and work practice? I maintain clarity through having a clear goal set in place throughout all my projects, and through constant communication with my talented colleagues. We are all committed to working towards a shared goal – namely, inspiring our community to create meaningful and authentic content, further nurturing creative talents in our region, and this goal fuels everything we do.

What are the top three tips for someone who is downloading TikTok for the first time? Engage with content that you enjoy and would like to see to have a better viewing experience on your For You page. Explore our various com-

munities, ranging from #BookTok to #MomTok to #TechTok, to find likeminded people or discover new interests. Don’t be afraid to start creating. TikTok’s assortment of creator tools ranging from Duets, Stitch, Effects, and Sounds make it easy and fun to join the conversation. What piece of advice would you give to someone entering the Social Media career space? The number one piece of advice would be to create content that is authentic, spontaneous and genuine because people want to see and engage with real-life experiences that are relevant to them.

This is The Innovation Issue, what does innovation mean to you? Innovation is a driving force of economic growth. It means creating new ideas, products and services that

have the potential to solve problems and improve our lives. To be innovative to me, is to be creative and think outside of the box by coming up with ideas that can benefit the community and create new opportunities for them; for example like how some of our TikTok creators turned their passions into careers as content creators, proving how it such a powerful tool that we need to embrace and encourage.

“Innovation is a driving force of economic growth. It means creating new ideas, products and services that have the potential to solve problems and improve our lives.”

Personal Space

In the Office with Natalia Shustova, Founder of Goshá

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK MATHEWWORDS: DAN ROBINSON

How long have you worked in this space? We moved into our studio in October 2020. Did you have a clear concept from the outset, and which key pieces are your favourite? We were building our space as business was growing and shaping. My favourite part is the overall idea of “raw”… it’s a studio where artists create, and it is full of daily “debris” of what the process of creation usually brings.

Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces? Our entire studio is custom built from the kitchen/bar space to our rainbow set dried floral bar.

How do you think your interior reflects you/your brand? Our studio is our “happy” place where we create. It is “free” from office or retail space rules, allowing us to have no boundaries in our work. I believe freedom of expression and creative freedom, originality is what Goshá really stands for. Describe your taste in 3 words. Well thought out, and unique, with a touch of color.

Dinner Date

The dinner spots to enjoy this Valentine’s day

WORDS: DAN ROBINSON

Bulgari Yacht Club

It overlooks a 46-boat harbour where you can dine al fresco, setting a seriously chic mood for those wanting an elevated experience without too much fuss. The service is impeccable, the food will surprise, and delight and you’ll be able to enjoy live music in the evening that sets just the right tone.

STAY by Yannick Alléno, One&Only

The Palm

Idyllically placed at the One& Only The Palm, STAY by Yannick Alléno promises an evening of indulgence and exceptional dining. An epicurean experience of classic French dining is curated by master chef Yannick Alléno offering the highest level of hospitality at the two star Michelin restaurant. For the ultimate dining experience, choose the four courses elegantly titled “Emotions” or opt for the six-course menu “Experience”. A serene dining experience is available on the secluded garden terrace blanketed by fairy lights for that extra private Valentine’s experience.

Cé La Vi, Address Sky View –Downtown

Situated in the heart of Downtown, Address Sky View boasts some of the most incredible, panoramic views of the city. It’s hard to miss the two towers conjoined at the summit by a Sky Bridge featuring an Infiniti pool with unparalleled views of the Burj Khalifa and Skyline. Elegant rooms, suites, and several restaurants make for the perfect Valentine’s city escape. If you’re looking to make a gesture to a loved one, book a table at restaurant Cé La Vi, situated on the 54th floor serving the finest contemporary Asian cuisine by executive Chef Howard Ko with the Burj Khalifa as your backdrop.

Pierchic, Jumeirah Al Qasr

Perhaps one of Dubai’s most iconic locations, Pierchic boasts unparalleled sea views, overlooking the Burj Al Arab. If you want

a wow destination that makes an impact this is it. The food is also exceptional, as overseen by Head Chef Beatrice Segoni. Take a short stroll post dinner across the water and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation.

Twiggy by La Cantine

Twiggy by La Cantine gives you a feeling of being in the Cote d’Azur. If a chic yet chilled vibe is your go-to, this is the perfect low-key option for you. Mediterranean flavours with the freshest Sushi ingredients make for an unforgettable evening against a picturesque dinner painted against a balmy sunset.

Raspoutine

Dine like the Parisian’s do in this chic, cosy and very cool new location. Raspoutine brings a decadence to dinner with opulent interiors and the finest French faire.

Coya

A fun atmosphere and the best in Peruvian cuisine, Coya is a great option if you want a little more energy from the crowd for your evening. You can also take a walk post dinner around the incredible grounds of The Four Seasons’ Hotel where Coya is situated.

Clockwise from top: STAY by Yannick Alléno, One&Only The Palm; Raspoutine and Cé La Vi, Address Sky View – Downtown

The Wanderlust

The best short, chic breaks for a Valentine’s Day

Habitas, AlUla –Saudi Arabia

Habitas AlUla is an experienceled property with a wider focus on sustainable living. Committed to eliminating single use plastics within all of their locations, they have been awarded the Oceanic Champion Badge for adopting The Oceanic Standard, meaning you can support the planet while you enjoy your stay.

THE WELLNESS

Book in for a full-body massage beside the colossal rocks for a sense of calm, peace and perspective.

THE MUST-TRY

All the ingredients are sourced from local farms in communities surrounding AlUla, with the intention of bringing seasonal, fresh flavours to the table, making each dinner you’ll spend under the stars unique and special. ourhabitas.com

Amanjena, Marrakech –Morocco

Inspired by the rose-hued buildings of old Marrakech, palatial Amanjena is close to the fabled Red City, set in its own expanse of gardens and grand

This page: (aboveandright) Habitas, AlUla

open spaces. Shaded courtyards with fountains lead to the central basin that nourishes the gardens in which spacious standalone guest pavilions and maisons rest, all with private gardens and many with private pools. Views stretch across the olive groves and palms of the oasis, extending to the High Atlas Mountains on the horizon.

THE WELLNESS

Dedicated to personal wellness, Amanjena’s spa facilities are serene and timeless, designed to calm, soothe and rejuvenate while expert therapists work on restoring optimal wellbeing. Book in for the ‘Release, Rebalance & Restore’ – a threeday spa experience designed to transform you; promote change, release tension, build confidence and calm.

THE MUST-TRY

Embark on the airborne adventure of a lifetime and discover all the beauty of Marrakech’s landscapes while gracefully cruising thought the skies by hot air balloon. aman.com

Cheval Blanc, Randheli – Maldives

Impossibly tranquil, undeniably divine. The ocean right on your doorstep and an unrivalled level of service that you would expect from Cheval Blanc make this the ultimate in long-weekend relaxation.

THE WELLNESS

Salutations to the sun and breathing in tune to the sea, are the perfect way to welcome the day. Both Yoga and meditation are offered on the beach, in the jungled gardens or overwater pavilions around the Maisons.

THE MUST-TRY

Interiors are exteriors, and the exteriors boast idyllic tropical views... The White serves island-inspired flavours from dawn to dusk in airy relaxation and is not to be missed during your stay. chevalblanc.com

This page: (left) Amanjena, Marrakech; (below) Cheval Blanc, Randheli

THE DIRECTORY

A

Accessorize (04) 3399098

Adidas (04) 2325690

Aerin (04) 4098888

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DECONSTRUCT

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

Christopher Esber’s innovative knits can be worn multiple ways

The Deconstruct Longsleeve Dress can be worn several ways, with buttons that run around the armholes and waist. It can be worn as a top or skirt, with sleeves or without, or with a few buttons undone to create a cut out at the waist or as a top.

L OOK SM A R T , L I V E SM A R TE R