Emirates Woman - April 2023

THE ELEVATE ISSUE Raise Your Game

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

DIGITAL EDITOR Ruman Baig

FASHION EDITOR Camille Macawili

JUNIOR DIGITAL STYLE EDITOR Sarah Joseph

JUNIOR DESIGNER Charissa Canlas

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 Albeaino, Izzy Turner, Mark Mathew, Ahmed Abd El-Wahab, Guido Duken

Editor’s Letter

1. To raise or lift (something) to a higher position.

Welcome to The Elevate Issue.

In this issue we look at those operating at the top of their field, raising the bar and bringing their A-game to an industry they have become expert in. We also ask what it takes to get to the top and stay there. One thing many of these incredible individuals have in common is consistency, a reminder to never underestimate the power of the compounding effect of small daily habits.

For the cover we have partnered with Carrera, a brand synonymous with pioneering design and outstanding quality since 1956 in Raise Your Game on page 16. We deliver the best edit of cool, contemporary cuts to keep you covered this Ramadan in The Edit on page 28, we speak to Isabel May, Managing Director & Chief Customer Experience Officer at Mytheresa

on operating with excellence at every touchpoint in the ecommerce game in A Curated Approach on page 30 and we unveil the latest collection from UAEbased Odeem in An Understated Summer on page 32. Beauty and lifestyle-wise, we compile the best pieces to elevate your nighttime routine in Well Rested on page 72, we have an exclusive interview with Victoire de Taillac, Founder of Officine Universelle Buly in Art De Vivre on page 78 and we elevate your hair game with the best hair mists in Crowning Glory on page 74.

We also compile the best edit of short haul trips in Eid Escapes on page 102, so you can book your downtime in advance.

Take this month to reflect, reevaluate, and elevate. Welcome to the next level…

Amy Sessions EDITOR / ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Symmetry Pochette leather tote Dhs4,079 Savette

Silk-canvas shirt Dhs4,077 Brioni exclusively available at NET-A-PORTER

Ofis leather sandals Dhs785 Ancient Greek Sandals

Silk-jacquard pants Dhs6,110 Balenciaga available at NET-A-PORTER

Jaden aviator-style gold-tone sunglasses Dhs1,380 Tom Ford

THE HERO BUYS

verb

REFLECT, REEVALUATE, AND ELEVATE.

FASHION

The Edit – Cool, contemporary cuts to keep you covered this Ramadan p.28

A Curated Approach

– An interview with Isabel May, Managing Director & Chief Customer Experience Officer at Mytheresa p.30

An Understated Summer – Lookbook: Odeem p.32

A Soft Touch –An interview with the Copenhagenbased jewellery designer Sophie Bille Brahe p.40

A Confident Aesthetic – An interview with Emirati fashion designer Ahlam Shahin Atelier p.44

Modest Operandi –Dalia Al Karnous on reinventing the classic abaya with a contemporary touch p.52

Dream Big – Mariam El Remithi on Messika Jewellery’s Ramadan Campaign p.54

A New Level of Talent – The runway standouts from the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week p.58

Ahead of the Curve –Gentle Monster p.62

Intricate Details – An exclusive interview with Omani designer Bthaina p.48

Hot New Buys p.64

Flat Out – The best flats to deliver style and comfort p.38

CONTENTS

Eid Escapes – Go-to destinations less than five hours flight away p.102

BEAUTY

High Quality – The best edit of Aesop’s aromatic skincare p.66

Well Rested –The best pieces to elevate your nighttime routine p.72

Crowning Glory –An edit of the best mists to elevate your hair game p.74

Elevating the Beauty Game – An interview with Venetia Archer, Founder of Ruuby App p.76

Art De Vivre – An exclusive interview with Victoire de Taillac, Founder of Officine Universelle Buly p.78

Beauty Shelf – Zeina Abdalla, Co-Founder of Meta[bolic]

shares her top beauty picks p.80

AM to PM beauty with Muzi Sufi, Fashion Photographer p.82

LIFESTYLE

Personal Space – In the office with Meryem and Aida Sekkat, Co-Founders of Clay Concept p.84

Elevate – Emirates Woman asks incredible women about the small things that elevate their own lives p.92

High-Level Hair Game – An interview with Nina Pedersen, Regional Director of Harklinikken p.94

An Elevated Stay –The Ned Doha p.108

Subtle Scent – The best way to elevate your home p.90

The Cover CARRERA eyewear 1056/S Sunglasses

Free-Flowing Silhouettes

The latest launches, new openings and hero buys

COMPILED BY: SARAH JOSEPH

CULT CAPSULE

Capturing the glamorous, confident and daring spirit of Jimmy Choo, this capsule collection sees a selection of hero styles remastered for Ramadan.

THE HERO BUYS

THREE TO OWN

Rav 65 Mules in Degradé Crystal Mesh Dhs3,850 Jimmy Choo

Aleah Crepe and Silk-Blend Satin Gown Dhs6,626 Safiyaa

Monogram H Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses Dhs1,166 Saint Laurent Eyewear

Trisolina 18-karat Gold, Titanium and Sterling Silver Diamond Cuff Dhs16,738 Marina B

Eva Bag in Crushed Ice Acrylic Dhs3,120 L’Afshar

Panthère de Cartier small 22mm 18-karat Gold Watch Dhs83,500 Cartier

Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation SPF50 30ml for Dhs462 Tom Ford Beauty

Paradise Found

BUILT UPON TRADITIONAL FAMILY VALUES OF CARING, SHARING AND A SENSE OF BELONGING, CENTARA IS THE PLACE TO BE

Founded in 1983, Centara Hotels & Resorts have an expansive portfolio of more than 50 hotels in operation and 42 in the pipeline. From Thailand and Vietnam to Maldives and Oman – Centara covers a collection of distinguished destinations. A tranquil escape to discover rare destinations in the ultimate lap of nature. Lush trees, white sands and the endless blue waters in both Thailand and Maldives make for the perfect family getaways with a wide range of properties across both these dreamy locations.

CENTARA RESERVE SAMUI

The first resort under the eponymous brand’s luxury collection of refined

resorts. The unique property has been revamped with upgrades that blend both the celebrated colonial aesthetic and contemporary life. Guests are spoilt with multiple options when it comes to accommodation, as the luxury abodes include exclusive suites and villas.

CENTARA GRAND PHUKET

Inspired by the classic Sino-Portuguese architecture that embodies the energy of the original Phuket Town, Centara Grand Phuket is nestled on the sands at Karon Beach, surrounded by a green hill and an adventurous water park –making it the ultimate island property for a family that wants the best of both worlds. The villas are highly exclusive and come with an unreal oceanic view.

CENTARA GRAND KRABI

Elevating the island charm with laidback luxury, Centara Grand Krabi is the ideal location for those wanting a hideaway from the crowds. Just a 40-minute drive from the Krabi Airport, it will transport you to an oasis of serenity. Spacious rooms and private villas come with a Thai-style furniture set up, where you can wake up under the shadows of palm trees and dive into the ocean within minutes.

To make the locations even more enticing, Centara Hotels & Resorts has several offers one cannot refuse. With a 15 per cent discount for Centara The1 members Centara is all about making your travel hassle-free. Centara’s signature hospitality, warm Thai family values and world-class service will be at the heart of your stay anywhere in the world.

For more information visit centarahotelsresorts.com

Centara Reserve Samui

Fragrances solely made out of natural ingredients.

Traditional silhouettes designed with a contemporary touch.

Luxury handbags seamlessly handcrafted for every woman.

@mytheresa.com

Your destination for the finest edit in luxury.

Omani-based label designed with exquisite embellishments.

Elevate your abayas with a host of elegant pieces.

Making spaces beautiful with minimal detailing.

A hotel and members’ club in the heart of Doha.

Social Listings

An elevated guide of all the Instagram accounts to #follow this month

COMPILED BY: SARAH JOSEPH

@ahlamshahinatelier

@odeem_official

@aesopskincare Vegan and cruelty-free skincare formulas.

@ormaieparis

@clayconcept

@theneddoha

@dal.thebrand

@bthainaoman

Authentic

Transforming a house into a home is no easy task, but Chattels & More aspires to find an artful balance between form and function. The homegrown concept from Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group continuously innovates to create pieces that celebrate the art of being different and CEO Adrian Shaw delves deeper into how the brand stays ahead of the curve.

How does Chattels & More stay ahead of the design curve and innovate with new pieces season after season? The brand continuously sources and seeks inspiration with furniture and accessories globally. We bring in unique collections and exquisite pieces that are available in limited quantities, ensuring that the inventory remains fresh and up to date, and also offers exclusivity to

our discerning customers. To maintain the quality of our products, Chattels & More places high importance on the suppliers’ manufacturing processes. Before finalising any product, the team meets with the suppliers to understand their process from conception to production, and only the best suppliers are handpicked with a dedicated design team that closely monitors global design trends, and they work to incorporate these trends into our product offerings. How is the brand seeing a shift from a brickand-mortar store to the digital era? In the furniture industry, e-commerce and brickand-mortar presence complement each other. Customers typically begin their buying journey by researching inspiration and products online before visiting a physical store to then try out the products before making a purchase. Therefore, Chattels & More is

committed to building a strong omni-channel presence that integrates both online and offline to enhance the customer buying journey. This includes expanding physical store locations across the UAE and franchising within the GCC region. By offering a robust online presence and an extensive network of physical stores, Chattels & More can provide customers with a seamless experience that caters to their individual preferences and needs. Customers can easily research and browse products online, then visit a physical store to try out products and receive personalised assistance from sales associates. Overall, Chattels & More is fully committed to delivering a customer-centric buying journey that leverages the strengths of both online and offline channels.

How is e-comm taking the lead when it comes to convenience, customer experience and quality? Firstly, e-commerce offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to shop for products from the comfort of their own homes, at any time of the day or night. They can browse through a vast range of products, compare prices, and read reviews from other customers. Secondly, ecommerce platforms are investing heavily in customer experience, with many offering personalised product recommendations, easy returns and exchanges, and fast shipping and delivery. They also provide customer service through multiple channels. Finally, e-commerce platforms are increasingly prioritising quality, offering customers access to a wide range of high-quality products from top brands and designers.

ADRIAN SHAW, CEO OF CHATTELS & MORE SHARES HIS INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF INTERIORS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND HOW THE BRAND CONTINUES TO INNOVATE IN THE REGION

“Chattels & More is committed to building a strong omnichannel to enhance the customer buying journey and expand with franchises across the UAE and GCC.”

WORDS & CREATIVE

DIRECTION:

AMY SESSIONS

PHOTOGRAPHER:

GRE G ADAMSKI

RAISE YOUR GAME

CARRERA EYEWEAR ELEVATES WITH PIONEERING DESIGN FOR SS23

Previous page: CARRERA eyewear 1056/S Sunglasses; Both pages: CARRERA eyewear

302/S Sunglasses

Both pages: CARRERA eyewear 304/S Sunglasses

Both

pages: CARRERA eyewear 1054/S Sunglasses

This page: CARRERA eyewear 1056/S Sunglasses; Right page: CARRERA eyewear 305/S Sunglasses

Both pages: CARRERA eyewear

Superchampion Sunglasses; CARRERA eyewear is available in UAE at Yateem Optician, Optifashion, Rivoli Eyezone, Grand Optics and Eyewa as well as key retailers across GCC. www.carreraworld.com

FASHION EDITOR: CAMILLE MACAWILI; MAKEUP & HAIR: MELANIE MEYER AT MMG; MODEL: ALEXANDRA PAPAGIANNI

MMG;

OUNASS

THE

EDIT

Cool, contemporary cuts to keep you covered this Ramadan

WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS

Silver-tone Swarovski crystal ear cuff Dhs660 Lelet NY available at NET- A- PORTER

Belted stretch-jersey jumpsuit Dhs1,795 Norma Kamali

Babe 105 crystalembellished metallic leather and PVC slingback sandals Dhs3,635 Aquazzura

Jodie mini knotted intrecciato leather tote Dhs5,850 Bottega Veneta

The Mini Jodie bag Dhs9,400 Bottega Veneta available at LEVEL SHOES

Maesa asymmetric woven vest Dhs786 Frankie Shop available at NET-A-PORTER

Maesa pleated woven wideleg cargo pants Dhs908 Frankie Shop available at NET-A-PORTER

Suzanne belted wool-blend felt trench coat Dhs2,376 Frankie Shop

A Curated Approach

Isabel May, Managing Director & Chief Customer Experience Officer at Mytheresa,

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I’m an early bird and have a cup of tea as soon as I wake up. That’s for me, my me time. I get the energy right for the day and start in a good spirit. Then I check my emails as early as I can to get ready for the day ahead. I’m at the office by 7:30am for an early start.

How has Mytheresa evolved since it launched in 2006 and what has been the

biggest change? Originally, it’s from a store in 1987 and from there it’s quite a long story. The family who owned it basically founded Mytheresa. What evolved within the last years is that we became a lot more international, delivering to over 130 markets. We do ship globally, but we’re doing a lot of localised approaches in terms of languages and payment methods, and really catering to the customer in our markets to make the expe-

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

rience as smooth, hassle-free, and as emotional as possible. The biggest change since it launched could be the website, however I think it’s really the market. Globalization has played a huge part. Also, we are becoming really an amazing partner to the brands and to us, becoming a fashion authority in the sense that we are the platform to curate products for our clients – we are very customer-centric. So I think this is a huge development. We are always thinking about the customer feedback and this is something that drove us to the biggest change in the last two years. What is the VIP experience like at Mytheresa and how do you personalise this? Customers are super important to our business and we are concentrating a lot on our VIP customers. I think it depends on the customer, but if you want to get the ultimate individual experience, you will and can have a dedicated personal shopper. This personal shopper does everything for you – shop and also take care of delivery and more. You can call them day and night, WhatsApp them – and they can give you style advice or reserve items for you before they even go on the website. So there is a vast of individualised services available for the top clients. There is also a huge part

reveals the importance of a customer-first mentality in providing a seamless online shopping experience

which we call the “money can’t buy” experiences where we invite our top clients to experience something extraordinary – it could be something that they’re curious to attend like Paris Fashion Week or attend events with Pucci in Capri, things like that, where they really have a look at behind the scenes of this industry. Because our customers are very busy, it is really important to surprise and delight them with something that they wouldn’t expect and they still love to experience and also tell their friends.

Do you see buying trends or habits on a global scale with clients and how is this similar or different with Middle Eastern clients?

I mean, it is surprising sometimes to us how similar the top-performing brands are globally. But of course, when you go into the details they are different. The Middle East, it’s a very occasion-driven market with a lot of events going on where new dresses are needed. Customers here buy a lot of colourful pieces from luxury brands like Valentino. You launched an Arabic website a few years ago. Aside from localisation, what are your other competitive advantages? I mean, I think what we try is, first of all, a very curated offer – this is something that is really important for us. So when you are looking for something to wear to an occasion or the perfect dress, you will find it in 20 variations, not in 1000 variations, and that saves time. We are curating for the customers that we know, even down to the selections on the homepage… that’s one of the advantages. The second advantage, of course, is a hassle-free customer experience. From browsing the website to check out to delivery, which is very fast, we offer a seamless experience. The third thing is, if you’re one of our top customers, we engage very personally and emotionally with you. What is your approach to leadership and how do you ensure these values filter down through the different departments that you oversee? I’m quite approachable for my team. I know that without my team, I couldn’t do it. It’s not about me, it’s about us. Always. That is very important for me, I’m here to support the team. So they know they can always come with anything – with ideas or things that bother them – that’s a very big part of it.

How do you ensure each touchpoint including content is focused on client engagement and retention? We are quite obsessed with our customers and measure their happiness based on Net Promoter Scores. We also read every comment and are looking for things that we can permanently improve. It is not just a promise that we do, we really look into it so that we are continuously developing ourselves. We get great ideas from customers and we continually remind our teams to always put themselves in the shoes of the cus-

tomer. Think about what’s best for the customer. Because I’m a strong believer, that we actually see development when you put customer first and it brings the business success. How do you continue to innovate in the tech and buying space and what part does social media play in communication? Social media is a big part in terms of inspiration and the upper funnel. You can create brand awareness – that is the big role of social media for us, especially in the region. We also interact through a different channel in this region that we don’t do in others – for example, Snapchat is important to us here. How we continue to innovate will always come from the customer – we won’t do something for the sake of tech but we would always want to improve customer experience, and how we can use tech to actually do these improvements. What have been the biggest hurdles and achievements to date? We developed quite heavily since I joined this company. But of course, it’s a challenge to scale a business to where we are today, take the teams on board and keep the quality. The third thing is we want to keep the entrepreneurial spirit,

and the startup mentality and not become a huge conglomerate – and that is challenging sometimes. Because you need clear processes, which we have, but then you also need to jump in and review the structures to innovate. So this is, I think something that when you are growing so much you will struggle with because it’s part of the game. What advice would you give your younger self? I think it is to know who you are, know who you want to be, and know what you want to become or what you want to do. It sounds very easy, but it’s actually quite challenging. Have a clear idea and plan on how you will make that dream come true. I advise a lot of the young people working for us to have an idea of themselves.

This is The Elevate Issue – how do you aim to consciously elevate both personally and as a business? We do find ourselves always as the finest edit in luxury. It’s not just fashion anymore but it is also life. Our customers are passionate about fashion and interested in everything that is beautiful. So I think we’re elevating in that sense and that’s our daily task to think about what’s next for the customer.

“We do find ourselves always as the finest edit in luxury. It’s not just fashion anymore but it is also life.”

Understated neutrals take centre stage, punctuated with opulent silks that feel elevated for a minimalist approach to SS23 you didn’t expect at ODEEM

AN UNDERSTATED SUMMER

WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS

FLAT OUT

The best flats to deliver style and comfort

Left: Metallic leather sandals Dhs4,170 Gianvito Rossi available at NET-A-PORTER; Right: Quilted leather slides Dhs3,650 Bottega Veneta; Below: Buckled leather pointtoe flats Dhs3,780 Alexander McQueen

01. Padlock metallic leather sandals Dhs4,740 Tom Ford; 02. Summer Charms suede slides Dhs2,387 Loro Piana; 03. Valentino Garavani Roman Stud leather point-toe flats Dhs4,400 Valentino Garavani available at NET-A-PORTER; 04. Lome leather sandals Dhs516 A EMERY

Left: Leah metallic leather sandals Dhs268 TKEES available at NET-A-PORTER; Below: Anagram logoembellished padded leather slippers Dhs3,700 Loewe

A SOFT TOUCH

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

Sophie Bille Brahe’s eponymous label is modern minimalism at its finest. Emirates Woman talks to the Copenhagen-based designer about her Scandinavian sensibilities and her latest SS23 “Magical Thinking” collection

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I swim in the ocean every morning, even in winter. I go to the sea, take a dip in the cold water and warm myself up in the sauna. It’s my favourite time of the day. It’s the best way to clean myself of any negative thoughts and get ready for a fresh day.

What inspired you to launch your brand? Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always liked using my hands. I loved drawing, painting, building and creating. When the time came to seriously search for the right thing to do with my career, I just knew that I wanted to develop some kind of craft. I trained as a goldsmith in Denmark, then I went to the Royal College of Art in London. Something that started as a hobby naturally grew into something professional. I don’t think that one particular moment or one person made me launch my own brand. It was all a very natural process, it felt like the right thing to do.

You visited Dubai for the first time for the brand launch at Aubade. Can you tell us more about it? I came to Dubai for the brand launch at Aubade, where I was able to properly meet customers – it’s important for me to understand what they are looking for, and I have learnt a lot by visiting Dubai. Then, I spent a few wonderful days with my family. I’m very grateful for that. I’ve always found

it so interesting to discover new cultures. During my childhood and with my studies, I’ve travelled a lot, but I had never seen anything similar to Dubai. It’s a very unique place that offers a lot of opportunities. How would you describe the Sophie Bille Brahe woman? Before creating my own jewellery brand, I was designing pieces for my friends and myself. Even though I have a bigger audience today, I think I still reach out to the same kind of women. I would never create something that I wouldn’t want to wear myself. My customers are mostly independent women who know what they want –they are very set on their preferences. They like that my jewellery is elegant and classic yet a bit twisted.

You are known for minimal and contemporary fine jewellery pieces inspired by your family’s background in astronomy and your Scandinavian identity. How does this influence your work? I come from a very old family, and I grew up listening to stories about our history. I think that through the tales and stories of my family, I have developed a natural fascination for the sky. Copenhagen has a colour palette that is unlike anywhere else in the world – it’s a special tone of blue and grey with a shade of pink. It gives me such a feeling of cleanness and simplicity. Whenever I create a new design, it’s not my intention to do it so that it will have a Scandinavian aesthetic, but I think it just has become a part of me.

How would you style your pieces? I like to feel comfortable. It’s a very Copenhagen feeling to dress in a way that reflects the way you live. I work in crafts, and I have small kids and a dog, so I need to be able to get around. I usually wear a simple silk dress, a T-shirt, something that doesn’t feel fancy or formal. I love pairing a casual T-shirt with diamond earrings like my Boucle Ensemble or my pearl Peggy necklace. My jewellery should be worn and used every day. How do you keep your work fresh and relevant season after season? I think that the ever-changing environment helps me keep myself on my toes. But no matter how much the business or trends change; I always try to keep my values the same. It’s always the biggest challenge to keep developing my designs to produce shapes and styles that women want to wear. I always ask myself whether my friends or I would want to wear this new design and I stick to my intuition. Where is your production based and how challenging was it to source the finest materials? All the pieces are handmade with the highest quality possible. It has become our first priority to provide our customers with the highest quality products and as ethical as possible. We always purchase our diamonds through CanadaMark which works to pre-

vent the flow of conflict diamonds. We have just introduced a traceable diamond collection which we are very proud of. It allows the customer to follow the complete process of the diamond from the mine to the final product. Since January 2023, we only purchase recycled gold. The pearls are hand-picked and of quality AAA-AA to always ensure the best for our customers and I have worked a long time with the same pearl farmers as we trust the caliber of their production. Which piece would you personally consider a hero buy from your SS23 collection? The Jardin de Coeurs earrings represent the spirit of the collection so well with their chandelier look. It’s a bit grand and royal but they remain so delicate. They feature diamonds with different cuts. I love them. How do you seamlessly incorporate your pieces from desk to dinner? My jewellery is

made to be worn on every occasion, all day long. I think it’s what you pair it with that makes the occasion. Your jewellery should become a part of who you are, it tells your story, whether you’re at the office or partying with your friends.

How can one approach curating a fine jewellery collection – where and how do you start?

I think the most important thing is to have a clear idea of what you want and what makes your jewellery collection unique. Ever since my first collection, my designs tell my story, they’re all very personal. I think that’s what made it possible for me to build a recognizable brand.

This is The Elevate Issue – what small things elevate your everyday life? The colour of the sky, a walk with my dog, or a drawing from my daughter. I try to remain sensitive to all the beautiful things surrounding me.

“But no matter how much the business or trends change, I always try to keep my values the same.”

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? In the first 30 minutes of my day, I like to take a few deep breaths, have a glass of water and drink a good cup of coffee.

What inspired you to launch your namesake fashion label? I launched my brand in 2016, inspired by a vision of bold, confident femininity. I have a never-ending admiration for exuding a signature aesthetic that embodies creativity and power. This has led to venues that regard a unique yet tailored design. I was born and raised in Dubai, I studied Civil Engineering but soon I recognised my eye for fashion and set out to create a brand that is rooted in defining understated elegance. I fell in love with choosing the right fabrics and colours which I pair with my skill for designing embroidery details. I aim to fuse an array of feminine yet timeless silhouettes. Did you always know you were destined for the role you do now? Although I do not have a traditional fashion background, I had, and still do have a passion for fashion. It is such a fabulous and freeing passion that allows for never ending novelty, exploration, and discovery. Fashion has always been a part of me therefore, being a designer just came natural to me. Like the motion of the mangroves and the shape of the sea waves, fashion is a breath of fresh air to me. I began to offer affordable luxury through fluid pieces that illustrate a sense of refined sophistication which began to be the ethos of the brand. How do you source the fabric you use and ensure optimal quality? With regards to distinguishing fabrics, I’ve recently been attracted to braided tassels and pleated details as I feel they illustrate the movement of marine life in a modern yet elegant way. Choosing material really comes down to what accurately paints the concept of my ideas, to be seen and admired in reality.

How does your heritage influence your brand’s overall aesthetic? My heritage is seen in my brand’s overall aesthetic through being dedicated to the traditional kaftan and abayas, whilst experimenting with a bold colour palette alongside swaying tassels and pleated details that create a colourful environment. Tell us about your boutique in Dubai and the concept behind it? My boutique entails a bespoke experience for your perfect evening and bridal dress. The boutique’s concept also conveys an exclusive, unique selection of dresses to buy. I also have a RTW collection which has all of my previous and current collections.

Your brand allows women to freely express themselves. Was this the plan from the outset? Yes, this has been my brand vision from the very beginning. What we wear is an expression of our personalities so women should feel free to express exactly who they are through their fashion choices. This was always the aim. Do you enjoy the more commercial or creative side of the business? I am a creative person, so I love the creative side most, but my background gave me the experience for the commercial side as well. So, although I enjoy both, my passion lies in the creative. How has the fashion industry evolved in the UAE and which direction do you think it’s heading in? The Fashion Industry has taken a direction following bold hues, bright colour palettes, statement silhouettes alongside being chic and elegant. I think that the UAE is heading towards a direction that reflects innovation, and several more style will be created and discovered, making history. This is The Elevate Issue – what small things elevate your daily life? Every small achievement elevates my day. In doing my tasks and organising my time management alongside completing the goals I set my mind to, really makes a difference within my days.

A CONFIDENT

AESTHETIC

How Emirati fashion designer Ahlam Shahin turned her passion into a business

“Choosing material really comes down to what accurately

paints the concept of my ideas, to be seen and admired in reality.”

INTRICATE DETAILS

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

Omani designer Buthaina Al Zadjali on launching her brand, Bthaina, and bringing a modern touch to heritage

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I love waking up early as this allows me to plan the day ahead. I then go through my emails and messages, review sketches, design ideas, and meet with my team. I wake up 30 minutes before my kids and start my day with a good cup of coffee while spending five to 10 minutes journaling and planning. Once the kids wake up, we all have breakfast together and then I get them ready for school. It’s a bit chaotic once they wake up, but I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.

What inspired you to launch Bthaina?

Through my admiration for rugged landscapes and iridescent desert textures, my inspiration stemmed from my love of nature, as I wanted to replicate the significance and beauty of nature through luxurious fabrics. I first started out in 2010 designing kaftans and abayas for friends and select customers

inspiration. I’m inspired by everything around me, from the beauty of Oman or my travels for example. I then choose a colour palette and start sketching. From there I select fabrics and embellishments and work with my team on creating a sample collection.

How has your brand evolved since it launched? My brand has evolved with an identity that has grown into a real-life concept that can be appreciated and worn. Through my Omani heritage and love for complex textures I’ve emphasised the ethereal ethos of Omani dunes, and several other beautiful components of my heritage that are dear to my heart.

Each silhouette is embellished. Was this adornment part of the vision for the brand from the outset? I’ve always had a clear vision of the kind of design and embellishments that I wanted to incorporate from the outset. I’ve planned the embellishments as a part of the original concept and design process. I’ve always wanted to create luxurious kaftans with exquisite handcrafted details and embellishments. This is the DNA of Bthaina.

Your pieces embody a modern elegance. How do you seamlessly incorporate this into each design? Through specified colour palettes, intricate beading, fine embellishment and metallic motifs I’ve been able to paint a sense of modernity regarding a distinctive perspective that allows for flourishing creativity and freedom of expression. My designs can be dressed up and worn to special events or worn in a more casual way depending on how you style the piece.

Your SS23 collection, Amber Sands, takes notes from Rub’ al Khali. Tell us more. I looked to the beautiful Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) for this collection and referenced the red sands that form breathtaking dunes that are hundreds of feet high and visible, as far as the eye can see. The expanse of the desert is incredibly beautiful day and night, the colours, the sunset and sunrise, all inspired the colour palette while the shifting sands inspired the silhouettes.

What is your take on trends? I don’t tend to follow seasonal trends, rather I focus on the DNA of my brand and create designs that come from my heart. Each season I refer to a particular inspiration and aesthetic and build my collection from there.

Do you enjoy the creative or commercial side of the business?

and after such a positive response I opened my first boutique in Muscat in 2011. In 2016, I decided I wanted to take my brand internationally, so I started working with a fashion consultancy in Dubai to rebrand and help me take the next step. My collections are now available at my boutique in Muscat along with Ounass, Threads Styling, Closet Qatar and Galeries Lafayette Doha. Your abayas and kaftans are known for their exquisite details. Talk us through the creative process. My creative process starts with

For me I love the creative side, it’s where my passion lies. I love the whole process of designing from creating a moodboard to sketching, selecting fabrics and designing the embellishment patterns. I also love seeing my pieces come to life and working on creating the visuals for my brand. I have a wonderful team who assists me on the commercial side. I am also keen to be involved in the commercial side of business. What advice would you give to your younger self? To trust yourself and to believe that you are always on the right path. You cannot miss what already belongs to you. This is The Elevate Issue – what small things elevate your life? The small things that elevate my life would have to be the little things, such as a good cup of coffee, being outdoors amongst the beautiful nature of Oman and spending time with my family.

“I don’t tend to follow seasonal trends, rather I focus on the DNA of my brand and create designs that come from my heart.”

Modest Operandi

DAL’s founder Dalia Al Karnous on reinventing the classic abaya with a contemporary touch

WORDS: RUMAN BAIG

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? The first 30 minutes of my day are dedicated to my skin care routine and drinking coffee. Afterwards I like to work out, my favourite workout is boxing. With a maximalist philosophy, you’ve been championing the abaya. How difficult or easy is it to attain modernism without compromising on traditionalism? In remaining dedicated to my authenticity and ideas, I’ve found it easier to create. The more I trust myself and believe that my dreams are worth making a reality – the more it happens for me. The difficulty of maintaining both modernism and tradition, lies in whether you believe the two can co-exist. If you believe that is possible, you can create such a thing.

Having started your career in law, does a business law degree help you navigate the entrepreneurial front as a fashion designer better?

Although fashion paves a way for several avenues of creativity and exploration, I think that my law degree helps me navigate the entrepreneurial front immensely. It is a useful tool in creating traction for my brand, alongside dealing with clients accordingly.

With the evolution of the abaya and its constant reimagination, what do you think GCC women of today look for in this silhouette before investing in it? Before investing in a piece of history, the GCC woman is after comfortability with a combination of bold novelty that complements their aura – whilst remaining modern.

What are some of the major challenges that you’ve overcome while building this brand?

A major challenge for building this brand would have to be trusting that my hard work will come to fruition alongside time management, as it required way more time and patience than I anticipated.

While the brand’s brick and mortar foundation are solid in Saudi, what are your plans for extending its e-commerce horizon in the rest of the GCC? We are planning to launch the official website of DAL this year.

From DAL’s inception in 2017, what are some of the brand’s major milestone moments that you can recall? The biggest milestone would have to be the launch and opening of our Riyadh store in 2021. The second, will be the launch of the DAL website, which we are very excited about.

As most of your collections are on the opulent side, what will be the distinctive factor of the upcoming Ramadan collection? My brand remains opulent throughout the collections. However, this collection follows a

bold ethos complemented by high end silk crepes and linens, in a variety of shades regarding the colour palette.

What advice would you like to give a young entrepreneur wanting to break into the industry? Trust the process. Ignore the little voice of doubt in your head and it will all work out.

What is your vision for DAL in the next 10 years, within and beyond GCC? We are hoping to extend our lines to include ready-to-wear ensembles that will cater to clients globally and chart a new avenue for the brand.

This is The Elevate Issue, how do you elevate your brand year after year? Year after year, I incorporate a sense of novelty that welcomes a kind of playfulness and curiosity, which creates space for further innovation and state-of-the-art concepts that come to life.

“Trust the process. Ignore the little voice of doubt in your head and it will all work out.”

WORDS: JOELLE ALBEAINO

D AE M R

Mariam El Remithi talks us through her Ramadan campaign for Messika Jewellery

What is Messika to you? Messika is the true definition of rock chic. It’s a brand that rose to the top in such a short period of time and that is very good at adapting current fashion trends, which made me and many other girls from my generation drawn to it. I love how empowered and confident I feel when I am wearing Messika jewellery.

What is your favourite piece from the campaign? I had the opportunity to wear the new Move Iconica necklace from Beyond the Light high jewellery collection when shooting the campaign – which looked incredible with the abaya I picked for that day. I didn’t want to take it off.

You are one of the three female faces of the Ramadan campaign. Tell us what this means to you. This campaign is very dear to my heart because of the empowering message behind it and the way it highlights the spirit of introspection of the holy month of Ramadan. I felt extremely honoured joining talented individuals such as Laila Abdallah and Yara Al Hogbani for this experience as it made me appreciate where I am in life and inspired me to dream big – just like Valérie Messika did! This campaign pays homage to the women of the region; tell us more about how it helped you reflect on your journey and your culture?

‘Khwater Messika’ campaign gave me a platform to express myself and talk about the steps that led me to where I am today, the present moment I am living and what I aspire to do in the future. Ramadan played a huge role in shaping who I am as a person and being able to talk about it made me appreciate my culture even more and pay homage to the people surrounding me, especially my family. As an acclaimed fashion designer yourself, how important is it for you to support other women entrepreneurs? International designers were the driving force behind my desire to start my career in fashion because I didn’t see many examples of designers in the region that I could look up to when I was

growing up. Therefore, I am trying my best today to be a good example to young designers like myself and show them that they can create a product inspired by our culture and make it desirable to international audiences all over the world.

What’s your approach to styling minimal jewellery pieces? Layering minimal jewellery is definitely my favourite approach to styling chic and elegant everyday outfits. It looks very feminine, modern and fashionable. I like combining jewellery in different gold colors, shapes and sizes to play with dimensions and add an edge to any look.

This is The Elevate Issue – which Messika jewellery piece would you choose to elevate your wardrobe? I have recently bought Messika’s Move Uno Pavé Drop Pendant Chocker. I love how simple yet striking it is with all its mini diamond pendants – it has immediately elevated every abaya I wore so far.

This page (fromleft): Yara Algohbani and Laila Abdallah; Previous page: Mariam Al Remeithi

A NEW LEVEL

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

The runway standouts from the regional brands you need to know at the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week

OF TALENT

Lama Jouni

Lama Jouni continues to redefine the essentials for her eponymous label. For FW23, the Lebanese designer paraded her figure-hugging silhouettes in predominantly monochromatic hues, keeping the signature -out and bandage details.

Dima Ayad

Dima Ayad showcased a mélange of textures in an electrifying colour palette with the Freedom of Colour collection. Each piece embodied uniqueness and inclusivity and is meticulously crafted to precise perfection.

Bazaza

Beirut-born Hussein Bazaza presented 10 nature-inspired looks voking earthy elements such as water streams, blooming florals, and he fiery sun. Each piece has been crafted from entirely handmade materials including silk taffeta, wool, raffia and sparkling sequins.

BLSSD

Known for its urban aesthetic, BLSSD revealed experimental combinations constructed from vegan leather, taffeta, mesh and denim – oscillating between bold streetwear and a refined contemporary style further cementing the brand’s street-luxe credentials.

Slimi Studio

In this monochromatic collection, Slimi Studio delivered unconventional styles with exaggerated proportions and oversized silhouettes that gave off polarizing synergies. The runway highlight: a glove-sleeve cropped utility jacket styled with cut-out baggy trousers.

BLSSD

SLIMI STUDIO

LAMA JOUNI

BAZAZA

Ahead of the Curve

Maison Margiela & Gentle Monster’s sunglasses collaboration pushes the boundaries of design – what was the creative process behind this collection?

The Maison Margiela X Gentle Monster collaboration started with the shared belief in experimental craftsmanship. Founded in concepts developed in the Artisanal atelier, the two brands have brought together signature elements of both labels, like Maison Margiela’s stitch logo and the bold eyewear designs of Gentle Monster. The spirit has transformed into an otherworldly space, overtaken by robots with Maison Margiela’s signature elements, such as the black mask, unfinished thread, and fabric details reinterpreted by Gentle Monster’s unique aesthetic perspective. Your brick-and-mortar stores focus on an elevated design. What is the connection between your head-turning

in-store installations and the brand?

As a brand renowned for the vision of ‘weird beauty,’ Gentle Monster showcases a surreal and futuristic environment through kinetic art, robotics, architecture, interior design, and media art created by more than 100 in-house artists, providing emotionally stirring experiences to visitors. Gentle Monster has also opened doors to Gentle Haus in Seoul and Shanghai, presenting a holistic cultural experience that transcends commercial retail by blending retail, exhibition, and experimental space into one offline platform. The brand has gained a celebrity status over the years. Whom have you seen wear the brand well in the public space? We have a wide range of celebrities who love our eyewear including Beyonce, Pharrell Williams, Madonna, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Blackpink Jennie and BTS Jimin just to name a few who all give it their own spin.

You’ve collaborated with various artists and celebrities such as: Tilda Swinton, Hood by Air, Moooi and Henrik Vibskov. Who would you like to work with next? Aside from our most recent collaboration with Maison Margiela, we’ve also collaborated with Moncler, Coperni, and Blackpink’s Jennie in the past year. All our collaborations originate organically through mutual appreciation and a desire to work together creatively, producing something truly unique that allows both brands to grow in some way, shape, or form.

What lies at Gentle Monster’s DNA?

Gentle Monster’s core lies in its daring and innovative narrative, sophisticated products, and emotionally provocative physical spaces. How important is individuality to the brand when it comes to designing? Individuality is of the utmost importance. We showcase multiple silhouettes, finishes, and iconic variations within our collections that appeal to a wide audience with distinct aesthetics.

Gentle Monster has become known for its philosophy of high-end experimentation by delivering a radically new perspective on fashion and art

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

Hot New Buys

WORDS: JOELLE ALBEAINO

All the elevated beauty buys to invest in this season

Second Skin

This no-transfer foundation delivers a full coverage look in one drop with a radiant and comfortable matte finish that complements your natural glow. Eternité de Beauté Foundation SPF15 30ml for Dhs265 Gucci Beauty

ULTIMATE HYDRATION

Inspired by Mirsalehi Honey and hyaluronic hydration, the lip oil is formulated to provide long-lasting moisture and protection. It conditions and restores chapped, dry lips. Lip Oil Honey Infused 8ml for Dhs109 Gisou

Moisture Lock

This new barrier-boosting face oil, with skin-supporting peptides and pure Scandinavian berry oils will keep your face hydrated all day and will improve uneven skin texture. Hydrabarrier Nourishing Face Oil Peptides 30ml for Dhs240 OLEHENRIKSEN

Luminous Dose

Packaged in 30 individual daily doses, this concentrated serum is designed to stimulate and support the skin’s natural renewal process at the cell’s core. The Absolute Intense Renewal Serum 15ml for Dhs1,871 Noble Panacea

TRUE ESSENCE

This warm floral scent that Rihanna made for herself is an expression of her true essence. Fenty Eau de Parfum 75ml for Dhs800 Fenty

Blushed

Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand in shade Pillow Talk to give the cheeks a beautifying pop of colour! It lifts and revives the look of every complexion. Matte Beauty Blush Wand 10ml for Dhs132 Charlotte Tilbury

Rejuvenated

This Super Anti-Aging Body Serum targets dryness and loss of elasticity that occurs with age. It provides anti-wrinkle and antioxidant benefits for youthful-looking skin from head-to-toe. Super Anti-Aging Body Serum 100ml for Dhs852 Dr. Barbara Sturm

Depth

This easy-to-use pencil product will bring depth and soft warmth to your eyes. Its melting creamy texture provides effortless gliding application. Ambivalent Kajal Pencil Dhs150 Byredo

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

HIGH QUALITY

ART DIRECTION: OLGA PETROFF; ALL AVAILABLE AT AESOP.AE

WORDS

Above: Santal 26 scented candle, 245g Dhs235 Le Labo; Nourishing Gold Algae Eye Mask Dhs327 for 8x6ml Aman X 111SKIN; Pure Silk Sleep Mask Dhs218 Slip available at OUNASS

Above: Support Lavender & Peppermint Bath & Shower Oil, 55ml Dhs243 Aromatherapy Associates

& STYLING: AMY SESSIONS

Right: Deep Relax Roller Ball, 10ml Dhs106 Aromatherapy Associates; Magnesium + Double Strength Dhs75 JSHealth available at theskincareedit.com; Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, 75ml Dhs130 This Works available at OUNASS; Magnesium Ease Dhs152 The Nue Co available at apothecabeauty.com

COMPILED BY: SARAH JOSEPH

CROWNING GLORY

An edit of the best mists to elevate your hair game

From left:

Tubéreuse Impériale Hair Perfume 100ml for Dhs275 BDK Parfums; Mojave Ghost Hair Perfume 75ml for Dhs314 Byredo; Déja Vu White Flower 50ml for Dhs374 Kayali; Eternal Hair Mist 15ml for Dhs160 Arcadia; All-Over Spray N°5 L’EAU 150ML for Dhs320 Chanel Beauty; Silk Hair Perfume 200ml for Dhs108 Balmain Paris Hair Couture; Eau Rose Hair Mist Dhs321 Diptyque; Hair Mist Spray Dhs193 Narciso Rodriguez; Protective Hair Perfume 50ml for Dhs365 Sachajuan

Elevating the Beauty Game

We speak to Venetia Archer, Founder of RUUBY App on elevating the beauty game and taking VIP services global

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

of the best beauty and wellness experts on our platform. We look for innovators – we work with the leading global Brazilian lymphatic masseuses, celebrity makeup artists, facialists and more. We are always introducing new treatments – whether it be IVs, LED/advanced facials or acupuncture. We stay ahead of the curve and seek out the latest innovations. We’re excited to launch Dr. Levy treatments later this year – his products are second to none and the treatments are exceptional. How challenging was it to refine the offering in terms of service and how did you know when you had got it right? We constantly iterate, and our offering now is completely different to what it was when I first launched Ruuby. Covid was an interesting time. We were unable to operate for the duration of the period, which was naturally a great challenge. However, since the easing of restrictions, demand for our services has grown dramatically – consumer needs are different to what they were before the pandemic. One of the things that has made Ruuby so successful is our adaptability – we understand consumer/business needs evolve, and we never, ever sit still. How do you ensure that services stay consistent to standard as you scale, and did you try all services yourself from the outset? We do a lot here. As mentioned earlier, we meet every single therapist we work with, and test every treatment. We ask – would our most discerning client be happy? If so, we onboard. In addition, we launched our Ruuby Academy last year, and deliver regular trainings with our brand partners to ensure consistency and professional progression on the part of our therapists.

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I am an early riser and I love the quiet of the morning – my days tend to be very busy, and so I enjoy the time on my own. I’ll have a matcha tea in bed and check up on activity from the day before and work out my plan for the day ahead. My morning beauty routine is quick (my staples are Dr. Barbara Sturm, Augustinus Bader and new Swedish brand, Mantle). Then I wake up my two-year-old daughter, Penelope. We always have breakfast together – sometimes coinciding with a pre-8am Ruuby blowdry, and then I’ll walk to the office. How did you know it was the right time to launch RUUBY App which steps previously led you to this path? Launching an ondemand beauty services platform was not quite what anyone expected from me. Prior to founding Ruuby, I was a geopolitical analyst, and specialised in Somali piracy, so it was a considerable pivot! However, I am the queen of convenience, and my life in London had been transformed by platforms like Uber and Deliveroo. I sat on the idea for on-demand beauty for a while and in 2015 decided to take the plunge and launch the business. I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and so I was just waiting for the right idea to land.

What is the DNA of the brand? Quality, community, and innovation are at our core. We are obsessed with delivering the highest quality services possible. We meet and vet every single professional we work with, and now count over 1,500

What is your must have service? Last summer, everyone went wild for Brazilian lymphatic massage treatments. This is still incredibly popular – particularly pre-summer. Facial lymphatic, and buccal massage has also taken off. The results are incredible. If you do half the face, the difference is dramatic.

Can you tell us about your new VIP service? Our Black Label offering is a bespoke concierge solution for our VIP and international clients. Essentially, we support our clients in any and all of their beauty and wellness needs – from arranging a masseuse for a family on a yacht in the Mediterranean, to securing a celebrity makeup artist for Fashion Week travels, to organising a regular pre-Oscar facial schedule for a celebrity client. We are launching our first international pop-ups this Summer in St Tropez and Ibiza, which I’m excited about – we’ve wanted to do this for a while. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our reach

What is the most requested service from our global VIPs? The most requested service is usually massage. Many of our clients travel regularly, and would like to travel with a trusted masseuse to ensure consistency of treatment.

What have been the most challenging or rewarding aspects to date? The most rewarding aspect of

this business is the fact that we can offer our therapists incredible work opportunities, and the freedom to work flexibly. Running a young business is full of challenges too –whether it be finding and hiring the right people or maintaining focus and avoiding distraction.

How do you approach challengI take my time. This is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned. If something is not immediately clear, I’ll seek advice, work hrough the various options and wait. The answer always comes... if I’m not sure, I’m not ready. How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality? This can be tough, but we do this in a few ways. We’ve developed a robust screening process to ensure only the highest quality professionals are onboarded, and then offer continuous learning and training opportunities to ensure that quality is t maintained but improved over time. One of our longest standing brand partners is Dr. Barbara Sturm, and her facial is one he most booked and most loved treatments on the platform. We do a lot together on the training piece. How has social media supported scaling the business? When we launched in 2015 the social media landscape was totally different. It was much easier for a brand to stand out, and a lot of our early growth was due to a handful of brand advocates, who organically chose to share their experiences with Ruuby. This was invaluable in the early days when we were trying to establish the brand. We still do a lot on social, and what I love most is seeing our user generated content – Ruuby behind the scenes! Have you had any mentors and if so, what advice did they impart? I have had some incredible mentors, which has been particularly important to me as a first-time founder. One of my most fantastic friends, Whitney Bromberg Hawkings (founder of FLOWERBX) is a pioneer in the world of flowers, and we talk a lot about challenges – I learn a lot from her. The key piece of advice? Never give up! What advice would you give your younger self? I would tell myself to trust my instinct. No one knows your business better than you do!

“One of our longest standing brand partners is Dr. Barbara Sturm, and her facial is one of the most booked and most loved treatments on platform.”

WORDS: JOELLE ALBEAINO

De Vivre

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I start with my daily ablution and tongue scraper. Shortly after, I take my dog out for a walk. We are lucky to have a garden and breathing fresh air in the morning is very important for me. Drinking hot water is usually the last step of my relaxed morning routine, before having my coffee, breakfast and reading the newspaper. Talk us through your career. I discovered my interest in beauty when I was a very young, working in PR for a Parisian store Colette, then a few years later I opened with Ramdane our first beauty store Parfumerie Générale. We were both 25 at the time. Later, Ramdane took over the candle brand Cire Trudon and we decided to move to Morocco. After a few years we moved to New York to open Cire Trudon, our first store in New York. We moved back to Paris in 2014, took over Officine Universelle Buly and opened our dream perfume store inspired by the XIX century. What is Officine Universelle Buly? A French beauty and perfume brand well known for its beautiful products and outstanding stores. We are inspired by the French “age d’or” of beauty brands at the beginning of the XIX century but we are also very modern in our way of thinking and creating. We are inspired by the past but with the efficiency and quality of today.

Talk us through the process of developing new products. Where does the inspiration come from? My husband Ramdane Touhami has a very creative mind, he follows his own inspiration. It’s amazing how many product ideas he keeps having. There are no rules when we work on a new product. It is a complete mix; Some of our products use state of the art technology and some couldn’t be simpler. We

really like the French aesthetics of the XVIII century and the perfumery golden era. We were really inspired by the original catalogue from Jean-Vincent Buly, the names of the products along with the original packaging. It has been our creative frame since. Buly is all about promoting art de vivre; can you expand on what this means? Aesthetics are very important in our life as it drives our lifestyle. When we started to work on Buly, we thought the products could enhance your bathroom and improve your mood. Being surrounded by beautiful objects is important to us. Efficiency and beauty are our two components when we are creating a product.

You’re passionate about rituals and traditional customs. How is that reflected in the products? We believe that beauty products and the techniques that have been used for centuries prove their efficiency. We use this knowledge in our formulation, in our advice on how to apply the products. We also have a very popular selection of traditional beauty accessories like Greek sponges, vetiver root scrub and Indian tongue scrapers. There is a lot of detail that goes into designing the products, what does the creative process look like? The creative is all from Ramdane’s mind with conversations with me and the team. Very easy. Which hero product is a personal favourite and why?Huile antique Tubereuse du Mexique, our scented body oil. Very comforting for the skin and perfectly fragrant. What does the future hold for Officine Universelle Buly? An amazing and very unusual new botanical perfume collection. This is The Elevate Issue – what small things elevate your life? Details. Paying attention to small details in your life makes such a difference.

Victoire de Taillac, Founder and Brand & Communication Director for Officine Universelle Buly talks us through the process of creating

Art

“Paying attention to small details in your life makes such a difference.”

The Beauty Shelf

Co-Founder of Meta[bolic], Zeina Abdalla shares her top beauty picks

COMPILED BY: SARAH JOSEPH

Lip Sleeping Mask Berry 10ml for Dhs74 Laneige

This intensive-care mask has become a staple in my nightly routine giving my lips the nourishment they need. I apply a generous amount before bed and let it work its magic overnight.

GLOWISH Multidew Skin Tint

Dhs167 Huda Beauty

As someone who loves a natural, glowing complexion, I wear Glowish every day. This skin tint is the perfect solution for achieving a soft-focus, dewy finish that looks effortlessly radiant with a “no makeup” makeup look.

Legit Lashes Mascara Dhs140

Huda Beauty

This mascara is my absolute favourite because it adds volume, length, and curls lashes all in one formula. It’s perfect for both daytime and nighttime looks, and stays put all day without flaking or smudging. Overall, it’s a must-have for days I want bold, dramatic lashes.

Radiant Creamy Concealer

Dhs170 Nars

This is my go-to for its lightweight formula and long-lasting wear. It blends seamlessly into my skin and comes in a wide

range of shades to match my skin tone perfectly. It’s also versatile and easy to apply, making it a must-have in my makeup bag.

The Dewy Skin Cream

Dhs260 Tatcha

This deeply hydrates my skin and improves its overall appearance. It’s made with natural, high-quality ingredients like Japanese purple rice, algae, and hyaluronic acid which works as an anti-ageing moisturiser.

Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment 50ml for Dhs475

Sunday Riley

It’s my go-to for its ability to brighten, smooth, and even out my skin. It contains lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and can be used as a daily serum, spot treatment, or mask. The for-

mula is gentle, yet effective, and absorbs quickly without any irritation.

Gloss Bomb Heat Lip Lumizer + Plumper Dhs125 Fenty Beauty

Fenty Heat Lip Balm is the perfect way to add a subtle hint of colour and gloss to my lips while keeping them soft and moisturised.

Maxi.Wash shampoo Dhs131

Kevin Murphy

It is an excellent product that effectively purifies my hair and scalp. It removes build-up and impurities without stripping my hair’s natural oils.

Bergamote 22 Eau de Parfum

100ml for Dhs1,300 Le Labo

This unique fragrance stands out for its blend of citrusy and woody notes. Handmade

with natural ingredients, it’s a conscious choice for fragrance lovers. The unisex scent is long-lasting without being overpowering, making it a staple in my fragrance collection.

Propolis Infused Polishing

Primer 75ml for Dhs141 Gisou

It’s great for reducing frizz and protecting my hair from heat damage. Its lightweight texture leaves my hair feeling soft, smooth, and shiny. I’m also a fan of the brand’s sustainable beekeeping practices and the use of bee-derived ingredients.

COMPILED BY: JOËLLE ALBEAINO

AM TO PM BEAUTY

Fashion photographer Muzi Sufi talks us through her morning to evening beauty routine

Talk us through your morning routine. Cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunscreen. Absolutely every morning and a large cup of coffee. I try to drink a few glasses of water before leaving the house to kickstart my water intake.

How does your evening routine differ? I double cleanse every night with a face wash and then micellar water. I use a toner again, followed by a moisturiser and then an eye cream. I end the night with a non-caffeinated green tea. What are your go-to skincare products? Tata Harper everything! I have used the whole Superkind range and it’s amazing. I have also

started using Codex Beauty’s Balancing range. It’s so good for when your skin is going through a lot and it’s really targeted to limit breakouts! Which mask is your favourite and why? I love Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, I have dry skin so it really helps with deep hydration. I also love Tata Harper’s Superkind Radiance Mask for a quick glow!

How would you describe your day-to-day makeup? I grew up seeing my mum almost always put it together. Lipstick, a little eye makeup, she made it part of her everyday routine and I loved that. I wear makeup al-

most daily, and the whole thing takes me about five minutes. I love a dark eye, it adds a lot of definition to my face, and my absolute non-negotiable product used to achieve this is Chanel’s Ombré et Contour eyeshadow liner in 8. It’s my favourite product in my whole makeup drawer, and I’ve used it every day for years. I also love a little colour on the cheeks, and I think matching it with your natural lip shade is a great way to get a very natural blush shade! I use Bobbi Brown’s Slopes. What beauty product can always be found in your makeup bag? Always a lipstick, and

Clockwise from top left: Bal d’Afrique Eau de Parfum 50ml for Dhs760 Byredo; Stylo Ombre Et Contour 0.60ml for Dhs132 Chanel; Jet Lag Mask 64g for Dhs246 Summer Fridays; Honey Infused Hair Oil 100ml for Dhs359 Gisou; K18 Leave-In Repair Mask 50ml for Dhs263 K18; Shaant Balancing Oil Control Cream 50ml for Dhs132 Codex Labs

these days it’s Huda Beauty’s “Girls Trip”. Also, a pretty little comb by Classy Lunar! Which fragrances are your signature? I love Creed’s Aventus for her. I’m a citrus girl so it’s an absolute go to. Sometimes I use my husband’s Aventus as well if I want something even stronger! I’m also really loving La Perla’s Possibilities.

For evening, I love to choose my outfit first to set the mood, and I almost always grab something that lingers longer in terms of fragrance. I love Gris Dior or Bal D’Afrique by Byredo for the evenings.

Talk us through your haircare routine. I wash my hair every other day. I try to oil my hair at least twice a month, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. I apply heat on my hair a few times a week which isn’t ideal, but I try to use the Dyson Air Wrap and heat protecting spray to limit the damage. And always Gisou oil drops for the shine. Which beauty tools can you not live without? For hair it’s my Dyson Air Wrap. And for the face, although I’m usually in too much of a hurry to add it to my daily routine, the Gua Sha is amazing. Every time I use it, I

remember how instant the results are to depuff and add glow to the complexion! What was the last beauty product you bought? K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask. It’s such an amazing product, I don’t know how they’ve done it, but it’s actually reversing the damage to long hair without having to cut it off. Highly recommend! What is your ultimate beauty indulgence? I love to schedule a massage once a month to unwind and feel relaxed. I think it’s important to take the time for yourself and do something that’s just for you.

Personal Space

In the office with Meryem and Aida Sekkat, Co-Founders of Clay Concept

PHOTOGRAPHY: AHMED ABDELWAHAB

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

How long have you been in this space? Our showroom in Al Wasl opened in November of last year. Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces for the showroom? We are in love with mid-century design and wanted to add a mid-century touch to our space, so we used a real Terrazo floor throughout the showroom. We wanted the showroom to feel more personal – like a home – so we custom built a little kitchen using IKEA fronteriors panels and we sourced Omani marble for the countertop. We then added a dark scenic wallpaper to create a contrasting mood in the space. These little bespoke additions made our showroom dis-

tinctive, and we added our curated furniture and accessories and the space came to life. How do you think the interior buys reflect you? We love iconic design pieces that are reminiscent of an era or tell the story of the designer that created them. I like the fact that a home can be one’s personal gallery and that each piece is perfectly curated. When we select furniture for Clay, we try to go for timeless and iconic designs that can transcend time and trends. Describe your taste in three words. Contemporary, curated, iconic.

WORDS

SUBTLE SCENT

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ELEVATE

ZOYA SAKR FOUNDER OF THE FLOWER SOCIETY

What small things elevate your life? Spending time with my family and friends elevates my life morally and emotionally, listening to my kids, advising them, discussing my worries, my plans, things that give me drive in life and taking opinions of my loved ones elevates me. How do you elevate the lives of people around you? I love taking care of my family, making my mom happy means the world to me, we just came back from an escape in the Maldives for her 80th birthday, spending full days with my family brings joy to everyone. Being there for family, colleagues and friends elevates their lives, time is the most precious thing you can offer them.

AMNA MOHAMMAD KARMOSTAJI FASHION DESIGNER

What small things elevate your life? Every morning, I make it a priority to start my day with a fresh and optimistic mindset. I believe in clearing my mind of negative thoughts and accepting what I cannot change and so my social circle consists of individuals who bring

positivity, happiness, and joy into my life. I am a firm believer in setting personal and professional goals, and I find immense pleasure and satisfaction in achieving them. I am also a believer in constant growth and development, both mentally and physically, and I strive to learn new skills and acquire knowledge by surrounding myself with individuals who have similar aspirations and goals. Doing so motivates me and offers fresh perspectives and inspiration. It is a fantastic way to grow and share ideas with like-minded individuals. In my free time, I engage in activities that bring me pure joy, such as practicing yoga, going on beach trips, spending girls’ nights with my closest friends, and exploring new places. How do you elevate the lives of people around you? I always strive to maintain a positive outlook, as I believe that positivity is infectious. Leading by example is also a principle that I adhere to and make a point of keeping my promises and showing that I am committed through my actions. This builds a strong foundation of trust and loyalty, which is crucial when building and maintaining relationships. My loved ones know that they can always count on me, no matter how trivial their problems may seem as having a support system is essential. While it’s easy to celebrate success, true friends are the ones who stand by you during your lows and lift you up when you’re feeling down. Small acts of kindness can go a long way, and I try to make it a habit to give compli-

ments to my colleagues, peers, and friends as little reminders of their worth. As part of the Elnaline brand, we have always been involved in social causes to uplift and support women. I feel privileged to be in a position to positively impact the lives of those around me through small gestures. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s the little thoughtful things that people remember and appreciate the most.

NAYLA AL KHAJA

FIRST FEMALE FILM WRITER, DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER IN THE UAE

What small things elevate your life? Welcoming my children with open arms every day after school invigorates my life with joy and purpose. Strolling through our lovely neighbourhood in the morning while chatting with my dear brother uplifts my spirits and sets a positive tone for the day. Receiving an unexpected “I love you” message from my beloved husband fills my soul with an elevated sense of love and contentment.

How do you elevate the lives of those around you? My mission is to uplift and inspire those in my circle by sparking innovative ideas and collaborating to bring them to fruition. Sharing delicious meals and performing small acts of kindness are just a few of the ways I seek to elevate those around me. However, I believe that the most powerful tool for elevating the

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI & SARAH JOSEPH

human spirit is laughter, which has the ability to heal, connect, and transform lives.

NADINE KANSO

FOUNDER OF JEWELLERY BRAND

BIL ARABI

What small things elevate your life? I think what elevates my life is my need for human interaction. I love to socialize, meeting new people and learning about new things truly inspires me and allows me to foster my personal growth and development. I love to be surrounded by positive and loving energy. That, I believe really elevates life! Having a support system builds resilience. When we choose to surround ourselves with positive and loving people, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and potential. It all starts with the energy that we choose to bring into our lives. I thrive on what adds value to me and allows me to grow. How do you elevate the lives of people around you? In return, I elevate the lives of those around me by making sure to be there for them when they need me, always trying to offer all the love and support I have. Giving love and support to those around us is one of the most powerful ways to make a positive impact. When we take the time to show kindness and compassion to others, we not only elevate their lives but also enrich our own.

HONAYDA SERAFI

FASHION DESIGNER

What small things elevate your life? Any positive gesture elevates my life. And it is indeed the smallest things that elevate it. Like waking up to a shining sunrise, listening to music, dancing, seeing people happy, doing sports, accepting life as it is! But also whatever nourishes my soul. I long for adventures, discovering new cultures and visiting heritage sites. Every trip brings an inspiration and elevates my mind.

How do you elevate the lives of those around you? From a philanthropist perspective, I thrive to always make an actual positive change in the lives of those in need. Whether through my activities with the children of AlOula NPO, or the craftswomen of Alwaleed Philanthropies. I believe myself to be lucky, to be able to impact other people’s lives positively through my brand, specifically women, as well as the young talents of the Kingdom who I accompany as a mentor through my role with the Saudi 100 brands programme and King Abdul Aziz University.

ARWA ALKADI

FASHION DESIGNER

What small things elevate your life? A good cup of coffee in the morning, writing three

things I’m grateful for everyday, exercise, focusing on my spirituality and spending quality time with family and friends. Working in a creative industry with like minded people also really inspires me.

How do you elevate the lives of people around you? My relationships are important to me, whether that’s family, friends or colleagues. I try to be there for the people around me, support them in what they need and lift them up.

SOPHIE BILLE BRAHE

JEWELLERY DESIGNER

What small things elevate your life? The colour of the sky, a walk with my dog, a drawing from my daughter. I try to remain sensitive to all the beautiful things surrounding me. How do you elevate the lives of people around you? Taking care of the people around me is the most important thing I can do. I want to be as present as I can for them. I try to see people where they are and meet them at that exact moment. It can be difficult, but it is so important. Time is so scarce, so giving your time to others is the best gift you can give. I try my best to be there for the ones I love, to gather them around the table to share as much as can be.

We ask some of the most incredible women we know, what small things elevate their own lives

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

HighLevel Hair Game

Regional Director of Harklinikken, Nina

Pedersen

What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine? I always start my morning with a cup of coffee and 10 minutes of peace, before everyone else in the house gets up. It is important for me to start the day slowly before it gets busy. Waking up peacefully elevates my entire day. I wake up my girls and get them off to school, and then I get ready for the day. I always wash my hair with Harklinikken’s Stabilizing Shampoo before styling it lightly with my Dyson blow dryer and our Hair Hydrating Cream and Styling Spray, which are super light, so perfect for the heat and humidity when you are out and about in Dubai.

Harklinikken has launched a VIP Membership. Tell us more about what this entails and how it supports consistency? Our VIP Membership gives them a personalized regime that is designed to make hair gain easier, more effective and more enjoyable than ever before. Our clients decided there was a space in the market and we decided how it should be filled – with a personal touch and a premium finish. Healthy hair needs three things: quality, routine and care. So scientifically based, clean products, a daily routine and personalization. Caring for your scalp and hair means finding out what your unique needs are and working with them. It’s a big commitment,

discusses the newly launched VIP membership and why consistency is everything

but they showed us they were ready to make it – and the rest is Harklinikken. Is the membership global and how does it work if you are a frequent traveller? Yes, membership is global, and we’re happy to see our clients for online consultations whenever it suits them. Our most popular products also come in travel sizes, so wherever our client goes, they can take Harklinikken with them. How do you approach providing a bespoke experience for the VIP members? Through our personal consultations. This is where we personalize the product regimen and create the customized Hair Gain Extract to meet the client’s specific needs. VIP Members get unlimited consultations, which means we’re able to consistently monitor, adjust and optimise their regimen to ensure their hair is always getting what it needs. Endlessly healthy hair days. This truly personal relationship, and attention to detail, is unique to Harklinikken and is what empowers our clients to discover their greatest potential in hair growth. What transformations do you typically see and over which amount of time? The transformations are incredible. The hair is thicker, stronger and denser. The scalp is balanced and thriving – and both have a vitality that a lot of clients say they’ve never had before. As for timing, we see immediate improvements in hair quality when clients use our shampoos and conditioners. Hair gain results take around two to four months of complying with their regimen and using the Hair Gain Extract [KH1] as directed. But the real transformation is in their confidence and the way they feel and talk about themselves. It’s a real joy to experience.

How important is consistency when using the programme? Consistency is everything. The success of the treatment is dependent on their compliance at home. So, if you stick to the recommended product regimen, including the daily application of the Hair Gain Extract, you will experience the best results. It is a big commitment, but we support our clients in every way we can. How do you scale while maintaining quality over everything? This is the most important factor at Harklinikken. Quality, customization, and a personal approach are most important for us. So, we always make sure to scale when we can maintain and guarantee the same level of service and quality in everything we do.

How do you elevate the lives of those around you? I love to make people smile and laugh and I try to remember this even when the day gets challenging. It is important to be able to see the positivity, even when we face difficult

situations and to remember that most problems we face during the day will pass. This is The Elevate Issue – what small things elevate your everyday life? I am elevated by the people I am surrounded by in my everyday life. Seeing all our amazing clients visiting our clinic daily and being able to help them gain back their hair and confidence makes my day special. Spending time with family and good friends always elevates my days.

“This truly personal relationship, and attention to detail, is unique to Harklinikken and is what empowers our clients to discover their greatest potential in hair growth.”

Elevate Your Ride

Blacklane is a combined concept of stress-free and sustainable travel that allows fast-paced travellers to move through the city seamlessly – and save the planet one ride at a time. Currently operating in more than 50 countries globally, Blacklane is the leading chauffeur-hailing service offering a premium experience with sustainability in mind. Providing a comfortable ride experience, passengers can enjoy the journey with its ventilated seats, in-chair massage, and ambient cabin lighting, creating an oasis of calm – which is all a tap away.

This month sees Blacklane’s first-ofits-kind launch in the region of an all-electric fleet of customised, top-of-the-range Mercedes EQs, captained by impeccably dressed male and female chauffeurs that provide the highest standards of service, safety, etiquette, and discretion.

“As part of our commitment to the environment, we are proud to offer an allelectric fleet, which will dramatically reduce carbon emissions [...] a step forward towards a more sustainable future,” says Nicolas Soucailler, General Manager.

The electric vehicle rollout bolsters Blacklane’s already impressive eco-credentials that align with the United Arab Emirates Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and supports the UAE’s announcement to declare 2023 as the year of sustainability.

One of out of the many service highlights of Blacklane includes transparent fixed pricing at the time of booking for short trips and inter-emirate journeys, with a 15-minute complimentary wait time. Guests have the option of booking rides on-demand or using the pre-booked option with a minimum wait time of 60-minutes. These updates are just the beginning and there is more to come.

“We are strategically investing in the important Middle East market as a test bed to introduce new offerings which will diversify our business model and allow us to expand and open new markets,” says Dr Jens Wholtorf, Co-Founder and CEO of Blacklane.

For more information scan the QR Code

Elevate Your E xperience

MADRID

FAST BECOMING ONE OF EUROPE’S LUXURIOUS DESTINATIONS, MADRID IS POSITIONING ITSELF AS A LUXE DESTINATION AND FOR GOOD REASON

Madrid is what Spanish dreams are made of – with its Baroque architectures, worldclass art galleries, stretches of food markets, and lush gardens, it offers much more charm than the usual flamenco, tapas, and bullfighting that it is known for.

The Eats

The Region of Madrid has all the ingredients to be the ultimate destination for gastronomy. From centuryold restaurants to a stretch of food stalls at Mercado de San Miguel to sample traditional Iberian flavours –the Spanish capital is a gourmand’s delight and has plenty to satisfy.

MUST TRY

After siesta, enjoy a late-night dinner at Lhardy, one of the oldest restaurants in Madrid. Opened in 1839 as a bakery, Lhardy has developed into one of the first restaurants to introduce French cuisine in Madrid. In its older days, illustrious political figures, journalism and art personalities could be frequently spotted in the restaurant.

Alternatively, the Region of Madrid is a gastronomical destination for discerning food lovers. With more than 23 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from, the city offers an epicurean journey like no other.

The Shopping Madrid offers a plethora of options for endless strolling and shopping, whether you’re partial to vintage or luxurious finds. Corte Inglés, Galería Canalejas and Barrio de Salamanca are upscale tax-free shopping destinations with a mile of sprawling options from emerging talents, renowned luxury houses, to made-in-Spain haute couture designers,

while Gran Via is haven for high street labels. Alternatively, you can plan a half day out to Chueca-Salesas and Barrio de las Letras to explore local artisan shops that display local artistry work.

MUST TRY

Just 25 minutes from Madrid, Las Rozas Village is a unique outdoor shopping experience and home to discounted fashion and lifestyle shops at exceptional prices, that you can’t miss.

The Wellness

After walking Madrid’s atmospheric streets, indulge in a rejuvenating well-

ness experience in one of the many spas within hotel luxury chains such as Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental Ritz and Rosewood to name drop a few.

MUST TRY

Located in the heart of the Spanish capital, the Madrid EDITION is an urban resort destination. Opt for their signature massage treatment using an exclusive Le Labo oil that promises to revive your senses for another day of city exploration.

For more information visit www.turismomadrid.es

Eid Escapes

A garden oasis in India, a secluded beach house in Sri Lanka, an elephant camp and resort in Thailand and more – the go-to Eid destinations as shared by the Emirates Woman team

AMANBAGH, RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Amanbagh, Rajasthan, India THE STAY

Set in the Aravalli Hills lies the garden oasis that is Amanbagh. Utterly peaceful and consummately private the resort’s Mughal-inspired structures soar from the greenery, all the while feeling as regal as they do deeply cemented in ancestry.

THE DINING

Experience a true taste of authentic local fare, using Amanbagh’s herbal garden which harnesses the power of medicinal plants that are an invaluable biological resource.

THE HERO EXPERIENCE

Discover the peace of mind and sense of wellbeing hatha yoga and meditation can bring with a private sunrise session at the deserted Pratapgarh fort. You will return revived and rested having reflected. aman.com

Joali Being, Bodufushi Island, Maldives THE STAY

Encircled by crystal-clear lagoons and lush coconut palms, Joali Being is tucked away on Bodufushi Island with 33 beach villas and 35 water villas and a dedicated Jadugar (private butler) that can help you arrange virtually anything. This luxury resort is the perfect place to pause, gaze and embark on a transformative wellbeing journey that focuses on Mind, Microbiome, Skin and Energy. Unwind to the sound of tranquil waves and leave everything behind.

THE DINING

Dine at the most astonishing restaurants the island has to offer. From MOJO, the island’s tropical beach sanctuary and perfect sundowner spot to Ocean Sala serving incredible meat and seafood. Guests can also take tea lessons at Sai hosted by the resident tea sommelier or opt for a more bespoke dining experience with a private setting surrounded by endless ocean or jungle views.

THE HERO EXPERIENCE

Although Joali Being is focused on wellbeing and you can choose from an extensive list of spa sanctuary, tranquil sleep, motion and yoga flow or wakeboarding.

Ahu Bay, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Only a 5-hour flight from Dubai, Sri Lanka is not short of things to do with its beaches, tea trails, and wildlife safaris, making it a perfect Eid getaway. Weather is also at its finest between December and April, making it the ideal time to visit.

THE STAY

Perched on Ahungalla Point is Ahu Bay, a newly opened and secluded boutique beach house that embraces a laidback and slow pace of living that the island embodies.

THE DINING

According to friends and insiders, a visit to Upali’s is a must to sample the best authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The hero dish to try? The Hathmaluwa – a

hearty, flavour-rich vegetable curry with a recipe that dates back 2,000 years.

THE HERO EXPERIENCE

The surfing lessons in Weligama are a popular choice for tourists and those looking to conquer their fear of open seas. thereverie.life/ahubay/

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, Stepantsminda, Georgia THE STAY

Surrounded by the magnificent views which have inspired poets and artists for centuries, Rooms Kazbegi is recognized worldwide for its unique location, architecture, and design. Located in the mountain town of Stepantsminda, in the highlands of northern Georgia, the former

Left page: Amanbagh, Rajasthan, India; This page: Joali Being, Bodufushi Island, Maldives

Soviet resort has been reimagined mixing nature inspired textured, timber interiors, vintage leather armchairs and sofas and colourful Georgian rugs. The spectacular landscape takes centre stage in the careful design of all rooms, with views over Mount Kazbeg and surrounding forests and woodland.

THE DINING

At Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, the cuisine honours traditional Georgian dishes inspired by the mountainous terrain alongside European fare. For a unique culinary experience, try the traditional borsch or the Georgian salad with home baked khachapuri or the hero dish, trout with cauliflower puree and caramelized leek.

THE

HERO EXPERIENCE

Hike to Gergeti Glacier on a clear day, with a stop at Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th century monument at the foot of Mount Kazbek. After the daylong hike you can retire to the hotel’s subterranean wellness centre, which boasts a 30-foot heated pool with epic mountains views. roomshotels.com

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Musandam Peninsula, Oman THE STAY

With just two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Dubai, Six Senses Zighy Bay is in Oman’s dramatic Musandam Peninsula, where mountains blend into the emerald waters, across a powdery sand beach. The village-inspired villas, suites and beachfront retreats are the unexplored private sanctuaries for guests to unwind in.

THE DINING

Set across the most picturesque backdrop on a private terrace, the resort’s signature awardwinning restaurant sits 293 metres above the azure waters of Zighy Bay, overlooking the exquisite Omani landscape. Serving a Kaiseki style dinner, Sense on the Edge tells the story of Executive Chef Sébastien Pinson’s culinary journey and personal travels from land to sea.

THE HERO EXPERIENCE

Set Sail on the Dhahab, for its latest unusual escapade. The recently refurbished Dhahab –meaning gold in Arabic – now offers one-or two-night voyages for the ultimate sea-hotel adventure. Guests can navigate

Left: (fromtop) Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Chiang Rai, Thailand; Six Senses Zighy Bay, Musandam Peninsula, Oman Right: Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, Stepantsminda, Georgia

the coastline and fjords of Musandam on a traditional, handcrafted Omani dhow. Explore quaint fishing villages in the morning, afternoons cruising the azure waters and evenings watching the sunset flicker over the Hajar Mountains, there’s never a dull moment on board. sixsenses.com

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Chiang Rai, Thailand THE STAY

Perched on a ridge in northern Thailand, Anantara Golden Triangle immerses you in oncein-a-lifetime experiences. It has 40 rooms and 15 perched on a jungle hilltop, with a spread of valley, river and grazing elephants below. Lose yourself in the most stunning of natural settings, with a private balcony and exquisite Thai daybed. With a scent of lemongrass, guests can take a break and experience a massage in a lush setting.

THE DINING

Dine in the most extraordinary of settings at the restaurants in Chiang Rai – overlooking three countries, out in the rice paddies, or in the comfort of your room or suite. Visit Sala Mae Nam to explore a buffet of international favourites, tropical fruits and live cooking stations. For a refined dining experience, Elephant Bar and Opium Terrace allows guests to sip on one of the world’s rarest coffees in a setting reminiscent of a hunting lodge.

THE HERO EXPERIENCE

Discover the elephant outside your room. Spend an unforgettable night observing Thailand’s majestic elephants in their natural habitat from the comfort of your very own, fully furnished, transparent Jungle Bubble. Perched on a wooden deck above the forest, your luxurious bubble offers uninterrupted views of the gentle giants, as well as the stunning starlit sky above. anantara.com

Left: Ahu Bay, Colombo, Sri Lanka

An Elevated Stay

THE NED DOHA

WORDS:AMY

SESSIONS

Founded in 2017, The Ned originated in London in the former Midland Bank headquarters, designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens in 1924, and opened its second location, The Ned NoMad, in the renowned 1903 Johnston building in New York City in 2022.

This third Ned location is set over five floors in the former site of the Ministry of Interior, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Doha’s skyline, and features 90 bedrooms and suites, seven public restaurants, a pool and club lounge, a health club with spa, salon, and fitness centre, and a new 775sqm (8,350sq ft) event space for large-scale conferences, events, and receptions.

“Five years after launching The Ned in London, we are excited to open in Doha. We are really excited to occupy one of the city’s most architecturally significant buildings, comprising of a hotel, multiple restaurants and its own private members’ club” said Gareth Banner, Group Managing Director,

The Ned. “We look forward to providing our guests and members with a distinct experience, welcoming them to stay, connect, eat and have a good time.”

THE STAY

Originally designed in the 1960s by Lebanese architect William Sednaoui, the unique brutalist style building has been redesigned by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin with interiors by Soho House Design. Since the property is one of the most historically important in the destination, all renovations and design touch points were implemented in line with Qatar’s noble mission to preserve, modernise, and repurpose its significant buildings.

THE DINING

The Ned Doha offers seven restaurants open to all. Situated in the centre of the hotel, Cecconi’s serves Northern Italian classics from hand-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas to

Venetian-inspired seafood dishes, with an open kitchen, and a centered, walk-around bar with high-back seating serving cocktails and an international wine selection. Kaia serves Pan-Asian cuisine, with signature dishes from Southeast Asia and Hawaii including sushi, poke bowls, and mains slowcooked on a robata grill, served in a space with a marble-topped counter, jade-green cushioned seating, and bulbous chandeliers.

THE WELLNESS

Situated on the top floor with panoramic views of the city is Ned’s Club Spa, offering members and hotel guests a menu of treatments using skincare brands such as Cowshed, as well as sauna, steam room, and traditional Hammam. The health club is also home to Ned’s Club Gym, a fitness and studio space with state-of-the-art equipment, a wide range of classes ranging from Zumba to kickboxing, and a separate, private gym space for women. @theneddoha

THE DIRECTORY

A

Accessorize (04) 3399098

Adidas (04) 2325690

Aerin (04) 4098888

Aesop (04) 3293030

Agnès b. (04) 3520391

Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons (04) 3398881

Aigner (04) 4341333

Alberta Ferretti (04) 3398957

Aldo (04) 2328162

Alex Perry +44(0) 2039622362

Alexander McQueen (04) 3398760

Alexander Wang +44(0) 2039622362

Alexandra Rich (04) 4098888

Alexandre Vauthier (04) 409 8888

Alexandre Birman (04) 3951200

Alighieri +44(0) 2039622362

Altuzarra Online at Farfetch

Anita Ko +44(0) 2039622362

Amina Muaddi (800) 5383573

Antik Batik (04) 4343080

Areej (04) 3405223

Armani Exchange (04) 3399472

Assouline (04) 4384546

Aquazzura (04) 3882367

Ayesha Depala (04) 5136415 B

Banana Republic (04) 3398462

Balenciaga (04) 3951769

Bally (04) 3231643

Balmain (056) 1883796

Bambah (055) 224 1538

Baruni (050) 4579249

Ba&sh (04) 3854557

BCBG Max Azria (04) 4340627

Benefit Cosmetics (04) 3951978

Blaze Milano (800) 044 5703

Bloomingdale’s Dubai (04) 3505333

Bottega Veneta (04) 3951201

Boucheron (04) 3410039

Boutique1.com (04) 3951200

Burberry (04) 3998243

Bulgari (04) 3308834

Byredo (800) 74676277

BySymphony (04) 3106900

C

Cartier (04) 3951000

Carolina Herrera (04) 3398132

Catherine Malandrino (04) 3398102

Céline (04) 3410585

Chanel (04) 3818400

Chantecaille (04) 4098888

Charles & Keith (04) 3398713

Charlotte Olympia (04) 3994122

Charlotte Tilbury (04) 4190100

Chaumet (04) 3398758

Chloé (04) 3300700

Chopard (04) 3414545

Christian Dior (04) 3235322

Christian Louboutin

(04) 3990998

Church’s (800) 5383573

City Walk 800 637227

Claudie Pierlot (04) 3253798

Coach (04) 3398670

Cos (04) 4190858

CVC Stones (800) 044 5703

D

Damas (04) 4459468

De Beers (04) 3412121

Deira City Centre (04) 2093105

Diesel (04) 3398615

Dermalogica (04) 3398250

Diane von Furstenberg (04) 3232257

Dior (04) 3308739

Diane Cordas (800) 74676277

Dione Lee

Online at Farfetch, Ounass

DKNY (04) 3414343

Dolce & Gabbana (04) 3308566

Dune (055) 2136194

Dubai Mall (800) 382246255

Dr Sebagh Online at noon

E

Elie Saab (04) 3951600

Ellery (800) 74676277

Emilia Wickstead (04) 3106900

Emilio Pucci (04) 3398525

Emporio Armani (04) 3951373

Escada (04) 3279191

Estee Lauder (04) 2995600

Etoile ‘La boutique’ (04) 3414166

Etro (04) 3411014

Eugenia Kim (800) 74676277

All Max Mara SS23

F

Fendi (04) 3399782

Farfetch (800) 0320327

Forever 21 (04) 3277488

Fornasetti (800) 74676277

Francesco Russo

(800) 5383573

French Connection (04) 2273848

Furla (04) 3410285

G

Galeries Lafayette (04) 3399933

Galleria Mall (04) 3444434

Gap (04) 3850988

Gérard Darel (04) 3399780

Giambattista Valli

+44 (0) 2039848044

Gianvitto Rossi (800) 5383573

Giorgio Armani (04) 3951373

Giuseppe Zanotti (04) 3413117

Givenchy (04) 4227073

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REAL HERITAGE

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

Meet Bale: Loro Piana’s must-have accessory for SS23 inspired by traditional cashmere artisanship

Crafted in supple calfskin leather, it features a seamless body with a smooth grain finish and an adjustable shoulder strap with a loop-motif design. Casual yet elegant, it encapsulates Loro Piana’s spirit and savoir fare.

Bale bucket bag

Choose from our extensive range of authentic Thesiger photographs.

PERFECT DECORATIONS FOR HOTELS, OFFICES AND HOMES.

Framed or unframed prints available exclusively from The Arabian Gallery