EW_092021_P01_COVER.indd 1 A MOTIVATE PUBLICATION
SEPTEMBER 2021
UAE DHS25 OMAN RO2.70 BAHRAIN BD2.60 KUWAIT KD2.10 SAUDI ARABIA SR25
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THE ICON ISSUE
Past & Present
8/31/21 12:44 PM
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 Olivia Morris JUNIOR DIGITAL STYLE EDITOR Sarah Joseph GENERAL MANAGER PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne GROUP DIRECTOR Andrew Wingrove DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR Sabir Khodabux GROUP SALES MANAGERS Bindu Gupta bindu@motivate.ae Chaitali Khimji chaitali.khimji@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Neha Kannoth neha.kannoth@motivate.ae GROUP MARKETING MANAGER Joelle Albeaino WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi
HEAD OFFICE Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel: (+971) 4 4273000, Fax: (+971) 4 4282261, E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae DUBAI MEDIA CITY SD 2-94, 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai, UAE Tel: (+971) 4 390 3550 Fax: (+971) 4 390 4845 ABU DHABI PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: (+971) 2 6772005, Fax: (+971) 2 6770124, E-mail: motivate-adh@motivate.ae LONDON Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae
Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai
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Exclusive paintings, sculptures and photography from award-winning international artists.
Painting by Jassim Al Awadhi
The 50th Anniversary Arabian Falcon Navigator Clock by David Galbraith Photograph by Anthony Lamb
Liddington Clock by David Galbraith
Editor’s Letter Welcome to The Icon Issue. Business Women Council in The Business Mentor on page 104, With special thanks to Museum of the Future for allowing us Emirati entrepreneur Sheikha Al Mheiri in The Inspirational to be the first to shoot at their iconic location. A truly incredible Entrepreneur on page 106, Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director landmark recognized not only within the region but globally, of d3 in The Director on page 108, Her Excellency Khawla Al having received the accolade of one of the 14 most beautiful Serkal - Director General of Sharjah Ladies Club in The museums in the world, prior to even opening. Inspiration on page 116, Hikmat Al Kaitoob Thank you also to K & G for their vision in The Icon Creator on page 112, Nadia Zaal, THE REAL and F for being a dream in making this happen. Co-Founder of Zaya in The Leader on page 118, We are exceptionally proud to have partnered and an interview with multidisciplinary designer SPIRIT BEHIND with FENDI for our cover shoot in this issue on Kholoud Sharafi in An Iconic Vision on page 122. PROGRESS page 20, a powerhouse of a brand that for this We also ask some of the most incredible women IS THE HUMAN season sees Mr Kim Jones at the helm, delivering we know, who or what is iconic to them in Icons SPIRIT nothing short of an iconic collection for FW21. on Icons, on page 120. Further afield, we speak to In this issue we champion people who stand Vladislav Doronin, CEO, Owner and Chairman out and achieve excellence in their field from emerging brands that of AMAN in The Superlative Stay on page 128 and the Founder have gone global in a short pace of time such as Sporty & Rich of 111SKIN, globally renowned for his ability to harness all things in The New Icon on page 70 to homegrown talent and Emirati youthful in terms of beauty in The Precision Surgeon on page 94. designer Manaal Al Hammadi in An Icon of Creativity on page In a year that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the UAE 84. We are also very proud to include a guest-edited section in and 40th anniversary of Emirates Woman, we are reminded of the partnership with the Arab Fashion Council in The Ones To Watch words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of on page 58, outlining the new names in design you need to know. the UAE: “The real spirit behind progress is the human spirit.” The Runway Report on page 36 is your guide to FW21 In recent times that have tested what we are made of, I have seen dressing for the season ahead. nothing less than the determination of human spirit which deserves We have exclusive interviews with Her Excellency Sheikha icon status. This issue, we thank our partners, our teammates, our Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah mentors and our families, for they are all icons in different forms.
Amy Sessions EDITOR / ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
T H E H E R O B U YS
Gold signet ring Custom – Made POA
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Collarless shearling maxi coat Dhs 6,675 RAEY available at MATCHESFASHION
Peekaboo leather tote Dhs19,837 Fendi
Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant Dhs155 Elizabeth Arden available at Jashanmal
Sheikh Zayed: an eternal legacy Dhs4,262 Assouline
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HAPPY SPORT - Handcrafted in Ethical Gold -
CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2021
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THE MONITOR
Monitor News p.18 Social Listings p.19 Cover Shoot – Fendi First p.20 Left: Fox Gilet with FENDI O’lock belt, Baguette with Gold Hardware stitching, Knee high boot with embossed Karligraphy monogram, all FENDI
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The Runway Report FW21 p.36
Iconic Investments – Classic pieces to last a lifetime p.56
Hot New Buys p.88
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FASHION
The Ones to Watch – The Arab Fashion Council reveals the new designers that should be on your radar p.58 Contemporary Cool – Delfina Delettrez delivers for FENDI p.60
BEAUTY
To Boldly Go – An ode to the modern women’s strength at Kristina Fidelskaya FW21 p.76
The Gentlewoman – Loro Piana FW21 p.66
Hard Core – BY FAR highlights its most iconic style for FW21 p.80
The New Icon – Exclusive interview with the Founder of Sporty & Rich, Emily Oberg p.70
An Icon of Creativity – Exclusive interview with Emirati designer Manaal Al Hammadi p.84
The Precision Surgeon – Founder of 111SKIN p.94 A New Chapter – Interview with Amy Wilkinson-Lough, Founder of Project bYouty p.96 The Beauty Shelf – Maryam Saeed, Co-Founder of Al Mraikn p.100 AM to PM Beauty – Amy Wilkinson-Lough, Founder of Project bYouty p.102
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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2021
The Beauty Icon – Exclusive interview with celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips p.90
The Wanderlust – An exceptional edit of where to escape to this Autumn p.132
104 FEATURES
The Business Mentor – Interview with HE Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi p.104 The Inspirational Entrepreneur – Interview with Sheikha Al Mheiri p.106 The Director – Exclusive interview with Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of d3 p.108
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The Icon Creator – Exclusive interview with Hikmat Al Kaitoob p.112 The President – Interview with the Executive Vice President of Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre p.114 Interview: Her Excellency Khawla Al Serkal – Director General – Sharjah Ladies Club p.116 The Leader – Interview with Nadia Zaal p.118 Icons on Icons p.120 An Iconic Vision – Interview with Kholoud Sharafi p.122
124 LIFESTYLE
The Pad – Iconic investment pieces for the home p.124 Where Icons Are Made – The place to go to optimize the mind & body p.126 The Superlative Stay – Exclusive interview with Vladislav Doronin, CEO, Owner and Chairman of Aman p.128
Drive & Passion – Exclusive interview with leading restauranteur Natasha Sideris p.134 An Exquisite Dining Experience – Head Chef at Pierchic, Chef Beatrice Segoni, discusses creating an icon-worthy menu p.138 An Icon Goes Global – Interview with Founder of Orange Hospitality, Omar Saideh p.140 The Modern Nursery – Practical pieces for parental cool p.142
The Cover
Shearling Coat with Suede collar detail, FENDI First Bag, FENDI Way Glasses, all FENDI
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serpent bohème collection
The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Festival City, Mall of the Emirates Yas Mall, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Ideas start the future.
There’s nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come. Welcome to a new kind of energy. Introducing the new, fully-electric Audi e-tron GT.
#FutureIsAnAttitude audi-me.com
C O M P I L E D BY: A M Y S ES S I O N S
The Update
THE HERO BUYS
The latest launches, new openings and hero buys THE MONOGRAM Create a visual statement with Jimmy Choo’s vintage-inspired Monogram collection for FW21. Uptown leather-trimmed woven pouch Dhs2,598 Saint Laurent
Cable-knit wool tank Dhs835 TOTÊME
Cable-knit wool shorts Dhs640 TOTÊME
LOVER
A falconer’s leather glove is the starting point of Matiere Premiere’s Falcon Leather eau de parfum. The aroma of tanned nubuck is drawn out by a combination of saffron and Ciste Labdanum, while benzoin absolute from Laos adds a carnal undercurrent. Fa lcon Leather Eau de Parfum (100ml) Dhs933 Matiere Premiere
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Bead-embellished shearlinglined leather sandals Dhs4,685 Brunello Cuccinelli
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
L E AT H E R
THE MONITOR – NEWS
8/31/21 1:52 PM
Social Listings
A curated guide of all the iconic accounts to #follow this month
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
C O M P I L E D BY: S A R A H J O S E P H
@akonieyewear
@fendi
@expo2020dubai
@arabfashioncouncil
Framing visionaries whose luxury eyewear is an ode to craftsmanship and quality.
Creativity, fun & craftsmanship since 1925.
‘Connecting Minds and Creating
Driving new talent across the region and beyond.
@chanelofficial
@maryphilips
@sharjahart
@christopher_esber
Explore the timeless world of this fashion and beauty house, as Chanel No5 celebrates 100 years.
Being one of the most soughtafter makeup artists in the world, Phillips is a big believer in the less is more approach.
An initiative committed to supporting the development of a flourishing arts environment in the Gulf.
The Australian designer’s eponymous Sydney-based namesake label is a go-to for minimalist-withtwist summer styles.
@pierchicdubai
@monaalmarri
@projectbyouty
@dryannisofficial
A menu inspired by the colourful, diverse coastal regions of Italy by celebrated Head Chef Beatrice Segoni.
Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, Her Excellency Mona Al Marri is an incredibly inspiring force in the region and the right hand to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The newly-launched e-commerce platform focused on authentic, non-toxic, ethical beauty.
Dr. Yannis Alexandrides MD is Founder of cult skin brand 111SKIN and a renowned cosmetic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience to achieving natural beauty & youth.
the Future’ through sustainability, mobility and opportunity.
THE MONITOR
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Words & Creative Direction: AMY SESSIONS
Photography: ŽIGA MIHELCIC
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Kim Jones’ debut ready-to-wear collection for the house is an iconic new chapter in accessories that draws on the house’s heritage while evolving it into the future
Previous page: Wool coat with mink scarf, High neck cashmere sweater with embossed Selleria stitching detail, High-waisted wool shorts with double pleats; Both pages: Fox Gilet with FENDI O’lock belt, Baguette with Gold Hardware stitching, Knee high boot with embossed Karligraphy monogram, all FENDI
COVER STORY
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FENDI Way sunglasses, Peekaboo ISSEU Medium Salleria, Knee high boot with embossed Karligraphy monogram, Wool coat with leather collar detail, High neck cashmere sweater with embossed Selleria stitching details, Silk satin shorts, all FENDI
This page: Peekaboo ISSEU Medium Salleria, Wool coat with leather collar detail, High neck cashmere sweater with embossed Selleria stitching details, Silk satin shorts; Right page: Taupe wool felt coat with lapel collar, all FENDI
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COVER STORY
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This page: FENDI First bag; Right page: Silk Satin Crêpe dress with long foulard collar, Peekaboo ISEEU Stretch, all Fendi
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COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
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Left page: Baguette in Shearling and leather trim, Karligraphy monogram tights, Karligraphy monogram slip dress, FENDI First Sandal; This page: FENDI First Sandal, all FENDI
COVER STORY
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This page: FENDI Touch bag; Right page: Mink jacket with Python Detail, FENDI Touch bag, all FENDI
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COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
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VIDEOGRAPHER: JOACHIM GUAY; PRODUCTION: OLIVIA MORRIS; HAIR & MAKEUP: ANIA PONIATOWSKA; FASHION ASSISTANT: SARAH JOSEPH; MODEL: WERONIKA ZEBROWSKA AT MMG MODELS; ALL FASHION, FENDI; WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE
Left page: Shearling Coat with Suede collar detail, FENDI First Bag, Knee high boot with embossed Karligraphy monogram, FENDI Way Glasses, all FENDI
The Future is Bright
We spoke to Majed Al Mansoori, Deputy Executive Director of Dubai Future Foundation about what it takes to build an icon and how the UAE supports such endeavours WORDS: AMY SESSIONS
“The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. It isn’t something you await, but rather create.”
Can you tell us how the concept of the Museum of the Future came about? The Museum’s journey began in 2013 as an exhibit showcasing future trends in government services, healthcare, education, and technology during the World Government Summit event. The Museum of the Future was conceived to fulfill an appetite that surrounded future opportunities, challenges, uncertainty, and speculation. It stands for everything that gives people the courage to break free from false perceptions, limitations, and collectively make the future beneficial for all. The building itself is truly iconic. What is at the heart of the design/ its DNA? Standing at 77 meters tall, the Museum of the Future comprises three main parts: the green hill, the building, and the void. The green hill represents the earth, with solidity, permanence, and rootedness in place, time, and history. The void at the centre represents the unknown aspect of the future and that the people who seek a hopeful and optimistic future shall innovate, discover, and guide humanity towards it. One of the most visually striking aspects of the Museum is the Arabic calligraphy that decorate the building’s outer layer. The calligraphy represents inspiring excerpts from poetry written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can last even longer.”
“The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. It isn’t something you await, but rather create.” “The secret to the renewal of life for the corporations, to the evolution of civilizations, and the development of humanity is simple: innovation.” The excerpts hold such great importance and further emphasize the importance of designing our future through the power of imagination, innovation and creativity. What will be the primary focus in terms of content for the museum? The Museum of the Future is a transformative environment that will engage all the senses in a life-altering experience that will invite visitors to look at their world through a new lens and encourage them to embrace innovative ways of thinking. It will showcase living, breathing examples of a better, hopeful future. It strives to be a place of tolerance and inclusiveness and promote a pro-human value system. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who or what to you is iconic? The Museum of the Future is a global architectural icon which also symbolizes the vision of an iconic leader, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. We wouldn’t have been where we are today without the vision of our leaders. We have been brought up in the UAE to believe that we can achieve anything, to never look back, to always dream big and continuously push forward into the future.
COVER STORY
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THE RUNWAY REPORT FW21
JONATHAN SIMKHAI
WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS
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BALMAIN
T H E R U N WAY R E P O R T F W 2 1
Metallic threads, gold foiling and armour-likeshirting were all seen across the runway at Missoni, Balmain and Burberry respectively. Burberry also delivered extra-mile outwear in the form of a molten-hot, embellished trench that was a standout piece. Alexandre Vauthier’s take was more subtle with the addition of a gold boot to monochrome.
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MISSONI
GILT
BURBERRY
BURBERRY
FAS H I O N
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ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
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FAS H I O N
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TOM FORD
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SAINT LAURENT
HEAVY DUTY Heavy-duty hardware, chunky chain detailing and oversized accessories made no apologies for their impact this season. Bold, bullish yet undeniably chic – these additions from JW Anderson, Bottega Veneta and Tom Ford were all notably strong in delivering a dose of tough-girl appeal. BOTTEGA VENETA
JW ANDERSON
JW ANDERSON
LAURA LOMBARDI
JW ANDERSON
BOTTEGA VENETA
FAS H I O N
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MAX MARA
CHESTNUT Caramel, chestnut and conker all resonated as tones of the new neutral for FW21 and made a change from the perennial camel. Striped leather dresses felt modern, yet retro inspired at Proenza Schouler, while MaxMara and Fendi delivered some of the most covetable shades in knit form. Oversized shoulder bags were a statement addition at Gabriela Hearst in supple, soft lambs’ leather.
GABRIELA HEARST
BURBERRY
FENDI
THE ROW
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FAS H I O N
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PROENZA SCHOULER
FAS H I O N
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WINTER SHADE Sunglasses were an unusual addition to the FW1 runways with oversized frames and vintage-inspired lenses taking precedence at Acne Studios, MaxMara and Versace. Ever boundary-pushing, Tom Ford showcased a yellow-lensed version with goggle-sized proportions.
ACNE STUDIOS
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MAX MARA
FAS H I O N
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VERSACE
TOM FORD
FAS H I O N
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JONATHAN SIMKHAI
JONATHAN SIMKHAI
DION LEE
CHRISTPHER ESBER
THE CUT OUT Nothing feels more indulgent than a flash of skin as temperatures lower. Jonathan Simkhai and Christopher Esber have perfected this delicate art and FW21 was no exception. Dion Lee took a more daring approach with buckle and strap detailing, while Awake Mode provided the easiest way to wear the trend with slouchy, off-shoulder knits.
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FAS H I O N
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AWAKE MODE
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FAS H I O N
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ALTUZARRA
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GABRIELA HEARST
KNIT Oversized knits, chucky yarns and leather weave detailing made for a tactile season. Altuzarra’s head-to-toe knitwear in caramel felt effortlessly laidback while Jonathan Simkhai juxtaposed unexpected cut-outs for a sense of the controverse. Chloé added edge to outsized hobo bags with woven leather detailing that had a hand-crafted feel.
JONATHAN SIMKHAI
CHLOÉ
BEVZA
KHAITE
FAS H I O N
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FENDI
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BURBERRY
SAINT LAURENT
TACTILE As expected, this is the season that’s a soft touch. Oversized fur coats were seen at Fendi and Saint Laurent, shearling at Rachel Comey and Dsquared2. Givenchy’s fur mittens stole the show this season in XXL form. GIVENCHY
FENDI
RACHEL COMEY
DSQUARED2
FAS H I O N
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SAINT LAURENT
CHLOÉ
PROENZA SCHOULER
THE ARTISAN Whether it’s a call to the global traveller trend of previous seasons or a nod to home-spun craft; needlepoint detailing, hand-crafted knits and block prints all felt beautifully homemade. Chloé led the charge on all fronts while Saint Laurent elevated embroidery work to another level across boucle jackets.
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FAS H I O N
Practical, chic. The shoulder bag is a welcome change from any micro bags we’ve seen across previous seasons and looks set to stay. Invest in minimalist, oversized shapes as seen at Gabriela Hearst or appropriately proportioned pieces in butter-soft leather as seen at Chloé.
THE SHOULDER BAG
GABRIELA HEARST
CHLOÉ
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STELLA MCCARTNEY
CHLOÉ
ETRO
PATCHWORK Closely linked to the artisanal trend, there was a strong patchwork theme that ran through the season. An upscale luxe bohemia take was evident at Etro and Chloé while Stella McCartney gave us a perfectly polished version in neutral tones.
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MIUMIU
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LOUIS VUITTON
MIUMIU
DRAGON
SLOPE APPEAL
CHANEL
This season brought about a heady mix of skiwear mixed with off-slope attire. MiuMiu’s long-length Yeti boots made a serious impact while at Chanel, a more manageable ankle-length version seems like a valid investment whether you’re heading to a mountain this season or not.
FAS H I O N
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ICONIC
INVESTMENTS Classic pieces to last a lifetime 05
WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS
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01. Sisilia silk crepe de chine shirt Dhs5,201 The Row; 02. Loreo oversized double-breasted woven blazer Dhs2,029 TOTÊME; 03. Pina grosgrain-trimmed wool-felt fedora Dhs2,098 Maison Michel; 04. 08 leather ankle boots Dhs2,566 Legres; 05. Randa pleated virgin wool-flannel wide-leg pants Dhs4,002 The Row; 06. Stretch-leather leggings Dhs4,249 Joseph; 07. Morzine belted ribbed wool and cashmere-blend jumpsuit Dhs2,405 Madeline Thompson; 08. Jenna organic cotton-jersey T-shirt Dhs179 Ninety Percent; 09. Embellished belted wool, cashmere and silk-blend coat Dhs11,465 Lanvin; 10. 327 canvas and suede sneakers Dhs321 New Balance; 11. Loulou medium quilted leather shoulder bag Dhs10,283 Saint Laurent
FAS H I O N
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IMAGE: AUTONOMIE
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The Arab Fashion Council reveals the new designers from the region that should be on your radar C O M P I L E D BY: O L I V I A M O R R I S
THE ONES TO AUTONOMIE
Autonomie is a new homegrown womenswear label by Maha Ahmed. Focusing on the story of the individual, the brand aims to offer a playful, bold, contemporary and fresh aesthetic to the dynamic and innovative woman of today. Combining a spectrum of colours with vibrant prints, the collection features unique silhouettes that flaunt deconstructed and voluminous cuts. EMERGENCY ROOM
Stemming from the belief that fashion production processes urgently need to change, EMERGENCY ROOM utilises a sustainable and ethical alternative to clothing creation. The Lebanese label was launched by Eric Mathieu Ritter in 2018 in Beirut after a comingto-senses of both urgent and emergent state of fashion nowadays. EMERGENCY ROOM is a clothing brand with a mind of its own. IHAB JIRYIS
Palestinian designer Ihab Jiryis founded his eponymous fashion label 12 years ago creating exquisite avant-garde designs. The fashion designer recently debuted his couture collection on the official calendar of the Arab
Fashion Week. Noticing that everyone desires their imagination to become reality, Ihab aimed to embody this in his couture collection by visually drawing sketches and designs that collated these two realms. The collection features harmonically contradicting elements such as the exposed and the covered, colours that are completely different and a mixture of plain and embroidered fabrics. EUPHORIA
Emirati label Euphoria, which first launched in late 2018, designs pieces with the modern woman in mind. The label’s most recent collection ‘Dolce Vita’, which translates from to English as ‘The Good Life’, features a series of voluminous designs and a colour
MADA’EN
Founded by Jordanian-British readycouture designer Farah Bseiso in 2016, MADA’EN is a label based on travels and immersion into different cultures. The designer recently debuted her SS21 collection in Dubai at Arab Fashion Week at the Green Planet in Dubai. The collection was inspired by the pandemic and the need to adapt to new and different environments. The collection has featured a new vision of couture during the time we appreciate more simplicity, dominated by geometric silhouettes, origami cuts and taffeta fabrics.
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scheme evoking optimism, which is meant to symbolise freedom and hope.
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CONTEMPORARY WORDS: AMY SESSIONS P H OTO G R A P H Y: A DA M K AT Z S I N D I N G
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Delfina Delettrez Fendi delivers the new FENDI O’Lock jewellery line, evolving FENDI’s square monogram into a modern, graphic carabineer form with feminine curves through a soft oval deign EW_092021_P60-65_LOOKBOOK Fendi.indd 61
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THE GENTLEWOM A N TIMELESS
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The New
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Founder of Sporty & Rich, Emily Oberg has created a new icon in the casual wear space that has seen stratospheric growth. We spoke to the entrepreneur about dedication, design and what wellness really looks like What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? On a good day, I will meditate for 7 minutes in the morning, drink 1 litre of water and workout or go for a 30 minute walk in the sun to get some vitamin D. What is at the heart of Sporty & Rich, the DNA? Good design, simplicity within luxury, sport style and health. The brand began as a moodboard – why were you anti launching a brand from the outset and how did that change? I didn’t want to launch a brand because it seemed so overwhelming and I didn’t believe in myself enough. I thought I wouldn’t be able to create a brand that people liked and bought, so I didn’t for years. Eventually as the brand’s community grew, I saw the potential and said why not? Life is too short not to try to do anything and everything that you want to do.
How did you retail Sporty & Rich from the outset on your platform and was your platform retail focused at the time? We started with a preorder model and everything was made to order. This allowed us to operate the brand without any capital and investors, I didn’t have much money at all at the time so developing a line and ordering product that I wasn’t sure would sell wasn’t even an option for me. At the time the platform wasn’t retail focused because we had never sold much before, just the four magazines and a couple of hoodies over the years. You’ve worked for other entities prior to launching Sporty & Rich. What were the most valuable lessons you learned prior to going out on your own and what was the catalyst for this? I learned how to be a team player and how to build with others around you. I’m a very independent person and I like being and working
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alone and relying only on myself. But when you work for a company there are so many other people to consider. I also learned that if you don’t love waking up everyday and doing something you’re passionate about, you will never ever win. How did you know you were ready to make the leap and launch your own brand? Are you ever ready? I didn’t, I just had someone who believed in me and the brand and decided to take the risk. I’m not a very fearful person, and I think this is one of the keys to being an entrepreneur. You can’t be scared of anything. If you fail, you fail and figure it out. If you win, great. It’s never the end of the world, you will always find a way if you have the drive and will to. Have there been any moments where you’ve thought this would not work and if so, how did you overcome this? Definitely. Last summer
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was difficult because the brand grew exponentially overnight. When Covid hit, we were nowhere near ready for the amount of orders we received. We were a tiny tiny brand, operating with a team of three people and all working remotely. We didn’t have the right team in place, the right software, the right systems for anything. I really thought that might be it for us. Growth kills companies all the time when they’re not ready for it. Luckily, we figured it out and were able to make it work. I’m so proud of what we did when I look back, what we set up and were able to accomplish in weeks, takes most people months to do. What was the reason for pausing the print magazine and do you feel that may ever be something you revive? It was a lot of work and a lot of my own money and I didn’t really have time to do it anymore. It was a passion project that I started when I worked for Complex, and over time as I built the brand into something bigger, it wasn’t a priority anymore. We are actually working on a book, which will be ready this fall! Wellness and health are something you are closely associated with both personally and through the brand. How do you approach your own wellness both physically and mentally to ensure you’re able to focus and drive the business forward? I believe in doing what feels best for you. There is so much debate about the best diet, supplements, the best workouts etc. It’s a lot of information and hard to decipher it all sometimes, so instead of following others I just do what feels best for me. I eat relatively healthy 80% of the time. But I love to indulge and enjoy. I don’t beat myself up for it and I live with the belief that life is too short to worry too much about anything. Eat fresh food, take supplements if you need them, get regular exercise, but most importantly focus on being happy and feeling good – whatever that means to you. You have previously mentioned you work well alone. How large is your current team and how challenging has it been to find the right fit to hire? My team is now 10 people. I’m incredibly lucky to have such an amazing CEO who has helped the business grow more than I ever could on my own. Everyone on my team is dedicated and passionate about what we do, and they really believe in the vision and bigger picture. I think making people feel like they’re part of something greater is important, and helps give them a purpose. What was the first role you hired for to support you? My CEO David. He helped hire the rest of the team, implement new software, new factories, structure the business and he runs my wholesale business as well. He is really the most important part of the business and if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am today. You have created some incredible imagery in terms of shoots for Sporty & Rich. Do you conceive the concepts for these simultaneously to the collection? When I design Sporty & Rich I always have the same type of girls in mind, the same overall aesthetic and it’s really all done through my point of view and what I like. When I’m designing I also think about how the campaign is going to look because it all goes hand in hand. For us campaigns are so important and such a crucial part of our brand. I think imagery is everything and a strong image is what makes the difference between a brand that sells and a brand that doesn’t. Have you had any mentors along the way and if so, what has been the best advice they have imparted to you? I’ve had a few mentors and I’m forever grateful to them for helping me get where I am today. The best advice I’ve heard is probably “advice is something you already know but need to hear from someone else.” It really just means that
all the answers are within you and you need to be able to listen to your inner voice and follow your intuition. The right answer is usually the first one that comes to you. How do the creative and commercial sides of the business work together and do you feel particularly drawn to one side of the business? I handle all creative. I design, conceptualize and do all of our campaigns and imagery, messaging and collaborations and ideas. The business side is handled by my CEO and his team, but I oversee all topline decisions as well. In order for me to do my job on the creative side, I need to know sales figures and what works vs. what doesn’t. I would say we work together pretty closely to accomplish our common goals. One can’t exist without the other. What has been the biggest challenge since launching the brand? How did you overcome it? Probably growing too fast and not being prepared. Where do you stand in terms of investment? Would you advise entrepreneurs to avoid asking for investment at the outset of their business and is it important to remain in control? I always say, take advice, not money. Own as much of your company for as long as you can. The whole point of starting a business and being an entrepreneur is that you are your own boss and don’t have to listen to anyone. Once you take a cheque, someone owns you. If you can do it without investment, then do that. Last year was a time that saw brands change strategy. Have you had to pivot as a business? We had to grow very quickly and become a real business. We weren’t set up like a real company, and I was kind of just doing it for fun and not taking things seriously. I’m lucky that I have close friends who are successful entrepreneurs and told me how to navigate our situation and give us advice. It’s important that you surround yourself with people who are better than you at what you do. I love learning from them and growing as a person and a business. How has social media affected the business and which platform has been most useful? Instagram has been the driving force in our business. Having a following myself has been helpful in getting the brand name out there and I’ve been able to promote it using my platform. Sporty & Rich started as an instagram so we had built a following over the years, that was crucial in selling our product as we already had a community and audience in place. Which is your favourite piece of Sporty & Rich to date and why? I really love the shirting and boxer sets that we made this summer. It was a new category for us so I wasn’t sure how it would sell but it ended up doing great. I think if you do make a product you believe in and that’s well made, people will see that and it will resonate with them. You’re based in LA – how did you find the house which is so beautiful and what are the benefits to being based there? My friend used to live in it and he left last year so I was able to take it from him. LA is the best, the weather, the lifestyle, being close to the beach, mountains, desert and sea is such a dream. It really feels like you’re on a permanent holiday. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who or what to you is iconic? I think that people who are truly themselves are iconic. In today’s world it’s not easy to know who you are, there are so many distractions out there and social media makes us all confused as to who we are and what we like. We are now taught to follow others and want what they have, and build our lives based on theirs. In order to be successful and happy you need to have a strong sense of self and know who you are. You have to have a point of view and a mind of your own. To me this is iconic.
“In order to be successful and happy you need to have a strong sense of self and know who you are. You have to have a point of view and a mind of your own. To me this is iconic.”
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To Boldly Go An ode to the modern women’s strength at Kristina Fidelskaya for FW21 FAS H I O N
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Hard Core WORDS: AMY SESSIONS
BY FAR returns to its origins with a nod to the nineties, highlighting its most iconic style for FW21
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An Icon of Creativity
What arose out of a love for fashion and creativity for Manaal Al Hammadi, turned into a subculture and voice for the modern-day modest woman. The Emirati designer discusses with us what it means to be a pioneer in her field and how she’s leading the way for many others 84 emirateswoman.com
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You opened your eponymous store nearly two years ago – how long in the making was this process? The manaalalhammadi store has been a dream throughout the 14 years before it opened its doors, a dream on top of every list, a priority above all. However, I did take my time to grasp the depths of the brand and its potential before a step this big was taken in favour of the brand. manaalalhammadi opened its doors on 19.09.19 and welcomed family, friends, supporters and believers who always had faith during all the years leading up to the opening. The store is in the neighbourhood I grew up in and the interior WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS was designed by me and my father. Its simplicity, flow and bold details make it an airy experience and is very true to the manaalalhammadi aesthetic. It has indeed been marked as a milestone, and plans for future locations within the UAE and the GCC are in the pipeline and this makes me ecstatic. You’re a champion of many local brands in the region. How do you approach supporting these brands? Talent in the UAE and the region gives me a sense of pride and hope. Being a pioneer in my field comes with responsibilities, setting a standard and benchmark falls on the brand’s shoulders and in doing so I have no doubt. What challenges have you faced as a female leader in the world of fashion in this region? I have never to date encountered a hardship based upon the fact that I am a female. Being a 90’s kid I believe comes with its perks, since my younger years I’ve been seeing the ease of access being developed for women in all fields. I got to grow up in an environment that increasingly believed the significance of a woman’s role in all walks of life, due to which it never occurred to me that to achieve anything, being a female, would be a hurdle. This created my mindset, and believe me, a woman on a mission Can you talk us through your career to date? manaalalhammadi is invincible, and she herself moulds her path. the brand started back in 2006 and it was built on the grounds of passion, support and belief, as cliche as this may sound, I owe it What is a philosophy that you live by in your professional life? Keep all to my parents. I was just 14 years old when I started designyour plans, ambitions and opinions on the down low – work towards them silently yet in full force and success will follow. ing dresses followed by abayas for myself as nothing off the rack would give me the satisfaction I got from wearing something I What are some of the key lessons you would like people to take designed and planned by myself. I come from a background of from your career? I am still refining manaalalhammadi the creatives, my parents both have an eye brand – its full potential is yet to for art, design and finesse, and I got be realised. Lessons along the years the best of both worlds, I believe. Havhave been of patience, understanding oneself from within. Success is writing Dubai as my canvas, I was able to make a mark in the progressing years ten for all of us in different ways and of the brand and this impressive city courses of life, never force it, what’s hand in hand. Having said that, the yours will never go unachieved, keep hustle was real. The hardships, disapan agenda, revise it religiously and allow it to fall in place. pointments and struggles are always underrated, they are really what refine What are your hopes for women in the a person and brand. They teach you future of this country? The UAE never lessons in practicality and gives you fails to impress, no matter what the time to ponder upon and further your challenge, it’s taken head-on, a womvision and work as hard as you have to an not only runs home but runs in the get where you imagine yourself. veins of its country, Emirati women are brilliant, being acknowledged Did entrepreneurship come naturally to amongst them is an absolute honour, you? Initially, I had no idea what direcwomen have been accelerating their tion I was going in given my age, I loved passions and visions and there is no what I did because I did it for myself. doubt the results will be spectacular. Soon the word got out and relatives started asking me to dress them for formal occasions and I did it as This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who are the icons in your life? Without a a favour at the time. As my work became increasingly popular my doubt, my mother is my constant icon, inspiration and source of vision started building and it pushed me towards putting the kind energy, I am everything I am today because of her strength which of work out there that made a difference and screamed of a new leads me without a pause. Having said that, I do also look up to era, and there began my entrepreneurial journey. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi for her fearless movement towards female leadership and empowerment. Margaret Thatcher for makYou’re a leader in the fashion world in this region – what’s it like paving her voice prominent and heard regardless of the sea of leading ing the way for so many women in the GCC & Arab world? It hits me men in her midst, reading about her resilience is what stood out time and time again that, without a doubt, manaalalhammadi, the to me, and last but not least, Fatima Jinnah for her constant fight brand, is one of the firsts of its kind, it’s not only a brand, its a for the rights of women. She once said, “Remember, it is a woman subculture, a voice for the modern-day modest woman, for women who can mould the character of the youth of the nation.” I resoto express their inner leader without fear. I have always believed in unconditional support in any way possible, and having the pleasure nate with these women on a level beyond my own understanding. and honour to dress women of the future gives me the ultimate high. I wish to be even a fraction as wise as these women combined.
IMAGE: COURTESY OF CHAUMET
“Keep your plans, ambitions and opinions on the down low – work towards them silently yet in full force and success will follow.”
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P H OTO G R A P Y: H A R L E Y W E I R
WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH
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Audemars Piguet’s newly designed 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding is hand-finished with precision making it as versatile as it is timeless The new 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding by Audemars Piguet is a multifaceted mechanical timepiece that evokes understated elegance and is effortlessly versatile. Offering the finest in Haute Horlogerie, the new collection is where pioneering ceramics meet fashion. In short, black ceramics have made a notable comeback with materials that have remade their way into the watchmaking industry. Created with high-tech materials for a refined look, this effortlessly versatile Royal Oak’s 34 mm line finds an innate sense of aesthetic beauty with its technical complexity that is illuminated by scintillating pink gold accents all meticulously
finished by hand. Sporting a black ‘Grande Tapisserie’ dial with two-tone features in the design, the dial’s guilloche design is one of the Royal Oak’s trademarks. It enhances the timepiece’s design as finesse is carefully implemented in this masterpiece, with all the Royal Oak’s proportions incorporated into the watch’s diminutive size. Back in 2006, Audemars Piguet presented a black ceramic bezel, as a new generation of a sports watch that came in variegated shades including white, blue and khaki. This led to the release of a 37 mm Royal Oak Offshore for smaller wrists with a forged carbon case that added diamonds for a more feminine touch in 2009. With various other designs of the Royal Oak being released in 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Royal Oak Selfwinding is the epitome of understated elegance to be placed upon the slenderest wrist. With a collection seen through the lens of Harley Weir, the wearer’s eclectic personality is presented through a kaleidoscopic view with multifaceted mechanical pieces that are statements that can be worn on the wrist for any occasion. Overall, the 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding explores the creative possibility of black ceramics by combining advanced technology with time-honoured craftsmanship, as the latest collection is contrasted with an elegant touch of 18-carat pink gold.
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Hot New Buys C O M P I L E D BY: S A R A H J O S E P H
A curated edit of the best beauty buys to invest in for FW21
Hyaluronic Magic
LUXE LAYERS
Matte Effect
Built with fruity layers of fresh citrus elements, this fragrance delivers a calming base filled with sandalwood and waterlily accords. 50ml for Dhs690 Vyrao exclusively available at Selfridges&Co
This lightweight cream-gel bronzer with a velvety finish gives a healthy glow with a mattifying effect. Dhs220 Chanel
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For multi-level hydration this body serum features five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to reverse skin dryness. 150ml for Dhs165 Nécessaire
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Illuminate These light-reflecting pigments enhance the skin’s natural glow while reducing the appearance of an uneven skintone for a bronzed radiance. Dhs66 Versed Mood Lighting
OPTIMAL HEALTH Infused with Byredo’s iconic Mohave Ghost scent, this on-the-go leave in conditioner uses vitamin E extract to improve elasticity and health. Dhs133 OUAI available on cultbeauty.co.uk
Energise Natural essential oils supercharge this antioxidant-rich body cleanser that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed to start the day. 500ml for Dhs133 Neom Organics
Night Therapy
Flawless Enriched with plant-derived squalane and rose hip oil to moisturize and nourish skin, each stick holds a radiant bronzer and shimmering highlight, that melt into the skin, leaving a silky-smooth, airbrushed finish, every time. Dhs148 Jouer Cosmetics available at cultbeauty.co.uk
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This vegan lip butter balm restores parched lips with shea extracts. The creamy texture is also ideal as an intensive overnight lip mask. Dhs100 Summer Fridays
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Having worked with some of the biggest names in showbusiness including Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lopez, celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips has created some of the most iconic beauty looks of all-time
Icon The Beauty
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“I feel really blessed to get to work with such high-profile figures
Can you talk us through your career? What inspired you to go into the beauty space? As a child, I loved to draw and paint. I loved watching my mother do her makeup and seeing the confidence it gave her. As I got older I would do all of my friends’ hair and makeup for their proms, formals and dances. I didn’t know then that I would be fortunate enough to turn my passion into the career I have today; I just truly loved and enjoyed it. I’m humbled to be able to bring someone’s inner transformation to the surface and helping them feel and look as beautiful as they are. How did you start working with celebrities? I started assisting different celebrity makeup artists and when they were busy I was lucky enough to step in for them. The industry is a lot different now with social media but when I was starting out it was all referrals and word of mouth. I worked really hard and networked with other hair and wardrobe stylists who referred me to jobs and celebrity clients who liked my work. You’ve worked incredibly hard to get where you are today, what drives you? Growing up I witnessed an incredible work ethic from my Dad. He worked six days a week building his Chiropractic practice. On his off days, he worked on the house and played in a band. He never took sick days, he was non-stop. I missed out on a lot of fun and life events while assisting in my late teens and early 20s. I recognize how fortunate I am that the hard work and sacrifices I made got me to where I am today. What have been some “pinch-me” moments for you throughout your career? I’ve had so many “pinch-me” moments and I’m so honoured they keep happening! I would say my first “pinch-me” moment was 15 years ago when Ken Paves called to tell me that he was recommending me to Jennifer Lopez. I was so excited because I was such a big fan. Seeing my work on covers of magazines, my makeup credits on the end of a film, red carpet moments, working with supermodel Kendall Jenner and pop star Dua Lipa were all pinch me moments. I always want
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With a black book filled with A-list celebrity clients, Mary Phillips is the go-to makeup artist in Hollywood. Having had a passion for beauty since she was young, she has gone on to create countless iconic red carpet looks for the likes of Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and the entire Kardashian-Jenner family. So, what’s her secret to success? Hard work, determination and a lot of key networking. Kick-starting her career in the pre-social media era, booking new jobs and bringing on new clients was all through word of mouth.
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to do my best work and the butterflies I get from working in this industry never go away. What’s your secret to achieving a flawlesslooking complexion on your clients? Less is more when it comes to makeup. It’s important to know where to add powder and where to let your skin shine. I am a true believer that living a healthy lifestyle can increase achieving this goal. Complexion and health go hand in hand. It’s so important to get exercise, sleep, hydration and have a good skincare routine. I myself always get routine facials to upkeep my skin. The Diamond Glow Facial is one of my favourites. I also love micro-needling & PRP from Dr. Jason Diamond in Beverly Hills, CA. At any point do your clients have a clear vision for what they want their look to be? If so, what is it? It varies per client but collaboration and communication are always key when putting together a look. It’s important to make sure that there is balance and synergy between the client, hair, wardrobe, nails and makeup to properly achieve the overall vision. Coming together as a team and not competing with one another’s work helps the talent look their best and shine. What have been your favourite red carpet looks you’ve done? There have been so many memorable red carpet looks but some of the highlights are the 2019 Met Gala Kendall Jenner when she wore the orange feathered Versace dress. Also, Kendall Jenner’s look from the People’s Choice Awards in neon green liner. Lots of JLo looks but one of my favourites was at Fashion Rocks when she wore a Versace black and gold dress, with bright shimmery burgundy eyes. Also, Bella Hadid’s makeup when she wore the nude Mugler bodysuit at the Icons Party during the 2018 New York Fashion Week. What are your go-to makeup and skincare products? My go-to skincare products from
work with such high-profile figures but at the end of the day, we are all human. Everybody that I’ve worked with is extremely lovely, humble and down to earth. Who would you say your mentor is and who do you look up to in terms of entrepreneurship in the industry and why? Ken Paves was one of my biggest mentors at the start of my career. We became great friends and he taught me how to navigate through the celebrity world. Also, while assisting Eugenia Weston she educated and guided me through my career. Later on Pat McGrath and I became friends and since then she has been super supportive, which feels so special because she has always been an inspiration to me. What advice do you wish you had received at the beginning of your journey to success? There can be a lot of pressure for perfection and I tend to take my work very seriously. What I need to remember and what I would tell someone who is embarking on this career journey is to make sure you never lose sight of the reason you’re doing this work – because you love it. What have been the largest hurdles you’ve had to overcome to date? There have been multiple hurdles that I’ve had to overcome throughout my career. One of the biggest that comes to mind is a time when I lost my entire makeup kit while travelling to do Jennifer Lopez’s makeup for a live American Idol show for the first time. I had to quickly purchase makeup and the team (hair, wardrobe, talent and myself) pulled out all our personal cosmetics and it wound up being one of my favourite looks of all time. I now always travel with a carry on including enough makeup to get the job done just in case there’s an incident like that again. La Mer are Creme de la Mer and Renewal Oil. I also really like Augustinus Bader Rich On the opposite end of the spectrum, what Cream, SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hyhave been the key milestones? Seeing my drator, Vintner’s Daughters Active Botanifirst magazine cover was an incredible cal Serum, and Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic. milestone and my first MET Ball was maMy favourite concealers are Nars Radiant jor for me. More recently I would say workCreamy Concealer and Cle de Peau. For ing with Pat McGrath & Bobbi Brown, who brows, I love Anastasia Brow pencils, powI admire so much. der and clear gel and Tweezerman tools. Pat This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who are the icons in McGrath, Tom Ford and Charlotte Tilbury your life? There are so many icons and amazhave amazing blushes, shadows and eyelining artists in the beauty industry that I’ve ers. Laura Mercier Powders are great, both looked up to and admired throughout the Translucent & Honey. Serge Lutens is one years. Some that come to mind are Pat Mcof my all-time favourite bronzers. Armani Grath, Francesca Tolot, Bobbi Brown and Eyes to Kill is my go-to mascara. I’ve also Lucia Peroni. Also Kevyn Aucoin, I loved and been loving Victoria Beckham Beauty lip learned so much from his books. I grew up tints, lip liners and eyeliners. trying to recreate so many different looks from these artists by ripping out tear sheets from What is it really like working with such highmagazines and using them for inspiration. profile figures? I feel really blessed to get to
I’ve worked with is extremely lovely, humble and down to earth.” BEAUTY
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WORDS: AMY SESSIONS
The Precision Surgeon
What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? I always get up with my wife and sons around 7am before we all have breakfast together and then we walk with the boys to the station as they then head off to school. Afterwards Eva and I have some time together and that will be spent talking or working out together, and this of course includes a morning walk with Sparky (the family dog). Following that I head to Harley Street and at Harley street I will do consultations or treatments with my patients, I then split my time between Harley St and the 111SKIN offices – I think I can now make it across in seven minutes! You’re originally a surgeon, how did launching a skincare brand originate? As a surgeon, my primary goal has always been to ensure the very best results for my patients – we weren’t satisfied with what was available to surgeons at the time, so we set about finding healing solutions. Working with a team of scientists, we pioneered the brand signature healing complex NAC Y2. NAC Y2 was infused within the brand’s inaugural healing serum, which proved so effective that patients were seeking the products for everyday use. From there, 111SKIN was born. What is at the core of 111SKIN, the DNA and how has it grown so quickly to iconic status globally? To develop skincare treatments that both recreate and complement aesthetic treatments in the clinic for a more holistic approach to beauty. It’s about beauty and quality of skin and understanding the ageing process inside and out. We had little budget for marketing and so our business grew organically – largely by engaging with artists that work on a practical level – makeup artists, hair stylists, facialists, fashion designers & models. How did you retail 111SKIN from the outset and what have been the challenges scaling this globally? In June 2012 and starting with selected products from our now established Reparative range we launched in the beauty halls of Harrods, London. We started with a singular shelf at the back of the beauty hall and two members of staff that were dedicated to establishing the brand with Harrod’s clientele. For the first 3/4 years we were exclusive to Harrods and were focused on delivering the passion and research behind the brand, so much so that we created an extended family of clients that wanted
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more from 111SKIN. With our customers being the focus behind our range and their feedback being fundamental to the growth of the brand, we developed a range that grew from their feedback such as the light version of our bestselling product the Y Theorem Serum. With the strength of our range and the demand from our customers, my wife and co-founder, Eva Alexandrides put in the research to develop our sheet masks after a trip from Asia. Starting with one mask, the Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask, we then developed the Gold Mask that successfully turned into the Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask in a hydrogel texture. From our journey in Harrods, we then grounded ourselves in America and Asia and from there have gone from 2 to 80 members of staff in the last seven years that are located both in stores and head offices. Today we stand proudly in the Beauty Hall at Harrods with a renowned counter and window display celebrating the fundamentals of 111SKIN. Positioned in leading luxury spaces and an international presence that is coveted by fashion designers, make-up artists and supermodels alike, 111SKIN formulates its skincare to deliver a no filter confidence. We are located in some of the most prestigious retail spaces like Harrods, Neiman Marcus, Mecca and Lane Crawford. We also offer aesthetic performance face and body treatments with our revolutionary spa concept that is present in the world’s leading spa resorts and hotels like Sandy Lane, Jumeirah, Four Seasons and Bvlgari. The focus for the future is to continue to deliver unprecedented quality and results to our clients and customers as well as positioning ourselves as the leading global skincare brand that is surgically inspired, science led and drives clinical results. I am still learning when it comes to building a brand, and with 111SKIN and my practice it is a work in progress and it’s a fantastic feeling if you can do it successfully. You do need a bit of luck because there are so many uncontrollable forces that can make or break you which you cannot wholly anticipate. Personally, I find it is about having a vision and knowing what you want. How do the research and commercial sides of the business work together and do you feel particularly drawn to one side of the business? The research and commercial sides of the business go hand in hand – both Eva and I have our strengths and use these to the best of our abilities. I am a surgeon and therefore provide the medical expertise, bringing innovations and pushing the possibilities of skincare efficacy for the brand. Eva takes these innovations forward, imagining how they can be delivered in the most compelling manner, and creating personal connections to the products that extends to ingredients, sensorials, new product development and packaging. What has been the biggest challenge since launching the brand and how did you overcome it? To be unstoppable means to be utterly determined to succeed, and not to
IMAGE: SUPPLIED
Founder of 111SKIN and leading Harley Street cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides specializes in facial reconstructive surgery. We discuss what it takes to launch an iconic skincare brand and push the boundaries of surgery
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give up because of adversities, problems or bad luck. I can recall many moments that have been challenging, although the one that sticks out was when Eva and I were in the States trying to secure our first attempt to sell 111SKIN products outside of London. We had an interview with the CEO of Bloomingdales, after presenting the skincare line the CEO said to sell a beauty line in the US one had to have $50 million to support the venture. I took one look at Eva, and we both knew this wouldn’t deter us. We most certainly did not have $50 million to bankroll our business ambitions, although we knew this wouldn’t discourage us. We continued our pitches with buyers tirelessly until we met the Chief Beauty Buyer at Barney’s. The rapport was fantastic – she was very impressed with the line and committed to launching 111SKIN with our full assortment at the time, courtesy of an impactful countertop in-store. We were thrilled. Have you had any mentors along the way and if so, what has been the best advice they have imparted to you? I have met so many mentors along the way, it would be impossible to choose one. I think the best ever, in most of the cases of aesthetic surgery aesthetic reconstruction advice I received was that you are only as good as your team. The means rejuvenating the face into a state of where it was 10, 20 or even 30 people you employ to support your business need to be passionate years before. In this case, the techniques and knowledge of reconstructive about the company, good at what they do and loyal. Ensuring they surgery can be very helpful in aesthetic surgery and the two subspecialare integral to the fundamentals, success, and destiny of the comists overlap. This kind of knowledge has been very helpful for me when I pany will produce the best outcome. You not only motivate them to look to rejuvenate the face as I understand the deep structures and ageing excel but also create an environment of mutual respect. mechanisms that have led to these changes. What is the most challenging surgery you have ever performed? The diverse Where do you stand in terms of investment? Would you advise entrespecialty, and amount of surgery I have performed is very high. However, I preneurs to avoid asking for investment at the outset of their business do recall a very difficult reconstruction surgery that I performed whilst at and is it important to remain in control? Investment is a very important the University of Pittsburgh. In this case, three quarter of the face needed decision in the history of the company, the Founder should carefully reconstruction after a gunshot injury which had removed the central part consider if they need an investment. They should only acquire one if it of the face and jaw. Multiple surgeries were performed, and this patient is absolutely necessary or should consider if they can continue building stayed in the intensive care unit for over a year until they were able to be and expanding the business without outside investment and support. If released. However, at the end we had a successful outcome. though, the decision has been made that investment is necessary there should be clear goals around where this investment should go. A very Are you always amazed by how the body heals and how can we optimize detailed, three-year business plan is paramount, advocating the use of this? My whole philosophy side of my skincare brand, 111SKIN is based funds to recruit talent and acquire potential expansion according to the on enhancing the powerful mechanisms the skin possesses to heal. We business intentions. Finally, the Founder needs to really consider who see this in daily life in how powerful the body is in overcoming injuries, the investor is and what their goals are. Your interests must be aligned. surgery, burns and are only starting to understand the inherent mechaOften, they can bring much more than financial support – contacts, nism of healing in scientific ways. By enhancing the healing mechaideas, strategic planning and experience in other fields. Finally, I would nisms of the skin, we have the ability of maintaining youthfulness by never give control away as this takes away decision making, character reversing the ageing signs, as supporting the healing mechanism of the and personality of the business. The only case when this is acceptable skin on a daily basis may hold back the ageing mechanism. is towards the exit stage of a company. What effect do you see social media having on the requests you receive in Last year was a time that saw brands change strategy. Have you had terms of surgery? Social Media is playing a major role on how people perceive themselves; frequently younger people compare themselves with into pivot as a business? Definitely. As customers were only able to fluencers and the like which can have an unhealthy effect on mental health. shop online, we had to find ways to educate customers virtually – we Social media has the potential to purvey an unrealistic ideal of aesthetics. launched virtual consultations, a subscription service, and a loyalty I believe it is important for plastic surgeons and dermatologists to underprogramme. Our clientele were also looking for products that would stand the psychology behind patients seeking some of these procedures, give them the same outcome as a clinical treatment – we spent exand whether they require proper counselling ahead of committing to procetensive time creating products, such as our Concentrates that would dures, ensuring they have a full grasp of the implications and motivations. provide these benefits. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who or what to you is iconic? My icon is ProfesWhich is the 111 Skin hero product? Our first product, the Y Theorem sor of Plastic Surgery, Ralph Millard. Ralph was one of the pioneers of Repair Serum. Formulated with NAC Y2, it accelerates skin healing, facial reconstruction, particularly cleft lip and palate surgery. He is one optimising cellular health and functions and restores the dynamic of the professors I learnt from whilst studying in Miami who inspired balance of skin. It contains a powerful combination of amino acids, me then and continues to inspire me in my work with patients today. peptides and antioxidants to restore skin’s health. In addition to the above, I was also inspired by my Grandfather who You also focus on facial reconstruction – can you expand on what this I was very close to as a young child. He taught me a lot about life and involves and does this extend to antiaging techniques? Facial reconhis achievements – starting from a small village in the island of Crete struction in the broad meaning of the phrase, means the correction of he became a leader in society, and one of the foremost figures in modern deformities that the face may have. This may be from an accident, or Crete. He had not completed his education but had harnessed a set of a burn, or congenital anomalies. Facial reconstruction has advanced personal skills and emotional intelligence to set him apart. This tenactremendously the past 20 years, with the apogee being the facial transity inspired me to dedicate myself in what I want to do in life. I underplantation where complete facial reconstruction has been visible in stood that with kindness and hard work nothing is impossible. cases where before we had no other means of achieving results. How-
“It’s about beauty and quality of skin and understanding the ageing process inside and out.” BEAUTY
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Making a big career change is never easy, particularly during a pandemic. Amy WilkinsonLough, Founder of Project bYouty, has however successfully launched a space set to break boundaries in the beauty industry regardless of the challenges
WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS
“Life has a funny way of taking you on journeys you least expect, right?” says Amy Wilkinson-Lough, whose career took a total 180 after being dealt an unexpected hand of cards. After nearly 20 years in the music industry working with some of the biggest names you can think of – Drake, Avicii, Prince and Take That – Amy took a step back to reassess. What she didn’t expect was many people who she thought were friends simply disappeared into the abyss. “The phone stopped ringing and you realise pretty quickly the friends you thought you had you didn’t and that’s a really really hard place to find yourself,” she admits. “It required a lot, and I mean a lot of therapy and self-care.” What followed was a devastating cancer diagnosis in her family, which emphasized the loneliness she was already feeling. Little did she know however that this would lead her down the path to found Project bYouty – an ecommerce beauty space in the Middle East making cruelty-free non-negotiable. Hours of reading and researching on chemotherapy and radiation, led her down the rabbit hole of what actually goes into the products we use, which had her questioning, “Why do we continue to support brands using such ingredients?” As she was based in the United Kingdom at the time, Amy immersed herself in the world of conscious consumerism, ensuring she put her support behind clean and conscious beauty brands that always explained the “why”. However, returning to Dubai she found it was a totally different story when it came to sourcing ethical and conscious brands. And when she did, the wait time was astronomical, as were the costs – duties, taxes, delivery fees and more added up, but so did finding a clear gap in the market to create something to combat this. “It felt like a scenario I could fix, the rest as they say is history,” she says. As her first foray into the beauty industry – worlds away from the music business – Amy jokes that she’s “bliss-
fully unaware” of what else is out there, something she believes has helped immensely as she’s bringing “an entirely new thought perspective”. And, well, it’s clearly working. While she only just launched Project bYouty earlier this year, the e-commerce site already has just shy of 90 highly sought-after brands under its umbrella – Augustinus Bader, Revitalash, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Emma Hardie, Oskia, Sarah Chapman, just to name a few. Carving her own niche in the beauty space is something Amy is taking in her stride, despite the challenges one can have with any new launch, as well as beginning an excruciating and heartbreaking journey with IVF just at the time of her launch. However, it’s something she’s been open about continually with her team, brands and investors. “I’ve just been very honest about it to my team and to our brands – and the support has been overwhelming, honesty often counts for a lot,” she says. Emirates Woman sat down with the entrepreneur to discover exactly how she came to find herself immersed in the world of beauty, the changes she’s making in the industry in this region, the trials and tribulations she’s had to endue on her way to success and what’s next for Project bYouty. Can you talk us through your career? Until launching Project bYouty I’ve spent the last almost 20 years in the entertainment industry, delivering live concerts all around the world and I’ve loved every minute of it. I started out standing outside nightclubs in the freezing UK weather at ridiculous times of the morning handing out flyers for various DJs and shows, then went into the PR and marketing aspect eventually finding myself in essentially a combination of artist and tour management. I’ve put together tours and album campaigns across UK, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and of course right here in Dubai. Privileged to have worked with some absolute musical icons; Drake, Take That,
A New Chapter BEAUTY
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‘thing’ for the region – it was the easiest decision and fastest ‘yes’ I’ve ever given anyone, three days later I was here. You’ve now entered the beauty space after being in the music industry for years – what inspired this? Life has a funny way of taking you on journeys you least expect. When Louder entertainment ended it took me a good year to recover mentally. The phone stopped ringing and you realise pretty quickly the friends you thought you had you didn’t and that’s a really really hard place to find yourself. It required a lot, and I mean a lot of therapy and self-care. My family was then dealt a devastating cancer diagnosis; the sadness, the grief, the loneliness just reached new heights if I wasn’t in hospital wards I was in a bath with essential oils, or bed with a face mask just trying to ‘hang in there’ – I read constantly in a bid to help with the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, lethargy and all of a sudden I was like wow how did I not know all of this ‘stuff’, why did no one tell me the side effect of some ingredients, why is the oncologist telling us to rid the house of X, Y and Z, why am I supporting brands that haven’t necessarily been doing the ethical thing? That journey of what I call conscious consumerism seemed a lot easier to do in the UK, I could get every possible clean product, I could get every form of anxiety-based elixir, every unsung indie hero product, brands that had a huge ‘why’ it was all just there and at my door the next day. I came back to Dubai and joking aside the struggle was real, sites didn’t ship here, if they did it would take over a week, it would cost me double by the time I’d paid duties, taxes, delivery fees and everything in between, I was more stressed trying to order than I was trying to solve! It felt like a scenario I could fix, the rest as they say is history. What does your new brand Project bYouty represent? An authentic, informed, inspired space to shop the very best in conscious beauty and wellbeing from all around the world. What sets Project bYouty apart from other ecommerce sites in the beauty space? We are the only site in the region to make cruelty free an absolute non-negotiable. We only deal directly with founders and or licensed distributors, you will never find a product that’s not registered and or certified, if you see a product listed as Vegan you can be confident, we’ve done significant due diligence to verify that, same with halal, organic, clean or such like. We have the planet and its people at our core, we genuinely believe wholeheartedly that we can make a change. We aim to tackle the subjects no one wants to talk about but we know to exist and ultimately remind every individual that whoever comes onto ProjectbYouty.com whether as a consumer or a reader that you are your superpower. Do you feel starting with fresh eyes to a new industry has helped or hindered? It’s helped for sure, I’m coming at everything from an entirely new thought perspective as I’m blissfully unaware of what’s been done before or perhaps what the industry is used to and our brands love that. Our initial approach to brands came via a Kanye West-themed video, with zero and I mean zero references to beauty, we’ve got just shy of 90 brands currently on the site so goes to show just because you’ve never done something before doesn’t mean you can’t, you just need to think differently. How does the beauty space differ in the UAE/ Middle East from other parts of the globe?
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
Pharell, Avicii, Nile Rodgers and Prince. I eventually raised investment to set up Louder Entertainment here in Dubai which went on to win a plethora of awards and deliver some monumental shows until an unexpected and hugely upsetting investment fall out. Have you always been entrepreneurial? I’ve always been a square peg in a round hole with massive ambitions and an innate dislike to being asked or expected to conform; so, my honest answer to that is I don’t really think there was any other route for me, I didn’t necessarily know what I wanted it (my route) to look like, just how I wanted to feel. What eventually brought you to Dubai? The Middle East stole my heart at a young age. I went to school in Abu Dhabi when I was 14 and I had the best time of my life, the happiest time of my life and I knew that I was unequivocally going to end up here permanently at some point. I was offered a role way back in the early 2000s by an agency who had essentially been tasked with making live music and entertainment concepts a
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tors or at least female-founded venture capital firms, I’d secured two big meetings one round a table with three women, the other one on one. The three ladies didn’t even let me get to the end of the pitch before they said, it will never work, the market here isn’t ready, it’s all too costly to do, that’s why no one’s done it before – I probably wasn’t even in the meeting eight minutes when I was shown the door. The next one probably a week or so later, was direct with the founder, she absolutely loved it, it made sense to her and five days later I was issued with a head of terms sheet; essentially the first official part of any raise, it was all systems go – until I was ghosted, calls ignored, emails unanswered and Zooms unattended. These are moments you’re really tested, they’re also the moments that you have to cling for dear life to the belief in your concept, you take the nos or the unkindness of the nonbelievers, you store it and you go again as many times as you have to, you send the follow-up emails, you call and leave the voice notes and you go for the coffees – eventually someone will say yes. At 1 pm on October 25th I inked a seven-figure seed round for Project bYouty, at 3.30pm I was under anaesthetic having parts of my uterus removed in a bid to become a Mum – never let them tell you women can’t do it all. On the opposite end of the spectrum, what have been the key milestones? I’m still standing – that counts right?! The loss of a business especially when it’s one completely out of your hands is tough to swallow and no one talks about the effect it has on your mental health – I am tremendously proud that I’ve found the strength to go again. When Project bYouty first started out I had a vision board with 20 absolute must-have brands on them, people thought I was nuts as a startup with no beauty experience to be aiming so high, we launched with 13 of those brands, 5 more will join us in Q4 and the to overcome? I’ve been on and am still on a other 2 are playing hard to get! pretty brutal IVF journey which started at Whilst perhaps not considered a milealmost the exact same time Project bYouty really came into momentum, the amount of stone I am incredibly proud, humbled, appointments, surgeries and treatments I’ve grateful and at times emotional that I have had as part of that journey including findsuch an incredible team around me – no one can achieve success on their own and when ing cancer, and suffering a miscarriage has you’re a startup you’re asking people to take meant I’ve taken a lot of Zooms from hosa chance with essentially no guarantees. pital wards often in less than fetching surI have a small but mighty team who work gery gowns – [laughs] but, I’ve just been tirelessly on all kinds of time zones because very honest about it to my team and to our they believe in me and the change I want to brands – and the support has been oversee us make in the world. whelming, honesty often counts for a lot. I worked with a lot of the wrong people in What are your future plans for Project bYthe early days, partners, agencies, investors outy? We’re just getting started and there’s a and that was expensive, when you’re hungry lot to do. If the last 18 months has taught us for your idea to come to life you don’t always anything it’s that the world can change overquestion things that you probably should, you night as can consumer wants, needs, dewant to believe everyone wants to see you win, mands – we’ve got a heavy 5-year plan that and that they have the expertise they say they includes Project bYouty television, a huge have; sadly that’s not always the case and event and workshop calendar, we’re looking when it goes wrong it’s tough to swallow and at a physical space – it’s exciting and sleepas a startup, it sets you back monumentally depriving all at the same time. as every dirham is accounted for. Not listening And finally, this is 'The Icon Issue' – who are the or trusting my gut instinct cost me and those icons in your life? That’s easy – my Dad. He brands who’d committed to Project bYouty a took a horrific illness, less than optimistic digood year of revenue and my mental health. agnosis, made a promise to me to fight it even I was a couple of months into the investwhen it got dark and to be here to see me launch ment raising journey of Project bYouty, I’d Project bYouty – he was our first customer and specifically been seeking out female invesin January we’ll officially be ‘cancer free’.
“If you see a product listed as Vegan you can be confident, we’ve done significant due diligence to verify that, same with halal, organic, clean or such like.” We have some of the most beautiful men and women in the world. As a region I think it’s fair to say we aren’t as well informed when it comes to ingredients and formulations as some other parts of the world and therefore, we can’t necessarily make the most effective decisions for our skincare, symptoms or wellbeing. In terms of the industry aesthetic in this part of the world sadly, we’ve only delivered a very polished one. You don’t see ads or should I say certainly anywhere near enough of them that have women/men with acne, cellulite, freckles, pigmentation, curves all of which are totally normal irrespective of nationality, race, religion – that’s something I’m determined Project bYouty will change. You’ve worked incredibly hard, where does your motivation from? I have days where the only option is to give in, order takeout and eat it in my pyjamas even if it is only 3pm in the afternoon – we’re all human. However, I’m determined and with that comes a level of natural excitement, especially when surrounded by people who want to see you win. I get to talk to phenomenal founders, most of whom are women, I get to represent their brands and their values which I genuinely see as a privilege. While you’re still in the early days, what has been the most rewarding thing you have experienced since founding the brand? Unquestionably finding some of the most beautiful brands on the planet, getting to spend so much time with their founder one way or another and listening to their whys. So many brands have been created from adversity, illness or an overwhelming desire to see change one way or another and it’s been an absolute privilege to learn about and now represent in the region on Projectbyouty.com. What advice do you wish you had received at the beginning of your journey to success? Over and above anything else, if you’re in a position to do so freeze your eggs. Looking back over your career and since launching the brand, can you tell us about three (or more…) major hurdles you’ve had
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The Beauty Shelf Maryam Saeed, Co-Founder of abaya brand Al Mraikn, talks us through her hero beauty products C O M P I L E D BY: S A R A H J O S E P H
Phyto-Blanc Buff and wash facial gel Dhs525 Sisley
I always need to start my skincare routine with this face wash which gives me a clean slate and provides gentle exfoliation. Floral toning lotion Dhs390 Sisley
Before applying a serum, this toner is very smooth on my skin with a refreshing touch as the smell also gives an uplifting, revived sensation. Supremÿa at night – The Supreme anti-aging skin care Dhs2,354 Sisley
While slowing the appearance of wrinkles and generating new face cells, this anti-aging serum provides a better result when mixed with the La Mer moisturizing crème. The treatment lotion hydrating sheet mask x6 Dhs575 La Mer
After a long day, these hydrating face masks energize the skin giving it that ultimate glow. Soudain l’Hiver pure perfume 30ml for Dhs3,868 Henry Jacques
The Night by Dominique Ropion 50ml for Dhs3,526 Frederic Malle
This unisex scent includes notes of Oud creating a blend that will stand out in any room. Ultra UD face essentials palette Dhs305 Make Up For Ever
I highly recommend carrying this palette, as it contains the most essential shades that blend seamlessly into skin. Rose quartz trio soothing facial set Dhs227 Mount Lai
Allowing my skin cells to wake up, this trio set magically removes any puffy eyes first thing in the morning while improving
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blood circulation and leaving the skin with a radiant glow. Rose silky blush powder Dhs315 Hermès
Creating the perfect rose blush that suits all the skin shades, this long-lasting powder is sure to provide a radiant complexion. LUNA3 Face brush and antiaging massager for normal skin Dhs758 Foreo
One of my favourite devices to achieve a clean skin base is Foreo. It gently lifts away dirt, oil and unclogs pores in the most hidden areas on your face. The body crème Dhs832 La Mer
This hydrating body crème
provides a comforting formula which renews the skin while renewing the dead skin cells and enhancing the tone. Extreme mascara raven Dhs231 Tom Ford Beauty
This gives the perfect volume while adding vitamins that make your lashes grow longer. Dior Skin nude luminizer highlighter Dhs221 Dior Beauty
To achieve that multidimensional glow, this highlighting powder gives that irresistible iridescent sheen.
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With a wintery yet versatile smell, this fragrance is sure to make an impact in any room with its rich notes of cedarwood and pine needle.
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C O M P I L E D BY: O L I V I A M O R R I S
AM TO PM BEAUTY
Amy Wilkinson-Lough, Founder of Project bYouty, takes us through her beauty and skincare routines Talk us through your morning routine. I crank or I box – 45 minutes religiously 5 days a week, my routine starts there and by there, I mean my mind, I need to start the day in the most positive mindset. I’m a shower procrastinator, I sing, I plan the day and I lather myself in Björk & Berries gel during and lotion after and I apologise for none of it. Nothing will give you a better morning glow than a healthy mind, some intention setting, and Ultrasun Tinted SPF50+. And how about your evening routine? Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm – really massaged in for a good few minutes and then re-
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moved with a warm cloth. If it’s a retinol day then Mara Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Oil, followed by their universal face oil. Alternatively, I keep it simple and go in with the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream. What are your go-to skincare products? Mara Universal face oil – it doesn’t matter what time of the day, what my skin’s doing or why I need it, it just works wonders. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm – it’s a 60-minute facial in a balm. Syrene Aquagel Oil to Foam Cleanser – the perfect second cleanser (if you need it). Votary Super Seed Oil – packed full of nutrients if you need a heavy-hitting pick me
up this is unequivocally it. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, eye wateringly expensive I know but worth every dirham honest. U beauty Resurfacing Compound – by the end of the bottle expect a huge improvement in texture. Ultrasun – Anti Pigmentation SPF 50+. Are you a fan of masks? Masks were always a no from me until we were testing Syrene as a brand. Their power mask is genuinely some kind of wizardry that the skin calls on in a genuine skin emergency. If you’ve gone too hard on the acids, got caught in the sun, had a bad week then this is your fail-safe – irrespective of skin type.
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Clockwise from top left: Fragrance Free Super Seed Facial Oil, 50ml Dhs415 Votary; Algae & Moringa Universal Face Oil Dhs155 Mara; Fjällsjö Hand & Body Lotion Dhs180 Björk & Berries; Mekabu Hydrating Conditioner Dhs140 Masami; Face Tinted SPF50+ Honey, 50ml Dhs165 Ultrasun; The Rich Cream Dhs710 Augustinus Bader
How would you describe your relationship with makeup? Almost nonexistent – give me good skin, a bushy brow, a set of eyelashes and if I’m really going all out, a red lip. What can always be found in your makeup bag? Eyebrow Queen Brow Fix – there’s absolutely no other go to if you’re a fan of a good brow! Mac – Ruby Woo (name me a more perfect red), eye drops an absolute must. Barbara Sturm lip balm, which also works wonders as a dewy highlighter (in tiny tiny amounts). Which fragrances do you love? I’m a huge fan of men’s fragrance, it hits differently and deeper which feels unexpected on a woman and I like
that. Tom Ford Neroli is always in my cabinet, as is the original men’s Dolce & Gabbana. How do you choose your evening fragrance? Like anything, it’s all about my mood. Fragrance has in my opinion the ability to be quite a sensual thing, I love getting into a lift behind someone who’s left their scent and imagining what he/she might have looked like. Talk us through your hair routine. I’m all about the messy undone look, I’m also guilty of that ‘black one minute, blonde the next’ mentality so I spend most of my time (and money) on trying to repair damage. I’m loving Masami – a new entirely clean brand I discovered out of
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Japan, there are only four products in the entire range including a beautiful Mekabu shampoo and conditioner which has done wonders for bringing back the shine. Treatment-wise O Wow has been a gamechanger. I, like many others hyperventilated at the thought of an athome keratin treatment but it was so simple and I’m genuinely nearing week 3 of not needing to use the straighteners after I’ve used the dryer – that’s a win I’m taking! What is the most unusual item in your makeup bag? Again, I’m nothing if I’m not honest – my makeup bag is a corner of the bag I’m using that night.
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WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS
The Business Mentor
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi is the Chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), an organisation that is inspiring entrepreneurs all over the UAE. Her Excellency discusses with us how the Council is championing an equitable world for businesswomen and entrepreneurs Can you talk us through your career? I have had a passion for porcelain art since I can remember. Initially, it was just a way of expressing myself. However, as I grew older, I knew it was my calling. After studying fine arts at Sharjah University, I launched my own label, ‘Designed By Hind’, which has grown into a successful boutique porcelain design brand. When it comes to my association with the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), which operates under the umbrella of the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), the relationship began out of my deep-seated enthusiasm to give back to society. I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, particularly women. Initially, as a board member of SBWC, I learnt the ropes while contributing to the Council’s programmes, initiatives and campaigns, on both local and global levels. As Chairperson of SBWC since 2016, I take the lead in formulating its strategies and initiatives geared at empowering female business owners and entrepreneurs through training, upskilling and networking programmes in the UAE and beyond. You’re now the Chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women Council. What are the main goals of the Council? SBWC seeks to empower aspiring as well as established businesswomen and female entrepreneurs by providing an enabling, sustainable and nurturing environment for them to realise their professional aspirations and contribute actively to Sharjah’s and the UAE’s sustainable socio-economic development. Our vision is to create an equitable world for businesswomen and entrepreneurs by promoting their access to knowledge, services,
support systems and resources, and assisting them with reaching their fullest potential. Can you talk us through the history of the Council? Since its inception in 2002, how has SBWC gone on to help regional women in business? Since its inception, SBWC has been supporting businesswomen and entrepreneurs to develop better business skills; opening up key business and networking opportunities for them across different market sectors; offering comprehensive services catering to their every need; and creating a vibrant platform to connect them with industry leaders who mentor and train them throughout their development journey. We enhance their competencies through upskilling and training workshops, and organ-
ise trade missions and participation in top-tier exhibitions to help them network with global experts and peers. Through our partnerships with key government and private entities, we facilitate their business set-up process and provide mentorship and consultation. We motivate our members through exclusive membership benefits, loyalty programmes, and promote their businesses through our own and our partners’ platforms. SBWC is one of the few entities in the region that accepts women members of any nationality from across the UAE. Over the years, SBWC has initiated several programmes and campaigns that have helped the council go from strength to strength. With 2,000 plus members enrolled at present, SBWC has now gone global with a new brand identity that reflects its ongoing evolution and bold vision to guide and empower businesswomen globally to realise their career aspirations, attain success globally, and be active contributors to the sustainable socioeconomic growth of their nations and communities. We are also among the few entities in the region that offers all its services, including registration of members, via a dedicated app. Our forthcoming SBWC Mentors platform, in collaboration with Jupiter Business Mentors, will provide our members access to over 25 wellestablished mentors across various sectors and industries for consultations. Our successful initiatives include: SBWC Pop-Up, which provides opportunities to our members to showcase their products and services via various entities and at landmark locations in Sharjah; SBWC Tours, which introduces businesswomen and entrepreneurs to SBWC’s offerings and related services; SBWC
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Talks, our platform to share knowledge, explore best practices and learn from successful businesswomen across sectors; and SBWC Online Workshops, that cover the gamut of business topics to enrich and upskill our members with market knowledge. We recently concluded an action-oriented series of workshops held in partnership with Mashreq Bank, Mastercard, and 33Voices, a high-performance learning organisation and business accelerator titled ‘The Reinvention of Business Post-Covid 19’, to equip our members with the right tools, knowledge and motivation to advance in their business through post-Covid business recovery planning. We will soon be launching a ‘Manage Your Business’ series in partnership with several Sharjah Government entities; host a special edition of SBWC Talks at the Dubai Expo 2020 in October to encourage businesswomen to venture into emerging industries such as agritech, among others; and organise a 3-month training programme for our members to properly utilise pitching opportunities. also help them evolve and grow, thus contributing to You’re a leader in business in this region UAE’s march towards a sustainable future. – what’s it like paving the way for so many What is a philosophy that you live by in your profeswomen in the GCC & Arab world? Regionally as well as around the world, more and sional life? I strongly believe in the saying, “Evmore women are being elevated to posierything happens for a reason.” There are no lost tions of power – not just to listen and obopportunities in life – it is simply nature’s way of serve, but to actively participate in decision showing us a new path, a different vocation or goal making. I feel proud, and at the same time that is more suited to our passions and requirehumbled, to be one of these women, part ments. Approached with the right frame of mind of a new generation that is shifting perand attitude, whatever happens always turns out spectives on the importance of inclusion. for the best. It is important to be grateful for everyHaving more women leaders is crucial for thing, both good and bad. Things happen because many reasons other than serving as role they are meant to be – we must learn to accept, emmodels. More importantly, women leaders brace and go with the flow. prioritise putting women’s issues on front What are some of the key lessons you would like of the agenda. When women are meaningpeople to take from your career? My career reflects fully represented and engaged in leadership the exposure I have had running my own business, roles, then the laws and decisions are more as well as my experiences in helming SBWC. Being a likely to be inclusive and representative businesswoman myself, I use my own experiences to and will take diverse views into account. formulate strategic action plans with clear objectives I am grateful to be growing up in an that promise measurable results to help attain susera with so many role models. This is in tainable growth and continued success. During my large part because the wise leadership in career, I have learned to adapt quickly to situations UAE has consciously invested in women in order to allow myself a better chance to achieve and gender balance by increasing the my goals, and this is one key lesson I’d recommend number of programmes aimed at recruitprofessionals across sectors to take away. I also advise businesswomen and female entrepreneurs ing a new generation of female leaders. to concentrate on advancing their agenda dedicatHow important is it to have a support system edly – whatever your goal is, keep moving forward. for women in the world of business? EntreWomen need to step forward and shed their inhibipreneurial training is, without doubt, an tions to realise their dreams and aspirations, whateffective way of bringing women into the ever they may be. If a business or a venture is what mainstream, and leads to overall economic you want to start or take to the next level, SBWC is and social development. However, the right here to empower you with the knowledge, skills many cultural and systemic hurdles women and tools you need for a successful future. face make it harder for them to advance. To counter this, successful businesswomen What are your hopes for women in the future of this have to collectively give a voice to upcomcountry? I have endless hopes for the future of busiing and struggling female entrepreneurs, nesswomen and female entrepreneurs in the UAE. and help them make an impact. At SBWC, There already is tremendous government support we have been identifying and tapping fefor women’s projects and capacity development promale potential in the business and entregrammes here, and I believe, more investments can preneurship sectors. Through our probe made to achieve greater returns, both in terms of grammes and initiatives, we have created a output and value. For instance, additional support far-reaching support system for businessfor the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) women and entrepreneurs from all walks of that make up around 94 per cent of the companies society. By motivating, training and developerating in the UAE and contribute 60 per cent to oping the skillsets of our members, we not the nation’s non-oil GDP, will be a gamechanger for only enable them in their workplace but both the future of entrepreneurship and national
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development. Our nation’s economic diversification policies also offer numerous opportunities for women. This can be seen especially in emerging sectors like IT, agritech, financial engineering and digital transformation, which present immense possibilities for women entrepreneurs to broaden their horizons beyond the traditional business space to areas of unlimited potential. By entering emerging sectors, businesswomen will play a key role in the economy of the future. We also hope to see more changes in the private sector geared towards creating a more enabling working environment for women, to grow as professionals and help build the future of this great country. In my capacity as Chairperson of SBWC, my aim is to strive for an equitable world where rights and opportunities are served to all. Looking back, can you tell us about a major hurdle you’ve had to overcome? The one major lesson I learnt at the beginning of my career was how important it is to balance your personal life with your profession. I had to take a step back and ask myself: What is currently causing me stress and dissatisfaction? How are these circumstances affecting how I perform and engage with my work, how are they impacting my personal life? Only after I took a mental pause and acknowledged these factors could I begin to tackle them. I learnt that with the right kind of planning it was possible to achieve a worklife balance. Planning ahead and having a proper schedule is an important factor, so are simple things like maintaining a daily planner. On the opposite end of the spectrum, what have been the key milestones to date? I can never forget the moment my very first porcelain collection titled ‘Tuminah’ was launched in 2011. Its success was the starting point for my label, ‘Designed by Hind’, and I realised I had found my life’s purpose. My next major turning point was when I took over as Chairperson of SBWC. It was a golden opportunity for me to inspire and encourage women, especially those who were venturing into business without prior experience like I had with ‘Designed by Hind’. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who are the icons in your life? For me, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), is a true thought leader who places human value above all else. She has been a great influence, my one true icon because from her I have learnt that inclusive human development is the most important thing in life. The inspiring vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher has been the main driver of SBWC’s achievements. Thanks to Her Highness’s vision, directives and unfailing support, SBWC has been able to provide support to many aspiring entrepreneurs and businesswomen in the UAE. Not just for me; Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi is the true icon for all Emirati women.
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The Inspirational Entrepreneur
Can you talk us through your career? My career began at 17, I had just finished high school with a diploma and the drive to get some real-life work experience. I chose to delve into the family business which aided me in choosing a path for my higher studies. Whilst at university, I felt it was imperative to gain practical experience, and so I worked hard within the family businesses. Eventually, I was managing departments of my father’s business and continued to pursue my education at the London Business School. At that point in my life, I was immersed in various businesses and found myself wanting to expand and explore until I had created an empire. My main role within each business was to seamlessly conceptualise, structure and construct new ventures. This is when I decided to take the ultimate risk and bet on my abilities, shortly after, Society was born. You’re a leader in business in this region – what’s it like paving the way for so many women in the GCC & Arab world? As an Emirati woman in a largely male-dominated industry, I consider it to be of top priority to guide and mentor women. During my personal journey of becoming a titan in the industry, there were a few essential lessons that got me to my position which I relay to every female employee I have, as I feel it to be
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Emirati entrepreneur and Founder of MAD (Making A Difference) Hospitality and Society café, Sheikha Al Mheiri is making an impact in the UAE one pioneering venture at a time
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a personal responsibility dear to my heart. The lessons go as follows; as a woman in the Middle East, if you get the gift of education, grab it, with both hands. Your network, in most cases, really does contribute to your net worth. Lastly, be driven. As a leader, educating, mentoring and betting on driven women has to be one of the highest honours I’ve had the privilege of receiving. You’ve so many different ventures under your belt as an entrepreneur – which stand out to you? Besides my involvement in the family businesses, I have a variety of businesses, each unique and which have seen growth to date. My first project and the one closest to my heart has to be the cafe, Society. The fusion dining concept was conceptualised with the people of Dubai as my ultimate muse, our society. I remember jumping over walls in my abaya, searching for the perfect location in 2017, until eventually I had found Society’s home in the heart of Dubai. After successfully launching the popular breakfast and lunch venue, I had decided to expand around the city and develop an eatery called Toplum. With Toplum I wanted to bring the experiences from my travels around the Mediterranean to the plates and peripherals of my Dubai residents, after all, Toplum translates to society in Turkish. Toplum boasts stylish feminine interiors, handblown chandeliers and a variety of delicious menu options suitable for every meal. As we grew and the public took more of an interest in Society and Toplum, I decided to build a creative agency. Make a difference; these three words are some of the words I live by and encourage my employees to implement in their daily lives. MAD Studios were built to find the balance between my wild eye for art and my disciplined structural approach and apply that to our businesses. My aim for MAD Studios was to be able to offer our new aged digital marketing services to external clients and help their visions turn into realities. After launching and running two successful dining concepts, I wanted to design a space that houses quality offerings, minimalistic elements and interiors that tell a story. In January 2021, The Grey was launched. This minimalist cafe was inspired by the universe, my travels to Asia and the desire to create a social house for the people of Dubai. The Grey offers all-day dining options that boast quality food at pocket-friendly prices. The sleek and sultry sanctuary is in a 40-year-old Safa villa, the location pays homage to our city with the traditions embedded within The Grey’s walls and locally sourced offerings.
an employee within the family business to a leader and an entrepreneur. This leads me to my second hurdle which was gaining respect within the business of trade and service. In order to gain respect in an industry prominently controlled by men, it was paramount that I assert myself without fear and with confidence. Being a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur requires balance. Finding the balance between work and life is crucial in order to execute tasks and run a business. For a while, in the early days, I struggled with allocating time to myself and loved ones and focused primarily on the business. After a thorough trial and error period, I had eventually found a balance that allowed me to harmoniously transition between work and personal life. On the opposite end of the spectrum, what have been the key milestones? As a strong believer in inclusivity and diversity, I am privileged and honoured today to say that I have employed 30 different nationalities within my establishment which I consider to be a personal feat for me and the team. Besides the success of the restaurants, What difficulties have you faced as a female I am proud to say that I have accomplished entrepreneur in the world of business? As an many personal goals before turning thirty. Emirati entrepreneur and a female, I’ve had I regard my ability for conceptualising the to endure my fair share of obstacles. In my businesses from scratch and then expanding earlier days, as I was building the businessthem globally to be an accolade I will forever es, a particular hurdle that came my way was be proud of, stay tuned. the doubt and patronization by successful men within the industry. Since then, I have Do you have any mentors who have helped adapted and learned to assert myself without guide your career? The first mentor in my life apology and display my generalist approach. would have to be my father, not only has he been a patriarch in our family but has perWhat is a philosophy that you live by in your sonally been my first inspiration to follow my professional life? There is a difference bedreams and to work on them conscientiously tween climbing and imagining the summit, and earnestly. My other mentor would have this quote resonates with me on a deep level. to be my business partner and my confidant. For many years I imagined and manifested I met my business partner while studying the success, but to mentally, physically and at the London Business School where I was emotionally invest in the hard work and faced with someone I knew would bring the dedication to creating an empire is a whole element of logic and theory to my risk-taking different story and every bit worth it. ethos. As my senior and equipped with an exWhat are some of the key lessons you have tensive knowledge of finance paired with his learned that you’d like to share with other enrisk-averse attitude I have been able to make trepreneurs? Never take no for an answer, if impertinent business decisions and gain a there is a will there’s a way, and if there isn’t lifelong friend. One thing both men have in there is always a plan B. It is imperative to common is that they have been supporters of your growth to be surrounded by the commy vision and believed in my aspirations and pany you wish to be like. And lastly, never have aided me in obtaining them. ever be apologetic for being a leader. What are your hopes for women in the future This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who are the icons in of this country? My hope for the women of my your life? The icon that I hold in the highest country and all the women who come here to regard would have to be His Highness Sheikh make a better life is for them to realise that Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the they are instrumental in the advancement Vice President and the Prime Minister of the of the nation. This UAE is opening doors UAE. Growing up I would often hear stories and widening its horizons with opportunifrom my father, who works closely with our ruler about how he would take risks and ties. My hope is that women dare to explore launch successful businesses. HHSM, is this untapped fields and focus on their success nation’s biggest entrepreneur and has not through education and self-development, as only built empires but expanded them across knowledge is power. the globe and positively impacted millions of What have been the biggest hurdles durpeople for their betterment. I would also like ing your career and how did you overcome to add a message for the youth and ambithem? Entrepreneurship was not practised tious entrepreneurs, for those who have big in my family, especially by a woman. As the dreams, just as I do. Don’t be afraid to fail, first woman in my family to start a business as failure is the first step to success. I found it challenging to make the shift from
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The Director
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What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? They say that your best day begins the night before. I live by this motto and ensure that I plan each day the night before. That way I start fresh in the morning. It is important to be ready to listen to and work with the members of the creative community, which is why I make sure I speak to the community and tenants each morning. I also like to plan some quiet time for myself for about 15-30 minutes a day which gives me a chance to go through my to-do list. I keep a clear mind in the mornings, so ideas and inspirations flow organically, which energizes me for the whole day and ensures I complete all my tasks. What is at the heart of d3, the values and the DNA? As a key contributor to the creative and design ecosystem in Dubai, d3’s vision is to provide a strong platform for creativity to cement Dubai’s position as a leading international hub for innovation and talent in line with the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy. Driven by the value to support and inspire the design community in the region and beyond, d3 has become the Middle East’s premier creative platform dedicated to design, fashion, architecture, art, and retail. Our dynamic community caters to the myriad needs of local and international companies through empowering talent and facilitating networking and business opportunities. Today, we are proud to be home to some of the world’s leading design entities and talent that collectively shape the emirate’s knowledge and innovation-based economy. Can you tell us about your role at d3 and how you support the mandate to position Dubai as a global fashion capital? Our vision for Dubai Design District has always remained the same: ensuring the creative community maintains its status as the epicentre of art, architecture, fashion, design, and retail in the region. Dubai
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has firmly cemented its position as the region’s retail capital and has a dynamic fashion industry that continues to see homegrown companies find fame on the global stage. As a creative platform for a plethora of industries, our district has reinforced Dubai’s status as a UNESCO City of Creative Design. The district is positioned as the first-of-its-kind creative ecosystem that enables people and businesses to grow and co-create, while simultaneously providing a strong platform for creativity. It is home to over 40 retailers offering a variety of multi-brand boutiques, fashion brands, art galleries and showrooms, including the likes of Dior, Burberry, Zaha Hadid Architects and Foster + Partners. Moving forward, we would like to see d3 continue to attract leading global companies and welcome more homegrown start-ups and entrepreneurs to our business district. Can you tell us about the strategic partnership with the Arab Fashion Council and how this further drives towards this goal? d3 has been the strategic driver of Dubai Design Week since its inception in 2015. We are very honoured to partner with the Arab Fashion Council and become the official home of the Arab Fashion Week. The event truly epitomises what the business community stands for, which is to provide a premier platform for the region’s design community to bring their creativity and talent to the world. This strategic partnership is important for the sustainable growth and development of the region’s fashion and haute couture industries that, much like many other sectors, need to rethink the regular to thrive in the post-pandemic world. We all need to look at creativity from a new perspective and we believe the hybrid format of activations for Arab Fashion Week Men’s Spring Summer 2022 will encourage dialogue on the future of fashion. d3 has been successful in building a design value chain through its enabling ecosystem that supports and promotes synergies among established designers, emerging creatives and students in the fields of fashion, architecture, culture, art, retail, production and my other sectors. At Emirates Woman we champion incredible women – many of whom are launching their own businesses. Have you seen growth in the number of women from the region carving out their niche/ growing their own brands? There are so many inspirational women all around the world, including here in the UAE. Our country is one that truly empowers women to not just occupy senior positions in the public and private sector but lead their own businesses. I have the deepest respect for our wise leaders who have continued to strive for the highest standards of social and economic equality with national strategies that promote women empowerment and ensure they are able to contribute to the sustainable development of our knowledge and innovation-based economy. On the role of women leading their own brands, I am extremely proud that our creative district is home to close to 100 Emirati businesses, many of which are led by women.
How do you see the menswear market emerging across the Arab region and how does this differ to womenswear? Historically, the menswear market has been small due to the limited number of menswear designers regionally and globally. However, over the last few years, we have seen a shift in demand for both fashionable and creative menswear. The industry has also seen an increase in the number of fashion designers producing tailored collections for men. Perspectives and dynamics are changing as the menswear market, especially in the Arab region, has become an important one to tap into. From creating trendy authentic wear to bringing a mobile atelier, the industry players are doing it all to showcase the importance of this market and move the needle. In 2018, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce revealed that menswear dominated the UAE apparel sector amounting to $12.3 billion in sales. While the market might have been impacted by the pandemic, we are confident that it is set for immense growth. At d3, we are honoured to be a part of this process and contribute to the industry through our strategic partnership with The Arab Fashion Council and establish the region’s leading creative hub as the official home for this landmark event. How has d3 shaped its events calendar post Covid19 and how does this differ to previous years? d3 was the proud host to Dubai Design Week last year, the world’s first cultural event to have taken place physically since the global health crisis. The business community also launched and hosted Dubai’s first architecture festival, the inaugural d3 Architecture Festival in partnership with RIBA Gulf Chapter. We followed up these achievements by launching our new global campaign: Rethink the Regular. Supporting the on-ground activation of the campaign, d3 hosted a week-long Rethink Art exhibition featuring unique installations, art exhibitions, fashion pop-ups, and special food menus celebrating global cuisine for the community. We were pleased with the great participation from the creative community and wider public, proving how, despite the pandemic, the spirit of design and innovation has continued to thrive in Dubai. d3 is home to some of the region’s most popular and sought-after events and attracts international artists and audiences to cultural exhibitions and gatherings, such as the Dubai Design Week. The destination also regularly hosts a roster of industry talks, workshops, and educational programming, accessible to people of all ages. We have a full calendar of events in place for the rest of the year to maintain the momentum in our Rethink the Regular global campaign. These will be conducted both virtually as well as physically, while ensuring all COVID-19 safety and social distancing protocols are maintained. How does d3 directly support emerging designers wishing to take their brands to an international level as well as international designers wishing to tap into the Middle East Market? d3 is a global creative
“I believe that creativity is boundless, and we live in a time in life where it can truly be enjoyed beyond the physical dimensions of our world.”
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ecosystem dedicated to design, fashion, architecture, art, and retail that enables people and businesses to grow and co-create. Attracting, nurturing, and developing creative talent and the design community is a core part of our ethos. We are proud to provide them the platform that not only stimulates and nurtures their creative talent but helps take their creativity to global recognition. On the other hand, d3 has also brought some of the most creative regional and international brands and talent to Dubai. Today, d3 is home to leading companies and talent including architects, interior designers, photography studios, product, and fashion designers. The Design Quarter, the central component in the development of d3, features world-class offices, studios, showrooms, and retail spaces spread across the district. We are proud to be located in the heart of Dubai, which is today one of the retail capitals of the world. With state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to meet the needs of the industry and a businessfriendly framework, the community offers creative talent the tools to drive innovation that permeates through various areas of Dubai’s economy, further reinforcing Dubai’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Design. What were the most valuable lessons you’d learned in business prior to your role at d3 and how has this equipped you well in your current role? After spending several years as director of business development for Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Production City – which form the cornerstone of the emirate’s media ecosystem – an incredible opportunity to join d3 arose. Together with a fantastic team of people at d3, we have been able to apply our collective learnings in understanding the nuances of solid business forecasts, being goaloriented, knowing how to seize opportunities from strategizing them and understanding how to leverage the business network which has aided us in building a strong community in d3. Have you had any mentors along the way and if so, what has been the best advice they have imparted to you? I have been very lucky to have had some great mentors in my journey. Their rich experience and sound advice have been the guiding light in my career. A powerful lesson I have learnt is that you ‘start by starting’. If you want to do something, do it now, not tomorrow, not in the future. This is how you accomplish things. One piece of advice that resonates with me personally is to always speak up and not be silenced because I’m a woman. Nor should I falter if I fail. In every decision, there will be risks, but this should not stop you from making decisions. I try to adopt this in my way of working by making bold decisions and taking risks, because, as mentors have taught me, you learn more from your failures than from your successes. How do the creative and commercial sides of the business work together and do you feel particularly drawn to one side of the business? Art and design have always been twin passions of mine. While creativity nourishes my soul, it is the fact that we are able to create opportunities for the talent in the region and beyond that keeps me motivated. The commercial side of the business helps to realise the creative side. I am extremely driven by the fact that I can contribute to such an exciting and multifaceted field holding immense cultural, social and economic value. Design matters more than ever before in a world that is changing so quickly and so profoundly. In our in-
creasingly digital society, design holds the key to innovation because it humanises technology and transforms the creative industries. What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it? One of the biggest challenges so far was the year 2020. It truly pushed us to what we thought was our limit and beyond. But surprisingly, it has also shaped us, made us stronger and brought out the best in us. Personally, I believe that challenges are just opportunities to grow. Whether we fail or succeed, we must take the unique experiences of life as a learning curve and an opportunity for better decision-making in the future. Experience in life is indeed the best teacher. Last year was a time that saw brands change strategy. Have you had to pivot as a business? As the largest design capital in the region, d3 immediately introduced ways to support the industry during the pandemic. We offered measures to our existing business partners to minimise uncertainty, ensure continuity and maintain financial resilience during the pandemic. These included flexible payment terms and simplified procedures to strengthen Dubai’s economy and enhance the emirate’s attractiveness to creative talent. To create meaningful change and strengthen the regional design industry, we offered co-working spaces to Lebanese start-ups, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and larger companies impacted by the explosion in the Port of Beirut, which caused billions of dollars of damage. Held under our Design for Good initiative, we introduced a three-year programme to help companies re-establish a local presence with an opportunity to network and collaborate with major international companies in d3. How has social media affected the business and which platform has been most useful? Design and creativity is so much about visual expression and building a connection with the community. In supporting the incredible homegrown talent and international brands based within d3, we have found that social media has really helped the community and all those within it to grow and find their individual voices in the digital world. We’ve been lucky enough to build a community on several social media platforms leveraging each for its own unique strength, from the visual stories that Instagram helps us tell, to the community spirit we enjoy on Facebook and the sharing of knowledge that Twitter enables. I believe that creativity is boundless, and we live in a time in life where it can truly be enjoyed beyond the physical dimensions of our world. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who or what to you is iconic? I may be a bit biased, but to me what our founding father and current leaders have built in this country is iconic. For a young, 50-year-old country to become an undeniable economic and creative powerhouse is no small feat. I believe that Dubai is well on its way to become one of the world’s great design capitals alongside Paris, London, New York, and Milan. Our business district is already home to some of the best fashion and design houses. But, of course, we never rest on our laurels. We will continue to work hard to ensure we establish an ecosystem that remains a leader in its field by not only bringing together great talents and brands but enabling start-ups and empowering students through our enabling platform, in5 Design, and the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, the region’s only university dedicated to design and innovation.
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“A powerful lesson I have learnt is that you ‘start by starting’. If you want to do something, do it now, not tomorrow, not in the future. This is how you accomplish things.”
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IN PARTNERSHIP
A Leader in Wellness THE LONDON CLINIC OF NUTRITION SUPPORTS A 360-DEGREE APPROACH T O H E A LT H A N D W E L L B E I N G “Wellness is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This is the mantra the award-winning London Clinic of Nutrition has been embodying for over 10 years. Taking a 360-degree approach to health and wellness, the team behind the luxury clinic offers industry-leading nutrition and functional medicine expertise, encompassing a holistic attitude to heal the body physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Incorporating this 360-degree approach, the London Clinic of Nutrition is also able to reach clients around the globe, offering their expert services online. Whether you’re based here in the UAE, in the city of London, or on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, you’re able to reach the renowned experts of the London Clinic of Nutrition from your phone, laptop or tablet. You’ll start with a complimentary chat with one of the clinic’s client coordinators, where you can express your health concerns and goals. From there, you’ll be matched with the best practitioner to suit your needs – and your journey to optimal health and wellness begins. The London Clinic of Nutrition’s digital services include personalised nutrition consultations, as well as their signature ‘Wellwoman’ health packages. Whatever stage you’re at in your health and wellness journey, the London Clinic
of Nutrition is there to support their clients 100 per cent with personalised and science-backed solutions. The collaborative approach – available both in-person and online – used by the clinic involves an analysis of genetics, diet, lifestyle, toxicity exposure and psychological and physical stress. In short, while an individual’s symptoms can sometimes be unrelated, more often than not, they are all connected; something that can be overlooked in traditional Western medicine. The team of experts are committed to helping their clients find the explanation behind – and navigate through – their individual health concerns with personalised nutrition and lifestyle advice and a bespoke herbal and/or supplement programme. The London Clinic of Nutrition prides itself on catering to those who have busy lifestyles and will source only the highest quality supplements and functional health tests from around the globe, so you can achieve the highest quality results in the fastest time. Offering a wealth of support to clients across the board, the London Clinic of Nutrition helps target health conditions such as hormonal health, gut health complaints, weight management, sleep and stress support. In addition, the clinic’s experts are also able to help with more complex and chronic health conditions such as autoimmunity and toxicity. To start your health journey, get in touch with the London Clinic of Nutrition for a team member to discuss your lifestyle and health concerns and advise on the best holistic health treatment for your needs. For more information visit londonclinicofnutrition.co.uk, email enquiry@londonclinicofnutrition. co.uk or visit their Londonbased clinic, 100 Seymour Place, Marylebone, London.
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WORDS: AMY SESSIONS
The Icon Creator
Hikmat Al Kaitoob has supported both international and local brands to grow and thrive in the region through her relationships with incredible women. We ask what she looks for when building real, long-lasting connections and how it feels to play a role in elevating an iconic brand What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? The morning is my favourite time to reflect on my work. I like to start my day with sipping on some warm water and lemon while checking my emails. I usually spend some time reviewing my to do lists for the day and sorting out my calendar. Then, I get ready to head out to the gym to start my day. You are a great connector of people and have supported many brands through your network. How do you select the brands you partner with? As a businesswoman, I felt there was a gap in the market and particularly the region between local clients, brands, and the PR agencies. We work with excellent PR agencies – but most of them were often hesitant to adapt their strategies to the local market and adopt the local culture. I noticed that the PR strategies of brands became similar to one another, and so were the guest lists for events. I would be invited to four events that fell on the same day, four of which included the same invitees and similar aesthetics. There was little diversity and not many locally-informed strategies. International and regional brands craved a connection with the local community, as did the local community to those brands. I partner with brands to give them an insight on how they could connect with the local community in a more personal setting. I select those brands based on their vision and receptivity to new suggestions and ideas. Which projects that you’ve worked on have been most rewarding and which did you learn most from? All the projects that I’ve worked on have been rewarding to me – either as a blessing or a lesson. However, the projects that have been the most rewarding are the projects I am involved in as a humanitarian, such as the projects with UNICEF and other non-profit organisations. I’m happiest when I give back, and I’ve been recognised for my work in multiple award ceremonies internationally. However, to me, giving back isn’t just within the scope of my role as a humanitarian. In the Year of Giving in 2017, I wanted to give back to my beloved country, the UAE. A dear friend and I launched an initiative
COVID. So, at a time when everything shifted to a remote setting last year, our strategies fitted seamlessly into the new reality. We prepared strategies based on building connections virtually, and we were thankfully able to connect with a wider audience online. And once lockdown was lifted, we were able to resume connecting with clients through intimate gatherings, which proved to be very effective in creating an emotional connection between the brand and the clients. Which brands are on your wishlist to work with and why? There’s not one brand on my wishlist. I like to work with brands that take clients on a journey and connect with those clients on a personal level. I like to work with brands that advocate for things that matter and that create awareness. I like to see brands nurture their relationship with their clients and pay great attention to their pre- and post-sales strategies. I like to work with brands that appreciate the importance of changing mindsets to “the client wants to buy” rather than “we must sell”. In doing so, the experience for both the brand and the client becomes a beautiful experience rather than a transaction. that highlights our appreciation for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his What effect do you see social media having on support for women in the UAE. We curated a brands that you partner with? Social media is coffee table book titled “Mothers and Daughpowerful. It has allowed local and internationters”, which highlights women from different al brands an opportunity to boost their brand cultures and backgrounds, all of whom have visibility and widen their audience. However, made a difference and have excelled in their the most common adverse impact of social role with the support of the UAE and its leadmedia that I’ve seen in the last couple of years is authenticity. The lines have become blurred ers. The UAE gives women from different naand staged perfectionism has unfortunately tionalities equal opportunities to excel in many become the norm for many. In a world where fields, and we wanted to highlight a number of every post on social media is filtered, it is imsuccessful women that have excelled in their careers while raising their daughters, to whom portant for us to shed light on genuine and they became role models. transparent marketing and PR practices. Have you had any mentors along the way and In today’s market, what is luxury and what do if so, what has been the best advice they have clients expect luxury brands to deliver? Purchasing a piece from a luxury brand is an emoimparted to you? I don’t have one mentor – I tional investment. We often don’t buy luxury learn and am inspired from the many successitems for any ‘logical’ reason – the emotional ful and intelligent entrepreneurs in the region. experience and premium journey is part of the If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be experience. Clients are drawn to the story beto never stop learning. hind the brand and the emotional connection The last year was a time that saw brands change that most appeals to them. strategy. How have you been able to navigate This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who or what to you is continuing to partner with brands and make coniconic? To me, iconic is anything or anyone nections when physical events were not posthat has great significance in today’s world. It sible? Before the global pandemic, I was a firm can be someone that will leave a mark wherbeliever that brands should establish an online ever they go, or something that people strongly presence and introduce intimate gatherings resonate with. To be iconic in my eyes, it would into their PR strategies. The brands I partnered have to be authentic, relatable and timeless. with began to introduce those strategies pre-
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The President
trusted nucleus from which to access the diverse business opportunities in Middle East and Africa. Business events are a growth multiplier catalysing this business augmentation mission. What is key to maintaining a winning mindset? People fear ambiguity and are short term in their judgement. If you innovate and disrupt routines, you must be willing to be misunderstood and you’ll be validated in time. Dare to own any challenge that’s given to you. These are your best opportunities to become outstanding. Trust your intuition. Data and numbers sometimes don’t add up. Cultivate an enthusiasm for problems, they make you ultra-creative and resourceful. Be Bold. Be Accountable. Be Misunderstood. At Emirates Woman we champion incredible women – many of whom are launching their own businesses or have achieved outstanding milestones in their career. What have been the key career milestones for you to date? In 1997 I was selected as the first Asian manager globally to be sent to the European headquarters in then the world’s largest public listed events company. I then had the incredible opportunity to be the first woman executive, young and fearless, to lead on one of the largest, totally male-dominated aviation and aerospace events in the world. My time here back in 2005 marks DWTC’s departure from tradition; all my predecessors were male and older. As the first woman, young and absolutely an outlier, to be offered the exciting transformative leadership role was humbling. I’m privileged to have led on the creative conceptualisation and launch of some of Dubai’s much-loved city-wide events like Dubai Fitness Festival and the Dubai Food Festival. I cherish these highlights with my wonderful team who has worked so tirelessly to contribute towards a safe and refreshing lifestyle in the emirate. What have been the biggest challenges to date and how do you approach overcoming these so successfully? Having been here for 16 years, we’ve fought and conquered quite a few battles; from the macro economy quagmires, global events competition, and now the pandemic; to internal challenges of talent management, capacity building, and creating and sustaining a culture of innovation. Each of these unique episodes demanded extraordinary performances in different disciplines for us to survive and thrive. We must remember that daily, small incremental changes over time help to build a resilient, agile and creative workforce that is equipped to surmount any kind of obstacles in the long term. Don’t forget that people across the hierarchy are the ones that carry the company through, and a winning team is not built overnight. They are cultivated over time.
What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? A quick scan of overnight breaking news, a peek-and-kiss of the kids still in bed and then off to my 40 min fire-me-up run. What is at the heart of DWTC, the values and the DNA? For me, it’s an establishment of delightful paradoxes. Beneath this statuesque, enduring and somewhat conservative façade is an entity imbued with traditional values of resilience, trust and respect. Yet, it’s inspired by the modern entrepreneurial ethos of agility to drive change constantly, doing more with less, and being disciplined yet playful within its confines. There’s a great deal of energy yet reticent dignity in our community as we advocate a culture of talk-less-do-more. We are humble but proud, bold yet deliberate. Can you tell us about your role at Dubai World Trade Centre and how this supports positioning Dubai as the epicentre for business in the Middle East? I lead in the strategic and creative development of DWTC’s owned portfolio of business and consumer events, some of the popularly known ones are GITEX, Gulfood, Dubai Boat Show, and Dubai Motor Show. Recent events serve the startup sector, fintech & blockchain, food security and the newly branded #NOFILTERDXB to re-define Dubai Motor Show. Business events support the development of industries by converging global audiences en masse in Dubai. It’s a significant part of Dubai Tourism’s strategy, contributing to 3.3% of Dubai’s GDP. We host over 2 million visitors annually and support over 80,000 jobs. Dubai is the most
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Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, tells us what it takes to get to the top of a tough market and stay there
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WORDS: AMY SESSIONS
What does it take to lead a team of excellence? Don’t be overly bothered by opinion polls of what people think of you as a leader. Be sincere in delivering the best outcomes for the company, your people and your clients, because they have entrusted you, not another, to take them from good to great. Obsess over keeping up standards, it’s always frustrating and requires relentlessness. Lead from the front with a strong sense of self-respect and authenticity, otherwise you can’t inspire others to believe in your leadership, How has DWTC adapted their events calendar post COVID-19 and how does it differ to previous years? DWTC has pivoted with strength in this pandemic. We are clear from the outset that we shall emerge stronger not on our own, but together with all our stakeholders. We have supported our partners in re-scheduling their events and also undertaken the task of piloting re-opening events to offer assurance and restore confidence amongst the local and global audiences. This pandemic and the early safe re-opening of Dubai have given DWTC the opportunity to invite new organisers internationally to experience hosting their events here, and we have some impressive successes. What were the most valuable lessons you had learned in business prior to your role at DWTC and how has this equipped you well in your current role? Nothing is the absolute right decision. Make it your best decision. Don’t overthink, it is more important to get going and crack it along the way. Many times, we need impulse and spontaneity for the great outcomes that are unexpected. People in an organisation are generally sceptical of change, new ideas and anything out of routine. All you need is to convince the one fan that truly matters to trust you, and off you will go to rock the world. I’ve been fortunate to have two such believers in the journey of my career. Be women around me have risen so well above the demands of the panquick to un-learn and re-learn. The context of demic. That inspired me to recently form the “Sum+ of Us” women the world today is capricious and chaotic. events network, the first in the region. I’m grateful for a supportive boss, my tireless Office Manager and Have you had any mentors along the way and if so, an understanding husband who all have my back. Between a gruelling what has been the best advice they have imparted work schedule, young children at home, involvement in a few special to you? I’m a big fan of Jeff Bezos, Lee Kuan Yew interest boards, and my final year in Harvard Business School, I conthe founding father of Singapore and HH Sheikh fess to reminding myself to smile on days. Mohammed, the Ruler of Dubai. Many times their maxims become the invisible guidance and reIn business, what is the most beneficial driver to building strong, longlasting partnerships? Dependability, trust, and goodwill. These are minders I need to validate my actions. The best one the sacrosanct building blocks we nurture and augment with our cliis probably from my mother. “You have a choice. ents and stakeholders over the years. In critical times of need, this is Make good use of it” My mother didn’t have the the capital we draw on to help all of us rise above. privilege of choice and financial independence like the women today. I hold steadfast to this advice on The last year was a time that saw brands change strategy. Have you decisions in my personal and professional life. As had to pivot as a business? We’ve shifted to target companies in new women in a progressive society, we are empowered, markets to leverage on Dubai’s open-for-safe-business positioning. we have choices. Use them well. GITEX, our upcoming tech event in October, has since converted over 35% of first time businesses into the event, an unprecedented How do the creative and commercial sides of the achievement. We’ve taken this inflection time to refocus on the purbusiness work together and do you feel particupose and proposition of our products. We also seized the opportunity larly drawn to one side of the business? Creativity to launch new projects, one being the Future Food Summit with the does not belong to one department, it’s in everyUAE Office of Food Security. With resource constraints, we mobilise thing we do. From product to process, from sales, staff in different roles and different projects. It was a great discovery marketing to operations, from back office to front of talents which we would otherwise not know. of house. There’s a different way to everything. I encourage creative abrasion amongst the teams How has social media affected the business and which platform has to collectively create a more interesting product been most useful? When DWTC led the global restart of events in for our customers, whilst ensuring they enjoy and Dubai in June last year and then organising the world’s first largelearn from the journey of experimentation. Crescale international in-person events in December and February, the ativity is not an outcome, it’s a process. As I say social media especially LinkedIn, the business networking platform, to my team, “twist it, bend it, spin it. Just don’t were overwhelmed by posts of support and endorsements from the come back with the same.” global communities. It propelled Dubai and DWTC to the top of the leader-board on spearheading business and MICE leadership. As well as your role at DWTC you’re also on the This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who or what to you is iconic? Singapore and board of UFI. How do you manage to successfully Dubai. I was nurtured in Singapore and I am living my best years in balance such demanding roles and are there any Dubai. These iconic cities are manifestations to the world that small tools which help aid this? This pandemic has givcan only be imaginative, creative, resilient, excellent and limitless. en me time to reflect on purpose. The wonderful
“Trust your intuition. Data and numbers sometimes don’t add up.” F E AT U R E
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THE INSPIRATION WORDS: AMY SESSIONS
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How do you spend the first 30 minutes of your day? My morning routine is checking on my girls then my pending messages, get dressed, have a cup of coffee and leave for work. What is at the heart of Sharjah Ladies Club, the values and the vision? Our vision is to be one of the UAE’s leading ladies’ clubs and to inspire the modern woman. Our core values and beliefs are: Leadership, Creativity and Innovation, Privacy and Safety, Quality and Excellence, Customer Satisfaction and Teamwork. How does your role play a part in supporting and empowering women? By creating a safe and secure space where women and children can develop their skills and gain new ones. Also, by providing a nurturing environment for women to express themselves through the various programmes and activities they can safely enjoy at SLC, as well as empowering women by providing them with the right tools for learning and growing and becoming independent. When you choose a strategic partner, what goals do you make sure they support? We have a number of partnerships with organizations like Friends of Cancer Patients, Sharjah Business Women Council, Sharjah Women Sports and Sharjah Humanitarian City as well as many others. Each one supports our different goals like empowering women, creating health awareness and
helping them overcome any challenges. At Emirates Woman we champion incredible women – many of whom are launching their own businesses. Have you witnessed the growth of Emirati women through starting their own businesses or brands? Yes, the growth of Emirati entrepreneurs has been phenomenal and it’s still on the rise. The UAE offers great potential opportunities by supporting & encouraging them through innovative ideas and advance skills. How has SLC changed their events calendar after COVID-19 and have you done anything differently to cater to your clients? SLC has a lot of different events and activities on a yearly basis and in order to cater to our clients and audiences, we carried on our events virtually since COVID-19 started. After making sure our clients and staff are safe and the appropriate precautionary measures are in place, we started having actual events with limited capacities. What experiences have you gained on your journey to becoming the General Director of SLC? How do these experiences help you now? The lessons I’ve learnt throughout my work journey are vast, but I can highlight some valuable ones when it comes to business. As a leader you have to always keep up to date in your field. Training of teams and strategy is also key. Sometimes it is required to take risks or make quick decisions, but
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Khawla Al Serkal, Director General at Sharjah Ladies Club is an inspiration to many. Supporting women to grow both personally and professionally, we discuss the importance of values and strategy in growing the next icon
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this needs to be backed by study or data, so training your brain to view long term results and visualizing them is important. Have you had any mentors on your journey? I didn’t have direct mentors, but I did have a few people in my life that inspired me both personally and professionally. How do the creative and commercial sides of the business complement each other, and do you feel particularly drawn to one side of the business? The creative and commercial side of any business work in parallel and it’s actually the core of any business. I am not
drawn towards one more than the other specifically but it’s important to see how they work together. What has been the biggest challenge to face and how did you overcome it? The biggest challenge to date was working during the pandemic because it was the first time we were unable to exactly visualize what will happen from day to day. I can say that by far this was the biggest challenge not only for me but for my entire team. Overcoming it was in believing the process, remaining positive and looking into other aspects of
a business instead of only focusing on traditional ways of working. We managed to reach our customers at home and engage with them which was a great achievement. The last year was a time that saw brands change their strategies. Have you had to pivot as a business? Yes, definitely we reviewed our strategies and action plans and even targets because of the limitations that we had. How has social media supported the business and which platform has been most useful? Social media has become even more prominent post-Covid, especially during quarantine. We made sure to stay connected with our clients and cater to all their needs by offering our consultations virtually, scheduling online fitness sessions, keeping their children engaged by teaching them safe experiments to try at home while making sure we help them adapt to the situation and emerge with a positive outcome. Instagram and Facebook were and still are our most useful platforms because of the features they offer. IGTVs on Instagram were useful in particular for the type of content we needed and event pages on Facebook allowed us to specify the type of event we are having and to direct our clients to the right places to be part of it. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who or what to you is iconic? Many figures are iconic and have made change possible for women and children. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, wife of the ruler of Sharjah, I admire her vision and determination for any positive change towards women and children. Shaikha Budour Al Qasimi, for following her passion.
“The growth of Emirati entrepreneurs has been phenomenal and it’s still on the rise.” F E AT U R E
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WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS
The Leader
is it like paving the way for so many women? I think it’s actually a really special time to be a woman in the UAE. I think the leadership has been very supportive of women. You know, it was different when I was growing up. I remember when I was really young, when I first started to become aware, I know women did have difficulty entering the workplace, but I think it’s an amazing time at the moment because it’s the complete opposite. In fact, I believe if there was a woman or a man, the woman would probably get the job, which is an amazing time, I think, for everyone. So really, the sky’s the limit for women in this part of the world at the moment. You co-founded Zaya Living 13 years ago, what was the catalyst for this? I just wanted to create communities that had some more focus on nature and really looked at the detail of not just the bricks and mortar, but how a human being would interact with that space. This is really because a space dictates a lot of your lifestyle. For example, if you Can you talk us through your career? When I graduated from have a beautiful bath with a sea view, you’re much more university, I worked on the privatization of water and electricity likely to spend some time in that space and wind down, you in Abu Dhabi for the government. It was amazing because I was know, even looking at things like communal spaces and how doing structured finance at the time, and it was such big deal the community is going to come together, bringing nature that I had exposure to the world’s top financial and legal minds. indoors. All those things really fascinate me about developI don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for my being able to work with such amazing people at that time. I then ing and it’s so nice to have a blank canvas to just create. started Al Barari with my father, which is Dubai’s lowest denHow has the company evolved since you founded it? I think sity green community. It was challenging because at the time it the company has evolved as I have evolved. So, when I bewas just basically a piece of sand and to green it and without came a mother, I started The Zaya Early Learning, which any infrastructure – it was interesting to say the least. We had is essentially a nursery and an early learning centre. It goes our challenges, but we found amazing water systems, reverse up to the age of seven now, and it’s a world of Steiner-inosmosis systems. We also had a lot of government support in spired alternative education system, which is really special. terms of access to water and things like that. We introduced I think it really celebrates the magic of childhood. Then as new species of trees to Dubai. So yes, it was a very interesting a company, we’ve all grown as individuals. My managebeginning. I then left the family business in 2008, to start Nurai ment team, we have faced quite a lot together, particularly Island in Abu Dhabi, which is a boutique resort with some very as we launched during the financial crisis. Recently, when I high-end residential villas. It was difficult leaving the family took over Al Barari, there was quite a lot of restructuring to business and raising my own equity and going alone, especially do. So, it’s been an interesting 13 years. I would say that the because we hit the financial crisis as soon as I started my comcompany is a lot more mature and is also a lot wiser today. pany. So, I learnt very fast. As they say, I was thrown in the What is a philosophy that you live by in your professional life? deep end. But again, I’m very grateful for that experience beI would definitely say balancing the female and male sides cause I learnt how to restructure debt. I learnt how to be more of my energy, that’s really been where the magic has hapresourceful. After this, I wanted to bring my luxury experience pened for me. And I think that would be my advice to all to more people. So, I launched a building called Hameni in Jufemale leaders, is that when I first started, I was very in meirah Village Circle which consists of 400 apartments. Then my male energy, and it was all about push, push, push and I also worked with my husband to launch Five Palm Jumeirah, hustle and crazy hours. And not to say that structure and and then more recently a few years ago, my father got ill. So, I action is not important, but balancing that with the female am now back at Al Barari finishing the legacy. intuition. I think as women, we sometimes overcompensate because we’re told, “Oh, you’re too emotional or irratioYou’re a leader in business in this region – what’s it like paving nal”. Things like that and so women in leadership positions the way for so many women in the GCC & Arab world? So, what
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IMAGE: SUPPLIED
As a leading female CEO and entrepreneur in the UAE, Nadia Zaal talks us through how she built her boutique development firm Zaya – which specialises in exclusive high-end real estate – from the ground up
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tend to try and operate as men would. I think women tend to kind of take some time out, retreat and look for it or feel their way through a situation. So, I would definitely say that that’s my philosophy and those are my lessons really, in terms of my leadership role and finding my space or my leadership style. So that’s a major lesson for me. What are your hopes for women in the UAE’s future? I hope that there are lots more female leaders. I think we already have amazing women within leadership roles. My hopes for these women would be that they are heard and that they feel comfortable stepping into the female power. What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome to date? Of course, in 2008, the
financial crisis hit me when I was developing the Nurai. So that was really hard because there was no money available for real estate development. So, I had to basically break all my contracts, start again, downsize the scale of the development. Developing on an island with zero infrastructure transportation. I mean, I remember there were so many times where we couldn’t get things across to the island because of the weather. There were times where I was on-site and I just basically slept on the island many, many nights just to make sure things would get done. More recently when I took over Al Barari again, when my father got ill, it was really hard because the team was used to a certain culture and a certain leadership style. Also, there was quite a lot of that and I had to restructure. The company was not in a very good position financially. So, it was kind of like a double challenge, the financial issues, as well as trying to change the corporate culture. On the opposite end of the spectrum, what have been the key milestones? Even though I’m much more known for my real estate side, I would actually say I’m really proud of Zaya Early Learning, just seeing the children really flourish there. And it’s a very special way of educating children. I think I’m really proud of that. We are almost actually over 100 children, and it’s just really special. The second one, I would definitely say, is just looking at how amazing Nurai island has done even during COVID-19. It’s just always done something outstanding. And it’s really added to putting Abu Dhabi on the map in terms of tourism. And the last one, I would definitely say is the green of Al Barari and what a beautiful community that is too. Do you have any mentors who have helped guide you throughout your career? In terms of mentors, I believe very much in coaching, so I don’t have anyone that I’m talking to at the moment. But on and off throughout my career, I have reached out to and worked with leadership coaches or business coaches, and I think it’s always great to have that accountability and someone you can bounce ideas off. And, in fact, that’s something I need to look into again at the moment.
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Some of the most iconic Emirati women we know discuss who their own icons are in life C O M P I L E D BY: O L I V I A M O R R I S
ICONS ALIA AL NEYADI
SARA TAMIMI
THE FIRST PROFESSIONAL EMIRATI BALLERINA @aliaalneyadii
FASHION DESIGNER & FOUNDER OF SARA TAMIMI @saratamimiofficial
To you, who are some iconic Emirati women? Personally, I have met so many incredible women who might not be on everyone’s radar but achieve incredible things. It is of course worth acknowledging all the successful Emirati women who have made headlines whether it is in politics, art, medicine, technology, management, sport, fashion, space and more. It would be unfair to just name a few, to me, what makes our nation special is that our leadership encourages all women to shine in their own way and choose their own path because our success is the success of a nation. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – what or who do you believe to be iconic? An icon to me is someone who still manages to influence even when they are no longer with us. I know this is a celebration of Emirati women, but to me, if Sheikh Zayed didn’t encourage our strong women to be a part of society’s progress, we wouldn’t be where we are today. So while everybody takes the time to appreciate a strong woman, I take this time to give tribute to the man who valued and recognized the strength of a woman in a society, a man who believed that there is nothing a woman cannot achieve if she puts her mind to it, so thank you, and may we continue to make you proud for generations to come.
To you, who are some iconic Emirati women? There are countless iconic Emirati women, the list keeps growing every year. If I were to choose one, it would be my sister Noor Al Tamimi, who I aspire to be like and have good reason to look up to. To me, Noor exemplifies the ideal Emirati woman with her effortless way of remaining at the peak of her career, while being an idol for three sisters and five daughters. I say the word ‘effortlessly’ because she does it all with a natural passion and strong will, virtues that all iconic Emirati women share. She also owns up to playing a role in society. She is a board member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce as well as the founder of a successful business, Bedashing Beauty Lounge, a hub that spread
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across the UAE and expanded globally precisely for its brand personality of empowering women inside and out. Some people call her success luck or even pure hard work. But it takes the combination of kindness, humility, patience and the right set of values held close to her heart that makes her an icon to me. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – what or who do you believe to be iconic? Grace Kelly is iconic. She defined a timeless elegance in what would be considered today a classic style, as one of the prominent contemporary tones of fashion in the mid-1950s. Her makeup. The dresses she wore. The button-down shirts. The handbags. She made simple seem so much more because she picked the right things to wear for the right occasions. And after all, Grace Kelly was the one to design the Hermès Kelly not just one of the most sought-after top handle bags, but a fashion investment in its own right. Anyone carrying a Kelly is making a statement. If that isn’t iconic, I don’t know what else would be.
SHEIKHA AL MHEIRI FOUNDER OF MAD (MAKING A DIFFERENCE) HOSPITALITY To you, who are some iconic Emirati women? Two iconic Emirati women to me are Muna Al Gurg and Najla Al-Midfa, the CEO of Sheraa. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – what or who do you believe to be iconic? An educated and unique woman who inspired and carves a new way or discipline.
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ON
ICONS
NADIA ZAAL
DR ENG SUAAD AL SHAMSI
FOUNDER OF ZAYA @nadiazaal
THE UAE’S FIRST FEMALE AIRCRAFT ENGINEER @suaadalshamsi
To you, who are some iconic Emirati women? To me, two iconic Emirati women are Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – what or who do you believe to be iconic? Hedy Lamarr. She was known for her beauty, but she was also extremely intelligent. She coinvented the communication system that was a precursor to WiFi and Bluetooth. So, she is still impacting the world today.
To you, who are some iconic Emirati women? To me, all Emirati women are iconic somehow either in their field, in their life, in everything they are doing. She is a leader, a wife, a mother, a technical expert or a daughter. For me, everyone is iconic. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – what or who do you believe to be iconic? An iconic person is a passionate person with big dreams. It is those who in themselves and who build on society with the right principles of passion, love, faith and encouragement to others.
ZEINAB ALHASHEMI DUBAI-BASED CONCEPTUAL ARTIST @zalhashemi To you, who are some iconic Emirati women? Her Highness Sheikha Fatma bint Mubarak Alnahyan, Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – what or who do you believe to be iconic? What I believe to be iconic is when one is influential, recognizable and revered. Someone who makes a difference in doing what they do for the better.
ASMA HILAL LOOTAH FOUNDER OF THE HUNDRED WELLNESS CENTRE @asmalootah @thehundredwellness To you, who are some iconic Emirati women? For me, my mother is the embodiment of an icon and without doubt a symbol of fortitude, resilience and inspiration. She has raised me with unconditional love and gave me and my siblings the gift of ambition and empathy and instilled determination into us from her own experiences in life, and constantly teaches us to never curb our aspirations or compromise on our dreams and potential. I am privileged to be surrounded by incredibly strong and inspirational women in my family, that inspire me every day with their fierce work ethic, prowess and spirited devotion; including my sister who dedicated her career to raising strong and independent children and my niece who is now a surgeon. Also, my aunt,
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who a generation ago single-handedly raised her children, whilst following her ambition of setting up her own successful business. Outside of my family, I truly believe that we owe a great debt to our foremothers and their example of Iconicity. The legacy of women that came before us, laid the foundations from such humble beginnings and without their strength and resilience, in far more constricting circumstances, none of us would have the privilege we enjoy today. My gratitude and recognition must go to my heritage first. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – what or who do you believe to be iconic? I tend to veer away from the understanding that an Icon is a figure that needs to be venerated by the masses. To be iconic, I think you have to build trust from those around you over time through respect and acts of kindness, it is also more about how you present yourself to others, rather than how you perceive yourself to be. Those who I believe to embody iconicity are humble, empathetic and value compassion and kindness over status.
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IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH
An Iconic Vision
An interview with the multidisciplinary designer Kholoud Sharafi, who embraces Cartier’s creative heritage in a rich collaboration and meeting of visionary minds to create the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Tinkah was born to encourage artists, designers and artisans working towards culturally relevant solutions to build unique expressions and narratives with a multifunctional ethos.
How did it feel when asked to participate in the Women’s Pavilion for Expo 2020 and how did the collaboration come about? We were very happy and excited to know that Expo 2020 would host a pavilion to celebrate women. Being the creators of the brand identity for the Women’s Pavilion is a project that is very close to our hearts as Tinkah was founded by three Emirati women and the majority of our team is led by women. The collaboration came about when Cartier approached Tinkah after coming across our work in the creative and cultural scene. What artistic elements have you infused into the Women’s Pavillion? The Women’s Pavilion celebrates the seen and the unseen women from yesterday, today and tomorrow, with a common purpose of changing the world. In response to the concept narrative driven by the contrast of seen and unseen, the brand identity explores the high contrast between femininity and impact. How do your values resonate with the pavil-
ion’s theme – ‘When women thrive, humanity thrives.’? Women are creators and natural born leaders. When you give her an environment to thrive without any barriers you give rise to a new perspective and a different way of doing things. A woman who is able to pursue and achieve her dreams without any barriers creates a path for humanity to believe in making the impossible possible. When a woman is determined to go after her dreams, she not only uplifts other women but humanity as a whole. I am proud to be a part of the UAE where women play a world. Most of what we engage in is to build vital role and are given equal opportunities brands for the culture scene. in every sector. How do you incorporate natural materials You’ve founded the UAE-based multidisciwith a futuristic spin to create your designs? We look at material as a sensorial element plinary design studio Tinkah which explores that adds to the overall user experience when traditional crafts in a future-forward way, what incorporating it into products designed by inspired you to do so? When we founded us. In some cases, they would be the drivTinkah, the question that came to our mind ing force as the key hero aspect to our work was, ‘What is the UAE’s design language?’. and in other cases they would compliment Any project that we work on we seem to inthe experience. Our choice of materials is fuse an element that gets us one step closer reflective of the story or experience we try to to answering this question. Our design soluconvey. By bringing together two known extions are derived from an understanding of periences (the material and the product) in the surrounding culture and narrative. a way that did not exist before, we give way What are some of the key collaborations that to a futuristic experience by exploring the Tinkah has participated in? We are the brand known and the unknown with our design. identity creators and guardians for the UAE’s Year of the Fiftieth. We are excited This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who or what is iconic about many of our recent projects, when to you? The story of the United Arab Emirthe time is right, we will reveal them to the ates is iconic to me.
“Women are creators and natural born leaders.” F E AT U R E
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WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS
The Pad
Iconic investment pieces
Arco Floor Light Dhs8,635 Flos available at heals.com
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Oscar Niemeyer “Rio” Lounge Chair POA available at 1stdibs.com
From left: Paulistano Leather Chair Dhs2,220 Paulo Mendes da Rocha available at objekto.fr; Vitra Lounge Chair and Ottoman Dhs43,080 Eames available at FARFETCH; Noguchi Coffee Table Dhs8,430 available at noguchi.org
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WORDS: AMY SESSIONS
Where Icons Are Made StudioRepublik is an immersive, state-of-the-art environment where you can optimize mind & body
How did the concept of StudioRepublik come about, and how does it differ from founding location FitRepublik? FitRepublik has made its name as a place that brings ‘Power to the People’ – where anyone can belong and be strong. On this promise, it has built an exceptionally diverse customer base – from all ends of the spectrum in terms of age as well as from keen amateur fitness enthusiasts to semi-pro and professional athletes. We wanted to create a space that was inviting, not
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cold. Empowering, not clinical. Aspirational, not just functional. Elite, but not elitist. The result is a place that is entirely original and yet instantly feels like home. A space buzzing with diverse programs run by world-class craftsmen across two platforms: The Podium and The Arena. As we refined our model, we realized that we’re defined by our values – the values that guide us, the values that drive our members rather than by a physical place or a specific offering, which meant that
FitRepublik was just a launchpad of many possible worlds. StudioRepublik is the newest member of the Republik family. It follows the same values, standards and mission, but with three new platforms: The Stage, The Arena, and The Lab. Each facility caters to a specific community and yet actually complements each other in the entire offering. What would you describe as the core values/ DNA of StudioRepublik? We only do what works for the community and the company.
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We are transparent and equitable internally as a company and with our community. We provide a sanctuary where people of all ages and abilities come to express, come to evolve, and come to life. You offer an all-encompassing lifestyle approach from training to eating through to learning a new skill. Can you expand on this? We wanted to be a destination that gave people more than just a space to work out. So, we brought in an entire range of programs that would help build themselves holistically and eventually help them evolve. That’s why we focus on lifestyle hours. Our time is valuable, but it is also limited. Between work, sleep, commute and eating, we’re only left with 3-4 hours for ourselves. To maximize this time, one should be given the widest range of lifestyle options so they can expand their experiences and live a full life every day of the week. That’s how we empower people to do what they love – be it in performing arts, fitness, or sports. And outside the studios and screens, we provide services for self-improvement – such as sports massage therapy, rehab, or nutrition consultation. A good ambiance at our in-house restaurant to socialize and build new connections was key, meaning you can easily plan an entire
day in StudioRepublik, where you can balance your personal and professional goals. How challenging was it to stand out and remain different from the competition in such a competitive space? Our challenge was that we compete with specialized boutique studios in each discipline. There is not one competitor that sits across all levels. So, each room and discipline competed with the best in the industry. Putting all these specialized studios at a very high standard and unifying them through one system of CRM, finance and marketing was the main work. Can you tell us about your classes and how they differ from those in the market? We only have expert craftsmen heading every program and class – and we go far and wide to make sure we bring in the best. Classes take place in specialized studios – with the best equipment, world-class acoustics, and sensory audio-visual experience. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach that we generally see in the industry, we consistently listen to what our members want and pay attention to the data we get through our intelligent access gates. We make the members a core part of every decision, always rating sensation of each class, and progress in every program. What have been the biggest challenges to date
since launching, and how did you overcome them? Like other businesses, the pandemic’s impact and the lockdown have been the biggest challenge we’ve had to face to date. We launched StudioRepublik in Jan 2020 and had to shut doors in March due to the lockdown. We overcame this challenge because our facility was already equipped to adapt to the ‘new normal’. Social distancing was easy because of the spacious areas, access to every zone, and studios were controlled with our smart wristbands. Our app to book classes and sessions helped us regulate footfalls without creating a crowd. We continue to follow the same processes to make sure our members are safe whenever they’re in the facility. What has been your approach to client retention and scaling the business to date? We have a high retention rate by the industry standard, and we aim at growing that number. We are member-centric, and we put the community as part of the decisionmaking. We are constantly looking for ways to improve, so we listen and adapt. We don’t compete in the discount market, but we do focus on the best value proposition. We aim to provide a consistent level of quality in all disciplines and a level of standardization that you won’t see in other fitness facilities.
“Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach that we generally see in the industry, we consistently listen to what our members want and pay attention to the data we get through our intelligent access gates.” LIFESTYLE
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WORDS: AMY SESSIONS
The Superlative Stay Unique locations, original architecture and interiors, an unparalleled level of service and privacy all make up the DNA of Aman. Vladislav Doronin, CEO, Owner and Chairman of Aman tells us what it takes to deliver consistently at this level. What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine? I am quite protective over my morning routine. My days are incredibly busy, so it’s important for me to find time to look after myself and I’ve developed a morning routine that works for me. I practise qigong, yoga and meditation in the morning for around an hour after waking up. I then take my SVA herbal formulas, which we launched in 2020. Named after the Sanskrit word for health ‘svasthya’, these Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas were developed with Dr Ning Ma who has over 30 years’ experience within Traditional Chinese Medicine. I’ll also work with my trainer several days a week, perhaps doing a strength workout or HIIT to get my heart rate up. If I have time, I will also do some watersports – I particularly love kitesurfing and always feel so energised when I’ve been out on the water. Ensuring I have some time set aside to look after my wellbeing each day is vital and I prefer to do this first thing in the morning, not only to ensure I feel healthy, but it also means I’m at my best throughout my working day too. How did your time working in commodity trading support your role as Chairman of Aman now? My time working as a commodities trader definitely shaped my approach to business, as it gave me strong foundations, as well as excellent experience. I was always the first in the office and the last to leave – I was driven to succeed and knew working harder than anyone else would enable me to do that. I have learnt over the years that balance is important, but I do have an incredibly hardworking approach when I am in the office and am very focused. I also noticed that great attention
to detail leads to success – if you’re attentive to every element of what you’re doing, your work is both considered and accurate, which is something I stand by and expect from both myself and my teams today. What is your approach to business and building a work culture? I think you must lead by example when it comes to work culture. There’s no point creating policies or guidelines to build a business culture, but then not embodying them yourself. This only means no one in the business adopts the approach, as culture filters down from the leadership team. I believe strongly in identifying a clear vision, principles and goals for the business, especially when you have a large or international business. At Aman, our teams are located all over the world, but this clarity over the vision means the whole company is working together, driving forward to achieve our mission. The energy and camaraderie that comes from working together in person is incredibly important. Globally, our teams have relished being back in the office, as it’s a more dynamic environment in which creativity can really thrive. I believe the best
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ideas don’t come to life through a screen or over Zoom, but in person – similarly, if I’m working on a deal with someone, I want to do this in person, with a handshake. Ultimately, and particularly in luxury hospitality, it’s all about building connection with your team, partners and clients. What was the catalyst for investing in Aman and what have been the biggest hurdles you’ve had to overcome? I had been developing mixed-use real estate projects for some time and I knew that it would be a great benefit to bring a hotel brand into my portfolio. Hotels have incredibly vast infrastructure which creates an opportunity to provide services for apartments and their owners – however, I knew the number of apartments in each project needed to be very limited in quantity to guarantee the level of luxury I was looking to incorporate within my projects. Aman had long been one of my favourite hotel brands – I had visited each property as a guest already – and it happened to come to market while I was considering the expansion of my portfolio, so it was the perfect fit. Time has become such a commodity – no one ever has enough of it – and branded residences with managed services for owners is of great value. People want to have Aman experiences and seamless management in their homes, as they have no time to manage staff or prepare their home for arrival, but with an Aman Residence everything is done perfectly, with Aman’s unrivalled service and standards. I’m now seeing this ambition come to life, for example, at Aman New York, USA which will open later this year. We have just 22 residences in addition to the hotel, but owners will benefit from the extensive services and amenities, such as the 2,300sqm Aman Spa, our signature restaurants – Nama, our Japanese restaurant, and Arva, our Mediterranean restaurant, the subterranean Jazz Club, plus the unrivalled 24-hour Aman service. The two-floor Cigar Lounge with terrace, renowned Aman Spa and Wine Room, will be available for Aman Club members only – our new concept, the Aman Club is an ex-
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clusive community of like-minded individuals who have access to members-only Aman experiences and amenities. The value added via property management, priority access to Aman hotel amenities and the newly launched Aman Club, of which owners are nominated as Founder Members, means Aman Residences command a premium compared with traditional apartments. How do you approach challenges? It depends on the challenge – generally, my approach is to work with the team to try and find a solution which means you don’t have to compromise your vision, but I also feel it’s important to know when to take stock and change direction if something fundamentally isn’t working. During the development of a new project we often come across challenges. Amanyangyun, Shanghai is an example of this – it is an exceptional property that was an ambitious feat of architectural conservation. We moved antique Ming and Qing Dynasty villas stone by stone from Fuzhou to Shanghai, protecting the historical architecture, as well as the camphor trees which were also rescued and now sit within the property. It took 15 years to develop – it was exacting work and needed uncompromising attention to detail to achieve the vision, but it was a series of challenges that were well worth figuring out – the hotel is incredibly special. How do you think last year affected the growth of the travel industry and have you made changes in light of this? We are fortunate that Aman’s core principles since the brand’s conception mean our hotels and resorts are perfectly set up for social distancing – we’re hugely generous with space and focus upon privacy as an integral part of the experience. Given each of our villas, suites and pavilions has its own private butler, if you choose to, when staying at an Aman property you can see no other guests during your stay with us without compromising your Aman experience. We were also very agile, quickly changing our focus to domestic markets for each of our hotels, so each of our guests could continue to enjoy an Aman experience, just closer to home than they perhaps would have done usually. These two combined has meant we have seen incredibly strong performance across
several of our locations throughout 2020 and 2021 with Amanyara and Amanera in the Caribbean, Amangiri and Amangani in the USA and Amanpulo, Philippines to name a few seeing even stronger performance in 2020 than previous years. These locations are performing well as they are within countries where travel is permitted, so we’re seeing very high demand. I strongly believe this demand for international travel will only increase in the coming months and we’ll see a travel boom, as people are tired of being at home. We are already seeing this – as soon as restrictions ease in our different destinations, we see an immediate spike in requests and bookings. Did you have any mentors in the early days and how did this help navigate the right path? I had great career aspirations from as young as I can remember and always had a drive to succeed, however throughout my career I have learnt from mentors and others I have worked with. I think it’s important to have people in your life who you can trust as advisors or as a sounding board, as it can bring a different perspective, which can add real value to your decision making and broader business ventures. Which has been the best piece of advice you’ve had in business? Trust your instincts and learn to feel comfortable with taking risks – sometimes you need to take the risk to deliver success. Also, hire a strong team and make sure everyone is aligned to the company vision and purpose, then you have total trust that the decisions being made are in the best interest of your overarching goal. What has been your approach to scaling the business to date? My key focus is to keep the guest experience at the heart of everything we do and develop. I also want to protect the core DNA of the brand – its privacy, design, service and feeling of being in a good friend’s home – even as we expand our collection of hotels. This has also seen us take Aman hotels from the horizontal resort experience to the vertical, in cities. We opened Aman Tokyo to great success in 2014 and are looking forward to opening Aman New York this year, as well as Aman Miami (2024) and Aman Nai Lert Bangkok (2023). This enables us to offer a sanctuary and all the hallmarks of
the Aman experience but within the beating heart of dynamic urban environments. Led by the demand from our guests, we’ve also developed several products, including our Aman Spa Candles, Aman Skincare, Aman Fine Fragrance and more recently SVA (taken from the Sanskrit ‘svasthya’ meaning health), which is our range of Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas. As with everything we do, these products need to be the best quality and so we took a long time to develop each range, working with the best experts globally to make sure they match the quality of the Aman experiences, but in people’s own homes. What do you believe is the value of social media in business growth relating to luxury and which platform do you feel will next drive most success? Social media of course has a place in our business, as a means of sharing our offering with our clients, but our focus for connection is much more personal. We created the Aman Private Office which is how we connect with our clients – each client has an individual point of contact and the way in which we interact with them is entirely personal and bespoke, based on their enquiry and needs. When you bought Aman it boasted 27 properties, many located within UNESCO heritage sites. You’re now at 33 and have plans for seven more. How do you go about securing the locations and how careful are you in selecting partners to bring your vision to life in terms of interior? When looking at new destinations, it is our core values and offering, as well as the guest experience which is front of mind. The Aman proposition can be brought to life in an urban, jungle, desert or oceanfront destination, but the potential location must be unique to the rest of our collection, and it must also be exceptional. For example, our two forthcoming Aman properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be located in AlUla, a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage with UNESCO Heritage sites of archaeological significance. This is integral to our pathfinder spirit – we have a continued mission not only to curate resorts of architectural distinction, but also to explore new destinations and cultural experiences and currently have 14 properties located close to UNES-
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CO Heritage Sites. Architecture and design are passions of mine and I have a clear vision of what we’re looking for from each project, as well as great attention to detail. I think like our guests, who also expect every detail of the Aman design experience to be considered. We have some partners who we have worked with often and understand the brand incredibly well, but that said, I am always looking out for new talent in architecture and design who understand the Aman philosophy and could bring a fresh take on the Aman experience within our new locations, drawing inspiration from the property’s unique surroundings. Ultimately our partners need to understand our approach – we design to celebrate our surroundings, not to commandeer them. The service at Aman is unparalleled. Do you tailor each stay to the individual and how do you approach this accurately? The Aman service is something we pride ourselves on. We have a very uncompromising attitude towards personalisation and the level of detail that our teams deliver is unparalleled. Our service is intuitive. It’s not about a cookie cutter approach but training and enabling our teams to be intuitive, think about each guest individually and understand what they are looking for before the guest needs to ask. This level of consideration of one’s needs and wants is to me the absolute marker of a luxury experience. Where do you see Aman in five years? My vision for Aman in five years’ time is to grow the brand offering and our collection of properties, but always in line with our core values and the expectations of our guests. I plan to continue our expansion into global cities and I’m currently exploring opportunities in London, Paris, Milan and L.A. This year, we have launched several new verticals for Aman, born out of the demand from our guests. This includes The Essentials by Aman, our first clothing collection, a curated edit of timeless pieces available at our on-property boutiques, which were designed with the Aman experience in mind. Looking further forward, my vision is to further cement the reputation of Aman as the ultra-luxury lifestyle experience. I use the word experience purposefully – our guests are getting younger and their expectations are different to the generation which travelled before them. The experience economy is booming, and Aman is proud to create experiences which are enriched by the local culture of our destinations and build meaningful and lasting memories for our guests. Experiences like the guided meditation within the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur, which we offer at Amanjiwo, Indonesia, are other-worldly and create incredibly special moments our
guests will remember forever. We also recently launched Janu, the sister brand to Aman. Janu means ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, compared to Aman, meaning ‘peace’. This encompasses the difference between the two – Janu will have a different energy to Aman, focused upon connection, togetherness and being effortlessly social, in comparison to the sanctuary and privacy of Aman destinations. We have announced Janu Montenegro (2023), Janu Tokyo (2023) and Janu AlUla (2023) and have a more extensive pipeline of hotels I’m excited to announce shortly. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs in the current market? I think there is great power in acknowledging the cyclical nature of the economy and I encourage entrepreneurs to be resilient and maintain the core offering of their businesses, but also to look ahead and have a plan in place for economic recovery. I also believe the moments for pause we have had at different points over the last year and a half also create great opportunity for reflection and creativity. I suggest being proactive and bold, act upon those ideas and try to create exciting opportunity from a period of challenge. When you travel – how do you maintain any kind of routine and what do you always need to travel with? I am fortunate to be in the
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position to be able to travel with my trainer. This helps me to maintain my morning routine, which I find then sets me up for the day ahead. It’s also in my nature to be relatively disciplined, especially if I’ve found something that works for me, so I enjoy my morning meditation and workouts whether I am on holiday or about to embark on a long day of meetings. Where do you love to escape to? My location of choice for an escape varies depending on what I’m looking for. Amanpuri, Thailand is the first Aman resort I ever visited, back in 1990, and remains one of my favourite places in the world to this day – there is a very special energy here which to me is the ultimate escape and perfectly encapsulates the Aman experience. I love to come here with my family to switch off and relax together in total privacy and sanctuary. Amandira, Aman’s flagship yacht, is a custom-built two-masted Phinisi sailing yacht, which sails around the remote islands of Indonesia’s Flores Sea. As I love watersports, spending time on board Amandira is a real escape for me, where I can enjoy scuba diving in the coral reefs of Raja Ampat – which is home to the most diverse marine life – as well as sailing through the incredible scenery of these remote islands. More recently, we have opened urban locations and I really enjoy the buzz and energy at Aman Tokyo. Tokyo is one of my favourite cities in the world, it’s so dynamic and I feel re-energised when I visit, especially when I enjoy the Aman experiences which are so immersed in the local artisan culture.
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WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS
The Wanderlust
An exceptional edit of where to escape to this Autumn Amongst the small countryside region of Alentejo, Portugal, you’ll find the luxurious Dá Licença hotel. What was once one of the most important olive oil production sites in 1830, 200 years later it was fully restored by Vitor Borges and Franck Laigneau, the hotel’s founders. The resort offers a 360-degree view into the surrounding area including the Serra d’Ossa forest and into the beautiful castles of Evoramonte and Estremoz. The hotel epitomizes luxury in its most exclusive form with just five suites and four rooms avail-
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Clockwise from top left: Dá Licença, Alentejo, Portugal; Mondrian LA, Los Angeles, California; METT Hotel & Beach Resort, Bodrum, Turkey
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Dá Licença, Alentejo, Portugal
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able for guests to stay – ideal for those looking to go truly off-grid. For more information visit dalicenca.pt/en/ METT Hotel & Beach Resort, Bodrum, Turkey
Located in the city of Bodrum in the southwest of Turkey is the brand-new luxury haven The METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum. What was once a quaint fishing town, now is one of Turkey’s most popular holiday destinations. The newly opened METT Hotel is located in the quiet setting of Haremtan Bay, one of Bodrum’s pristine beaches. Looking out over the Aegean Sea, the luxury property boasts unparalleled views of the Mediterranean. For more information visit mettsocialliving.com/bodrum. Mondrian LA, Los Angeles, California
This luxury LA-based boutique hotel is located in the heart of the bustling neighbourhood of West Hollywood. For those seeking a cityscape getaway, the Mondrian LA is the place to stay. The modern establishment oozes sophistication and glamour, ideal for groups of friends and young couples looking to get the most out of the Los Angeles city life. The stylish Skybar is a hotspot in itself with sweeping views of the city where you can unwind poolside during the daytime and enjoy life to the full well into the early hours of the morning. For more information visit sbe.com/hotels/mondrian/ los-angeles.
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira, Portugal
Offering a refined experience of timeless elegance, this luxury hotel is located amongst the waters of Funchal Harbour and has been welcoming guests through its doors for well over a century. The hotel is full of character and history, celebrating its British heritage. With 158 rooms and suites, four restaurants, pools, a luxury spa, tennis courts and with the entirety of Funchal on your doorstep, you’re spoilt for choice of what to do at this getaway. For more information visit belmond.com/hotels/europe/ portugal/madeira/belmondreids-palace The Cape, Los Cabos, Mexico
Positioning itself as the “Los Cabos boutique hotel like no other”, The Cape offers a fresh take on luxury. The modern escape entices guests to truly es-
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cape and let go and live in the moment. With sweeping ocean views, modern and minimal interiors, a signature seafood restaurant and luxury spa, it’s got everything to offer and more for that perfect Mexico getaway. For more information visit thompsonhotels.com/hotels/ mexico/cabo-san-lucas/the-cape. Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos, Greece
Beach chic meets natural luxury at the Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort Mykonos. As the only resort on the Greek island with its own private beach, it takes you to another level of luxury. With 101 rooms and suites and 13 two to seven-bedroom villas, the resort invites guests to experience true freedom and relaxation in one of the chicest settings on the island. For more information visit santa-marina.gr.
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WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS
Drive & Passion
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Natasha Sideris is a trailblazer. As one of the most recognised figures in the F&B industry in the UAE, she’s built some of the most beloved brands in the space in recent years. This drive and her ability to succeed in a male-dominated space is something Natasha has never even given a second thought; “People always ask me if it has been challenging as a woman in this industry,” she explains. “I guess I don’t think of it that way. It is a challenging business no matter who you are.” It was only natural for her to build a career in the F&B industry, with a father who was an esteemed chef in South Africa, where she is from, and a mother who loved to cook at home. However, having studied psychology at university she had intended to follow a different career path, “but the energy of being in the hospitality business got under my skin and I just couldn’t leave it”, she says. Under the umbrella of Tashas Group, the prolific restauranteur now has more than 24 locations across South Africa and the UAE. In particular, since the group’s integration into the UAE market in 2014, Tashas Group has expanded exponentially with the creation of two new fine-dining concepts – Flamingo Room by tashas and Avli by tashas. The opening of DIFC hotspot Avli also marked the restauranter’s foray into a new venture. Enter Galaxy Bar. “After a few lengthy discussions about having a private dining space within the restaurant, it became evident that it would be a missed opportunity not to do something utterly magical,” she explains. “Have you ever had the privilege to stare at the Aegean Sea at night-time; the shimmering stars, the smell, the absolute quietness? It is pure magic. We wanted to encapsulate some of these feelings and bring them to DIFC.” With a wealth of knowledge in the food industry, the Tashas Group founder has an incredible story to tell. Emirates Woman sat down with the restauranteur to learn all about her career history, how she became one of the leaders in the region’s F&B space, who her icons are in life and more. Can you talk us through your career history? I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. My father, Harry Sideris, was a great chef and a successful restauranteur. I literally grew up in this business, spending hours by my father’s side learning the tricks of the trade from a very young age. Before, during and after my time at university, where I studied psychology, I worked in restaurants. My intention was always to pursue another career but the energy of being in the hospitality business got under my skin and I just couldn’t leave it. Where does your love for food and cooking come from? My love of cooking comes from my family. While my father wasn’t a trained chef, his gift for combining flavours came
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naturally. His passion for food was matched only by his passion for people and he got a thrill, as I do, from feeding them. Maybe it’s a Greek thing, but his conversations usually began with, “Have you eaten?” Regardless of the answer, you could be sure you’d be eat-
ing again soon. The most important value I learned from my parents is that good food is about so much more than just flavour. It’s really about how it makes us feel. Both my father the chef, and my mother the home cook, made wonderful food but each had their own approach. From my father, I learned the importance of sharing food with loved ones. From my mother, the importance of caring about where you eat as much as what you eat. My love of cooking also comes from my heritage. It has given me a love of good ingredients and beautiful food. But my love of travel has given me an immense appreciation of different cultures and the way people eat. What do you love about what you do? There are so many things that I love about what I do. Being a restaurateur is like being the conductor of an orchestra, I am involved in so many aspects of the business. I love designing spaces with Neydine Bak from Verhaal Studio, who I have worked with for many years, to create our restaurants. We have recently created an entirely new concept in South Africa called Le Parc by tashas that we would like to expand internationally. If I wasn’t a restaurateur, I would have loved to have been an interior designer. I love collaborating with the many artisans that we have commissioned to create extraordinary furniture and installations. I love working with our food team, headed up by our Executive Chef, Jill Okkers, in developing and constantly innovating what we offer at tashas as well as our fine dining restaurants. But most of all, I love being on the restaurant floor serving our customers and working closely with the team. It is here where my role as the conductor feels most fulfilling. What eventually brought you to Dubai? There are a few reasons why we decided to come to the UAE. I was approached by a great partner, the time difference between South Africa (where we started) and the UAE is minimal and, when we started the business here and I was still based in South Africa, it was easy to get here. But most of all because I
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love the UAE and I now call Dubai my home. You’re one of the leading females in the F&B industry in Dubai. Throughout your career have you found you’ve had to break down a lot of barriers in this industry? In starting and growing any new business there are always challenges, but I don’t know if I would call them barriers. Finding the funding to grow was certainly challenging in the early days. Banks wanted a proof of concept and they wanted to see that the numbers worked, but I didn’t have this and had to find alternative avenues to raise the money. Finding a partner that was aligned to my vision was critical. I also learnt that, until you live in a country you cannot fully understand its beauty as well as the opportunity it holds. The most challenging part of our move to the UAE was building up a team of local service providers that truly understood our needs. There are so many brands in Dubai, each with their own demands. To find the right project managers, builders, and shopfitters who really understood what I wanted was hard work in the beginning. We are now at a point where our appointed contractors can get the brief for a new restaurant and just run with it, without me having to micro-manage every detail People always ask me if it has been challenging as a woman in this industry. I guess I don’t think of it that way. It is a challenging business no matter who you are. My passion lies in creating beautiful spaces and serving beautiful food in the most engaging way. I had to learn the business side of the industry along the way. You have so many ventures here in the region – can you talk us through them all? We have five concepts here in the region: tashas, Avli by tashas, Galaxy Bar, Flamingo Room by tashas and Collective by Charles Greig. With beautiful food, stunning environments and engaging personal service, each tashas location is inspired by a place or a time which is reflected in both the menus and the design of each individual store. tashas, a casual concept, began in South Africa where we currently have 15 locations. We have five in this region with a new one opening in October. Avli by tashas, a fine-dining concept in DIFC, is inspired by my Greek heritage and passion for combining tastes, beautiful environments and impeccable service. It is reminiscent of modern Athenian culture and the open-air courtyards of the Mediterranean. Galaxy Bar is located next to Avli. Bathed in the deep blue of the night sky, it is a cool, intimate and vibrant lounge bar. It is the perfect space for an after-work drink, as well as a place to socialize well into the evening until late at night. We are honoured to have been named as number 67 in The World’s Best Bars.
“Being a restaurateur is like being the conductor of an orchestra, I am involved in so many aspects of the business.”
Flamingo Room by tashas is the ultimate expression of my South African roots. Located in Jumeirah Al Naseem, it displays the rich tapestry and soul that Africa has. Not through the cliché of drums and ethnic motifs, but by showcasing its glamour and amazing flora and fauna. It is the epitome of old school dining with a contemporary twist. Collective by Charles Greig is situated within Flamingo Room by tashas. This extraordinary retail store offers African style, defying all that is cliché and celebrates a continent that is glamourous, sensual, multi-talented and at the cutting edge of global design. You opened Galaxy Bar a couple of years ago. What was the inspiration behind launching such a different project? Galaxy Bar was a concept that slowly developed roots during the organic design process of Avli. After a few lengthy discussions about having a private dining space within the restaurant, it became evident that it would be a missed opportunity not to do something utterly magical. My love for Greece, my inherent love of travelling and the notion of having an intimate space stripped from everyday noise were the key drivers in designing the Galaxy Bar. Have you ever had the privilege to stare at the Aegean Sea at night-time; the shimmering stars, the smell, the absolute quietness? It is pure magic. We wanted to encapsulate some of these feelings and bring them to DIFC. How does the food and beverage industry here differ from other places around the world? The food and beverage industry here is incredibly competitive – like nowhere else that I have seen in the world. Competition is fierce and you need to ensure that your team believes in the relentless pursuit of excellence as consumers are spoilt for choice. What are the hurdles you’ve experienced during your career? Raising money in the early days, finding the right partners, suppliers and team members, and having to learn the administrative aspects of running a business. On the opposite end of the spectrum, what
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have been the key milestones? Expanding our business into the UAE was a major milestone. It helped me realise that what we had created in South Africa could have an international audience. As well, being recognised in the region by receiving many awards has been an incredible honour. Last August, I finalized the buyback of my company from Famous Brands, a JSE listed company. We had been partners for 12 years. It was an extremely beneficial partnership that enabled me to expand my business acumen significantly. Once I felt that my team and I had gleaned as much as we could from the partnership, we opened the discussion to buy my birthright back. It is my name after all! This was a major milestone. Every time I see a team member’s life change for the better as a result of being a part of our family, it always marks a milestone for me. What’s next for Tashas Group? We will be announcing the opening of a Flamingo Room in Saudi very soon. While it is similar to the one in Dubai, it will be on three floors including Collective, an African Lounge and a Star Gazing Garden on the roof. Le Parc by tashas is a concept that we would like to open in the region, and we will be opening a new tashas in Mirdif in October. We will also be opening a new concept in Al Serkal in the next six to eight months with a revolutionary quick-service concept. We are also looking to grow the Collective by Charles Greig retail concept in a significant way and are looking to expand all of our brands into the UK in the future. This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who are the icons in your life? I have so many icons as I have so many fields of interest. I see an icon as someone that has moulded or shaped their sphere or industry. Here are a few that come to mind. Nelson Mandela – as a humanitarian and a symbol of change and peace for South Africa. He changed the perception of politics and what world leaders could and can achieve Frank Lloyd Wright – as an architect and design icon. Eight of his buildings are UNESCO World Heritage buildings. He had an extraordinary way of combining nature and architecture. Anthony Bourdain – as a food icon. His adventures of travelling and writing books gave people a behind the scenes view into the restaurant world. He changed the course of food writing and television.
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WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH
An Exquisite Dining Experience Pier Chic boasts unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf alongside a new revised culinary offering delivered by Head Chef Beatrice Segoni and her team. We discuss what it takes to deliver both comfort and precision in the culinary space. Talk us through your career history. My first job was originally in the fashion industry. I had my own company in Italy, which I eventually sold. I started my journey in the culinary world by working with my husband, who, at the time, owned a restaurant. I quickly fell in love with the kitchen when a good friend of mine took me under his wing and taught me the basics of Italian cuisine and how to respect the job and the ingredients. Over the years, I had the opportunity to work with great Italian chefs who taught me new cooking techniques and showed me how great Italy is in terms of the quality of the raw ingredients available. I opened my first restaurant in a small city in the Marche region next to the sea, where I had grown up, from there I discovered my great love for both the kitchen and the sea. After a few years, I moved to Florence for a new challenge and opened Borgo San Jacopo, located in the heart of the city in the Hotel Lungarno. I had the pleasure of being at the helm for 12 amazing years. My next adventure was at Konnubio in Florence, a popular restaurant recognised for its rustic charm, where I was the Chef Patron and managed the kitchen for five years. After those five years, a friend of mine, who was working with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts at that time, asked me “What to do you think about Dubai?”. Everything moved very quickly after that and here I am in Dubai. Where does your love for food originate from? My love and passion for food comes from the heart. My aim is to communicate emotion through my food and its presentation. Here at Pierchic, dishes are inspired by happy moments spent with my grandmother and all the important lessons she taught me. This is some-
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Head Chef at Pierchic, Chef Beatrice Segoni discusses creating an icon-worthy menu
thing that brings me great joy and I want to communicate this to everyone, from my team to our guests. What eventually brought you to Dubai? Dubai is the future, and to build a great future I think it’s important to remember the past. As my cuisine is built on my past experiences and heritage that are reimagined in a modern way, I want to educate guests on what Italian
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authenticity is. I strongly believe that it’s important to pass on everything that our mothers and grandmothers have passed on to us. How does the F&B industry in Dubai differ from other locations globally? Dubai is a world-renowned culinary destination, with a great balance of international and home-grown concepts. It’s a collaborative industry where everyone can find opportunity, share skills and learn from each other. A lot of us are here to amplify our culture and traditions and to create unique and memorable experiences. With a myriad of restaurant openings across the UAE, how do you think Pierchic helps elevate the culinary scene in this region? Pierchic offers guests an authentic taste of Italy by the sea, showcasing rich culture and heritage through a chic gastronomic experience. We effortlessly combine refined presentation and exceptional service to create a story of authentic coastal Italian cuisine. What are the Hero dishes? The signature dishes are the ones inspired by my family recipes and my birthplace – dishes that use freshly-made artisanal pasta, including Plin Di Faraona Con Crema Di Parmigiano and Chitarrine Sea Food, a Marche specialty seafood soup Brodetto and Eggplant Parmigiana, dishes that Italians are renowned for around the world. As the F&B space is largely male dominated, what have been your experience as a female chef? I have never considered my male colleagues as adversaries. I always treat them with respect and vice versa, I have always received the same in return. During my career I have had great male mentors that have taught me lifelong culinary lessons, one of them encouraged me to make the move to Dubai. I think the most important thing to understand as you navigate through the industry is to show respect and to not let anyone treat you with disrespect. Which have been the largest hurdles you’ve had to overcome to date? I have experienced many hurdles along the way but the love and passion that I feel through what I do is what fuels me to overcome them. As a woman, we are told to focus on our career, family and even children while remaining strong. Personally, I found my strength in my passion. I love what I am doing and I love when guests show satisfaction and feel like they are at home. What have been the key milestones? The key milestones include opening my first restaurant – Torcoletto in Porto Recanti, my first hotel experience – Borgo San Jacopo in Florence, working at Konnubio in Florence and now working with Jumeirah at Pierchic. What advice would you give to those starting out in their careers? My advice would be to follow your dreams. To never give up and do everything with your heart and passion. Love makes a big noise and sooner or later, someone will hear it. What do you see next for Pierchic? I am constantly working on creating new dishes and innovative concepts for Pierchic, as at Jumeirah we are always focused on meeting the ever-evolving needs of our guests. I want our guests to truly understand authentic Italian and coastal cuisine. For example, I recently conceptualised a signature tasting menu that was a modern expression of flavour and a culinary journey through the senses.
“Never give up and do everything with your heart and passion. Love makes a big noise and sooner or later, someone will hear it.” This is ‘The Icon Issue’ – who are the icons that inspire you? The icons that inspire me are three renowned Italian chefs: Mauro Uliassi, Enrico Bartolini and Gianfranco Vissani. Uliassi because of his great experience with seafood, Bartolini for his amazing entrepreneurial skills and Vissani for his knowledge – he knows the best products in the world. My last suggestion for the industry is for all the women who want to start their career in the kitchen. Always look inside you. Find your identity and your origins, and work with passion and power, as women can do. We are all daughters of our past and we cannot reject it, but we can build on it.
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An Icon Goes Global
Homegrown restaurant concept Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai is going global. The group’s founder, Omar Saideh, discusses global expansion for the restaurant and what the future holds for Orange Hospitality 140 emirateswoman.com
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Can you talk us through your career history? I started my career in the family business where I put my entrepreneurship background to practice and eventually discovered my passion for the hospitality industry. Shortly after, I decided to found my own hospitality company and launched Orange Hospitality. My longterm vision was to expand globally and translate cultures, cuisines, and craftmanship into authentic and immersive hospitality experiences. Today, our competitive F&B portfolio consists of three unique dining concepts across Dubai – with three exciting new launches set to take place in Q4 of this year. What inspired you to launch Orange Hospitality? When starting Orange Hospitality, I saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market with extraordinary culinary concepts and complement the industry rather than oversaturate it. I challenge myself to always bring something new to the F&B industry. Our concepts are representations of real culinary journeys from different parts of the world. In building our brands, we travel across countries, we study the roots, we magnify the details, we immerse ourselves, and we tell a story. With a continuously growing portfolio, we have come far from when we first launched Orange Hospitality, but our journey is just beginning.
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At Orange Hospitality, we own and operate a diverse collection of food and beverage concepts. Our reach extends deeply in the markets we operate in as we have a diverse team of hospitality professionals who have both local and international expertise. By immersing ourselves in every detail of a project from feasibility and market research to menu engineering and kitchen design, the F&B concepts we create at Orange Hospitality have a distinct niche and competitive market advantage. Since launching in 2016, how has the brand evolved? Within a span of five years, Orange Hospitality has proved itself to be an industry leader, achieving numerous awards for Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai and Alici Dubai, with Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai being recently crowned as the Restaurant of the Year in town. Orange Hospitality remains at the top of its game, not only with the launch of Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London, but with an exciting line-up of new concepts set to open in Dubai later this year, Josette in ICD Brookfield and Maya Bay in Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel. Your hero brand is Il Borro Dubai. What was your aim for the restaurant when it launched in 2016? Originating from the illustrious Ferragamo family, the Il Borro Estate in Tuscany promotes biodiversity with its farm-to-table vision. I sought to bring a piece of the estate’s rich heritage to Dubai, to showcase traditional Italian dishes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Set against Jumeirah Al Naseem’s picturesque turtle lagoon, Il Borro is a place where guests can enjoy authentic Tuscan flavours in a refined dining atmosphere. I was inspired to bring an original and elegant restaurant experience to Dubai that would make every guest leave with the desire to come back. Our success in creating unforgettable culinary experiences has been recognised throughout the years and we continue to garner accolades along the way. Can you talk us through all of your ventures in the region? Our growing portfolio of F&B concepts includes awardwinning restaurant Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai which opened in 2016, Amalfi-coast inspired seafood restaurant Alici launched in 2019 and recently opened homegrown chef concept Fulvio’s. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai continues to deliver a true farm-to-table concept in a sophisticated setting. We are proud to have been recognised as ‘Restaurant of the Year’ for three years and also hold the title of ‘Best Italian’ for four consecutive years now. With our South Italian seafood restaurant Alici, we bring genuine flavours from the southern Italian coastline to Dubai. Our culinary team, led by chef Domenico Santagada, has curated a selection of Amalfi and South Italian specialities including a wide range of raw seafood delicacies. The latest edition to our culinary lineup is our homegrown, chef-driven Italian concept Fulvio’s. Headed by Chef Fulvio Opalio, Fulvio’s opened earlier this year at Time Out Market Dubai and focuses on wholesome, homemade Italian cuisine. Q4 in 2021 will be a very exciting time for us as we launch Il Borro Tuscan Bistro in London, our Parisian dining concept Josette in ICD Brookfield and Maya Bay in Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel, Dubai. You’re now opening Il Borro in London, how did the opportunity arise to do so? Since opening in Dubai, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro has consistently provided a world-class dining experience, and we are looking forward to delivering the same distinctive hospitality to our guests in Mayfair taking over Nobu on 15 Berkeley Street. After having suc-
cessfully established our restaurants in the UAE, the global expansion plan for Orange Hospitality is the next step for us, and we are thrilled to begin this journey in the UK. How does the F&B industry here differ from other locations globally? Dubai is one of the most competitive and exciting food hubs worldwide and we are excited to lead the way with new culinary openings. This city has successfully established itself as a noteworthy food destination, with a wealth of both homegrown and internationally known brands. It has become a breeding ground for entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence and grow internationally. The F&B industry in Dubai is also highly influenced by rapidly changing consumer behaviour, so we are always innovating and anticipating trends to stay ahead of the competition. How do you think Il Borro will stand out in the London market? What will set Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London apart is the fact that it’s not just an Italian restaurant; it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a philosophy that we take from the Ferragamo family and the Il Borro estate’s vision to promote Tuscan cuisine with the use of wholesome and quality ingredients. Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London translates these beliefs through an authentic Italian dining experience in an elegant and refined atmosphere. The restaurant will also feature an exclusive Private Dining Room overlooking Berkeley Street, giving our guests a more intimate and personalised experience. We are bringing something timeless and truly distinct to the market that is impossible to replicate. What are the hurdles you’ve experienced during your career to date? When COVID-19 devastated the F&B industry, our company was put to the test. Both Il Borro and Alici were forced to close as part of the government’s efforts to curb the pandemic. It was definitely challenging for all of us, but at Orange Hospitality, we made it a priority to look after our people. At a time when most companies focused on recovering their loss from the months that the restaurants were closed, we did not allow the pandemic to compromise our team’s future in the company. It did not come easy, but we have managed to overcome the challenges brought by the pandemic, and I owe it to my team’s solidarity and determination. On the opposite end of the spectrum, what have been the key milestones? Winning our first Restaurant of the Year award during our opening year for Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai was a defining moment for all of us. And shortly after opening Alici, we received multiple recognitions including What’s On Newcomer of the Year in 2019. It has been a pleasure to watch our restaurants go from strength to strength, and the awards only motivated us to strive for more and continuously improve. The key to achieving this is by constantly innovating, adapting to market changes, and investing in our strongest asset – our team. What’s next for Orange Hospitality? The possibilities surrounding Orange Hospitality’s growth are coming to the fore this year, with the opening of Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London, the launch of our very own Parisian concept Josette in ICD Brookfield, and the opening of Japanese-Thai concept, Mayabay Restaurant, also set to open in Jumeirah Al Naseem later this year. Our vision for Orange Hospitality is to introduce more innovative concepts to the world, take our brands global and continue to expand our footprint in every major city – Paris, New York, Riyadh and Monaco.
IMAGE: SUPPLIED
“Our success in creating unforgettable culinary experiences has been recognised throughout the years and we continue to garner accolades along the way.”
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