Editor’s letter

Welcome to the reimagined and redesigned Fall 2018 issue of Velvet magazine. The team has been working tirelessly on our new look over the past few months, and I’m excited to finally share this issue with you. I have spent the last months travelling to different cities around the world, attending fashion and social events, but most importantly, meeting new people and listening to their stories. So I’ve come back with a renewed appreciation of the challenges that people, in particular women, face when building their careers, as well as a new sense of just how driven and ambitious we can be.

Therefore, this issue is a celebration of women, our creativity and our excellence. Throughout this issue, we share the stories of women who make up some of the world’s most visionary talents — including our cover star, Sofia Carson, who at the age of twenty five, has established herself as one of the most sought after artists in film, music, and TV. Not to mention her elegance and style on the red carpet.

Closer to home, we meet Sheikha Intisar Salem Al Ali Al Sabah, a princess from Kuwait’s royal family. In addition to being a fine jewellery designer, author and columnist, the Sheikha is an active philanthropist who has dedicated her life to working with children and for children. We also meet Anne-Lise Jacques, daughter of famous perfumer Henri Jacques, who has recently opened in Dubai their Maison’s first independent boutique. Her vision and creativity are taking her family niche business to the next level. They share their wisdom and advice on how to thrive as powerful women, while making space in their lives for the things that are closest to their hearts.

With fashion and lifestyle at the heart of our magazine, we also bring to you the coolest ready to wear and couture trends from the world’s most prominent fashion weeks. Check out our inside supplement dedicated for the ready-to-wear women’s fall 2018 collections. And don’t forget to read about our Royal Gala Dinner which was held in Dubai at Palazzo Versace, showcasing many interesting fashion collections from all over the world.

H.H. Hend F. Al Qassemi

Editor-in-chief