This week saw plenty of fashion launches, from a limited-edition LOEWE x On drop arriving in Dubai to Dior collaborating with a world-renowned ballet debuting at Dubai Opera for the first time. Taking Dubai international, a DIFC institution opened on the shores of the French Riviera, just in time for the summer holidays. Here's everything you may have missed this week.
Save Face
Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances has appointed Ameni Esseibi as its first regional ambassador. The Dubai-based Tunisian model has championed inclusivity and diversity within the industry throughout her career and is known as the first curvy model in the MENA region. "Jean Paul Gaultier is more than just a brand to me; it feels like family. Its identity embodies everything I stand for: rebellion, strength, boldness, fearlessness, sensuality, and a touch of scandal," said Ameni in a statement. "I am deeply honored to make history as their first Arab ambassador in the region."
Walking On Air
If you were in Dubai Mall on 22 May, chances are you saw a queue of eager sneakerheads snaking through the Fashion Catwalk. Here's why: the LOEWE x On collection finally arrived in the region. Only available in the UAE at the Dubai Mall pop-up, the collaboration boasts high-performance activewear, athleisure, outerwear and the highly anticipated Cloudtilt 2.o sneaker. The Cloudtilt 2.0 sneaker is available in multiple colourways - from neutrals to neons - and builds upon the original silhouette with a multi-layer upper of performance mesh, rubber toe-guards, extra padding and the brand-new LOEWE x On logo. This is the fifth LOEWE x On drop and it will be available in select pop-up stores worldwide, online and in Dubai Mall until 8 June or until the pieces sell out. Learn more
Dance The Night Away
Dior's Maria Grazia Chiuri has collaborated with Rome Opera Ballet principal dancer Eleonora Abbagnato to design the costumes for the upcoming performance of Les Deux Nuit in Dubai Opera. The Maison's ateliers have come together with those of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma to marry the intricacies of dance and couture craftsmanship, creating garments from lace, delicate beading, hand-pleating and draping that facilitate movement and integrate within the story of the ballet. Adding to the attention to detail, costumes are painted with a trope l'oeil effect featuring characters from the frescoes of Rome's Carracci gallery.
The performance will mark the first from the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma in the United Arab Emirates. 25 and 26 May. Learn more
Summer Lovin'
It may only be May, but we are channelling vacation vibes courtesy of That Concept Store. From cascading dresses and airy co-ords to new-season swimwear and ensembles fit for island all-nighters, That Concept Store's vacation edit comprises the very best of spring/summer's offerings. Not only tackling your wardrobe, get that no-makeup glow with essentials from award-winning skincare gurus, including Dr. Barbara Sturm and Augustinus Bader. Shop now
A Real Gem
Damas, the region's go-to jewellery retailer, has welcomed iconic Spanish House Carrera y Carrera to Dubai. Renowned for weaving Spain's historical narratives within nature-inspired designs, Carrera y Carrera boasts creations spanning intricate, everyday pieces to breathtaking statements. The collections available at Damas include My Angel, a delicate collection of initial pendants and meticulously crafted cherubs; Gardenia, a floral collection specially introduced for the Dubai launch; and the Maison's iconic Origen collection, which brings interpretations of exotic animals to life. Available at Damas stores in Atlantis The Royal, Bayt Damas, Dubai Mall and online
Yes You Cannes!
While part of the fun of travelling is exploring new places, sometimes a recognisable restaurant is welcome to subdue pangs of homesickness. Zuma, the Japanese restaurant adored by Dubai residents, has opened its first flagship in France in the glamorous city of Cannes. Incorporating the essence of its Mediterranean surrounds with Zuma's signature aesthetic, the brand-new location also presents dishes exclusive to the Cannes destination, including beef tartare with black truffle. Book now
Class Is In Session
For its second year in a row, The Harrods Hive talent incubator made its return to Dubai to launch a global mentorship programme to bring together emerging talents across creative industries. The programme, created by leading luxury department store Harrods, connects industry leaders with up-and-comers to provide insider knowledge on the luxury retail landscape, with partners being revealed in the coming months. The theme of the launch event was Future of Experience, which focuses on fostering human connection throughout retail, hospitality, travel and culture, and attendees were invited to join panel discussions across themes including 'curating experiences in the digital age' and 'creating a community through shared experiences in hospitality.'
In Your Shoes
Versace unveiled its latest sneaker collection, Versace Mercury, which will be landing in stores next month. The limited-edition unisex sneaker is made from calf leather and will stand out to sneakerheads for its sci-fi inspiration, lightweight comfort and intricate construction - each pair is made up of no less than 30 components. What's more, the versatility of the collection's monochrome colourway ensures the sneaker's status as a capsule wardrobe essential. Available 4 June online, in select boutiques and exclusively in Dubai Mall in the Middle East. Learn more
