This week in the region, Chanel unveiled a brand-new boutique and Kate Spade New York opened a culinary concept to tickle tastebuds and senses. Elsewhere, Valentino is supporting the next generation of literary masterminds while Gigi Hadid continues to dominate global campaigns. As for the beauty world, MOJEH has three fragrances releases on our radar this week, from the science-backed spritzes at Charlotte Tilbury that are proven to boost emotions to a limited-edition launch that is a must for any collector. Read on to catch up on everything you need to know from this week's news.
A Warm Welcome
Marassi Galleria mall in Bahrain welcomes Chanel to its luxurious roster, in a move that marks the House's debut in the country. The 700-square-metre shopping destination is bursting with ready-to-wear, bags, shoes and accessories, as well as dedicated spaces for watches and jewellery and fragrance and beauty. Alongside an exclusive array of timepieces (including Première and J12) and fine jewellery must-haves from the Coco Crush and No5 collections, shoppers will also be able to explore select high jewellery and haute horlogerie pieces. Find fragrance and beauty in an adjacent boutique and experience the latest launches in the private beauty room.
Paying homage to House codes, tweed sofas punctuate the space as well as folding screens that evoke those used by Mademoiselle Chanel in her Rue Cambon apartment.
Raise Your Voice
The Theatre of Digital Art - the UAE's first digital art concept - announced a series of 360-degree concerts titled Women's Voices of the Middle East, which champions the talent and creativity of regional female artists. Lead by Palestinian-Bahraini artist Banah and accompanied by guest musicians, the concert takes on timeless hits by regional superstars including Fairouz, Umm Kulthum and Abdel Wahab in a journey that reinterprets Arabic music through the universal language of jazz. April 26, Theatre of Digital Art, Dubai. Book now
All The Feels
Fragrances are often tied to moods; there is a scent we use when we're happy, another when we're feeling seductive and another when we need a pick-me-up. Charlotte Tilbury experiments with this emotional connection for her brand-new collection dubbed Fragrance Collection of Emotions, which comprises six science-backed fragrances designed to target and boost specific emotions - love, energy, serenity, seduction, empowerment and happiness. Each scent was conceptualised with the help of world-renowned perfumers; whether you are looking for the romance-boosting effects of Love Frequency or the relaxing Calm Bliss, this collection will no doubt be your secret superpower. Shop now
What's Cooking?
Foodies, rejoice! Chef Penelope Diaz of Fusion Ceviche and Tasca's José Barroso are coming together for a culinary experience to celebrate the vibrant flavours of Portugal and Peru. For two nights only, the duo will be serving an exclusive menu which blends the flavours of both beloved restaurants - expect Tasca's signature cones with a Fusion Ceviche twist and Chef Penelope's famous Empanadas de la Abuela - in an atmosphere made all the more electric with live entertainment. Available on 30 April and 1 May. Book now
Large And In Charge
Do you consider yourself a runner? Someone who likes to go for evening walks on narrow roads? Perhaps you enjoy walking up and down stairs without turning sideways, or risking falling backwards? If you nodded 'yes, actually' to any of those questions, the Balenciaga 10XL sneaker may not be one for you. However, if you are a sneaker enthusiast, fashion aficionado or someone that prefers to spark conversation with your fashion choices, your perfect shoe has officially landed in stores. The 10XL sneaker boasts an extremely exaggerated silhouette in a play on "archetypal gym footwear" according to the House - the surprisingly lightweight shoe is stamped with a sporty B logo on either side and is available in multiple colourways including black and pink, black and white and white and orange. Shop now
Ready or Not
Take the stress out of getting ready for a night on the town thanks to Pastels Salon. The renowned Dubai salon has launched the Pastels Beauty Lab which takes care of everything you need before heading out - simply show your outfit to the stylists and let them work their magic. No matter if you are searching for bouncy blow-outs and evening makeup to styled up-dos and natural glam, Pastels Salon is a one-stop shop. Book now
Kiss From A Rose
Adored by ancient Persians, Egyptians, Romans and Greeks, rose has long been utilised in fragrances across cultures, borders and eras. Henry Jacques is one such Maison that has infused its concoctions with the delicate ingredient for decades and has now released a collection made from its very-own rose harvest, dubbed HJ Rose de Mai. Collection de l'Atelier comprises Rose Soleil, a spicy combination of patchouli, clove and sandalwood; the comforting Rose Très Rose; and Roze Azur, which is rich with woody notes and uplifting zests. With only 500 pieces available (the iconic perfumer advises it will never make these scents again), owning one of the precious pieces is akin to owning a piece of history. Discover more
Cause For Celebration
In Valenza, the jewellery capital of Italy, among winding streets dotted with goldsmiths, Damiani was founded a century ago and remains the only international name present in its founding territory thanks to its dedication to heritage and unmatched craftsmanship. To celebrate its centenary, Damiani has opened an exhibition showcasing one hundred jewellery masterpieces that capture the codes and essence of the Maison; the exhibition celebrates the Maison's five pillars: family, passion, history, creativity and mastery. Each piece highlights extremely rare stones, from the 100-carat sapphire in the Mimosa Eternal Blue necklace to the fancy brown and vivid yellow diamonds in the desert hue-inspired Margherita Desert Garden collection. 100 x 100 is open to the public in Gallerie d'Italia in Milan until 28 April. Learn more
Read All About It
Valentino is sponsoring the Booker Prize 2024 ceremony. For the uninitiated, the Booker Prize is to writing what the Oscars is to film - it recognises the world's storytellers and introduces international audiences to the best novels and short-story collections from around the world. Valentino's contribution allows the Booker Prize Foundation to gain more recognition with new audiences and enables the donation of 500 sets of the six shortlisted books to libraries across the UK. The Booker Prize 2024 ceremony will take place on 21 May.
Coffee Break
Kate Spade New York has chosen Dubai as the location for its first-ever global café concept. Located in Bloomingdale's Dubai Mall, the Kate Spade New York café is a kaleidoscope of the House's signature electric hues and whimsical prints (think: pink stripes, green walls and polka dot decór). Escape from the hustle and bustle of Dubai Mall and immerse yourself into the world of the House with speciality beverages and branded sweet treats.
Say I Do
Created specially for those celebrating their big day, Elie Saab's Le Perfum Bridal is a comforting fragrance that is simultaneously sensual and uplifting. Brightening Ylang-Ylang, neroli and orange blossom unfold into a mysterious marriage of Madagascar vanilla and ambroxan, resulting in a wear-all-day fragrance perfect for day-to-night celebrations. Shop now
Model Behaviour
Gigi Hadid stars in the latest Miu Miu campaign which highlights the Arcadie and Wander bags. Photographed by Steven Meisel, the campaign mirrors the timeless style of British interwar photographer, suffragette and feminist Yevonde - the pioneering photographer rose to fame in the 1930s as a photographer of high-society individuals and was renowned for her compositions and colour choices. Miu Miu's latest campaign channels this nostalgia and debuts the emblematic matelassé in brand-new colourways evoking the bygone era; the Arcadie and Wander are showcased in contrasting hues of cognac, caramel, orange and soleil. Shop now
