Browsing Tag

Luxury

fashion

Shewak brings creativity and sustainability to the catwalk

Posted on December 19, 2024

Istituto Marangoni alum and ex-Roberto Cavalli assistant accessories designer, Shewak made his London Fashion Week, 2022 debut with his now infamous double heeled stilettos. As seen on ‘Dubai Bling’, the designer ensures that his unique creations are in fact planet forward in construction.

To help ensure Shewak offers a sustainably minded product, they reduce leather wastage by using innovative cutting techniques, employ biodegradable insoles, save 70% of the water used in heel painting with PVD sputtering instead of galvanic processes, and use metal-free linings. In production, Shewak collaborates only with government-certified factories that prioritize sustainability, maintain a cap on carbon footprints, and ensure a safe, hygienic environment for workers.

Thinking post-consumer too, they give back to the community by donating $5 from every product sold to Dubai Cares.

Dubai’s Sustainable Kidswear and Toys Directory

Posted on December 11, 2024

Did you know that an average child uses over 200 pieces of clothing! Babies will outgrow 7 clothing sizes in their first 2 years, which is not sustainable at all.

The $200 billion global kid’s clothing market is growing faster than adult’s, expected to reach nearly $300 billion by 2030. 180 million+ pieces of kids clothing go to waste each year. That’s not all, most modern textiles exact some form of environmental tax. Regular cotton is grown using pesticides, but organic cotton must often be shipped consumes lots of water. Plus, human-made materials like nylon and polyester come from petroleum. Toxins also get involved in the spinning, dyeing, and overall production of many fabrics, which contributes to the release of greenhouse gases and can leach toxins into the soil and water supply.

But there is hope… for used outfits and items that remain in good condition, there is a thriving secondhand market for children’s clothing, toys and equipment here in Dubai, both on and offline.

Christmas is as we know, a very consumer heavy holiday and we could all be more mindful with the gifts we buy in order to make them more sustainable. For me, that means shopping local, ethically minded brands of course, and I get asked a lot of questions about just who and where I recommend for tots and babies here in the U.A.E., so have compiled a list of my favourites for you:

Ideal for clothes:

Beaux Desert

Beautifully made collections for the whole family using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices

Birdsn’Bees

A local family concept store specializing in clothing, beachwear, and swimwear

Little IA

The perfect place for personalized gifts for little ones

Atlas & Maya

Exclusively creating collections using certified sustainable materials

Baby Bazaar

A monthly circular pre-loved pop-up at Times Square Centre, Dubai

Reloved

A marketplace for buying and selling second-hand clothes, baby items, furniture, accessories, and more

Bump and Baby

A pre-loved maternity & baby store

Ideal for toys and equipment:

Made By Nature

Dubai’s only family concept store offering sustainable brands

Little Ones Arabia

Premium sustainable baby products, clothes and gift hampers

Maisontini

Experiential showroom and sustainably minded concept store

Eggs n Soldiers

Natural & eco-friendly baby products

Monki Box

Sustainably designed bilingual purposeful play program

Secondful

A secondhand online marketplace for pre-loved kids and baby gear

Secondgear

A secondhand online marketplace for pre-loved kids and baby gear

fashion

Oris luxury watches use recycled plastic in their dials

Posted on October 24, 2024

How do we get rid of plastic? Well, we can’t yet – but we can find new purposes for it, like recycling it, to help keep it out of landfills and out of our environment as much as possible.

One such luxury brand is Oris, who as a Swiss watchmaker are determined to keep their creations as sustainable as possible. With roots dating back to 1904, it’s inspiring to see the brand helping to pave the way for real change within its industry.

Oris Aquis Date Upcycle

One of their key creations, the Oris Aquis Date Upcycle, is actually crafted with a vibrant dial made from recycled PET plastic. Each Upcycle model showcases a one-of-a-kind design, housed in their new sustainable watch boxes, made from recyclable cardboard and paper.

This lightweight, modular packaging reduces plastic use by 1.5 tonnes annually and cuts weight by 65%. Its collapsible design also decreases volume by 50%, lowering carbon emissions, in alignment with Global Recycling Day.

Most recently, each watch box now includes recycled paper cards with a QR code for all warranties, and watch details.

Orise Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV

Certified climate-neutral by ClimatePartner, Oris aims to reduce emissions by 10% annually through its Emissions Reduction Programme. Oris even partnered with Reef Restoration Foundation in 2018 on their mission to bring Change for the Better. “Oris is climate neutral and committed to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” says Co-CEO Rolf Studer.

fashion

Swimming in Luxury With Lasya

Posted on November 29, 2018

Nothing frustrates me more than putting on a new bra or swimsuit in the morning and half way through the day, something just doesn’t feel right… half the time we buy our intimates based on either looks, comfort or functionality, but I do feel we often sacrifice on at least one of these. Introducing Lasya Intimates, a Dubai based e-tailor that curates lingerie, swimwear and even bridal lingerie too. You won’t have to worry about parking with their concierge delivery service either, one-to-one fittings ensure totally private experiences, so that you can find the right fit every time.

Whether it’s a pool party, or a weekend away, their swimwear features luxuriously gold plated detailing that’s almost too good to get wet. We caught up with the founder of Lasya Intimates Dubai, Rachel, who handpicks all of the swimwear on her site. “I love what I do and I hope it shows in the products that have been chosen.”

“…I started the business in 2017, and yes, alone. It’s been an adventure and a roller-coaster, but I have really found my passion, along with the creativity running your own business entails, and the sheer pleasure in finding beautiful pieces for our collection. There is something immensely rewarding knowing that I am delivering a service and product that injects confidence and a sprinkling of happiness to every one of my clients.

Our name is something that took us a while to decide on. Lots of research was done to ensure that it was something that truly fit with our brand. The term ‘Lasya’ in the context of Hindu mythology, describes the dance performed by a Goddess – it expresses happiness and is filled with grace and beauty. Our aim with our collections is just that, we want to make each woman feel beautiful and the whole experience with us to feel special, right from the packaging to the product.

I strive to find pieces for my collection that truly stand out, everything I include in my collections are hand picked by me, be it for their beauty, uniqueness or because it helps to give someone confidence in what they are wearing. Our luxury swimwear collection is something we are especially proud of, we have some really unique, high-fashion pieces that stand out from the swimwear you’ll see on the high street, some with gold plated embellishments and hand finishing – the quality of the swimwear is evident as soon as you touch it and they are all super flattering.

What sets any business apart from another is the person behind it, when you run your own business it is inevitable that it will project some of your own values and ethos. I want to deliver beautiful items coupled with great service and make women feel amazing in the process, we are more than an online boutique, we give a unique touch by offering a really personal one-to-one service and we are proud of that. If you’re buying online, there is always someone around to help guide you in to making the right choice for you – we also offer a home shopping service as well as private shopping evenings and get involved in collaborative events too.

Being in the Middle East for any significant period of time changes your general perception of life. It’s a melting pot of nationalities, backgrounds and religions. I am grateful that my experiences and learnings here have added to how I think about life and naturally, my creativity.”

And finally… we want to know… one piece or bikini?

“The shapes and cut-outs that can be achieved with a one-piece are far greater than a bikini, so there is room for more variations, designs and experimental shapes. It’s also been a popular choice for celebrities and influencers, so naturally it filters through to everyone else. I personally love the one piece, I find them so flattering.”

travel

SOULFARI: Why a Safari is Good For Your Soul

Posted on October 25, 2018

…as seen on Yogalife

It’s more than just a landscape, Africa has an incredible way of earthing you, from the moment you land on its clay red soil in a small inter-safari Cessna, to driving across the tundra in a Toyota jeep designed purely to encourage those 360* magic moments with its inhabitants. The landscape runs from horizon to horizon, punctuated only by the trees and rocks, whose shapes and shadows mimic the animals we avidly search for, roaming the terrain.

The wind drives the Serengeti’s scents and smells, wild basil perforated sporadically under the tyres of the jeep, whilst the aroma of baking earth under foot is tinged with an almost pleasant dusty note that serves to remind you you’re in real nature. The Serengeti safari drives are winding and uneven, but even the incessant bumps quickly move from spine jerking to a more melodic perpetual motion. As the warmth of the sun gleams through the windows of the jeep, you fall further into a state of total relaxation. It’s here at this moment that your daydreams are all too real.

Bringing you out of this somewhat meditative stare across the fields and fields of golden grass that rocket past are the indescribable viewings and encounters with the animals that inhabit this terrain. Hippo’s lounge around upstream, keeping a wary eye on the crocodiles basking on the shore, whilst trumpets pierce the silence from the largest of all the Earth’s beings as they warn of their arrival with their young, at the local watering hole. This isn’t about a bucket list of the ‘big 5’ but a really personalised discovery of why Africa is referred to as God’s land.

Time slows to allow every whisper through the blades of grass meet your ears, feigning a sense of urgency or looming presence with their dramatic soundtrack. The whistle of the wind loudly finds gaps in the natural surroundings of the hotel, complemented by the music of the cicadas as the sun goes down and their predator’s cries with beautiful feathers. The sun sets in vibrant pinks, fiery oranges and plum-like purples to remind you there’s a rotation, but under what feels like a never-ending full moon, you’d be forgiven for thinking that time here stood still. As the dawn breaks, there’s no risk of monotony with hours to be spent out under the Tanzanian skies, it’s the most soul-connected place to be.

WHERE TO STAY: Four Seasons Serengeti, for the ultimate up close and personal luxury experience with the Serengeti and its animals.

Fitness

Making Time for the Oceans

Posted on March 27, 2018

We’ve got a long way to go yet, but it’s a fantastic thing to see international renowned companies, such as Swiss watch brand Breitling, taking to the frontline to fight the good fight. The Oceans are in dire need of our help, only last week was it shown that all the fish in our supermarkets had various amounts of plastic actually inside the meat. So it’s great to see partnerships evolving with those who dominate billboards worldwide and on-the-ground eco-warriors.

Breitling and Ocean Conservancy, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to leading the global fight for healthy oceans and clean beaches will work together to set up and run beach cleanups around the world, as part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.

Working closely with experts to recycle the collected trash in the most effective and ecologically responsible ways. Breitling is also taking the educative approach, ensuring it isn’t just the adults who participate. Not only are they getting active, but Breitling are also set to donate part of the proceeds from its limited-edition Superocean Heritage collection.

Polar bear, Arctic Ocean. (PPR/Breitling/Christopher Michel)

Known for their dedication, Ocean Conservancy has organised tens of thousands of coastal-cleanup operations for more than 30 years in 153 countries. Since 1986, more than 12 million people have picked up nearly 230 million pounds of trash as part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.

“We are excited to be working with Georges and his team at Breitling. Their customers are adventurers who explore every corner of the globe and see the beauty and wonder of the ocean from vantage points that are not easily accessible. Breitling and its customers understand first-hand that a healthy ocean – teeming with life, free of trash and plastic – is critical to life on our incredible, awe-inspiring planet. We look forward to working with them to advance our shared mission of maintaining a healthy ocean.” Ocean Conservancy CEO Janis Searles Jones

I took a little leap of faith last week with Bretiling too, as they launched their newest collection watches in Dubai, I took to the skies to see what all the fuss was about…

Breitling at SkyDive Dubai

So with Breitling covering the land, sea and air now – there’s little space left for them to conquer.

travel

Staycation at The Intercontinental Fujairah

Posted on February 12, 2018

It’s not often a staycation can make you feel like you’ve travelled hundreds of miles away, when really you’ve only gone two hours down the coastline, but Fujeirah has always been one of my favourite getaway’s for a weekend. It’s been our destination of choice for beach side camping, snorkeling and sea life but now there’s a real life of luxury awaiting you at the Intercontinental Resort.

The grand white entrance of the Intercontinental Fujeirah boasts a modern yet authentic welcome, and it takes only seconds to realize the views awaiting you at the other side. Situated right next to Snoopy Island, the water’s warm and inviting and the beach stretches on for miles.

The rooms are enormous! The views from the balcony from sunrise to sunset are beyond picturesque, with the Hajjar Mountain’s framing the background so naturally, as the sun reflects off the Indian Ocean and into your room. It’s a destination to disappear in, offering you a world where you can turn off if you want to and also not feel to guilty if you need to stay connected.

From beach side infinity pools to kid-free zones and a sumptuous spa, you’re not going to be left wanting on this staycation. Obviously I wanted to check out the gym and it didn’t disappoint, with out own personal trainer who organized a circuit set for us on the first morning and a group bootcamp outdoors the next, wellness here is well taken care of.

travel

Dhigali: The Maldives Unfiltered

Posted on October 1, 2017

I just love the Maldives, the blue open waters interspersed with these idyllic little islands that offer seclusion, peace and the ultimate retreat. Dhigali is one of the newest resorts to open in the Raa Atoll, welcoming the world only since May this year.

It’s modern and minimalistic designs attract the younger travellers and families who are looking for a little more luxury and a little less fuss. 5 star’s by all accounts, the newness of this island helps to give an almost untouched appeal to its surrounding crystal reef’s and sands. With only 180 rooms in total, 5 restaurants and 2 bars give you enough places to hideaway and enjoy the sunset from, without lacking atmosphere or losing out on your favourite seat.

An excursion list full of aquatic adventures and island hopping discoveries, there’s plenty to do both on and off Dhigali itself. It’s the perfect place to pick a sport and give it a go, as the pier drops straight onto the reef itself. Looking for a little adventure? Discover more about neighbouring Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where the largest seasonal groupings of manta rays are waiting amidst UV corals and the occasional whale shark too.

The highlight of this gorgeous hotspot is the bird’s nest bar – Haali, from which the sun sets directly in your eyeline, dipping below the horizon in a stunning display of shadows and light that only the Maldives is renowned for. Sitting below is a bar with swing seating that will give even the most travelled, the ‘wish you were here’ feels.

At 18.5 hectors, Dhigali is a large island for the area and the resort’s 8 room categories are all fully equipped, contemporary hideaways that offer seducing views of the Indian Ocean.

Dhigali’s dip away from the norm also extends to its various cuisine options (there’s no Teppanyaki tables here…) from exploring the spices of Asia, to the classic tastes of Europe and traditional Maldivian flavours, with a real focus on fresh Asian dishes at the infamous Battuta.

There’s a real jungle vibe throughout the island, having only relocated 30% of its natural foliage during the build, the Dhigali Spa is a hidden amongst the trees in a lush sanctuary with 12 treatment rooms all offering indigenous therapies and healing traditions. This is the ultimate place to lay back and start paying back your body.

Fitness

Testing Out: The Most Luxurious Gym In Dubai

Posted on May 1, 2017

Now I know what you’re thinking… why would you need a luxury gym? Surely you’re just going to be worried about sweating on all the nice furniture? Well this is what I thought, I worried that i’d be doing burpees on a white fluffy carpet before I got there. Let me assure you, The Gym, Dubai’s newest fitness hotspot is as high-tech and as white walled as the most luxurious hotel gym, without the hospital vibes.

I’m not a gym go-er per se, i’m more of a class/sport fan, but an hour with Maxine, one half of The Gym’s founding fitness PT’s, I was sold on the idea of one-to-one training. Not only did I get a much more concentrated session, but because the focus was all on me, I knew that the results would be tailored to fit also.

We focused on a HIIT workout that started with kettelbell swings, moved on to box jumps, pull up’s and burpees, as well as ladder push up’s and ropes… to name but a few and repeating this circuit twice.

The gym itself is set up into the different muscle group training areas – from arms, to legs and of course mixed fitness.

To top it all off, there’s the ‘Muscle Bar’, where you’ll get served with protein shakes, juices and of course healthy food for your post-session recovery. The bathroom too has got to be one of the most beautiful i’ve ever come across! From gilded shower’s to fully stocked parlours, you could get lost in there for hours!

travel

Kurumba: An Underwater Haven

Posted on March 31, 2017

If it’s the fish you fancy most about the Maldives and its abundant blue ocean, then the underwater world at Kurumba is for you. Named Vihamanaafushi after the word for coconut, this diver’s paradise opened back in 1972 and is one of the longest running resorts in all the atolls. Kurumba began with just 30 rooms that were all constructed using local materials with walls made from coral stone and roofs composed of palm thatch. It’s close to Male airport in the North, which makes it even more appealing for the weekend warrior.

There’s a much more relaxed and casual atmosphere here, as apposed to the other often-intimidating 5* resorts in the area, it’s perfect for families or for the solo traveller looking for a bit of winter sunshine.

Currents and reef at this time of year bring with it an abundance of fish feeding on plankton – the current moves around the island with a strong pull and limits your efforts snorkeling so you wont get exhausted quickly, you can just enjoy the ride and take in the array of aquatic action.

The reef here is less damaged than the rest of the Maldives, with less bleaching affecting the corals as apposed to the more southern atolls. Sky blue lagoons and darker reef drops are visibly different in vibrancy to the deeper turquoise shallows elsewhere.

Expect to get up close and personal with the local black tip sharks, barracuda, eels and a few house reef turtles too. There’s an app in the Maldives that’s used by the marine biologists across the islands to help identify turtles, whale sharks, manta’s and stingrays, with just a couple of close up shots, you can determine if you’ve stumbled across a newbie (which you get to name) or if they’re locals and have been named before!

For those looking to keep their head above water for a bit longer to enjoy the beautiful weather… the spa on Kurumba is a breathe of fresh air. Take in a signature massage for an hour to truly enjoy your time off. If like me you’re looking to stay a little more active in between your snorkeling sessions, sign up for a sunrise yoga with their dedicated island instructor and wake up with a little extra good energy.

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