Save The Date

You are cordially invited to Gallery Ward's exhibition at Beirut Art Fair.They are proud to be taking part in the 5th edition of Beirut Art Fair, where they are showcasing a collection of contemporary Egyptian art that highlights the diversity of talents and aesthetics among Egyptian artists. The collection features works by seven of the country's most prominent artists: Ahmed Kassim, Armen Agop, Atef Ahmed, Ayman El Semary, Essam Marouf, Essam Darwish, and Nagla Samir.

Date     : 18 September - 21 September, 2014

Timings: 18 September (7PM)

Venue  : Beirut Exhibition & Leisure Center (BIEL), Hall 2.

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Designer Collaboration: Nadine Kanso X Plukka

Plukka is proud to announce it's collaboration with a Middle Eastern favorite, Bil Arabi by Nadine Kanso, which means ‘In Arabic’.The brand, which has been worn by countless celebrities including Eve, Eva Simons, Zaha Haddid, Elissa, Julianne Moore, Kylie Minogue, Dita Von Teese and more, truly captures the essence of the modern Arab identity in the 21st century as she sees it – unique, unavoidable and with a will to be seen and heard.

Plukka, which is the premier online retail destination for luxury, creativity, and extraordinary value in fine jewelry, officially launched in Dubai early January 2014, and is fast becoming a favorite with fine jewelry lovers in the region.Bil Arabi's latest collection includes rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and cufflinks that draw on the inherent beauty, calligraphic shape and lyricism of the Arabic alphabet, will be available online exclusively on Plukka.com.Using yellow, white and rose gold, along with dazzling precious and semi precious stones, Kanso's funky twist is apparent, creating a new contemporary visual language that nestles comfortably on the hand, wrist, ear or dangles elegantly from the neck.

Bil Arabi will also be launching a specially designed cuff that will be exclusive to Plukka and available only through the online fine jewelry retailer.The name of the cuff, "Ya 3ein" is a term of endearment, uttered when faced with dazzling beauty.It is a word that is sung in many Arabic songs and spoken to ward of the evil eye, which is the centerpiece of the rose gold cuff with a beautiful sapphire and diamonds surrounding it.

“This piece is for the well travelled woman who embraces culture, someone who appreciates the beauty of language and Arabic calligraphy as an art and design piece, looking beyond the ‎literal meaning” says Nadine Kanso.“Most of Bil Arabi pieces are worn day to night and this one is no exception.Today's ladies love glamour and bespoke pieces, and this exclusive piece is just perfect for that attitude.”

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*Photo: Courtesy of Nadine Kanso/Bil Arabi & Plukka

First Look: Evita Peroni Almost Famous Collection

Evita Peroni, the world leading hair accessories brand, introduced their luxurious scarves this season.With Pantone colours of rich Aurora Red, Misted Yellow, Royal Blue and Sangria all taking centre stage this autumn, you are sure to find the perfect accessory to compliment any outfit.

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*Photo: Courtesy of Evita Peroni

Shout Out Of The Day: Barbie Lagerfeld Set To Launch On NET-A-PORTER.COM

Mattel, Inc. and KARL LAGERFELD announced the official global launch date and retail availability of the highly-anticipated collector doll, Barbie Lagerfeld.The Platinum-label Barbie doll will be offered in limited quantities through exclusive retail channels including; NET-A-PORTER.COM, select KARL LAGERFELD retail stores,TheBarbieCollection.com, and Colette in Paris.The worldwide retail launch is set for Monday, September 29, 2014.

Taking inspiration from the designer's signature style, Barbie Lagerfeld is dressed in the designer's likeness with accents taken from the real KARL LAGERFELD line.Borrowing from Karl's iconic silhouette, the doll wears a tailored black jacket, white high-collared men's shirt with French cuffs and black satin cravat finished off with fitted black jeans featuring the iconic all-over head print.The exclusive doll is adorned in accessories that include black fingerless gloves, sunglasses, black ankle boots and a black leather purse with silver metallic accents.

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*Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter

Out & About: La Maison Du Chocolat's World Famous Truffles

Passion, rigour and savoir-faire are the driving force of the work, creation and excellence that is the taste of La Maison du Chocolat.For over thirty-seven years, the Parisian grand artisan and international luxury chocolatier has been crafting hand-made chocolates, and although acclaimed for its chocolate coated ganache bonbons, another of the Maison's bestsellers is it's signature truffles.

Invented by a French chocolatier in the late 1800's, truffles have since become a staple chocolate indulgence.La Maison du Chocolat's collection of silky, airy truffles are true testament to its ongoing quest for perfection and unique savoir-faire.A light and fluffy texture with a pronounced taste of chocolate, is achieved by a further emulsion added to the whipped ganache, which is then enrobed with a thin layer of chocolate and dusted with cocoa powder.

Presented in an elegant coffret, the all-natural plain and flavoured truffles leave nothing to be desired, and offering a true melt in your mouth experience.As with all La Maison du Chocolat creations, the flavours are perfectly balanced with a perfect proportion between the infusion and the chocolate.The sensations succeed one another, and do not overpower or overshadow each other.The taste must always end on a note of chocolate: 1- chocolate, 2- fruit, spice, or infusion, and finally 3- chocolate.

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*Photo: Courtesy of La Maison Du Chocolat

First Look: Tod's Gommino Spilla A/W 14 Collection

A DNA steeped in tradition, a long history of “Made in Italy”, all absorbed by Alessandra Facchinetti for the purpose of designing an endless stream of new chapters in the story.The designer has now introduced the new Spilla model of the iconic Tod's Gommino.

The Spilla model features a classic tailoring object.Transformed into an unexpected contemporary fastening, it becomes an unusual accessory that fits in just over the leather tassels: it can be removed and replaced, to personalize the iconic Gommino, as mood dictates.

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*Photo: Courtesy of Tod's

MV News: Learn The Art Of Handbag Design In Dubai With The London College Of Fashion

Fashionistas in general and handbag lovers in particular will be excited to learn that the London College of Fashion is bringing to Dubai a Handbag Design Short Course this October.With accessories playing such a dominating role in the fashion industry within the Middle East, handbags leading the way, the course offering proves to be more valuable and in demand than ever.

From 8^th – 22^nd October 2014, LCF will brighten up the already gleaming Vida Hotel – Downtown with a variety of fashion short courses.Handbag Design, one of the most anticipated, focuses on how to create a handbag collection both creatively and practically.It includes researching and understanding the market, developing design ideas and where to manufacture the collection.

Tutor Ann Saunders couldn't fit in any better.Being an accessories designer specialised in handbags, she deals with entrepreneurs, designers and manufactures to create product ranges and advise on trends.Ann designed for Laura Ashley and the Arcadia Group (Miss Selfridge, Topshop and BHS), companies looking at accessories as means to add excitement to their offer.

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*Photo: Courtesy of London College Of Fashion

First Look: Tissot Glamorous 2014 Collection

The Tissot Glamorous certainly lives up to it's name.It is a true lady's watch with an elegance which can only come from a vintage design.The small oval 18-carat gold case, which encloses the mother-of-pearl dial with a minute track surrounded by beautiful old style Roman indices, further adds to the luxurious aspect of the timepiece.The Tissot Glamorous is the perfect watch if you are looking for something special, whether it is for a gift for a loved one or a real treat for yourself.This piece will most definitely convey class and sophistication to anyone who wears it.

The Tissot Glamorous has a high-fashion feel to it.And like on any runway, you will see various models within the collection; some with diamonds, some without.The bracelets also vary depending on the model, to suit every woman's unique style.They may prefer an all time-classic black leather strap, which will suit any occasion, or a pearlescent beige colour, for a more feminine touch.

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*Photo: Courtesy of Tissot

Shout Of The Day: Shop Your Favourite NYFW Looks Straight Off The Runway With The Moda Operandi App

It's that time of the year, when shopping the runways is just a click away.Moda Operandi is set to launch a series of trunkshows on it's website featuring Spring/Summer 2015 collections, which were just seen on the catwalk during NYFW.  

Download the Moda Operandi Android App (http://modaoperandi.com/app) to view your favourite designers' runway looks just hours after they are revealed and create a wish list of your favourite looks.The M'O app will later alert you once these collections are uploaded on the Moda Operandi site and available for pre-order, here! Shopping really doesn't get any better than this!

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*Photo: Courtesy of Moda Operandi

Beauty Flash: Human+Kind Multi-Tasking Shampoo & Body Wash

A lot of people are giving up on their sedentary lifestyle and heading to the gym or to classes to get in shape.But that commitment does not come easy.It is essential you wear the right clothes, carry the right gear and make the right choices for you to achieve the best results.We say why stop making the right choices after a good workout? Why not use the right products when you hit the gym shower too? 

The Human + Kind Shampoo+Bodywash is a 2 in 1 cleansing product designed to simplify your shower routine.This 99.6% natural product is SLS and paraben free and has not been tested on animals.Since it is designed to function as a shampoo, you have the option of choosing from a variety of three to suit your hair type. 

The Shampoo+Body Wash's also come with complementing hair conditioners that are designed to add further nourishment to your hair, which are also available in 250 ml tubes that are perfect to carry in your gym bag and for daily use.

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*Photo: Courtesy of Human+Kind Skincare

Beauty Buzz: Headpieces For The Glamorous Fashionista At JetSet

Now you can add the essential glam to your tresses with Aura's Headpiece collection created especially for JetSet.Aura is a brand designed for a detail-oriented fashionista who indulges in stylish embellishments.From casual beach days, to formal bridal events, these artisan creations are the ultimate way to add a fabulous touch to any occasion.

Available in a range of beautiful varieties, these head-turning headpieces are ideal to enhance any style, whether it's a fabulous up-do, a glamorous blowdry, or a fishtail braid! Enjoy a pampering experience at JetSet and top off your fabulous hair with an Aura adornment sure to turn heads around town! 

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*Photo: Courtesy of JetSet

                                                                 

First Look: Cruciani Tulle Milano Bag Collection

Cruciani C launched the much anticipated Tulle Milano Bag on July 26^th with queues of fans outside it's boutiques across the Italy.More than 2,000 tote bags have been sold within the first week, making the Tulle Milano bag one of the best selling products in Cruciani's history.

Cruciani C's Tulle Milano bag is a redesign of the classic leather Milano Bag.The tote bag is made of transparent tulle with exquisite detailing and embroidered with Cruciani's iconic four-leaf clovers.

There are two versions, both with leather handles: the large and roomy CITY is ideal for weekend trips, while the smaller PETITE is for everyday use.They come in numerous colors including red, green, orange, petroleum blue, fuchsia and beige.

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*Photo: Courtesy of Cruciani

Sale Alert

For one month starting mid-September, treat yourself to designer labels at a fraction of the cost as Hermione Boutique hosts a sale on select products for 30% of retail price.Choose from top designers such as: Clover Canyon, Barbara Bui, Bionda Castana, Jay Ahr, Torn by Ronny Kobo, Sly010, Marie France Van Damme and Pia Pauro.

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First Look: Kurt Geiger A/W 2014 Collection

Evoking the power of scarlet, print, texture and silhouettes, shoes are designed for the Kurt Geiger girl's taste in British traditions and the magic of fashion.Laced sandals and slippers with stars, stones and sparkle reflect the glittering water of the Grand Canal whilst an increase in brown, tan and earthy tones, cuddly shearling and suede protect you in the great English outdoors.  

New Chelsea boots, Derbies and Go-Go boots ensure that the flat ankle boot and over the knee styles continue to be all the rage.Flats get the fantasy treatment too with stilettos, slippers and skaters in touchy feely velvet with brooches and bows.

Crimson sets a darker mood for accessories with saffiano leather bags crafted in classic shapes in shades of scarlet, oxblood and hot pink; as well as a rich wine python print.This season the ‘London’ saffiano bag is introduced with a limited edition hand painted Venetian lace print, echoing the Kurt Geiger London lace shoes.

Exclusively for the Middle East the Carvela collection will offer an edited series of styles with rhinestones, shine and sparkle.Fairytale courts with encrusted bows, mules that shimmer and block heel sandals boasting an intricate lattice upper; this season's shoes reflect in both silver and gold with accents of black and nude.  

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*Photo: Courtesy of Kurt Geiger

Save The Date

Ayyam Gallery London is pleased to announce Improbable Possibilities, a forthcoming solo show of British-Iraqi artist Athier.Applying theoretical physics as part of its conceptual basis, the exhibition will feature a recent series of paintings that offer visual interpretations of parallel dimensions and their access points, while exploring the notion of absolutes and the potential of imagined realities.

Initially inspired by readings in string theory, Athier has created three distinct but related bodies of work, dividing his aesthetic investigation into a succession of visualised phenomena: Push and Pull, The Cut and Eternal Balance.Collectively, the artist's new paintings present a point of departure for a broader envisioning of solutions for the present and futuristic passageways to the unknown. 

The painterly journey through space-time begins with canvases dominated by dynamic architectural elements and fluid tubular forms.These intersecting facets are bookended by entry and exit points: wormholes that the artist describes as, ‘an attempt to imagine the unimaginable as pure energy moving from one space through to another.’ In each painting, overlapping planes support a suspended transfer of energy, as the composition becomes the site of unconstrained forces. 

Date         : 18 September - 21 October, 2014

Timings    : 18 September (6PM - 9PM)

Venue       : 143 New Bond Street, 1st Floor, W1S 2TP, London. 

Telephone: +44(0)2074093568

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Sale Alert

Virgule is your online one-stop-shop for the perfect gift this Eid-Al-Fitr and with 25% off the entire collection why would you need to look anywhere else?

Gift your family and loved ones with something different this Eid from Virgule's stunning collection of gifts including home wares, fashion, accessories and everything in between.Virgule has the latest styles for you to update your look this Eid with handmade fashion pieces and accessories letting you stand out from the crowd this summer.

Offering same day delivery in the UAE, Virgule is perfect for any last minute gifts and now offering worldwide shipping, Virgule allows you to gift your friends and family in the West  with a taste of the East – use the code EID25% at the checkout from July 21 – July 31, 2014 to avail discount.

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Out & About: A New Season At Toko

TOKO Restaurant & Lounge, the award winning contemporary Japanese concept that revolutionised Japanese dining in Australia, has spread it's wings internationally with the opening of the first TOKO restaurant outside of Sydney, at the Vida Downtown in Dubai in February of this year.

Renown for it's impeccable presentation, TOKO's menu is ‘authentic yet modern’ and offers it's diners a contemporary interpretation of Japanese cuisine.Utilising unique and innovative techniques, Executive Chef Nasser Laziri and his team have created dishes that explore the harmony between taste and texture. 

Located in Downtown Dubai, with direct access from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, TOKO boasts a dining room, lounge and bar featuring lofty ceilings, an expansive and eloquent terrace, as well as a private dining room.This exceptional space on the ground floor of the luxury boutique Vida Downtown has been setting a new standard for the Dubai dining scene, and transforming the Japanese dining experience in Dubai.

The design of TOKO Dubai uses a minimalist neutral palette featuring beautiful natural timbers and streamlined joinery to create an impeccably detailed setting.After designing the Sydney location, the owners of TOKO approached Australian architect, Matthew Darwon, believing he was the only designer who could deliver such a welcoming and intimate environment, whilst sustaining a sense of the traditional aesthetics.

After opening it's doors in the trendy Sydney area of Surry Hills over six years ago, the TOKO brand has become an institution on the Sydney dining and social scene, as it is quickly becoming on the Dubai scene.TOKO has earned its place as an established and consistent dining experience, and one of the most popular and stylish bars, distinguished by it's intimate atmosphere, fashionable crowd and coveted cocktail menu.TOKO Sydney enjoys a stellar celebrity following with the likes of Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Hawkins and Baz Lurhmann all regular visitors, alongside international A-listers such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Vin Diesel, Salma Hayek, Jermaine Jackson and Nicole Kidman.

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*Photo: Courtesy of Toko Dubai