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As we enter into the last few weeks of 2024, things aren’t slowing down any time soon, particularly in the region.
From fashion exhibition launches to new restaurant openings to the latest in beauty, the Middle East is well and truly booked and busy.
As always, GRAZIA is here to keep you in the know with the latest rumblings in the region in this edition of ICYMI.
SOTHEBY’S TO HOST FIRST INTERNATIONAL AUCTION IN KSA
In a landmark event, Sotheby’s is set to host its first-ever international auction in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant moment in the Kingdom’s expanding cultural scene. The exclusive auction, titled Origins, will take place in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of the Saudi state, located near Riyadh. Scheduled for February 8, 2025, this inaugural auction will feature a curated selection of art and luxury items, including rare works by celebrated Saudi and international artists, alongside a range of jewellery, watches, and collectibles. This milestone highlights the Kingdom’s growing prominence in the global art world.
OKHTEIN UNVEILS ITS FIRST STORE IN THE GCC IN DUBAI
Luxury Egyptian brand Okhetin has opened its first-ever GCC store in Dubai at City Walk. Founded by sisters Aya and Mounaz Abdelraouf, the brand is known for its exceptional fusion of traditional Arab craftsmanship and contemporary design. The boutique showcases exclusive pieces from their Gold Collection, which includes bags crafted from luxurious materials such as goat skin, cowhide, and suede, finished with gold and palladium-plated hardware. This opening marks a significant milestone in Okhetin’s decade-long journey, bringing their unique blend of regional pride and global appeal to Dubai.
The Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition
The Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition makes its debut at the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh, running from November 21, 2024 to April 2, 2025, as part of Riyadh Season 2024. An unparalleled event, it celebrates the deep-rooted ties between Dior and Saudi Arabia. Curated by Florence Müller and brought to life through the visionary scenography of Nathalie Crinière, this captivating retrospective unveils over seventy-five years of daring creativity, all inspired by the pioneering genius of Christian Dior.
ZUMA TO OPEN ITS DOORS IN RIYADH THIS DECEMBER
World-renowned contemporary Japanese izakaya resturant, Zuma, is set to open in Riyadh this December.. Partnering with MJS Holding, Saudi Arabia’s leading hospitality management company, Zuma Riyadh will offer an elegant lounge, a glamorous bar, and a stage for lively entertainment. Known for its exquisite culinary offerings, Zuma will bring its renowned Japanese gastronomic experience to the Kingdom, adding another dining option to Riyadh’s rapidly growing culinary scene. Reservations are set to open this month.
ELIE SAAB APPOINTS MARINA RAPHAEL AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF HANDBAGS
Elie Saab, the iconic Lebanese couture house, is expanding its accessory offerings with the appointment of Marina Raphael as Artistic Director of Handbags. This move marks the first time the brand has appointed a separate creative director for this category, highlighting its commitment to growing its handbag line. Raphael, who brings a fresh perspective to the brand while staying true to the house’s roots in elegance and craftsmanship, will debut her first collection at Elie Saab’s Haute Couture Show in Paris in January 2025.
DUBAI SUSHI CLUB X NOBU BY THE BEACH UNVEILS SECOND CAPSULE COLLECTION
Dubai Sushi Club and Nobu By The Beach have launched their second limited-edition capsule collection, celebrating Nobu’s 30th anniversary. Formed in LA in 2021, the exclusive streetwear collaboration between the legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa and designer Chris Stamp features earth tones and natural greens. The new line includes logo t-shirts, swimming trunks, and headwear, offering a unique fusion of culinary artistry and fashion. The capsule collection is available for purchase at a pop-up at Nobu By The Beach, Atlantis The Royal.
CHAUMET PRESENTS LUXURIOUS NATURE-INSPIRED JEWELLERY EXHIBITION IN QATAR
Chaumet is showcasing a luxurious nature-inspired jewellery exhibition in Qatar in collaboration with Qatar Museums, M7, and Qatar Creates. The Chaumet & Nature exhibition, which runs until December 19, presents a sensory journey through the wonders of nature, with jewels inspired by organic forms and patterns. Chaumet’s masterpieces, created since 1780, are on display alongside pieces from Qatar Museums, celebrating the enduring ties between Qatar and France.
THE FRONT ROW STUDIOS LAUNCHES ITS FW24 COLLECTION
The Front Row Studios has launched its highly anticipated FW24 collection, titled “The Business of Pleasure”. The collection redefines modern femininity by blending sensuality and strength through timeless pieces such as tailored bootcut trousers, structured box coats, and flowing satin skirts. Drawing inspiration from the cool edge of ’90s New York, the polished elegance of the 2000s office siren, and the unapologetic confidence of the 2020s boss woman, this collection is an ode to the modern woman who is bold, sophisticated, and confident.
OLAPLEX RELEASES BOND SHAPER CURLING TREATMENT
Haircare leader Olaplex has unveiled its revolutionary Bond Shaper Curling Treatment in the Middle East, a cutting-edge, three-step salon service designed to enhance the natural beauty of curls, waves, and coils. The treatment strengthens, shapes, and locks in curls without the use of heat or rods, using the brand’s signature Bond Building Technology. Unlike traditional perms, the treatment is free of harsh chemicals, such as silicones and formaldehyde, offering a gentle yet effective way to revitalise and restore hair, leaving it hydrated and full of definition.
The products are now available on Eideal
