Photo: Supplied

The Middle East’s world of fashion, beauty and culture is an ever-revolving door.

From exclusive exhibitions to pop-ups galore to immersive experiences, the region is abuzz with creativity and innovation.

Stay in the loop with this edition of GRAZIA’s regional rundown, where we bring you all the must-know happenings in the Middle East and beyond.

GRAZIA Gathering in Celebration of Emirati Women’s Day

To mark Emirati Women’s Day, GRAZIA gathered 28 extraordinary women at the private villas of ERTH Abu Dhabi, reimagined with the refined Italian elegance of Brunello Cucinelli. The evening unfolded with an exclusive fashion presentation followed by a beautifully crafted dinner by Chef Maitha, whose menu paid tribute to Emirati culinary heritage while adding a contemporary twist. More than just a celebration, the gathering became a moment of connection and gratitude, honouring the women whose vision, creativity, and commitment continue to shape the UAE. Thoughtful gifts, generously provided by partner brands, offered a final touch of intimacy, reinforcing the spirit of community and cultural exchange that defined the night.

Michelle Williams Dazzles in Lebanese designer Dima Ayad at the Hamilton Premiere

Photo:  Michelle Williams poses during the New York Special screening of “Hamilton” at The Delacorte Theater on September 3, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)

In a striking moment for the house of Dima Ayad, Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Williams emerges as a muse in the SS25 collection while making her entrance at the Disney premiere of Hamilton in New York City. Williams wore an off-the-shoulder tulle-panelled sequined polka-dot satin maxi dress that radiated quiet confident glamour, a visual representation of the label’s vision of timeless elegance and inclusivity. The look embodies Ayad’s design ethos: where metallics meet movement, where silhouettes are always made to empower. Refined yet statement-making, the appearance represents a global spotlight moment for the Dubai-based and Lebanese designer whose vision continues to reach far beyond the region.

Renowned restaurant Carbone arrives in Dubai

Famed New York-based Italian restaurant Carbone is officially making its way to Dubai – and you can now book your table ahead of its launch. Set to open its doors at the Atlantis The Royal on October 6, Carbone will be bringing its beloved Italian flavour to the city with its own twist, of course. Known to be a hotspot for A-list celebrities, including Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Adele, Kanye West and more, Carbone will no doubt bring its glamour to the emirate. Watch this space.

Tower 28 launches in Sephora across the Middle East

Photo: Supplied

The viral California-born beauty brand, Tower 28, has announced the highly anticipated launch across Sephora Middle East. This is the brand’s official debut in the region across 55 stores. Founded with a mission to create a safe space for sensitive skin, Tower 28 is beloved for its clean, non-irritating formulas, high-performance makeup, and inclusive ethos. Becoming one of the most well known beauty brand flooding everyones social media feeds. Brand founder, Aim Liu shared heart warming message “We’re so excited to introduce Tower 28 to the Middle East through Sephora—a retailer that’s synonymous with innovation, diversity, and beauty leadership. From the start, our mission has been to create products that are safe for sensitive skin without compromising on performance. Launching in 55 Sephora Middle East locations is a dream come true, and we can’t wait to meet our new customers across the region. ”

 

Charlotte Tilbury’s brand new Dubai Mall boutique

Dubai beauty lovers, rejoice — Charlotte Tilbury has officially returned to The Dubai Mall, unveiling its brand-new boutique on August 28. Marking the brand’s fifth store in the UAE, the reopening is more glamorous than ever, swathed in Charlotte’s signature gold and pink dreamscape. Inside, expect beauty heaven: from a dedicated Pillow Talk corner to a luxe beauty boudoir where you can refresh your look or indulge in a flawless Tilbury makeover. Whether you’re restocking your magic icons or in need of a glow-up moment, the new boutique is the ultimate beauty destination. And yes, of course — GRAZIA takes you inside.

Pandora’s New Talisman Collection

Photo: Supplied

This autumn, Pandora turns a new page in its ever-evolving universe with the debut of the Pandora Talisman — a bold collection that redefines what it means to wear your story. Drawing inspiration from ancient coins, each piece transforms timeless symbols into modern-day artefacts — wearable art infused with meaning. Unlike traditional Pandora codes, the collection embraces the beauty of imperfection, weaving a narrative that feels both raw and deeply personal. The campaign’s call to action? “Wear the words you live by.” A sentiment that resonates far beyond jewellery.

Hourglass Charms Bar at Selfridges, London

Photo: Supplied

For those travelling to London, this one’s for you. This season, Hourglass is taking over Selfridges London with an exclusive new pop-up: the Charm Bar. Inspired by the brand’s love of fine jewellery and artistry, the experience celebrates the launch of the Ambient Lighting Edit: Charm palette — where beauty meets adornment. For the first time, beauty lovers can personalise their palette with magnetically attached charms, turning makeup into a keepsake as unique as the wearer. Available only in London — and only for a limited time — this pop-up is more than a shopping moment, it’s a playful immersion into Hourglass’s world of modern luxury.

Miley Cyrus becomes the first-ever face of Maison Margiela

In a first for the house of Maison Margiela, Miley Cyrus has officially become the “face” of the brand as it unveiled its FW25 Avant-Première Collection, entitled “Loved to Death”. In the campaign, Margiela plays with the notion of clothes being loved to death, instead of crinkled and ruined, a polished and maintained image is created, cared for beyond recognition. The brand tells a story about saving in salvaging your wardrobe and to treat it with care.

Maison Valentino Announces New CEO

Maison Valentino has officially appointed Riccardo Bellini as its new CEO, effective September 1. With a résumé that spans the helm of Maison Margiela, Chloé, and, most recently, as Managing Director at Mayhoola, Bellini brings a global perspective and a finely tuned understanding of the luxury market. His deep ties to the GCC raise intriguing possibilities: could this mark a new chapter for Valentino in the Middle East? As the brand looks to the future, Bellini’s vision may well reimagine the Maison’s legacy for a new generation of luxury lovers — both regionally and beyond.

SOTHEBY’S ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST AUCTION SERIES IN ABU DHABI

Photo: @sothebys and @sothebysjewels Instagram

This December, all eyes turn to Abu Dhabi as it hosts its very first Sotheby’s Marquee Auction Series – a moment that will cement the emirate’s position at the crossroads of culture, art, and luxury. In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Sotheby’s will unveil an exclusive programme of auctions and exhibitions from 2–5 December, drawing collectors and connoisseurs from around the globe. Expect to see some of the rarest treasures under the hammer – from a 2017 Pagani Zonda 760 Riviera to a 2010 Aston Martin One-77 (one of just 77 ever built). At the glittering centre of it all lies a jewellery collection valued at over $20 million, headlined by The Desert Rose – a show-stopping gem making its debut with an estimate of $5–7 million.

NEW ROUGE G MAJESTIC FEATHERS BY GUERLAIN

Photo: Supplied

This autumn, Guerlain takes flight with the Majestic Feathers Collection, a limited-edition launch for Fall 2025 inspired by the splendour of birds in nature. A symphony of jewel-bright colours, rich metallics and luminous textures, the collection reimagines the poetry of flight through beauty. At its heart is the Terracotta Peacock, a glowing palette that captures the iridescence of the bird’s statement feathers, alongside the Météorites Phoenix, a pearlescent harmony of vibrant and natural tones. The iconic Rouge G arrives in bold new shades of burnt sienna and playful magenta, while its case is transformed with limited-edition Songbird, Phoenix and Peacock prints.