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      Aman New York is the perfect mix of peace and fast-paced

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      Life

      by Amy Sessions
      2 hours ago

      East meets West and old meets new. Manhattan’s iconic Crown Building is reimagined as Aman New York, where the city’s original architectural splendour and Aman’s harmonious design language collide, projecting the inimitable tranquillity of Aman in the heart of Manhattan’s midtown. It boasts a year-round Garden Terrace, flagship Aman Spa and spacious suites that are among the largest in the city.
      The Stay
      Among the most spacious in the city, Aman New York’s Suites and Signature Suites are inspired by the airy architecture of Aman’s properties in Southeast Asia. Ideal for business or leisure guests alike, they offer never-before experienced sense of sanctuary in the very heart of Manhattan’s midtown – an invitation to switch off from the outside world. From the Junior Suite on Fifth Avenue to the Aman Suite, each offers a functioning fireplace, a first in New York City, while bathrooms (the dividing doors alone took two years to design) are opulent and oversized with oval soaking bathtubs designed to deliver peace at the end of a busy day.

      The Dining
      Bringing Aman’s eastern roots to one of the West’s greatest cities, Nama celebrates the Japanese washoku dining tradition with authentic, uncomplicated and elegant dishes that champion the world’s finest produce. The restaurant also features a Japanese Hinoki wood counter for hosting omakase fine dining experiences.
      The Wellness
      In the heart of Manhattan, Aman Spa New York reaches new, uncharted heights in the city, epitomising the phrase urban sanctuary with over 2,300 square metres (25,000 square feet) of space dedicated to wellbeing. Bringing to life the fullest expression of Aman’s health and wellness concept yet, it offers unmatched facilities including two luxurious private Spa Houses, along with transformative experiences and cutting-edge wellness and performance science, acting as a wellspring for enhanced wellbeing beyond its physical boundaries. Occupying the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors, Aman Spa New York is imbued with a deeply contemplative ambience designed using natural materials to create a grounding environment. Every detail has been carefully considered to ease guests along their wellness journey, whether consulting with a functional and integrative medical doctor, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner or experienced Physiotherapist.

      The Hero Experience
      A quintessential New York concept reimagined by Aman, the Jazz Club brings a sense of occasion back to Midtown Manhattan in speakeasy style. Nightly live performancesinclude jazz, alongside a range of other genres that stem from this great class of music, while an array of New York DJs invoke the energy of celebration and the nostalgia of years-goneby. Whether you’re usually in bed at 9pm or not, this is a must visit while you’re in the city that never sleeps. You won’t regret it.
      May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      5 Tips To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

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      Do you ever feel like your stomach is doing backflips and your palms are all sweaty just from thinking about speaking in public? Well, you’re not alone. For so many of us, speaking in front of a group can trigger a fight or flight response that makes us want to sprint in the opposite direction. Especially since we’ve now become so accustomed to Zoom meetings and remote positions, public speaking is arguably more nerve-wracking than ever. But with the right tips and tricks, you can stand at that podium or in front of that boardroom with Beyonce-type confidence in no time. From deep breathing exercises to actually visualizing success, we’ve got you covered with effective strategies that will make you feel like a pro in front of any audience. Here are 7 of our go-to tips and tricks for the job:

      5 Tips To Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

      1. Become an Expert in Your Topic
      When it comes to public speaking, knowledge is power. Although it sounds a bit obvious, it’s a crucial point to remember: the more you know about your topic, the more confident you’ll be when presenting it to others. So, be sure to research your topic thoroughly and gather as much information as possible. This can mean reading articles or books, watching videos related to your topic, talking to experts in the field, or even attending relevant events to gain new insights. Go above and beyond in your research—there is literally no such thing as being too prepared! This will not only boost your confidence but also make your presentation more interesting and informative for your audience. All in all, be the know-it-all.

      2. Prepare an Outline or Create a Notecard
      Organization is key when it comes to delivering a successful speech or presentation. Creating an outline or note card can help you stay on track, and keeps you from getting lost in your thoughts or choked up from nerves. What makes a successful notecard, you may ask? First and foremost, you obviously want to avoid reading everything you’re saying word for word off a piece of paper. So, start by brainstorming your key points and most prominent supporting information, then take the time to organize them in a logical sequence that flows well and makes sense to your audience. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect on the first try, as you can always revise and refine it as you practice. Not only will this help you stay organized and focused, but it can also alleviate some of the extra stress and anxiety that comes with public speaking. If one of your biggest fears is drawing a blank, then this tip is your best friend. 

      3. Make That Eye Contact
      Eye contact is not only important for building a connection with your audience, but it also helps you keep them engaged and focused on your presentation. Staring at your notes or the floor throughout your speech will make the audience’s attention wander elsewhere, like their phones or what type of sandwich they’re going to get on their lunch break. By making eye contact, you let your audience know that you care about them and their presence in the room. No one wants to have a conversation with someone who couldn’t care less about them, right? If you’re feeling nervous about making eye contact, start with small groups of people or even practice in front of a mirror (cheesy, but it really does help!). And don’t be afraid to smile or show a bit of personality when making eye contact. It’ll make you seem more confident and therefore get into a better, more natural groove. The goal is to make a connection with your audience, and making eye contact is key for that aspect.

      4. Practice Deep Breathing Techniques
      Ever since we were little kids, we’ve been told to take a deep breath when we need to calm down. And guess what? It works. When we get nervous, our breaths become shallow and rapid, which can increase our anxiety and make us feel even more anxious. So by practicing deep breathing, you can calm your nerves and reduce stress, which ultimately leads to a stronger, more confident speech or presentation. Before you begin, take a few moments to focus on your breaths, and breathe in slowly through your nose and fill your lungs with air. Hold your breath for a few seconds and then release it slowly through your mouth, and repeat this process several times to allow your whole body to loosen up and feel relaxed. If you start to feel nerves creeping up while you’re speaking, find a good moment for a natural pause and get in one good breath. Staying grounded is everything, and breathing is one of the best ways to do it. 

      5. Visualize & Manifest Your Success
      It’s time to be your own hype girl. If you go into a situation insisting that it’s gonna go horribly, chances are that’s way more likely to happen. Visualizing a successful speech or presentation and telling yourself that you’re gonna nail it can help you mentally prepare by creating a positive mental image of yourself delivering it with ease. Leading up to the big moment, try to visualize yourself standing in front of your audience, feeling calm, collected, and confident. Imagine your voice is strong and clear, and that your audience members are engaged and captivated by your points. Give yourself some positive affirmations, and know that you’re going to do the absolute best that you can. Public speaking is very much a mental game, so if you genuinely believe you’re going to nail it, you probably will. Now go own that podium. 

      Networking Works: Here’s How One Connection Changed My Entire Career More

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      11 fabulous things to do in the UAE this weekend

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      Your ultimate weekend guide in the UAE, May 5 to 7, 2023.
      Soak up the sun

      Don’t miss out on the vibrant fusion restaurant of Gallery 7/40 where design and culinary art meet. With exceptional dishes such as Spanish tapas and Greek coastal cuisines, visitors can opt for a dreamy sunbed experience with beachside bites. From tuna tartar to fresh souvlaki, visitors have more than enough options from the restaurant’s expansive menu. Open daily from 10am to 3am, this vibrant hotspot will ensure you can lay back in the sun and take in the magnificent views that the city has to offer. In a world where art and culinary expertise collide, this one-of-a-kind beach haven is exactly where you need to be.
      For more information visit gallery740.com
      Watch the Backstreet Boys live

      If you haven’t yet purchased tickets to watch the Backstreet Boys live this weekend in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, Hilton Abu Dhabi now has a way for you to watch them last minute. The package price for two people including tickets, taxes and two nights’ stay (between May 6 to 8 or May to 9) is Dhs4,080. And because it’s the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, you also get access to one of the Yas Theme Parks for each night of your stay. As the full categories of tickets have been sold, this is an opportunity to see them live and experience the global pop royalty during their DNA World Tour.
      For more information visit Hilton.com
      Brunch it up

      Zuma’s award-winning Baikingu Brunch is back in Dubai with a warm ambience and an array of delectable dishes featuring live Sushi and Robata stations including a variety of hot and cold dishes to choose from. Featuring sushi, sashimi and maki rolls, this mouth-watering brunch is not one to miss out on. Starting from Dhs595 for the soft drinks and cleansers, the brunch takes place from 12:30pm onwards every Saturday. Located at Gate Village, Building 3, this chic Japanese restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
      For more information visit zumarestaurants.com
      A menu refresh

      Fi’lia has officially welcomed their new headchef, Celia Stoecklin. Working in Michelin-starred restaurants and honing her skills alongside world-renowned chefs has elevated her culinary background and allowed her to perfect her techniques. Chef Stoecklin’s menu is set to tantalise the taste buds of all guests. From Carpaccio to Orata, there’s a host of new dishes to try with the restaurant’s fresh ingredients and enticing flavours. With her innovative take on Italian cuisine, this restaurant is one to visit this weekend.
      For more information visit filia.com
      Pamper yourself

      The salon has been redesigned to feature a sleek, minimalistic, earthy look with Middle Eastern accents while continuously offering top-of-the-line services. From an array of treatments such as blowdries to manicures, customers are spoiled for choice at the salon. These unique services combined with the award-winning SNOB team’s friendly approach and attention to detail, make SNOB one of the most premium relaxing and pampering sanctuaries in the region. Additionally, new state-of-the-art services and sought-after brands have been included, such as Milkshake, Codex, Davines and Elemis. This little getaway is located in the heart of Jumeirah and promises an indulgent self-care session for all those who visit.
      For more information visit snob.ae
      Try a delectable beachside breakfast

      Koko Bay promises an indulgent breakfast unlike every before, Packed with premium ingredients and flavours, there’s a host of vegan-friendly options on the menu, new cocktails, an elevated grape and spirit list. Some hero dishes include the avocado toast, eggs benedict, French toast and more. As the weather is still cool, Koko Bay, located on Palm West Beach is the ideal place to go. Inspired by the beaches of the Far East, this Modern beachside spot also promises a selection of craft cocktails including savoury dishes to complement them.
      For more information visit kokobay.co
      Book the ultimate spa-cation

      Amidst the busy schedule, finding some quiet time for yourself can go a long way to feel rejuvenated for the week ahead. With the city’s unending offerings of rejuvenating treatments ranging from a Balinese massage to lymphatic drainage, you’re sure to be walking out feeling like a completely new person. These holistic therapies are conducted by expert professionals and to help you choose, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the spas to make a booking ASAP in Dubai. From One & Only Royal Mirage to the newly opened Atlantis The Royal, there’s a must-try spa in every area of Dubai.
      Savour Mexican food at home

      Burro Blanco, UAE’s iconic, homegrown joint known for its focus on Mexican-inspired street food, is celebrating its 5th anniversary and Cinco de Mayo. To mark this milestone and celebration, the restaurant will be serving up its famous, customized burritos for only Dhs5. The Dhs customized burritos will be available on all dine-in and pickup orders on May 5th from four of Burro Blanco’s participating branches, noting that delivery orders from these locations, including Khalidiya, Masdar, Business Bay, and Motor City, will be closed for the day. With its focus on quality ingredients, attention to customer service and experience, and a menu that mixes the best Mexican-inspired food, Burro Blanco has become the go-to burrito joint in the United Arab Emirates.
      For more information visit burroblanco.ae 
      Book a fine-dining experience

      With an immersive dining experience, this Italian restaurant is located on the rooftop of the popular beach destination, SAN Beach, on West Palm Beach. The sophisticated interiors are inspired by the ‘60s and ‘70s era of the Italian Riviera, to promise the ultimate cityscape. From delectable dishes such as freshly made pastas, pizzas and breads, customers can experience laid-back authentic-style dining with dishes crafted to perfection. The restaurant offers two dining concepts – an indoor dining area with a front-row view of the open kitchen, and a beachside dining area with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island. The open floor plan of the restaurant includes a customised marble bar, a large open kitchen, and a wine cellar that offers some of the finest picks from Italy. Loren Ristorante evokes a luxurious and chic, yet sophisticated atmosphere, emulating the ambience of a refined Italian coastal dining experience.
      For more information visit lorenristorantedubai.com
      Shop for your favourite eyewear

      Optitalia Group, one of the GCC’s leading companies in the distribution of eyewear, is proud to announce Vision Industry, a revolutionary optical concept store that is set to make a real splash in the eyewear space. Now open in Mall of the Emirates, the brand offers a bespoke eyewear service with over 60 brands ranging from Carrera to Dior and other brands. With a bespoke service to create your own eyewear from scratch, customers can now buy tailor-made products as per their preferences in case they can’t find it, Vision Industry will make it for them with fine Italian craftsmanship.
      Grab the latest copy of Emirates Woman

      For the cover, we have partnered with Blacklane, a luxury brand synonymous with a top-tier approach to saving time, with a dedicated team of professional Academy-trained chauffeurs that allow you to maximise your travel time. We also focus on the timeless craft of watchmaking in this issue from an edit of the most outstanding novelties at the annual Watches and Wonders in Geneva in The Watch Addict, to discussing the art of watch collecting with Melika Yazdjerdi, Co-founder of Perpétuel and Ashfields Consultancies in Time to Begin. Private Label London tell us how the secure impossible-to-find pieces in A Rare Breed, and Christie’s Remy Julia discusses the art of the watch auction process in Timeless Investments. Beauty and lifestyle wise, we compile an edit of anti-aging products that deliver results in Turn Back Time, we look at innovative designs that make the best long-term investment pieces in The Pad, and we ask some of the most incredible women we know how they optimise time and what wisdom time has brought to their lives in Priceless Time.
      May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now
      Images: Supplied & Instagram @zoewitherspoon More

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      8 new shows and movies to watch on Netflix this May

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      18 mins ago

      If you’ve had a long week of serious work commitments, unwinding in front of the TV and watching Netflix feels like the perfect plan.
      Curl up on your couch, stock up on your favourite snacks and drinks and let the binge watch marathon begin. But if you’re one of those people who cannot decide what to watch in time and ends up browsing and watching trailers for hours, we’ve sorted you out.
      Selecting the best content dropped in May so far, here’s a list of the top 8 movies and shows you can watch on Netflix while relaxing in the comfort of your homes this weekend.
       Queen Charlotte a Bridgerton story
      [embedded content]
      The Bridgerton prequel focuses on Queen Charlotte’s marriage to King George of England and their epic love story.
      Tu Jhoothi Main Makar
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      Mickey played by Ranbir Kapoor helps couples to break up for some extra cash, things go south when he falls in love with Tinni (Shraddha Kapoor) a career oriented woman with a mind of her own.
      Working Moms
      [embedded content]
      In this final season, Kate (Catherine Reitman) navigates challenges at work and at home. Through all the chaos, her group of mom friends always stick by her side — all while juggling their own struggles.
      Sweet Tooth 2
      [embedded content]
      This is a journey of a boy who is part human and part deer. The show follows his adventure in a post-apolcalyptic world where he searches for home and family.
      Jewish Matchmaking
      [embedded content]
      Just like its Indian counterpart, Jewish Matchmaking is all about finding love in an arranged setup. Singles from the Jewish community, who are having a hard time finding a partner, seek for help from Aleena Ben Shalom to find them their perfect match.
      A tourist’s Guide To Love
      [embedded content]
      When work brings an American travel executive to Vietnam, her life takes an unexpected turn and opens her pathway to an adventurous life. The movie follows this young woman’s journey of embracing her new life and curveballs it comes with.
      Welcome To Eden Season 2
      [embedded content]
      In lure of an epic party, a group of young individuals whisk away to a deserted island. Little do they know the danger, mystery and entrapment that awaits them.
      The Tailor
      [embedded content]
      A famous tailor begins to sew his best friend’s fiance’s wedding dress, but all three of them are holding on to secrets which will later wreak havoc on their lives.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @athiyashetty More

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      Hôtel des Horlogers is a must-visit destination for Audemars Piguet aficionados

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      4 hours ago

      Hôtel des Horlogers, which literally translates to the hotel of watchmakers, is a tribute to the surrounding landscape and a meeting point for local and international watchmaking, architecture and nature lovers.
      Inspired by the Vallé de Joux, one of the cradles of Swiss watchmaking, Hôtel des Horlogers opened its doors in the village of Le Brassus, where its predecessor, the Hôtel de France, settled in 1857. It is thoughtfully designed by global architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and realised by the Swiss architecture office CCHE, two partners who also signed the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet situated a few steps away.
      Departing from the usual codes of hotel architecture, Hôtel des Horlogers’ zigzagging architecture descends towards the surrounding meadows and seamlessly integrates into the Vallée de Joux’s pastoral landscape. Inside, the simple lines and refined language of the contemporary lobby contrast with the more sinuous and rustic architectural elements that visitors can admire.
      The superior boutique hotel takes on a holistic and sustainable approach and is echoed from the building development to its day-to-day operations to reduce its environmental impact.

      The Stay
      Having been inspired by the beauty of the Risoud Forest, which borders the valley, Danish architect Bjarke Ingels conceived the hotel so that all the rooms would offer a breathtaking view of the region. Made of local materials such as stone and wood, the interior design imagined by AUM invites guests to take their time and connect with the surrounding environment. The 50 rooms, varying from the Valley Guest Room to the Signature Suite, expertly blend quality, comfort and conviviality.

      The Dining
      Le Gogant restaurant presents a refined local cuisine by French three-Michelin-starred Chef Emmanuel Renaut that relies on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients for a unique exploration of the senses.
      The Hero Experience
      As part of the hotel’s watchmaking packages, guests can explore Audemars Piguet’s savoir-faire during a guided tour of the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet. Located a few steps away from the hotel, the ultra-contemporary pavilion displays Audemars Piguet’s rich cultural heritage with a display of 300 timepieces spanning over 150 years of history.
      Other guided tours for nearby prestigious horological landmarks such as the Espace Horloger, Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture or the AstroVal observatory are available in these packages.
      May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: CCHE More

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      New Schengen-style visa for GCC countries will ease travel across the region

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      31 mins ago

      The Schengen-style approach will allow travellers to roam across all GCC countries in a hassle-free manner.
      Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. After this change is implemented, tourists from across the globe can plan a trip to all these countries without worrying about multiple visas.

      The important announcement came under light at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Bahrain said,”We see that happening very soon because we see people flying from abroad to Europe usually spending their time in several countries rather than in one country. We really saw the value this can bring not to each country but all of us.”
      Pointing to last year’s FIFA World Cup as a successful “test pilot” in terms of GCC collaboration, she further added, “We have huge opportunity, the effort is in how to unify all the countries in the GCC. We had 9.9 million visitors in 2022. How? There was one key initiative that year, we started to co-promote Bahrain as a unified destination with the GCC.

      With tourism becoming a major money-making arm across GCC, this initiative will further accelerate the revenue that travellers bring in.
      While there is yet to be an announcement about the offical implementation and the timeline, but so far, this unified effort feels like a step in the right direction.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      Etihad and Emirates collaborate to give travellers to the UAE a flexible itinerary option

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 mins ago

      With the new deal signed both tourists and residents now have a flexible travel option in the UAE.
      For a seamless return from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, customers from each airline cab now have this option when they purchase a return ticket from either Emirates or Etihad. With tickets from either of the airlines, customers can choose which airport to arrive at.
      Known as an ‘interline agreement’, this partnership came into light at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) by representatives of both airlines. As the first of its kind, it allows you to buy a ticket to either Dubai or Abu Dhabi and return seamlessly via the other airport.
      With the purpose of attracting more visitors by developing inbound interline traffic from select points in Europe and China. As a means to cater to the influx of tourism and cater to their needs, this collaboration is a one-of-a-kind partnership in the airline industry.

      The President of Emirates Airlines, Tim Clark said, “We are pleased to be working again with Etihad Airways – this time to allow each carrier to offer a new range of seamless travel options in and out of the UAE.”
      Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways echoed the same enthusiasm for the relationship, stating: “We’re delighted to partner with Emirates in our shared mission to support inbound tourism to the UAE and facilitate travel to our vibrant cities.”
      So, for an enhanced travel experience, this partnership promises a convenient itinerary for your next trip.
      For more information visit emirates.com and Etihad.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @emirates & @etihad More

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      Istituto Marangoni and GFX launch a large-scale clothing swap in UAE

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      46 mins ago

      Istituto Marangoni Dubai and Global Fashion Exchange (GFX) have come together to organize a clothing swap in the region.
      The idea behind this initiative is to attract students and consumers through the act of swapping clothing — which promotes sustainability and circularity through actions and not just mere words. The event will take place on May 4, between 4pm to 7.30pm at Istituto Marangoni, Dubai.
      The clothing swap project is a clever way of addressing the fashion industry’s sustainability issues. Through the act of swapping clothes, the participants can reduce their carbon foot print and make a contribution towards a more eco-conscious future.

      There’s no denying of the fact that the fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution and waste — it is not just essential but imperative to take collective action towards a more mindful future. This project will give the attendees an opportunity to come together and make a meaningful impact.
      To make the evening even more constructive, there will be a panel discussion led by Journalist and Author, Sujata Assomull, including Elena Marinoni, Director of Education at Istituto Marangoni Dubai, Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer, Chalhoub Group and GFX founder Patrick Duffy. The discussion will shed light on sustainable fashion and the importance of circular economy. Attendees can also participate in customization stations where they can learn how to “re-value” gently used items, and a photo booth where swap-goers can be photographed in their new looks.
      “The clothing swap project is a perfect example of how we can come together and take collective action towards sustainability. It is exciting to see institutions like Istituto Marangoni Dubai take a leadership role in promoting sustainable fashion practices, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this project,” shared Patrick Duffy, founder of Global Fashion Exchange.
      Join Istituto Marangoni Dubai and Global Fashion Exchange on 4th May at the Istituto Marangoni Campus located in DIFC Gate Village 8, and be part of this innovative initiative.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More