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      Cartier elevates the everyday with their new range of accessories

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      Cartier, known for its unique collections of fine jewellery and watches explores everyday life, by bringing back old traditions with a refined edge. To mark the festive season, Cartier brings life to its covetable range of objects which is carefully curated for one and all.
      From luxe keyrings to premium pocket watches, the Maison’s codes have been imbued in the finishing of each product it creates. Whether you wish to say thank you or simply mark a special occasion, these keepsake gifts are sure to make everyday extraordinary while featuring the house’s well-known motifs.

      These pieces which become future family heirlooms are gifts to treasure for years to come as they are received in red boxes with joy as a gift, or when treating oneself. It’s an age-old tradition of taking an interest in everyday objects since 1880 continues till today even after having its own dedicated exhibition at Cartier New York.
      The hero buys for the festive season
      Trinket tray

      From Entrelacés de Cartier
      Snow Globe

      From Diabolo de Cartier
      Fragrance case

      From Diabolo de Cartier
      Solitaire game

      From the Panthère de Cartier collection
      To discover more visit cartier.com 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature image supplied  More

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      Fiona Leahy on playing the perfect host this festive season

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      December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
      The Gift Guide – Download Now 
      Fiona Leahy is a master at curating the perfect setting for dining in style. Having created incredible tablescapes for almost everyone in the luxury industry, Leahy has also conjured otherworldly designs for Middle-Eastern and rock royalty.
      What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
      I get up and bring the dogs into the garden then I make a celery juice. I have a celery juice every morning on weekdays, it’s my insurance policy for a good day.
      You started in an unusual way, tell us about the beginning of your career?

      Well, I started as a fashion stylist, then went into jewellery and became Assistant Creative Director for Garrard the jeweller. I became involved with throwing the parties for the brand, hired Dita von Teese for her first European performance, went on to do produce Dita’s wedding and fifteen years later the rest, as they say, is history!
      How did you know it was the right time to launch your own company and what were the stepping-stones to that point?
      It was serendipity. I never really set it up deliberately, there was no business plan. I started working in reaction to demand and I pretty much still am. I will say that being an entrepreneur is something that is instinctive and that you either want your own business or you want the security of a job. I have always loved working for myself so that would be a decisive stepping stone.
      You’ve created so many incredible tablescapes – do you have any which stand out for you?

      I love the Christmas tablescape that I designed for Emilia Wickstead. It was the perfect mix of feminine chintz and festivity. It was matchimal but also classic and I would totally happily sit at that table again a few years later. The wedding I designed for Krissy O’Neill in Positano is also a favourite. It was the first time I did matching print on print for a wedding and it was from the linens to the hand-painted plates all in blue and white. The tablescapes I love the most are the ones that were the hardest to pull off where everything had to be made from scratch. They become labours of love.

      What’s the key to curating the perfect dinner setting?
      I think planning and symmetry are key alongside with lighting, to me the perfect dinner setting is dimly lit with candlelight and you are transported momentarily to another place in time.
      Do you feel more drawn to the creative or the business side of the brand and how have you grown the team to support this?
      I really love both. Art and commerce need to co-exist. I learned early on that no matter how amazing the idea it always needs to make sense as a line item in a budget (That took me longer to figure out than I let on! I am probably more adept at the creative side and I am always drawn to fellow creatives, so I have had in the past predominantly creative team. Moving forward post-pandemic, I realise I need more business support so that is what my focus is from now on. Business support is everything!
      Do you have any mentors or guides and how does this help navigate the right path throughout life and your career?
      Nikki Tibbles from Wild at Heart is an incredible friend and mentor, who is in the same industry. The late David Collins was my very first mentor. It is such an important thing to have guidance and advice from someone you admire and respect.
      How has this year impacted the industry both positively and negatively?
      I haven’t had any real life events and I sadly needed to make a number of my team redundant as we had no real event work. Positively it has made me reassess how I work and allowed me to experiment differently with more intimate settings leading to other work in curation, tabletop influencing (yes that’s a thing) and design. I have also been busy on a new venture, during the last lockdown I was made Creative Director of Aquazzura Home so that is a huge positive.
      How has social media affected the luxury industry and which platform has been most useful?
      Instagram is hugely inspirational for the industry and has been a huge factor in my work. I think for most of us it is the immediate reference for so many things. We look, bookmark, shop. I think honestly Instagram has changed everything.
      What should you gift the host when attending a dinner?
      A beautiful candle, or I sometimes love to bring a monogram sourdough loaf with the host’s initials from Harrods.
      Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?
      @iamlaurajackson @skyemcalpine @fayedreamsalot @retrouviousAs well as a mix of interiors, food and window design accounts to keep me inspired.
      Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals?
      I usually have a magnesium salt candlelit bath, I light Palo Santo which I bought in bulk in Peru and I go to sleep listening to the Calm app. Matthew McConaughey’s bedtime story always sends me into a deep sleep, that or the sound of rain.
      If you were not on your current career path, which other role would you have chosen career-wise?
      I always wanted to be a buyer so I would say I would be a homeware buyer or an interior designer.
      This is The Party issue, where / how will you be celebrating this season?
      I hope to be going to Claridge’s for a sleepover with my girlfriends for my birthday in December. This symbolises, to me, the start of the festive session. For Christmas and NY I hope to be in Mexico, I love spending the festive season barefoot on the sand.
      What’s your secret to surviving party season and still looking flawless?
      Drinking celery juice and having sessions at The Light Salon and Facegym. I am also a huge infrared sauna fan and go to Glowbar at least twice a week. I feel like all these things fight inflammation which is the enemy of flawless. I do as much of the feel-good as I can.

      What is your go-to party outfit?
      I love a long vintage dress, accessorised with Alessandra Rich sparkly earrings. Aquazzura platform shoes (Sundance are my go-to for parties) and a fun clutch from Edie parker or Olympia le tan. I love capes and have a selection of vintage ones from one vintage … they help make a great entrance and exit!
      What is on your wishlist this festive season?
      I have redesigned my kitchen and on my wishlist is a wall of bespoke delft tiles. Honestly, every penny is going into my kitchen -no new clothes, a beautiful La Cornue pale blue range is even better!
      December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
      The Gift Guide – 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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      This star is officially the highest paid celebrity of 2020

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      The annual Forbes Celebrity 100 list has officially been released, revealing which stars made the most in 2020.
      Topping the list this year was makeup mogul Kylie Jenner, who reportedly earned $590 million this year alone.

      Despite topping the list herself, Jenner was the only female to make it into the top 10.
      She led the way by a significant amount, with her brother-in-law Kanye West taking the second spot with earnings of $170 million in 2020.

      Completing the top 10 was Roger Federer (3), Cristiano Ronaldo (4), Lionel Messi (5), Tyler Perry (6), Neymar (7), Howard Stern (8), Lebron James (9) and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson rounding off the top 10.
      The next female to appear on the Forbes 100 list was Ellen DeGeneres who ranked 12, and then Ariana Grande who ranked 17.
      Interestingly, the same publication who ranked Jenner in the number one spot was the same title who questioned her billionaire status earlier this year.
      In 2019, Forbes magazine declared Jenner was the youngest self-made billionaire due to the growth of her makeup empire Kylie Cosmetics, and featured the mogul on the cover of their publication.
      However, the outlet accused Jenner of inflating her net worth in her financial filings back in May. While Jenner sold 51 per cent of her cosmetics company to Coty, another beauty company, last year, for $600 million (Dhs2.2 billion), reportedly making her a billionaire, the publication alleged this is not true in an article titled ‘Inside Kylie Jenner’s web of lies’.
      However, in response to the accusatory article, the 23-year-old makeup mogul said at the time that Forbes‘ claims were based on “inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions”.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Getty, Feature Image: Kim Kardashian West Instagram More

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      9 fabulous things to do in Dubai this weekend

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      Your ultimate guide to this weekend in Dubai – December 17 to December 19.
      Christmas workout

      Enjoy a Christmas party themed workout at Bare DXB in Business Bay this Thursday at 5.30pm. Gather round the Fitmas tree and raise those jingle bar bells to a playlist of festive favourites.
      Happy hour with a view

      Enjoy happy hour at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club at QD’s bar from 6pm to 8pm, which runs Sunday through Thursday. With iconic views of the Dubai skyline chill out and watch the sun go down, whilst enjoying the company of your friends.
      Bejewelled Christmas tree 
      Head down to the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira to get in the Christmas spirit and basque in the glory of the hotel’s Christmas tree. The Mandarin has collaborated with esteemed Swiss jeweller, Piaget, to design a one-of-a-kind centrepiece Christmas tree for this year’s festive celebrations.
      Star-studded performance
      Kicking off the Dubai Shopping Festival, Anne-Marie, duo Clean Bandit and Yasmin Green will all be performing this Friday, December 8 in Downtown Dubai’s Burj Park from 5.30pm onwards on Friday with tickets starting from Dhs50.
      Shopping extravaganza
      Get all your Christmas shopping done this weekend as the Dubai Shopping Festival is back this weekend from December 17 up until January 30, 2021.
      From major deals, art installations, concerts and an opportunity to win some tempting prizes, there’s enough in the pipeline for you to enjoy for the next six weeks.
      Get your glow on

      Treat yourself with a facial and get party-ready. Nova Clinics has a series of amazing festive offers that you need to take advantage of.
      The After Party Cure Dhs1,100 – Also known as the hydrafacial. This will not only hydrate and refresh your skin but also tighten and tone, making it the perfect after-party cure, leaving your skin feeling restored and youthful.
      Red Carpet Moment Dhs500 – The perfect facial for removing excess oil, blackheads and whiteheads, whilst exfoliating and refreshing your skin to make sure it feels softer, smoother and firmer.
      Pre-Party Pick-Me-Up Dhs750 – A combined facial using Skinceuticals products, with a deep cleaning to kick off the treatment followed by microdermabrasion, which will help to renew your overall skin tone and texture, whilst improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage.
      A pre-Christmas brunch
      Celebrate Christmas early this Friday with a festive brunch at the Meydan Hotel. Enjoy all the trimmings at Farriers from 1pm to 4pm with packages starting at Dhs249 for soft drinks; Dhs399 for house beverages and Dhs499 for free-flowing sparkling wine.
      A perfume pop-up

      Get your hands on the new LOEWE Home Scents which are now available in LOEWE Perfumes – Mall of the Emirates, the full ranges include candles, wax candle holders, home fragrances and rattan diffusers. Based on designer Johnathan Anderson’s inspiration, LOEWE’s in-house perfumier Nuria Cruelles interprets 10 plants essences: honeysuckle, beetroot, juniper berry, tomato leaves, coriander, liquorice, luscious pea, oregano, cypress balls and ivy in the new range.
      Support small local businesses

      With the pandemic having a huge impact on small businesses, now is the time to support local more than ever. Based in Dubai, Measurement 33 produces high-quality shoes for women which are both stylish and comfortable.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Clicking ‘Add to Cart’ Whenever You’re Feeling Down? Here’s How to Cut Back on Emotional Spending

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      You don’t need us to tell you this, but 2020 was a hard year for most. But so many years can have stressful (or euphoric) ups and downs. Maybe you found out you scored that big promotion or maybe you’re trying to forget about that argument you had with a friend or family member. All of this can result in a lot of retail therapy (whether for yourself or in the form of gifts for loved ones). Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce your stress and cut down on your emotional spending—so close that Amazon Prime window and follow these five tips to help you get through it all unscathed. 
      1. Spare your inbox the sales
      Do you really need to know about that flash sale from Old Navy for the 20th time? Probably not. Do yourself a favor and unsubscribe from the stores you know you’re likely to shop from. If you’re prone to online shopping when you’re stressed out (or bored in quarantine), not getting email alerts for every sale might save you from the impromptu shopping spree. Just because you miss a sale doesn’t mean that you’ll actually miss it—and your wallet won’t either.
       
      2. Forget your passwords (on purpose, this time)
      Credit card information already stored on your laptop or cell phone? It can be a little too easy to make a purchase with your credit card information literally at your fingertips. By removing the saved information from your computer, it’ll be one more step you have to go through to make that purchase—and who wants to get up to dig through your wallet for your credit card when there are endless movies and TV shows to watch or stream?! (Not to mention those new hobbies you’ve picked up while staying home all year to enjoy.) By creating an extra step, you’ll be less likely to press “buy” on a whim. 
       
      3. Check your list, twice 
      Sometimes a little time can help you make a better decision, particularly if you’re on an emotional shopping spree. Instead of buying something right when you see it, wait a few days to see if you think it’s actually a good idea or not. If it’s in your budget, it’ll likely still be there a few days later. If it’s not, it will give you time to decide it’s not in the budget, and wait ‘til your next paycheck or set up a savings goal. You’ll thank yourself for thinking it through.
       
      4. Don’t be afraid to get creative 
      After a year of quarantine, a pandemic, and working from home, it can be easy to justify a few extra purchases for yourself or loved ones, but just because you deserve the world doesn’t mean you need to buy it. If you’re approaching the edge of your budget or spending cap, consider choosing a lower-priced gift, DIY-ing the artwork for your walls, or opting out of plans that include spending a lot of money. Particularly during this year when finances are tight for many, your friends and family will understand if you’re on a tighter budget. 

      5. Close those tabs and step away 
      Shopping can be an easy outlet for stress because it’s something you can control in an instant. But understanding that you’re quick to press “buy” when feeling high or low also means you’re capable of finding another outlet. Consider something else you can do to resist the urge when temptation strikes, like throwing yourself an at-home spa day, reading the next chapter of a book, or testing out the perfect cookie recipe.

      What are some ways you cut back on emotional spending? Let us know in the comments below. More

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      Bahrain National Day 2020: 9 inspirational women to follow

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      Known for its culturally dynamic environment, as we celebrate the Bahrain National Day today, we take a look at some inspiring women based in Bahrain to definitely follow.
      With a mix of entrepreneurs and brands owned by Bahraini women, EW has curated a list of distinguished women that have achieved a lot in their respective industries.
      Abeer AlMatooq

      The inspiring life coach and consultant is also the founder of Thrive which is a coaching consultancy. Abeer works with individuals, groups and corporates on unlocking and putting into action their talents and powerful qualities, through habits redesign, in order to enhance their performance and maximise their productivity and overall success.
      Dana Zubari

      Dana Zubari is the co-founder of Trü Active, which is Bahrain’s leading sportswear company. It’s the first of its kind brand offering all the workout wardrobe essentials you need, offering a seamless shopping experience. She founded the brand with her sister Hala Zubari.
      Sofia Al-Asfoor

      Bahraini handbag designer, Sofia Al Asfoor empowers women through her powerful collections which make a statement. Known for her fearless journey, she’s yet another inspiring woman to follow.
      Martyna Al-Qassab

      While being the driving force behind Yalla Banat, it’s an initiative built as a platform to celebrate women from across the region and inspire the next generation of innovators and achievers to transform their dreams into reality.
      Myrna Saliba

      The female endurance athlete has gained various accolades over the years and has performed a wide range of sporting activities including triathlons.
      Hala Kaiksow

      Reviving an ancient Bahraini tradition, designer Hala Kaiksow taught herself to weave by watching YouTube videos and was immediately hooked with the craft. With her collection being entirely handcrafted, she’s truly an inspiring woman to follow.
      Sheikha Jawaher Al Khalifa

      Known for paving a brave way through her entrepreneurial journey, she is also the Chairperson for the Sheikha Jawaher Al Khalifa Foundation for Youth Empowerment and has had a great involvement in social and community endeavours.
      Amina Al-Abbasi

      This artist is the owner of Amina Gallery which is a curated art space with inspiring products and tasteful pieces. While currently being sold at Harrods, the gallery is located in Riyadat Mall and Seef Mall in Bahrain.
      Sheikha Dana Al Khalifa

      This Bahraini fashionista has gained worldwide attraction for her supreme clothing choices. While making a statement on every occasion, it’s inspiring to see how she’s grown over the years. She’s also a businesswoman, lawyer and entrepreneur.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature image Instagram @bahrain More

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      This new collection from RIMOWA is exactly what you need in 2021

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      While focusing on its long lineage of product innovation, RIMOWA is known for its easy-to-use multi-functional luxury solution for everyday easy. The brand has now expanded with its new Never Still collection providing an elegant solution for daily commuting and travel which will be launching in stores worldwide from mid-January 2021

      By adding an edge to its craftsmanship, this multi-use soft bag line Is rich in design and provides travellers with a compact solution while featuring a modern flair to the new collection. Designed using premium materials and a monotone colour palette, the brand showcases a contemporary style by also withstanding the rigorous regime of modern-day travelling.
      “We’re excited to enter this new chapter in our brand’s history with the launch of the RIMOWA Never Still collection,” said Alexandre Arnault, CEO of RIMOWA.

      The collection has five unmissable pieces designed as an ode to the iconic German luggage house. From the Never Still Backpack for everyday use with plenty of practical pockets to the RIMOWA Never Still tote made to fit essentials such as a 15-inch laptop and phone, the convenience with this timeless pieces is unending.
      So whether you’re looking to go handsfree or simply travel in style, we have the perfect option for you. For more information regarding the collection visit RIMOWA.com.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Three British pop stars are performing in Dubai this weekend

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      In perfect timing for the gifting season, the Dubai Shopping Festival is back this weekend from December 17 up until January 30, 2021.
      To kick things off, three British pop stars will be performing in Dubai this weekend.

      Anne-Marie, duo Clean Bandit and Yasmin Green will all be performing this Friday, December 8 in Downtown Dubai’s Burj Park from 5.30pm onwards with tickets starting from Dhs50.

      Brit Award winner Anne-Marie shared her excitement at being back in Dubai to perform.
      “I am so excited to come back and perform at the Dubai Shopping Festival,” she said. I always have a great time when I’ve visited in the past and I’m really looking forward to returning to Dubai.”
      Similarly, Clean Bandit shared the same excitement adding, “We love Dubai, it’s going to be great fun.”
      Of course, all necessary COVID-19 guidelines will be followed including social distancing and the use of masks.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image:  More