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      Meet Holli Rogers, the CEO at Browns Fashion & CBO at Farfetch

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      October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ – Download Now
      Holli Rogers is brave. Having championed new brands for over a decade, in her dual role as CEO at Browns Fashion & CBO at Farfetch, she is integral to celebrating creativity, diversity and providing an ecosystem that encourages both.
      Tell us about your dual role and how you manage to balance the two?
      I joined Browns five years ago and am incredibly proud of the work achieved to date, we are this year celebrating the brands 50th anniversary which is such a momentous milestone. This hand-in-hand with the dual role within FARFETCH has really given us the opportunity across the group to talk to fashion in a meaningful way, one that resonates with the larger customer base whilst continuing to build on the Farfetch brand.
      You’ve built a superb team. What do you look for when hiring?

      Firstly, thank you! We think they’re an amazing bunch of people too! Obviously, we want to work with people with incredible experience and who love fashion and technology, but it’s much more than that for us. Our culture is something we’re really proud of and we have a simply incredible team. We’ve been able to build this team because we’re values-focused. Our values are important to us and they have been critical in building the incredible culture we have over the years. Our values are:
      • Be Human

      • Think Global
      •Todos Juntos (which means ‘Everyone Together’ in Portuguese)
      • Be Revolutionary
      • Be Brilliant
      • Amaze Customers
      We love it when people bring their whole selves to work, so we look for people who see themselves in these values and who would feel at home in a culture like Farfetch’s. Obviously, we are also looking for people who are really creative, who adore fashion and who also love the transformative nature of technology as well.  But, we hire from many different career backgrounds as we think people’s experience, both in work and in life can be applied in new roles. We talk about people being ‘Good for Farfetch’, ‘Good for Role’ and ‘Good for Growth’ – meaning that they can apply their past experiences to new challenges.
      You have to wear many ‘hats’ in your current roles – do you find you’re naturally adept at any and which do you enjoy the most?
      One of the things I love most about my work here is the variety in my day to day – it’s hard to choose a favourite part!  I have to be both creative but also really strategic and focused and I really enjoy that mix. I’ve loved fashion all of my life, but I’ve also loved taking that creative side and helping grow successful businesses.
      When you’ve moved in your career or taken on new challenges, did you go with your gut?
      Yes, I’m a big believer in following your gut and not being afraid to make brave choices. I also think it is important to not always adhere to the constructs of what a job role should look like, how do we define a CEO? For example, in 2003 I took a year-long sabbatical as after years of travel and long hours – it was the right thing for me to do for myself. In truth, only you know what you need so it is important to follow your own path.
      Which brands or products are your real hero buys this season and which are you most proud of discovering?
      This season I’m investing in accessories from Bottega Venetta – Daniel Lee can do no wrong, homewares from the very talented Anissa Kermiche and anything from Richard Quinn as we are all craving dressing up. I also am a huge fan of the Adidas x Lotta Volkova collection, it is undoubtedly the collaboration of the season, and Lotta is the talented stylist behind the FARFETCH campaign.
      You’ve created such a supportive ecosystem for brands – how have you achieved this?
      Both FARFETCH and Browns were community-focused businesses from day one. Jose Neves, FARFETCH’s founder and CEO, was a shoe designer and boutique owner himself before he started the company, so he had a deep understanding of the fashion industry and what would be helpful for the community – and that’s why he built FARFETCH as a platform for the industry. Browns, similarly, was also always about supporting and championing the community of up and coming designers – it was never just about retailing alone, but also about fostering the fashion community as a whole.

      We’ve kept this philosophy going now over many years. Browns is coming up to its 50-year anniversary and FARFETCH is almost 13 years old. In both businesses, we are still very committed to helping the fashion industry thrive.
      We love Farfetch’s rebrand – what was the thought process behind this and why now?
      FARFETCH has been partnering with some of the world’s best designers and stores for over 10 years and is now in its second chapter as a company – we needed an identity that reflects that. This point in our journey is the perfect moment to build on our growth so far, and marks a new era for us.
      Do you have any brands you’ve been faithful to wearing for years?
      I’m pretty faithful to brands when it comes to footwear – Manolo Blahnik, Amina Muaddi and Aquazurra come to mind. I also love supporting the next generation of talent and am currently wearing Marine Serre, Duran Lantink and Richard Quinn on repeat.
      What today in this market is luxury?
      Luxury is the ability to reflect and as the campaign says to open doors, and our minds. I’m hoping with this current moment of pause coupled with the need to be more sustainably-minded that within the luxury arena we can collectively find ways to slow down, and in turn champion the value of products and design longer.
      Do you see any buying patterns in terms of global sales?
      This season, we have definitely seen a shift towards more classical and effortless styles as well as comfort and athletic wear. We are also seeing an uplift in investment pieces including fine jewellery and bags. I do think that we will naturally see a shift in shopping habits which I believe we were already seeing prior to the pandemic. This is particularly prevalent within the younger generation of customers who are much more consciously minded and who are also pivoting spending to more lifestyle-focused products, whether that be wellbeing or homewares along with experiences. They are also seeking brands with values and authentic stories to tell and I think this will become more important than ever.
      What effect has social media played on the fashion industry’s growth?
      Social media has played a huge role in driving trends globally and connecting people from around the world. It is an incredible resource to scout new talent, discover brands and platform new voices and I know the buyers at Browns use it as a constant reference. It also has been an incredible tool in driving social awareness and consciousness within the fashion community with many brands and designers using it as a way to educate, connect and inspire.
      What advice would you give to your younger self starting out?
      Trust your instinct and don’t get caught up in the hype. You can have very clear goals, flexibility in how you get there is key.
      This is ‘The Bravery Issue’ – what to you is bravery?
      Making bold choices and challenging the status quo. For fashion, I think we have to approach the future only looking forward to what lies ahead, avoiding nostalgia.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      A travel corridor between Dubai and London is reportedly in the works

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      The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many industries across the board, but one of the most affected has been the travel industry.
      Back in March, almost all flights were grounded across the globe, including here in the UAE. Slowly but surely regular flight schedules have begun to be reintroduced. At present, Dubai-based airline Emirates is now flying to over 90 destinations.

      One of the most popular routes for Emirates is between Dubai and London. However, given the quarantine restrictions in play travel from the UK has been less this year.
      But a potential travel corridor between Dubai and London is reportedly in the works, which means there could be a quarantine-free travel agreement between the two destinations.

      Dubai Airport CEO Peter Griffiths recently told Bloomberg TV that discussions are currently in process.
      According to the publication, Griffiths explained that quarantine and testing needs have been agreed and the decision now is “in the hands of politicians”.
      “It’s about time that governments actually recognize what a great job the travel and tourism industry is doing in controlling the spread of the virus,” he said, also adding that moving forward with such initiatives to help the travel industry is “an essential part of the kick-start of the global economy”.
      Interestingly, Emirates recently announced that there have been changes to testing requirements for UAE residents and tourists arriving into Dubai.
      While pre-flight tests for many countries have been dropped, a double testing initiative has been implemented for other countries.
      It was also confirmed that all tourists from the UK and Germany can be tested upon arrival at Dubai airport.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      This Dubai restaurant kept all of its staff employed full-time during lockdown

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      October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ – Download Now
      Having cultivated LPM Restaurant & Bar as a global power player in the F&B industry, Raphael Duntoye knows it takes grit, determination and bravery to stay true to your passion and craft in order to succeed.
      “If I had not been brave enough at that time to start, where would we have been today?” Raphael Duntoye asks. It’s a particularly poignant question for LPM’s Chef Patron as he celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the restaurant’s opening in Dubai. Launching three years after LPM’s flagship London restaurant – previously known as La Petit Maison – in 2010, LPM Dubai has become a source of inspiration globally for the brand. “In the same way as the city and people aim for the best, LPM Dubai has kept pushing boundaries,” Duntoye tells Emirates Woman.
      Pushing boundaries they have done, particularly in a year of total uncertainty. It’s what Duntoye has found continues to fare him well on his road to success – don’t be afraid to work hard. “Perseverance and tenacity have always made me move forward in times of difficulty, as has hope and believing in people and myself,” he says. This is the exact attitude that was taken during the height of lockdown for LPM Dubai – use your perseverance, tenacity and bravery to move forward.

      While many industries have been affected drastically by the COVID-19 pandemic, the F&B industry has taken a particularly hard hit. With strict lockdowns in place, no one was dining out in the UAE effectively losing 100 per cent revenue for many restaurants throughout the region. However, as they have done so for a decade, LPM Dubai adapted, pushed the boundaries and embraced the immediate change. By doing so, every single staff member was kept in full-time employment. “Put it this way, you have to adapt if you want to make it,” Duntoye says. “If someone would have told me before coronavirus that we would do delivery, I wouldn’t have believed them.” Despite having had many requests for years to launch delivery, it was never in the cards for LPM simply because they were always so busy, but the pandemic totally changed that. “When we were having our back against the wall during the lockdown, we had to adapt,” he explains. “Hard times always bring out the best in you. Everybody worked hard together and look at what the team has been able to achieve – we are not only known as a great restaurant, but also one of the best take away concepts there is.”
      This is the exact reason why LPM Dubai continues to be a leader in the F&B space in the UAE – the continued reinvention to engage loyal customers and entice new ones. Duntoye puts it bluntly, “In simple words, if you don’t want to be a dinosaur and become extinct, you have to adapt.” LPM’s Chef Patron recently sat down with Emirates Woman to discuss the restaurant’s 10-year milestone in Dubai, expansion plans for the franchise and what it takes to make it in this industry.

      Talk us through your career history.
      In 1995 I began my culinary journey, when I abandoned a career in engineering to follow a life-long passion for food and cooking. I joined Butlers Wharf Chef School in 1995. Following my graduation, I spent the next five years earning my culinary stripes under the mentorship of Pierre Koffman, one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs. Later I served as Executive Sous Chef at Sketch in Mayfair and as a Senior Sous Chef at the Japanese restaurant, Zuma in Knightsbridge, London. In 2007, I opened the first LPM Restaurant & Bar (at the time it was known as La Petite Maison) in Mayfair, London. I have since grown the award-winning restaurant, which now has branches in six major metropolitan cities across the world. So I am an accidental chef. But with every disappointment comes a great blessing.
      Who is your mentor in the food business? 
      I have to pay homage to Pierre Koffmann, for whom I worked at La Tante Claire. He taught me discipline and how to get the most flavour and texture from each ingredient. Rainer Becker, co-founder of Zuma, for whom I worked and learnt many things, in the kitchen but also how to run a business successfully.
      I have also had heroes from within the industry over the years – Nick Jones of Soho House, Paddy McKillen of Maybourne Hotel Group (Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley). Also, a great hero of mine that has passed, Sir Terence Conran. What he has been able to achieve has been amazing. Quaglino’s was probably one of the first super-restaurants that achieved greatness back in the days. At the Sir Terence Conran’s chef school (Butlers Wharf Chef School), I was able to take my first step in the kitchen and realize my dream of becoming a chef.
      In terms of bravery – it takes a lot to succeed in this industry, what do you think makes or breaks success?
      You must never be afraid to work hard, and to be a great chef you must have passion for what you do. Without passion you cannot do this job. Perseverance and tenacity has always made me move forward in times of difficulty, as has hope and believing in people and myself. Also, get your priorities right, to ensure you align your goals and know what is more important. Sometimes in life you need to retreat in order to better fight a battle another day.
      What was the reaction to bringing the LPM brand to this region?
      We were a game-changer. Zuma came in first, and we came in second and I think we changed the game of hospitality as far as restaurants are concerned. I would gladly say that we helped the industry to evolve for the better. Look at the produce as an example; we had to fight tooth and nail in order to make sure we were getting the produce we needed, as LPM is all about the quality in order to keep the integrity of our brand.
      How have things changed for LPM and the F&B industry in Dubai in the last decade?
      Things have changed a lot; there are now a lot more restaurants. It is more competitive, and the offering is very vast. Dubai is now a culinary destination. I am happy to see that a lot of concepts have been inspired by LPM, as this has pushed us to always work harder in order to remain a step ahead, as the competition has become better and more diversified for the benefit of Dubai and its people. We have been complimented a lot, with that I feel we have now reached a point where we need to go through an evolution and take LPM to the next level.

      What does this 10-year milestone mark for you?
      Not everybody can say they have been around for 10 years. If anything, it tells us that we have been doing the right thing, but that we also become even better, so I really look forward to the next 10 years.
      Tell us about the future plans for LPM.
      Firstly, we need to keep taking care of our Dubai and Abu Dhabi restaurants, and ensure we keep great consistency, while being relevant by evolving and reinventing ourselves. There is no point to expand if you do not have a plan for your existing businesses to keep growing.
      Before the end of the year, we will have hopefully opened in Riyadh. The restaurant is ready, but we are waiting for the visa and flights to open to get our team to Saudi Arabia. I am actually really looking forward to this opening, as after the highly successful pop-up we had last year for the Al Diriyah Season, I was impressed by the pallet of the Saudi nationals and also by the love and appreciation we received as a brand but also as a team.
      The growth opportunity that the Middle East has to offer to LPM is unparalleled to any other region, so there is still a lot to do for us in this part of the world.
      How do you view LPM Dubai within its global network?
      Dubai has been our second international restaurant after London and has definitely been a milestone in our LPM history. It has been a great source of inspiration for all our other LPM restaurants and has been highly regarded by our peers. In the same way, as the city and people aim for the best, LPM Dubai has kept pushing boundaries. We have achieved a lot as a restaurant, a business and as a team.
      This is ‘The Bravery Issue’ – what does bravery mean to you?
      Bravery means a lot to me. It means being inspirational to others and paving the way. Taking steps that others would not take. My philosophy is that the greater the risk the greater the reward. I am a believer that if you never do, you will never know. Commitment and faith are also important values when it comes to bravery. As an example, when I wanted to start LPM and wanted it to be a French sharing concept, my mentor Rainer Becker told me to stick to my guns, if you decide this is what you want then stick to it. No matter how much resistance I got from people (and I got a lot, believe me), I stuck to my belief and look at us today. It is a great emotion to feel you have influenced others in a positive way. If I had not been brave enough at that time, what would we have been today?
      October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      6 unique experiences you need to do in the Maldives

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      IN PARTNERSHIP: As the travel industry slowly but surely begins to recover, some countries are ready to welcome back tourists with open arms.
      This includes one of our favourite holiday desintations, the Maldives.

      The country reopened its borders to tourists on July 15. Since then, the country has ensured it’s taking every precaution necessary to ensure the wellbeing and safety of its nation and tourists who are visiting.
      With regular flights from the UAE now running to the Maldives, it’s the perfect time to take a break in this luxurious oasis.

      If you’re on the fence about whether to travel right now, the Maldives really is the ideal place to go. With the unique and signature “one-island-one-resort” concept which the country is known for, it’s the perfect place to go to ensure social distancing measures are met in order to enjoy an isolation vacation.
      There are also many other aspects that are unique to the country. With that, here’s six bespoke experiences which you can do in the Maldives.
      Underwater dining

      While we know the Maldives is filled with sandy beaches and home to the some of the bluest waters you’ll find around the globe, have you ever thought about what it’s like underwater? With their seas filled with a rich variety of fish and other sea creatures, experience a one-of-a-kind dining extravaganza underwater. There are many resorts that offer the experience including SEA at Anantara Kihavah; Subsix Underwater Restaurant at Niyama Private Islands; and Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi just to name a few.
      In a bubble

      Perfect for those who are on a romantic break, enjoy a night sleeping under the stars right on the beach at the Finolhu Resort. Staying overnight in their bubble tents truly is a once in a lifetime experience and one that you’ll be sure to never forget.
      Movie night under the stars
      While you can enjoy a movie night under the stars all around the world, doing it amongst the serenity and relaxing atmosphere of the Maldives is like no other. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of the beaches, along with some of your favourite flicks.
      Over the water villas

      This type of accommodation has become synonymous with the Maldives. Overwater villas are truly living at its finest. With resorts across the Maldives offering villas with their own pools, with uninhibited views of miles of sea, it’s the optimum opportunity to get away from it all.
      A private flight over the islands

      Whilst most of us have been on a plane at least once in a lifetime, taking a private flight over the Maldives will give you an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. With expanding views of azure waters, sandy white beaches and the lush greenery of the islands, it’s something that is one-of-a-kind to the Maldives.
      The local culture

      It’s easy to basque in the glory of the views, crystal clear waters and sandy white beaches, but to truly get the most out of your holiday, immerse yourself in the local culture. The Maldives is a melting pot of culture, influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan, Malaysia, Arabs and more, locals are warm and welcoming people, always wanting to ensure their visitors have the best experience. Whether it’s trying the local cuisine, experience local music and dance or simply spending time with Maldivians, it’s something to add to your list when visiting this glorious country.
      Now, it’s time to book. With a negative COVID-19 test required and the country’s ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ – which has been endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – you can be rest assured health and safety are being followed to the highest standards.
      For more information go to visitmaldives.com/en.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      PrettyLittleThing recruits its very first hijabi model

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      In another step towards being more inclusive, high street e-tailer PrettyLittleThing has recruited its very first hijabi model.
      Say hello to Billy Marsal.

      The 21-year-old Black Muslim from London has become the face of PLT’s new line of modest clothing.
      With the UK-based brand recently having launched in the MENA region, it’s a refreshing step to see retailers taking.

      Sharing her excitement about working with PLT, Marsal took to Instagram last week to post about the news.

      “How unreal that’s me you guys,” she said in disbelief. “FIRST HIJABI ON PLT!!!!!! Literally crazy.”
      PrettyLittleThing themselves also shared their joy about being more inclusive, particularly on their latest modest line.
      “Following our successful launch into the Middle East we are delighted to be launching our ‘Modest clothing’ collection on [the] site,” the brand said.
      “Our ethos of ‘EveryBODYinPLT is extremely important to us, so it’s been amazing seeing such positive customer feedback and working with models who represent all of our customer base.”
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      In some exciting news, Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes are back in the UAE

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      Yes, we know what you’re thinking – we previously told you that the oh-so sought after Starbucks pumpkin spiced lattes wouldn’t be returning to the UAE this year.

      However, we have some good news for you – they’re back. But only for a very limited time.
      In celebration of the autumnal season, the franchise has reinstated the PSL just until Friday, October 30 at selected Starbucks’ around the UAE.
      In Dubai, you can grab one at Business Bay, Dubai Marina Mall, JBR, La Mer, Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall and The Pointe. Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, you can find them in Al Wahda Mall, Eastern Mangroves, twofour54 and Yas Mall.
      You can also grab one in Sharjah at the Sharjah Corniche and American University Sharjah. And if you’re really craving it that much, Starbucks PSLs are also available on Deliveroo in the UAE.
      Enjoy!
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      There’s a huge sale happening at Dubai Mall happening this weekend

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      In celebration of the start of Sheikh Hamdan’s Dubai Fitness Challenge 2020, a huge sale will be taking place at Dubai Mall over the weekend – and it just so happens to perfectly coincide with the long weekend.
      The ‘Mega Sale’ will see discounts of up to 90 per cent off on sports, health and wellness brands. Meanwhile, there will be up to 75 per cent off on fashion, beauty and jewellery brands.

      From October 29 to October 31 shoppers will be treated to some amazing deals across hundreds of retailers which are available in Dubai Mall.
      To get ahead of the game, if you have the Dubai Mall App, you can view the best deals ahead of heading to Dubai Mall.
      Shoppers also have the opportunity to spend and earn Emirates Skyward Miles through the app during the sale. All you need to is scan the receipts via the app with purchases over Dhs100.
      Well, now you know where to find us this weekend…
      For the details on the brands taking part visit their website.
       – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Gigi Hadid has just posted her first photo of herself since giving birth

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      Gigi Hadid has just posted the first photo of herself since giving birth to her first child last month – and it’s for a very important reason.
      The supermodel has been far from silent on social media since welcoming her daughter with boyfriend Zayn Malik, but this snap marks the first photo of herself in a number of weeks.

      Wearing a black T-shirt with the word ‘VOTE’ emblazoned on it, the mirror picture of the 25-year-old sent an important message – encouraging those in the USA to get out and vote in the upcoming election.
      The new mum explained that she “voted absentee last week with my daughter next to me”.

      Gigi welcomed her first child just over a month ago, revealing she had given birth on Instagram posting a sweet photo of new dad Zayn holding the tiny hand of baby Hadid-Malik.
      “Our girl joined us earth-side this weekend and she’s already changed our world,” she captioned the photo. “So in love.”

      According to E! News, the name of baby Hadid-Malik, which has been kept private by the couple, is “unique” but an alleged source wouldn’t give anything else away.
      Gigi’s pregnancy was first reported on back in April. The model first spoke of her pregnancy – news which was revealed in the press and not by Gigi or Zayn – during a video call appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, admitting they would have liked to reveal the news on their “own terms”, but also thanked everyone for their congratulations.
      “Obviously, we wish we could’ve announced it on our own terms, but we’re very excited and happy and grateful for everyone’s well wishes and support,” she said.
      Zayn and Gigi originally started dating in 2016, and have been on-and-off ever since, with their latest split taking place in mid-2019. However, the pair reunited earlier this year, but have been keeping their romance away from the public glare.
       – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram More