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      Kylie Jenner wore this Dubai-based designer for the final filming of KUWTK

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      Kylie Jenner has been known to champion Arab designers on a number of occasions.
      Most recently, the makeup mogul adorned a Dubai-based designer to mark the final filming session of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

      Sharing some photos to Instagram over the weekend, Jenner was wearing an all-cream outfit. “Last day of filming,” Jenner captioned the post.
      She accessorised the ensemble with the Ida bag by Dubai-based brand L’Afshar in beige croc.

      Born and bred in Dubai in 2013, the brand has become hugely popular around the globe, especially amongst other A-listers, too. Kendall Kenner, Beyonce, Bella Hadid and Queen Rania are all big fans of the designer bags.
      As for the long-running Kardashian-Jenner reality show, it was announced by Kim Kardashian last year that KUWTK would be coming to an end after 14 years.
      In a statement posted to her Instagram Kardashian said, “It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”

      “Without Keeping Up with The Kardashians, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she added. “I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched and supported me and my family these past 14 incredible years.
      “This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever.”
      Given that it’s been widely reported Kardashian is heading for a divorce from husband Kanye West, we’re intrigued to see what the final season of KUWTK will have in store for us.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Kylie Jenner Instagram More

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      Aerial art – EW’s January cover star Mayassa Al-Tajir

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      January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
      Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Žiga MihelcicFashion Assistant: Sarah Joseph
      Aerial artist, fitness enthusiast and wellness expert, Mayassa Al-Tajir shares with us her positive approach to life.
      How does your morning routine set you up for a positive day?

      I am more Lark than Nightingale, so the morning is my favourite part of the day. I usually wake up at 5:30am without an alarm, just so that I can steal an extra hour of me-time before the day actually starts, this helps me feel grounded. I always start with a large cup of English Breakfast tea while I draw as I love the history of art, so I spend my first hour in the morning sketching, shading and enjoying the quiet, while the rest of the house sleeps. I feel that positivity and productivity come hand in hand, we are never happier, when we feel accomplished, and so I always start my day this way.
      You follow a holistic approach to health and fitness- how did you discover this path?
      This is a tricky question because sometimes I feel like I haven’t quite made it down the path as yet. I have always been looking for the path, searching, as most of us do for fulfilment, belonging, a sense of purpose, all those heavy anchors that bind. In the end, it did turn out to be a holistic approach, I just didn’t realise it at the time. I think it started after I had my second child, I had a tough pregnancy, and difficult birth, which left me with no core, I had severe diastasis recti and back issues. Both ailments were just something I was not willing to accept, so after grieving the loss of my core, I decided it was time to heal. I took up yoga, after which I followed my love for the aerial arts, and now I have a very strong core. Now each step I take, I am motivated to stay strong and keep my core safe.

      How does movement impact mindset?
      My main form of movement is yoga, which in itself is a very mindful approach to the movement. You are very aware of your body and your muscle movements, and your breath. In the moment of practice, the mind becomes raw and bright, you forget about your giant to-do list, as the mind becomes unblocked. I believe aerial movement needs to be extremely coordinated, you are concentrating all the time, for the flow, at times I feel I am in a math class, trying to memorise different formulas. In short, movement wakes up the mind, when you expel energy you feel energised, and the breath nourishes, and so clarity of mind always comes at the end of the practice.
      What motivated you to start practising aerials and what challenges have you overcome on your journey?
      I started off with yoga, which I believe is the fundamental backbone of any kind of physical exercise. My favourite yoga practice would have to be vinyasa and arm balances, being an artist at heart. I can’t resist the beauty of the poses, shapes, the strength and the grace of the human form. Thereby aerials were naturally the next progression in the journey. I like variety and I like to feel challenged, and the real beauty of aerial arts is that it just doesn’t feel like exercise as I am not a gym person, in any shape or form. I don’t even know how to turn on those gym machines. But in aerials, you combine height, spinning, drops, shapes, climbs, and dance in the practice, it is a very beautiful, inspiring art, where you continually progress on your journey, there is no end, and therefore there is no limit.
      The main challenges have been to balance strength and flexibility, you require them both, and I believe that finding the correct balance between these two fundamental elements is everyone’s Achilles’ heel. You need complete core to be able to lift your own body weight, and sometimes hang on just one arm or one ankle even, and you need to be able to bend, and open your heart and breath inverted. I have never found inversions challenging, but sometimes I have said a prayer or two before doing drops.
      Which inspiring books are currently on your reading list?
      I am a book worm! Currently, I am reading Be Water my Friend the true teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee, which is a remarkably beautiful book, filled with inspirational quotes and life teachings, while continually focusing on the fact that we are all becoming, and we should enjoy the journey of becoming, despite the obstacles. The cup should be empty, because that is the purpose of the cup, and then, of course, you get to fill it. I am also reading The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair, a real dream of a book for any artist, it reveals the history and story of different colour pigments, their symbolism and meaning, e.g. gold is the colour of desire. How beautiful is that?
      What are your health and wellness goals for 2021?
      I never have actual health goals per se, but they usually tie into my aspirations for new experiences. I have a habit of trying to learn or experience a new hobby or activity with each new year. 2021 shall be the year of the horse! I plan on horse riding every week and galloping across the sand dunes. Other than that, I already have an abundant schedule which includes snowboarding and diving every week. In general, I would say I lead quite an active lifestyle, which is a blessing.

      Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals?
      I try to get into bed as early as I can, the earlier, the better. This ritual usually requires me to cause a distraction in order to sneak off early, while everyone else stays up. But apart for an early night, I don’t have any beauty regime per se apart from brushing my teeth. I do always review my to-do lists at night and see what I can tick off for the next day. My to-do lists are biblical, they are categorized from year to month to week. The more organised you are, the more time you have to do the things.
      This issue is ‘The Positivity Issue’ – how do you stay positive?
      Well I always watch a lot of Disney, aside from that, I stay hydrated and active, I make sure that I start the morning with great expectations, I get excited when I finish my morning sketch, and I am happy to meet my friends in the aerial studio, it’s all about the little things, that end up adding up I guess. I am an extremely visual person, so I take a lot of comfort in my surroundings, I love beautiful spaces or places that hold memories. I like to live a life of appreciation, and I appreciate the knowledge that I can learn every day, and I appreciate my personal efforts in that I try to make every day count, nothing should be wasted. It is a difficult trick to make sure that the mind takes nothing for granted, and in this way, everything has a purpose. When I do feel down, I try to understand my mood, and then what strategy I can apply to fix it or clean it. Sadness only comes when we feel defeated, and so I always ask myself “what does it do to your heart?” and I genuinely let it go because I need all my time to do the things I love. I live a life abundant with hobbies and beautiful friends, and they keep me flowing.
      January’s – ‘The Positivity 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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      7 Hailey Bieber Outfits to Copy Immediately

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      I feel that I can’t begin this article without a little bit of honesty: for a period of my life, I was not a fan of Hailey Bieber. If you asked around my office, I’m sure my coworkers would go as far as saying I was actually a Hailey Bieber hater. But some things are undeniable, and over time, I realized that one of those things is—whether you like her or not—that Hailey Bieber has incredible style.Time and time again, I’d see picture of her that actually inspired me; an oversized coat, cropped tee, and sneakers? Why wasn’t that what I was wearing every single day? Why wasn’t I only leaving the house in a slicked-back bun and cat eye sunglasses? How could I possibly embody this effortless chicness that she seemingly has? I’m a woman who gives credit where credit is due, and Hailey Bieber (and her stylists) deserve a hefty amount of it.
      No, we aren’t all models with cheekbones you could see from 100 yards away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t replicate the most iconic looks of someone who is. Want to start the year with some style inspiration? Look no further.

      1. The upgraded matching sweater set

      Source: Beretta/​Sims/​Shutterstock

      Is this super practical at this point in time? Perhaps not, but it’s officially on my mood board to wear at some point of 2021. I’ve seen many a sweater midi skirts paired with matching cropped cardigans, but never with one that’s delightfully oversized. Combined with knee-high boots in the same hue and a tan cami? It’s as close as you could get to perfection. 

      2. The out-of-the-box trench

      Source: RHTY/​starmaxinc.com/​Shutterstock

      I definitely didn’t think that at any point in 2021 I’d be vying for any pair of pants that could be described as “khaki,” but this look has them on my list. This incredible brown, croc-effect trench is surprisingly easy to find a dupe for, and paired with white sneakers and a cropped tee, it’s able to keep the spotlight without feeling too overdone. The yellow bag to top it off? Genius.

      3. The perfectly styled cardigan

      Source: Broadimage/​Shutterstock

      By now, most of us probably have some version of a cardigan in our wardrobes, and if you’re looking for a new way to style it, this long-jean-and-Western-belt combo is where to start. Top it off with heeled sandals, a woven bag (on a budget), and round sunglasses.

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      4. The elevated loungewear look

      Source: SMXRF/Star Max / Getty

      How to style your sweats this winter? With an oversized wool coat, chunky sneakers, and cat-eye sunglasses. Wear it and feel like a celebrity who’s acting like they don’t want to be spotted by paparazzi but actually does.

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      5. The “I just threw this on” look

      Source: Adrian Edwards | Getty Images

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      It might not be anyone’s first instinct to style knee-high boots with baggier jeans, but this gives us every reason to want to try it. Top it off with a crewneck sweater and oversized biker jacket and you’ve got yourself a look.

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      6. The first thing we’re going to wear when we’re back in the office

      Source: Broadimage/​Shutterstock

      With all the blazers we’ve accumulated over the past few seasons, we’re always looking for new ways to style them, and this just might be our new office uniform. These longer jeans and heeled sandals bring a new spin to the black blazer and tan sweater up top, and as always, a sleek bun and sunglasses top it off seamlessly.

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      7. A fun day-off uniform

      Source: Photo by Broadimage/Shutterstock

      Orange bike shorts? She went there, and we’re here for it. Paired with sporty slides, a cropped grey shirt, and gold accessories, it’s the perfect, casual day-off look for spring.

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      An exclusive free Hermès event is coming to Dubai this week

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      The Hermès Carré Club has slowly made its way around the world in recent years making stops in Paris, New York City, Milan, Toronto, Singapore and Los Angeles.
      Now, this immersive experience is coming to Dubai this week.

      Celebrating the signature DNA of the Hermès scarf the Carré Club aims to bring the know-how of the carré to people. It’s an interactive and immersive experience into the world of silk, bringing the positive spirit of art, culture and design of Hermès to life.

      The silk carré was created in 1937 one hundred years after Hermès’ initial inception in 1937. It’s since become an icon for the brand resonating the positive power of the fashion house’s signature DNA.
      The Carré Club will have various elements to including the Carré Studio where you can meet some of the artists behind the iconic motifs – including Cyrille Diatkine, Gianpaolo Pagni, Octave Marsal, Theo de Gu and Daiske Nomura. You’ll also see the designers showcase their creative process live.
      There’s also Carré Stories where the tale of the Hermes silk scarf will be told; the Carré Knot where you can learn the art of knotting a scarf; the Carré Park where you’ll see skateboarders fly the flag for men’s silk on skate ramps.

      With it being a fully immersive experience, event-goers are also invited to visit the Carré Café for some downtime and then visit the Carré Click to capture some memories from the event. To finish the amazing experience, you can visit the Carré Mania pop-up store which will showcase a selection of scarves for women andmen, including some limited editions in the event’s colours
      Hermès invites you to the Carré Club which takes place every day from January 15 to January 20, 12pm to 10pm, at Concrete in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. You can now reserve your free tickets online: hermes.com/carreclub.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      I Tried Eloquii’s Subscription Box—Here Are My Unfiltered Thoughts

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      Let’s start with the problem: I never have enough closet space. No matter how many times I’ve tried to Marie Kondo my wardrobe, I still end up with overflowing drawers and negative hanging space. Not to mention, as an apartment-dwelling millennial, my knack for constantly amassing stuff is a point of anxiety that imposes upon my dreams of minimalism.  (Side note: I’ll never be a minimalist—I shop way too much—but a girl can dream, right?) At the beginning of 2020, my best friends and I got together for our first girls’ trip of that year. As we dressed for post-Rumble brunch, one of my besties put on the most expensive-looking blouse. (It should be noted that said friend always succeeds at being bougie on a budget; she’s an icon.) We looked at the label and then back at her, astounded, because we knew she did not drop the $500 cost on a top. That’s when she told us her secret: rental services.  She explained that they’re perfect for curating a closet that you don’t have to move from destination to destination and that they empower you to design your wardrobe around events and travel plans. Consider me sold. 
      I’ve always heard good things about closet rental services, but have never thought they were for me. Maybe it’s the older sibling in me talking, but I like to have ownership over my things and possess them until I’m ready to get rid of them. The idea of renting clothes that I could possibly fall in love with and then have to give back seemed torturous to me.
      However, when I noticed many plus-size influencers talking about Eloquii’s new rental service, Eloquii Unlimited, I was intrigued. I’ve always admired how the company prioritizes and designs for plus-size women, rather than just extending their size offerings to a 1X. But, in the Instagram-sphere, there were many mixed emotions about trying the service, especially during these pandemic times. 
      The good news? I tried it so you don’t have to.

      How it works

      Step 1: Add as many items as you like to a shopping cart, called your “closet” on the site. You have to add at least 10 items (which is possibly the easiest thing I’ve ever been asked to do). 
      Step 2: Eloquii will send you four items from your online closet based on what’s available.
      Step 3: Wear it. ‘Gram it. Return it. 
      Step 4: Repeat as many times as you like. There are unlimited returns for just one monthly fee of $79.

      Here’s what I got:

      I tried this one on first because I knew, from the very first time that I laid eyes on this dress, that I would love it. In the wintertime, I am always looking for warm dresses that mean I don’t have to wear pants.  First, I paired this with my Sheertex tights and some black booties for a classic sweater dress look. Then, I was inspired—I went for another look, wearing this piece like an oversized sweater with jeans and some statement heels. Loved it!
      This sweater dress wasn’t too thick or too thin, so I could wear it just lounging around the house or layer it with a cute coat for outdoors. I fell in love with this piece (and so did a bunch of my Instagram friends), so I might just have to rent it for the rest of the season!
      Wearing: size 18/20.

      I added this item to my closet because I was feeling especially celebratory—it’s a new year, after all! When I first put it on, I have to admit, I was wary about it. You have to be a powerful lady to pull off shoulder pads, but that’s exactly what I felt like. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised that this glittery top didn’t deposit glitter all over my face and body. Thank goodness!
      I don’t know if the jeans I wore were the best fit for this look; however, I’ve had my eye on a pair of Spanx Patent Leather Leggings that I think would pair well with this, some eggshell booties, a red lip, and an up-do (to show off the shoulder pads).
      Wearing: size 18.

      When I tried these pants on, I almost teared up. “Why would you cry over clothes,” you ask? These are a prime example of the type of trendy pants that I’ve always wanted to buy from department stores, but they never have my size. I love Eloquii for prioritizing bodies like mine and giving us all the trendiest options. These pants felt just as high-quality as they looked when I picked them out. Thank you Eloquii for making quality, stylish options for us curvy girls. I think I’ll get the matching blazer in my next trade! 
      Wearing: size 18.

      I have to be honest: I’m not sure what propelled me to add this to my closet in the first place. It’s very much outside of my style comfort zone, but maybe that’s why this rental experience is so great. I don’t think I’d ever pick this up at the store, and I almost didn’t pick it out on the website. When I pulled it out of the box, I was still a bit doubtful. As a plus-size girl-turned-woman, I’ve always been told to stay away from oversized, baggy, unflattering outfits, and I think that “advice” occasionally rears its ugly head. However, when I put this on—even though I felt sort of like a character from Gumby—I felt fabulous, chic, and stylish. 
      It fit a bit larger than I’d hoped—which is rarely the case for me—due to the fact that I ordered a size larger than I would normally because I’ve been scorned by jumpsuits in the past. My advice (if you order something similar): order your actual size; the fit is pretty true to the description. 
      While I don’t know that this is something I’d wear often, I do know that I’d love to strut my stuff in it at least once. That is the beauty of being able to rent and return.
      Wearing: size 20.

      The conclusion

      After trying my first rental box ever, where do I stand on rental services? Let me start by saying that I just texted my aforementioned friend to tell her how right she was. I’m so happy that I tried this out!
      I’m always shopping for specific occasions and then never wearing those clothes again, and honestly, that’s a major bummer and cash-burner. I am definitely sold on renting and returning clothes. I can see myself using this service as the world begins to reopen, and I have more activities to dress for. I’ve already started adding pieces to my Eloquii Closet that I can see my future self wearing on vacation, to weddings, to brunch, and around the office. I’m definitely looking forward to trying out other rental services to see how they compare, but they have some big shoes to fill (no pun intended). Eloquii Unlimited has a seamless service, stylish and high-quality offerings, and, above all, such inclusive sizing! 
      I’m now a rental service convert, and I think this epiphany will save me money and closet space in the long-run. More

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      How I’m Having More Fun With My Wardrobe This Year

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      Last year, I think it’s safe to say just about every one of us lost a piece of our identity. You don’t realize how much the little things—the coffee shop you stop at on the way to the office, the shirt you wear on the mornings you’re feeling your best—shape us and how we feel every day. And for me, there was no area that I felt this more about in 2020 than my wardrobe.For some, wearing sweats and never putting makeup on is a dream come true, but putting together outfits and getting ready in the morning has always been something that I live for. I get excited on Sunday nights thinking about what I’m going to wear to the office Monday morning, and I never realized just how much it was a part of me until it was taken away. Sure, I followed and wrote about the trends of the year and even invested in a few, but at the end of the day, it was the year of not getting ready—and this year, I’ve vowed to change that. 
      I haven’t made a single resolution this year except one: to truly have more fun with my wardrobe—here’s how:

      1. Adding more color
      It’s no secret that here at The Everygirl, we love neutrals—and hell, so do I. If I’m investing in a new piece for my wardrobe, it’s always safe to choose something neutral that I know I’ll wear for years to come. But this year, I’m done wearing only neutrals. 
      Over the past year or so, I’ve gotten into the habit of not investing in a ton of color, but noticed that when I do wear it, it impacts my mood in the best of ways. In all honesty, I don’t need anything else in a neutral color in my wardrobe, so when I do decide to buy new things, they’re going to be in fun colors that make more of a statement than something tan or grey. This year’s color trends are looking like a lot of lavender, pale yellow, and green, and all of those sound like a pretty great place to start.

       

      2. Being more comfortable with feeling uncomfortable
      No, I don’t mean I’m going to wear things that aren’t physically comfortable—that’s never the answer. Rather, I’m getting more comfortable wearing the things I might feel a little silly in when I first leave the house. For example, I bought a beret last year (before Emily in Paris, believe it or not), but never wore it because every time I left the house I felt like I was wearing a sign on my back that said “I’m trying too hard.” News flash: the only one who knows how hard you tried is you. For all anyone around you knows, that beret or those boots could be something you wear every single day. The only one thinking about it is you, so it’s time to rid ourselves of feeling self-conscious when we step out of our comfort zones, and instead embrace it as a potential new normal if it’s something you find you feel great in. (Yes, the beret is now a part of my daily outerwear, and no, I don’t think about it anymore.)

      3. Stop waiting for an excuse to wear my favorite clothes
      It’s easy to fall into a habit of waiting to burn that expensive candle or break out those investment boots until there’s a reason to, and in 2021, I’m saying no more to that. Having a drink on a patio with my friend? Going to run some errands? Both sound like a fantastic excuse to break out my “special” clothes (no, I’m not talking about a ball gown here, but that jacket I love but can never find a reason to wear? Absolutely). Too often I find myself wearing the things I’m most comfortable with or that are on top of my piles of clothes when I am getting dressed, and I’m saying no more to those habits. Know what sounds like a great excuse to wear my leather pants? A regular Tuesday.

      4. Mixing patterns
      Nothing can make inspiration hit like a good muse, and last year, mine was Astrid Sloan in “The Politician”. Her styling made me stop in my tracks; it mixed bold colors, incorporated tons of accessories, and did a hefty amount of mixing patterns. As I was watching it all, I could think about is how I wanted to start styling my clothes more like that when circumstances allowed—and I’m saying the time is now.
      When done right, there’s nothing more effortlessly chic than mixed patterns; although it’s intentional, it looks anything but, and while it’s not something I thought to do in my regular life last year, I’m going to be more intentional about incorporating it into my rotation of outfits this year. In my opinion, the best way to pull it off is by sticking to similar color palettes, but from there, the less thought goes into it, the better.

       

      5. Choosing more out-of-the-box accessories
      I’m the first to admit I gravitate toward the gold necklaces and the tried-and-true, years-old sunglasses I wear every day, but what better place to get out of your comfort zone than with accessories?
      I’m someone that doesn’t usually buy new accessories unless they’re high-quality and something I know I’m going to wear for years to come, but this year I’m vowing to choose a few trendier ones to incorporate into my daily outfits; my go-to Ray Bans and dainty gold hoops will still be there on days I don’t want things that are wilder, but they’re going to be put on the backburner for things that are fun and different this year. 

       

      6. Switching up my beauty routine
      When it comes to makeup, I’m following in the footsteps of our beauty writer, Beth, and being more strategic with pairing my makeup looks with my outfits. It’s easy to wake up every day and choose my outfit carefully, but then apply my makeup the same way I do every single day. I love makeup and beauty trends and scour the aisles of Sephora more than I should, but too often am getting things that I already have in my collection: neutral eyeshadow palettes, soft pink blushes, and the like. This year is the one I’m going to start dabbling in more color on my eyes and lips and less of the neutral browns I’m far too comfortable with. Another place I’m starting? Taking a break from the neutral manicure I’m used to in exchange for more seasonal colors. Makeup washes off at the end of the day, so why not have fun with it?

       

      7. Trying silhouettes I don’t gravitate toward
      At my most comfortable, I’m wearing something along the lines of straight-leg jeans, sneakers, a tight shirt, and a jacket. This year, I want to be conscious about trying trends that aren’t something I’d ordinarily gravitate toward. Instead of wearing white sneakers for another day because they’re what are sitting by my door, I want to get more use of the things that I have but don’t wear as frequently because of habit’s sake. More

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      Start the new year with this sustainable approach to luxury

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      January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
      Reinvention is a smart, sustainable approach to luxury. We spoke to Partner & Chief Technical Officer of The Cobbler – Morgan Papin about breathing new life into leather goods.
      What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
      On waking up I do a 30 minute stretching and bodyweight exercise. Then I head to the shower, after checking the news and emails followed by a fresh and healthy breakfast and then it’s time to go to the workshop!

      What is at the heart of The Cobbler’s DNA as a brand and why was The Cobbler launched in the UAE?
      Craftsmanship, heritage, expertise and passion are some of the key DNA principles of The Cobbler. These have been our driving force since day one and still drive us today. We believe that is what customers recognize in our work.

      10 years ago there was a gap in the market for shoe repair and luxury gentlemen’s footwear at an accessible price-point. People were taking their bags and shoes back to their home countries as they couldn’t get them fixed the way they wanted here in the UAE. This is how the concept of The Cobbler began.
      Do you have any mentors or guides and how does this help navigate the right path?
      I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by people who are smart, successful and knowledgeable in the field. So, when I face a situation, I always have the right experienced person to turn to for advice and that has been the best guide especially during rough times like the one we experienced during this challenging year.
      You operate a bespoke approach and can restore as well as re-invest pieces- tell us about this service?
      It’s about bringing a second life to an item you love. Most well-crafted items can be restored and repaired. That’s the magic about it, to bring back to life items that were once damaged and to see the happiness in each customer’s eye once the items are ready
      What’s the most exciting overhaul you’ve ever given a piece?
      A limited-edition bag from Dolce & Gabbana that was completely burned including the handles and the front flap. We had to replace them entirely, but the only way was to disassemble the bag completely and then to reassemble it the same way as in their factory. Sourcing the right material, copying the grain, reproducing the stitching and thread –it was hard and stressful, but the result was great, and the customer couldn’t stop thanking us, which was wonderful.
      How should we be looking after leather / exotic skins ourselves?
      Never wear a pair of shoes to days in a row, the leather is a living skin that needs to rest always one day. Protect your items from direct light and humidity. Nourish your leather once in a week with a Saphir Medaille d’or Lotion and polish them if necessary. Exotic skins can be extremely fragile, and we recommend our customers to leave them in the hands of our highly skilled experts.
      Which colourways/designs have been most popular, and do you see patterns and trends emerging in the market?
      Well in the last 10 years, shoes and handbag are now produced in any kind of materials. And as craftsmen, we’ve had to adapt to these creative demands.
      What does luxury mean to The Cobbler?
      Luxury is about a unique experience that brings you joy and allows you to relive memories. Transforming pre-loved pieces and giving them a second chance at life is at the heart of the brand’s DNA. Reviving traditions, craftsmanship and passing it on to younger generations is integrated as luxury experience at The Cobbler.
      How do you approach client engagement and retention?
      Customer experience is paramount to us. We want our customers to be able to engage with our experts wherever they are, which is why we have enacted a digital transformation. In addition to visiting our shops, our customers can now shop through our online platform and book a free pickup & delivery for their items to be repaired. This can also be done over the phone through our customer care desk. We are putting all our efforts in creating the most seamless and pleasant experience for our customers.
      How has social media affected building The Cobbler?
      It is amazing to be able to communicate quickly and easily with our audience. Social Media is a perfect tool to drive the brand’s awareness and is also an efficient way to engage with our customers, to reply quicker to their queries. It is the heart of our communication.

      Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?
      ParisianGentleman, YoheiFukuda, Cifonelli, The Rake, Permanentstylelondon
      What advice would you give to your younger self starting out?
      Take notes and embrace all the knowledge you can! I always thought I would remember everything, but I learnt that even the greatest forget things. So now as much as possible I write down things to not forget.
      If you were not at The Cobbler which another role would you choose career-wise?
      Shoes have been my life since I was 16 and craftsmanship is a way of life, being able to transform raw material into an item that brings a smile on a customer’s face is priceless. I’ve always been interested by the complexity of wood so I would have loved to be a carpenter, I think.
      This issue is ‘The Positivity Issue’ – how do you stay positive?
      Thanks first goes to my wife, she supports and inspires me every day. Secondly, a healthy, active lifestyle, spending as much time as possible outdoors. I also love to discover and learn new things – it’s important to never get bored and always keep progressing.
      January’s – ‘The Positivity 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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      Bored With Winter? Here Are 25 Pieces to Liven Up Your Wardrobe

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      As everyone slowly is getting back into the grooves of routine and normalcy after the holiday season, I’ve heard countless people say the same thing: they feel like they’re in a bit of a slump going into the new year. At this point, that’s a bit expected. Sure, the excitement and hope of a new year is here, but resolutions and big goals are taking a back seat for most people in exchange for simply surviving, and that makes it easy to feel a bit, well, “meh.” With dark January days and snow and cold, life is feeling boring at best.
      A small solution? Bringing some fun to your wardrobe.
      Sure, it sounds like a mundane thing to prioritize, but a new piece that adds a bit of life to your day-to-day outfits can bring you confidence quicker than anything. We spent the past year in sweatpants—I say that in 2021, we spice it up a bit. From glorious textures to fun pops of color that are begging for a warm, spring day, these 25 pieces are the perfect investments for your 2021 wardrobe. More