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    How this Emirati artist and designer merges heritage with modernity

    Fashion

    by Camille Macawili
    3 hours ago

    With a honed eye and innate artistic sensibility, Emirati artist and designer Yasmin Al Mulla bridges the gap between heritage and modernity across her creative disciplines.
    What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
    My morning routine is a revitalising start to each day. I begin by drinking 500ml of water to hydrate and refresh my body. After a refreshing shower and skincare routine, I savour a warm matcha while planning my day and checking messages. This ritual energises me, ensuring I’m ready to take on whatever the day brings before I head to the office.
    What is your design philosophy and how do you approach it?
    My design philosophy revolves around creating meaningful and impactful pieces that resonate with people on a personal level. I believe that design should not only be visually appealing, but also tell a story and evoke emotions. Drawing inspiration from the captivating culture of the UAE and the Middle East, my art creations seamlessly blend with the remarkable legacy of the brands I collaborate with. I make sure my work pays homage to the UAE while embracing and merging with the rich Emirati culture. Infused with a profound appreciation for the surrounding beauty and the intricate details found in traditional Emirati art and design, my vision encompasses a contemporary and artistic approach, resulting in elevated and luxurious art and fashion.

    Where does your creative process as a fashion designer start?
    My creative process as a fashion designer and artist starts with inspiration. This could come from nature, art, occasion, architecture, or personal experiences or anything in between. I sketch and brainstorm ideas, exploring different concepts and styles. Next, I research and develop my ideas, considering materials, techniques, and practicality.

    Are you more intuitive or more analytical when designing? How do you balance the creative and commercial sides of the business, and do you feel more drawn to one over the other?
    In my design process, creativity is key. I balance intuition and analysis, believing that thinking things through enhances creativity. When managing my two companies, YNM (the clothing label) and Yasmin Al Mulla Design Firm (the art firm), creativity is my focus. While the commercial side is important for business, I prioritise creativity as the driver of innovation and uniqueness.

    Is it sometimes difficult to then translate those inspirations and ideas to a larger team?
    Sometimes, translating inspirations and ideas to a larger team can be challenging. However, I never pay much attention to the difficulties as long as I have the passion and drive to pursue my vision.
    Who do you look up to when it comes to aesthetics?
    When it comes to aesthetics, I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, includ- ing nature, architecture, and cultural influences. I admire the way these elements effortlessly blend form and function, creating beauty and harmony in their own unique way.
    Is travelling regularly also an important aspect of your creative process?
    Absolutely, travelling regularly is an important aspect of my creative process. Experiencing new cultures, landscapes, and ways of life provides me with fresh perspectives and inspires new ideas.
    Have you always been a creative soul in this way?
    Yes, I have always been a creative soul. From a young age, I have been drawn to art, design, and expressing myself creatively in various forms. This passion has stayed with me throughout my life and continues to drive me in my work today.
    How do you curate a creative environment for yourself – are there mindfulness tools and practices that help you fuel your creativity?
    Creating a beautiful environment for my creativity is crucial. I achieve this by curating inspiring spaces in my home and office and surrounding myself with meaningful sources of inspiration and intriguing objects. Additionally, I use mindfulness techniques to enhance my creativity. Activities like working out and practising pilates, and yoga help me clear my mind, improve my focus, and access my inner creativity.

    “I aim to bridge both cultures, creating connections that celebrate and honour the rich heritage of the UAE while embracing the global influences that inspire me”

    You’ve had multiple inter-industry collaborations. What’s on the horizon for YNM and for yourself?
    YNM (the clothing label) and Yasmin Al Mulla Design Firm (the art firm) are two different entities, and I am pleased with the direction each company is taking. YNM continues to innovate in the fashion industry, while Yasmin Al Mulla Design Firm focuses on bespoke creative projects. My ultimate goal with my collaborations has always been, and will continue to be, to connect the beauty of international brands with the legacy of my culture. I aim to bridge both cultures, creating connections that celebrate and honour the rich heritage of the UAE while embracing the global influences that inspire me.
    This is The Creativity Issue – how do you push yourself out of your creative comfort zone?
    In the world of creativity, artists often step beyond their boundaries to explore new mediums and techniques to expand their creative footprint.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    May’s – The Creativity Issue with Tiffany & Co. – Download Now
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    How Café Kitsuné is now making waves in the UAE

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    16 mins ago

    Cafe Kitsuné shares how the French-Japanese brand has created the magic recipe for success in the Middle East after opening their first cafê in Dubai.
    Talk us through the concept of Cafe Kitsuné.
    We opened our first Café Kitsuné locations in 2013 in Tokyo’s Aoyama district followed by another one in Paris’ iconic Palais Royal Gardens. Since then, Café Kitsuné has grown to a network of 28 cafés in 20 cities across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East, and it has achieved cult status amongst specialty coffee lovers around the world. Everywhere in the world, visitors will find chic and convivial venues, with a Paris-meets-Tokyo feel, a clean and minimalist aesthetic, combined with local-inspired elements.

    The ubiquitous fox logo is everywhere – talk us through the creative inspiration behind it on the merchandise.
    Kitsuné is the Japanese word for fox, a symbol of versatility. Legend has it, the fox possesses the power to change its appearance. It translates directly to our cafés as well: we don’t have one single café with the exact same interior design and atmosphere. Each of our cafés has its own identity while expressing the distinctive Café Kitsuné Art de Vivre.
    As a highly popular coffee shop in Paris and Tokyo – how did the brand decide to bring it to the UAE?
    We really love Dubai, its lifestyle, its modernity, its versatility and the overall vibrant atmosphere of the city. You can feel an undeniable energy. It is an inspiring and innovative city, especially for the Food & Beverage scene. Nowhere else in the world is quite like Dubai. We feel very honoured to be able to open our very first Café Kitsuné location at H residence, in the iconic Jumeirah. We can’t wait to further share our Café Kitsuné Art de Vivre and savoir-faire with the Emiratis.

    What are the key dishes at Café Kitsuné Dubai?
    The global culinary imprint of the brand is still apparent and can still be savored even in a menu that is exclusively curated for Dubai. At Café Kitsuné Dubai, visitors will be able to taste our Café Kitsuné unique savoury and full-bodied coffee blend and to pair it with our signature pastries as our Fox-shaped Shortbread, our signature matcha eclair… The café also carries local exclusives such as a rose blossom cake, a Tropézienne tart, that will evolve according to seasons. Café Kitsuné Dubai also offers a delightful savory menu, presenting the brand’s special recipes: the French toast, the shakshuka and our iconic sandos. The menu features unique dishes such as the smashed burger, the breakfast sandwich and the lobster roll with homemade potato crisps.
    The coffee is highly sought-after – tell us more about the source and brewing process.
    Whether it’s in Tokyo, Paris, Seoul or NYC, the coffee served at the Café Kitsuné is a tasty and a balanced combination of two single origin arabica beans, where aromas of chocolate and honey blend perfectly with fruity flavors. It can be enjoyed in situ or as a take-away and comes as an espresso, macchiato, americano, latte, cappuccino, cortado, flat white or mochaccino. From Brazil and Guatemala, the coffee beans are roasted with the utmost care.
    Talk us through the interiors.
    Kitsuné’s in-house architecture and design studio recognized the importance of presenting Café Kitsuné with a global brand identity together with Middle Eastern aesthetics. The cafe’s minimalistic architectural design seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. Featuring Café Kitsuné’s iconic herringbone pattern, the idea is to pay homage to traditional craftsmanship while adding a contemporary touch. Though not imposing, guests can also appreciate the intricate placement of brass and Arabesque elements across the restaurant.
    What lies ahead for Café Kitsuné?
    We opened our first Café Kitsuné location 11 years ago and we only started to expand internationally six years ago. We took time to learn more about coffee culture, the process of roasting, to find the good partners etc. For all our activities, the key has always been to go deeper and constantly improve the quality of our offer, our savoir-faire and propose an outstanding service to our customers. Our customers will soon be able to enjoy Café Kitsuné in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by the end of 2024. In the UAE more specifically, our brand has strong ambitions, with the opening of several new Cafés, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
    Located in H Residence, this café is open from Monday to Sunday from 8am to 11pm and more information can be found on maisonkitsune.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
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    9 creative accounts to follow on Instagram this month

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 mins ago

    A curated guide of creative accounts to #follow on Instagram this month.
    Sarah AlHashmi@sarahmalhashmi

    Emirati Film Director creatively breaking stereotypes.
    SKOONI Arts Foundation & Residence@skooni

    THE creative residence for artists and events.
    Nour Hammour@nourhammour_paris
    Effortless luxury outwear.
    Romani Home@romanihomeofficial
    Function art designed by Haya Jarrar.

    Heston Blumenthal@dinnerbyhbdubai
    A pioneer in culinary creativity.
    REFY@refybeauty
    The coolest beauty brand with creative branding at its core.
    Clinique La Prairie@cliniquelaprairie
    A creatove apprcah to longevity.
    Maison Kitsuné Paris@maisonkitsune
    Parisian cool at it’s best.
    Flos@flos
    Cult pieces.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    May’s – The Creativity Issue with Tiffany & Co. – Download Now
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    The ultimate capsule wardrobe with these 10 fashion basics

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 10 IMAGES
    Ever felt the need to pack less? Or simple spend less time in the morning decided what to wear?
    With endless options in the sartorial world, a decluttered wardrobe rarely lets us make quick decisions on what to wear without spending too much.
    To curate the perfect capsule wardrobe it’s essential to invest in timeless high-quality items and statement pieces in basic hues such as black, white, camel, beige, brown and off-white.
    It all begins with a meticulous edit of impeccably crafted pieces that can stand the true test of time. By focusing on classic pieces that transcend seasons and trends, you’ll be able to purchase must-have pieces that that can successfully create a seasonless closet.
    The key is to curate a collection that exudes sophistication and can be edited accordingly for any occasion.
    So if you’re thinking of revamping your space and starting from scratch, we’re here to guide you with all the basics to buy on your next shopping spree.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @cassdimicco More

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    9 luxurious abundance mindset accounts to follow

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    22 mins ago

    A curated guide of accounts to #follow on Instagram.
    Aubade Jewelry@aubadejewelry

    Kuwaiti-founded fine-jewellery boutique with a cool eye for detail.
    Louis Vuitton@louisvuitton

    The legend.
    The Sourced Collection@thesourcedcollection__

    High-quality key pieces with an edge.
    OFA@ofaofficial

    Luxurious pieces created in collaboraion with Dubai’s best artisans.
    L’Artisan Parfumeur@lartisanparfumeur

    Fragrances crafted with artisanal finesse.
    Bab Al Shams Desert Resort@babalshamshotel

    A rare desert property captivating the unending beauty of Arabia.
    FFORME@fforme

    This sartorial brands focuses on craftsmanship to create unconventional essentials.
    Abadia@abadiaofficial

    This ethical luxury brand supports artisans and celebrates culture.
    Jewelry by Toi@jewelrybytoi

    The first Emirati fine jewellery line to be worn at Cannes Film Festival.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @wendyswan More

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    Eid al-Fitr 2024: The ultimate gift guide for your loved ones

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    With Eid al-Fitr soon approaching next month – it’s time to make sure you make the occasion extra special.
    From thoughtful hostess gifts to unique Eid presents for all the women, and everything in between, this gift guide is the perfect base to see where to begin.
    So, don’t show up to your Eid gatherings empty-handed, as we’ve got you.
    Bookmark this edit as we’ll be adding more hero buys for gift inspiration to treat your loved ones or yourself during this upcoming celebration.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @yaraalnamlah More

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    Eid al-Fitr 2024: The luxe gift guide for your loved ones

    Life by Sarah Joseph 29 mins ago With Eid al-Fitr soon approaching next month – it’s time to make sure you make the occasion extra special. From thoughtful hostess gifts to unique Eid presents for all the women, and everything in between, this gift guide is the perfect base to see where to begin. So, don’t show up to your Eid gatherings empty-handed, as we’ve got you. Bookmark this edit as we’ll be adding more hero buys for gift inspiration to treat your loved ones or yourself during this upcoming celebration. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @yaraalnamlah More

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    Ambani pre-wedding festivities: From Rihanna to Deepika Padukone, who all were there?

    Life by Ruman Baig 5 mins ago Jamnagar, India was the most searched place in the world this weekend, as Asia’s richest family a.k.a the Ambani clan hosted wedding festivities for their youngest son, Anant Ambani. Anand is marrying Rashika Merchant in July 2024, but the pre-wedding festivities were held in March. The who’s who of the world descended in Jamnagar for their 3-day long grand affair. From Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg to Ivanka Trump and Karl Kloss – it was a spectacle to behold. On the first night, the celebrity crowd was entertained with Private Rihanna concert. The Grammy-winning singer did a set of 19 song set for the guests presents to attend the Ambani pre-wedding festivities. Besides global dignitaries, every prominent name from the world of Bollywood marked occasion with their presence. Whether it was Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt or Shahrukh Khan, all the major names from the industry arrived in style. The 3-day itinerary was packed with private concerts, lavish day soirees and private safaris across the natural habitat. Let’s talk about the fashion, because all the stops were pulled. The ladies from the Ambani family were seen in custom-made couture ensembles from brands like Valentino, Schiaparelli, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Off the rack, who is she? Bride Radhika Merchant wore a custom-made Versace gown for the night, resembling the iconic Blake Lively Versace look she wore during the 2022 Met Gala, when she was the co-chair. The diamonds on Radhika could be the sum of a small country’s entire GDP, talk about opulence. Kardashian-Jenner favourite Jeff Leatham was flown down from Hollywood to do the flowers at the venue and the final results were as dreamy as you can expect. The scale of the entire event was so big that the domestic airport of Jamnagar was given International status for the pre-wedding festivities. While the festivities are still ongoing, take a look at all the celebrities present to celebrate Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant for the grand festivities before their actual nuptials. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Instagram More