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    Breton ventures into gobal markets: Unveiling its flagship store in Dubai

    Life by Team Emirates Woman 23 mins ago IN PARTNERSHIP: Breton, the illustrious Brazilian luxury furniture design company boasting over 55 years of rich history, is poised to make its mark on the international stage with the inauguration of its first flagship store in Dubai. With an existing footprint of 19 stores across Brazil, this strategic move signifies Breton’s ambitious foray into new territories, starting with the cosmopolitan hub of Dubai. Situated in the prestigious residential district along Al Wasl Road, Breton’s Dubai flagship spans an impressive 2,300 square meters. The choice of Dubai as the launchpad for its global expansion was deliberate, owing to the city’s cosmopolitan allure, burgeoning luxury market, and exponential retail growth, which has soared to $10 billion over the past decade. André Rivkind, CEO of Breton, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “We are attentive to significant business opportunities, and that’s why we chose Dubai to host this new challenge. It is very important for the brand to spread its ideals and values internationally, as well as to carry the name of Brazil and national design linked to the quality and sophistication of our products.” Backing Breton’s endeavor is local investor Rohit Prem Khemany, whose blend of Brazilian and Indian heritage, coupled with astute business acumen, positions him as a catalyst for the brand’s expansion plans across the Middle East, Asia, and North America. The Dubai flagship epitomizes elegance and innovation, housed within a meticulously renovated villa featuring multiple levels, a rooftop garden, and open outdoor spaces conducive to hosting events for architects and designers. Notably, the Glass Gallery, conceived by renowned Brazilian architect Fernanda Marques, serves as a striking showcase for Breton’s latest furniture collection, accentuating the brand’s commitment to design excellence. Daniel Pegoraro, Director of Product, Style, and Image for Breton, underscored the brand’s distinctive allure, stating, “Breton’s differentiating factor lies in its original design crafted by prominent and acclaimed names in Brazilian design, and all products can be fully customized.” Moreover, Breton’s commitment to sustainability remains unwavering, with the Dubai unit adhering to eco-friendly practices akin to its stores in Brazil. From waste recycling to planting trees in the Atlantic Forest through a partnership with the NGO SOS Mata Atlântica, Breton’s eco-conscious initiatives underscore its dedication to environmental stewardship. With a legacy built on sophistication, distinctive design, and a steadfast commitment to environmental and social responsibility, Breton has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the high-end furniture market. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram. Images: Supplied More

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    Alberto Caliri on crafting the artistic tapestry of Missoni Home and building a legacy

    Emirates Manby Ruman Baig2 hours ago Alberto Caliri has not only overseen ready-to-wear collections for Missoni but has also made substantial contributions to the realms of home decoration and furniture design for the luxury brand.His distinguished curricular studies and research in arts, textiles, and colours have cultivated a unique perspective that has seamlessly evolved with Missoni since 1998.Transitioning to the position of Missoni Home Collection Creative Director in March 2022, Caliri’s journey reflects a deliberate fusion of Missoni’s heritage with contemporary elements.In a freewheeling chat with Emirates Man, Caliri talks about the intricacies of his vision, examining the intersection of chromatic shades, irony, and profound sensitivity that shape Missoni’s Home collections.Alberto, your career with Missoni spans over two decades, transitioning from overseeing ready-to-wear collections to becoming the Creative Director of Missoni Home Collection. How has your journey evolved, and what inspired this transition?I’ve dedicated two decades working with Missoni, where it has allowed me to showcase my creative prowess. I’ve always been passionate about home design, so it was a natural choice for me to transition to Missoni home. It has been a lifelong passion which I’m happy to finally embrace. It has evolved naturally, and I think there is no better time to do it but now especially with the opportunities to create beautiful homes and leisure destinations.Missoni is known for its iconic colour palettes and zigzag patterns. How do you ensure a harmonious synergy between Missoni’s heritage and contemporary elements in the brand’s home collections, particularly in Moonstone Interiors by Missoni residences?Throughout the creative process of Moonstone Interiors by Missoni, we made sure to showcase the unparalleled expertise in luxury design and craftmanship Missoni has been known for. We did our best to integrate the natural environment of beachside living, with the design elements of Missoni, through a harmonious play with light, silhouettes, and shadows – creating a sophisticated coastal allure.The Moonstone Interiors by Missoni project in Ras Al Khaimah reflects a passion for art, culture, and nature. Can you elaborate on how Missoni’s iconic elements blend with details inspired by natural beauty, creating a unique and refined environment for this residential project?Unique combination of lines and colors, when applied to every detail of the project from the architecture to the interiors, furnishings and accessories, reflected a clear distinction and created an imprint that cannot be replicated. We played with the natural environment and the sophisticated craftmanship of the development – allowing us to create a distinctive Missoni residence that has the coastal imprint and opulent design.The Moonstone Interiors by Missoni residences are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. What challenges and opportunities do you anticipate in bringing Missoni’s design philosophy to a luxury residential project, and how does it differ from your work in fashion collections?One of the challenges we faced is the anticipation of the final product, where you are unable to see, touch and feel the ‘real thing’ until they finish the development. You are only able to experience such through renders and alike. Whereas clothing pieces can have prototypes to see the look and feel. However, with the long-standing expertise of our team, we have sharpened our abilities to ensure that the design philosophy of Missoni is gracefully executed and experienced by its residents regardless.The development includes various amenities such as a swimming pool, rooftop sunset pool, gym, spas, and more. How do you approach the integration of interior design with functional spaces to enhance the overall living experience for the residents?Our team made sure that the unique and vibrant aesthetic, along with the fusion of colors and patterns, echoes the vibrant essence of beachside living that is boasting in AlMarjan Island. Being aware of the natural elements, and the energy of the place allowed us to integrate the Missoni beachside allure, which is present in some of the properties we have launched previously.Reflective and transparent surfaces are strategically integrated into the Moonstone Interiors, creating a kaleidoscopic effect with natural light. How does this design choice contribute to the overall ambiance, and what impact do you expect it to have on the residents’ experience?Our goal is for its residents to experience a visually immersive experience that isn’t disruptive of daily life. We wanted the Missoni allure to effortlessly, and naturally fall into place by simply elevating the already existing luxury living within the property.Missoni as a brand is associated with bold design, elevated luxury, and attention to detail. How do you ensure that these values become the hallmarks of Moonstone Interiors by Missoni, and what sets this development apart in terms of design and luxury within the real estate landscape?With the brand’s commitment to luxurious craftmanship, the interiors typically feature a harmonious blend of Missoni’s signature patterns and textures, creating a visually striking and cohesive living environment. The attention to detail extends to the selection of furnishings, textiles, and finishes, all carefully curated to embody the brand’s unique style. This holistic approach to design sets Missoni residences apart, offering residents a truly immersive and exclusive lifestyle.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied by Missoni  More

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    Exclusive: In the office with designer Kristina Fidelskaya

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    4 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 7 IMAGES
    Fashion designer Kristina Fidelskaya talks to Emirates Woman about her office space in Dubai Design District and how it reflects their brand.
    Tap the gallery above for an exclusive tour inside.
    How long have you been in this space?
    We have been in this office since d3 Dubai Design District opened seven years ago. As it was a project of a new area combining fashion and design, we knew we would be surrounded by creativity and inspiring people.
    Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?
    We created our office and showroom from scratch, working closely with interior designers in order to infuse our brand DNA and to bring my vision to life from the concrete walls to the installation made of glossy steel to display our new collections. For the furniture, I like to play with the home lines from other fashion houses.
    How do you think the interior buys reflect you and your brand?
    I wanted a space that matches the vibe of my own house as well as our store in Dubai. Soft, peaceful, clean, and cosy, spending time here should feel like home to be comfortable and leave room for creativity. Most of our interior buys being customized and made-to-measure goes along with the DNA and values of our atelier and brand.
    Describe your taste in three words.
    Elegant, pure, and peaceful.
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    Exclusive: In the office with the Founders of Suited & Booted

    Emirates Man

    by Camille Macawili
    14 mins ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 4 IMAGES
    Founders of Suited & Booted talk to Emirates Man about custom designing their space and how it reflects their brand.
    How long have you been in this space?
    We moved into this space in February 2020.
    Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?
    Every detail of our Dubai showroom has been custom designed to create a truly exceptional experience for our clients. From the layout to the tailor-made display cabinets and shelves, the showroom is carefully arranged to highlight our finest garments and accessories – allowing our clients to appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each piece.
    How do you think the interior buys reflect yourselves and the brand?
    Each aspect of our showroom has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the essence of refined men’s tailoring. We have hand-picked pieces to create an atmosphere that is inviting and comfortable – using materials such as fine wood, rich leather, and polished metals to add a touch of luxury to the space.
    Describe your taste in three words.
    Classy, refined, and timeless.
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    Photography by Ahmed Abdelwahab More

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    Exclusive: At home with Michele Barclay, Founder of BROWZ

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    3 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 7 IMAGES
    Swipe through for a tour inside the home of Michele Barclay, Founder of BROWZ.
    Michele Barclay, Founder of BROWZ, speaks to Emirates Woman about designing her personal space and how it reflects her personality.
    How long have you been in this space?
    We have lived in this home for five years now. During that time, we have re-designed it many times.
    Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?
    We custom-designed our living room sofa to be extra-large and deep enough for us all to lounge in complete comfort. The kitchen sofa was also custom-built in white linen with a concrete base. The original grey tiles in the living area were changed to wooden flooring, to give a more grounding warm feel and the stairs were carpeted. We also opened the kitchen by adding in large sliding doors to enhance the natural light and bring the garden in.
    How do you think the interior buys reflect you?
    A Zen-like space that is minimal and flowing. White gives a sense of lightness of being and a place to fully recharge and totally switch off. The clean lines provide focus on the key pieces while providing a place to enjoy Pilates and meditation.
    Describe your taste in three words.
    Minimal, spacious, grounding.
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    Photography: Ahmed Abdelwahab More

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    How I got my job as… Founder of this luxe Dubai-based interior design company

    Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    This week we chat with Yasmin Farahmandy, founder of Ydesign Interior, an architectural and interior design firm based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Known for its reputation in providing innovative quality pieces for clients according to their needs.
    Focused on one-of-a-kind designs, refined details and impressive quality, the company transforms different scale projects from preliminary concepts to beautiful, bold, luxurious and surreal reality.
    Emirates Woman sat down with this interior designer to find out more about her creative process and what inspired her to launch her own sophisticated brand.
    What was your favourite subject at school?
    My favorite subjects from elementary school all the way to my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were always related to art and design. In Art class, I was always intrigued by materials, colors and textures and I found things came naturally to my eyes at a young age. I have been blessed with opportunities to explore different mediums in both art and design over the years – from graphic design to fashion. I created a series of fashion shows aged 16, and in my work today I continue to admire and be inspired by the fashion and art scene, from how I dress to how I design the next beautiful space. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Furniture Design in Canada and ended my educational journey at Domus Academy in Milan, where I obtained my Master’s degree in Interior and Living Design.

    What was your first job?
    Since I was young I have been driven to work and learn, not just to earn money but because I have always been curious and wanted some independence. When I was 15, I was working as a barista and then restaurant manager and I then went on to run a retail store until I was 20 when I started working in a global design firm. All those early employment experiences have added great value to being a designer today, helping me understand spaces and the need of a venue or brand much better.
    What brought you to Dubai?
    I moved to Dubai when I was five years old then moved to Canada when I was 13. Later on, I moved to Milan, the design capital of the world, to complete my Master’s degree. I returned to Dubai because to me it is a city of opportunities and the design and art scene has grown at an exciting pace here, especially over the last 10 years. Now, it really is one of the main hubs for design and for me, working in the hospitality sector, where better in the world to be than Dubai.
    What inspired you to enter the interior design space and launch Y Design?
    Being a designer was a vision I had since a young age. I always knew I wanted to be part of the creative world and felt it was where I belonged. The older I got, the more obsessed with interior design I became. I love how all design disciplines can be incorporated into interiors. I learned so much working with some of the world’s best global design firms such as HBA and Gensler. That experience, coupled with my lifelong obsession with beauty and luxury, opened the doors for the most exciting chapter of my life – launching Ydesign Interior during the pandemic.
    Talk us through the inspiration of your pieces.
    I am inspired by different cultures and spaces therefore traveling is one of the biggest parts of my inspiration journey. While we like to stay up to date with recent trends, we also try to incorporate historic styles. Like fashion, design trends repeat themselves, whether that be through style, material, or design.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    As a designer and as an entrepreneur, it is very challenging to maintain both identities every day. The designer side of me is a creative soul with a vivid imagination, and day-to-day I manage projects, clients and construction sites. But as an entrepreneur and business owner, I have to wear many different hats and play different roles. I am a representative of my own brand, and I manage the company’s finance, accounts, and team members, all while building new relationships and business leads.
    Talk us through your daily routine.
    Exercise is very important to me. I believe it elevates your mind and your mental health as well as your body, which as an entrepreneur and designer is very important. I need to be able to create and be inspired, and my brain and imagination is my main tool as a designer. It is like a muscle you need to train therefore exercising is part of my daily lifestyle everyday. I wake up very early and either go for a run, do weight training, or hot yoga. I do this every single day before I begin any work. My day is a mix of catching up with emails, meeting my clients and suppliers, and visiting construction sites. After work, I visit newly opened restaurants, hotels and bars to firstly admire the interior spaces, but also to understand and observe how people relate and interact with the spaces, which is a huge part of the concept journey for any hospitality or commercial project.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    Be passionate, persistent, and patient. Passionate: “Do what you love, and love what you do”, always in whatever you do in life. I always advise younger designers – when you do what you love, it is no longer an 8-5 job, it’s your baby, that you are growing, and will always be part of you. Be persistent as starting a firm is not easy, but you should always remain persistent and maintain the same drive everyday – have a vision and go after it. Also, be patient: Your dreams or goals don’t happen overnight. When you start your company, you need to be financially stable while you are growing, because you won’t have a steady salary. Make sure your finance is in check. Be patient. There might be some days you have a couple of projects at the same time, but some days when you are waiting for one project. Be prepared for good and bad days in all areas – whether that is finance or team capability. We have grown today to a team of five designers at Y Design in the past three years, but only because we’ve been ‘passionate, persistent and patient’.
    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    As long as you are really passionate about what you do every day, you will find some joy in both the good and bad days.
    We are living and working in a very competitive market, but if you can maintain energy, passion and a positive energy, you will attract clients who admire this and want to be a part of your journey.
    And what is the worst?
    “You are too young to start your own company”. There is no right or wrong time – it is different for each one of us. It’s going to be scary, challenging, and push you out of your comfort zone whatever age you are – only you know if and when you are ready to take the challenge.

    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    The biggest challenge was the launch of my company, as it was right in the middle of Covid. I had been contemplating for a year when the right time would be to start my own boutique firm. We were in the midst of the chaos and in lockdown, and I had lost my job. It was the scariest and most challenging decision I have made not knowing how the market would respond or if I could succeed. But here we are three years later, and I can say that all that chaos resulted in the most beautiful outcome with the launch of Ydesign Interior.
    What are the future plans for your brand?
    I would like to expand Ydesign Interior globally and work on international projects, while still maintaining our identity and feel of a boutique firm. We are very selective with the projects we take on and operate with an ethos of quality over quantity, which is key to our brand identity, as a luxury boutique firm. I feel it is important to build and develop a great friendships with our clients – that is what makes the journey enjoyable, even amid the inevitable challenges we face with every project.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  & Feature Image: Instagram @ydesigninteriors More

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    Exclusive: In the office with Joey Ghazal, Founder of Canary Club

    Emirates Man

    by Dan Robinson
    2 hours ago

    How long have you worked in this space?
    I have worked here every day since we opened last April. I rarely go to my administrative office and much prefer to work at my restaurants. Canary Club is so bright, fresh and comfortable that it makes for a very inspiring space to work. The lunch bowls are super healthy which is a big plus. We also just added a car wash for lunch time guests, so my car is always shiny.
    Did you have a clear concept from the outset, and which key pieces are your favourite?
    We did a lot of research into 70s West Coast Californian aesthetic when designing Canary Club and tried to stay as true as we could with the earth tone colour palette, shag carpets, terracotta tiles, rattan and wicker furniture, terrazzo and creamy popcorn paint. I have a great love for chandeliers and the lotus ones at Canary all lined up are definitely my favourite.
    Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?
    Yes, all the booths, service stations and tables were bespoke. We even custom-made our own floor lamps from wooden cake standsand lamp shades made from agave fibres.
    How do you think your interior reflects you/your brand?
    The most important thing to me is that a place feels storied, timeless and authentic. Using natural materials that age well also make the space feel warm and lived in.
    Describe your taste in three words.
    Classic, bold and playful.
    Swipe through for a tour inside the office of Joey Ghazal, Founder of Canary Club.

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    Photography by Mark Mathew More

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    Exclusive: In the Office with Founder of Goshá, Natalia Shustova

    Lifestyle

    by Dan Robinson
    2 hours ago

    How long have you worked in this space?
    We moved into our studio in October 2020.
    Did you have a clear concept from the outset, and which key pieces are your favorite?
    We were building our space as business was growing and shaping. My favourite part is the overall idea of “raw” … it’s a studio where artists create, and it is full of daily “debris” of what the process of creation usually brings
    Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?
    Our entire studio is custom built from the kitchen/bar space to our rainbow set dried floral bar.
    How do you think your interior reflects you and your brand?
    Our studio is our “happy” place where we create. It is “free” from office or retail space rules, allowing us to have no boundaries in our work. I believe freedom of expression and creative freedom, originality is what Goshá really stands for.
    Describe your taste in 3 words.
    Well thought out, and unique, with a touch of color.
    Swipe through for a tour inside the office of Natalia Shustova, Founder of Goshá.

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    Photography by Mark Mathew More