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    At the center of the French Capital, a new hotel epitomises Parisian chic

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    2 hours ago

    At the center of French Capital, a new hotel epitomizes Parisian chic.
    Ahh Paris – always a good idea isn’t it? It’s one of those cities where you find yourself returning to and not get tired of. This summer, the French Capital buzzes with sporting excitement as it gears up for Paris 2024 Olympics. With an uptick in travel and continuous influx of tourists for summer, enjoying the city’s culture, shopping, and food might pose as a big challenge.
    Luckily, Hotel Balzac just opened in June. This new Relais & Chateux five-star haven sits on the corners of Rue Balzac and Rue Lord Byron – a stone’s throw away from the legendary avenue Champs-Élysées, where you’ll feel the magnetic energy of Paris yet are able to retreat with ease.

    Like with any Relais & Chateux property, Hotel Balzac is full of charm and character, providing a unique sense of place. The Parisian epitome of quiet luxury, it offers all the modern comforts of a discerning traveller and a reliable hospitality service.
    Upon walking past its majestic door for check-in, you’ll feel the intimate and warm atmosphere of the lobby, thanks to the renowned Festen Architecture duo, Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay. The Festen duo have leaned heavily into the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration, revisited with creative modernity and minimalism deeply anchored in Balzac’s Parisian identity to create ultra-chic spaces within the hotel, which is eminently Instagrammable.

    A Chic Stay
    It features 58 rooms and spacious suites (some with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and sky-high rooftop terraces). The bathroom comes with a bathtub or shower (or both!) and is adorned with goregous wood panelling that contrasts with the mosaic marble as well as bath amenities from Diptyque, which is always a plus.

    Looking for something more exceptional? Located on the 6th and top floor, the Paris Sky Suite features a large living room that extends to a terrace overlooking Rue Lord Byron and the Champs-Elysées, facing the Eiffel Tower. On the other side of the long corridor, two peaceful bedrooms with their bathrooms overlook the courtyard and the rooftops of Paris.
    Sleek & Exceptional Dining
    Beyond the glass-roofed lounge, the Hotel Balzac bar is a sleek space for a break during a day of shopping, a lunch with girl friends, or a night cap, and serves bar-style bites including Petrossian caviar specialties or a lobster roll with Espelette pepper and ginger alongside delicious beverages crafted by Head Bartender Julien Quettier.

    Although the culinary offering is limited, there are plenty of options from the neighborhood and without going too far, there’s the exquisite Pierre Gagnaire restaurant, a 3-star Michelin restaurant which is situated… at Hotel Balzac.

    A Unique Wellness Space
    After a hectic day around Paris, the Ikoi Spa offers a unique escape with a holistic approach inspired by Japanese methods. It provides a range of treatments and massages on tables or tatami mats. The pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness room complete the facilities of this unparalleled spa, which will officially open for guests in July 2024.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Image: Supplied / Matthieu Salvaing  More

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    Run don’t walk: Netflix just dropped the first look of Emily in Paris Season 4

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    Emily in Paris Returns: Fashion gets bolder, love Gets Messier in Season 4.

    Calling all Francophiles and hopeless romantics, Netflix has unveiled a first look at the highly-anticipated season 4 of “Emily in Paris,” the Darren Star comedy that’s equal parts fashion inspiration and Parisian escapism.
    All the BTS shots from Emily in Paris S4

    A Recap of Emily’s Parisian Adventures (So Far)
    For those new to the show, the first three seasons follow Emily Cooper, a young American marketing executive who lands her dream job at a Parisian firm. What unfolds is a whirlwind of cultural clashes, career challenges, and of course, a whole lot of love triangles.
    Emily navigates the chic world of Parisian fashion while struggling to master the language and customs. She develops close friendships with her colleagues, particularly Mindy, an aspiring singer, and clashes (but secretly admires) her sophisticated boss, Sylvie.
    The biggest drama, however, revolves around Emily’s love life. Torn between the charming chef Gabriel, her downstairs neighbor, and the kind Brit, Alfie, Emily’s heart (and loyalties) are constantly tested.
    What to Expect in Season 4
    Season 3 ended on a cliffhanger, with Emily caught between her feelings for Gabriel and Alfie, further complicated by the news of Gabriel’s ex, Camille, expecting his baby.
    The first look photos for season 4 hint at a bolder Emily, both in terms of her personality and her fashion choices. Costume designer Marylin Fitoussi promises a “reinterpretation of Parisian fashion codes” with Emily taking more risks and asserting her own unique style.
    The synopsis offers a glimpse into the upcoming chaos: Emily wrestles with her feelings for Gabriel while he prepares for fatherhood, Sylvie faces a personal dilemma, and Mindy’s band scrambles for funds for Eurovision. Underlying it all is the undeniable chemistry between Emily and Gabriel, but with secrets threatening to derail everything.
    A Season Split in Two
    “Emily in Paris” season 4 will be a double feature, premiering in two parts. Part 1 arrives on August 15, 2024, followed by Part 2 on September 12, 2024. So, get ready to binge-watch, ooh la la at the fashion, and gasp at the inevitable romantic entanglements that await Emily in the City of Lights.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied by Netflix Mena More

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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
    Images: Supplied More

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    This rare collaboration is a creative nod to Alaïa’s unique vision and philosophy

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    3 hours ago

    Looking for the perfect present for the one who has impeccable taste and an artful eye? The search is over.
    From November 27, 2023 to January 4, 2024, Alaïa has invited Rare Books Paris in its Paris Marignan and London New Bond Street boutiques for an exclusive and one-of-a-kind collaboration that fashion collectors and book lovers alike will appreciate.

    Housed in a private residence on the left bank of Paris, Rare Books Paris is an online library with a cornucopia of out-of-print fashion and lifestyle tomes. For this partnership, a unique selection of books curated by creative director Pieter Mulier, will be available to shop from along with a customizable Alaia leather bookmark.

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

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    Hotel Café Royal in Paris delivers style, sophistication, and unparalleled service

    News

    by Amy Sessions
    2 hours ago

    The Stay
    Designed with an incredible ability to seamlessly blend tradition with the modern technology comforts you’d expect from a hotel at this level, you will fully relax and enjoy your stay from a breakfast that caters to every taste to a turndown service that warms the bath towels. Both rooms and suites feel spacious and accommodate bathrooms with a bathtub and separate walk-in shower, so your simple nightly rituals feel like extravagant downtime.

    Hotel Café Royal
    The unwind
    One of the most tranquil spas you will ever visit – the underground Askasha spa boasts a large pool, spacious sauna and relaxation rooms where you can practise Yoga and Pilates, a welcome respite from the business of the city centre. Book in for a well-earned Aromatherapy Associates massage and be transformed back to the freshest version of yourself.

    Hotel Café Royal
    The Dining
    With a menu inspired by the iconic and storied Parisian neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, home to Hotel Café Royal’s sister hotel Lutetia Paris, Brasserie Saint Germain delivers on taste and service alike. The menu created by Eliano Crespi and his culinary team offers up the best of seasonal produce in a cosy semi-formal setting, the Sole Meunière and Salade Juliette are not to be missed. More

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    In pics: Hande Erçel shares snippets of her recent trip to Paris

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    Bonjour Paris! Turkish actress Hande Erçel shared a series of photos on her Instagram feed this week.
    From mirror selfies to portraits with her sister Gamze Erçel, the duo is seen exploring the city of love in their best outfits as they go on the ultimate girl’s trip.
    Whether indulging in some hot chocolate or shopping at their most-loved stores, the duo’s trip looked beyond exciting. No trip is complete without some retail therapy, as the sisters love wearing their favourite outfits, they stop for a mid-break to refresh their wardrobe with the best pieces that Paris has to offer.
    The other Erçel sister shared a behind-the-scenes of their glamourous trip, during which they spent time taking in the picturesque city and in her caption said, “Our holiday summary, In the fourth photo Hande took my picture, but I’m not there.”
    To add some humor, the famous actress shared her snippets with the caption, “My sister was a ghost the entire holiday,” as she barely highlighted her in the pictures.
    Swipe through the gallery to see the best shots:

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @handemiyy  & @gamze_ercel More

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    The editor-approved tech essentials to pack for Paris

    Lifestyle

    by Amy Sessions
    20 minutes ago

    Over the past week, the who’s who of fashion has been in Paris to mark Couture Week.
    With a packed schedule, it’s essential to stay up to speed with the very best tech essentials.
    Having recently travelled to the fashion capital, our Editor/Associate Publisher, Amy Sessions, powered her schedule for both work and play with some essential kit.
    Capture

    Being able to create and capture content on the go is so beneficial and the camera on the latest iPhone makes curating the highest-level content in seconds so easy. Videos straight from the runway curated into reels or interviews with designers as well as quick snaps to take home that inspire more incredible content are all effortless.
    iPhone 13 Pro Max, prices start from Dhs4,699
    Grow

    I love to watch documentaries and record podcasts when I’m travelling whether it’s in the back of a cab or on a flight. Downloading things to watch that will help you learn, and grow is a great way to make productive use of time.
    iPad Mini, prices start from Dhs2,129
    Work Mode

    I use these days in and day out both to listen to podcasts and for conference calls with the team back at HQ. The noise cancellation doubles up as indispensable if you’re on a busy flight enabling you to get a couple of hours of sleep in absolute peace.
    AirPods Pro, prices start from Dhs999 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More