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Titled Dreams in Paradise, the designers's tribute to Suzhou’s Elegant Gardens and Kunqu Opera pairs the delicate elegance of Suzhou garden architecture with the muted beauty of Kunqu opera costumes. All images courtesy of SARAWONG From the mid-Ming dynasty until the outbreak of the Taiping War, Suzhou in the south of the Yangtze River was the most economically developed place in the country and set trends in both social development and lifestyle. As a result, Suzhou became known for its elegance and refinement.During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou became the most prosperous region in China, known for its private gardens. At its peak between the 16th and 18th centuries, there were over 200 gardens in the city, with dozens remaining intact today. Kunqu is one of the oldest traditional operas in China, and is also a treasure of Chinese traditional culture and art, listed as one of the masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO since 2001. The collection used elements of window flowers and traditional Kunqu costumes such as colourful fringes, cloud shoulders, and fabric patchwork to pay tribute to traditional chinese culture and recreate the quintessential beauty of Jiangnan culture, a geographic area in China referring to the prosperous lands immediately to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The collection featured the use of purple, cherry blossom pink, and soft goose yellow, drawing on the soft, classical, and gentle style of Kunqu opera costumes, particularly using the moving story of the masterpiece The Peony Pavilion, one of the symbols of the rise of the folk sense of individuality in a love story that pioneered the freedom of women to pursue love. Known as the Romeo and Juliet of the East, it is a classic monument in the history of Chinese love stories. The FW 23.24 collection presented in Milan continued SARAWONG’s previous patchwork approach, combining fringes and wool weaving with clever combinations of colors to reveal the richness of the garments. The clothing elements were tassels, cloud shoulder, patchwork, sleeves, and window wool knitting. Tassel is a light and graceful ornament that has been passed down and developed through the generations The design was inspired by the tassels found on Kunqu opera costumes and draws on the split position of the tassels and the clashing of colors. The cloud shoulder is a unique style in Chinese dress culture, rich in decorative motifs, symbolic art language, numerical metaphors and profound cultural heritage. The jacquard fabrics used in the collection also incorporate the strength of SARAWONG costumes,resulting in a fusion of beauty and balance. Following the journey of awakening to the power of women that begins with The Peony Pavilion, the true power of freedom is to follow the beauty of the women one identifies with, to experiment, to question, to rejoice, to pursue love and to enjoy the confidence and beauty of being a woman. SARAWONG’s collection aims to inspire a relaxed, happy mood, providing a way for people to heal themselves and find their own piece of fun, even in uncertain times. An invitation to everyone to experience the dream and find their own piece of paradise on earth.

Majdouline BENSERHIR Majdouline Benserhir the renowned Moroccan artist launched her new song - Ya Mi / مجدولين بنصغير- يا امي. The song is available on YouTube and Amazon.com Lyrics and Composition are by Majdouline Benserhir. Makeup and Hair Style: Tariq Baina Studio: Mehdi Mahjour Prod Arrangement: Achraf Bensfia Directed by: Ferdy Also see more music here

Casablanca unveiled its Fall/Winter 2023–24 collection, titled For the Peace and surprisingly inspired by modern beauty of Syria and the pain of war-torn country. Casablanca Paris - Automne-Hiver 2022/2023 Syria and refugee crisis under which France suffers a lot is rarely addressed on the catwalks in fashion, but Charaf Tajer, the founder of Casablanca, wanted specifically to use his platform to advocate for the purpose of his collection: "We’re not saying that fashion is the solution, but we should use our voices to raise issues and shout loudly, and do anything we can to create a better world." His message and invitation to talk about refugees are beautiful, and the clothes are too. The contemporary luxury looks feature many references to Arabic culture. Daywear consisted of well-cut, army-inspired unisex uniforms and suits that were mixed with flamboyant evening wear for both male and female models. The message was clear, with big hearts printed on the outfits or heart cutouts. The uniforms were decorated with medals in shape of heart and the model carried flower bouquet. There was a vibrant section of denim looks featuring a lot of flower power and 1970s denim trousers and knitwear. It's a collection you want to wear to celebrate life at a chic party in Courchevel or a winter dessert safari. The person wearing these clothes can't be anything but happy, and maybe this does not take away somebody else's happiness, but happy people don't want to hurt others, and this is the message of Casablanca. The Parisian house is today carried in over 300 of the world’s most prestigious stores and boutiques. And with this much enthusiasm, the contemporary luxury house can aptly advocate for some change.

Loro Piana highlights Italian essence with effortless ease for summer days. Shop Spring Summer 2023: timeless elegance and Italian sartorial tradition. Loro Piana Image courtesy SS23.

Dior is unveiling an unprecedented campaign – signed Brigitte Lacombe – exalting the timeless allure of the Lady 95.22. LADY 95.22 ROSAMUND PIKE. All images ©BRIGITTE LACOMBE This new essential accessory is staged alongside exceptional women from the worlds of art, cinema, sports, literature, fashion and music. In these spellbinding shots, actress Rosamund Pike carries the iconic black leather bag with its ruthenium-color finishes, including “D, I, O, R” charms that evoke the founding-couturier's lucky charms. With this object of desire, emblematic of Dior elegance, she embodies a plural femininity, at once sensitive and powerful. An ode to refinement and self-affirmation, promising an audacious and sophisticated silhouette.

Anna Dello Russo the former Vogue Japan editor at large and creative consultant unveils Max&Co. collaboration, part of the brand’s &Co.llaboration project. Called “De-Coated” and debuting Wednesday during Milan Fashion Week, the streamlined capsule collection revolves around a single item, the coat. All images courtesy of Max & Co. Ultra-colourful and tailored: the coat goes “deconstructed” and grabs the spotlight! With no lining or sleeves, it converts into a blazer, dress, skirt, corset. The colour palette is neon – pink, citrine, orange. The cropped Tee takes over, made unique by the electric pink and ADR’s signature, while the Dot bag goes all gold. Star: the red bustier dress with mini and maxi sequins. A capsule that celebrates the eclectic and original style of one of the most popular fashion icons of the fashion world.

MM6 Maison Margiela’s new collection is a sight to behold; a perfect mix of innovative contemporary and classic styles but presented in a series of entirely new contexts in which they might be viewed and worn. A play of surfaces and perception, looks appear as seen through the looking-glass familiar and ungraspable at the same time. Artist Miguel (@miguel). The singer Miguel wears MM6 AVP AW23 look 18. The actor Filippo Scotti wears the MM6 AVP AW23 look 21 and the last drop of the MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon. The actor Rocco Fasano wears the MM6 SS23 look 21 Rocco Fasano (@rocco_fasano) Artist Gaia The singer Gaia wears MM6 SS23 look 19 with a coat from the MM6 AVP AW23 collection. All images courtesy of MM6® maisonmargiela.com The new MM6 collection is full of versatile, modern pieces that will instantly elevate any look. A shirt with a body in gossamer navy lining fabric comes with bulky leather sleeves; those of a tailored wool blazer are foiled down the front. A hood emerging from the collar of a camel wool greatcoat is in fact a removable scarf, while the boxer short waistband that peeks above straight-leg blue jeans is built into them. fastening with a drawstring. The high-quality materials and refined details on accessories, like thigh-high boots crafted from panelled brushed calfskin and distressed suede, add an extra element of sophistication. The range includes timeless basics, like the iconic Japanese Bag, but here proposed as a triple-handled model and as a full-size Weekender. In addition to classic and contemporary styles, MM6's new collection also includes some unique silhouettes. MM6 has found a way to reinvent classic pieces and make them trendy yet timeless. With this exciting range of designs, one can be bold and make a statement in a unique manner with MM6 Maison Margiela’s new collection. It’s the perfect way to express personal style and show off a unique sense of fashion. The intention is not to trick the eye, rather the idea is to dress pleasantly for the next fall season and test new wardrobe combinations, something the brand always proposes in a original and sensible way. Unexpected fabric textures and treatments are irreverently spliced, disrupting preconceived expectations associations of particular garments, textiles and silhouettes. This extends to the presentation and design of the catwalk itself. The show presented during the Milan Fashion Week, with its exposed backstage, holds much transparency and this is yet another disrupting way to organise runways. With its unique aesthetic and always on-trend pieces, it’s no wonder that Maison Margiela has become one of the most sought-after labels for fashion forward dressers.

The journey of research and experimentation in KRIZIA Fall Winter 2023 is going on, ever stronger in the exasperation of contrasts. Woolen sartorial structures are crossed by soft silky transparencies, so inside masculine garments are carved feminine silhouettes. Material contrasts between warm and cold faces. Metal, the brand's iconic element, becomes the leitmotif of this collection, in the form of laminated leather and pure steel fiber fabrics. Contrasting this more industrial world is the handcrafted and handmade, eco knit furs in washed mohair, made from Japanese yarns sourced from small, local businesses. The tactile sensation is emphasized through interventions on material surfaces, such as thickly carved leather almost simulating a scales effect. Alternating between shiny and matte, unexpected evening dresses in hyper-transparent mohair knitwear with matching tights in contrast with hyper-fluid garments in wet-effect viscose. Colored galvanic of the metals are the starting point of the color palette that is then declined in the different nuances up to the neutrals and the iconic black and white. An increasingly accentuated play of contrasts that recalls the true spirit of the Maison by projecting into an almost futuristic reality.

The Group 2 Balanchine Stakes (Presented by Land Rover) has produced Group 1 performers in the past and eight smart fillies will aim to continue that tradition in Friday’s race, the feature of the Carnival’s 8th meeting. Image courtesy (dubairacingclub.com) Godolphin have won the last five runnings of this and look the team to beat again, with Charlie Appleby sending out With The Moonlight (pictured), who beat five of these rivals in the Group 2 Cape Verdi last time out. Her main opposition looks to be stablemate Tranquil Lady, who is a new acquisition for the stable, having won a French Group 3 for trainer Joseph O’Brien when last seen in October. “With The Moonlight has come forward since the Cape Verdi and the step back up in distance is going to suit,” said Appleby, who has won this race four times. “She has a penalty to carry but is clear on ratings and has already won at the track this season. She looks the one they all have to beat. Of Tranquil Lady, who sold to Godolphin for 2.7million Guineas at Tattersalls in December, he added: “This will be her first start for us, so we are on a slight learning curve, but we are confident that she will run a nice race. We will potentially see her at her best over further and this will be our first opportunity to get a handle on her ahead of the forthcoming season.” Godolphin also hold a strong hand in the Jumeirah Fillies’ Guineas, a new race which is being run over 1600metres on turf. Saeed Bin Suroor’s Mawj has valuable track experience, having just held on over 1400metres in the Jumeirah Fillies’ Classic a month ago. “Racing over a mile will be a new experience for her – she has plenty of speed - but we wanted to give her the chance to see if she can stay this trip,” said Bin Suroor, who is already thinking ahead to Mawj’s European campaign. “She worked nicely on Monday and looks ready to go again. It would be very good if she can get the mile, especially with future targets in mind.” Rated just 5lbs below Mawj is Appleby’s Fairy Cross, who signed off for 2022 with a win in the Group 3 Prestige Stakes at Goodwood in August. “Fairy Cross has physically done well out in Dubai,” said Appleby. “This was an opportunity to get a run into her out here and she will definitely come on for the outing. We are hoping that she will have a busy campaign after this, so it’s a day out before heading back to Europe.” There are four internationals in the field, including Rise And Shine, trained in France by Hiroo Shimizu and ridden by Adrie de Vries who is realistic about her chances. “Rise And Shine needs to find a lot to be in the prizemoney,” he said. “She didn’t like the dirt last time but I’ve ridden her in a little bit of work the other day and she’s a nice filly. She’ll be better on the turf but it’s a tough race.” The form of last year’s Jumeirah Derby (Presented by Al Tayer Motors) worked out extremely well, with winner Nations Pride going on to Grade 1 glory in the States. A field of nine will try to emulate him in this year’s race, with his stablemates One Nation and Highbank joined by Bin Suroor’s Al Khazneh. “One Nation should enjoy the extra furlong and looks a leading contender,” said Appleby. “He ran a very solid race last time and came out of it in great order. Highbank has produced two sound efforts so far this year and will be interesting over this distance, which should suit based on his pedigree. We feel he can be very competitive as well.” Fawzi Nass runs two, with stable jockey De Vries opting to ride recent maiden winner Sharar over Legend Of Cannes. “This was a hard pick for me,” said the jockey. “I think Sharar is a horse who is improving still and Legend Of Cannes has been quite busy lately so that’s why I picked Sharar – he might have a bit more left in the tank.” The opening race is the Al Karama Stakes (Presented by Defender 130), a 1400metre dirt three-year-old contest. Bhupat Seemar’s Morning, dropping in grade and distance from the UAE 2000 Guineas, looks interesting, while Ah Jeez, a son of UAE Derby winner Mendelssohn, makes his local debut for California-based trainer Doug O’Neill. 35 minutes later, a field of nine lines up for the Defender 90 Handicap, over 1200metres on dirt. De Vries rides King Gold, third on both of his local starts so far for French trainer Nicolas Caullery. “King Gold ran a cracking race last time,” said the jockey. “I committed a little bit too early and he didn’t quite stay the seven furlongs. He had a bad draw that day [15] and I think the six furlongs will suit him down to the ground. He’ll be a good ride.” The opposition includes the lightly raced Colour Up, another who was undone by a wide draw last time when finishing second to Rawy over this course and distance. “Colour Up has been given a good break and is in good form,” said owner Sayed Hashish, who bought the son of Mehmas as two-year-old. “The draw [9] is not good but we’re hoping for a big run.” Race three, the Defender 110 Handicap, over 1400metres on turf, is fiendishly competitive and has a full field of 16, including five for Godolphin. Appleby runs Silent Film, the pick of William Buick, and Bay Of Honour, while Bin Suroor sends out Major Partnership, Light And Dark and White Lion. De Vries rides Ali Albadwawi’s course and distance winner Al Salt, who returns to Meydan having won last time out at Abu Dhabi. “Al Salt won with a little bit in hand last time,” he said. “He got out late and he still finished well, winning quite comfortably. He will be another good ride.” The Hashish silks will be carried here by course and distance winner Spirit Of Light, who has earned a cheque on all three Carnival starts so far this season. “Spirit Of Light will need to defy top weight and bad draw,” said the owner. “It won’t be an easy task but there should be strong pace in the race which should help him.” The closing race, the Defender 75th Limited Edition Handicap, over 1600metres on dirt, has a field of 12, including dual course and distance winner Street Mood and raiders from Spain, in Legionario, and the Czech Republic in Josephino. Racing begins at 6pm and tickets, starting at AED2 for General Admission, are available from dubairacingclub.com

ROLLS-ROYCE STAFF SELECT SOPHIE'S LEGACY AS THEIR 2023 HOUSE CHARITY. Sophie's Legacy was founded by Gareth and Charlotte Fairall in memory of their daughter Sophie, a remarkable young girl who touched many lives. Image courtesy of rolls-roycemotorcars.com Sophie's Legacy was nominated and voted for by colleagues across the business. Staff will plan and run fundraising activities throughout the coming year. Hereby, the ultra-luxury carmaker continues an unbroken 20-year tradition of supporting good causes that began when the Home of Rolls-Royce first opened in 2003 “We're delighted that Sophie's Legacy will be our House Charity for 2023. In founding this amazing organisation in their daughter's memory, Gareth and Charlotte Fairall have shown incredible courage, and are making a real difference to other families' experience. Our team, who chose Sophie's Legacy through a process we've followed since our earliest days, will be raising funds throughout the coming year to support this wonderful and really important work.” Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sophie died from cancer in September 2021, aged just 10. During her illness, she compiled a list of changes she wanted to see in hospitals. As a result, the charity's central missions are: availability of play specialists seven days a week; improvements to children's food; meals for parents when staying with their child; specific training in childhood cancer for GPs, nurses and other health professionals; and increased funding for childhood cancer research. The new House Charity was chosen through a well-established process, entirely independent of senior management, in which staff at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood nominate good causes close to their hearts, with a final shortlist being put to a vote. Staff then organise and run fundraising events throughout the year, consistently raising sums that have a significant impact on what are often small organisations serving the local community. Charlotte Fairall said, “We would like to thank Rolls-Royce for choosing Sophie's Legacy as their charity for the year. Sophie wanted to improve families’ experiences in hospital along with campaigning for national change. We are seeing a steep increase in referrals for families struggling in hospital with their children and having the support from Rolls-Royce means we can continue to help those in need. We look forward to working with them in the forthcoming year.” During 2022, Rolls-Royce staff raised money for Snowdrop Trust, culminating in the largest single donation in the charity’s history. Snowdrop provides nursing care at home for local children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses. Based in the Chichester area, it also offers emotional and financial help for families coping with the day-to-day problems of caring for children with serious conditions.

Gaurav Gupta's Indian vision of the infinite future Indian fashion designer and artist, Gaurav Gupta, who graduated from Central Saint Martins makes his official debut during Paris Haute Couture Week, aptly presented at the Indian Republic Day, 26th January. India is present in his collection in many ways, and the designer often explores themes of surrealism and fundamentally inspired by Indian history and rich tradition. By fusing traditional methods of building and adornment with his vision of the future, he masterfully narrates the concept of infinity in his spring-summer 2023 couture collection. His fascination with the ancient Egyptian civilisations, and how it explorations on time and metaphysics is also interpreted in elaborate embroideries. Noting the Sanskrit term for zero, shunya (Śūnyatā, शून्यता), which was developed in India, as the first modern equivalent of numeral zero, by Hindu astronomer and mathematician Brahmagupta in 628. This revolutionary discovery and the possibility of advance studies of space and time also inspires Gupta's first official runway show during Paris Haute Couture Week, "I wanted to delve more deeply into our mental landscape to develop an idea that is subliminal" the designer said. His sculptural draping forms in indigo electric blue in satins, chiffons, organzas represents a sense of futurism of dressing in a way that was absent in other shows in Paris. This look already appeared with great success on the red-carpet in America. Look 34 Gold cloud ruffle gown with melting crystals. All images courtesy of Gaurav Gupta Gaurav Gupta couture modeled by international celebrity models. Look 34 Gold cloud ruffle gown with melting crystals. Look 4 Twin reflection sculpture dress in crystal embroidery with embroidered ankle boots. "I have tried to explore the movement possibilities between zero and infinity with tangents of mythology, fantasy and surrealism. Frozen strokes of dancing wind in infinite forms are sculpted in gold and silver handwoven tissue–the set of twin dresses in silver are an embodiment of this" Gaurav Gupta Black snake web suit with snake ankle boots. The collection unites elemental dresses in black and nude strategically revealing the form in its pristine state. Meteoric light embroideries emulate melting lava or deep waves of a very dark ocean. There is a snake dress slithering and intertwining all through the body. The snakes, inspired by the kundalini, softly meander on the body in hand-embroidered waves. Their form is made luminous with black and purple rainbow and blue iridescent glass beads. There are goth dresses in black leather-like jersey and an acid trip neon yellow. Aelis couture Taking inspiration from past periods, like the late Baroque and Empire style, Aelis couture collection proposes modern versions that are constructed after what designer calls Re-Gener-Action. Using a lot of strong colours mixed with pastels throughout the collection Aelis sets the contemporary mood to its looks made of long gowns often with asymmetrical one shoulder. The collection is filled with alluring looks that evoke passion of the summer nights. ROBERT WUN debuts at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week This Paris debut, which concluded Paris Fashion Week, was inspired by one of our most basic emotions: fear. The designer, however, approaches fear from a different angle that transforms this ominous feeling into parody thanks to impeccibel couture craftmanship and handwork as he creates whimsical interpretations of our worst fears, such as getting red wine on your white dress and getting wet in your favorite ensemble. Robert Wun Haute Cuture. All images courtesy of Robert Wun. Wun explains how every emotions, felt from the past few months are encapsulated into the designs trough use of haute couture techniques and handcraft, as Robert Wun states, "We wanted to tell a personal story, at this very first physical showcase of the brand’s history." "An image keep lingering in my mind when I was designing this collection. It was a picture of technicians all dressed in white coats with gloves on in an atelier, holding their breaths while handling the garments delicately. This scene captured the fear of damaging, staining or breaking the precious work. This image has deeply resonated with my feelings at the time and instated questions I have had for myself." Robert Wun These incidents can turn to be beautiful per se. It is important time stamp of the brand’s journey, and the designer stops up to ask essential question, “What is a Haute Couture collection of the time? Who am I as a designer? Am I good enough?” Wun's debut collection at the Paris fashion week undoubtedly confirms his talent and sense for humor that fashion needs now more than ever. with his debut in paris Robert Wun closed the Paris shows with a lot positive way of looking at getting your left foot out of the bed. Born in Hong Kong, Robert Wung studied fashion in London, where he cultivated his style inspired by both East and West. As a student, he developed an affinity for the avant-garde, and later incorporated this into his own designs. Known for his fusions of simplicity, sophistication and creativity, Robert’s work is both admired and sought after by celebrities, models, and fashion enthusiasts alike. Wun takes his cues from the elements and processes around him, creating garments that exemplify his impressions of the natural world. A particular signature of Robert’s work are his intricate details, which take each piece of clothing to the next level. His designs are renowned for their high-quality workmanship and modern look. Every collection he presents is a spectacle that captures the imagination of all its viewers. Robert Wun presents a timeless style that transcends trends and continues to be appreciated by the fashion elite around the world. Confronting those self-doubts is the beginning of the creative process, turning what we fear most into the inspiration itself. I started looking into fashion accidents and the uncomfortable truth in self-esteem. Elements like Broken heels, plastic surgery, wine stains, shattered pearl necklaces, rain and burns, these elements are incorporated with Swarovski crystals supported by Swarovski, umbrellas structures supported by Senz, pleatings and 3D printing structures, different techniques and crafts are elaborated into the designs of the collection. Fear is the one theme that runs through the collection, interpreted into different stories through each individual looks. Ultimately, the collection is not about fear, it is about the desire to conquer fear.

Ergochiro summer 23 collection builds on the subtly romantic aura that characterizes the High Summer season, thus ZEUS + DIONE summer 23 is entirely dedicated to the art of handicrafts. All images, Ergochiro summer 23 collection by ZEUS + DIONE Throughout the collection designer Marios Schwab illustrates Emmanuel Kant's saying that "the hand is the window of the mind" and is inspired in particular by two magazines Εκείνde/Her and ERGOCHIRO published in the 1970s in Greece, which inspired women to develop their creativity through clever patterns, inspiring motives and ideas. Exploring the vast craft heritage of the Pomace region, in the north of Greece; antique silk tablecloths entirely embroidered by hand women were over-dyed reassembled and sewn in sumptuous dresses and bluses, an ennoblement that also pays tribute to the signs of time. By incorporating embroidery with cross stitch, azure or delicate flat stitch on a dressing room of day tailor, this collection is an ode to craft know-how. Bias cut dresses have clean, feminine forms. Signs that have been pleated, pleated, and crumpled transform simple lines into flexible silhouettes. Gathered bodices fall on undulating skirts with soft pleats, while necklines and cutouts that reveal the skin exalt all the tenderness of the collection. The palette here is filled with coral shades, shimmering silver gray tones, neutrals, ivories, clear blues, and black accents, similar to the spectacular reefs off the Mediterranean coast. The brand's signature "Spathoto" silk is woven with coral and gold tones, contrasting with the ecru stripes of natural silk. Baroque pearls turn into decorative buttons, synthetic corals and sculpted seashells adorn the rope belts and jewelry, and silver embellishes them all.