Ramadan 2024: International Designers Embrace Middle East’s Cultural Richness
As Ramadan 2024 approaches, the fashion world eagerly unveils collections that cater to this special time, from a wide range of designers including Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dima Ayad, and others.
4 min
This annual tradition underscores the fashion industry’s recognition of the Middle Eastern market’s importance, demonstrating a commitment to cultural respect, inclusivity, and the freedom of personal style through design. This year’s innovations offer designs that harmoniously blend tradition with contemporary lifestyles for Middle Eastern consumers.
Stella McCartney’s latest collection pays tribute to the women of the MENA region, drawing inspiration from the rose as a symbol of beauty, love, and nature within Islam. McCartney describes the capsule as a fusion of modesty with modernity and tradition with innovation, utilizing vibrant pink and black lightweight, luxurious fabrics upcycled from past collections to minimise material use and environmental impacts.
Key pieces include a blush pink S-wave monogrammed kaftan with a matching pyjama suit and a black kaftan with decorative trim. The collection also features a variety of sustainable accessories, such as a new take on the brand’s Falabella Mini and Tiny totes, alongside phone cases, wallets, and mules adorned with crystal details.
Dior’s Middle East-exclusive collection introduces iconic pieces like the Bar jacket, reimagined in a new shimmering gold fabric with sparkling thread, reinforcing the brand’s storied legacy.
The Lady Dior bag is updated with metallic-tone floral embellishments and the Toile de Jouy Soleil pattern in a new gold hue. The Lady D-Joy bag transitions from black to gold, complemented by silver crinkled leather or embroidered botanical patterns, celebrating the founder’s appreciation for gold.
Menswear features the Dior or Ramadan capsule by Kim Jones, showcasing CD Diamond patterns on silk attire and exemplifying Dior’s craftsmanship in a zip-up jacket and joggers. The collection also includes casual wear in grey and beige, complemented by accessories like the Messenger and Saddle bags, Triple pouch, and B27 and B101 sneakers, all adorned with the Dior Oblique print.
The newest Ramadan collection from Alexander McQueen marries modest elegance with exquisite attention to detail, showcasing the brand’s unique style. This collection includes six ready-to-wear items, such as wide-leg pyjama pants and chiffon cape gowns, each decorated with a bold gold metallic floral drawing inspiration from 16th-century artwork.
Additionally, the collection presents a selection of mini and micro bags, highlighted by the debut of the Flower Knuckle Clutch, adorned with floral decorations, and sparkling clear crystals.
For Ramadan 2024, Balenciaga chose a collection that captures the essence of the holiday, available both in Middle Eastern stores and online. This exclusive line spans ready-to-wear, footwear, and leather goods, adorned in special color schemes and designs.
Featured items include the Hourglass and BB Sling bags, Cash wallets, as well as the 3XL and Speed 2.0 sneakers, and the Cosy sandals. The assortment shines with new shades such as dark grey and forest green.
A standout element of the collection is the innovative blending of the traditional Roman-alphabet Balenciaga logo with its Arabic-alphabet equivalent, beautifully embroidered on items like a denim jacket, a pre-washed T-shirt, and a zip-up hoodie. This collection is brought to life through a captivating campaign set against a fantastical scene of arched doorways under the glow of moon and star motifs.
The Dubai-based designer has launched a special collection for Ramadan, that showcases an assortment of kaftans, dresses, kimonos, and two-piece ensembles in striking gold, black, and metallic blue hues.
A standout feature in many items is the introduction of a novel “brushstroke” print, which mimics the appearance of paintbrush strokes on the fabric. The capsule highlights the brand’s iconic metallic dress, a recurring element in her collections, now available in fresh shades of ivory, burgundy, black, and navy blue.
Fendi has unveiled a special capsule collection, affirming its dedication to significant cultural events. The collection includes iconic pieces such as the Peekaboo and Baguette bags, Colibri shoes, and distinctive fashion jewelry, all reflecting Fendi’s renowned craftsmanship.
A standout within the collection is the Peekaboo ISeeU Petite bag, presented in shimmering gold Karung leather, alongside Baguette bags adorned with metallic sequins in three unique shades.
The selection also features an elegant satin dress in Ash, Colibri pumps detailed with crystal embroidery, and a fresh floral jewelry line created by Delfina Delettrez Fendi.
The LV Mirage capsule collection is specially made for occasions like Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and more, offering a subtle showcase of the brand’s refined aesthetic and artisanal quality with a relaxed dressing ethos.
Featuring an array of ready-to-wear, leather goods, footwear, and accessories, the collection presents meticulously designed items in a gentle color scheme that includes deep burgundy, rose, and gold hues, accessible in the Middle East, selected locations in South-West Asia, Europe, and online.
Inspired by the brand’s spring/summer 2024 line, the collection embraces soft silhouettes, maxi skirts, tailored blouses, and traditional shirts. Sporty yet relaxed items bear the LV monogram, alongside oversized dresses and shirts in a discreetly striped material that plays with light and shadow.
The accessory range is highlighted by a monogrammed leather belt designed to drape elegantly at the hips, alongside the Coussin BB and Loop shoulder bags in a glossy Bordeaux leather finish.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Lamborghini Esperienza Giro 2024 in Langhe, Piedmont
3 min
A three-day super sports car driving experience immersed in authentic Italian culture, the Esperienza Giro brought together Lamborghini super sports car owners from across Europe for an exclusive tour celebrating the picturesque region of Langhe in Piedmont, northern Italy. Participants enjoyed luxurious accommodations, exceptional authentic dining, and an immersive experience of the region’s culture, traditions, and landscapes, during the exclusive VIP experience all organized by Automobili Lamborghini.
Il Boscareto Resort and Spa, nestled between the hills of Serralunga d’Alba, provided a luxurious setting for the guests. Upon arrival, Lamborghini clients were treated to a two Michelin-starred dinner crafted by chef Michelangelo Mammoliti at the Rei Natura restaurant, which embraces the natural elements of the region in both its interior design and cuisine.
The tour covered a total of 488 kilometers over several days, beginning with a drive to the medieval Castello di Prunetto, where guests enjoyed a specially curated hazelnut tasting experience, a regional delicacy. The super sports cars then proceeded to Pico Maccario winery, known for its innovative winemaking techniques, picturesque vineyards, and the historic Cru Cannubi wine: a bottle of which is recognized as the oldest in Italy (dated 1752), and considered one of the most important vineyards in the world. Set in rolling vineyards punctuated with the famous Pico colored pencils, denoting the different varieties of grapes and wines, the Lamborghini owners enjoyed a private tour of the production facilities and a lunch before heading back to Il Boscareto. The day ended at the remote 11th century Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a site of significant importance in Italian history and owned over the centuries by several noble Piedmontese families where guests attended a dinner in a medieval setting entertained by flag-throwers and a falconry performance.
The following day featured an exhilarating drive through mountain scenery with a coffee stop at BAart in Agliano Terme, a village renowned for its Barbera grape winemaking and gastronomy. BAart, located in the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Michele, is a community project that blends contemporary art with traditional regional flavors. The group then visited Castello di Razzano, a historic estate dating back to the 17th century, for a private lunch featuring local products, including the estate’s own olive oil. The day ended with a private dinner at Winery Cecilia Monte, where guests savored typical Piedmontese dishes and participated in a unique workshop using wine as paint.
Heading off on day four the Lamborghini owners arrived at Santuario dei Piloni for a mid-morning stop, in a craggy, rural area famed for its history and traditions; here, participants engaged in a truffle hunting experience with dogs, culminating with a tasting of the finest truffle. The tour concluded with a drive to Pollenzo, an ancient city on the banks of the Tanaro river and the home to the University of Gastronomic Studies. Reflecting the university’s dedication to culinary excellence, guests experienced a private lunch of Piedmontese specialities next door at Scuderie Sabaude, where the king of Italy’s stables once stood. Like each edition of Esperienza Giro, Lamborghini guests in Langhe enjoyed a holistic journey incorporating the exceptional and emotional performance of Lamborghini super sports cars, while celebrating the enduring allure of local cultural experiences, exceptional cuisines and Italian heritage.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
