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.
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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
Providing a high-end smart living experience for residents
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In a groundbreaking move, Batelco, a subsidiary of the Beyon Group, has entered a strategic partnership with Grnata, a renowned real estate group, to integrate advanced smart solutions into the Golden Gate residential towers in Bahrain Bay.
The formal agreement was signed at Beyon’s headquarters by Hassan Al Mushaima, Chairman of Grnata Real Estate Group, and Maitham Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer of Batelco, witnessed by representatives from both companies.
This collaboration aims to transform the Golden Gate towers, among Bahrain’s tallest residential structures, into a high-tech haven. Batelco will deploy state-of-the-art technology solutions to enhance residents’ living experience.
A standout feature of this project is the implementation of a bespoke In-Building Solution (IBS), designed to boost wireless signal quality and coverage across all floors, ensuring seamless connectivity. Additionally, cutting-edge video surveillance (CCTV) systems will be installed to enhance security, providing residents with increased peace of mind.
Furthermore, the Golden Gate towers will be equipped with the latest technology systems, enabling residents to remotely control various aspects of their apartments. This includes managing lighting, air conditioning, windows, curtains, and main door access. The system is designed to be future proof, allowing integration with upcoming advancements in home automation, thus ensuring residents benefit from emerging smart home capabilities.
Hassan Al Mushaima, Chairman of Grnata Real Estate Group said: “We are pleased to announce our new strategic partnership with Batelco, Bahrain’s leading telecommunications provider.”
“Batelco’s extensive expertise in smart and digital solutions will be invaluable in equipping the towers with best-in-class connectivity, automation, and intelligent building management solutions. We are excited to leverage Batelco’s innovative capabilities to create a sophisticated and future-ready smart infrastructure for the Golden Gate Towers and provide our customers with the very best modern apartments in the market,” he added.
Maitham Abdulla, Batelco CEO, stated: “We are delighted to partner with Grnata to deliver apartments that match the evolving demands of modern-day living. We are confident that Batelco’s solutions, designed for a contemporary lifestyle, will offer convenience and efficiency, elevating the overall living experience for the Golden Gate towers residents.”
Mr. Abdulla further emphasized, “By integrating the latest smart home features and connectivity throughout the towers, we can provide residents with a lifestyle that is not only luxurious, but also highly convenient, efficient, and secure.” “Batelco is eager to expand its presence within the real estate sector and redefine the standards of contemporary urban living. This partnership with Grnata marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and Batelco looks forward to future collaborations and projects,” he concluded.
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
