The news from the region you shouldn’t miss.
١. Alserkal Art Week to open under the theme ‘A Wild Stitch’
Alserkal Art Week, is opening soon! From April 13–20 at Alserkal Avenue, the region’s creative heartbeat. Under the theme A Wild Stitch, this edition unravels fixed narratives through bold exhibitions, public art, and talks that embrace multiplicity and hybrid perspectives. Highlights include Imran Qureshi’s Vanishing Points at Concrete, new commissions by Nujoom Alghanem and Shilpa Gupta, and Crit Club by Cem A stirring up debate. With over 15 gallery openings, global guest projects, and a vibrant mix of workshops, walkthroughs, and screenings, the week promises to rewire how we experience art in the now.
٢. Patrick and Michael Chalhoub Reflect on 70 Years of Chalhoub Group in In Their Shoes Series
Level Shoes marks the 70th anniversary of Chalhoub Group with a special edition of its In Their Shoes series, featuring a conversation between Executive Chairman Patrick Chalhoub and his son, CEO Michael Chalhoub. As part of the Come Together campaign, the discussion highlights the family’s legacy, the evolution of the Group, and their vision for the future. Patrick Chalhoub expresses gratitude to the teams behind their success, while Michael emphasizes the importance of shaping the company for future generations. The full story is available at levelshoes.com/stories/all.
٣. Loro Piana Celebrates 100 Years with First Exhibition in Shanghai
Loro Piana marks its 100th anniversary with its first-ever exhibition at the Museum of Art Pudong in Shanghai—the first time the museum has hosted a luxury brand. Titled If You Know, You Know. Loro Piana’s Quest for Excellence, the exhibition highlights the Maison’s deep ties to China, its heritage, and its expertise in crafting fine materials into exceptional garments. Curated by Judith Clark, the showcase takes visitors on a journey through Loro Piana’s legacy, blending tradition with modernity. It features miniature landscapes representing the distant regions where the brand sources its rare materials, from New Zealand to Inner Mongolia. Visitors can also explore 33 exclusive ensembles designed specifically for the exhibition, offering a rare look into the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality.
٤. YSL Beauty Expands Rewilding Efforts to Protect Endangered Species
YSL Beauty is expanding its Rewild Our Earth initiative with an eighth rewilding program, announced on International Rewilding Day. In partnership with global NGO Re:wild, the new project focuses on protecting endangered species in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Since launching in 2017, YSL Beauty’s rewilding efforts have restored over 50,000 hectares of ecosystems and planted more than 710,000 trees across Morocco, Haiti, Madagascar, Indonesia, Canada, the Bahamas, and Colombia. The initiative aims to protect 100,000 hectares by 2030, helping nature recover from climate change and human impact. This expansion aligns with the brand’s sustainability strategy, reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity conservation and local communities.
٥. 1309 Studios Unveils The Pulse of Time Collection with Exclusive Suhoor
1309 Studios celebrated the launch of its The Pulse of Time collection with an exclusive Suhoor at Paus Club on March 21. Hosted by Lulu Dahmash, the intimate gathering embraced the spirit of Ramadan, bringing guests together for an evening of connection and reflection. Attendees wore pieces from the new collection, which blends movement, stillness, and ethereal femininity through flowing silhouettes and delicate embellishments. The campaign stars Naika, whose graceful presence embodies the collection’s vision of strength and serenity. Founded in 2015 by Ghada Al Subaey, Qatar-based 1309 Studios is known for its minimalist, feminine designs, often featuring bold colors and artistic prints inspired by Arab culture.
٦. Kotn Hosts Seventh Annual Ramadan Iftar in Toronto, Celebrating Culture and Community
Kotn celebrated Ramadan with its Seventh Annual Iftar in Toronto, partnering with Toronto-based culture and marketing agency BYNK Media to create a meaningful gathering. The intimate dinner brought the essence of the Middle East to the city, blending food, music, design, and community. Curated by BYNK Media, the evening featured a special menu by Louf and a live performance by Moskitto Bar, offering a modern yet authentic experience. Rooted in heritage, storytelling, and connection, the event reflected Kotn’s commitment to community and cultural celebration.
٧. Aston Martin Unveils Vanquish Volante: Its Fastest and Most Powerful Convertible Yet
Aston Martin has introduced the Vanquish Volante, its fastest and most powerful open-top car to date. Celebrating 60 years of the Volante name, this flagship convertible is powered by a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine, delivering 835PS and 1000Nm of torque. It reaches 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 345 km/h, setting a new standard in its class. Designed for both performance and elegance, the Vanquish Volante features an innovative K-fold roof, lightweight engineering, and advanced chassis tuning for dynamic driving. Limited in production, this model blends Aston Martin’s heritage with cutting-edge technology, ensuring an exhilarating open-air experience.
٨. An Exclusive Evening: ETRO Hosts its First Suhoor in Dubai
ETRO and luxury eyewear brand Safilo hosted their first-ever Suhoor in Dubai at the stunning Keturah Resort, blending heritage, style, and the spirit of Ramadan. With guests like Karen Wazen and Rym Saidi, the evening featured an innovative unveiling of ETRO’s Spring/Summer eyewear collection—displayed on a moving conveyor belt that sparked conversation and connection. Intimate and elegant, the night celebrated reflection and togetherness, while marking a bold step in ETRO and Safilo’s growing presence in the Middle East.
٩. A perfect match: ASICS and A.P.C team up to launch tennis collection.
ASICS and French label A.P.C. team up for their first-ever head-to-toe tennis collab, blending top-tier performance with effortless style. Dropping just in time for the European Tennis Tour, the collection features sleek, unisex on-court gear with nods to Japanese design and 70s preppy vibes, plus off-court essentials for everyday movement. From gradient nylon pieces to denim racket totes, and pro-approved kicks like the GEL-RESOLUTION™ X x A.P.C., this 50-piece drop is where sport meets style—on and off the court.
١.. L’institut du Monde Arabe Launches its Fashion Prize
The Arab World Institute is launching the ARAB FASHION AWARD-IMA, a new fashion competition spotlighting young designers from the MENA region and its diasporas. Aiming to position the Institute as a key platform for emerging Arab talent, the award celebrates creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. Split into two categories—Emerging Talent, honoring standout vision and creative potential, and Innovative Talent, highlighting bold approaches in materials, tech, or production—this prize is set to champion the next wave of fashion voices from the Arab world.
