The news from the region you shouldn’t miss
١. CHANEL unveils Spring-Summer 2025 eyewear campaign with Lupita Nyong’o, Kendrick Lamar, and more
CHANEL has unveiled its Spring-Summer 2025 eyewear campaign starring Lupita Nyong’o, Margaret Qualley, Nana Komatsu, and Kendrick Lamar. Shot by Karim Sadli, the campaign highlights CHANEL’s signature blend of boldness and elegance through a series of expressive portraits. Each star brings their unique personality to the collection, wearing both classic and modern frames. This marks Lupita Nyong’o’s first campaign as a CHANEL ambassador, celebrating her long connection with the House. Kendrick Lamar, Margaret Qualley, and Nana Komatsu also share their personal ties to CHANEL and the role eyewear plays in self-expression.
٢. The Giving Movement drops Surf Club collection inspired by summer vibes
The Giving Movement’s new Surf Club Exclusive Collection brings beachy vibes and effortless style to everyday wear. Made with breezy fabrics and bold prints, each piece is designed for comfort, freedom, and that laid-back coastal feel. Whether you’re by the shore or just chasing summer energy, the collection captures the essence of sunshine and good vibes.
٣. David Beckham and BOSS reveal first-ever co-designed collection for Spring/Summer 2025
BOSS is teaming up with David Beckham for the first-ever BECKHAM x BOSS collection, launching for Spring/Summer 2025. Co-designed with Beckham himself, the collection reflects his signature style and blends modern fashion with classic tailoring. Expect relaxed silhouettes, premium fabrics, and a neutral colour palette of beige, khaki, navy, and soft pink. From casual denim to sharp tailoring and standout accessories, every piece is made for versatility and elegance. The partnership marks a major moment for BOSS Menswear, with a global marketing campaign and a special mural in London set to celebrate the launch. The collection will be available starting April 23 on boss.com and in BOSS stores worldwide.
٤. Downtown Design Riyadh to debut in May with global designers and local talent
Saudi Arabia’s first fair dedicated to high-quality contemporary design, Downtown Design Riyadh, is set to debut from May 20 to 23 at the JAX District. Held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, the event will showcase a mix of international and local design talent. Visitors can expect limited-edition pieces, modern furniture, bold installations, and curated exhibitions from leading brands and designers. The fair will also feature talks, pop-ups, and food concepts, aiming to support the Kingdom’s growing design scene and Vision 2030 goals. Press registration is now open, with a media briefing scheduled for May 20.
٥. Lebanon’s Venice Biennale Pavilion urges action against ecocide through architecture and land healing
At the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, Lebanon’s pavilion titled The Land Remembers introduces a fictional “Ministry of Land Intelligence” to highlight the urgent need to heal the country’s environment. Curated by the Collective for Architecture Lebanon (CAL), the exhibition focuses on ecocide—deliberate environmental destruction—and the role architects can play in addressing it. With Lebanon facing severe ecological damage due to war, urban expansion, and political instability, the pavilion uses soil bricks embedded with wheat seeds to symbolise regeneration. Divided into four departments—ecocide reports, counter-mapping, endemic species, and strategic healing—the pavilion urges visitors to sign a petition and become part of a global movement for change. This immersive space is more than an exhibit—it’s a call to action to rethink how we build, care for, and connect with the land.
٦. Longchamp teams up with Anaka to empower women and promote sustainable craftsmanship
For Summer 2025, Longchamp is teaming up once again with Madagascan NGO Anaka to support women’s employment, children’s education, and environmental protection. This marks the third season of collaboration, reflecting Longchamp’s ongoing commitment to equal opportunities and creative empowerment. The new “Live Green!” collection features two handmade raffia pieces—a sun hat and a stylish net bag—created by local craftswomen using traditional weaving techniques. In 2024, the partnership helped 40 women gain employment and sent 66 children to school. Longchamp says these causes align perfectly with its values and mission to build a more inspiring and sustainable future.
٧. Nespresso handcrafted upcycled bag in collaboration with Sarah Beydoun to champion sustainability and women’s empowerment
Nespresso has teamed up with Lebanese fashion brand Sarah’s Bag to create a limited-edition handbag made from recycled coffee capsules. Each clutch-style bag features a handcrafted 3d flower design made with 75–80 recycled aluminium capsules and glass beads, taking over 15 hours to make by female artisans. The bag’s woven straw canvas resembles jute coffee sacks and comes with a brass clasp and chain. The capsules are cleaned and flattened before being transformed into decorative sequins. This collaboration highlights both brands’ dedication to sustainability and women’s empowerment—Nespresso through its eco-friendly practices and Sarah’s Bag through training and employing women in Lebanon.
٨. Mercedes-Benz launches “Roaring Portraits” exhibition in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, showcasing rare collector cars
Mercedes-Benz Emirates Motor Company has launched its “Roaring Portraits” exhibition in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, running from April 14 to May 5, 2025. Open to the public for free, the event showcases rare and limited-edition vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG ONE, Maybach G 650, and AMG GT Black Series in a gallery-style setting that blends luxury and innovation. Visitors in Al Ain can also see the SLS AMG GT Coupe and off-road models, with local artworks by UAE University students adding a community touch.
٩. Carolina Herrera to debut Spring/Summer 2026 collection in Madrid with Spanish artisanal tribute
Carolina Herrera will present its Spring/Summer 2026 collection in Madrid on September 18, marking the brand’s first main collection show outside New York Fashion Week. This follows previous international shows in Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City for its Resort collections. Creative Director Wes Gordon shared his love for Madrid, calling it a city full of inspiration, energy, and creativity. The event will begin with a private dinner on September 17 and include collaborations with Spanish artists and craftsmen, honouring the city’s cultural heritage. The brand has previously partnered with Madrid’s Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and supported local fashion initiatives. Carolina Herrera will return to New York Fashion Week in 2026, with a private preview held in New York before the Madrid show.
١.. Em Sherif opens art foundation to support Lebanese artists
Em Sherif, known for celebrating Lebanese culture through its food, is now expanding into the art world with the launch of the Em Sherif Art Foundation. This new non-profit aims to support and promote Lebanese artists by showcasing their work in Em Sherif restaurants around the world. The foundation is led by curator Sherif Hayek, co-founder and chef Mireille Hayek, and CEO Dani Chakour, whose passion for contemporary art inspired the idea. Each restaurant will now feature an “Art Menu” alongside its food, turning every location into a cultural space. The foundation’s international debut took place at Em Sherif Café in Paris, featuring works by Lebanese photographer Ziad Antar.
١١. Bvlgari opens world’s largest jewellery factory in Italy with new sustainable training school
Bvlgari has officially opened the world’s largest single-brand jewellery production site in Valenza, Italy. Spanning 33,000 square meters, the newly expanded facility is designed with sustainability in mind and aims to double production by 2029 while creating over 500 new jobs. As part of its commitment to craftsmanship and education, Bvlgari also launched Scuola Bvlgari, its first open-to-all training centre for jewellery-making. The site runs on renewable energy and features eco-friendly systems to reduce its environmental impact. The inauguration was attended by industry leaders and Italian officials, with Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin calling it a milestone for both the brand and the region.
