On 18 December, leading American accessories brand Coach celebrated the brand’s launch in Kuwait with the opening of its store at 360 Mall. Among distinguished attendees was guest of honour HRH Sheikha Bashayer Khalifa Al-Sabah. Guests had the opportunity to view the latest collection of handbags and accessories, including the Kristin Elevated Leather Cheetah Haircalf Carryall bag made exclusively for the 360 Mall opening.

Since the opening of Grosvenor House’s iconic Tower Two in September, newcomer on Dubai’s social and dining scene Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar has been talk of the town. The venue features wondrous and sleek surroundings set in pure tones of white and gold and showcasing startling views of the Dubai skyline views coupled with handsome modern oriental décor. Siddharta Lounge, as the venue’s namesake suggests, is a place meant to awaken the senses and the mind towards momentary bliss through a visually stimulating culinary experience.

Nestled within the Grosvenor House’s iconic Tower Two is B/Attitude Spa, a pristine escape into ancient Eastern methods for rest and rejuventation. At first entry, one has the impression that they’ve stepped into another time and place. Dim lighting coupled with antique Eastern décor and the subtle smells of oriental scents which fill the air transport guests outside of Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle into an aura of calm.

Premier Egyptian jewellery designer Azza Fahmy has created a special nine piece collection in support of the British Museum’s upcoming exhibition Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam running from 26 January through 15 April. Fahmy was briefed by the Museum as to the cultural and religious significance of the exhibition and has created contemporary pieces which reflect spiritual objects used during times of travel.

Multi-award winning Japanese luxury restaurant Okku has launched a new à la carte menu featuring over 40 new innovative contemporary dishes. Renowned for its signature dishes of Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, Wagyu Foie Gras Kushiyaki and ‘O’ Style Yellow Tail Carpaccio, the Okku team has been busy devising new specialities incorporating a range of new ingredients and flavors. My guest and I sat down amidst the subdued and swanky atmosphere that is Okku and experienced the restaurant’s new culinary journey.

Award-winning Japanese restaurant Zuma in Dubai has been placed in the 2011 World’s 50 Best Bars list. Published in partnership with sponsor Stolichnaya and compiled via polls coordinated by World’s 50 Best Bars editor Lucy Britner and US drinks writer Camper English, the list profiled around 100 bar professionals including the Playboy Club’s Salvatore Calabrese, King Cocktail Dale DeGroff, Esquire US’s David Wondrich and diamond ice-carver Hidetsugu Ueno making it the first time that top names in the industry voted for their favorite bars.

See by Chloe’s Spring 2012 collection is imbued with the spirit of spring time. The new collection is modelled on a muse that is free-spirited and pays homage to the wild sixties through simplistic and modernism designs coupled with delicate chiffon details and rebellious army garments.

On 21 December, renowned Polynesian-themed nightspot Mahiki opened its doors on its latest venue in Dubai. Known for its relaxed and friendly ambiance as well as is specialty cocktails, the night saw over 700 guests dressed in Hawaiian-like attire enjoy an evening filled with the groovy sounds of live drummers admist a vibrant and tropical backdrop.

On 29 November, Marni, an eclectic line of clothing and accessories designed by Consuelo Castiglioni, held a
special event at the recently inaugurated Marni boutique in the Mall of the Emirates. Both Consuelo and her husband, Gianni, CEO of Marni, were the guests of honour and passed the evening mingling with loyal customers, members of the media and explaining the latest collection.