On 15 November, Dubai’s Caffe Florian hosted the launch of world­ renowned designer Paloma Picasso’s Venezia Collection amidst a crowd of imminent guests, press and personalities from the Dubai social scene. Known for creating distinctively bold and captivating jewelry, the Venezia Collection is inspired by Venice, one of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing cities.

Iconic Italian water company, San Pellegrino, celebrated its collaboration with the house of Bulgari with a beautiful limited edition bottle designed by the jeweler at an exclusive VIP dinner at the Magnolia restaurant in Dubai. The occasion was further marked by the attendance of celebrity Michelin star chef, Davide Oldani, who was flown to Dubai to prepare his delectable creations for fortunate guests. The five course masterpiece used the precious and semi-precious stones of the Bulgari necklace on the bottle as inspiration. Imminent guests were led to the water’s edge where they witnessed the master chef arrive by boat to the venue.

Riva, Dubai’s first standalone beach concept, has launched offering an innovative and unique new dimension to
Dubai’s beach scene by being the first independent destination to provide a chilled out, stylish and relaxing atmosphere in addition to giving guests à la carte facilities.

In anticipation of the Marni Creative Director Consuela Castiglione’s visit to Dubai on 29 November, the designer has created a limited edition dress of which only five pieces will be stocked worldwide only at the Mall of Emirates boutique. The dress is a sleeveless shift shape with a tulip formed hem which ends at the knee. Grey and gold floral designs are scattered across the dress while a bejeweled detailing along the collar frames the piece and relays a sense of regality.

On 17 November, after much anticipation, the Versace collection for H&M launched worldwide. The collection is now available at the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, on-line and at around 300 stores across the globe. The line debuted at a major fashion show in New York on 8 November and was attended by several celebrities, along with performances by Prince and Nicky Minaj.

One of Dubai’s favorite restaurants since its arrival just a year ago, La Petite Maison transports the culinary delights and charming ambiance of Southern France to Dubai. It has become the home for Cusine Nicoise, whose origins trace back to traditional Genoese cooking from the Northern Italian seaport town of Genoa. Seemingly unprobably for Dubai’s desert climate, La Petite Maison boasts local produce, especially artichokes, courgettes, tomatoes, peppers and olives served with seafood, meat and fresh pasta in a culinary style which is highly Mediterranean in substance yet reflects upon the exquisite presentation of French cuisine.

Recently refurbished, Margaux restaurant, located in Dubai’s Souk Al Bahar features a swanky interior of polished wood furnishings, bold Contemporary artworks and dim lighting in a presentation which almost resembles that of a Parisian music hall or stylish brasserie. Although originally featuring a menu of French Riviera inspired dishes, Margaux boasts a more avant-garde mix of French and Italian authentic dishes reappropriated to feature eclectic tastes as well as innovative designs.

On 23 October, a private Breast Cancer Awareness event was held at Abu Dhabi’s Sisters Beauty Lounge. Prominent member’s of the UAE’s social community attended the session which included pampering from the Essie ‘Breast Cancer’ range, express make-up and GHD hair treatments as well as refreshments and a presentation by Dr Houriya on Breast Cancer.

Nestled within the elegant ambiance of Sofitel Hotel on Jumeirah Beach Residence, is Rococo, a restaurant boasting classic Italian fare with a contemporary twist. Upon entrance guests will find themselves envelopped within stiking black and aubergine interiors providing for a vibrant and exquisite atmosphere.