The Week According To YUNG

Audemars Piguet ended its milestone year with an unforgettable celebration high above Dubai. Held on the 21st floor of One Za’abeel, soon to become the AP House Dubai, the event gathered over 300 guests, including global names such as Izabel Goulart, Winnie Harlow, Xenia Adonts, Simi & Haze and Nour Arida. The evening paid tribute to the Manufacture’s legacy by blending the spirit of Le Brassus with the dynamic energy of Dubai. A re-imagined House of Wonders set against a desert landscape highlighted AP’s commitment to creativity and craftsmanship, while electrifying sets by Carlita and Black Coffee brought the APxMusic programme to life. The night celebrated connection, emotion and artistry, closing a landmark anniversary year with the same boldness, independence and ingenuity that have defined Audemars Piguet since 1875. A fitting finale, for a brand whose beat never stops.

At the fifth edition of Noor Riyadh, Saudi designer and artist Nebras Aljoaib unveiled Between Light and Stone, a monumental sculptural installation that reflects the Kingdom’s rapid transformation. Presented under the theme “In the Blink of an Eye,” the work is placed within the historic King Abdulaziz Historical Center, forming an immersive passage anchored by a suspended stone between two illuminated walls. As visitors approach, the light panels pulse in response, creating a dialogue between permanence and acceleration. The raw, textured stone symbolizes endurance and heritage, while the glowing walls represent aspiration and momentum. Aljoaib describes the space between them as a moment of pause, a reminder that progress gains meaning when rooted in history. The installation becomes a metaphor for Riyadh itself: a city balancing continuity with ambition as it evolves into a vibrant, future-oriented cultural hub.

JW Anderson deepens its Middle East presence with an exclusive Qatar pop-up in collaboration with Ounass, held at Msheireb Properties on 22 November. The event marks the brand’s first regional showcase of its newly refreshed universe, offering guests, press and regional tastemakers a curated experience of its latest evolution. The JW Anderson x Ounass Trunk Show presented key pieces from the newest collection alongside artisanal homewares and design objects that define the brand’s expanded identity. From elevated ready-to-wear to sculptural accessories and carefully sourced curiosities, including Mackintosh stools, Lucie Rie ceramics, Murano glass and Welsh textiles, the selection served as both a greatest-hits presentation and a preview of what’s next. Architects Sanchez Benton designed the warm, handcrafted-inspired space, emphasizing texture, materiality and modern craftsmanship. The pop-up marks an important milestone in JW Anderson’s regional expansion and reinforces its growing dialogue with the Gulf’s creative community.

Miu Miu hosted a special edition of Miu Miu Select in Dubai on 18 November, curated by sisters Jana & Kinzy Diab. Held at the Miu Miu boutique in Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall, the event showcased a personal selection of ready-to-wear and accessories chosen by the duo, reflecting Miu Miu’s playful yet sophisticated spirit. Guests explored the curated edit while discovering the latest arrivals from the brand. The evening continued with an exclusive after-party presented by Miu Miu Eyewear at Kinugawa, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, bringing together regional creatives, influencers and friends of the brand. The Dubai iteration marks another successful chapter in the global Miu Miu Select series, reinforcing the brand’s cultural relevance in the region.

Sotheby’s launched its first Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, unveiling over $1 billion in luxury pieces, fine art and rare collectibles. Highlights include McLaren’s next F1 concept, the world’s largest flawless diamond, and the first complete Patek Philippe Star Caliber 2000 ever offered. Noora Al Foulathi, Head of Abu Dhabi Retail, emphasizes the significance of the moment, calling the city the emerging “Capital of Collectibles.” Beyond its record-setting unveilings, the week aims to build community through dialogue, networking and cultural engagement. The debut edition positions Abu Dhabi as a global destination for collectors and strengthens its role in the luxury and cultural economy.

Art Dubai announced the first details of its landmark 20th anniversary edition, taking place 17–19 April 2026 at Madinat Jumeirah under the theme Future, Past, Present. Under new Fair Director Dunja Gottweis, the fair introduces a revamped structure featuring five curated sections, Galleries, Zamaniyyat, Bawwaba, Bawwaba Extended and Art Dubai Digital. The 2026 edition welcomes over 100 modern, contemporary and digital presentations from more than 35 countries, with participation from Africa and Latin America significantly expanding. Over half of the exhibitors hail from the MENASA region, reinforcing Art Dubai’s role as the region’s commercial and cultural hub. New curatorial directions spotlight modernist histories, emerging voices and cutting-edge digital practices, while the Global Art Forum and institutional collaborations continue to anchor the fair’s intellectual leadership. Celebrating two decades, Art Dubai enters its third with renewed ambition and global relevance.

Christian Louboutin arrived in Abu Dhabi with a landmark celebration that underscored the UAE capital’s growing influence in global fashion and culture. Supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the multi-day festivities spotlighted creativity, craftsmanship, and the Maison’s deepening ties with the region. The highlight was the second edition of Red Club Abu Dhabi, a star-studded gathering that drew international names including Leonie Hanne, Pia Jaucsey, and Cynthia Samuel. The event cemented Abu Dhabi as a rising hub for style-forward cultural programming, blending luxury with artistic ambition. Louboutin’s presence signalled more than a brand moment, it marked a cultural inflection point, demonstrating how fashion houses are embracing the UAE as a stage for global expression. With its desert modernity and cosmopolitan appeal, Abu Dhabi proved an ideal setting for Louboutin’s world: bold, sensuous, and unafraid to command attention.

Alaïa unveiled its newest boutique at The Avenues in Kuwait, extending the Maison’s regional presence with a space that reflects its refined, architectural identity. Designed under Alaïa’s new creative direction, the boutique introduces materials curated specifically for the Kuwait market. The monumental façade by Halleroed features circular light perforations, echoing the brand’s sculptural codes. Inside, the boutique balances sensuality and purity through a two-part spatial experience. The front zone showcases accessories and footwear against black Marquinia marble and Carrara shelving, while the rear section houses ready-to-wear pieces displayed around Philippe Malouin’s bespoke sofas set atop an organic round carpet, evoking a couture salon. Signature curved lines reinforce Alaïa’s devotion to craftsmanship, structure, and intimacy. More than a boutique, the new location reflects the Maison’s philosophy: meticulous construction, timeless design, and a deeper connection with its Middle Eastern clientele.

John Lobb marks a major milestone: the 75th anniversary of its legendary Lopez Loafer. First conceptualized in the 1950s by Baron Lopez and inspired by the classic penny loafer, the shoe has remained virtually unchanged, a testament to its impeccable proportions and timeless appeal. Its enduring relevance lies in its versatility, effortlessly complementing formal tailoring and casual ensembles while maintaining the brand’s hallmarks of craftsmanship and comfort. To commemorate the anniversary, John Lobb released a celebratory press archive featuring limited-edition materials, including the Saint Crispin 2026 collection created with British artist Will Calver, new campaign imagery, and a behind-the-scenes film captured at the company’s Northampton workshop. The release also revisits archival moments with icons such as Salvador Dalí. Seventy-five years on, the Lopez continues to embody understated elegance, positioning itself as a modern essential rooted in tradition.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Program marked its 12th edition by honouring twelve exceptional Arab women whose groundbreaking research is shaping the region’s scientific future. In partnership with Khalifa University, the initiative highlights excellence across STEM, addressing global challenges from aerospace robotics and climate resilience to metabolic disease and autism research. Since its global inception in 1998, the program has supported over 4,700 women, including 63 from the GCC, reinforcing its mission to correct gender imbalances in science, where women still represent only one-third of researchers worldwide. High-level support came from H.E. Sarah Al Amiri and UNESCO’s regional leadership, all emphasizing the crucial role women play in building knowledge economies. This year’s honourees, spanning PhD and post-doctorate researchers, represent a new generation of scientific innovators positioned to shape a more sustainable, inclusive future for the Arab world.

The Jimmy Choo Winter 2025 Collection arrives with a festive spirit that feels instantly iconic, capturing the generosity, warmth, and nostalgia that define the holiday season. Drawing inspiration from the moments we treasure most, the collection blends jewel-like crystal detailing, ribbon motifs, rich tones, and opulent textures to create pieces that feel both magical and meaningful. Each design is crafted with intention, elevating classic holiday glamour with a modern, playful touch. Beyond their beauty, these creations are meant to be kept close, the kind of pieces destined to become future heirlooms, worn during special celebrations and remembered long after. The collection leans into indulgence without losing sincerity, offering designs that sparkle with craftsmanship and carry the emotional resonance of the season. Winter 2025 is not just a collection; it’s a celebration of joy, elegance, and the memories we build around what we choose to wear.

Pandora’s new festive collection has arrived just in time to elevate both content calendars and jewellery boxes with pieces that feel warm, meaningful, and beautifully on-season. Instead of leaning into overly theatrical holiday themes, the collection focuses on what we genuinely love about this time of year: thoughtful design, emotional detail, and a touch of magic. Expect radiant golds, cool silvers, celestial shapes, and charms crafted to tell personal stories, the kind you wear because they mean something. The strength of the collection lies in its versatility. There are pieces perfect for gifting, statement-worthy accents for festive evenings out, and understated favourites that seamlessly become part of someone’s everyday rotation. Pandora balances sentiment with style, offering jewellery that feels intimate yet polished.

And that was The Week According to YUNG.