The Week According to YUNG

Bottega Veneta refreshes a house icon with the launch of the new Veneta bag, a modern evolution rooted in heritage. Named after the brand itself, the design reflects the quiet luxury and exceptional craftsmanship that have defined Bottega Veneta since its founding. Originally conceived in the 1970s by co-founder Renzo Zengiaro as a soft, body-contouring alternative to structured handbags, the Veneta was reintroduced in 2002 and quickly secured icon status.

For Summer 2026, creative director Louise Trotter revisits the silhouette with four sizes, including a playful Baby Veneta, and a newly developed padded Intrecciato weave. Crafted from ultra-soft nappa leather strips, the updated texture introduces dimension and a cushioned feel while preserving artisanal tradition. True to the house’s no-logo philosophy, the bag emphasizes tactile luxury inside and out, finished with lambskin lining, practical compartments, and versatile handles. Available in 11 shades, it balances legacy with contemporary ease.

This Ramadan, Charlotte Tilbury transforms the beauty universe into a chessboard, a space where strategy meets self-expression and every move is made with intention. In its latest Middle East campaign, the British beauty house crowns two modern queens: Egyptian actress Laila Zaher and First Miss Saudi Arabia Rahaf Al Harbi, each embodying a distinct signature look.

Laila Zaher reigns as the Glow Queen, luminous, fresh, and lit-from-within. Her beauty wardrobe is built around icons including Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream, Hollywood Flawless Filter, and the cult-favourite Beauty Light Wands, finished with Joyphoria fragrance for a radiant trail that lingers from iftar to suhoor.

Opposite her stands Rahaf Al Harbi, the Matte Queen. Defined, bold, and commanding, her look centres on Charlotte’s Magic Cream, Airbrush Flawless Foundation, and Matte Revolution Lipstick in Cinematic Red, a study in precision and lasting impact.

The message is clear: glow or matte, softness or strength, there are no wrong moves. Through striking visuals and digital storytelling across the region, the campaign invites everyone to choose their queen energy and step into Ramadan and Eid with confidence, power, and unmistakable presence

Jil Sander introduces a refined UAE-exclusive capsule that captures fluidity, precision, and understated elegance. Rendered in a rich beetle hue, the collection reflects the House’s quiet sophistication through proportion and movement. Crafted in envers satin with a subtle sheen and sustainable fluid viscose, the ready-to-wear pieces balance softness with architectural structure. Elongated sleeveless dresses feature asymmetric lines and diagonal cuts that follow natural movement, while details such as a detachable jewel bow and delicate metal chain accents allow seamless transitions from day to evening.

Accessories extend the monochromatic narrative. The Cannolo bag appears in calf leather with strass detailing, accompanied by a folded passport holder. A pointed ballerina in goat leather adds a refined sparkle, while a lightweight shawl finished with tonal monogram embroidery completes the edit. Available exclusively at Mall of the Emirates and online, the capsule embodies timeless minimalism designed for modern occasions.

Cartier unveils its En Équilibre High Jewellery exhibition in Dubai, staged within the serene landscape of Keturah Park. The collection explores the concept of balance through contrasts, simplicity and grandeur, symmetry and asymmetry, expressed across three creative universes.

The first chapter highlights harmony through colour, where rare gemstones echo the region’s sunsets, dunes, and sea tones. The second focuses on harmony through volume, showcasing sculptural forms and negative space that reveal Cartier’s mastery of proportion. The final universe explores harmony through rhythm, using repetition and asymmetry to create movement inspired by architectural motifs.

Each creation reflects Cartier’s exceptional savoir-faire, uniting precious stones with artistic vision. Supported by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Harbour, and Bluewaters, the exhibition reinforces the Maison’s enduring dialogue between craftsmanship and contemporary expression.

Bad Bunny debuted the unreleased adidas Originals para Bad Bunny BadBo 1.0 in White during the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium. The performance marked a defining moment for the artist’s first-ever signature shoe with adidas Originals.

Initially introduced in January in a limited release of 1,994 pairs in brown, the BadBo 1.0 quickly became a collector’s item. The new white colourway maintains the silhouette’s bold yet streamlined aesthetic, reflecting Bad Bunny’s distinctive creative language and cross-cultural influence.

The White edition is available at adidas Dubai Mall and online. Blending performance, streetwear, and global pop culture, the release reinforces Bad Bunny’s impact beyond music and positions the BadBo 1.0 as one of 2026’s standout sneaker moments.

Sephora Middle East exclusively welcomes Moonglaze by Yara Al Namla, marking the retailer’s first Saudi beauty brand launch. The milestone reflects Sephora’s commitment to spotlighting regional voices and fostering authentic beauty storytelling.

Al Namla’s journey comes full circle, having previously appeared in Sephora’s 2020 regional campaign celebrating individuality and belonging. Now, Moonglaze joins Sephora’s curated portfolio with a philosophy centred on healthy-looking, luminous skin. The brand debuted with two highlighter sticks and a multi-use brush designed to create a seamless, second-skin glow.

Inspired by the Arabic word “gamar,” meaning moon, Moonglaze embodies softness, light, and poetic radiance. Now available online and in KSA stores, with GCC markets to follow, the launch signals a new chapter for homegrown beauty brands shaping the region’s evolving beauty landscape.

Bil Arabi celebrates its 20th anniversary with a collaboration featuring actress and poet Saja Kilani. Founded by Nadine Kanso, the jewellery house has consistently transformed Arabic letters into wearable expressions of identity and belonging.

The partnership centres on spoken word, reflecting the depth of Arabic as a living force shaping culture, pride, and storytelling. Through evocative poetry, Kilani highlights the significance of holding an Arabic name, one layered with centuries of meaning.

As the region’s voice resonates globally, the collaboration reinforces Bil Arabi’s founding philosophy: that letters are not merely shapes, but carriers of memory, emotion, and heritage. Two decades on, the brand continues to celebrate Arabic language as both art and identity, weaving culture into contemporary jewellery design.

Etro introduces Etro Flux – A Fusion of Art and Nature, its Spring/Summer 2026 campaign imagined by Creative Director Marco De Vincenzo alongside spatial artist David Curtis-Ring.

Set within immersive landscapes crafted from reclaimed textiles, the campaign transforms Etro’s iconic prints into a living language of movement. Dense tropical foliage and theatrical greenery frame flowing maxi dresses, earth-toned knits, and artisanal textures. Accessories appear organically within the scenery, suspended among leaves or resting on sculptural forms.

Curtis-Ring’s reclaimed environments mirror the collection’s metamorphic spirit, reinforcing Etro’s commitment to reinvention and craftsmanship. The result is a dreamlike narrative where art, sustainability, and expressive freedom converge, positioning Etro Flux as a celebration of texture, imagination, and nature-inspired elegance.

Valentino Fireflies’ latest advertising campaign reflects on falling not as failure, but as a shared human condition. Set within a historic building, the imagery lingers in suspended moments before imbalance, capturing vulnerability as structural rather than accidental.

The narrative reframes elegance as mutual support rather than solitary strength. Through stills and video, the campaign suggests that care does not prevent the fall, but makes it inhabitable. Fashion becomes a metaphor for coexistence and shared responsibility, emphasizing that nobody stands alone.

Rather than aestheticising fragility, Fireflies positions it as a truth that binds us collectively. The campaign invites reflection on solidarity and interdependence, presenting vulnerability as the starting point for imagining new forms of connection.

Chloé’s Summer 2026 campaign unfolds along a raw coastal landscape, tracing the rhythm of a luminous summer day. From the stillness of sunrise to the warmth of sunset, the imagery expresses sensuality, freedom, and feminine complicity.

Creative Director Chemena Kamali sought to capture shifting light and spontaneous movement, elements long central to the House’s identity. Flowing silhouettes mirror surrounding nature, reinforcing softness and independence.

The campaign highlights a natural radiance rooted in authenticity, celebrating shared moments and instinctive elegance. Through its cinematic progression, Chloé reaffirms its emotional connection to femininity and the poetic ease that defines its aesthetic.

Schiaparelli expands its iconic Soufflé line with the introduction of the Soufflé Baguette, a refined yet practical evolution of the Maison’s Parisian it-bag. First unveiled in Spring-Summer 2025, the original Soufflé became known for its slouchy elegance and sculptural ease. The new Baguette strikes a balance in scale, more compact than the original yet roomier than the mini, designed to fit seamlessly under the arm.

Crafted from supremely soft Italian grained calf leather, the bag features double gussets that expand to accommodate daily essentials. It maintains the House’s signature asymmetrical silhouette and hammered brass bangle hardware, adorned with Schiaparelli’s surrealist eye, nose, and mouth motifs, each handmade and intentionally imperfect.

Introduced in black, creamy oat, and brown olive, the Soufflé Baguette is available globally, including at Dubai Mall and Mandarin Oriental Dubai Jumeirah.

Lebanese-American artist Sarah Mansour begins 2026 with S.O.R (Stuck On Repeat), a confident bilingual R&B single centred on breaking cycles and choosing self-growth. Produced by Amr “No-One” Shomali and co-written with Hadley Smith, the track blends early 2000s R&B influences with a distinct Arab string melody woven throughout.

An unapologetic anti-Valentine’s anthem, S.O.R captures the clarity that comes with walking away from relationships and mindsets that no longer serve you. Its rhythmic, choir-like chorus delivers both empowerment and catharsis. The song was first performed at Byblos Festival during Mansour’s opening set for Naika, where it quickly resonated with audiences.

Following the success of Electrified, which reached Top 2 on the TikTok Billboard Arabia 50, Mansour continues to merge English, Arabic, and French in her music, carving out a cross-cultural sound that bridges identity, romance, and belonging.

For 2026, Victoire de Castellane introduces Belle Dior, a 57-piece Haute Joaillerie collection inspired by Christian Dior’s love of gardens, couture, and symbolism. The collection blends dream and reality, transforming braided motifs, emblematic of Castellane’s designs, into swaying pendants that evoke flowering stems and the movement of ball gowns.

Gold, diamonds, and vivid gemstones compose fantastical landscapes across pieces such as Jardins Multicolores and Dearest Dior, re-imagined in bold green, powder pink, and deep tanzanite hues. In homage to Dior’s fascination with divination, the Soleil Céleste set features yellow diamonds, stars, and carved opal moons, forming transformable talismanic jewels.

A standout creation includes a 6.50-carat pink spinel ring shaped like a cushion that blossoms into a flower. Belle Dior captures emotion through craftsmanship, reinforcing jewellery as a poetic and artistic expression.

Van Cleef & Arpels honours the spirit of Ramadan through its luminous Perlée creations alongside a bespoke calligraphy collaboration with artist Khalid Shahin. Inspired by the Arabic letter “Ta” (ت), Shahin’s circular composition reflects unity, continuity, and harmony, values central to the Holy Month.

The Perlée collection’s signature golden beads bring rhythm and movement to bracelets, rings, earrings, and watches crafted in yellow, rose, and white gold, often set with diamonds. The motif, rooted in the Maison’s history since 1948, captures light at every angle while symbolizing renewal.

Shahin’s artwork subtly echoes the repetitive elegance of the golden bead aesthetic, creating a dialogue between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression. Together, the jewellery and calligraphy celebrate reflection, balance, and shared cultural resonance.

Nafas, the niche perfume house founded by global creator Noor Stars, marks its first in-store presence at Ulta Beauty in Mall of the Emirates. Following strong online success, the brand now invites customers to experience its fragrances in person, engaging with scent as both emotion and identity.

Rooted in Middle Eastern perfumery traditions and crafted in France, Nafas blends heritage with contemporary artistry. Each fragrance is designed to evolve with the wearer, whether applied lightly for subtle elegance or layered for depth and intensity.

Built on the belief that scent connects breath and soul, Nafas represents a new generation of regional luxury brands shaped by storytelling and authenticity. The Ulta launch signals a significant milestone, expanding accessibility while reinforcing the brand’s global ambitions and cultural roots.

Dior introduces a curated Valentine’s Day selection designed by Jonathan Anderson, echoing the Spring-Summer 2026 ready-to-wear collection. The offering celebrates love through heritage motifs and refined craftsmanship.

The delicately floral Revolution Flowers print appears on the Dior Book Tote, Saddle, and Lady Dior bags, complemented by matching “D, I, O, R” charms and small leather goods. Silk scarves and Mitzahs arrive in soft shades of blue and pink, referencing French textile artistry. Romantic Doves & Roses sketches, inspired by the 1956 Pastorale dress, embellish embroidered Lady Dior and Lady D-Joy bags.

Jewellery pieces including Tribales earrings and Saltwind sneakers feature subtle bucolic detailing, while the Medallion motif adopts a rosy hue. Together, the collection presents poetic objects of desire conceived as modern declarations of affection.

Carolina Herrera expands its Confidential Collection with Stallion Leather Sirocco, a limited-edition fragrance inspired by equestrian freedom and desert landscapes. Drawing from Herrera’s memories of riding her horse Balaclava across Venezuela’s Médanos de Coro dunes, the scent captures the instinctive force of the sirocco wind.

Perfumer Jordi Fernández reinterprets the signature leather accord with mineral and salty nuances, enhanced by a date liqueur accord and Akigalawood for woody, spicy depth. The fragrance balances strength and sensuality with sun-warmed richness.

For the first time, the launch includes a collaboration with textile artist Sibylle de Tavernost, whose desert-inspired artwork adorns the bottle cap in sculptural form. Lacquered in luminous gold, the collector’s bottle embodies untamed elegance and artistic dialogue.

TUMI introduces the next evolution of its iconic Alpha collection through two dynamic campaigns starring Global Brand Ambassador and Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris, alongside Asia-Pacific Brand Ambassador Wei Daxun. A refined expression of performance and precision, the new Alpha is designed for modern movement, sleek, understated, and intentionally engineered.

Directed by Alice Schillaci and photographed by Reto Schmid, Norris’ cinematic campaign channels focus and readiness, mirroring Alpha’s performance-driven DNA. Meanwhile, Wei Daxun’s campaign, directed by David Pun and shot by GK (国琨), highlights the collection’s clean lines and fluid functionality within contemporary urban settings.

Crafted in signature FXT Ballistic Nylon, key styles include the Dual Access Expandable Carry-On, TUMI Brief Pack, Double Expansion Duffel, and Convertible Clutch Crossbody. The launch also debuts Ultra Blue accents across select silhouettes, celebrating innovation and excellence.

Shot at Dubai Autodrome by Greg Adamski, Jimmy Choo’s latest campaign places Emirati racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi in a setting that mirrors her dual worlds: precision sport and polished style. As the first female Emirati racing driver, Al Qubaisi embodies the confidence and ambition that define the house’s Exclusive Capsule Collection. The stark racetrack backdrop creates a striking contrast, spotlighting both her presence and the collection’s refined detailing. Styled in regional ready-to-wear labels, she brings local perspective to a global luxury narrative. The 19-piece capsule explores glamour through light gold, merlot, rose, and latte tones, with textures ranging from dégradé crystals to croc-embossed leather and fine mesh. Signature drop heels and sculptural accents distinguish footwear styles, while crystal-finished bags add statement polish. Available globally, the collection reflects Jimmy Choo’s balance of strength, femininity, and modern elegance.

Nike’s “Style By” series arrives in the Middle East timed for Ramadan, spotlighting modest dressing as a form of personal expression rather than limitation. Set in Old Dubai, the campaign features model and actress Lana Al Beik alongside visual communicator Leena Al Ghouti, drawing visual inspiration from the district’s textured architecture and layered history. The slower rhythm of Ramadan shapes the narrative: quiet mornings, reflective afternoons, and vibrant evenings become a backdrop for style that adapts to daily rituals. Rather than focusing on performancewear alone, Nike highlights how women can integrate athletic pieces into everyday wardrobes, blending function with cultural nuance. The result is a portrait of contemporary regional identity where tradition and modern aesthetics coexist fluidly. By grounding the visuals in a real neighbourhood and authentic voices, the campaign reframes sportswear as a tool of storytelling, illustrating how fashion, faith, and lifestyle intersect across the region’s evolving creative landscape.

PUMA and Saudi club AL-HILAL mark Saudi Founding Day with a limited-edition kit that merges national symbolism with performance design. Created to honour the Kingdom’s origins in 1727, the jersey interprets heritage through visual motifs tied to Saudi identity, including the palm tree for prosperity and the marketplace for community and exchange. Rendered in AL-HILAL’s signature blue palette, the design connects past and present, reflecting both the club’s record-breaking legacy of more than 90 trophies and the nation’s forward momentum under Vision 2030. Positioned under the concept “Designed for Pride,” the kit is intended as more than sportswear; it is a wearable emblem of belonging and collective history. Released through official channels and retail stores, it stands as a collectible tribute to heritage, sport, and national pride.

adidas Originals spotlights cross-cultural design with Benji + Lamia x adidas Originals, its first Türkiye-born local collection to launch globally. Created by Bünyamin Aydın and Lamia Al-Otaishan Aydın alongside adidas’ global teams, the drop re-imagines two heritage silhouettes through craft-driven storytelling. Aydın’s Tokyo sneaker, titled Soft Armor, merges Anatolian carpet motifs with metallic accents inspired by German architecture, symbolizing empathy, migration, and his dual identity between the Rhine and the Bosphorus. Lamia’s Japan HI design draws from Al Sadu weaving traditions, honouring Bedouin women’s craftsmanship through desert tones and contemporary lines. Together, the models form a dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation. adidas describes the project as a strategic milestone that elevates local creativity onto a global stage, reinforcing its commitment to culturally rooted design. The collection debuted January 23 online and in Türkiye stores, with Middle East releases following February 7 in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

And that was The Week According to YUNG.

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