The Week According to YUNG – Jewellery, Fashion, Beauty & More

Zara marks its 50th anniversary by returning to where it all began, Calle Juan Flórez in A Coruña, Spain. The brand has transformed its first store into a temporary installation that honours local architecture while showcasing limited-edition pieces and a curated lounge space celebrating five decades of fashion and culture. Founded by Amancio Ortega in 1975 under Confecciones GOA, Zara has grown into a global fashion leader, now present in 98 physical and 214 online markets.

Known for its customer-driven approach, fast production cycles, and trend-responsive design, Zara continues to shape the retail landscape through innovation and creative agility. To commemorate the milestone, Zara has launched 50 Years, 50 Icons, a film directed by Steven Meisel and initiated by Inditex chair Marta Ortega Pérez. Featuring 50 of the world’s most iconic models performing Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” the film is a tribute to Zara’s enduring influence and creative spirit. This anniversary reflects not only Zara’s global reach but also its deep cultural impact, celebrating a legacy built on design, innovation, and the power of reinvention.

Boucheron revisits its iconic Quatre collection, which originally launched in 2004, by combining four contrasting heritage motifs: Grosgrain, Double Godron, Clou de Paris, and the Line of Diamonds. Now, Creative Director Claire Choisne introduces a bold evolution with the Quatre Tube. This updated version encases the classic elements in a sleek, polished gold tube, enhancing its graphic appeal and lending it a new architectural dimension. The result is a modern, sculptural take on a house icon that bridges Boucheron’s storied past with contemporary design.

ASICS debuts its most advanced performance collection yet: the METASPEED series. The range includes the METASPEED SKY TOKYO, EDGE TOKYO, and the ultra-light METASPEED RAY, weighing only 129 grams. Designed in collaboration with elite athletes and supported by ASICS Institute of Sport Science research, each shoe is tailored to different running styles. Offering speed, responsiveness, and minimal weight, this lineup helps runners maximize their performance with cutting-edge technology.

Maison Valentino unveils L’Atelier Sonore, an immersive audio-architectural installation at its Madison Avenue boutique, opening May 15. Created in collaboration with Italian cultural collective Terraforma, founded by Ruggero Pietromarchi, the space reflects Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s evolving vision for the House. Situated on the store’s mezzanine, the installation invites visitors into a realm of contemplative sound, with curated soundscapes crafted by designer Giorgio Di Salvo. Architect Francesco Lupia designed the sonic environment around three core elements: a handcrafted listening console, a bespoke audio system, and modular seating adorned in velvet cushions. These components, wrapped in finely veneered patchwork wood, form an architectural dialogue evoking avant-garde listening salons. The focus is on craftsmanship, intimacy, and timeless aesthetics, immersing guests in sound, texture, and design.

L’Atelier Sonore is not only an art installation but a multisensory expression of Valentino’s dedication to cultural exploration. With this initiative, Valentino bridges luxury fashion and experiential design, cementing its presence as a creative force beyond the runway. The installation invites a deeper connection to the Maison’s world, where beauty is heard, felt, and seen in harmony.

Meta and EssilorLuxottica launched the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in the UAE, blending cutting-edge tech with iconic style. The glasses enable users to take ultra-wide photos, shoot 1080p videos, and stream live to Instagram or Facebook for up to 30 minutes. With five microphones and discreet open-ear speakers, the experience remains immersive yet ambient-aware. Meta AI, triggered by the phrase “Hey Meta,” can offer local tips, translate signage, or even suggest recipes—soon to support live translation across four languages. Offered in Wayfarer, Wayfarer Large, and the new Skyler style, the collection balances fashion and function. Starting at AED 1,330, the glasses, available from May 12, include a compact charging case and a revamped Meta View app for content editing and device management. This launch heralds the next wave of wearable tech in the UAE, fusing timeless Ray-Ban aesthetics with futuristic intelligence.

The Walt Disney Company revealed plans to build its first-ever theme park in the Middle East, located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This upcoming resort will be Disney’s seventh theme park worldwide and is being developed in partnership with UAE-based entertainment developer Miral. The announcement, made by Disney CEO Bob Iger during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the park will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” blending storytelling with cutting-edge technology and contemporary architecture. The new park will become part of the expansive Yas Island destination, which already includes Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, Yas Waterworld, and more. Miral, under CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, has led the island’s transformation into a major global entertainment hub.

Alaïa introduces its striking Mask Sunglasses in the Winter/Spring 2025 campaign, featuring Daria Werbowy and shot by Tyrone Lebon in Miami. The sculptural, oversized acetate frames are defined by raw, architectural contours and finished with enamel Alaïa logos on the temples. Embodying strength and sensuality, the mask-style silhouette asserts a bold new eyewear identity for the brand — seamlessly aligning with Alaïa’s evolving aesthetic of modern power and elegance.

Kamushki Studio launches the HUWAITA collection, a modern tribute to Libyan culture through jewellery. Inspired by the protective symbolism of fish motifs in Mediterranean traditions, HUWAITA follows the brand’s Wishbone collection, reinforcing themes of identity and protection. Created by Libyan sisters Mariam, Dania, and Alla Sawedeg, the collection reflects their multicultural upbringing across Zurich, Dubai, and Tripoli. Featuring elegant necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, each piece blends meaningful heritage with contemporary design for the modern wearer.

Dubai Watch Week returns for its 7th edition from November 19–23, 2025, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum. Held at Dubai Mall and Burj Park, the event will span over 200,000 sq. ft. and will feature over 90 participating luxury watch brands. With immersive experiences and creative programming, it continues to position itself as a global horological and cultural platform, fostering community and dialogue around craftsmanship and innovation.

adidas Originals teams up with designer Willy Chavarria for the SS25 collection, blending athleticwear with Chavarria’s bold, streetwear-inspired designs. The collaboration includes ready-to-wear pieces and a revival of the adidas Jabbar sneaker. The campaign, shot by Carlos Jaramillo, celebrates Chicano culture and features Candace Parker, Skyy Clark, and Alejandro Speitzer. Launching in two drops in May and July, the collection honours legacy, family, and community through thoughtful storytelling and iconic design.

Every capsule, every material, and every product holds the promise of transformation. Embracing the power of reinvention, Nespresso and Lebanese accessories brand Sarah’s Bag have unveiled a ground breaking collaboration that celebrates sustainability through design. This partnership marks the launch of the first upcycled product of its kind in the Middle East—a handcrafted clutch that artfully merges heritage and innovation. Inspired by the region’s rich artistic traditions, the limited-edition clutch is a testament to both craftsmanship and conscious creativity. Its intricate floral design is brought to life using 75 to 80 recycled Nespresso aluminium capsules, carefully reworked into delicate motifs.

With this collaboration, Sarah’s Bag and Nespresso prove that fashion can have a second life without sacrificing elegance. It’s a powerful statement on the potential of upcycling in luxury, reinforcing a shared commitment to environmental responsibility and cultural storytelling. This clutch is a promise that sustainability and style can coexist, inspiring the region to look at everyday materials through a new, imaginative lens.

Ferragamo’s Pre-Fall 2025 campaign, “L’Appuntamento,” pays homage to its Hollywood roots through a cinematic film directed by Alice Rohrwacher. Set at Cinecittà studios, Chapter 1 stars Angelina Kendall in a stylized behind-the-scenes vignette of a film shoot. Highlighting iconic accessories like the Gancini slingback, the campaign blends timeless elegance with playful storytelling. Creative director Maximilian Davis describes the campaign as a modern reflection on vintage cinema glamour and Ferragamo’s rich archive.

Bil Arabi, the fine jewellery brand by Nadine Kanso, unveils new designs in its Hobb and Oula collections. The Hobb line introduces high-jewellery pieces blending Arabic calligraphy with diamonds, symbolizing love and heritage. Oula, the brand’s original collection, returns with a fresh, modern update featuring sculptural initials and baguette diamonds. Both collections stay rooted in Arab identity while evolving in design, continuing Bil Arabi’s mission to celebrate modern Arab elegance and meaningful craftsmanship.

Vilhelm Parfumerie is a luxury fragrance house that transforms memories and cultural moments into olfactory experiences. Each scent is crafted as a story — from childhood summers to jazz-age Paris — and bottled in a signature design. With a passion for contrasts, Vilhelm captures both the romantic and the avant-garde, delivering perfumes that are as imaginative as they are wearable. More than just scents, they are emotional time capsules.

Saudi-based Asteri Beauty introduces Big Fan, a volumizing mascara designed for extreme conditions. Engineered to withstand heat and humidity, it features a cone-shaped brush for bold, fanned-out lashes and nourishing ingredients like Vitamin B5 and Sumac Fruit Wax. The intense black formula promises dramatic volume with long-lasting wear. Vegan, cruelty-free, and ophthalmologist-tested, Big Fan is built for modern glam — whether in the city or the desert. Asteri’s innovation redefines performance beauty.

And that was The Week According to YUNG.

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