Memos From The Middle East: Max Mara Celebrates 10 Years Of The Whitney Bag, Experience Soulful Wellness at Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi, And Downtown Design Riyadh Opens

Every week Bazaar brings you the latest news in fashion and beauty, luxury and lifestyle, straight from our desks to yours — from across the region and beyond

Fashion

Max Mara celebrates 10 Years of the iconic Whitney Bag

To mark the 10th anniversary of its iconic Whitney Bag, Max Mara renews its collaboration with the Renzo Piano Building Workshop and the Whitney Museum of American Art with a global celebration. Originally launched in 2015 to commemorate the opening of the museum in Manhattan, the bag—known for its ribbed design inspired by the museum’s façade—has become a symbol of Italian craftsmanship and timeless design. This milestone is marked by a limited-edition reissue of 125 aluminum-hued pieces, along with new colors and sizes. The anniversary kicks off at Salone del Mobile in Milan with a striking window takeover and continues throughout May with dedicated displays and events across Max Mara flagship stores worldwide, culminating in the prestigious Whitney Gala in New York on May 20.

ELIE SAAB hosts exclusive pop-up store at Cannes Film Festival 2025

ELIE SAAB returns to the Cannes Film Festival with an exclusive pop-up at the iconic Carlton Hotel, running from 13–24 May. Located in Suite 228, the space showcases the brand’s latest collections and accessories, including a newly unveiled semi-couture capsule that reflects the soft glamour of Cannes through fluid silhouettes, pastel tones, and feathered details. A private room offers celebrities and media a curated selection of haute couture, ready-to-wear, and a preview of the Pre-Fall 2025 collection, making the suite a refined retreat for festival guests and global clients alike.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira collaborates with designer Dima Ayad

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai partners with celebrated designer Dima Ayad to unveil Oriental Dreaming, an exclusive suite experience that reimagines the Silk Road through the lens of culture, design, and refined hospitality. At its core is a limited-edition capsule of five bespoke kaftans by Ayad, each thoughtfully paired with the hotel’s signature suites—from the glamorous Royal Penthouse to the serene Mandarin Sea Front. Inspired by traditional Asian silhouettes and the resort’s coastal charm, the designs feature luxurious fabrics in oceanic hues, metallics, and delicate sequins. With only a select number available, Oriental Dreaming invites guests on a journey of timeless elegance and craftsmanship.

For more information, visit mandarinoriental.com

Beauty

YSL Beauty unveils YSL LOVESHINE Plumping Lip Oil Gloss

YSL Beauty introduces the YSL LOVESHINE Plumping Lip Oil Gloss—a must-have for high-impact shine, volume, and hydration. This next-generation gloss delivers a non-sticky, glass-like finish while visibly plumping lips for up to 8 hours. Infused with detoxifying ginger oil and spicy pepper oil, the 97% oil-based formula creates an instantly fuller look, while fig pulp from YSL Beauty’s Ourika Gardens locks in moisture for 24-hour care. Priced at AED 195, it’s the ultimate blend of luxury and performance for lips that look—and feel—irresistible.

Leisure

Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi retreat introduces soulful wellness experiences by the sea

Set against the serene backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, operated by Minor Hotels, introduces a new era of transformative wellbeing with immersive rituals designed for both in-house guests and the wider community. Highlights include the evocative Full Moon Ceremony—featuring cacao rituals, breathwork, and a symbolic bonfire under the stars—and Santorini Sundays, a weekly wellness experience blending yoga, live handpan music, and nourishing seaside breakfasts. For those seeking deeper exploration, full-day options include creative workshops and quiet reflection by the beach. Rounding out the offerings is the Arabic Perfume Workshop, where guests craft bespoke scents guided by a master perfumer, celebrating the region’s rich olfactory heritage.

For more information, visit anantara.com

One&Only The Palm Presents “Botanique” by Jenna Bitar – a Summer Art Exhibition

This summer, ArtKōrero presents internationally acclaimed artist Jenna Bitar at One&Only The Palm with Botanique—a seasonal exhibition that invites guests into a contemplative journey through nature’s quiet power. On display in the resort’s Lobby Lounge as part of the Summer Unscripted series, the collection draws inspiration from the muted rhythms of the Gulf summer, offering a serene backdrop to the resort’s elegant Summer Afternoon Tea. Layered in earthy textures and botanical motifs, Bitar’s works reflect on memory, impermanence, and renewal. Born to a Lebanese father and French mother and raised in Bali, Bitar’s multicultural roots and natural surroundings shape her instinctive, emotive practice—now also recognized as the new fragrance face of Maison Margiela.

For more information, visit oneandonlyresorts.com

The Inaugural Downtown Design Riyadh opens next week

Downtown Design Riyadh makes its debut from 20–23 May 2025 in the JAX District, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s creative evolution. Held in partnership with the Architecture and Design Commission of the Ministry of Culture, the fair brings together global design brands, regional talent, and immersive cultural experiences across indoor and outdoor spaces. Highlights include limited-edition works by Thomas Heatherwick, Draga & Aurel, Sabine Marcelis, and Naqsh Collective, as well as a strong focus on local creativity through the Designed in Saudi showcase. The programme also features daily talks, live activations, and a vibrant F&B offering—led by London’s Bompas & Parr with conceptual mocktails and glow-in-the-dark treats, alongside local favorites Origin Roasters and Marble x Easy Bakery.

For more information, visit downtowndesign.com

Floating Yoga & Pilates at ZETA Seventy Seven

Start your morning 77 floors above the city with a calming yoga and pilates session at ZETA Seventy Seven, Address Beach Resort’s iconic rooftop destination. Held bi-monthly on select Thursdays, these sky-high classes blend movement, mindfulness, and breath against panoramic ocean views. Each session includes 40–50 minutes of guided yoga and pilates led by expert instructors, followed by two hours of access to the stunning infinity pool. Upcoming dates include May 15 & 29 and June 5 2025, with two morning sessions available at 8:00am and 9:00am. Priced at AED 377 per person, with limited capacity of 18 guests per class.

For booking, visit addresshotels.com

Dining

An Indoor Brunch Saturday Brunch at Thiptara

Savour a weekend feast like no other as Thiptara launches its new Saturday Thai Brunch, From Siam to Isaan: A Festival of Thai Flavours. Set against the serene backdrop of Burj Lake and the iconic Dubai Fountain, this vibrant culinary journey brings the bold, authentic tastes of Thailand’s street markets and royal kitchens to the heart of Downtown Dubai. Taking place every Saturday from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, the brunch is priced at AED 325 with soft beverages and AED 450 with house beverages and prosecco. Join the celebration of Thai cuisine at Thiptara, Palace Downtown, starting April 12.

For reservations, call +97144287961

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