Memos From The Middle East: Bulgari Opens A Jewellery School, ME by Meliá Debuts A New Emirati Art Platform and Atlantis The Palm Launches Post-Summer Re-Set Sessions With Alkemy
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 & Jewellery
Harrods Unveils a Dazzling Redesign for Its Jewellery & Watch Halls
Luxury is going sky-high – literally. Harrods has revealed plans for a multimillion-pound transformation of its fine jewellery and watch departments, including Europe’s first-ever curved escalators. Construction starts next year, and the redesign will offer a vertical boutique concept unlike anywhere else – expect soaring ceilings and a seamless journey from first spotting some sparkle to it making a statement on your wrist.
Bicester Village Launches Its Most Stylish Insider Yet
The Villager is your stylish passport to everything Bicester – without leaving your seat. From behind-the-scenes scoops and trend edits to chats with your favorite designers and travel inspiration that’ll have you booking your next weekend escape, this new editorial platform brings the village’s global style and lifestyle universe to your screen. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or just love a good scroll, this is you go-to for stories that are as curated as the rails at the Village. Explore it now at bicestervillage.com/thevillager.
Bulgari Opens a Jewellery School – and Everyone’s Invited
Love high jewellery? Now you can learn to make it. Bvlgari is launching Scuola Bvlgari this September – a jewellery academy that welcomes both aspiring artisans and curious minds to its cutting-edge Manifattura in Valenza. Created in partnership with Italy’s Tads design school, the programme is all about future-proofing hands-on craft and preserving its illustrious heritage.
Beauty
That Concept Store Drops the Ultimate Summer Skincare Lineup
Hydration, protection, glow – That Concept Store has bottled it all. Their summer skincare curation is a must for beach days, travel escapes, or just keeping cool in the city. Think SPF that doesn’t leave a cast, eye creams that de-puff instantly, and balms that melt into your skin like sunshine. It’s everything you need for summered-out skin.
Atlantis Gets a Post-Summer Reset, Courtesy of Alkemy
You’ve summered hard – now it’s time to reset. Alkemy has launched three dreamy new bundles at its Atlantis, The Palm outpost, tailored for post-sun repair and refresh. Choose from a luxe hair revive, a full-on glow-up, or even a chic grooming session for him – each infused with grounding rituals like Palo Santo ceremonies. Think salon retreat meets soul care for the new season.
Say Hello to the New P.O.S.T. Cream by pHformula
Your favourite skin recovery cream just got a major upgrade. pHformula has re-released its cult P.O.S.T. formula with better barrier support, hydration, and antioxidant protection – perfect for calming stressed-out, post-holiday skin. Smooth it on daily for brighter, stronger skin that feels like it’s still on vacation.
Dining
Chocolate, Couture, and Coffee? Salon du Chocolat Returns
Calling all dessert lovers: Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie is back in Dubai this September with more indulgence than ever. From edible fashion shows to chocolate masterclasses and Insta-worthy latte art, it’s a sugar-fuelled celebration you won’t want to miss. Save the dates: September 30 – 2 October 2 at Madinat Jumeirah. Sweet dreams are made of this.
Leisure
Feel It All at Toda With Music, Magic, and Mindful Moments This August
Escape the noise and tap into something deeper at Toda (Theatre of Digital Art) this August. Whether you’re chasing calm or craving clarity, their immersive sound healing sessions are a whole new vibe. On August 14, Sound Journey to Ancestors with Gian Carlo blends shamanic traditions and sacred frequencies to reconnect you with your roots in the most soul-stirring way. Then on August 26, Sound Healing 360: Sacred Soundspace transforms wellness into art with beatboxing, live looping, and non-traditional instruments – set against a mind-bending 360° visual backdrop. This is sound healing, but not as you know it.
ARTDOM Heads to Riyadh with a Global Design Showcase
The coolest names in collectible interiors are heading to Riyadh. Artdom will debut its first-ever Middle East edition this November at Saraj, featuring 55 top-tier exhibitors, design talks, and even a royal gala. Expect to see iconic names like Giulio Cappellini and Carlo Colombo, all gathered to spotlight Saudi as the next frontier in global design culture.
ME by Meliá Debuts Emirati Art Platform with ’Medad – Edition 1’
Art lovers, rejoice – ME by Meliá has launched Medad, a rotating platform celebrating contemporary Emirati creatives. Curated by Abdulla Khalid Al Shamsi, the first edition features textile artists, photographers, and filmmakers reimagining ancient tradition through a modern lens. Expect a design-forward cultural escape right in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
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