Memos From The Middle East: Burberry Takes Over Hôtel Belles Rives, Chanel Expands Its Collection N°5 Fine Jewellery Line, And Valentino Reimagines The Rockstud
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Style Notes
Valentino Reimagines the Rockstud Pumps for Pre-Fall 2026
Originally introduced on the Valentino A/W 2010/11 runway, the Valentino Garavani Rockstud pumps have been given a glow-up for the maison’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection under the direction of Alessandro Michele. Reworked with sharply pointed toes, sleek platinum finishes, and signature red insoles, the updated silhouette brings a contemporary edge to the house’s iconic Rockstud motif while preserving its recognisable cage design. Available in 100mm and 40mm heel variations, the styles arrive in a palette ranging from refined neutrals to vivid shades of green and blue, alongside strappy sandals and flats that complete the expanded Rockstud offering.
For more information, visit valentino.com
Dior Unveils Its Suite at the Cannes International Film Festival
For the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, Dior has transformed its signature suite in shades of white and sky blue inspired by the French Riviera, featuring hand-drawn striped motifs and the house’s Dior Masquerade couture pattern, inspired by Christian Bérard’s illustrations for Monsieur Dior. Extending across the suite’s walls, floors, and reception spaces, the scenography incorporates palm tree lamps, wickerwork details, oversized parasols, and a tented boudoir overlooking the sea, while the beauty space will host the Dior backstage pros team alongside international make-up artists, a Dior Vernis nail bar, and grooming services led by Dior Sauvage grooming ambassador Brice Tchaga.
Beauty List
Loewe Perfumes Introduces a New Pistachio Scented Candle
Loewe Perfumes has expanded its home scents collection with Pistachio, a new candle inspired by the rich, creamy aroma of the Pistacia vera tree. Crafted in natural wax with cotton wicks, the gourmand fragrance unfolds from milky, nutty accords into a sweeter scent once lit. Available in small and medium sizes, the candle is housed in the brand’s signature verdant green glazed terracotta pot, inspired by a late 5th-century BC mug and finished with an monogram stamped base.
For more information, visit perfumesloewe.com
NARS Launches Natural Matte Longwear Foundation
NARS has introduced the Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, a medium-to-full coverage complexion formula designed to deliver up to 24 hours of shine control with a lightweight, breathable finish. Powered by the brand’s Pore-Refining Trio technology, the serum-like foundation works to visibly improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores over time, while creating a soft-focus matte effect that blurs imperfections without feeling heavy on the skin.
Hourglass Cosmetics Launches Unreal Liquid Highlighter
Hourglass Cosmetics has introduced Unreal Liquid Highlighter, a serum-like complexion product designed to deliver long-lasting radiance with a lightweight, second-skin finish. Available in five shades, the formula uses an advanced liquid-light system to create a natural glow that lasts up to 12 hours, while hydrating and smoothing the skin over time. The launch is accompanied by the Ambient Lighting Palette: Flushed Edit, a regional-exclusive blush palette curated to enhance and customise luminosity for both everyday and elevated beauty looks.
Shop the collection at sephora.me
All That Glitters
Chanel Expands the Collection N°5 Fine Jewellery Line for 2026
Chanel has expanded its Collection N°5 fine jewellery line with four new creations in 18K beige gold and white gold set with diamonds. Inspired by the graphic silhouette of the house’s iconic number 5, the latest designs balance structured lines with softer detailing, continuing the collection’s exploration of timeless codes through contemporary fine jewellery.
For more information, visit chanel.com
Cultural Happenings
Sharjah Art Foundation Presents Against Stillness at Art Dubai
Sharjah Art Foundation will present Against Stillness, a live performance programme taking place from 15 to 17 May 2026 at Madinat Jumeirah during the special edition of Art Dubai. Exploring themes of movement, sound, and transformation, the programme features performances by Muhanad Kareem Kzar, Safa Baluchi, and Astral LXXXII, alongside collaborators working across interdisciplinary practices. Highlights include Lawrence on 15 May, Body as a Witness on 16 May, and Tears Through the Soul on 17 May 2026.
The Lana, Dorchester Collection Presents a Sculptural Exhibition
Coinciding with Art Dubai, The Lana, Dorchester Collection has unveiled a new sculptural exhibition by Lebanese artist Foad Hamzeh, presented in collaboration with JD Malat Gallery and on view until June 2026. Installed across the hotel’s entrance, terraces, promenade, and social spaces, the exhibition features six large-scale stainless steel sculptures exploring the intersection of Arabic calligraphy and contemporary graffiti through Hamzeh’s signature visual language. Reflecting light, movement, and architecture, the site-specific works transform the hotel into a cultural destination during Art Dubai.
Ladies Of Leisure
Le Piaf Debuts in Dubai at Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Paris Society is bringing its piano-bar concept Le Piaf to Dubai, marking the brand’s first location outside Europe. Opening on 20 May at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the restaurant and cocktail bar combines live piano performances, French dining, and late-night entertainment within interiors defined by red velvet, crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and lacquered finishes. Originally launched in Paris in 2017 before expanding to Megève and Val-d’Isère, the Dubai outpost will serve a menu of French-inspired dishes including Gillardeau oysters, sole meunière, roasted lobster, Wagyu, and signature desserts, alongside the brand’s immersive music-led dining experience.
Fore more information, visit sevenrooms.com
Bvlgari Resort Dubai Unveils Its Eid 2026 Experiences
For Eid 2026, Bvlgari Resort Dubai has introduced a series of seasonal experiences centred around wellness, dining, and beachfront living on Jumeirah Bay Island. Available until the end of May, the Resort’s Bvlgari Retreat staycation includes a minimum two-night stay with breakfast, access to the new Serpenti Beach Clvb, spa and gym facilities, and dining privileges starting from AED 4,500 per night for rooms and AED 13,300 for villas. The seasonal programme also includes family experiences at Little Gems Clvb, waterfront dining and brunches at the Yacht Clvb Restaurant led by Chef Niko Romito, and the Spirulina Detox & Restore ritual at the Bvlgari Spa, available throughout May and June.
For more information, visit bulgarihotels.com
Drift Dubai Introduces New Seasonal Experiences for Summer 2026
Drift Dubai has unveiled a new line-up of seasonal experiences spanning dining, beachside lounging, and sunset gatherings for Summer 2026. Highlights include the White Party taking place on 16 May at Drift Restaurant, and the Riviera Brunch now returning weekly every Sunday from 1pm. The destination has also introduced updated weekday and weekend sun lounger experiences starting from Dhs150, alongside Drifting Sun at DRIFT Sea Lounge – the perfect easy-going evening.
For more information call 04 315 2200.
Burberry Partners With Hôtel Belles Rives for Summer 2026
Burberry has taken over the iconic Hôtel Belles Rives for the summer season, reimagining the French Riviera landmark through the house’s signature lens until 30 September 2026. From the private jetty to the historic 1920s lift, the hotel’s Art Deco spaces have been refreshed with Burberry’s check in Hôtel Belles Rives’ recognisable Riviera blue, coinciding with the launch of the brand’s High Summer 2026 collection. Alongside coastal-inspired ready-to-wear and swim pieces, guests can also experience a series of seasonal touches throughout the property, including water-skiing in the bay, Burberry ice lollies served on the terrace and sunset moments at the Fitzgerald Bar.
Fore more information, visit bellesrives.com
Bazaar Babes
Baby Dior Unveils a Versailles-Inspired A/W 2026 Collection
Drawing inspiration from the grandeur of 18th-century France, Baby Dior’s Fall 2026 collection reimagines the elegance of Versailles through three whimsical chapters. “Le Grand Bosquet” channels the lush gardens of the Palace of Versailles with nature-inspired prints, luminous hues, and pastel-striped tailoring for boys, while “Le Petit Trianon” nods to the refined world of Marie-Antoinette through formal dresses in soft pinks and touches of yellow. Completing the story, “Versailles Beach” introduces sailor tees, swimsuits, shorts, and breezy summer tones, blending the House’s timeless codes with a playful seaside spirit.
Lead Image Supplied