The Ones To Watch: What To Do, See and Shop This February 2024
A hidden gem in Oman, Gucci’s new design code, and this year’s make-up look
Matte Is Back
Last year was all about that glazed doughnut finish a-la Hailey Bieber following the launch of her debut beauty line Rhode Skin. This dewy beauty skin trend does however prompt the question: Do I want to look shiny every day?
Enter the satin finish – a modern matte take on barely-there make-up but dialling back the high shine that can sometimes be mistaken for greasy rather than glowy.
Making Waves
When the number two trending brand in the UAE is one you’ve never heard of, you do some digging. According to online site, Luxury Promise, Australian brand Anna Quan has the second most online searches in the UAE, following Chloé in the number one spot. With an ethos of creating effortless and trans-seasonal wardrobe staples, you can expect drop waist maxi dresses with discreet boning for structure, and fluid silk trousers created by designer Anna Huong.
Hidden Treasure
When you think you’ve seen all the dolphins, dhows and deserts the Middle East has to offer, perhaps it’s time you visited Salalah. This city in the southern part of Oman has five star hotels hugging bumper-sized beaches with nearby wadis and waterfalls proving popular with adventurous tourists.
With temperatures rarely rising above 33 degrees, Salalah is a new not-so-hot hotspot. Alila Hinu Bay is one of the latest hotels dotting the Omani coastline with a huge spa in between the dramatic mountain tops and the Arabian sea. Pool villas, trips to meet Orcas in the ocean, and views of the lagoons are just some of the activities to escape city-life for a week or weekend.
The New Gucci
Sabato De Sarno has softened the edges over at Gucci with not a smidge of eccentricity in sight. The Naples-born designer has brought beautiful tailoring, minimal tops, soft leather takes of previously structured iconic house bags, sleek cuts and short shorts. Clean, classy and, of course, cool.
Creative Mind
With flowers already a notch on Gurgen Yeritsyan’s belt, ‘Gosha’ has exciting things up his sleeve for 2024. “I want to give my clients something unexpected and deliver them magic,” he says.
The Armenian creative has launched UrArtu (bricks and mortar set to open soon), a multi-purpose space to showcase art, installations, set design and, of course, floristry. Gosha has also added cakes to his repertoire. “I design the cakes but my mum does all the baking, using organic ingredients while all the colours come from fruit.”
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@alilahinubay, @oh_my_gosha_1
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s February 2024 issue.