Clothes by fashion designer Adriana Iglesias are featured on the cover of the June/July issue of Luxury magazine.
Model Celine, from Le Management agency, looks the epitome of bohemian cool, and is pictured in a floral maxi dress and geometric tailored jacket, both by the Spanish label.
Luxury catches up with the designer behind the eponymous brand, and finds out what lies behind her inspiration.
What is your definition of style?
Style for me is a reflection of an attitude. Personality and confidence are really important, so my collections show what I have inside, [and reflect] my own style. I feel good wearing clothes that are feminine but comfortable. I think my clothes bring a message of elegance, sensuality and beauty, promoting the perception of femininity.
You are known for your use of flowers and leaves in your work. Who or what was the inspiration behind your pre-fall 2016 collection?
I am attracted to nature itself, and I find inspiration there. I cannot observe flowers and colours without a smile, and think floral prints transmit beauty and optimism. The prints [for pre-fall] are inspired by the Mediterranean Sea. I am in love with life, so as I design, I do what comes from the very inside of me. Vibrant colours from nature, flowers from Hvar in Croatia, intense blues from the Sea in Dubrovnik and Santorini, turquoise from the Emerald Coast in Sardinia, and tropical leaves from Tulum in Mexico. Everything inspires me. The collections are like a story written in line with the different seasons.
Who are your fashion idols?
Women who enjoy fashion, but are not a slave to trends.
If you could dress any famous figure, dead or alive, who would it be?
Not easy to answer with just one name! I would say Romy Schneider (the French actress), Grace Kelly, Lauren Hutton, Brigitte Bardot, Julia Restoin Roitfeld and Charlotte Casiraghi.
The Still waters run deep fashion editorial and June/July cover for Luxury magazine were both photographed by Adam Balcerek.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
The biog
Hometown: Cairo
Age: 37
Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror
Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing
Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
