Damas
Damas has launched a premium jewellery brand called Sama, which is derived from the Arabic word sumou, meaning elevation or greatness. The new brand offers a selection of designs, including opulent necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. Each features at least 40 carats worth of gems, including rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and both colourless and fancy-coloured diamonds. Pieces are set in 18k white gold, rose gold, yellow gold and platinum. Damas celebrated the launch with a lavish gala event at the Armani Hotel Dubai and among the many guests was Hollywood actress Penélope Cruz, who has been announced as the face of the Sama brand. "We are thrilled to be working with Penélope, an ambassador whose values and characteristics perfectly fit the heart of the brand," says Anan Fakhreddin, chief executive of Damas.
Elemis
The term "superfood" has been a buzzword among the health-food community for a few years. It's little surprise, then, that the beauty industry has hopped on the flaxseed bandwagon. Elemis's Superfood Facial Oil includes ingredients such as broccoli-seed oil for added hydration, and flaxseed oil for boosting omega-3 levels and sealing in moisture. Also included in the formula is cucumber oil, a source of omega-6 and vitamin B1, macadamia oil, which contains omega-3,6 and 7, and rosehip-seed oil, which is known for its high levels of essential fatty acids. The result, the brand claims, is supple, strong and glowing skin, while the addition of more than a dozen 100-per-cent-natural essential oils, including orange, lavender, ylang-ylang and patchouli, will help soothe the senses. The Superfood Facial Oil is priced at Dh378 for 15ml.
IWC Schaffhausen x Santoni
It is five years since Swiss watchmaker IWC Shaffhausen began collaborating with Italian shoe manufacturer Santoni. In that time, Santoni has produced exclusive hand-painted leather straps for some of IWC's most iconic timepieces, from the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar, which is available with dark brown or black alligator-leather straps, to the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37, which comes with a dark blue, black, dark brown or green alligator-leather strap. To create these hand-dyed bands, up to 15 different colours are applied to the leather, a similar process used to manufacture Santoni's signature leather shoes. To mark five years of partnership, the brands held a celebratory dinner at The Artisan restaurant in Dubai in October. "We are honoured to have Santoni, a pioneer and perfectionist in its industry, as a partner. Their straps perfectly complement some of our most iconic timepieces," says Luc Rochereau, IWC's regional brand director, Middle East and India.
Chanel
In 1999, Chanel launched its now iconic ceramic watch: the J12. Though the timepiece has been given subtle updates over the years, the most recent changes are the most pronounced. Enter the J12 XS. Save for the use of a calfskin strap, a high-precision quartz movement, and the use of a high-tech ceramic and steel case, this feels like an entirely new timepiece. A 19-millimetre face makes this the smallest version of the J12, and the various design options all offer a playful edge. The watch comes in the form of a small white or black ceramic and steel cuff, or large black cuff, with a detachable watch face and lacquered dial. There are also one-off variations, in the form of a high-jewellery ring, a small cuff, a large cuff and a black cuff featuring Lesage – a delicate embroidery technique that comprises pearls and sequins – all encrusted with diamonds. Also, in a nod to creative director Karl Lagerfeld's personal style, the timepiece is incorporated as part of a chic limited-edition set of black lambskin gloves.
Read this and more stories in Luxury magazine, out with The National on Thursday, November 3.
alane@thenational.ae