We take a look at what’s going on in the world of fashion: Cartier’s Cactus collection hits the Middle East, Mr Porter gets Prada and more...
Versace’s new September scent
Dylan Blue, the latest male fragrance from Versace, is now on sale at leading department stores in the UAE. Priced from Dh299 for a 50ml eau-de-toilette spray, the scent comes with a range of products to complement it, including an after-shave balm, deodorant and shower gel. The woody, aromatic fragrance is defined by Calabrian bergamot, sharp grapefruit and earthy fig leaves. Other notes include spicy black pepper, papyrus wood and patchouli, while accords of musk, tonka bean and saffron round-out the ingredients to make a soft and seasonal scent. "It's a fragrance full of character and individuality – an expression of a man's strength and also his charisma," says Donatella Versace. "I love how it takes traditional notes and scents and makes them totally modern, totally fresh for today, and tomorrow." www.versace.com
Cartier’s Cactus spikes interest
Perfectly timed for the tail end of the arid summer, Cartier has launched its Cactus collection across the Middle East. It's a playful, poetic take on a desert-inspired theme, the result of which is a priceless range. Brilliant cut diamonds – set in 18-carat yellow gold to appear sun-drenched – are fringed by verdant emeralds and offset by striking lapis lazuli. The rings, bracelets and necklaces are generously proportioned, either domed with blooms of twisting precious stones or undulating in sand-dune fashion. Contrasting with the collection's stark and spiky inspiration, the maison's latest haute joaillerie is characterised by soft lines, intricate cut-outs and dazzling stones. Prices available upon application. www.cartier.com
Mr Porter welcomes Prada
New to online style emporium Mr Porter this month is a capsule collection by Prada. Marking the e-tailor's first fashion foray with the iconic Italian house, a seasonal range of 74 ready-to-wear pieces is available – with more to follow in the coming months. Key items for men this month include Prada's streamlined, charcoal wool trousers priced at approximately Dh3,000, teamed with a grey, slim-fit double-breasted, wool-flannel blazer for about Dh9,000. Accessories to complete the look include high-shine Spazzolato leather Derby shoes, with perforated kiltie fringing and gripped rubber lug soles, which cost from Dh4,000. www.mrporter.com
Iconic Marant boot comeback
Fans of Parisian designer Isabel Marant should let their fingers do the walking online at Net-a-porter.com where they can snap up her exclusive capsule shoe collection while stocks last. Launched this month are two designs that first stepped onto the scene in Marant's 2009 runway shows and triggered a buying frenzy among fans. The first iconic style is a recut of the Otway – a geometric heeled, black suede boot adorned with silver studs, priced at about Dh3,600. The second design is Marant's Soono suede chain-trimmed boot in black and taupe, which is available for approximately Dh5,122. www.net-a-porter.com
Barbie by Charlotte Olympia
British luxury brand Charlotte Olympia has designed a Barbie doll and debuted it in tandem with a themed capsule collection of accessories at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates. Olympia's Barbie, which echoes the 1959 original, wears a two-piece leopard-print outfit that is teamed with the brand's signature Dolly platform pumps, a Bogart handbag and matching red gloves. The Barbie gift box, priced at Dh450, also contains miniature versions of Olympia's shopping tote, Pandora clutch, cat-eye sunglasses, a spider's web fascinator and green, strappy Eve platforms. Full-sized adult accessories in the range include peep-toe mesh sandals decorated with a pom pom of Barbie shoes, from Dh4,200, and a blush Perspex box clutch with Barbie-sized accessories from her imagined dresser for Dh5,200. www.malloftheemirates.com
