The new BC Duo bag by Brunello Cuccinelli. Photo: Brunello Cuccinelli
The new BC Duo bag by Brunello Cuccinelli. Photo: Brunello Cuccinelli
The new BC Duo bag by Brunello Cuccinelli. Photo: Brunello Cuccinelli
The new BC Duo bag by Brunello Cuccinelli. Photo: Brunello Cuccinelli

Black Book: Brunello Cucinelli’s 'everyday bag', Dior’s futuristic trainers and Swarovski glam glasses


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Every week, The National's Luxury magazine team puts together Black Book, a cheat sheet of the most interesting and noteworthy arrivals in fashion, watches, jewellery and cars.

Capster launches Moving On elevated trucker caps

Linen trucker cap in muted jade is part of the Moving On range at Capster. Photo: Capster
Linen trucker cap in muted jade is part of the Moving On range at Capster. Photo: Capster

Capster, the UAE-born headwear brand launched in 2017, has introduced a premium line called Moving On. Crafted from breathable linen or cotton, the new caps eschew overt logos in favour of quiet refinement – think muted jade, greige, dove grey and classic black. A contrasting piped edge around the pre-curved brim adds definition, while a discreet monogram sits just off-centre. Understated, versatile and designed to fit all, this is stealth-luxe headwear poised to become an essential look for the summer.

From Dh600 ($163)

BC Duo bag by Brunello Cucinelli

The new BC Duo bag by Brunello Cucinelli. Photo: Brunello Cucinelli
The new BC Duo bag by Brunello Cucinelli. Photo: Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli has introduced Duo, a new collection of bags designed by co-creative directors Camilla and Carolina Cucinelli – daughters of the founder and custodians of the house’s quiet luxury ethos. Soft-sided and gently slouched, the bags come in four sizes, from mini to ultra-large, and are crafted in calfskin for a supple, lightweight feel, as well as in suede and a subtly metallic lame leather. Each piece features the house’s signature monili embroidery and a discreet embossed logo. The palette is characteristically refined: warm browns, timeless neutrals, and seasonal notes of sage, peach and denim.

From Dh5,992

Swarovski Millenia sunglasses

Millenia sunglasses, for summer 2025, by Swarovski. Photo: Swarovski
Millenia sunglasses, for summer 2025, by Swarovski. Photo: Swarovski

Crystal experts since 1895, Austrian house Swarovski is channelling its heritage into bold new collections for summer. Among them is Millenia – a love letter to crystal, expressed in full-spectrum colour. Sunglasses feature a row of white crystals tracing the brow line and arms, which taper to a transparent tip. Paired with a crystal-tipped chain, the look is equal parts retro glamour and high-voltage attitude. Each stone is set in gold-toned prongs to amplify the shimmer – this is eyewear for the unapologetically bold.

Price on request

Givenchy's new Eau de Parfum Ambree

Givenchy expands its men’s fragrance portfolio with the launch of Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum Ambree. Photo: Givenchy
Givenchy expands its men’s fragrance portfolio with the launch of Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum Ambree. Photo: Givenchy

Givenchy expands its men’s fragrance portfolio with the launch of Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum Ambree – a bold, woody-floral blend with a distinctive signature. Opening with clary sage and juniper berry, it deepens through a heart of Madagascan vetiver, French narcissus and orris, grounded by organic Australian sandalwood. A warm dry-down of tobacco and Tasuki vanilla adds an unmistakably seductive finish.

Dh607 for 100ml

Dior Men's B35 Nxxt trainers

The number 47 is stamped on the toe – a subtle nod to the year Christian Dior founded the maison – while the chunky sole reinterprets the house’s signature cannage weave in bold, diagonal relief. Photo: Dior
The number 47 is stamped on the toe – a subtle nod to the year Christian Dior founded the maison – while the chunky sole reinterprets the house’s signature cannage weave in bold, diagonal relief. Photo: Dior

Dior steps into the future with the launch of the B35 Nxxt, its latest men’s trainer. Featuring a fabric mesh upper and sculptural lines that flow from sole to laces, the design is both aerodynamic and assertive. The number 47 is stamped on the toe – a subtle nod to the year Christian Dior founded the maison – while the chunky sole reinterprets the house’s signature cannage weave in bold, diagonal relief. The palette runs from crisp monochrome to high-impact neon accents in yellow, orange, or blue, with more understated takes in beige and brown.

From Dh4,900

Feeding the thousands for iftar

Six industrial scale vats of 500litres each are used to cook the kanji or broth 

Each vat contains kanji or porridge to feed 1,000 people

The rice porridge is poured into a 500ml plastic box

350 plastic tubs are placed in one container trolley

Each aluminium container trolley weighing 300kg is unloaded by a small crane fitted on a truck

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Messi at the Copa America

2007 – lost 3-0 to Brazil in the final

2011 – lost to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals

2015 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final

2016 – lost to Chile on penalties in the final

Full list of Emmy 2020 nominations

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Anthony Anderson, Black-ish
Don Cheadle, Black Monday
Ted Danson, The Good Place
Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method
Eugene Levy, Schitt’s Creek
Ramy Youssef, Ramy

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Christina Applegate, Dead to Me
Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Linda Cardellini, Dead to Me
Catherine O’Hara, Schitt’s Creek
Issa Rae, Insecure
Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish

OUTSTANDING VARIETY/TALK SERIES

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Jason Bateman, Ozark
Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
Steve Carell, The Morning Show
Brian Cox, Succession
Billy Porter, Pose
Jeremy Strong, Succession

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show
Olivia Colman, The Crown
Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
Laura Linney, Ozark
Sandra Oh, Killing Eve
Zendaya, Euphoria

OUTSTANDING REALITY/COMPETITION PROGRAM

The Masked Singer
Nailed It!
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Top Chef
The Voice

LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE

Jeremy Irons, Watchmen
Hugh Jackman, Bad Education
Paul Mescal, Normal People
Jeremy Pope, Hollywood
Mark Ruffalo, I Know This Much Is True

LEAD ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE

Cate Blanchett, Mrs. America
Shira Haas, Unorthodox
Regina King, Watchmen
Octavia Spencer, Self Made
Kerry Washington, Little Fires Everywhere

OUTSTANDING LIMITED SERIES

Little Fires Everywhere
Mrs. America
Unbelievable
Unorthodox
Watchmen

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Dead to Me
The Good Place
Insecure
The Kominsky Method
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Schitt’s Creek
What We Do In The Shadows

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

Better Call Saul
The Crown
The Handmaid’s Tale
Killing Eve
The Mandalorian
Ozark
Stranger Things
Succession

 

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

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Updated: March 21, 2025, 2:32 PM