The Black Book: This month’s names of note

Icons of the World by Jordi; Arushi Bridal Couture; L'Afshar clutches; and Miu Miu Resort Collection 2014.

Lady Icon White Glamour. Courtesy Jordi

Panna Munyal

Jordi

Bespoke watches by the exclusive Swiss watch brand Jordi are now available from Rivoli stores across the UAE. To mark the launch, the Geneva-based watchmaker, Michel Jordi, who designs the timepieces, has added a watch inspired by Dubai to his annual Icons of the World collection, with a limited-edition timepiece that features the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. Each year, the watchmaker introduces a complication model that best represents the monument that gives a country iconic status – the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Mount Fuji and the Statue of Liberty have all been captured on dial in the past. Dubai’s titanium and red gold timepiece features Jordi’s trademark paper-cut design and ergonomic sensibility, inspired by the smoothness of a Rhone glacier pebble, and comes with the Icons of the World original leather strap. The brand’s glamorous Lady Icon (pictured) and limited-edition Club 100 Chronograph collections are also on display now.

Arushi Bridal Couture

When the French-born Mireille A Loughlin came to the UAE three decades ago, she made it her business to create chic, sophisticated and one-of-a-kind wedding dresses for every bride who walked into Dubai’s Arushi Couture. Established in 1988, the house of Arushi reinvents its collection each year and has a dedicated and growing team of couturiers to pick up on key trends and then add special touches – be it the use of striking colours, exaggerated silhouettes or refined tailoring techniques. Arushi’s latest bridal couture collection has nine dresses and evening gowns, each inspired by 1950s Europe, with chiselled waistlines, a round-hip silhouette, soft hues and delicately embroidered Swiss and French lace. But no piece looks the same – from the layered tulle and pleated skirt in the blue-silk Bella Riva, to Tiffany’s Swarovski-embellished waist and embossed organza, and the mermaid-inspired Poppy with its detailed back bodice.

L’Afshar

It all started when a friend, who just so happened to be a senior fashion editor, was snapped holding one of her clutches at Milan Fashion Week. Next thing, she found herself featured on the Vogue Paris website and in The Cut, along with various other notable publications. And that was just the beginning for the young designer Lilian Afshar and her L’Afshar brand. At only 23, the graduate of Esmod Dubai launched her collection of bug-adorned perspex clutches to accompany her ready-to-wear collection for her final year at fashion school. The British-born Iranian is currently based in Dubai, where her clutches are crafted and produced. The intricate and eye-catching motif is an amalgamation of a scarab beetle, a common species of the East that was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, and a dragonfly, which, according to Afshar, symbolises change, adaptability, joy and strength. Beautifully constructed from perspex, the collection is available in five jewel-tone colours, including emerald green, sapphire blue and ruby red, and comes in a variety of sizes, from the classic medium to covetable mini, as well as a statement oversized version. The unique collection, which Afshar describes as encapsulating her personal journey where East meets West, is stocked in boutiques in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with Europe and the United States next on the list. Stockists include S*uce (Dubai), Mahani (Emirates Towers, Dubai) and The Luxury Arcade (World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi).

Miu Miu

Why should your heels be excluded from the print revolution? Miu Miu’s 2014 resort collection gives the classic pump a dramatic makeover, just in time for spring. Floral prints dominate styles in silk faille and patent leather, while many-hued stones in myriad shapes stand out on elegant black pumps, decorating even the heel. Colour connoisseurs may opt for bright yellow and pink court shoes featuring embroidered sequins, or bird’s egg blue shoes embellished with flashes of orange sequins. The result in each case: a truly distinctive pair for your feet to preen in.

(With input from Nadia El Dasher)