Black Book: Benedict Cumberbatch in Norway with Prada, Dior's Chiffre Rouge, Louboutin and Margiela team up
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. Prada Re-Nylon Prada continues its sustainability journey with a new chapter in its Re-Nylon campaign, unveiling a series of films that explore the collection's impact on communities and ecosystems around the world. The first episode, starring British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, takes viewers to Norway's breathtaking Lofoten Archipelago within the Arctic Circle, shedding light on the plastic pollution. The film highlights how Prada Re-Nylon repurposes ocean plastics into luxury fashion, showcasing the industry's potential to drive environmental change. The latest Sea Beyond collection introduces a line of bags and accessories crafted from Prada Re-Nylon, a fabric made by recycling and purifying plastic collected from oceans, fishing nets, landfills and textile fibre waste. Standout pieces from the collection include men's backpacks, a handbag and a bucket hat, all designed in this sustainable material. Dior Chiffre Rouge Dior expands its Chiffre Rouge collection with three new timepieces that pay homage to the house's haute couture heritage. With an elegant, eye-catching black design, the watch is accentuated by bold scarlet-red details and white highlights, as well as the brand's cannage motif which appears across the dial and strap. Each watch embodies Dior's distinctive aesthetic and in a nod to the house's founder, the number 8 – Christian Dior's favourite number – is highlighted in red. This limited-edition release includes three models: a 38mm dial model, available with or without diamonds, and a 41mm chronograph. Designed for both men and women, only 100 pieces of each watch will be produced, making it a collector's must-have. Celine Celine introduces the Camille, a new addition to its 16 Soft Line. This hobo-style bag, featuring a curved silhouette and a versatile shoulder strap, offers practicality combined with Parisian elegance. The rounded shape of the Camille 16 Soft is crafted in soft leather and finished with the house's gold lock closure. Available in two sizes and a timeless palette of tan, black and sand hues, the bag also features a multifunctional strap. AED10,500 for the small version and AED12,000 for the medium bag. Christian Louboutin X Maison Margiela Shoe designer Christian Louboutin has collaborated with Maison Margiela to create an avant-garde capsule footwear collection which combines the unique design aesthetic of both brands. Conceived by Maison Margiela's now former-creative director John Galliano and Christian Louboutin, the brand's founder, the collection reinvents Margiela's trademark Tabi shoe, reimagining it with Louboutin's signature red sole and a more sculptural, curvaceous silhouette. In a reverse exchange of aesthetics, Margiela's influence extends to classic Louboutin styles like the Rosalie and Loubiella, which now feature the house's deconstructed, split-toe design. Available from March 12. Louis Vuitton High jewellery Louis Vuitton has unveiled the second chapter in its Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds high jewellery collection, showcasing the house's savoir-faire through a series of bracelets, rings, watches and necklaces. Designed by Francesca Amfitheatrof, the collection combines precious metals combined with diamonds and coloured gemstones. Drawing inspiration from 19th-century France and its revolutionary design era, the pieces feature the LV Monogram Star Cut Diamond, which debuted in chapter one, as well as a limited men's high jewellery collection – a first for the brand. Sebago X Weekend Max Mara Weekend Max Mara has partnered with Sebago, the American footwear brand, known for its preppy Dan Penny Loafer. The loafers were popular amongst American college students in the 1950s. For the collaboration with the Italian fashion brand, the two have reinvented the Dan Penny Loafer in smooth brushed leather, featuring hand-sewn details, micro studs and a detachable tassel. Available in brown, burgundy and black editions. AED1,587
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