Memos From The Middle East: From Van Cleef's Ballerina Exhibition To Summer Beauty Drops And Sky-High Swims At Aura

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

10 hours ago

Every week Bazaar brings you the latest news in fashion and beauty, luxury and lifestyle, straight from our desks to yours — from across the region and beyond
Fashion
Roberto Cavalli x Skims: The Swim Collab of the Summer
Just in time for high summer, Roberto Cavalli and SKIMS are dropping a sultry, limited-edition swimwear collection and it's every bit as bold as you'd expect. Fusing Cavalli's iconic Italian prints with SKIMS' curve-loving silhouettes, the line is a glamorous nod to Euro Summer energy. The collection features three striking archival prints – Fagianella, Light Zebra, and Tiger Face, splashed across swimwear, cover-ups, and accessories in sizes XXS to 4X. Kim Kardashian, shot by the ever-iconic Nadia Lee Cohen, leads the campaign in retro scenes with a playful twist, plus a surprise appearance by Kris Jenner. Launching June 27, the collection will be available on SKIMS.com, in select Roberto Cavalli boutiques, and at global luxury retailers. Swim season just got a serious upgrade.
Old Money, New Energy: Tiffany's Latest Surprise
What do you get when Tiffany & Co. and artist Daniel Arsham join forces once more? A penny -reimagined, eroded, and wrapped around a whole lot of sparkle. Their latest collaboration features the limited-edition Bronze Eroded Penny Vessel (there are only 39 in the world), and hidden inside? A jaw-dropping HardWear necklace in 18-karat white gold, set with over 1,000 diamonds and Arsham's signature tsavorites. It's part sculpture, part fine jewellery, and all kinds of iconic. Presented in a custom Tiffany Blue crate, this is the kind of heirloom that makes history feel cool again.
A Sculptural Homage to the Sea by Cindy Chao
Inspired by her first time snorkelling, jewellery artist Cindy Chao has unveiled her Aquatic series from her White Label Collection – a shimmering tribute to the ocean's mysterious depths. From corals to conch pearls, each sculptural piece reimagines marine life with vibrant gemstones, rose-cut diamonds, and meticulous craftsmanship. With underwater hues of emerald, sapphire, and sunlit gold, the collection transforms the sea's quiet poetry into wearable art. Highlights include the luminous Odyssey Earrings, gleaming Coral Earrings, and the radiant Ocean Necklace adorned with pearls. Light dances across every surface, echoing the serene rhythm of the ocean – making this one of Chao's most poetic and powerful artistic statements yet.
Beauty
Anastasia Beverly Hills Launches Its Summer Capsule
Summer skin just got a major upgrade – Anastasia Beverly has dropped a dreamy trio of glow-giving essentials made for golden hour selfies. First up, the Smooth Blur Contour Stick: sculpt, swipe, stun with this gel-like, super-blendable stick that delivers effortless definition and a dewy, second-skin finish, as it is infused with soothing Vitamin E. Then there's the Magic Touch Blush Trio – three juicy cream shades that melt into your skin for that 'just kissed' flush with a soft-focus glow (no filters needed). And to top it off, the Smooth Blur Bronzer brings pure bronze goddess energy with its buttery gel-powder hybrid formula – zero cakiness, 100% summer mood. Available at Sephora UAE, KSA, Bahrain, and Qatar from June 26, and in Kuwait from July 4.
Kurkdjian's Most Coveted Fragrances Return
For years, a whisper has trailed through the world of haute perfumery: secret scents, once available only to a lucky few, quietly gifted by Francis Kurkdjian himself to friends and VIPs. Now, in an ultra-exclusive summer launch, those elusive olfactory treasures are stepping into the spotlight. Introducing My VIP – Very Intimate Perfumes, a collection of four cult fragrances. We're talking about Absolue Pour le Matin, which smells like sunlight and new beginnings, with soft lemon, violet, and herbaceous thyme. Or Absolue Pour le Soir, inspired by 1970s New York nightlife, a spicy, sensual blend of rose, cumin, and amber that clings to skin like velvet. There's also Reflets d'Ambre, which holds warmth, spice, and creamy vanilla, like bottled honey. Available only at Maison Francis Kurkdjian boutiques and its website, the My VIP collection is luxury fragrance at its most personal.
Dining
A Summer Above: Afternoon Tea with Sky-High Sips and Sunshine Vibes
Shangri-La The Shard has teamed up with Papa Salt Coastal Gin – yes, the one co-founded by Margot Robbie – for a limited-edition afternoon tea 35 floors into London's skyline. Inspired by the laid-back beach life of Byron Bay, this summer pop-up brings zingy, sun-kissed flavours in abundance. Expect dreamy patisserie by Executive Pastry Chef Piero Sottile – think vanilla-pecan pralines, a citrus-bright blueberry and lemon fusion, and a caramel-apricot creation that practically glows. The showstopper? A whimsical 'Shard of the Sea' dessert to share, served atop actual clouds (okay, candy ones). Running until September 31st, this breezy afternoon tea is priced at £78 (or £96 with cocktails), and it's basically a beach holiday for your tastebuds – minus the airport stress. Book now before it's gone with the summer sun.
Health & Wellness
A Slice of Swiss Skincare Heaven Just Landed in Abu Dhabi
If you've been craving a skincare escape with serious glow-up potential, this one's for you. The iconic Swiss beauty house Valmont has officially opened its very first spa in Abu Dhabi – and it's every bit as luxurious as you'd imagine. Housed in a serene private villa at Erth, the exclusive pop-up overlooks the peaceful waters of Khor Al Maqta. Signature treatments like Vitality of the Glaciers and Hydration of the Bisses will help you achieve total radiance, and if you need a proper pamper, this is the place to be. Now open at Erth Abu Dhabi. Book in before everyone else does. www.valmontcosmetics.com | www.erth.ae
Leisure
Bvlgari Is Bringing Ultra-Luxury to Abu Dhabi, On Its Own Private Island
Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts is setting sail for Abu Dhabi – literally, with a brand new resort and mansions concept set to open in 2030, and it's giving quiet luxury its most glamorous address yet. Tucked away on a private horseshoe-shaped island (because, of course), the Bvlgari Resort & Mansions Abu Dhabi will offer sunset views, city skylines, and serious seclusion. We're talking 60 rooms, 30 beachfront villas with private pools, and 90 one-of-a-kind mansions designed to blend Italian elegance with Arabian soul. Plus, the island will be accessible only by a private bridge or by sea – because arriving in style is part of the vibe. Pack your bags (in your mind, for now). Bvlgari Abu Dhabi is coming.
Ballerinas by Van Cleef & Arpels On Show in Dubai
If you've ever dreamed of catching a fairy mid-pirouette, this is your moment. Until June 30, Les Salons Dubai Opera is home to Ballerinas by Van Cleef & Arpels, a dazzling exhibition that brings the Maison's lifelong love affair with dance to life. From the very first dancer clip created in 1941 to today's dreamy, diamond-studded figures, each piece captures a movement frozen in time – delicate tutus, bejeweled hair, and dainty pointe shoes, all glimmering with craftsmanship and charm. Alongside the jewels, rare archival sketches show how each ballerina was imagined into existence.
Swim Under the Stars – Now with the Whole Family
AURA Skypool is making waves this summer with its first-ever Family Night Swim – a rare chance to bring the little ones to Dubai's most iconic sky-high pool. Every Wednesday from July to September (8PM–10PM), families can float above the city lights, enjoy skyline views, and create golden-hour memories together. Kids aged six and up are welcome, with a curated children's menu, claw machine prizes (yes, there's an AURA duck up for grabs), and pro photography to capture it all. One child enters free per paying adult – and trust us, this isn't your average pool night. It's a dreamy family escape 50 floors up. Whether you're dipping into the pool or just soaking in the city lights, AURA's Family Night Swim promises to turn your usual Wednesday evening into something unforgettable. Book your spot at auraskypool.com.
Assouline's New Coffee Table Star Spotlights The Soul Of Abu Dhabi
As summer sets in, Assouline invites you to journey through the heart of the UAE capital with the launch of Abu Dhabi Bright. This stunning new volume captures the city in full dimension – from the architectural poetry of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the cultural pulse of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the high-octane thrills of Ferrari World, and the serene desert oasis of Al Ain. Think soaring skylines, timeless traditions, and golden sandscapes – all bound in the brand's iconic, ultra-chic format. Whether you're craving inspiration for your next getaway or just a visual escape from the ordinary, this is the book that brings Abu Dhabi's elegance and energy straight to your coffee table.
Junior
Splash, Play, Repeat: Summer Splash Fest is Back at Legoland Water Park
Get ready for the coolest summer yet as Legoland Dubai's Summer Splash Fest returns from June 28 to August 24. Expect wave pool dance parties with Shark Suit Guy, splash mobs, DJ beats, build-your-own Lego boats, and surprise challenges all day long. Little ones eat free at Waves Bistro after 4.00PM, and hotel guests get exclusive after-hours access to the Splash Fest pool party. With cabanas to chill in and characters to meet, it's the ultimate summer play cation for little adventurers and their grown-ups. Tickets start from AED 265 online (AED 330 at the gate), and yes – one splash-tastic day is all it takes to unlock the coolest summer memories.
Inside Dubai's Most Colour-Packed Playground for Kids: Super Duper Studio
Say hello to Super Duper Studio – the vibrant new kids' hotspot in Al Quoz where glitter, giggles, and glam rule the day. Created by two Dubai mums with big dreams and bigger hearts, this sensory-friendly wonderland is part fashion lab, part art den, and all about self-expression. From crafting sparkly capes and mini catwalk moments to birthday bashes filled with DIY merch, funky hairdos, and a spotlight stage, every experience is wildly imaginative and anything but ordinary. Whether it's a weekday playdate or weekend celebration, Super Duper is where Dubai's coolest kids go to shine. Located at Goshi Warehouse City, Al Quoz. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10.00AM-8.00PM. Book via [email protected] or follow @ superduperstudio.ae on Instagram.