Latest news with #Nathalie
Hype Malaysia
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From Magnum To SHABU-YO: Satisfy Your Sweet & Savoury Cravings With These Delectable Treats
We are all looking for the perfect balance between something sweet that you can indulge in all on your own and a soothing and filling hotpot that you can share with your friends. Well, if you're in the market for both, then here's our list of the scrumptious meals we hit up in the past week. Magnum Strawberry Panna Grand Debut Magnum, the pioneer of decadent ice cream pleasure, proudly unveils its latest creation – Magnum Strawberry Panna, a luxurious new creation that captures the essence of Strawberry Bliss. Staying true to the essence of indulgence, Magnum Strawberry Panna is a refined celebration of flavour — where the delicate sweetness of strawberry meets the creaminess of panna cotta in every decadent bite. The Taste of Strawberry Bliss The new Magnum Strawberry Panna lies a flavour experience crafted for those who seek joy in life's most delicious details. Strawberry Panna ice cream beautifully marbled together, coated with real strawberry pieces and Magnum's signature thick, cracking Belgian milk chocolate. This sweet and velvety creation captures the essence of indulgence in every bite, offering a delightful fusion of smooth, creamy flavours that transport you to a blissful escape. 'Magnum Strawberry Panna isn't just an ice cream. It's a moment of bliss – a moment you can hold, savour, and remember,' said Maggie Tay, General Manager for Ice Cream Group, Unilever Malaysia & Singapore. 'With this blissful experience, we wanted to create something that feels as beautiful as it tastes. Magnum Strawberry Bliss reflects how we believe pleasure should be experienced: with intention, elegance, and always staying True to Pleasure.' Crafted Moments of True Pleasure This year's event featured an array of thoughtfully curated experiences, including a curated high tea chef's creation by Nathalie's Gourmet Studio, a DIY chocolate bon bon workshop, The Sweet Catch station, a nostalgic claw machine, a live portrait drawing station, and an immersive skit and dance performance. Each experience was designed to spark creativity and indulgence—inviting guests to craft their own confections, personalised keepsakes, and capture joyful moments through custom portraits. At the heart of this journey stood the iconic 'Make My Magnum' bar – a bespoke indulgence station where guests could personalise their very own Magnum Strawberry Panna. With an array of curated toppings, each creation became a one-of-a-kind expression of bliss, transforming the afternoon into an unforgettable adventure where flavour and artistry met in perfect harmony. Pleasure Has a New Flavour With Magnum Strawberry Panna, the brand continues to redefine modern indulgence — this time, through the joyful, romantic allure of Strawberry Bliss. Whether it's a moment to pause, savour, or celebrate, this creation offers the perfect balance of flavour, texture, and a truly indulgent experience that stays True to Pleasure. Pleasure seekers can now indulge in the Magnum Strawberry Panna, available nationwide at major minimarkets, convenience stores, petrol marts, supermarkets, and e-commerce sites. SHABU-YO Opens At 1Utama Shopping Centre Hungry yet? The pot's already bubbling at 1 Utama Shopping centre. Japan's largest SHABU SHABU restaurant chain brand, SHABU-YO has launched its 7th Malaysian outlet right in the heart of Petaling Jaya. Bringing the rich aroma of simmering broths and fresh ingredients, SHABU-YO is turning up the heat on hotpot dining, bringing Japanese hotpot culture to new heights across the Klang Valley. 'Shabu-Yo has officially made its mark on the directory board of 1 Utama Shopping Center. As one of the most prominent lifestyle destinations in Klang Valley, 1 Utama is the ideal location for our latest branch, with its fantastic location where anyone can easily spend an entire day. In addition to the community's deep appreciation and love for Japanese culture and food,' said Mr Nishioka Hidekazu, Managing Director of Skylark Malaysia. SHABU-YO brings the essence of Japan's culinary tradition to life with its authentic hot pot experience. The restaurant prides itself on serving high-quality ingredients, including premium Australian Wagyu beef, pork, and chicken. Diners can also enjoy a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables, all cooked in SHABU-YO's in-house tasteful broth. The highlight of the experience is the sauce bar, offering around 30 different options, allowing customers to customise their flavours to their liking. This combination of top-notch ingredients and personalised dining makes SHABU-YO a must-visit for hot pot enthusiasts. The new opening in 1 Utama Shopping Centre will showcase a menu centered around their most popular promotion, the 'All-You-Can-Eat' pork course, starting from RM39.90++ per adult or child. The course features unlimited refills of pork, a variety of fresh vegetables, an array of beverage options, and enticing side dishes such as takoyaki and crispy fried karaage. The dining durations for lunch and dinner are set at 90 minutes and 120 minutes respectively. In addition to its traditional hot pot experience, the restaurant offers a diverse selection of five courses, each with varying prices for weekdays and weekends. The available courses include: Pork and chicken Beef, pork, and chicken Australian wagyu, pork, and chicken In addition to the grand opening of its new outlet at 1 Utama, Shabu-Yo now proudly operates a total of six outlets across Malaysia, expanding its presence to various key locations. This growth is driven by a commitment to delivering an authentic and high-quality Shabu-Shabu experience to Malaysians, no matter where they are. This variety ensures that diners can choose a course that best suits their preferences and budget, making the dining experience both flexible and enjoyable. Information of the New Outlet: Grand Opening: 20th May 2025 Operation hours: Monday to Friday (weekdays) = 10:00am – 10:00pm Saturday to Sunday (weekends) / Public Holiday = 10:30am – 10:00pm Address: LG105 – LG106, SHABU-YO, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor For more information, visit SHABU-YO Malaysia Instagram and Facebook.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Balenciaga Bolsters Executive Ranks With New Deputy CEO
PARIS — Balenciaga has promoted Nathalie Raynaud, a key architect of its recent handbag successes, to deputy chief executive officer, bolstering its executive ranks as it prepares to name a new creative director. Raynaud, who joined the brand in 2021 and most recently served as chief product officer, takes on the new role effective immediately and reports to CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli, Balenciaga said in a statement shared first with WWD. She succeeds Laura du Rusquec, who left last year to become CEO of Ganni. More from WWD Gucci Fetes New Book at Maison Assouline Gucci to Unveil Cruise 2026 Collection at Historic Brand Archive French Start-up Faircraft Acquires IP, Patents as Kering-backed VitroLabs Shuts Down Raynaud, who has held merchandising, development and retail roles at brands including Dior, Louis Vuitton and Lanvin, was instrumental in driving accessories at Balenciaga under artistic director Demna, who is set to wrap his tenure at the house with an haute couture show on July 9 before moving to fellow Kering-owned label Gucci. She oversaw the rollout of the Cagole, Rodeo and Bel Air bag launches, as well as the relaunch of Le City. Accessories have proved a bright spot for Balenciaga amid an otherwise challenging luxury landscape. 'In her new role, Nathalie Raynaud's mission will be to continue bringing a strategic, creative and product-driven vision that aligns with the house's objectives to drive sales growth, influence and strengthen market position,' the brand said. Contacted by WWD, Gianangeli said the appointment would help lay the ground for the next chapter. 'Nathalie has played a key role in shaping our product strategy, establishing our current success in the leather goods category, bringing clarity and direction to an essential part of our business. Her appointment strengthens our strategic focus, especially in the architecture of our collections and product offer and ensures we're ready to support the vision of our new creative director,' he said. 'At Balenciaga, where culture, community and collaboration are at the heart of what we do, it's essential that we move forward with coherence and purpose — and Nathalie's leadership will be central to that,' Gianangeli added. Meanwhile, Demna paid tribute to Raynaud's contributions to the brand's growth. 'Working with Nathalie over the past four years has been an incredible partnership. Her precision and dedication to Balenciaga has helped drive our success,' he told WWD via email. 'I am honored to take on this new role and look forward to building on Balenciaga's success across all products and departments,' Raynaud said. She began her career in 2006 at Christian Dior Couture in the watches division, before joining Louis Vuitton in 2008, where she spent eight years in senior product and marketing roles across women's leather goods and accessories. In 2016, she moved to SMCP, parent of contemporary labels Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, where she launched and built the accessories business unit. From 2019 to 2021, Raynaud was director of accessories and licensing at Lanvin, playing an important role in the house's repositioning following its acquisition by China's Fosun. Balenciaga parent company Kering is in the midst of an ambitious turnaround effort following two years of disappointing growth. The group, which also owns brands including Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen, reported a 14 percent drop in revenues in the first quarter, missing low expectations. Since arriving at Balenciaga in 2015, Demna has revved up the heritage label with supersized tailoring, chunky sneakers, logo tracksuits and drop-shoulder hoodies. Kering is counting on him to breathe new life into the ailing Gucci label, which saw organic sales slide 25 percent in the first quarter. Francesca Bellettini, deputy CEO in charge of brand development at Kering, said she was scouting a 'high caliber' candidate to succeed Demna at Balenciaga. According to market sources, the house has held discussions with designers including Alaïa's buzzy creative director Pieter Mulier. Best of WWD EXCLUSIVE: Maje Names Charlotte Tasset Ferrec CEO Nadja Swarovski Exits Family Company Amid Ongoing Corporate Shakeup Aeffe MD Exits Fashion Group Sign in to access your portfolio
Metro
11-05-2025
- Metro
I tried two of Dubai's best hotels — this is my honest review
Metro checks in to sister hotels in Dubai to see which is worth your money. The door to my personal transfer opens as I arrive at what can only be described as a palace. I've pulled up to the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach in thumping Emirati heat, ready to experience the city in a way I haven't before. It's not my first time in Dubai, but I'd always felt it had limited offerings – appealing only to those who can afford to browse designer boutiques and lounge at swanky beach clubs. It is widely referred to as the world's most overrated city and a 'materialistic hell', but if this is true, why did Dubai's tourism sector welcome a record 18.72 million tourists in 2024? And why is it TikTok's most popular city of last year with 29.7 million posts and counting? People often say the best things about Dubai are hidden in its resorts. So I ventured back to put the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach and Four Seasons Dubai DIFC to the test — these are my honest reviews. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. This beachside hotel is a little out of the way from downtown Dubai, tucked in a leafy residential neighbourhood with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, as well as the iconic Burj Khalifa. Boasting 237 rooms, including 49 suites, the resort sits on 14 acres of landscaped gardens and pools, which genuinely give the vibe of a tropical paradise. With a 270-metre beach and immaculate interiors, it's not hard to see why it made it on Conde Nast Travellers Gold List of the best hotels in the world, let alone Dubai. It's a sight to behold, with glossy marble floors and gargantuan flower arrangements. This is luxury; every inch has been carefully considered. Without a doubt, the highlight of this hotel is its poolside offering. In place of a sunlounger, you get a waterside villa, complete with private decking, dining area, outdoor shower, fully stocked bar, indoor seating and a huge flatscreen TV, along with your own private bathroom. The villa has a call button that beckons a smiling waiter in less than 10 seconds — I felt like royalty, if a little over-awed by the service. If that's not enough to relax you, the Pearl Spa offers massages tailored to your every need, with the option to indulge in a sauna and steam afterward. Beyond the resort grounds, both Four Seasons hotels in Dubai offer a range of cultural experiences. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Nathalie, a French sociologist, is one of the many guides on hand to show you a side of Dubai that's often overlooked in favour of shopping malls and rooftop bars. She takes you to places like The Courtyard, a creative centre bursting with art galleries, clothing boutiques and a retro playhouse, and Alserkal Avenue, an Instgrammable hotspot frequented by Pilates princesses hopping into G-wagons, green juice in hand. Nathalie let us in on locals' only haunts, including organic juice bar Wild & The Moon (the Better Than Botox flavour is the best), chocolate shop Ganache and bkry, the best coffee and pastry spot in town. For a glimpse into old Dubai (all 191 years of it), Nathalie took us for breakfast at The Arabian Tea House and Café. Tucked in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, formerly known as Al Bastakiya, they serve excellent gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee). You might even spot a celebrity; Kate Hudson and Martha Stewart have stopped for a bite. There's plenty on offer to suit every taste. The standout meal was at Mercury Rooftop; it's hard not to enjoy fragrant truffle risotto while watching the Burj glisten at sunset. The poolside menu is also excellent, with everything from ceviche to steak and chips. For something more refined, there's the Michelin-tipped Sea Fu. The spicy vegetable curry and vegetable pomelo salad were amazing, but the service was what I'll remember. I stayed in the Premium Skyline Room and spent most of the time there melting into Dyptique bubble baths in the freestanding tub. The room is immaculate, with a walk-in wardrobe and expansive balcony perfect for people-watching. A 15-minute drive away is the Four Seasons DIFC, an imposing skyrise overlooking the city. Just five minutes from Dubai Mall, you're in the beating heart of the city here, where all the action takes place. It's slightly smaller than its sister hotel, with 106 rooms and a small rooftop pool and jacuzzi. The jewel of this hotel's crown is definitely the seventh-floor spa, where you can enjoy everything from facials and body scrubs to scalp massages and deep tissue treatments. There's also a state-of-the-art gym, complete with refreshments and personal trainers (this is Dubai, after all). Like its sister hotel, DIFC offers excursions with expert guides who give historical tours of the city. Where this hotel truly shines is its afternoon tea. Served at swish eatery Penrose, the sandwiches are sensational, especially the avocado and cucumber, and foie gras. Menus cater well for allergies and the cakes were divine; I still think about the strawberry pavlova. If you like a drink with a view, Luna Skybar has sweeping views of downtown Dubai. The food was good but if you've got allergies, you'd be better served elsewhere. Breakfast at Mina Brasserie won't disappoint before you check out. Order an omelette or avocado on toast. You'll be spoiled with a suite, including your own lounge area and dressing area, as well as a twice-a-day turn-down service which feels incredibly excessive. The room is huge, with a glass bathroom and a spacious shower. The sitting area has a swanky sofa, which is perfect for enjoying room service in front of the TV. Let's get this straight, both hotels are exceptional, but for me, one stood out. At the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, I stayed in the divine Premium Skyline Room starting at £460 per night, which is the most affordable room type in the hotel. Here, a five-night stay would cost you £2,400. Flights with Emirates start at £519 taking your upfront expenses to just under £3,000. Beyond that, you'll need to allow for food and experiences while you're enjoying your stay, so this is the kind of place I'd recommend for a honeymoon. All in all though, I adored this hotel. The service is impeccable and you're never left waiting. The room is heavenly but it's the combination of having your own tour guide and the ocean on your doorstep that's the real luxury. The Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach: 10/10 If you opt for the Four Seasons DIFC, the Studio Suite Burj Khalifa View room starts at £905 per night. This means a five-night stay would cost you £4,525. More Trending The beach resort is typically the more expensive option, but we stayed in one of the more affordable room types. I'm a beach babe so I have to say I prefer Jumeirah Beach, but that doesn't mean I wasn't blown away by all this hotel had to offer. What sticks with me is the secluded rooftop pool, afternoon tea and its proximity to many of Dubai's main attractions. It drops two points for the lack of beach, and the less allergy-friendly menu at the rooftop bar. The Four Seasons DIFC: 8/10 Time: Dubai is GMT +3 hours. Weather: Dubai in May is typically rain-free with highs of 38°C and lows of 26°C. Adaptors: Not needed. Plugs in Dubai are the same as they are in the UK. Visa: You don't need a visa to travel to Dubai. Check in/check out: 3pm and 12pm. Disability access? Both hotels are fully wheelchair accessible. Standout feature: At Jumeirah Beach the standout offering is the private poolside villa, while DIFC has an unmissable afternoon tea. Who is Jumeirah Beach right for? This is a great location for families with kids who love the beach, as well as couples who want to unwind. Who is Four Seasons DIFC right for? This is perfect for professionals in the city on business or couples looking to be close to the centre. It's not suited for families. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The 'underappreciated' Caribbean island that mass tourism hasn't ruined yet MORE: Trump is not stopping at Gulf of America as he 'plans to rename the Persian Gulf' MORE: I visited Lake Como and the Italian Riviera — one shines brighter than the other
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Burundi: Congolese refugees in Musenyi site face humanitarian and health emergency
Thousands of Congolese refugees who fled violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are now living in extremely precarious conditions in the designated Musenyi site in Burundi. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has launched an emergency response to reduce the risk of measles and malaria, but more support is needed as people's humanitarian needs remain largely unmet. Since the beginning of the year, thousands of people have fled fighting and insecurity in the provinces of North and South Kivu in the DRC. Crossing the Rusizi river into Burundi, they have hastily set up camp in schools, sheds, churches and stadiums in the province of Cibitoke on the border with South Kivu. In March, the Burundian authorities and the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) relocated the refugees to the Musenyi site, an official site inaugurated in 2024 in the south-east to provide basic facilities and services for up to 10,000 refugees. Unfortunately, the site's capacity was quickly exceeded: according to UNHCR, by the end of April, some 18,000 refugees were living at the Musenyi site. Unsurprisingly, their living conditions quickly became unbearable and created health risks for adults and children alike. 'I've been living in a shed since I arrived because there aren't enough shelters for everyone,' says Nathalie*, a refugee who arrived in February. 'Tarpaulins are given to large families to make shelters. But I live here, and we sleep in this shed, without mattresses, with toads, and moisture everywhere. We feel abandoned.' Built on poorly drained clay soil, the Musenyi site is particularly prone to flooding during the rainy season. Now, since the end of April, the rainy season has begun and, although drainage channels have been dug, water is stagnating in many parts of the site. People are trying to protect their shelters and the communal latrines as best they can to prevent the dirty water from spilling into the alleyways. 'There is an urgent need to improve the living conditions on this site, as all the elements for serious health problems are present,' says Barbara Turchet, MSF's emergency coordinator in Burundi. 'Given the hygiene conditions, we have started to set up isolation units as a preventive measure in case of a cholera outbreak. And to reduce the risk of malaria, which is exacerbated by the amount of stagnant water everywhere, we have distributed more than 8,000 mosquito nets and are planning long-term mosquito spraying at the site.' Given the concentration of children at the site, MSF has also helped the health authorities organise a measles vaccination campaign, as several cases of this highly infectious but preventable disease have already been confirmed among the refugees. 'We set up four vaccination points,' says Turchet. 'We were able to vaccinate 8,500 children against measles and treat those who were infected. That's something, but we have to do more to improve the refugees' situation and protect their health.' Essential services overwhelmed as aid funding contracts A few organisations other than MSF are also present to offer healthcare to the refugees, but many people are unhappy with the insufficient access to care. 'Here, refugees living with HIV have no access to treatment,' says Henri*, a refugee from South Kivu who was moved to Musenyi site from another in Burundi. 'When we were in Rugombo, [also] in the province of Cibitoke, there was medical follow-up and treatment. But here, the health facilities don't offer this kind of care.' In Musenyi, as in many other places today, humanitarian organisations are struggling to provide sufficient support because funding has decreased. Several humanitarian agencies are unable to provide sufficient medical follow-up for patients in the clinics they support. Food distributions are also clearly inadequate, further increasing the vulnerability of families. The UN estimates that US$76 million are required to meet the humanitarian needs of Congolese refugees in Burundi. 1 'The gravity of the situation is real and calls for more attention and support," warns Turchet. 'At our level, we are doing our utmost and have extended our support to provide medical care for victims of sexual violence and psychosocial support for refugees suffering from mental health problems. But there are needs everywhere...' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Zawya
Exploring the Majestic Wadi Tiwi: A Hidden Gem in Oman
Tucked away in the heart of Oman, Wadi Tiwi stands as a testament to nature's remarkable beauty, often proclaimed the most exquisite canyon in the region. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich geological heritage, this splendid wadi is a veritable paradise for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Wadi Tiwi is home to over 50 natural pools, each one offering a delightful respite from the arid desert heat. Among these, a stunning pool stretches a remarkable 400 metres, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in its crystal-clear waters. The canyon, sculpted into the limestone over millennia, features towering cliffs rising hundreds of metres on either side, creating a dramatic backdrop that captivates all who behold it. The striking white limestone, soaring to heights of 20 metres or more in certain areas, is a testament to the floodwaters that once surged through this magnificent landscape. One of the wadi's most enchanting highlights is a remarkable cave adorned with tufa formations. Within this cavern, a powerful spring bursts forth, creating a mesmerising spectacle that attracts explorers from near and far. This magical cave was first traversed in the 1980s during the "Le Raid Gauloise," a French adventure competition that brought together canyoning, desert navigation, horse riding, kayaking, and a host of other exhilarating pursuits. I had the honour of being part of the inaugural group to navigate this stunning landscape around 22 years ago, roughly 18 years after it was first opened by the Raid Gauloise, accompanied by my outdoor mentors, Nathalie and Patrick Cabiro. Their expertise and fervour for adventure ignited my curiosity to uncover the wonders of Wadi Tiwi. For many years, I pondered what lay hidden above the cave, and in 2012, I finally decided to discover it for myself. I established a climbing route leading to a breathtaking plateau, approximately 3,000 square metres in size. This hidden gem became our unique camping spot, fully equipped for a memorable night beneath the stars. It took two attempts to reach the summit of this exceptional cave. On my first attempt, I was joined by Kester Harris, an English engineer who had called Oman home and collaborated with me on numerous explorations through the region's mountains, wadis, and caves. During that initial climb, I managed to ascend part of the cliff but ran out of anchors, which halted my progress. Months later, I returned with my wife, Marta, and Ahmed, a colleague from Sultan Qaboos University. Together, we completed the "project," finally conquering the summit. Since that discovery, this place has held a special significance in my heart. We often pause here for the night before continuing our journey to Mibam the next day. The tranquillity and charm of this wadi make it one of the premier destinations in Amazing Oman, where nature's splendour and adventure weave together seamlessly. On our first return to this enchanting spot for an overnight stay, my daughter became the first person to abseil down a 40-metre drop, landing in the spectacular emerald pool on the other side. This exhilarating descent became known as "Mona's Drop," a fitting tribute to her adventurous spirit. Whether you're in search of an exhilarating outdoor escapade or a peaceful retreat into nature, Wadi Tiwi promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you longing to return. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
