This month, our news roundup highlights creative collaborations spanning fashion, art and culture, showcasing the magic born from collective innovation
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Ramadan, a time for reflection and enlightenment, is reimagined this year through Van Cleef & Arpels’ collaboration with Emirati calligraphy artist Fatima Alketbi. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Zayed University, Dubai, Fatima blends tradition and innovation. Inspired by her Emirati heritage and the UAE’s landscapes, she revitalises Arabic calligraphy, using unconventional materials like palm fronds and kohl. Her work with the brand is a mesmerising journey where each stroke tells a story of heritage and poetry. With deep respect for tradition and a modern touch, she effortlessly merges the past with the present, creating designs of authenticity and charm. Together with Van Cleef & Arpels, a series of exquisite calligraphy artworks capturing Ramadan’s essence are unveiled.
Jet-Set Chic
Naomi Campbell, a fashion icon, collaborates with BOSS to unveil Naomi x BOSS, a capsule tailored for sophisticated, contemporary travellers. Building on their successful partnership since her debut in the Autumn and Winter 2022 campaign, this collection personifies the brand’s growth strategy in womenswear. Inspired by Naomi’s dynamic lifestyle, the range features versatile essentials reflecting her own style ethos. From sophisticated outerwear to statement footwear, each piece blends modern silhouettes with BOSS’ signature tailoring. Luxe fabrics like cashmere and cupro are infused with innovative technological elements, ensuring practicality without sacrificing style. The model’s personal involvement in the project underscores her commitment to delivering pieces seamlessly merging functionality and fashion.
Posh O’Clock
Breitling joins forces with Victoria Beckham to unveil the limited-edition Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham collection. This exclusive collection combines Victoria’s renowned style with Breitling’s craftsmanship to create a modern expression of the classic timepiece. The collection features signature Chronomat elements updated with the designer’s Spring and Summer 2024 palette, including refined colourways like peppermint and midnight blue and options for stainless steel or yellow gold cases. Each piece is meticulously crafted and COSC-certified for precision. The Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham is powered by the Breitling Caliber 10, ensuring reliability with a 42-hour power reserve and selfwinding movement. The limited edition comes in a co-branded box, with gold variations accompanied by a special travel pouch.
Duchess-inspired Delight
Erdem and Barbour (a British clothing brand founded in 1894 and well-known for their waxed jackets and coats) have come together to create a unique showpiece for Erdem’s Spring and Summer 2024 creations. The coat is inspired by the collection’s muse: Deborah, the late dowager Duchess of Devonshire. Erdem has given the traditional Barbour waxed jacket a couture-like twist with an open neckline in sand waxed cotton. The coat has an exploded trapeze silhouette and is worn with a quilted liner pieced with chintz curtain remnant material. Erdem Moralioglu, the Creative Director, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Barbour, a British heritage brand that he has always admired and worn. He said that his work has always been about creating pieces with a human touch and that he felt a real connection in their approach to craftsmanship.
Psychedelic Journey
MAX&Co. ventures into a new chapter of its &Co.llaboration series with acclaimed English designer Richard Quinn. Famed for his blend of technology, craftsmanship and classic inspirations, Quinn’s &Co.llaboration – MAi. collection merges ’60s sci-fi glamour with a dystopian edge, celebrating the crossing of past and future. Iconic floral patterns, geometric designs and innovative materials define the capsule, featuring sumptuous crepe de chine dresses, Space hyphenate Age-style jackets and sequined maxi suits. The palette pops with vivid colours and black, offering a bold mix of textures from leather-effect fabrics to patent leather. Each piece bears Quinn’s signature tailoring and innovative flair, inviting wearers to embrace individuality through daring combinations. It’s a call to adventure in style, echoing Quinn’s passion for French couture and textile heritage.