The Fashion & Culture news not to miss this week

COP 28, Vilbrequin, Karen Wazen, Sole DXB – There’s only so much to be looking forward to right now. Whether it’s about joining a talk on sustainability in Fashion or getting a pair of some seriously cool shades, checking out Busta Rhymes in D3 or catching a movie at Cinema Akil x 25Hours One Central, here’s our round-up of fashion & culture news of the week to stay aware of all the hip happenings.

As COP28 is happening, this December 5th & 6th will see the opening of a two-day Changemakers Hub by VCA and The Conduit in strategic partnership with ICD Brookfield Place

Tomorrow the 5th and Tuesday 6th, VCA, The Conduit and ICD Brookfield Place will be joining forces to establish a Changemakers Hub – a two day programme that will propose interactive workshops and discussions touching on subjects such as the future of sustainability while the COP28 is happening right there in the UAE.

The Conduit, a global impact community with members’ clubs in London and Oslo has curated an incredible program with guest speakers coming from all over the world and from across powerful companies such as Virgin United, Pangaia, Bezos Earth Fund, Water.org, Unilever and more, there to provide “actionable insights and solutions for a sustainable future.”

You can view the program and register for events and workshops now via the official website www.changemakers-hub.com.

Cinema Akil opens a seasonal outdoor outpost at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central

The local creatives’ favourite cinema – which also happens to be the only independent arthouse in the GCC – Cinema Aki (CA), is now open in 25Hours hotel.
On a mission to disrput the existing cinematic and cultural experiences in the region, this new outpost at the heart of the young-minded vibrant 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central offers a “multi-faceted space” which is divided in 3 parts: the box office/concession area, the open cinema theatre, and a multipurpose retail and pop-up space, all in all enabling 150 guests to join and live the experience.
But CA doesn’t just plan on screening films; There, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of entertainment options, from F&B to music events, talks, and pop-ups. 

The best part? CA in 25 hours will be entirely complimentary – taken that you made a booking, and will host screenings 4 times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while movies are planned to start between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM. The venue will be open from 12 to 10pm.
The space was built “with adaptability, collaboration, and a nod to regional creativity in mind,” comprising of an eclectic seating offering including chairs designed by Bethlehem-based Local Industries or “conversation benches” by Beirut-based Post Industrial Crafts.
Mumbai-based Jetsons Designs also injected their ideas into the space, blending past and present seamlessly.

Annual street-culture and lifestyle festival SOLE DXB is coming back this week-end

Life Of Abraham – Instagram

Get ready for a new round of performances, DJ sets, workshops, talks and more taking over Dubai Design District this December 8-10th.

An incredible line up of both regional and international is awaited. Talents such as Syrian-American rapper and poet Omar Offendum, Sudanese American ODDISEE or Sudanese Cairo-based singer, songwriter, and rapper Nadine El Roubi as well as international superstars like no other than Busta Rhymes will be storming the stages while festival-goers will be able to enjoy an array of different stands from fashion to F&B.

Talking about food, we’re getting excited for Rascal’s Deli’s collab with…Hello Kitty – yes, you’re reading that right – and “Falafel For The People” a new collab between artist Ali Chaaban and D3’s favourite One Life café.

As per the brands we can’t wait to (re)discover, Life Of Abraham, a made-in-Lebanon fashion label that “blends hype wear with historical art“, Les Benjamins, which will also hosts discussions, workshops and performances, Precious Trust, a brand inspired by North African street culture that we’ve followed closely since its beginning, Kazna Asker, last year’s Fashion Trust Arabia Debut Talent winner UK-based Yemeni designer or Medina, a super cool brand also hailing from the UK that draws inspiration from “MENA iconography with a hint of nostalgia.“

Get your tickets to the festival here.

Karen Wazen Eyewear launches Season 10: “See Through My Eyes

World famous digital influencer, content creator and style icon Karen Wazen puts her designer hat on one more time to deliver a new collection extraordinaire.

The Season 10 of Karen Wazen Eyewear, label that saw the day in 2018, is entitled  ‘See Through My Eyes’ and is “an invitation to see the world differently, and to embrace the uniqueness that sets each individual apart.”

This new release is as bold as ever, with 11 new styles to choose from, including the super futuristic Ash, Ruby and Rocky and more classic options such as the Mia, the Nora or the Lily. Every frame from this collection creates its own story: “See Through My Eyes is a tapestry of themes that explore self-expression, self-discovery, and the intricate dynamics of perception, set against the ever-evolving cityscape. It celebrates the city’s energy and the role we play in shaping its character. At its core, this campaign taps into the essence of identity, urging individuals to embrace their true selves and reveal their authentic colors”, says designer Karen Wazen.

We love the colorful variations, especially on the Blaze which we can predict will soon become a hit.

Karen Wazen Eyewear collection is available on www.karenwazen.com, ABC Dbayeh, ABC Verdun, Westerly, Harvey Nichols,Farfetch,Browns, Shopbop, Revolve, Galeries Lafayette Doha, Bloomingdale’s, Koibird, Ounass, Level Shoes, Frankie Shop and Baraka Group. 

Vilbrequin launches first luggage collection

Whether you’re packing your bags for a stay in the Lebanese mountains, Saadiyat Island or Casablanca, The first luggage collection from Vilbrequin will give your traveler look extra edge and elegance

Coming in different sizes, from 48h to 72h, the bags feature a barely-there but luxurious variation to the iconic sea turtle logo. The blue and beige mix screams chic while the bags’ formats won’t compromise on practicality. 

The Vilebrequin luggage collection aligns with the brand’s commitment to offer sophisticated travel accessories. Which one will you make yours?

The bags are available at Vilebrequin boutiques and online at vilebrequin.com

Cover Picture: Karen Wazen Eyewear