With runway shows getting bigger and more competitive, the issue fashion houses now face is how to go one better and get the right attention. For its cruise 2019 collection, Gucci took to a graveyard in Arles, France, while for pre-fall 2019, Valentino travelled to Tokyo, and Coach visited Shanghai.
However, Nicolas Ghesquiere may just have topped them. Instead of having a show for Louis Vuitton's pre-fall 2019, the designer instead created a lookbook using only celebrities.
Ghesquiere called on long-time collaborators Collier Schorr (photographer) and Marie-Amelie Sauve (stylist), and the trio have put the likes of Jennifer Connelly, Alicia Vikander, Thandie Newton and Ruth Negga in front of the camera, in a major coup signalling not only the pulling power of the house, but also the off-kilter cool of the crowd it appeals to.
In the lookbook (see gallery above), South Korean actress Doona Bae wears a checked jumper and animal-patterned skirt over leather trousers, while Spiderman actress Laura Harrier wears a tweed bomber jacket over pleat-fronted trousers. British actress Sophie Turner mixes lace, florals and checks, as American actress and model Indya Moore dons a sequined bomber over a tulip-print coat. Singer/songwriter Kelela, meanwhile, layers a blanket plaid jacket over a knee-length dress with a pair of trousers.
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Read more:
Louis Vuitton is the UAE's favourite luxury brand, followed by Hugo Boss and Dior
Luxury giant LVMH moves into high-end hospitality
Hot wheels: a full collection of Supreme skateboards is up for auction
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Amid a recurring tulip print (seen as blouses and coats) and the modesty Ghesquiere is known for (the designer is adept at hiding, rather than revealing the body), there is a new, almost Amish-like silhouette running through this collection. Now seen as a demi cape sitting over the rest of the outfit and reaching to the elbows, it is worn by Connelly, Vikander (tightly corseted with a thick red leather belt) and Chloe Grace Moretz, and is a nod to the strength of the Pioneer women of 19th-century America.
However, the power that Ghesquiere imbues in his women is best seen in the footwear, especially the new version of the Archlight trainer that's revisited as a wedge-heeled ankle boot. Tough and fearless, this curious hybrid of pointed toe and sneaker heel will no doubt be a best-seller like its predecessor.
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
The specs: 2018 Ford Mustang GT
Price, base / as tested: Dh204,750 / Dh241,500
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 460hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 569Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.3L / 100km
Summer special
Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
ADCC AFC Women’s Champions League Group A fixtures
October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA
Company%20Profile
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A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
