James Ferragamo is understandably proud. The product director for men's and women's leather at luxury fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo is the third generation of the family working at the company started by – and named after – his grandfather, who changed Hollywood's relationship with shoes.
James Ferragamo is sitting in the reopened flagship store in Dubai Mall, amid the creamy marble walls, shot through with seams of caramel and pistachio rugs on the floor. With its calm, peaceful lighting, the space feels luxurious and expensive.
“It's an interpretation of what Maximilian Davis, our young creative director, has been creating with Ferragamo,” James explains.
Appointed in March 2022, Davis has been brought in to rework the house codes through a fresh lens. Practically a Gen Z (“He missed it by one year,” says James with a laugh), Davis is translating Ferragamo's storied history into a language that chimes with a younger audience. Crucially, he is doing so without alienating established clients.
“The objective was to find somebody who could find the right balance within a company with such an important tradition and find a youthful interpretation while not losing its identity,” says James.
Davis's vision is clear in the new space, skilfully linking know-how with the easy elegance the house is famous for. “You have the concept of craftsmanship that you can see in this amazing marble. It's beautiful. ”
Designer Salvatore Ferragamo left Italy over a century ago for Hollywood, where his skill and artistic flair made him the shoemaker for stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo and Audrey Hepburn. His name quickly became synonymous with expertise and quality, and his eye for innovation – he invented the platform wedge for Judy Garland, for example – coupled with supreme craftsmanship and comfort kept the stars coming back, year after year.
Today the house has grown to encompass bags and ready-to-wear, yet this fundamental truth remains – everything Ferragamo creates must be comfortable and built to last.
Case in point, the Vara ballerina pump, very much an essential in many a woman's “forever” wardrobe since 1978. Featuring a low, chunky heel, rounded toe and finished with a grosgrain ribbon and metal hardware, the style has been subtly reworked by Davis in inky velvet for a dash of indulgence. The new T-Strap Pump – already a bestseller – is in blood red, and with an architectural cigarette heel, that mixes sensuality and power without compromising comfort.
“This is a 9cm heel, but because of the study of the anatomy of the foot and the way weight distributes between the front and the back, it's actually very comfortable,” explains James. “You can walk on it all day.”
With decades of know-how, the company can make subtle adjustments before the manufacturing stage to make all the difference between a shoe that restricts the foot to one that cups it to perfection. This stems from knowledge built up by the founder and his nephew, Jerry, over decades.
“Jerry Ferragamo worked for 10 years with Salvatore and retired just a couple of years ago, at the age of 93,” says James. “He dedicated his life to the study of the foot and the last.” The last – a carved wooden facsimile of the foot – is the basis of every shoe and, as such, must be anatomically exact, or the resulting shoes will never fit properly.
With the new boutique lined with shelves holding delicate pumps, sandals, flats and boots, the expertise is there to see. “The shoes you see here have about one hundred different fits. We have 18 different lengths, and four different widths,” explains James.
Thanks to this, and the knowledge of how feet tend to differ in proportions around the world – Middle Eastern feet, for example tend to be shorter and wider, while Northern European feet are long and narrow – Ferragamo is able to fine-tune products for each region long before they come to market. With so many variables in construction that must also be addressed before any shoe goes into production, there is a lot for the brand, its designers and its craftspeople to consider.
“It's not easy,” says James. “It is complicated, but it's something we've been doing since the 1930s, so let's say we've passed over the experience curve. But this is why Ferragamo shoes are comfortable.”
Today, the factories combine artisanship and the latest technology that enable a sketch by Davis to be made into a 3D prototype in just three hours, allowing the team to understand how a new idea will work in real time.
Such tech is not just limited to shoes, either. The new Hug bag, for example, is a feat of technical prowess, that is taking the market by storm. Deceptively simple, it appears cut from one piece, with the fastening straps wrapping the bag in a gentle embrace. Clever thinking such as this are not lost on the Middle Eastern market, James notes. “For a brand to be here is to be on the cusp of innovation.”
Regionally, there is a “sensitivity to exclusivity” and an appetite for novelty that makes for a demanding yet dynamic market. “Part of the storytelling of what we do and how we make it relevant to a customer who, as always, wants novelty, wants innovation, is what makes the Middle East so important.”
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
Turning%20waste%20into%20fuel
%3Cp%3EAverage%20amount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20at%20DIC%20factory%20every%20month%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EApproximately%20106%2C000%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAmount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20from%201%20litre%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%20%3Cstrong%3E920ml%20(92%25)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETime%20required%20for%20one%20full%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%20used%20cooking%20oil%20to%20biofuel%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EOne%20day%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEnergy%20requirements%20for%20one%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%201%2C000%20litres%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%96%AA%20Electricity%20-%201.1904%20units%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Water-%2031%20litres%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Diesel%20%E2%80%93%2026.275%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16. first leg
Atletico Madrid v Juventus, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
57%20Seconds
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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
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Profile of Hala Insurance
Date Started: September 2018
Founders: Walid and Karim Dib
Based: Abu Dhabi
Employees: Nine
Amount raised: $1.2 million
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
