In the private shopping suites that sit above Louis Vuitton’s Dubai Mall store, visitors are transported to another world.
The French luxury brand has brought a selection of its high jewellery pieces to the UAE for the first time, including those from the Stellar Times collection, in which the wonders of the cosmos are captured in jewel form.
A magical constellation of black opals, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds is shaped into eye-catching necklaces, luminous earrings, medieval-style cuffs and oversized cocktail rings topped with colourful oval-cut pink sapphires, imperial topaz or spessartine garnets. The sun, meanwhile, is referenced in the Soleils bracelet, where rows of diamonds and yellow sapphires are topped with a single 13.53 carat emerald-cut yellow sapphire from Sri Lanka.
“I am fascinated by the immensity of the cosmos, by journeying through space, and by this feeling of wonder at all the beauty of the universe,” says Francesca Amfitheatrof, artistic director of watches and jewellery for Louis Vuitton.
Also on show at The Dubai Mall store until Monday, March 8 are pieces from the Riders of the Knights collection, which pays tribute to medieval heroines.
The collection's powerful aesthetic is encapsulated in the Cotte de Mailles necklace, where diamonds take the form of the four-pointed star from Louis Vuitton's delicate Monogram motif, but come together to form a chainmail-inspired collar necklace.
But the true highlights of the showcase are left until last. Set against a screen lit up with the hues of the galaxy are two remarkable gemstones. The first is the 1,758 carat Sewelo, the second largest rough diamond in the world. Sourced in Botswana, the diamond's name, the Setswana word for "rare find", speaks of its singularity. And presented alongside it is Sethunya, a 549 carat diamond also sourced from Botswana.
Both are currently on sale, although a price has not been revealed.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
MATCH INFO
World Cup 2022 qualifier
UAE v Indonesia, Thursday, 8pm
Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
'Downton Abbey: A New Era'
Director: Simon Curtis
Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan
Rating: 4/5
Scoreline
Australia 2-1 Thailand
Australia: Juric 69', Leckie 86'
Thailand: Pokklaw 82'
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Match info
Manchester United 4
(Pogba 5', 33', Rashford 45', Lukaku 72')
Bournemouth 1
(Ake 45 2')
Red card: Eric Bailly (Manchester United)
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
