Inanna Reborn: A Desert Awakening of Myth, Memory and Modern Luxury

Natasha Dury

Under the vast, open skies of Mleiha National Park, where ancient landscapes hold stories older than memory itself, a new chapter in luxury quietly unfolded. At dusk, as the desert shifted from gold to amber, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi introduced Inanna Reborn, not merely as a fashion label, but as an immersive expression of storytelling, ritual and identity.

This was not a conventional launch. It was a moment of transformation. One where fashion, culture and symbolism converged in a setting that felt both timeless and deeply intentional. The desert became more than a backdrop; it became part of the narrative itself, reflecting the soul of a brand rooted in memory, mythology and feminine sovereignty.

The Birth of Mythic Luxury

At the heart of Inanna Reborn lies a compelling proposition: that luxury can be more than material. It can be memory, awakening and meaning. The brand introduces what it calls Mythic Luxury, a concept where couture becomes a vessel for personal transformation and ancestral remembrance. Founded by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi after years of research into Arabian queens and mythology, the brand is deeply informed by themes explored in her recent literary work.

A Launch Rooted in Ritual and Place

Set in Mleiha, a landscape known for its archaeological and cultural significance, the launch reflected the essence of the brand with remarkable clarity. Guests were immersed in a carefully choreographed experience that included a runway presentation of the debut collection, a multisensory Chamber of Inanna installation, and an intimate showcase of selected pieces in a guest space known as The Caravan. Each element was designed to reinforce the idea of adornment as ritual rather than ornament. The result was an atmosphere that felt cinematic yet intimate, where fashion was experienced as something emotional, symbolic and deeply personal.

Fashion as Resurrection

The debut collection draws on the legacies of powerful historical women including Zenobia, Sheba, Mavia, Samsi and Abi’el, translating their strength and mystique into garments that feel both contemporary and ceremonial. There is a softness to the silhouettes, but also undeniable command. Fabrics move with grace, while structure and detail evoke a sense of quiet authority. The garments do not shout for attention; instead, they hold presence in a way that feels elegant, grounded and deeply intentional. Rather than chasing trends, the collection seems to exist outside them. It speaks to women who view clothing not simply as style, but as self-expression, armour and extension of identity.

Jewellery with Meaning

Alongside the fashion collection, Inanna Reborn also unveiled its first jewellery line: Abi’el – The Desert Oath. Rooted in Emirati heritage, the collection reinterprets traditional adornment through a contemporary lens, using silver as its central material, a historic choice long associated with Bedouin women as both adornment and portable wealth. Coin motifs, fluid forms and tactile movement give each piece the feel of a talisman rather than an accessory. These are not static objects designed merely to decorate, but meaningful pieces intended to be worn with purpose, memory and presence.

A Commitment to Craft and Conscious Luxury

What elevates Inanna Reborn even further is its clear commitment to preserving artisanal heritage. The collection incorporates techniques such as Ikat weaving, Kantha and Phulkari embroidery, Shibori dyeing, hand block printing and Pashmina craftsmanship, all living traditions sustained through meaningful collaboration with artisans. The brand also embraces a deliberately slow and intentional production model, working with natural materials such as linen, cotton and wool, while minimising waste through thoughtful design and reintegration of offcuts. The launch of Inanna Reborn offers an experience rooted in reflection, craftsmanship and emotional resonance.

Bold in Red: Fabiana Redefines Everyday Luxury

Natasha Dury

There are moments in design when a single colour tells the entire story. For Fabiana, that colour is red which is confident, expressive and undeniably sophisticated. Our latest accessories edit brings together a curated selection of handcrafted leather pieces that transform everyday essentials into refined statements of style.

Crafted with precision and an eye for detail, the collection reflects a modern approach to luxury, where function meets aesthetic clarity. The rich red hue runs consistently across each piece, creating a cohesive visual language that feels both powerful and polished. Whether placed on a desk, carried into a meeting or styled within a living space, these accessories are designed to stand out without overwhelming.

At the heart of the collection are the travel and work essentials. The sleek laptop sleeve, finished in supple leather, offers a minimalist silhouette while ensuring protection with understated elegance. Complementing this are matching luggage tags, designed with clean lines and refined hardware, adding a subtle yet elevated touch to travel moments.

For the workspace, Fabiana introduces a series of desk accessories that bring warmth and personality to contemporary interiors. The structured leather tray is both practical and sculptural, ideal for organising everyday items while maintaining a sense of order. The tissue box cover, often overlooked, is reimagined here as a design piece that is clean, geometric and finished with impeccable stitching.

Adding a softer dimension to the collection is the leather-wrapped vase, paired with striking red roses. It reflects Fabiana’s ability to merge lifestyle with design, turning simple decorative elements into tactile, luxurious accents.

Completing the edit is the statement briefcase, carried with effortless confidence. Designed for the modern professional, it balances structure with fluidity, offering both practicality and presence. The rich leather finish, paired with classic detailing, makes it as suitable for business settings as it is for everyday use.

Together, the collection speaks to a lifestyle that values detail, craftsmanship and quiet luxury. Fabiana’s red accessories are expressions of individuality and designed for those who appreciate beauty with practicality.

Forsan Central Mall Welcomes Nine International brands by Apparel Group

Leading names in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle are now open at Khalifa City’s premier destination

Forsan Central Mall, a key retail and lifestyle destination in Khalifa City, has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of nine prominent brands from the Apparel Group. This development underscores the mall’s commitment to providing diverse and high-quality shopping experiences to its community.​

The newly opened outlets include ALDO, Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC), CROCS, LEVIS, SKECHERS, STEVE MADDEN, ACO, RITUALS, and COLD STONE Creamery. These additions offer shoppers a wide range of options, from contemporary fashion and footwear to premium beauty products and delightful treats.​

“Our collaboration with Apparel Group continues to bring esteemed international brands closer to our patrons,” said Mr. Biju George, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Region at Line Investments & Property SP-LLC. “These new openings enhance the mall’s appeal and provide our visitors with an enriched shopping experience.”​

Mr. Binas Basheer, General Manager of Forsan Central Mall, added, “We aim to create a destination that seamlessly combines convenience with quality. The introduction of these brands aligns with our vision to cater to the evolving preferences of our community.”​

Complementing this retail expansion, Line Investments & Property SP-LLC introduces the LAKA Gift Card, now available at Forsan Central Mall. Accepted at over 4,000 stores across 19 malls in the UAE, the card offers flexible denominations and the option to include personalized video messages via QR code. It’s free of charge and can be obtained from customer service desks at participating malls, making it an ideal gifting solution for various occasions.​

With these strategic additions, Forsan Central Mall reinforces its position as a comprehensive lifestyle hub, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options tailored to the needs of Khalifa City’s residents.

Sakhalin Dubai: A Fusion of Culinary Excellence by Chef Vladimir Mukhin

Natasha Dury

Nestled in the bustling heart of J1, Dubai’s dynamic dining scene, Sakhalin emerges as a testament to Chef Vladimir Mukhin’s renowned culinary prowess. Celebrated for his innovative approach and distinguished by prestigious accolades including a ranking in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Sakhalin is a concept that marries the rich flavors of Mediterranean, Asian, and Russian cuisines.

Nestled by the sea, Sakhalin Dubai offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience while offering diners a stunning array of dishes where each bite is a discovery. The restaurant’s ambiance is perfectly poised for evening sunsets, making it an ideal spot for a drink before indulging in a sumptuous dinner.

During my visit, I particularly liked the tranquil yet sophisticated ambiance. Positioned directly on the beach, diners can enjoy a venue that is designed to enhance the natural beauty surrounding it. The venue is celebrated not only for its location but for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, showcased vividly in their live seafood tanks.

I went to Sakhalin Dubai in Ramadan, and the offerings were impeccable, aligning well with the season’s spirit while providing a gastronomic delight. The highlight of Sakhalin’s menu is undoubtedly its fresh seafood. The transparency with which they display their crabs and other marine delights in tanks for guests to view before selection speaks volumes about their commitment to freshness and quality.

From the vibrant starters to the sumptuous desserts, each dish is crafted from the finest ingredients. Sakhalin also enriches its dining experience with options for beachfront relaxation. Visitors can book a sunbed and spend the day soaking up the sun and sea, making it more than just a meal, but a day-long retreat.

This venue is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that celebrates the diversity and richness of its influences, making every visit a unique exploration of flavors from around the world while offering diners the best of the sun, sea and sand option that Dubai is known for.

Iconic Lisa Corti

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Lisa Corti designs things that she experiences and feels during her many trips around the world: the connection with India, which has been with her forever, her memories of Africa, but also her eastern fascination with China and Japan and her love for Milan and Italian Renaissance art, a passion she has always worn on her sleeve.

Her home collection Spring Summer 2017 is a nod to China, a vintage feel and timeless classicism in perfect Lisa Corti style. Floral and geometric designs create worlds built on stories of lands that are far away but instantly recognisable.

The colours are intense and remain vivid in the memory. They speak of Lisa Corti, but also capture the essence of contemporary style in her Home collection for spring summer 2017.

The new collection offers four new designs, in line with her best tradition, in a myriad of multi-coloured, ultra-fine textile solutions for the home, all hand-printed.

The Damask design has been a must in many collections: Lisa Corti has presented a new take on its faraway origins that date back to ancient China and reach as far as Italy in the sixteenth century, giving it a light feel by adding stylised flowers and endowing it with a chromatic contrast created between the lines and the background.

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For the new collection it goes back to its roots and in the design Chinese Spring, in the two versions Geranio and Mustard, it creates a trait d’union between East and West, between damask fabrics and velvety, multi-coloured silks.

The Camelia design is inspired by a water lily, decorated with spiral shapes that bring movement to the composition. Another flower, with a strong Oriental taste and a sacred symbol for Hinduism and Buddhism, is presented in Ninphea.

Geometric, a vintage print, kept in the brand’s archives up until now gets a new lease of life. The ethereal aquatic flower is set alongside a series of rhombuses that define the fields of colour.

Instead, the Acanto Escher design combines two drawings of the garment collection into one, causing fragile acanthus and geometric patterns inspired by contemporary graphics to interact in perfect harmony – in the best Lisa Corti tradition.

The best-selling pieces by the Milanese designer, including her mezzeri, mandalas, quilts, curtains and canvases, are joined by a new limited edition summer gudri, made of organza, which is lighter and cooler, a fine, shiny fabric ideal for the summer season. An even more prestigious double-faced version juxtaposes a plain edge with the floral print in the centre.

The new ideas for spring summer 2017 also include an accessory for the table. The Camelia design is back, printed on an American mat in masonite enhanced by a gold leaf applied by hand. The new Lisa Corti Spring Summer Home collection represents tradition and also a new style – one that is always timeless and iconic, as only Lisa Corti can be.