This month, our news roundup is a dazzling blend of new store debuts and exciting collabs.
Valentino Red-y
Maison Valentino opened its Valentino boutique inside Marassi Galleria. Spanning over 210sq/m, the space signifies a pivotal moment in the brand’s global retail expansion, introducing a fresh store concept focused on client relationships. Inspired by Italian hospitality, the boutique offers a client journey guided by the store team, emphasising human connections. Reflecting the brand’s identity as a Maison de Couture, the interior aligns with their artisanal approach and aesthetic. Eclectic in design, the store is inspired by Roman buildings with floors combining Botticino and Sahara Noir marble. Specialised craftsmen contributed bespoke elements, such as handmade ceramic door handles by Massimiliano Pipolo. The boutique offers an intimate shopping experience, showcasing the women’s prêt-à-porter, men’s RTW collections and Valentino Garavani accessories.
Elegant Oasis
CH Carolina Herrera opened its second boutique in Bahrain on the island’s prime beachfront shopping destination, Marassi Galleria. Drawing inspiration from luxurious Arabic architecture, the 200sq/m outlet exudes simplicity and sophistication, complemented by regional decorative accents for a refined ambience. Utilising noble materials such as wood, leather, silk and aged brass, the space exudes serenity and elegance. The chic furniture is made from oak, Madagascar ebony, mahogany and Amazonian teak to give the feel of a luxurious home. The store offers a diverse collection for men, women and children, embodying the designer Carolina Herrera’s modern and elegant way of life. The collections encompass lifestyle essentials, exquisite accessories and bags, all crafted in their Leather Atelier in Spain.
Mad About Choo!
Jimmy Choo opened their store in Bahrain, embodying the brand’s new global design ethos. Nestled within the Marassi Galleria complex, the 100sq/m boutique offers an immersive shopping journey. Reflecting modern glamour, the space harmonises soft hues, delicate textures and shimmering surfaces, evoking Jimmy Choo’s craftsmanship. Gold accents juxtapose natural elements like Travertino Classico marble and amber onyx stone, while stippled plaster walls complement plush green rugs, infusing warmth into the space. The expansive window facade showcases the brand’s women’s collection, featuring shoes, handbags, small leather goods and the Bridal Collection. This dynamic environment invites exploration, providing the perfect setting to discover Jimmy Choo’s exquisite offerings.
Blessings of Love
Tiffany & Co. celebrate Ramadan with campaign film With Love, We Fly, starring the House Ambassador Nancy Ajram, the Lebanese singer, and showcasing the timeless Bird on a Rock design. The film celebrates the profound impact of love, empowerment, encouragement and togetherness during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Nancy dons the iconic pendant, featuring a 20.2-carat, cushion-cut diamond set in platinum and 18-carat gold, complemented by a ring adorned with fancy intense yellow and white diamonds, each exceeding four carats. These pieces, alongside other creations by French jewellery designer Jean Schlumberger (who created iconic pieces for Tiffany & Co. in the past), including the Flame earrings, Stitches bracelet and the Sixteen Stone ring, honour the festive period. The film is enriched by calligraphic brushstrokes in Tiffany Blue ink, by multidisciplinary artist Carla Salem, which eloquently capture familial love and stability.
Elevating Everyday Essentials NANCY AJRAM
H&M unveil their collaboration with emerging brand Rokh, celebrated for their inventive wardrobe staples under Korean designer Rok Hwang, the brand’s Creative Director. The collection, encompassing womenswear, menswear and accessories, showcases Rokh’s hallmark customisable designs and quirky elegance. The line features adaptable and timeless pieces from double-layer trench coats to detachable-hem dresses, corset-style pieces, office-inspired bags and statement jewellery. Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M, praises the designer’s captivating blend of conceptuality and wearability, expressing excitement for customers to embrace the collection. “Rokh designs have a classic appearance with a radical construction for a timeless approach to design. I’m very excited to share our vision with more customers around the world thanks to this milestone collection with H&M,” said Rok.