Beauty
Estée Lauder, audacity and expertise
The beginnings. Born in 1908 to Hungarian Jewish immigrant parents, young Josephine Esther Mentzer became interested in the composition of beauty creams thanks to her chemist uncle, who had come from Vienna to live with her and her family in Queens, New York. Estée (a variation of her childhood nickname, Etsy—with an added accent for a chic, French touch!) had a knack for business. In the city’s beauty salons, where she was quickly noticed for her exquisite complexion, she demonstrated her products, often concocted in her kitchen. In 1946, she launched her brand with her husband, Joseph Lauter (they changed the “t” to a “d”). A year later, the couple signed their first contract with the Saks Fifth Avenue department store—an $800 order for products. The business was launched.
The empire. Estée Lauder has the soul of an entrepreneur, and above all, a remarkable gift of gab. She says: “In a perfect world, we should all be judged on the beauty of our souls, but in our less-than-perfect world, the beautiful woman has a definite advantage, and often the last word.” In nearly seventy years, the brand has become a beauty behemoth, notably under the leadership of one of Estée’s sons, Leonard Lauder, who passed away in 2025.
The secret formula. In her shops, which she visits assiduously, the boss repeats her mantra, the three Ts: “Telephone, Telegraph, Tell a woman ” – “Telephone, telegraph, tell a woman,” which basically means that word-of-mouth remains the best form of advertising.
The anecdote. One of the founder’s key ideas? To offer each customer a free sample of one of the brand’s products. Unheard of at the time.
The legacy. The group that bears his name, and also owns the brands Clinique, La Mer, Tom Ford Beauty or MAC makeup, is today in the world’s top 3 in cosmetics, after L’Oréal.
Story by Madame Figaro
Beauty
Dubai Gold Designers Business Group unveils strategy to expand global market access for Dubai-based jewellery designers
DUBAI, 25th September, 2026 – The Dubai Gold Designers Business Group, operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, has unveiled its strategic direction for the next phase of its development, with a focus on expanding international market access, strengthening professional capabilities and enhancing the global visibility of Dubai-based jewellery designers and entrepreneurs.
Representing 50 members across jewellery design, entrepreneurship and related creative businesses, the Group aims to support members in transforming creative talent into sustainable commercial growth through education, business development, industry partnerships, market access and local and international exposure.
The strategy is designed to preserve the commercial independence and individual identity of member brands while creating a stronger collective platform for Dubai-based jewellery businesses to access international opportunities.
A key priority will be strengthening the international presence of Dubai’s jewellery design community through selected exhibitions, trade events and professional platforms in priority markets.
The Group said its international activities will focus on measurable commercial outcomes, including introductions to qualified buyers, retailers and distributors, export opportunities, market intelligence, media exposure and long-term international partnerships.
Three-year international representation programme
As part of the strategy, the Group is exploring the introduction of a three-year International Representation Programme aimed at developing a sustainable model for the international promotion of Dubai-based jewellery businesses.
Under the proposed framework, the first year would focus on establishing the model, defining participation criteria and piloting collective international representation. The second year would expand partnerships and engagement with buyers and international media, while the third year would assess commercial and reputational impact and determine an appropriate long-term funding and expansion model.
International events would be selected according to criteria including buyer quality, market access, export potential, media reach, sector reputation, cost-effectiveness and alignment with Dubai’s international economic priorities.
Participation would also be linked to business readiness, product quality, professional standards, regulatory compliance and commitment to measuring commercial outcomes.
The strategy is centred around three pillars: education and member development; business development and partnerships; and international representation and visibility.
Through these pillars, the Group plans to provide workshops, masterclasses and professional development opportunities, facilitate business matchmaking and strategic collaborations, and create opportunities for selected members to participate in international platforms.
Building on international engagement
The new direction builds on the Group’s previous international and industry engagement, including activities linked to Mumbai, Jaipur and Bangkok, professional development initiatives in Bahrain and Florence, participation in UAE exhibitions, and relationships with gemological, educational and industry organisations.
The Group has also worked to increase member visibility through media engagement, digital platforms, member showcases and international industry connections.
Focus on measurable impact
The Group said future international initiatives will be evaluated through commercial and reputational indicators including qualified buyer meetings, retailer and distributor introductions, business leads and orders, export opportunities, international partnerships, media and digital exposure and member capability development.
The approach is intended to measure not only participation in international platforms but also the tangible business opportunities generated for members.
Maha Al Sibai, Chairwoman of the Dubai Gold Designers Business Group, said the strategy reflects the Group’s ambition to create stronger pathways between Dubai’s jewellery design community and international markets.
“Our ambition is to give Dubai-based jewellery designers and entrepreneurs greater access to the relationships, knowledge and international platforms that can help them grow sustainably. At the same time, we want the international presence of our members to reflect Dubai’s strength as a destination for creativity, entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and business,” she said.
The Group’s membership includes women founders, independent professionals and emerging entrepreneurs, with the strategy also seeking to strengthen opportunities for emerging talent to gain industry knowledge, develop professional standards and build international business networks.
The Dubai Gold Designers Business Group operates under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and supports jewellery designers, founders and entrepreneurs through collaboration, education, business development, industry connections and local and international market access.
Its long-term objective is to support UAE-based jewellery entrepreneurs in expanding into international markets while strengthening the global visibility of Dubai’s jewellery design ecosystem.
Beauty
Maha Al Sibai Jewellery Partners with Divine Solitaires to Elevate the Natural Diamond Experience
Dubai, UAE – 18th June 18, 2026
Maha Al Sibai Jewellery is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Divine Solitaires, the internationally recognized diamond company renowned for its commitment to transparency, exceptional quality, and lifetime value assurance.
Through this collaboration, clients of Maha Al Sibai Jewellery will gain access to Divine Solitaires’ premium natural diamonds, accompanied by a unique digital certification experience through the Divine App. The platform enables customers to view their diamond’s specifications, authenticity records, and current value at any time, while benefiting from lifetime buyback and exchange programmes that provide long-term confidence and peace of mind.
Maha Al Sibai Jewellery has always been known for carefully selecting partners who uphold the highest standards of credibility, transparency, and quality. This partnership reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to offering discerning clients not only exquisite jewellery designs but also complete confidence in the value and provenance of every diamond.
“At Maha Al Sibai Jewellery, we are committed to offering our clients exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and complete confidence in every purchase,” said Maha Al Sibai, Founder and Creative Director of Maha Al Sibai Jewellery. “Our partnership with Divine Solitaires reflects these values perfectly. Their reputation for outstanding natural diamonds, combined with an unmatched commitment to transparency and lifetime value assurance, makes them an ideal partner. This collaboration allows us to pair our bespoke jewellery creations with some of the world’s finest natural diamonds, delivering an even more elevated experience for our clients.”
The partnership brings together Maha Al Sibai Jewellery’s distinctive design philosophy and Divine Solitaires’ expertise in premium natural diamonds, creating a unique offering for collectors and jewellery enthusiasts who seek beauty, authenticity, and lasting value. Together, the two brands share a commitment to excellence, innovation, craftsmanship, and customer trust, setting a new benchmark in the luxury jewellery sector.
About Maha Al Sibai Jewellery
Founded by renowned jewellery designer Maha Al Sibai, Maha Al Sibai Jewellery is a luxury jewellery house celebrated for its elegant creations, exceptional craftsmanship, and contemporary interpretation of timeless beauty. The brand specializes in bespoke fine jewellery and exclusive diamond pieces that combine artistic creativity with the finest materials and meticulous attention to detail.
With a passion for excellence and a commitment to authenticity, Maha Al Sibai Jewellery has established itself as a trusted destination for clients seeking distinctive jewellery that reflects individuality, sophistication, and enduring value. Through carefully curated international partnerships and a dedication to innovation, the brand continues to offer an elevated luxury experience for jewellery collectors and connoisseurs across the region and beyond.
For more information, visit:
https://mahaalsibai.com
For media contact please contact
Mourad Alsayed
General Manager
Awareness marketing management DWC LLC
Mobile: 0588144155
Murad.mustafa@awarenessupr.com
www.awarenessupr.com
Beauty
The 8 hairstyles we’ll see on everyone’s heads this summer 2026
Spring is here, and with it, the desire for a hair makeover. After suffering through the winter months, between the cold, dry air, and the friction of scarves, hair is often at its wit’s end. Split ends multiply, lengths are duller, and the texture seems less healthy, less vibrant… So, it’s the perfect time of year to refresh your cut or change your look entirely. The last few months have seen the emergence of new trends, each more refreshing than the last: the bob in all its variations, the boom in XXL lengths, layered cuts with movement, and retro highlights… Spotted on the runways and on the most prominent celebrities, here are the 8 styles that should be everywhere on the beaches this summer .
The Butterfly Cut
For those with long hair, long layers are here to stay. At Zimmerman, a multi-layered cut, complemented by a wispy curtain fringe, brings a Californian vibe to the hairstyle. This cut is also a hit with celebrities: Kendall Jenner , Bella Hadid, Suki Waterhouse, and Jenna Ortega have all succumbed to this layered style that beautifully frames the face, ideal for adding volume to any hair type.
Hair jewelry
This was one of the most talked-about hairstyles during the Fall/Winter 2026/2027 Fashion Week, and it’s already inspiring us. Hairstylist Anthony Turner scattered gold jewels throughout the models’ hair, which was randomly tied into thin braids. The idea is to represent the concept of “souvenirs collected during a trip” that they might have tucked into their hair… A look you can easily recreate to add a touch of bohemian flair to your own hair.
The tight bun
Ideal for protecting against the heat – since no hair touches the skin – the bun always makes a statement. We take inspiration from the Spring/Summer 2026 Fashion Week runways. At Saint Laurent, the hair looks as if it’s been hastily tied up. A few strands escape, giving the overall look a soft, undone charm. Conversely, at Mugler and Celine, the hair was pulled back tightly, slicked back, and secured at the nape of the neck, under a generous amount of hairspray .
The side-swept fringe
It’s clear: summer 2026 will be, in many ways, a revival of 2016. Hence the abundance of side-swept bangs (Balmain, Fendi), reminiscent of the blowouts of the it girls of that era, Cara Delevingne and Alexa Chung leading the way. This style is expected to continue throughout the rest of the year, as evidenced by the Dior and Maitrepierre Fall/Winter 2026-2027 shows: a thick fringe swept across the models’ foreheads, tucked behind the ear on the opposite side, in true 2000s style.
The ponytail
Long neglected in favor of the bun , the ponytail is making a strong comeback in all its forms. No one missed Jacquemus ‘s palm tree hairstyle last January, pinned to the top of the head, inspired by his daughter’s haircut. To avoid a childish look, wrap the palm tree with a ribbon for a touch of couture. More understated, the low ponytails seen on the Bottega Veneta and Victoria Beckham runways are always a guarantee of elegance. The hair, playfully brushed, was simply tied with the most minimalist elastic possible. But the prize for the season’s most stylish ponytail goes to Dior, at the Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show. With a messy texture and an extremely off-center part, the hair is gathered at the nape of the neck, the overall effect slightly loose. Choose silk elastics, which are gentler on the hair, to avoid any breakage (those from Slip are excellent).
Natural lengths
A simple stroll through Paris is enough to confirm the resurgence of long, even very long, hair over the past few months. Summer is the perfect time to let it breathe, to stop blow-drying and the build-up of chemical products… And it’s perfect timing, as the trend is all about naturalness. We let the hair flourish, allowing it to move freely. A touch of oil on the ends daily is all it takes to nourish and tame the hair fiber. The idea is for the hair to be as raw, healthy, and vibrant as possible, as seen at Louis Vuitton, Aje, or Dolce & Gabbana.
Bixie
Perfect for adding a touch of lightness when temperatures rise, the Bixie , a combination of bob (short bob) and pixie (boyish cut), blends the best of both styles. On the one hand, it beautifully exposes the nape of the neck with a slightly playful feel, while on the other, it still allows you to wear your hair up. The most striking examples to date can be seen on Gracie Abrams and Emma Stone.
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