Galeries Lafayette Doha celebrates 2nd edition of ‘Beauty Weekend’

Continuing with its tradition of celebrating beauty, Galeries Lafayette Doha launched the second edition of ‘Beauty Weekend’ in style. May 25 to May 27 was a special weekend for all beauty lovers in Doha as the ‘Beautiful You- Beauty Weekend’ opened the doors to an exclusive beauty-inspired experience.

From brand master classes, beauty treatments to counter animations, Galeries Lafayette Doha designed a complete 360-degree beauty escapade for the public to enjoy. Top international brands like Gucci, Indie Lee, Hermes, Guerlain, Christian Louboutin and Bobbi Brown were a part of the weekend celebrations.

The ‘Beauty Weekend’ masterclasses, which were the highlight of the event, welcomed expert speakers from different fields. From the House Perfumer of French Brand Caron, Jean Jacques, who was visiting Doha for the very first time, to a first time collaboration with Dr. Nada Soueidan from Medi Spa: NuYu, Galeries Lafayette Doha made sure to offer a complete beauty experience. A special beauty and haircare masterclass was delivered in collaboration with Doha’s luxury salon and spa, Beauty Hive and world’s leading luxury professional haircare brand, Kérastase.

In line with its vision to promote local talent, Galeries Lafayette Doha also used the ‘Beauty Weekend’ platform to promote local Qatari brands like Abdulla Al Abdulla, the regional Qatari influencer who has launched his niche fragrances and organic skincare, Abdulla Beauty.

The entire Parisian Store was dressed up for the ‘Beauty Weekend’ and special care was taken to make sure that the guests can engage with the surroundings. While the beauty magazine backdrop were a super-fun way to make memories at the event, the 360-degree video booth, ‘Glam Cam’, offered a trendy way to capture some glamorous, lively images for social media.

Adding a twist to the already interesting décor, a make-up-inspired bowling alley was created with pins resembling lipsticks, while the floor of the alley looked like an eyeshadow palette.

The La Suite, Galeries Lafayette Doha’s exclusive penthouse, was also converted into a stage for a beauty experience. From an exclusive Masterclass by Roja Dove for selected VIPs to a sensory journey with Abdulla Al Abdulla’s perfumes and skincare in collaboration with Inclub Studio, La Suite offered a true luxury beauty experience.

In line with the beauty theme of the event, a beauty macaroon station by Café Pouchkine and a special hydration station were stationed on the ground floor of the store. The hydration station offered lemon and lavender pink lemonade, perfect to boost health and beauty.

Speaking about the event, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Doha Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender said: “Galeries Lafayette celebrates beauty not just in the conventional sense. We want our clients to discover the true essence of beauty and all things beautiful it entails. Our ‘Beauty Weekend’ experience is a journey, where you learn, enjoy, win and go home with a lot of beautiful memories.”

Galeries Lafayette Doha’s ‘Beauty Weekend’ was an ideal opportunity to discover answers for all beauty needs and the three days felt too little for everything that the event offered.

Ali Bin Ali Fashion opens ELIE SAAB boutique in 21 High st, Katara Cultural Village

The ELIE SAAB universe continues its expansion with a new boutique opening in Qatar in collaboration with Ali Bin Ali Fashion. The store is located in Doha’s Katara Cultural Village at 21 High st – Qatar’s fashion hub –– facing the main entrance of Galeries Lafayette Doha. This strategic move comes at a time when the region, and Qatar in particular, is becoming a major travel destination.

Elie Saab Jr, CEO of ELIE SAAB Group says: “Opening a Doha boutique cements our regional influence and our mission to personally cater to our diverse clientele. Qatar has quickly become a global terminus and an imperative fashion location, which is why we have strategically partnered with the country’s leading luxury fashion reference, Ali Bin Ali Fashion, with whom we have a very long-standing relationship, in order to optimize our reach as we continue to expand the ELIE SAAB universe.”

The sophisticated boutique is ready to welcome visitors and fashion aficionados to immerse in its modern and elegant atmosphere. Exquisitely designed, the store showcases the ELIE SAAB Maison line while also highlighting the brand’s signature aesthetic with soft femininity and enduring allure. Visitors are welcomed through proud Roman columns into an expansive 340sqm-interior elevated with warm wood and lavish marble. The new showroom features Ready-to-Wear collections, a dedicated kids’ area, a private bridal salon and VIP wing to cater to our varied clientele.

Regarding the new collaboration, Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender, General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Fashion, said: “We are proud that ELIE SAAB is now a part of Ali Bin Ali Fashion. This collaboration yet again allows us to support our vision of bringing the best of international fashion to Qatar. I am sure that together, ELIE SAAB and Ali Bin Ali Fashion will offer enticing designs to satisfy the refined taste of our clients.” 

 ELIE SAAB Boutique in Doha is designed to expand the brand’s presence in the region and provide a more personalized shopping experience that meets the needs of loyal clientele. With flagship stores in Paris, Beirut, New York, London and the UAE, ELIE SAAB continues to expand a vision for more meaningful connections by launching additional global boutiques in the near future.

Galeries Lafayette Doha inaugurates first-ever Ritz Paris boutique

In yet another milestone for the brand, Galeries Lafayette Doha inaugurated the first-ever Ritz Paris international boutique on October 9, 2022. It was an ideal occasion to reveal iconic objects and star products from the legendary Place Vendôme hotel, such as collectible porcelain tableware designed for the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, emblematic tulip lamps and celebrated peach-hued peignoirs.

The official inauguration was followed by a VIP event on October 18 to celebrate the launch of the boutique. The exclusive reception was hosted at the Galeries Lafayette La Suite Penthouse where the décor was enhanced with merchandise and decorative elements from Ritz Paris. Live jazz music and Ritz Paris’ signature mocktail drinks set the perfect tone for the occasion.

Present at the event were Ambassador of France to Qatar H E Jean-Baptiste Faivre, Board Member of Ritz Paris Ms. Natalie Bader, who spearheaded this project, and Head of Strategy & Operations of Galeries Lafayette Doha Ms. Al Ghalia Ali Bin Ali.

Located on the ground floor of the French Department Store, the Ritz corner shop offers a complete universe of different categories of products, expressing the style of the Ritz, its magnificence, its soul, and the symbol of the French art of living.

Complementing the boutique, a pop-up corner right at the main entrance of Galeries Lafayette Doha has also been set up to mark the launch. Enchanting and playful, the entrance with hot air balloon baskets symbolizes the joy of travel. The pop-up will be stationed at Galeries Lafayette till October 31.

The boutique expresses all the spirit of the Ritz Paris through its architecture, colors and ambiance. It reprises the essence of the hotel’s illuminations, arcades, moldings, play of mirrors and incomparable 18th-century style with a fresh energy.

Customers are greeted in a retail environment conceived like a dining room and a dressing area, comprising six dedicated spaces: the art of entertaining, home and bath linens, fragrances, gifts and decorative objects, games and accessories, and the brand-new Frame x Ritz Paris fashion capsule collection. The boutique also offers several custom services, such as personalized embroidery — an excellent opportunity to treat others, or oneself, to a little magic of the Ritz Paris.

“More than a hotel, the Ritz Paris today is an iconic, brilliant, vibrant lifestyle that intends to shine all around the world through its products and services. This Doha boutique was designed for all those who love the Ritz Paris, but also and above all for those who dream of discovering it and sharing in a little piece of the legend and French art de vivre,” said Ms. Natalie Bader.

Speaking about the latest partnership, Ms. AlGhalia Nabeel Ali Bin Ali said, “At Galeries Lafayette Doha, we always look to collaborate with iconic and international brands to bring an exclusive experience for the people in Qatar. With the new Ritz Paris Boutique, our clients can enjoy the brand’s exclusive range of products which truly captures the essence of French ‘Art de vivre’, allowing them to experience the refinement of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.”

Ali Bin Ali Holding launches ‘SNAN’ Food Hall at 21 High st – Katara

Once again offering a unique experience for the people of Qatar, Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Market Hall division has launched ‘SNAN’ Food Hall at 21 High st in Katara Cultural Village.

‘SNAN’ Food Hall was inaugurated on August 1, 2022 by General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, His Excellency Professor Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and General Manager of Market Hall Mr. Sebastian Farhat. Also present were senior staff of Ali Bin Ali Holding and Katara Cultural Village in addition to members of local media, bloggers and social media influencers.

Built around the globally renowned Food Hall approach, ‘SNAN’ means ‘the tip of the spear’ in Arabic; therefore, ‘SNAN’ Food Hall’s goal is to be at the forefront of any high-end retail food shop in Qatar.

Located right on the main street of 21 High st, along the same line as Galeries Lafayette Doha’s main entrance, ‘SNAN’ is a high-end multi-functional Food Hall with a  truly eclectic European-styled look which blends perfectly well with the classy grandeur of 21 High st.

The building that houses ‘SNAN’ Food Hall is made of wrought iron and glass with a stunning interior. At the very center of the hall is a beautiful grand staircase with wrought iron railings that lead to a separate area upstairs. The colorful mosaic-tiled ceiling exudes luxury and elegance, and gives you a feeling of being in Victorian Europe.

Complemented by exclusive customer service, ‘SNAN’ offers an extensive, high-quality product range sourced from across the world. The retail gourmet section at ‘SNAN’ Food Hall is located on the ground floor with a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetable. The hall also houses the best premium Colombian coffee house – Juan Valdez, the original Belgium chocolate boutique – Neuhaus and a flower shop.

Offering some delightful gastronomical treats, the elaborate dining space is located on the first floor of the building and consists of a pizzeria and as well as a grill/roastery.

Additionally, ‘SNAN’ Food Hall offers a full bakery and pastry section with the most delicious baguettes, croissants, bread, cakes and more. A dedicated gourmet cheese section that will tempt the taste buds of every cheese lover, and a full Deli with salads, olives, cold cuts, add to ‘SNAN’s’ appeal, making it a must-visit location for Qatar’s cosmopolitan shoppers.

Speaking about the new addition to the Cultural Village, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village , His Excellency Professor Dr. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said: “Katara Cultural Village is all about showcasing diverse cultures and we are happy to welcome a European styled ‘food hall’ in our premises. ‘SNAN’, with all its grandeur, merges originally with the landscape of Katara – most multidimensional cultural project of Qatar.”

Commenting on the launch, the General Manager of Market Hall Mr. Sebastian Farhat said, “We are proud to launch ‘SNAN’ Food Hall and introduce it as a place that is bursting with flavors from around the world. ‘SNAN’ Food Hall is tipped to be a showcase of all things seasonal and delicious with quality brands and products curated to satisfy the discerning tastes of shoppers. We have ensured that ‘SNAN’ is surrounded by the stunning architecture of 21 High st and nestled within the confines of Katara Cultural Village. That is why we can promise that ‘SNAN’ will deliver far more than a typical shopping experience.”

Ali Bin Ali Fashion opens Berluti store in Qatar

Once again bringing the finest in international fashion to Qatar, Ali Bin Ali (ABA) Fashion has inaugurated a new store for the Parisian men’s fashion house Berluti. The boutique at Place Vendome Mall was opened to the public on Friday, July 22, offering a 360-degree Berluti lifestyle experience.

Berluti, a name synonymous with style, elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship – and founded by Alessandro Berluti, is renowned for their deep understanding of the mastery of footwear, consistently producing shoes for the well-shod gentleman since its birth in 1895.

Since then, Berluti has cultivated its own unique style by bringing together audacity and elegance. Expertise in shape, leather patinas, fabric selection and precision of cut are the signatures of the ideal male wardrobe. From head to toe.

Located in the luxury section of Place Vendome near Dior and Loro Piana boutiques, Berluti organically blends with the gorgeous architecture of the destination. Like all other Berluti stores around the globe, the boutique design focuses on luxurious simplicity through exceptional materials.

With a welcoming and pristine setting of white and warm browns, the décor is inspired by the depth and variety of Berluti’s leather patina. In a subdued salon-like atmosphere, Berluti’s Club chair and furniture offering are displayed, overlooking the patina-inspired ceiling, celebrating the Maison’s lifestyle heritage and innovations.

Curated for the Qatari taste, the collection at the Place Vendome boutique will display a complete range of men’s accessories, including shoes and leather goods. The French House makes no apologies for their exceptionally luxurious goods, making the Berluti man undeniably elegant with exquisite taste.

From shoes, bags, wallets to accessories, Berluti creations are hand-assembled and customizable from the wooden last to the choice of leather and patinas.

Speaking about the latest addition to ABA Fashion’s portfolio, General Manager of ABA Fashion Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender said: “We are very proud to be associated with such a luxurious fashion House and present the only Berluti store in Qatar. With the common vision of offering premium experience for our esteemed clients, ABA Fashion and Berluti hope to please the refined taste in fashion of the people in Qatar.”

 

Ali Bin Ali Luxury dazzles at the 18th edition of Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition 2022

Once again, Ali Bin Ali Luxury dazzled at the 2022 Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE). The precious journey to the heart of glamor unfolded at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from the 9th till the 14th May 2022. The show was a grand success with jewelry lovers gathering to experience the special occasion and witness an outstanding array of high-end merchandise.

The exhibition has had great importance and a special meaning for Ali Bin Ali Luxury ever since it opened its doors 18 years ago. Ali Bin Ali Luxury pavilion proudly housed niche jewellery brands from around the globe displaying their finest creations.

Exhibition-goers from around Qatar as well as international visitors who visited ABA Luxury’s pavilion had the opportunity to enjoy fine timepieces, exquisite jewelry, classical writing instruments and sophisticated accessories.

Speaking about Ali Bin Ali Luxury’s participation in the region’s biggest watches and jewelry exhibition, Chief Operating Officer of Ali Bin Ali Luxury Mr. Awn Zureikat said: “Ali Bin Ali Luxury is proud of its association with DJWE where exclusivity, art and unique craftsmanship come together to tell an unforgettable experience. Over the years, DJWE has solidified its position as one of the most important events in the region and we are proud to be a part of this success story from its inception.”

Ali Bin Ali Luxury continued to build on the success of the previous years to unveil an exquisite range of new and unique designs at this year’s fair. Apart from the old favorites, new brands like Robert Procop jewelry from USA and Purnell watches from Switzerland were featured at this year’s exhibition.

Other brands that Ali Bin Ali Luxury exhibited at this year’s event were: Arnold & Son, AS29, Audemars Piguet, Baume et Mercier, Buccellati, Cartier, Damiani, David Morris, Garrard, Gilan, Gorgoglione, Graff, Graham,  Hulchi Belluni, HYT, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lalaounis, Leo Pizzo, Marco Valente, Messika, Mikimoto, Montblanc, Panerai, Piaget, Pomellato, Prologue, Ralph Lauren, RCM, Repossi, RF Jewelry, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Schreiner, Shamballa, Stenzhorn, Ulysse Nardin, Van Cleef & Arpels and Verdi.

Galeries Lafayette Doha celebrates iconic Smiley’s 50th anniversary

Joining Galeries Lafayette stores the world over, Galeries Lafayette Doha is taking part in the international ‘Happy Birthday Smiley’ campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversary of iconic French brand Smiley. The celebrations, held with the tagline ‘Take the time to Smile’, started on February 21, 2022, and will continue until March 16.

Smiley was created in 1972 by French journalist Franklin Loufrani for a French newspaper to highlight good news stories. Five decades later, Smiley has become more than just an icon, a brand and a lifestyle: it is now a mindset and a philosophy, reminding people just how powerful a smile can be.

Fifty years after its début, Smiley is taking over Galeries Lafayette to celebrate its anniversary in a fabulous festive style. Smiley and Galeries Lafayette have joined hands to create some exciting in-store entertainment guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.

Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of The Smiley Company, said: “After the past two difficult years, what better way to come out of this period than this campaign, which aims to reverse the global smile deficit, spread positivity and fill the world with smiles in 2022?”

Celebrating the 50th anniversary, the Galeries Lafayette Doha store, windows and interiors have been tastefully decorated with smiley elements. Playful installations, in collaboration with world-famous graffiti artist André Saraiva and inspired by the Smiley’s 50th anniversary logo have been set-up to mark the occasion.

The international iconic brands available at Galeries Lafayette Doha are offering their own distinctive take on the Smiley universe. These brands have designed unique versions of their flagship products that blend in the inimitable visual identity of the Smiley 50th anniversary logo.

The merchandise is delivered in limited edition Galeries Lafayette and Smiley co-branded tote bags. The collector products designed by Smiley’s brand partners are available exclusively at the “50 for 50” pop-up on the ground floor of the Galeries Lafayette Doha store.

Elevating the Smiley experience to the next level, Galeries Lafayette Doha, in association with Beauty Hive Salon, has set up an exclusive ‘smiley nail art station’. Located on the ground floor next to the smiley pop-up kiosk, it gives customers a chance to personalize their nails in any fun way they wish and celebrate the world of Smiley.

A special kids’ activity corner has been set up on the first floor in the kidswear section, inviting children to take a creative break by coloring and enjoying fun smiley activity sheets.

To mark the icon’s 50th anniversary, Galeries Lafayette Doha’s cafes and restaurants have created limited edition Smiley inspired takeaway packaging that capture the spirit of the happy world  of Smiley. Inspired by the colors of the Smiley campaign, customers can purchase Café Pouchkine’s yellow yuzu macaroons offered in a limited edition box and have their coffees to go in a fun coffee cup sleeve.

Excited about Smiley’s 50th anniversary, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Doha Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender said: “The collaboration of Smiley and Galeries Lafayette is most organic. Both are French iconic brands that have been loved and embraced by people around the world. Galeries Lafayette Doha is glad to be a part of this celebration and happy to offer a ‘time to Smile’ to our clients.”

Galeries Lafayette Doha proudly celebrates Qatar National Day 2021

Commemorating the greatness of the nation, Galeries Lafayette Doha is all set to celebrate Qatar National Day (QND) in its own unique style. On December 1, the Department Store inaugurated specially dressed windows that emanates the pride that Qatar National Day entails.

For this special occasion, Galeries Lafayette Doha once again collaborated with local Qatari artists Fahad Al Maadheed and Nasser Al Kubaisi to create some exclusive visuals to adorn the store. The artists created exclusive lines of artwork to offer a unique and captivating experience for visitors at Galeries Lafayette Doha, setting the right tone for the celebrations.

While artist Fahad Al Maadheed is already well-known for his art and also for his paintings on leather goods such as handbags, wallets and phone covers, Nasser Al Kubaisi is a new star on the horizon. An interior designer and a digital artist, Nasser has received a lot of attention and his works can be found in different public spaces and the National Museum Gift Shop.

Fahad’s art installations aim to strengthen the national identity by going back to the past. His work embodies those who built and defended the land since historical times. The window takes us back in time and the spirit of the past and present converges through art.

The main inspiration of Nasser’s art is, if Van Gogh was in Qatar, how he would admire the beauty of the Galleries Lafayette Doha building. The concept of his window revolves round an exclusive live artwork that you can experience as you watch it moving and becoming alive. It is an eclectic combination of art and technology that creates an illusion of movement and live painting.

Fahad, who has exhibited his art in Galeries Lafayette Doha before, said: “It is indeed a pleasure to be part of Galeries Lafayette Doha’s Qatar National Day celebrations. This is a perfect platform to display my special QND art that depicts the richness of Qatari heritage and my passion for it.”

Speaking about his presence at Galeries Lafayette Doha, Nasser said: “Just as Van Gogh himself said, ‘I dream my painting and I paint my dream’, my art is my dream. I am humbled by the opportunity to be able to present my art to the clientele of Galeries Lafayette Doha on the auspicious occasion of Qatar National Day. It is my tribute to my nation and its people.”

The theme of the celebrations is also reflected in exclusive dishes created for the occasion at the restaurants and cafes in Galeries Lafayette Doha. Limited-edition desserts and a savory item have been carefully designed to celebrate the occasion. Each dish is a gastronomical delight and equally satisfying for the eye and soul.

The General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Doha, Kevin Gerard Pender said: “Celebrating Qatar National Day every year is a part of the Department Store’s tradition. It is also a perfect stage to highlight the unparalleled talent of the local artists and merge together patriotism and art with retail.”

Italian brand Del Core makes exclusive debut at Galeries Lafayette Doha

Introducing yet another exclusive gem from the world of fashion, Galeries Lafayette Doha unveiled the newly established Italian fashion brand, Del Core, for the first time in the Middle East on November 17, 2021. The brand was showcased in Qatar at an exclusive dinner gathering in the presence of the founder and the brand’s creative director Daniel Del Core.

Del Core is a fashion house founded in Milan by Daniel Del Core. Counting on an international staff of talents and craftsmen, Del Core started operations in the spring of 2020 and debuted with the first collection at the beginning of 2021.

The designer, who has worked for prominent Italian fashion houses taking care of a special clientele of actresses, artists, and musicians, is a creator of multifaceted collections that include one-of-a-kind couture pieces – a selection of which has been showcased during the dinner. Only 33, Del Core is the herald of an imaginative, glamorously provocative vision that represents a new spark in the Italian fashion panorama.

The Del Core collection that was presented at the gathering in Galeries Lafayette Doha’s penthouse, La Suite, is a selection of haute creations from the brand’s debut and sophomore shows. It evoked a sense of classical beauty and a love for nature expressed through a surprising, ever-evolving fantasy of mutant glamour, painstakingly brought to life in the Milanese atelier of Del Core with exceptional manual skills.

The presentation was followed by a private dinner at La Suite’s Terrace where exclusive guests were treated to an equally elegant Italian dinner.

On November 18 and 19, VIP clientele enjoyed one-to-one appointments and private fittings with Daniel Del Core. The individual encounters unveiled the magic that happens when the creator and client meet. The sessions offered a golden opportunity to customize creations according to individual measurements and wishes.

Speaking about the brand’s debut at Galeries Lafayette Doha, Daniel Del Core said: “I am grateful to Galeries Lafayette for this opportunity, which allows me to show my couture creations in front of an exclusive audience. Working one-on-one with the clients is one of the guiding principles of the house I founded, and I am happy I was able to do it in Doha”

Speaking about the collaboration, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Doha Kevin Gerard Pender said: “We are excited to welcome a young, emerging brand to the Galeries Lafayette Doha family. The elegance and fluid aesthetic vision of the brand matches the creative freedom that Galeries Lafayette stands for.”

 

Galeries Lafayette Doha launches new ‘Lines of Abstraction’ campaign

Reflecting the brand’s innovation and creativity, Galeries Lafayette Doha has launched the inspiring ‘Lines of Abstraction’ campaign. Introduced with the tagline, the ‘Line that connects us’, the campaign will continue until September 30, 2021.

The visual campaign is based on the idea of ‘Line art’ or Line drawing’ that consists of distinct straight or curved lines placed against a background to represent two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects.

As the tagline suggests, the campaign revolves around the use of single line drawings and the reflection of lines that connect us. The abstract lines in our subconscious mind interact with our surroundings and acquire a more definite form to take a more concrete shape. This in a way, it designs our lives and emotions. Different variations, colors, methods, with the artist’s own specific characteristicshelp create lines around our thoughts and eventually become a line that connects us all.

In true Galeries Lafayette style, the key message of the campaign reflects in every aspect of the Department Store, integrating shopping with the wider experience of the ‘Lines of Abstraction’ campaign. 3D faces structures interacting with the mannequins and original painting design on accessories windows are just some elements to look out for.

Rounding up the experience, Galeries Lafayette Doha’s food and beverage outlets are offering some special-edition ‘linear-inspired’ dishes. These exclusive desserts and savory dish are simply ‘Art on a plate’.

Speaking about the campaign, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Doha Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender said: “Fashion is not just what meets the eyes, and through the ‘Lines of Abstraction’ campaign, we have tried to highlight the non-obvious. The linear elements in a way simplify the complex world around us and give a new perspective to fashion. It is our way of creating a connection with our clients and staff through fashion, accessories and gastronomy.”