Having a doctor who didn’t believe me could have made me question myself, but the truth is, no one knows your body better than you do. That’s a lesson I carry with me every single time I hit the trails, and one I always share in my yoga classes. At the start of each one, I remind the group I’m guiding to honor their bodies and whatever they need that day.Prep for the unexpected, no matter where you are.Anyone who spends time in the wilderness knows how important it is to be ready for any emergency. But when you have UC, you also have to be prepared just in case your symptoms start causing some chaos.Whenever I’m making camping reservations, for example, I pick the campsite that’s closest to the restroom. Like any responsible hiker, I always carry a trowel with me, so I can go off-trail and dig a hole when I have to use the bathroom mid-hike.But with UC, I don’t always have enough time to do that. Enter: a WAG bag, which is basically a portable toilet kit. Now, I bring it on all my hikes and I always have one in my car, just in case. Knowing it’s available in an emergency alleviates my anxiety so much.Alone time is great, but community can also be healing.I used to do most of my hikes solo, which I loved. My husband isn’t super outdoorsy, and I’m very comfortable being alone; in my early 20s, I solo-backpacked around Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Southeast Asia.Lately, though, I’ve had fun hiking with like-minded women I’ve connected with through Instagram. Hiking with friends also makes the logistics a lot more manageable, especially as I’m traveling to reach the farther, more isolated sections of the Bruce Trail. More importantly, we support each other outside of the woods, too. I know they’ll be there when I need an empathetic ear to vent about frustrations or setbacks—or even just some company for coffee or concerts. They’re always ready to remind me when I need to take a step back and reevaluate if something is worth my energy.Instagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.Dial into your body to minimize stress.Over the years, I’ve learned that stress is my biggest UC trigger, and I’ve found that yoga is a really good way to ground myself, especially when I’m not feeling well. Yoga has given me the tools to slow down and focus on my breathing. When my symptoms act up, I keep my routines slow and gentle; sometimes all I do is savasana (corpse pose). I currently teach a class one to two times a week, in addition to practicing on my own.Shut off the “shoulds.”It’s tempting to be hard on myself when I’m unable to do the things that used to be easy for me. During my 2021 flare-up, I was so sick I couldn’t hike for more than six months. When I returned to the trails, I did my best to keep my expectations low and to focus on being grateful for the chance to be out in nature again. Sure, I could have beat myself about how much farther or faster I “should” have been going, but how would that help?Before I attempted to hike again, I started with short walks around my neighborhood. I wanted to rebuild my stamina gradually, plus I needed to stay close to home in case I needed an urgent bathroom break, and I had made peace with that.So here’s another reminder for anyone who is living with UC: Meet yourself where you are. There will be days when you have to scale your plans back or cancel them completely—and that’s okay. No one’s keeping score. Your health has to come before your workout. And when you’re feeling well again, your sport or hobby will still be there waiting for you. I’m reminded of this every time I hit the trails after recovering from a flare. No matter what kind of physical shape I’m in, returning to nature feels like coming home.Related:

A back and biceps workout with dumbbells isn’t just a great way to add in some upper-body work to your strength training routine—it can also carry some serious benefits outside the gym too.That’s because a lot of us spend a ton of time sitting, whether we’re hunched over a desk at work or scrolling through our smartphones after. And the resulting poor posture can lead to a host of issues: When your shoulders roll forward, your upper back muscles—particularly your rhomboids, mid and lower trapezius, and deep cervical flexors, plus a few others—lengthen, while your chest or pectoral muscles shorten, certified personal trainer Alicia Jamison, MA, a coach at Bodyspace Fitness and lecturer of exercise physiology at Brooklyn College, tells SELF. This can lead to tightness in the front of your body, and weakness around your upper back, she says. Ultimately, it can set the stage for muscle imbalances, which can up your risk of injury and lead to general discomfort—think low back pain and achy knees and hips, explains Jamison.That’s why adding pulling exercises into your workout routine is so crucial: They help engage and strengthen your backside muscles. This is important, because strong back muscles can combat the forward-slouching position by literally pulling your head and shoulders into the better-aligned positioning.And there are a whole bunch of options out there, regardless of what kind of equipment you have at your disposal. If you don’t have access to dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells, bodyweight exercises like pull-ups, chin-ups, or inverted rows are great pulling options. Doing a home workout and have some free weights? Pullovers or row variations (say, like the bent-over row and renegade row) work that same movement. And if you’re at the gym, specific machines like the lat pull down or cable system can help diversify your routine.The pulling motion really works your back muscles, but your arms—especially your biceps (officially called the biceps brachii)—get in on the action too: “Anything that requires you to flex your elbow requires your biceps to activate,” explains Jamison. In fact, depending on the grip you choose—if you go narrower rather than wider—you may actually hit your arms more than the bigger muscles in your back. So to be able to effectively execute pulling moves, you’ll want your biceps muscles as strong as possible, which is why it doesn’t hurt to show these upper-arm muscles some specialized love.With that in mind, Jamison created a five-move dumbbell workout that can strengthen your upper back and biceps, while also engaging key muscles that can help you stand (or sit) up straight. For instance, the mid and lower traps, deltoids, serratus anterior, and rotator cuff muscles all play a role in helping you maintain optimal positioning.Before diving into this routine, do a warm-up first to loosen tight areas and activate your muscles, focusing on your chest and back. You can try moves like the pec doorway stretch, T-spine extensions, and banded pull-aparts.

We continue to highlight a few of our favorite watches from among the more than sixty watchmakers that have created timepieces for the Only Watch charity auction, which commences Sunday, November 5, in Geneva. Christie’s will auction these incredible one-of-a-kind watches to raise funds that benefit research in the battle against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
While you may have seen a few of the watches set for auction earlier this year when Only Watch announced them, we thought you’d enjoy seeing many of these impressive designs again just ahead of the event.
The watches are currently touring the globe. After concluding their U.S. visit at Christie’s in New York on September 17, the tour will visit Monaco next, followed by stops in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai and back in Geneva. See the Only Watch website for tour dates and details.
In this post we highlight The MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Only Watch (pictured above) by Hublot and the artist, another exceptional piece in the auction this year. Like many in this year’s auction, it glows with bright color and requires a high technical level of workmanship.
This sapphire-cased watch showcases a unique central tourbillon especially conceived for this watch. In addition to showing Hublot’s technical acumen, the idea here is to show that the tourbillon represents the heart of the person who buys it at the auction.
Murakami explicitly requested the inclusion of a central tourbillon, which is now Hublot’s very first central tourbillon.
In this design, the cannon pinion and the hour wheel had to be pivoted around the tourbillon support by creating a co-axial construction. This was made possible thanks to the central flying tourbillon that is seemingly suspended in mid-air with two hands passing under its cage to indicate the hours and minutes.
These hands gravitate towards twelve luminescent indices that echo the colors of the 2023 edition of the Only Watch. And with two barrels, the manual movement offers an incredible 150-hour power reserve. Mounted in series but on a single plane, these barrels can be admired through the sapphire case back.
Estimate: CHF 350,000 – CHF 400,000.

Fashion

by Sarah Joseph
34 mins ago

With invites flooding in for all the weddings to attend this year, ensuring your outfits are on point can quite often be a tedious task.
From pairing your accessories with a long skirt to finding quirky bags that will ensure heads turn at any event, each dream piece is only one click away.
As functions are now shifting towards a western approach with its mehndi, cocktail and high-tea events, you can always mix and match various pieces to craft your own unique look.
Be it jacquard blazer set for a Mehndi or a Paco Rabanne clutch for the wedding look to complete the lehenga outfit, the options are endless.
So, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, swipe through our guide of must-own pieces this wedding season.

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @arushi.mehra_

Photo: Courtesy New Balance
New Balance, the internationally acclaimed sportswear giant, is teaming up with the incredible Saudi cultural sensation, Amy Roko, making her its newest brand ambassador. Amy Roko’s charm, wit, and unique personality have won over millions of hearts, making her a standout figure in Saudi culture. Her journey embodies the spirit of self-expression and determination, values that New Balance has stood for over the years.
Photo: Courtesy New Balance
Amy’s forward-thinking vision and unwavering commitment resonate with young men and women in the region who are eager for transformation and embrace a progressive mindset. Her influential presence across digital platforms has ignited important conversations on topics like gender equality, self-expression, and breaking conventional stereotypes through open and honest dialogues on sensitive topics. She serves as a beacon of inspiration for numerous women on their quest for motivation and the self-confidence to be their authentic self.
Photo: Courtesy New Balance
As New Balance’s ambassador, Amy will take center stage in a series of exciting local campaigns, shining a spotlight on iconic sneakers like the 550 and 530. Her mission? To amplify New Balance’s powerful message of self-expression, encouraging women to break free from conventions, rewrite the rules, and flaunt their unique style. This partnership is set on challenging the status quo and igniting inspiration in women to unlock their full potential. It’s safe to say that all her followers will be thrilled to witness this collab, as it paves the way for a future where women are truly celebrated, empowered, and given the opportunity to lead transformative change.

Fashion

by Ruman Baig
1 hour ago

With roots in Dakar, Senegal, and a global perspective cultivated through her experiences in France, designer Eliane Sarr brings a unique fusion of culture and contemporary fashion to life through her brand, Savanna.
She has a deep appreciation for the artistry of fabrics and a commitment to empowering local communities. Through Savanna, Eliane creates clothing that celebrates the beauty of her heritage and ethnicity.
In a detailed conversation with Emirates Woman, Eliane talks about the importance of championing artisans, inculcating culture in craft and designing from a place of honesty.

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind Savanna and how it combines the beauty of ethnicity with contemporary clothing design?
The inspiration behind Savanna lies in the fusion of the beauty of ethnicity, contemporary and bold clothing design. It’s about celebrating the traditional artistry of textiles from around the world while infusing them with modern aesthetics. Savanna’s aim is to create clothing that bridges cultural divides and offers a unique blend of heritage, modernity, and flair for cosmopolitan women around the world.
Savanna uses hand-picked, highest-grade fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. How does the choice of fabric play a role in your designs, and what do you look for when selecting these materials?
The choice of fabric is vital in my designs. I meticulously handpick fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk for their quality, flow, and softness. I seek materials that not only feel luxurious against the skin but also complement our contemporary designs, enhancing the overall look and comfort of our outfits. My inspirations always start from the fabric.
Savanna emphasises empowering local communities by sourcing materials from West Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Could you elaborate on how this sourcing process works and the impact it has on these communities?
Our sourcing process is deeply rooted in empowerment. We collaborate with artisans and communities in West Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia who possess traditional textile-making knowledge. By sourcing materials from these regions, we support local craftsmanship and contribute to sustainable economic development within these communities.
You have a diverse background, having been born in Dakar, Senegal, and lived in France before establishing Savanna in Dubai. How does your multicultural background influence your approach to fashion design?
I draw inspiration from the diverse cultures I’ve been exposed to. This background allows me to create fashion that transcends borders and celebrates the beauty of global diversity.
You start designing from the fabric itself. Can you walk us through your creative process and how you bring your visions to life through clothing?
I envision the outfit by understanding the fabric’s texture, colour, and patterns. From there, I craft designs that harmonise with the material, ensuring that the fabric’s innate beauty shines through in the final piece.
The term “Art-a-Porter” outfits is mentioned. Could you explain what this means and how it relates to the collections you create?
‘Art-a-porter’ is a blend of the word ‘art’ and ‘à porter’ which is French for ‘to wear’. It is used to describe fashion collections that incorporate elements of artistic expression. My outfits are designed with the idea that fashion can be a form of wearable art. They may feature unique African prints, patterns from around the world, or embroidered designs created by myself in my studio. My outfits are designed to make a statement and evoke emotions, bringing artistry to those special events, as well as everyday wear.

As a designer, what aspects of textiles and patterns from different cultures around the world fascinate you the most, and how do you incorporate these elements into your designs?
I find the diversity of textiles and patterns from various cultures around the world incredibly fascinating. What captivates me the most is the rich history and storytelling embedded in these textiles, as well as the craftsmanship and techniques unique to each culture. Incorporating these elements into my designs is a journey of cultural appreciation and fusion created for the modern women. Of course my African heritage allows me to create garments that not only reflect my personal style but also serve as a tribute to the global tapestry of textile artistry.
Can you share some insights into the philosophy or message you aim to convey through Savanna’s clothing, particularly in terms of embracing the feminine self?
Through Savanna’s clothing, I aim to convey a message of self-expression and empowerment. I believe that clothing should not only enhance one’s outer beauty but also empower the inner self. Savanna’s designs embrace the feminine self by offering comfort, authenticity, and bold beauty.

What challenges and rewards have you encountered in your journey of establishing and growing Savanna as a fashion brand with a unique cultural and ethical focus?
Establishing Savanna has been both challenging and rewarding. Challenges include navigating the fashion industry’s competitive landscape while staying true to our ethical sourcing principles. The rewards come from seeing the positive impact on local communities and the appreciation of our unique designs by women around the world.
How do you envision the future of Savanna and your role as a designer in the evolving world of fashion?
In the future, I envision Savanna continuing to be a bridge between tradition and modernity in the world of fashion. As a designer, my role will involve pushing the boundaries of creativity while maintaining a commitment to ethical practices. I hope to inspire a greater appreciation for the beauty of global textiles and cultures through our collections.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied by Savanna 

Days 3 and 4 of Milan Fashion Week were a sight to behold, featuring collections from some of Italy’s top fashion houses. From the flamboyant designs of Gucci to the classic styles of Armani, here’s a lowdown on the highlights.
Read on for all the highlights from Day 3 and 4 of Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024
Gucci

Gucci, under the creative direction of Sabato De Sarno, stole the spotlight with its globally-inspired collection. In the run-up to Sabato De Sarno’s first Gucci show, you couldn’t miss the banners in deep oxblood with the word “Ancora” everywhere, meaning “again” or “still” in Italian. Sabato De Sarno’s journey from working behind the scenes in fashion to presenting his very first show as the creative director of Gucci marked an extraordinary moment in his career. His mission was clear: “I want people to fall in love with Gucci again.” The show began with a reinterpretation of Gucci classics: the Jackie bag, the Horsebit loafer, the GG belt, and the men’s overcoat, each subtly transformed under De Sarno’s generational touch. The loafers were given a platform twist reminiscent of Clueless, and the Jackie bag appeared in De Sarno’s signature red, the “Rosso Ancora,” paying homage to Guccio Gucci’s past as a bellboy at The Savoy. This revival of Gucci’s heritage pieces exuded a fresh vibe for the brand. As De Sarno explained, the focus was on materials, shape, and silhouette, aiming to establish a novel aesthetic for Gucci. De Sarno also unveiled a Gucci art book spotlighting a fresh wave of artists. Just as his show featured largely unknown models, this art book symbolized his commitment to sharing the spotlight he enjoys at the iconic brand with other creative talents. It marked the inception of something entirely new.
Versace

Versace, on the other hand, continued to pay homage to the ’90s, a decade that played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity. The collection prominently featured a sorbet-colored palette, a deliberate choice that Donatella Versace explained as an embodiment of a powerful yet sweet femininity. Among the eye-catching pieces were cotton tweed suits and chainmail dresses adorned with her brother Gianni’s iconic chequerboard motif from his spring/summer 1982 collection. The collection, in essence, represented a shared wardrobe that resonated with the contemporary era. It mirrored the recent fashion trends, particularly the Barbiecore style embraced by the younger generations, characterized by bubblegum-chewing aesthetics. The chequerboard pattern ruled the runway, asserting its dominance throughout the collection. Additionally, the show introduced a fresh lineup of brand-new handbags. In a spectacular finale, Claudia Schiffer brought the Versace show to a close.
Dolce & Gabbana

The Dolce & Gabbana show, titled “Women,” paid a heartfelt tribute to women of all ages and body types, celebrating diversity in its spring/summer 2024 collection. They brand drew inspiration from its dedicated female clientele, which included both emerging talents and seasoned models like Naomi Campbell, Ashley Graham, Irina Shayk, and Mariacarla Boscono. The collection was influenced by the ’90s, building on previous explorations of the era’s archives. Dolce and Gabbana aimed to capture the timeless elegance of well-dressed Italian women, emphasizing personal style over passing fashion trends and highlighting Italy’s exceptional craftsmanship. Naomi Campbell, the catwalk queen herself, closed the show with a memorable moment.
Giorgio Armani

The Giorgio Armani show drew inspiration from the serene ebb and flow of ocean waves and the captivating beauty of the sea, adorned with its enchanting hues of blue and green. The runway paid tribute to the sea’s shimmering embrace when gently kissed by the sun’s rays. This artistic direction aligned seamlessly with the designer’s well-known passion for the maritime lifestyle, highlighted by his recent hosting of a grand reception aboard his cherished yacht during the Venice Film Festival.
Bottega Veneta

@voguearabia South America, South-East Asia, Russia, France, and Sicily — #BottegaVeneta‘s latest show brought together the whole world on one runway. Watch now! #TikTokFashion أمريكا الجنوبية، وجنوب شرق آسيا، وروسيا، وفرنسا، وصقلية – جمع أحدث عرض من #بوتيغا_ڤينيتا العالم بأسره على منصة واحدة. شاهدي الآن! #تيك_توك_موضة ♬ Let’s Go (Rnbstylerz Remix) – AREES

Bottega Veneta’s show was a world of its own, quite literally. The floor was painted like an abstract map of the world adding a sprinkle of wanderlust and adventure. Matthieu Blazy’s collection emphasized continuity, with the first model carrying the first look from his previous collection. He drew inspiration from diverse global dress codes, merging elements from South America, South-East Asia, Russia, France, and Sicily into an abstract, cross-cultural proposition for fashion, blending holiday wear with tribal influences and urban fashion. The collection featured abstract contrasts between body-conscious dresses and rompers and voluminous coats, all showcasing the house’s intricate craftsmanship. The designs reflected the idea of travelers exposing themselves to the world, with capes offering protection and abstract bathing suits representing exposure to the surroundings.
Tod’s

At the iconic La Scala theater, Tod’s opened a phenomenal show with a touch of theatricality to the occasion. However, the brand’s collection was far from dramatic; instead, it embraced a macro trend seen throughout Milan’s fashion presentations – a blend of practicality and elegance.The runway showcased versatile pieces such as comfortable knits, summer suits, flowing trench coats, and understated shirts thoughtfully paired with relaxed trousers. Accessories played a pivotal role in the collection, with the spotlight firmly fixed on belt bags. These functional yet stylish bags featured multiple compartments and a clever hook for hanging leather gloves, catering to the modern consumer’s desire for both form and function.

Photo: Instagram.com
From canary yellow to Barbie pink, Yasmine Sabri‘s expansive closet seems to have a dress in every hue. And her latest pick proves that there’s no color the Egyptian beauty can’t carry off seamlessly.
For a public appearance recently, Yasmine Sabri opted for a romantic ankle-grazing gown in a striking shade of royal blue. Crafted using rich velvet, the actor’s dress came with an asymmetrical off-shoulder neckline and a body-hugging silhouette. Hundreds of gathers along the bodice of the dress added texture to the look. Sabri shared a glimpse of the look on her official Instagram page by posting a video of her getting ready for the big event. Take a closer look at the video below.

Yasmine Sabri styled her blue velvet gown with delicate diamond jewelry
Given the bold shade of her dress, Yasmine Sabri chose to accentuate her look with delicate jewelry instead of chunky accessories. Her picks? A skinny diamond and gemstone choker, which she wore with a matching bracelet and earrings. To add a little more sparkle to her ensemble, the actor opted for a stack of bracelets on her other hand as well. We spotted a Cartier bangle and two tennis bracelets. As for her beauty look for the evening, Yasmine Sabri recreated her go-to: a sweet romantic look in shades of pink. The star accentuated her doe eyes with a rosy smoky eye and lush lashes, and completed the look with soft pink lips. Glossy side-swept waves added the final touch.
Photo: Instagram.com
As we step into the final months of 2023, you’re likely to see your calendar filling up with social gatherings. A formal dress in a jewel tone like Yasmine Sabri’s is bound to come in handy, be it for intimate get-togethers or festive blowouts. Below, Vogue Arabia offers up similar dresses that will help you recreate Sabri’s party-ready look with ease.
Draped satin gown, Vivienne Westwood. AED 16,080
Ruched wrap-effect satin gown, Talbot Runhof. AED 5,786
Off-the-shoulder stretch-velvet midi dress, Alaïa AED 9,800
Off-the-shoulder sequined stretch-jersey gown, Talbot Runhof. AED 6,525
Off-the-shoulder open-back knitted maxi dress, Alaïa. AED 13,900
Off-shoulder crêpe gown, Alexander McQueen. AED 19,480
Off-shoulder cashmere and silk midi dress, Tom Ford. AED 5,695

Fashion

by Ruman Baig
2 hours ago

Trust Queen Rania to find the perfect power suit that isn’t a boring piece reserved for the boardroom.
Recently, during her official vist of the United States, the Jordanian Royal served many remarkable formal looks. One such serve that stood out, was this electric blue JW Anderson powersuit. The asymmetric cutaway blazer with an overlapping construction gave an interesting departure from the simple jackets otherwise worn.
Queen Rania wore this attire for the Middle East Global Summit in New York, which she attended with His Majesty King Abdullah, Crown Prince Al Hussein, and Prince Hashem.
Keeping the look mostly monochrome, the Queen of Jordan styled this slightly unconventional suit with a matching pair of blue satin pumps by Dior. Breaking the all-blue dynamic was the butter-hued Loewe bag she carried, which offered a welcoming colour contrast.
If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe for fall with blazers that are modern (and slightly unconventional), we’ve curated the ultimate Queen Rania inspired edit for you.

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Net-A-Porter & Instagram: @queenrania

Whether speaking at fashion conferences in Paris or Saudi Arabia or flexing her athletic skills in California, Saudi entrepreneur Shahad Geoffrey promotes burgeoning fashions with finesse.

“I wore this outfit by Ukrainian brand Valery Kovalska to attend a white party pre-wedding event in Marbella. I’m always happy to use my platform to support up-and-coming designers.”

“In 2021, for the first Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah, I wore a metallic abaya with a modern twist, and Casadei heels.”

“A moment captured by my husband in my favorite city, Paris, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. I’m matching this pink summer dress with a red Bottega Veneta bag – one of my favori color combinations.”

“I wore an edgy suit with comfortable Repetto shoes to speak at the Saudi Fashion Commission’s first roadshow in Paris about the latest innovation in the fashion industry. I was thrilled to unveil Amira, a trailblazing AI-powered fashion stylist – the first of its kind in the Mena region.”

“I love spending time outdoors and doing sports. I chose athleisure for this 100-mile-long bike ride in the Bay Area, California.”

“It’s the first professional photoshoot I did with my co-founder in Silicon Valley for our company Taffi. I’m wearing a color block vibrant formal look that expresses my personality and Taffi.”

“This Saudi kaftan abaya with Arabic embroidery was my choice for a suhoor night hosted by Vogue Arabia and Art of Heritage during Ramadan in Riyadh. Wearing it made me feel empowered, authentic, and confident in presenting my culture.”
Originally published in the September 2023 issue of Vogue Arabia
Read Next: Step Inside Saudi Labels ArAm Designs and Atelier Hekayat’s Special Showcase During London Fashion Week