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Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi luxury brand Lavish Concepts opens London atelier
LONDON: On June 26, the luxury lifestyle brand Lavish Concepts, founded by Saudi businesswomen Nada Altobaishi and Hala Al-Sharekh, opened an atelier in Chiswick, London. Described as 'a slow, salon-style shopping experience,' the atelier showcases a carefully curated selection of fashion, jewelry and objets d'art that blend artisanal skill, cultural heritage and contemporary design. It is the first permanent home for Lavish Concepts, which has previously only staged temporary pop-ups in the UK capital. 'We wanted to reframe how people experience luxury: less noise, more nuance,' Altobaishi tells Arab News. 'The Chiswick Atelier captures that in every detail. It's not about volume; it's about storytelling and voice.' Lavish Concepts' co-founders Nada Altobaishi and Hala Al-Sharekh in their new London atelier on its launch night. (Supplied) Nine Saudi brands are featured, including Dalsh Designs, Herfah, Yarakech, and Qormuz. The wider lineup also includes products from brands originating in the UK, US, UAE, Oman, Morocco and Jordan. 'Each selection is deeply intentional. With the Saudi brands, we looked for designers who are redefining heritage — not discarding it — and reworking it into something unapologetically current and wearable,' Al-Sharekh, officially designated as Lavish Concepts' 'brand visionary,' says. Positioning Lavish Atelier as a 'slow, salon-style' space rather than a conventional boutique was a deliberate decision on the part of its founders. 'The stories behind these pieces and our partner brands deserve more than a passing glance,' says Altobaishi. 'We wanted a space that encourages pause; a place where conversation and great craftsmanship are given equal weight.' The pair's Saudi identity shapes every element of the atelier, says Al-Sharekh. 'From the aesthetics to the hospitality, the way we curate is always filtered through a very Saudi sense of meaning and memory.' So far, Lavish Concepts has yet to stage an event in Saudi Arabia, but plans are in place to do so within the next 18 months, the founders say. Meanwhile, they hope that visitors to this new permanent home in London will walk away with a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship and cultural richness behind each piece. 'This isn't just an event, it's an invitation to participate in the Lavish lifestyle. We hope people leave feeling like they've stepped into a slower, more considered rhythm, one that stays with them well beyond the double doors,' Altobaishi concludes.
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Verstappen Refuses to Be Drawn on Future ahead of British GP
Max Verstappen on Thursday refused to be drawn on questions about discussions with Mercedes and exit clauses in his Red Bull contract when he spoke to reporters ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix. Facing a succession of questions about his future, following reports in Italy that he had agreed to join Mercedes next year, the Dutchman was polite, but evasive in his answers, stressing that for him it would be ideal to complete his career with one team –- Red Bull. "I am happy where I am," he said. "There are always rumors, but only one who decides and that is me and the team. I control my own destiny and I am happy and in control of where I'm at." Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday reported that he had agreed to join Mercedes, sparking speculation that he was set to replace arch-rival George Russell, but the Briton earlier stated he was confident of keeping his seat. He said he expected to confirm his new contract with Mercedes -- the team believed to be best prepared for the regulation changes next year -- within a few weeks. "I've nothing to add to last week," said Verstappen. "Of course, other people write stuff and that's great but it's not me... Happy with my team? In life, you can always see other things and think, as they say, the grass is greener on the other side. "But I think it is best to stay calm and up to now we have had success except for some time this season and this can happen and you have to accept it. "I know what I have and what we can do and that's fine, but, to be honest, I have nothing to add to last week. I am focused on the team and to improve." One-team man Asked if he felt he needed to be in the fastest car to win races and titles, Verstappen said it is "difficult in F1 to be in the fastest car... Who would know that two years ago who will be fastest? "I don't focus much on it, I just try to improve my own situation and where we want to be next year. If you chase the fastest car now it may not be the fastest car next year. Sometimes you can luck in and then win four, or five or six titles..." The 27-year-old shared that being a one-team man was an interesting prospect for him, while stating that he had never been tempted to leave Austrian constructor Red Bull. "I'm gonna say no..." he said on the questioning of ever having felt tempted to take a seat elsewhere in the paddock. "I don't want more headlines. It would be ideal to finish my career at Red Bull with one team. That would be something amazing and I am still trying to achieve that. "We are fighting for podiums now and that's not too bad!" Reports suggested Verstappen's contract contained exit clauses that could be activated if he is not in the top three in the drivers championship at the end of July. But the four-time world champion bluntly refused to reveal any details about his deal with Red Bull. "To be honest, I am not speaking about my contract. It's easier like that," he said.
Asharq Al-Awsat
11 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Sinner Thrashes Vukic to Roar into Wimbledon Third Round
World number one Jannik Sinner demolished Australia's Aleksandar Vukic 6-1 6-1 6-3 in a Centre Court masterclass to move ominously into the third round of Wimbledon on Thursday. The Italian was streets ahead of the 93rd-ranked Vukic who barely laid a glove on the top seed in the opening two sets before saving some face with a bit of third-set resistance. Sinner, bidding to win the title for the first time, never loosened his grip on a one-sided contest although he did need six match points to finish off Vukic in a prolonged final game, banging down his 12th ace. The 23-year-old has yet to drop serve and has conceded only 12 games in the six sets he has played so far and will now train his sights on unseeded Spaniard Pedro Martinez.
