The launch of VOGUE ARABIA is not only a milestone for the Arab fashion scene, it is a milestone for the world of print and online media itself. In a historic move for a Vogue magazine edition, it first launched as a digital website in October 2016 before focusing on print from Spring 2017.
Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz, Editor-in-Chief Vogue Arabia.
The magazine will be distributed in several Middle East countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz is the Editor-in-Chief of the 22nd edition of Vogue. The publication is a partnership between Condé Nast and Dubai-based media company Nervora.
In the beginning of this month, I had the honor to receive the first print edition as an exclusive preview and I absolutely adore this issue, which is published in Arabic and English. The cover features model Gigi Hadid, who is half Palestinian and half Dutch, photographed by Inez and Vinoodh. Visually, undoubtedly this is one of the best Vogue covers of all time.
“In one poised photograph, she communicates a thousand words to a region that’s been waiting far too long for its Vogue voice to speak,” says the Editor-in-Chief, Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz.
Arabia’s fashion awakening is here. Stay tuned for more.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Vogue Arabia, © Sandra Bauknecht and © Marcy Swingle for The New York Times
My trip to Qatar surpassed all expectations. Doha has reminded me a lot of Dubai 10 years ago, even better, modern and of course, full of luxury. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, all eyes are on Middle East’s new hot spot as the Qatari will host a large number of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the British Telegraph, Qatar has the second highest income per capita in the world and you can see it everywhere.
On the first day of the year, I went shopping at Doha’s Villagio Mall, which was overly impressive. Reminiscent of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian in Las Vegas, the mall has got a changing sky that gives shoppers the feeling of being outside and a canal that runs through the center of the mall with gondola rides for guests. Every designer brand you can think of is represented, such as Bottega Veneta, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Montblanc among others. There is even an amusement park in the mall.
See for yourselves:
My look: Mathilda tuxedo jacket 
by Stella McCartney, green tee by Ralph Lauren Blue Label, top by Missoni, skinny mid-rise jeans 
by Rag & Bone Jean, sandals by Gucci, Alice two-tone bag by Chloé, Lady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, necklace by Roberto Cavalli and 4810 hoop earrings by Montblanc.
Stay tuned for one last post from Doha about The Pearl.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
The restaurant Parisa, one of my favourites that I visited in Doha, belongs to the Sharq Village and Spa. Traditional Persian dishes are served with a contemporary, modern twist. The perfect ambiance to suit the mood of my outfit.
My look: Printed silk-blend crepe top, matching wide-leg pants with side splits from thigh to ankle, leather pumps with ankle straps, all by Gucci (50% off), holographic faux leather clutch by Stella McCartney (new season, please click here for more information on this rising trend), cocktail ring by Roberto Cavalli and crochet-knit turban by Missoni (50% off).
I kept my make-up very easy, a little bronzer on the cheeks (24 Karat Shimmer Brick by Bobbi Brown – Limited Edition), mascara (Lash Queen Sexy Blacks by Helena Rubinstein) and red lips (Diorific 040 Marilyn by Christian Dior – Christmas look 2012).
On my nails: Coral Blame by Tom Ford.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Happy New Year from Doha to all of you, my fabulous dear readers! I am looking forward to an exciting 2013 with you, and wish you all health, happiness and of course lots of style!
I decided last minute to fly to a sunny place. I had never been to Qatar before and am eager to share all of my impressions with you. In the photos you see me in my comfy outfit I wore on the flight upon my arrival in Doha.
My look: Leopard-print tracksuit by Dolce & Gabbana, sparkling scarf and studded ballet flats, both by Gucci, bi-colour Alice leather tote by Chloé. On my nails: Smoke Red by Tom Ford.
Stay tuned for the upcoming posts regarding my fabulous hotel, my New Year’s Eve celebration and much more! Let the party get started…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
