MAUVE DESTINATION: Dubai

BETWEEN Mumbai and Milan , there is Dubai — the rapidly emerging fashion capital of the region. The city's catwalks are steadily gaining the attention of international designers and fashion houses. West Asia and the wider Arab world, has consistently been in step with contemporary fashion. Some analysts say that money spent on beauty aids by women in the Gulf alone crosses $5 billion annually. However, catwalks and formal public display of fashion and accessories and the trade related to it is a fairly recent phenomenon. But this is rapidly growing with more and more international designers networking Dubai into the global fashion chain. Fashion, say trendsetters in Dubai , is here to stay. Dubai is rapidly emerging as the canvas used by top design houses to display creative trends. Where Paris , Milan , London , and New York used to be the hub of haute couture, Dubai is hogging some of the spotlight now.

Italian designer footwear brand Casadei officially opened its third boutique in Dubai at Wafi on December 16th, close on the heels of two other stores which it has opened within a span of four months. Cesare Casadei, the creative force behind the brand's signature shoes and handbags, made a personal appearance to launch the new store, which was marked by a fashion parade titled ‘Italian Luxury At Your Feet'. Commenting on the increasing number of couture brands in Dubai , Casadei pointed out: ' Dubai seems to be an upcoming fashion capital akin to Milan and it is clearly marked on our retail network map as an important fashion destination. We are really happy to open our third store in Dubai in a short span of four months with the help of Valencia, our exclusive retailing partner in this region.' Don't be the last to catch on as Dubai is increasingly becoming a favorite destination of the international, jet-setting rich and famous.

"SOUTH BEACH, ANYONE??"

Imagine the outcome of ushering one of the sexiest rockers to put his touch on one of the hottest hotels on South Beach! Mauve, prepare yourselves for a luxurious travel destination spot that you must visit when next in South Beach, Miami. It has been reported that the highly proclaimed rocker, Lenny Kravitz’s design company, Kravitz Design, Inc. has teamed up with the Morgan’s Hotel Group to design their latest lounge in The Delano hotel. The Miami-based venture has been in existence for about two years and was born out of Kravitz’s love of architecture and interior design. "I was always changing things and moving things around," said Kravitz. "When I started touring 16 years ago, going around the world, I got into architecture."The lounge, entitled, “The Florida Room” is designed to reflect the golden past of Miami Beach’s music history. "I love the musical history of Miami Beach. The Beatles, James Brown and Frank Sinatra all spent time here." To capture that mood, he's creating a speakeasy-style space, tucked underneath the hotel's Blue Door restaurant.

Its no secret to anyone that Lenny Kravitz is a design junkie, he’s been studying architecture for some time know and initially began designing private homes and has now ventured off into the hotel industry. His homes have been featured in numerous publications and television shows, showcasing his plush fur carpets and extravagant art deco pieces, and now he is spearheading The Delano project serving as the creative director. The lounge should be set to open by December 8Th, in time for Art Basel which is practically the Delano's favorite holiday.

Never be afraid to STRIP!!

On my most recent trip to Atlanta, I enjoyed all the wonderful things the city has to offer...and as a past resident of Atlanta I got a taste of some things old...and some things new. I enjoyed shopping, the nightlife...and most importantly...dining. Whenever I travel to different cities, it is very important to enjoy a wonderful dining experience. You know, it kind of makes the city worth its while if you know there are great places to eat and drink! Now, Atlanta is known for its rising entertainment/music industry; but behold members of the Mauve...Atlanta has a kept secret, its dining experiences! There are so many different restaurants that cater to so many different taste, whether it be American to Mediterranean to Thai...it offers everything! So... earlier this month when I was there, my friend and I were torn between which restaurant to dine at for dinner. She mentioned Strip, a steak and sushi restaurant located in the Atlantic Station district. The name caught my ear, and steak and sushi caught my taste buds, so I agreed. We walked up to a three story building illuminated by white and red lights. We walked in on cherry hard wood floors and a very delicate atmosphere...(very different for a steakhouse). They accommodated us with balcony seating that overlooked the city...it was unbelievable.

The menu was filled with much to choose from...a sushi menu/bar ready at your order...and steaks grilled to perfection. I myself had a combination of sushi and steak, their infamous "strip" steak, to be exact. It was marvelous! My dining experience at Strip was one of the best dining experiences to date. The location, the service, the seating, and never the least...the food!

Strip has been open since February of 2006, so it has more over a year of delivering great food service under its belt. Strip Steaks & Sushi is Atlanta's place to be when craving for style and substance. The first level seats as a normal restaurant layout, with large 12 foot windows that overlooks Atlantic Station's Central Park. The middle level – known playfully as the “MEAT MARKET,” has a 20-seat sushi bar with Atlanta’s most talented sushi chefs creating sumptuous delights. Strip also hosts an in-house DJ that plays music, which allows their guest to go on the dance floor for a spin. The rooftop deck overlooks the city skyline and calls for an intimate setting.

Meet your friends after work on the rooftop to see and be ‘scene’ at Atlanta’s hottest place to "MEAT, DRINK and EAT!"