Severin’s range of fully automated coffee machines is set to win the hearts of UAE coffee enthusiasts, as each machine features a comprehensive starter kit with useful coffee tips to ensure every cup of brewed coffee is perfect.

At the push of a button, Severin’s easy-to-use S2 One Touch, a fully automated bean-to-cup coffee machine grinds whole fresh coffee beans for the selected coffee. The German-made machine is also equipped with a high-grade grinding mechanism and unique hygiene easy-clean technology.

Severin’s starter kit reveals simple tips and know-how – such as choosing the right milk, which is essential to making the perfect coffee cup as it is to choose quality beans. It is the milk protein and not the fat content that achieves the foam, as the fat simply adds flavour!

Available from Juma Al Majid outlets for AED 3,450 in a range of colours including silver, brown, black, orange, red and white. Visit www.severin-s2.com for more details.

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About Severin
For more than 60 years, Germany’s Severin has focussed its energies on the quality design, production and distribution of a comprehensive range of small domestic appliances and personal grooming products – always geared to lifestyle enablement at a sensible investment.

Severin recently revealed its coffee expertise with launch of the Severin’s lead product S2 One Touch, a bean-to-cup automated coffee machine features a unique hygiene easy-clean system, one-touch technology, high-grade grinding mechanism, Energy-On-Demand (EOD) and excellent price-performance ratio.The S2 seamlessly brews, Expressos, Expresso Macchiato, Cappuccinos and Latte Macchiatos with the press of one button!

In the Middle East, from its Dubai-based office, Severin introduces a wide range of products to regional markets across breakfast, lunch, dinner, entertaining and grooming, including the extensive range of coffee makers,
www.severin.com and www.severin-s2.com

Media contact: Sarah Azad Mobile 0097150 980 3810 Email media@strategicsolutionsonline.com

Dubai, UAE January 2012: The Middle East is cultivating more and more coffee drinkers, making it one of the fastest growing markets in the world for coffee consumption, according to Severin’s Eric Berchtold.

He said that the UAE alone is tipped to grow 80 per cent up to 2014. “We can see sure signs of this growth as demand for our coffee machine range continues to rise. Indeed, this is the perfect time to be introducing our first bean-to-cup full-automatic coffee machine to the market,” he said. Berchtold is the Area Director, Middle East and Africa for Severin, the German maker of small domestic appliances.

Severin, the leading German brand for bean-to-cup coffee machines is poised to launch the fully automatic S2 One Touch coffee machine in the UAE to more than 50 regional distributors and retailers from the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar at the Westin Dubai, Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.They will also attend an intensive two-day Severin Coffee College.

Berchtold will lead the Coffee College alongside Severin’s Global Marketing Manager, Andrea Winkler and Marion Sahage Schuenemann, Head of Sales Promotion & Certified Coffeeologist. Meanwhile, Adel El-Gazzar, Retail Manager, Juma Al-Majid Group and Susan Furness, CEO Strategic Solutions are set to join for a special straight-talk session where the attributes of coffee and the S2 will be tabled in an open conversation.

“Coffee’s roots are in Arabia. Indeed, for centuries, coffee drinking has been regarded in high cultural importance,” Berchtold said. He explained that good coffee demands a premium coffee machine stressing that Severin defines premium through quality, not price. “For more than 60 years, Severin has been manufacturing an extensive range of value-for-money small domestic appliances that are lifestyle-relevant, indeed many are lifestyle enablers and new S2 looks to re-enforce this message.”

He said that Severin’s S2 features a state-of-the-art, fully-automatic, intuitive operation that seamlessly moves from one function to another through its One-Touch Technology. “The S2 brews and grinds beans brewing cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos at the push of a button, without moving the cup. It is equipped with a rotary switch E-select, so that coffee strength can be adjusted by a swift flick of a switch.”

Severin has recently reinforced its regional presence with the opening of its Dubai-based office. Berchtold confirmed that he is looking to further expand distribution channels, as well as develop a Severin-managed after-sales network throughout the region over the coming year.

“The promise of Severin rides on delivering quality and performance, and working with the right partners is a key ingredient to ensuring that this is achieved at all stages of the customer relationship, right through to that great cup of coffee,” he concluded.

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About Severin
For more than 60 years, Germany’s Severin has focussed its energies on the quality design, production and distribution of a comprehensive range of small domestic appliances and personal grooming products – always geared to lifestyle enablement at a sensible investment.

Severin recently revealed its coffee expertise with launch of the Severin’s lead product S2 One Touch, a bean-to-cup automatic coffee machine features a unique hygiene easy-clean system, one-touch technology, high-grade grinding mechanism, Energy-On-Demand (EOD) and excellent price-performance ratio.The S2 seamlessly brews, Expressos, Expresso Macchiato, Cappuccinos and Latte Macchiatos with the press of one button!

In the Middle East, from its Dubai-based office, Severin introduces a wide range of products to regional markets across breakfast, lunch, dinner, entertaining and grooming, including the extensive range of coffee makers,
www.severin.com

Media contact: Sarah Azad Mobile 0097150 980 3810 Email media@strategicsolutionsonline.com

(BUSINESS WIRE)– Frederique Constant’s slogan is “Live your passion”, and we do. Passiondefinitely shows through our craftsmanship, as well as our charitable donations. We create beautiful watcheswith precision design that are assembled by hand, allowing for a high quality timepiece each and every time. Perceived value is important, so we know that quality must be consistent in our work and is vital to our success. We are equally as passionate about charity, with US$50 from each watch sold in our Double Heart Beat Collection donated to various charities. These charities include those related to the heart and children.

Heart Beat

Frederique Constant focuses on heart related charities as it is in line with its signature, the Heart Beat. In 1994, Frederique Constant developed its first Heart Beat watch. The purpose of the Heart Beat development was to show the mechanical nature of these Frederique Constant watches. Heart Beat watches have an aperture at the position of the balance wheel to show that the movement of the watch is mechanical. Early in the 1990’s, automatic mechanical watches were slowly making their return to the market after the quartz crisis of the 1970-1980’s. Typically, the exterior of such mechanical watches looks similar to quartz watches except that the second hand moves continuously. On quartz watches, the second hand makes 60 steps per minute. At Frederique Constant, we considered it important to better show the difference between mechanical and quartz watches. In a mechanical watch, the balance wheel beats 28’800 times per hour. The balance wheel rotates clockwise and counter clockwise on its axes in a large ruby jewel. Its rotation is controlled by the hairspring, which constantly coils and uncoils, and can be seen through the open eye of the Heart Beat watches. The Heart Beat has become the signature of the Frederique Constant brand.

Heart related charities

Somewhere out there is a child with a bad heart that could end a potentially eventful life and a future replete with possibilities. Frederique Constant donated two cheques in the value of US$ 50’000 (2008) and US$ 75’000 (2011) to the International Children’s Heart Foundation, a passionate organization that brings skills, technology and knowledge to diagnose and care for children with congenital heart disease to developing countries.

In 2009, we lent our support by funding Paint a Smile’s bid to decorate the Beijing Children’s Cardiology Department and put smiles on the faces of children dealing with heart-related issues.

In 2010, we awarded the American Heart Associationwith a US$50,000 check for their charitable efforts to prevent heart disease and stroke. We stated, “Driven by Passion since we started our company, Frederique Constant is very honoured to award the American Heart Association and their passionate projects to save lives. We wish and hope that our donation will permit them to actualise their goal.”

In 2011, we also held a benefit for the Hong Kong Children’s Heart Foundation, with Chinese actress and Frederique Constant brand ambassador ShuQi helping us drum popular support for the cause of children with congenital heart problems.

With passion, we continue to provide support to heart and child related charities. In 2012, we will again donate a major cheque to a charitable cause. The next time you see someone wearing one of the beautiful Double Heart Beat Collection watches, remember that part of the cost for that watch went to help a patient.

About Frederique Constant

Over the years, we have earned a reputation as a leading maker of Swiss luxury watches despite the relative youth of our brand. The quality of our watches and the detail involvedin crafting each watch is only part of our success story; the rest was driven by watch aficionados and lovers of our brand who saw that we had something different and unique to offer. It is by appealing to this same group of people that we hope to make a difference in the lives of many by soliciting for their support to extend the same affection they have for the brand, towards charities and causes we are associated with.

Peter Stas Co-Founder and CEO Frederique Constant SA Geneva, December 2011

Live your Passion

Frederique Constant SA, an independent Swiss watchmaker headquartered in Geneva, positions itself in the accessible luxury segment, with most of its watches selling at CHF 1’000-5’000 retail. Founded in 1988 by COO Aletta Stas Bax and CEO Peter Stas, Frederique Constant is expected to continue its annual 25% growth, doubling in size every three years. In 2011, production reaches over 120.000 watches sold in over 2700 points of sale in 100+ countries.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50110678&lang=en

Photo Caption:

Image 2:

The Frederique Constant Lady Double Heart Beat FC-310CDHB2PD4. 34mm diameter Rose Gold plated case, set with 48 full-cut diamonds (0.74 carat). Chocolate dial, Double Heart Beat aperture at 12 o’clock, hearts guilloché decoration. Full cut diamonds indexes (0.08 carat) (Photo: Business Wire)

Contacts

Frederique Constant

Peter Stas

pcstas@frederique-constant.com

For telephone interviews

Communications Director

Yasmina Pedrini

pedrini@frederique-constant.com

+41-22-860-0440

(BUSINESS WIRE)– For about 20-30 years, Swatch has been the supplier of mechanical movements and their components for most of the Swiss watch industry. Despite its historical relationship, Swatch would like to reduce deliveries of calibers and assortments.

Normally, when a monopolistic stakeholder decides to cut supply, antitrust authorities protect smaller players, giving them time to organize themselves. However, in this case, the Comco (the Swiss antitrust governing authority) immediately awarded the Swatch Group an ability to reduce deliveries up to 30%. “The decision of the Comco came as a bombshell in the Swiss watchmaking industry” says Peter Stas, co-founder and CEO of Frederique Constant.

Supply will stop

So, do independent watchmakers have to give-up?“Certainly, a number of smaller manufacturers will be forced out of business.”, said Peter Stas. Fortunately, Frederique Constant is large enough to develop its own watch calibers. Moreover, Frederique Constant started its first caliber development already back in 2001. Still, despite this early start, the company considers it needs another 5 years before it can produce the critical assortment, the watch oscillating system.

History of Frederique Constant

Founded in 1988by Aletta and Peter Stas and driven by passion, Frederique Constant has grown into one of the larger Swiss watch manufacturers. In 2011, production reached over 120’000 watches, sold in over 2’700 points of sale in 100+ countries around the globe. Frederique Constant positions itself in the Accessible Luxury segment, with most of its watches selling at CHF 1’000-5’000 retail. The company is expected to continue its annual 25% growth, doubling in size every three years.

Frederique Constant Manufacture Calibers

In 2001, Frederique Constant began the development of its first manufacture caliber in co-operation with the École d’Horlogerie de Genève, École d’Ingenieurs de Genève and the Horloge Vakschool Zadkine. The Heart Beat Manufacturehas the characteristic bridge for the balance wheel on the front side of the caliber. Having the bridge for the balance wheel on the front side of the caliber made it possible to have the spiral and fine regulation on the front side as well, creating a much more appealing Heart Beat design. This construction was new – allowing Frederique Constant to obtain a patent.

In 2008, Frederique Constant introduced its first Tourbillon Manufacture movement with Silicium (Silicon) Escapement Wheel. There are three main advantages compared to a regular escapement wheel.

No oiling necessary
Surface ultra smooth
Weight 1/5 of steel

As a result, the Frederique Constant Tourbillon has an amplitude of over 300 degrees in dial-up and dial-down positions. Even in the crown-down position, the amplitude is over 275 degrees, which is substantially better than the performance of other high-end tourbillons.

In 2009, Frederique Constant launched its second base manufacture caliber. Component rationalization and assembly efficiency were the top priorities for the development of this caliber. Result was an overall 35% cost saving compared with the earlier Heart Beat Manufacture caliber. Various new technologies were incorporated. For the first time, a Swiss watch manufacturer introduced a watch with a manufacture caliber below Euro 2000 retail.

Frederique Constant Factory

The Frederique Constant production facilityin Geneva measures 3’200 square meters, divided over four floors, offering an attractive working environment in the sectors of caliber component production, caliber assembly, watch assembly, and extensive quality control. Numerically controlled machines of the latest generation are located in a large atelier in the basement, where all component manufacturing is concentrated. Caliber and watch assembly, as well as state-of-the-art quality control is primarily organized on the first floor of the Frederique Constant building. The building also serves as the brand’s international headquarters.

It’s about timing

Frederique Constant is aiming to have two suppliers for all its components by 2015, thereby assuring its full independence. All key components are in development, including a new watch oscillating system. The company plans to continue close collaboration with its specialist component suppliers.

Communication Swatch

“In no other industry do you have one company supply all critical parts to the people who then compete directly with it”, Nick Hayek, Swatch’s chief executive said in an interview last March. However, also in the car industry it is common that components are shared between companies. Moreover, the watch industry has always been a horizontally organized industry. Also the Swatch Group purchases many parts, caliber anti-shock systems, rubies in calibers, dials, cases, etc from specialized manufacturers. Many factories that produce these components are shared by multiple brands, including Frederique Constant and Swatch Group brands. The horizontal organization of the Swiss watch industry has been one of the key drivers for the comeback after the nearly fatal Quartz Crisis in the 1970-1980’s.

Awaiting Court Decision

While some independent brands are accelerating development and production plans, the short-term future is in the hands of the court (Tribunal Administratif). Indeed, nine companies are challenging the approval by the Comco to allow Swatch to reduce supply. The decision of the court is expected by end of December 2011.

Frederique Constant SA, an independent Swiss watchmaker positioned in the accessible luxury segment, is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1988 by COO Aletta Stas Bax and CEO Peter Stas, Frederique Constant has grown consistently with 25-30% per year. In 2011, production reaches over 120.000 watches sold in over 2700 points of sale in 100+ countries.

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Live your Passion

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50108027&lang=en

Contacts

Frederique Constant

Peter Stas

pcstas@frederique-constant.com

For telephone interviews

Communications Director

Yasmina Pedrini

pedrini@frederique-constant.com

+41-22-860-0440.

The ladies’ range includes eight professional hair grooming products, travel-friendly hair dryers with retractable chords, curling tongs, hair clippers, electric razors, hair straighteners, curling irons and DIYkits for women.

Severin also features a new-to-market personal grooming line especially designed with the cosmopolitan man in mind.

For a hi-tech trim, try the professional hair trimmer with motor-induced, titanium-coated stainless-steel blades that are said to guarantee a flawless trim. Meanwhile, Severin‘s hair and beard trimmer set includes a wide-range of scissors and combs, an oil bottle and a cleaning brush. The set also comes with a charging and storage base, attachments for 3, 6, and 12 mm cutting lengths and is equipped with an indicator light.

And, don’t forget that hair has a way of appearing in other places! Severin‘s nose and ear hair trimming set does the job.

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About Severin
For more than 60 years, Germany’s Severin has focussed its energies on the quality design, production and distribution of a comprehensive range of small domestic appliances and personal grooming products – always geared to lifestyle enablement at a sensible investment.

In the Middle East, from its Dubai-based office, Severin introduces a wide range of products to regional markets across breakfast, lunch, dinner, entertaining and grooming, including an extensive range of coffee makers,
www.severin.com

Media contact: Sarah Azad Mobile 0097150 980 3810 Email media@strategicsolutionsonline.com

Speaking on their foray into the Middle East, Mr. Murtaza Hassan Ali, director at Jafferjees said “Dubai has been a strong market for us for many years. We believe, having another strategically located store here will further strengthen our market position and increase our customer base. We have high expectations for the store’s performance as we work to increase our market share in the region.”

Speaking on their choice of location, Mr. Murtaza Hassan Ali said, “Jafferjees emphases on creating a unique shopping experience for connoisseurs of fine handcrafted leather goods. We chose Sunset Mall at Jumeirah 3 for our second store mainly because of its nature. Sunset is an aesthetically planned shopping mall and very easy to navigate through. It focuses primarily to create an artistic hub for the best international and local designers; creating an exclusive shopping environment for residents and tourists alike.”

Since its establishment in 1885, Jafferjees has become synonymous with high-end leather products. The manufacturers’ boast its commitment to using the finest materials and workmanship. Each and every product is handcrafted transforming the creation of genuine leather products into an art form. Jafferjees offers a wide array of genuine leather products, from a key fob to ladies handbags, men’s briefcases to exquisite desk sets.

Primarily located on Jumeriah Beach road at Jumeirah 3 area, Sunset Mall is scheduled to open on December 15th, 2011. Apart from offering an elegant shopping experience for its clientele, the development also incorporates state-of-the-art technologies in line with green building guidelines. Sunset is built to be an energy efficient building, with several measures being adopted by DIP to ensure energy conservation, as well as minimize pollution and demands on infrastructure.

“We are happy to announce that ‘Jafferjees’ chose Sunset Mall to strengthen their expansion plans in Dubai. Jafferjees will blend perfectly with Sunset’s other retailers, which feature international luxury brands, renowned local designers and rising stars of the fashion world. We welcome them with our full support, services and facilities to ensure their success,” concludes Mr. Ziad Hameed, Leasing Manager at DIP.

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For further details on DIP and its projects, please visit: www.dipllc.ae

Contact Details:
Dubai Investment Properties
Tel: +97142249222
Email: info@dipllc.ae

Editor’s Note:

Sunset Mall is located on Dubai’s up-market Jumeirah 3, on Jumeirah Beach Road. This exclusive development comprises premium shopping spread of two floors, featuring exclusive fashion brands and offering an atmosphere of luxury, intimacy and prestige. The mall has been aesthetically planned to showcase the best of international and local fashion.

Sunset is scheduled to open on December 15th, 2011.

For further information on ‘Sunset’ please visit: www.sunsetmall.ae

For further information on ‘Jafferjees’ please visit: www.jafferjees.com

Dubai, UAE; The John Lobb ‘Spirits of Capitals’ collection premiered in the Middle East on 2^nd November 2011, with the opening of an exclusive exhibition at The Dubai Mall as a part of its global tour. The ‘Spirits of Capitals’ exhibition was opened by Michel Raballand, Head of the Bespoke Workshop in Paris and Cyrille Pinon, Dubai Store Manager, and will run until 12^th November 2011.

‘Spirits of Capitals’ captures the essence of 11 of the world’s major cities in a shoe, and has set new benchmarks for innovation and creativity in the world of fine shoemaking. Design teams were assembled in each city and given the task of creating two sets of shoes that best embody their city. The eleven cities include Paris, London Taipei, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Moscow, Beijing, Seoul, Geneva – and Dubai.

“A fine pair of shoes is the equivalent to men of what a classic handbag is to women. The perfect style accessory, which at the same time, becomes a partner for your everyday life. The idea of having a pair of shoes made to measure your feet is one of indulgence, but offers comfort, and tells a story, and it is the idea of personalized hand-crafted quality that strikes a chord with John Lobb customers,” said Michel Raballand.

Spirits of Capitals shoes are available only in bespoke form, a unique and exciting journey that begins with a series of foot measurements and ends with a custom-made pair of shoes six to eight months later. The two sets of sandals representative of Dubai, designed by Cyrille Pinon himself, typify the concept of personalized luxury, with a Middle Eastern flair.

Speaking of the Dubai shoes, Mr. Pinon said, “The 3 key details I had in mind when designing the shoes to best represent Dubai were comfort, practicality, and of course, an emblematic element staying true to the brand. The shoes are comfortable due to the skin chosen, the flexible thick sole and the padded insole, practical because of the 2 buckles adjustable to your instep, and emblematic by the look of the 2 buckles which ensure continuity of our signature style the “William”.”

John Lobb has been making the finest gentlemen’s shoes since 1866, all hand-crafted and highly exclusive – it is this philosophy of individually created shoes that gave rise to the ‘Spirits of Capitals’ concept. The collection highlights John Lobb’s commitment to creating luxury gentleman’s shoes with the highest levels of craftsmanship.

The shoes are available for order in the region’s only John Lobb store – in The Dubai Mall, which also offers ready to wear collections and accessories.

************

For press information, please contact

Schneider PR

Sandra Schneider

Telephone: +971 4 3219033

Mobile: +971 50 5240120

Email: sandra@schneider-pr.net

Severin’s Area Director, Middle East and Africa, Eric Berchtold said that the new look and messaging is being rolled-out worldwide, with the UAE earmarked as one of the first markets to start using the new guidelines.

“The UAE has been selected as a first-stage adopter of the new brand and we have started the implementation across all touch points. The new identity is a part of Severin’s vision to further reinforce its global market position and to grow market share in small home appliances.

“This reflects well on our re-aligned operating philosophy and strategy which is committed to a clearly defined profile that demonstrates the uniqueness of the brand,” Berchtold said.

He believes that the rebrand accurately positions Severin’s product portfolio as belonging to a brand which stands for quality, durability, safety, simplicity and security.

“Consumers are looking for a basket of deliverables when buying electrical appliances for their home and the expectations go way beyond the look of the product and steps into the trust space. They need to be sure that the products are safe, long-lasting and that they will perform as promised.

“For more than 60 years, Severin has been manufacturing an extensive range of value-for-money small domestic appliances that are lifestyle-relevant, indeed many are lifestyle enablers. The new brand marque looks to communicate this at every step.”

He also said that Severin has recently reinforced its regional presence with the opening of its Dubai-based office and confirmed that he is looking to expand distribution channels, as well as a Severin-managed after-sales network throughout the region over the coming year.

Berchtold concluded that the promise of the German brand rides on delivering German quality and performance. He said that working with the right partners is a key ingredient to ensuring that this is achieved at all stages of the customer relationship.

-Ends-

About Severin
For more than 60 years, Germany’s Severin has focussed its energies on the quality design, production and distribution of a comprehensive range of small domestic appliances and personal grooming products – always geared to lifestyle enablement at a sensible investment.

In the Middle East, from its Dubai-based office, Severin introduces a wide range of products to regional markets across breakfast, lunch, dinner, entertaining and grooming, including an extensive range of coffee makers,
www.severin.com

A COMPLETE MAKEOVER FOR SWAROVSKI BOUTIQUES

For ten years our unique retail architecture has remained highly visible through more than 1’700 Swarovski boutiques and concessions in all major fashion capitals around the world. Swarovski pursues its development as a ‘Modern Lux’ unique without being exclusive brand by creating a fresh showcase to highlight its own branded collections of crystal jewellery, fashion accessories, and home decor objects.

As Robert Buchbauer, member of the Swarovski family and member of the Executive Board, comments: ‘Swarovski is committed to presenting the sparkling world of crystal to our consumers in a way that

exceeds their expectations.”

AN EXCLUSIVE RETAIL DESIGN: A ‘Crystal Forest’

Swarovski joined forces with the FAMOUS DESIGNER TOKUJIN YOSHIOKA who gave the creative inspiration for this enchanting retail architecture. The concept embraces a ‘Crystal Forest’ theme, highlighting the infinite possibilities of crystal and illustrates the company’s deep affinity with nature.

Outside the boutique, the concept interprets the ‘Crystal Forest’ using a myriad of stainless steel prisms. This sparkling facade takes on the lights and reflections from the street. The unfolding metal facets intrigue with their infinite depths and rich abundance.

Fascinating windows are designed to create a connection with passers-by. Adding vibrant touches of colour, a seasonal visual conveys a strong fashion message and highlights trends and must-have products. Light and floating window boxes create eye-catching scenes starring Swarovski jewels and decorative objects.

Inside the boutique, surface turns substance as the ‘Crystal Forest’ comes to life – all walls are textured with reflective white relief prisms of various lengths.

These faceted, multi-layered elements create visual depth and exude an internal rhythm that follows the rules and rituals of nature.

The interior instantly embraces consumers with a crystalline feeling they will find in all newly fitted Swarovski boutiques. The atmosphere conveys a refined and poetic universe with recurring signature elements such as an impressive Crystal Swan behind the cash desk and Crystal Strand panels at the entrance.

To complete this elegant interior, an exclusive lacquer developed for Swarovski adds a glowing sparkle to furniture, whereas the mirror finish is in stainless steel. Completing these striking elements, a modern art installation hangs from the ceiling embodying Swarovski’s creativity and sense of innovation.

Lighting is a key feature of the new architecture. The ambient lighting creates a soft atmosphere within the boutique. In a captivating play of light and shade, the gleam from the LED illumination in the showcases hits figurines and jewellery from multiple / limitless angles causing the forest to be bathed in the infinite-light of crystal.

’Crystal Forest’ is a multi-sensory experience which gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the seductive brilliance and infinite depth of crystal. ‘Swarovski boutiques are unique magical places and the new retail architecture will ultimately make the brand a tangible crystal experience focused on pleasing the senses’, concludes Robert Buchbauer.

In its constant quest for innovation, modernity and perfection, the new store design embodies two concepts very dear to Swarovski: Modern Lux and the Poetry of Precision.

Swarovski store openings:

Jeddah Mall – Jeddah 09-07-2011

Panorama mall – Riyadh 02-08-2011

Kingdom mall – Riyadh 29-07-2011

Contacts

Dana Tahir

dana.tahir@eurorscgme.com

+971 4 455 6122

Marie-capucine Akilian

marie.akilian@eurorscgme.com

+971 4 455 6126

“….An idea of surpassing, between sand & asphalt.

A city with a high temperature climate where elite businessmen from the world over come together.

The double buckle signature of John Lobb is back – but with a Middle Eastern difference…”

Dubai, UAE; Renowned British bootmaker John Lobb will premiere its latest ‘Spirits of Capitals’ collection in an exclusive exhibition at the Dubai Mall from 2^nd-12^th November 2011. The bespoke line was created as a celebration of 11 major cities of the world, and captures the essence of each city in a shoe. Spirits of Capitals has made waves in its global tour, setting new benchmarks for innovation and creativity in the world of fine shoemaking.

Spirits of Capitals design teams were assembled in each city and given the task of creating two sets of shoes that best embody their city. The teams consisted of men from various walks of life – John Lobb team members, artists, clients and writers to name but a few, and the result: astounding. There are the Balmoral-style Oxfords reminiscent of Paris, the Derby low boots of London and hand stitched platform moccasins of Taipei. The other inspirational cities include New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Moscow, Beijing, Seoul, Geneva – and of course, Dubai.

The two sets of sandals representative of Dubai make a true Middle Eastern style statement, and epitomize the concept of personalized luxury. Both pairs of sandals are inspired by the classic John Lobb William monk shoe, perhaps one of the most iconic shoes ever created. The double buckle of the Dubai sandals provide an adjustable instep fitting for ideal comfort at all times, and the extra supple insole is sheathed in lambskin. Made from either calfskin or crocodile, the sandals are set to make waves within the local and regional fashion avenues, with the crocodile option the most expensive sandal in the world.

Speaking about Spirits of Capitals in Dubai, Renaud Paul-Dauphin, CEO of John Lobb said, “Bespoke. Is there a more evocative word to those who appreciate beautiful things? A word in which the unique replaces the ordinary. An experience to serve those men who are the masters of their personal style. To celebrate the art of bespoke bootmaking, John Lobb takes you on a journey with Spirits of Capitals. Imagine a pair of John Lobbs that embodies the spirit of your city and John Lobb will craft it. The journey now stops in Dubai to pay tribute to one of the most fascinating cities in the world.”

John Lobb shoes and boots are arguably the best in the world, all made by hand and highly exclusive – it is this philosophy of individually created shoes that gave rise to the Spirits of Capitals concept. The brand has been making the finest shoes and boots for gentlemen since 1866 and is now owned by the Hermès Group. Its rich heritage is reinforced by timeless qualities of craftsmanship, service and style.

Spirits of Capitals shoes are available only in bespoke form, a unique and exciting journey that begins with a series of foot measurements and ends with a custom-made pair of shoes six to eight months later. The collection can be sourced at the John Lobb boutique in the Dubai Mall, with prices starting at AED 27,000.

************

For press information, please contact

Schneider PR

Sandra Schneider

Telephone: +971 4 3219033

Mobile: +971 50 5240120

Email: sandra@schneider-pr.net