Ray-Ban launches new Reverse sunglasses

Ray-Ban claims to have turned the eyewear on its axis with the release of its new Reverse collection. The new Ray-Ban Reverse Collection comprises four unisex sunglass styles: Aviator, Wayfarer, Caravan and Boyfriend, all featuring a new lens that is completely reversed from the traditional convex to concave without sacrificing optical precision. Alternate materials, such as bio-based nylon lenses with 41 per cent carbon content and bio-based acetate frames with 67 per cent carbon content, have been utilised to produce these Reverse sunglasses. The new Ray-Ban Reverse collection will debut on June 15th, with pricing starting from around $180 or AED 660. The eyewear brand further roped in famed supermodel Vittoria Ceretti as the face of the campaign. “Our Ray-Ban Reverse collection is a true revolution in the eyewear industry. The concave aesthetic is enabled by a new proprietary technology which applies big data analysis into the lens design. We always raise the bar by reinventing what eye care and eyewear can do for consumers,” Federico Buffa, R&D Product Style Licensing Director, EssilorLuxottica.

Bugatti to launch its first-ever residential project in Dubai 

Bugatti, a renowned name behind the world’s fastest road-going machines, is now venturing into the residential space as well. The French hypercar has partnered with leading UAE real estate developer Binghatti to offer an oasis of timeless “art de vivre” that reflects the serenity of the French Riviera in the heart of Dubai. Muhammad Binghatti, CEO of Binghatti, said: “When you open the door of a Bugatti and sit inside, you know instantly that it’s very special; something truly incomparable. Only a select few will have the opportunity to experience this, and with Bugatti Residences, we wanted to translate this feeling into a highly exclusive retreat in the Heart of the Metropolis. Every great brand that has made a global impact on the planet – be it through a car, a watch, or any luxury good – begins with a rooted design ethos and a clear philosophy towards a specific lifestyle, we have built the Binghatti brand along similar pillars”. More details on this ultra-exclusive real estate will be announced at the launch of the Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, where the two brands will host an event at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on May 24th, 2023.

Marks and Spencer launches its 2023 Summer Collection

British fashion house Marks and Spencer introduces its Summer 2023 collection in the UAE. The new stock is designed to offer stylish yet versatile summer staples such as classic holiday essentials to seasonal occasion pieces across womenswear, menswear and kidswear. The womenswear will see a curated stock of flowing beach cover-ups, breezy dresses, and chic shorts in bright, popping colours. A palette of ocean blue and warm copper are central to the menswear collection this summer, featuring more relaxed overshirts and timeless denims. 90’s stripes, Hawaiian prints, and bold graphics are key designs to be found in the men’s collection. 

Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and Flash Entertainment combine to launch Ethara entertainment entity

The Middle East gains a new events, entertainment, and venue management powerhouse as Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) and Flash Entertainment (Flash) officially integrate their activities and operations to form Ethara. A completely new entity, Ethara means ‘thrill’ in Arabic. It gets launched in Abu Dhabi to tap into unique opportunities in the live events space whilst maintaining its growth delivery that positioned the Middle East as a leader on the global entertainment stage. Ethara will be led by Saif Al Noaimi, formerly the CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and a Board Member of Flash Entertainment. ADMM and Flash jointly boast a strong resume of delivering over 700 major events to over 16 million fans in the 15 years since their inception. Events such as the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, FIFA Club World Cup, NBA Abu Dhabi Games, UFC, national celebrations and festivals are among its most high-profile jobs carried out. Ethara will welcome the teams from both organisations whilst retaining its impressive portfolio of assets, including Etihad Park, Yas Marina F1 race circuit, Etihad Arena, and its headquarters in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. “Ethara is a people-first event, and entertainment powerhouse that promotes and delivers best-in-class experiences.” said Al Noaimi.

Oakley blends sport and culture with its new BXTR design

Popular eyewear brand Oakley has launched a new 2023 Lifestyle campaign with two products, BXTR and HSTN, headlining the movement. Both eyewear styles are said to be “born from the minds of Oakley designers and friends of the brand”. While the HSTN is an evolution of the original sunglasses first introduced by Oakley in 2021, the BXTR features a shield design and a modernized trigger stem inspired by Oakley’s original Razor Blade sunglasses, blended with the latest style to elevate individuality. The 2023 Oakley lifestyle campaign sees brand ambassadors such as Kylian Mbappé, Damian Lillard, and Alexia Putellas talk about how people come together to illustrate that there’s always “More Than Meets The Eye” via a series of films. And joining the bandwagon are Oakley’s latest athlete recruits – rising American soccer star Trinity Rodman and 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero. One can view the Lifestyle campaign films on Oakley’s Youtube channel or Oakley’s website. 

TPAY partners with Bango and Etisalat to launch Direct Carrier Billing with Google

TPAY, the leading payment provider for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, has partnered with Bango and Etisalat Egypt to launch Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) with Google. This move will benefit over 30 million subscribers by facilitating a more accessible experience for Android users who can now purchase digital content like apps and games via the Google Play Store using their mobile number. As Egypt’s population doesn’t have access to traditional payment methods like Credit and Debit cards, this DCB method with Google will allow Etisalat customers to make purchases charged to their mobile phone balances, eliminating the need for credit or debit cards. Paul Larbey, Bango CEO, said, “This is an important launch for carrier billing, providing phone users in Egypt with an easy payment opportunity in the world’s biggest app store. Our partnership with TPAY brings Bango Payment technology together with TPAY’s operational expertise, enabling developers to monetize their apps more successfully.”

The new Oakley Kato honours legendary road cyclist Mark Cavendish

Famed road cyclist Mark Cavendish boasts a tied record for the most Tour De France stage wins of all time (34) and to celebrate the illustrious 17-year career, popular eye brand Oakley launched the Mark Cavendish Signature Series Kato. The new Kato benefits from design inputs lent by Mark Cavendish himself whilst featuring a white frame with Prizm 24K lenses that symbolises the cyclists’ many victories. A “Cav” etching on the lenses is another design element incorporated by the cyclist that mimics his passion for Greek mythology. This special edition has gold accents and comes in a unique micro bag pouch. Cavendish was one of the first major athletes to wear Oakley Kato, having continued to wear the frame during the 2021 Tour De France