Her Saudi upbringing merges with her Pakistani heritage, rich with poetry, romance and ghazals, to inform her diverse approach to music. Deep, broody and soulful, Aftab’s vocals evoke love and longing. She sings in Urdu and English, with powerful instrumentals complementing her reflective and romantic lyrics. Different genres of music are increasingly coming together in thoughtful and soul-stirring collaborations, and combining these influences is intrinsic to Aftab’s work.

“From the beginning, there’s always been a crossover movement, and I think these overlaps are beautiful,” she says. “There’s this idea that we’re separate and segregated, but in reality, the earth is so old and everything comes from one indigenous root – there are so many connections.”

Cross-cultural statements are further exemplified in Aftab’s performance attire, where creative designs, black metallics and moody-meets-mysterious aesthetics reign supreme. “It has to have a strong silhouette – I have to look really confident, like I’m here from another planet to take you back with me,” she explains, naming Nour Hammour, Qasimi, Zeid Hijazi, Sylwia Nazzal and Mrs Keepa as brands that inspire her.

Photo: Arooj Aftab in Nol Collective

Aftab once wore a custom suit by Palestinian label Nol Collective in London, and also loves wearing the brand’s pink blazer embroidered with a poem by Palestinian children. “I love that piece and will cherish it forever,” she says. “Garments communicate meaning and significance – especially when you wear stuff where the origins are coming from painfulness, resistance or resilience, and it stands for something. The clothing, the culture, the heritage, all of it – this is our history. These are our stories, and this is how we preserve them.”

Arooj Aftab performs at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome on April 14.

In the current sneaker trends, there are several notable standouts—such as the Puma Speedcat or, of course, the Adidas Samba and Gazelle. But all stylists, journalists and fashion experts have actually been opting for a particular classic sneaker for several seasons now. These sneakers never seem to go out of style and, far from being an ephemeral trend, constitute timeless footwear. They’re none other than the New Balance sneakers.

The ‘dad shoes’ type models are the favourites of those who know most about fashion, and the sneakers stand out for their infinite versatility: they go perfectly with dresses and skirts as well as with jeans or tailored pants, adapting to different scenarios and situations.

The good news? Amazon’s Spring Deals are here, and New Balance sneakers are available at an irresistible discount. Straight to your shopping cart in 3, 2, 1…

Article originally published on Vogue Spain

Luxury brands have always had a penchant for expansion—stretching beyond their core industries into hotels, restaurants, and even yachts. But now, they’re diving headfirst into a new frontier: Dubai’s most exclusive pools, beach clubs, and terraces. It’s no longer enough for brands to simply provide products to their clientele for a holiday; they want to be a part of the experience, now transforming some of Dubai’s most coveted pools, beach clubs, and terraces into branded playgrounds. After seeing success with their takeovers last year, they’re continuing them this year in Dubai.

Dubai, ever the testing ground for over-the-top indulgence, saw a string of high-end hospitality collaborations last year, setting the precedent for a new era of designer-drenched leisure spaces. Gucci’s takeover of Twiggy by La Cantine turned the waterfront spot into a maximalist fever dream, while Louis Vuitton’s residency at Jumeirah Beach Hotel introduced monogrammed sun loungers and branded cocktails. Now, the trend is spilling over into 2025, with the world’s most elite destinations becoming branded extensions of luxury houses. Here’s where to see and be seen this year.

Missoni at Drift Beach Dubai

This style statement is made by the smart woman. The silver bag: perceived with suspicion by most, because it is an accessory that commands attention and is difficult to pair and match with other pieces. Beyond black and brown, silver leather has the ability to adapt to any look and style, becoming the ‘wild card’ element of any outfit.

The silver bag is a fashion item that manages to combine elegance and modernity, making any look more sophisticated and brighter. Perfect for special occasions, but also for casual outfits, this bag is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. Its neutral and refined hue allows for it to be easily combined with a variety of colours and materials, making it versatile and always fashionable.

From revisited icons to evening handbags, silver is à la mode

The silver handbag is also present on the spring summer 2025 catwalks, from revisited classic models to more creative ones suitable as a fancy evening accessory: ranging from Chanel and Louis Vuitton icons crafted with with silver beads and mirrored leather skin, but also precious pouches and delightful clutches by Simkhai and Giorgio Armani.

How to match the silver bag according to street style

Brightening any spring summer 2025 looks, the glimmering touch it offers stands out against total black, gray but also midnight blue or forest green. With jeans, it creates a casual-chic look—very Parisian—while when paired with a light silk voile, the silver bag lends itself to be the perfect accessory for a wedding, be it as a wedding guest, a bridesmaid, or even the bride who wants then to recycle the accessory once the celebrations conclude.

Of course, there are shades that enhance silver leather even more: in addition to the ever loved white, which is perfect especially during the summer, we recommend you combine this bag with light blue, a fresh shade that smells of spring and naturally brings with it silver reflections. A colour combo that also enhances…

If you’ve been through the cosmic ringer lately, here’s something I want you to remember: things are happening *for* you. You are in the midst of spiritual awakening — and you’re liberating yourself from the old story. For now, get out of the void and back into the world. Reach out to your community, connect with kindred spirits and make a conscious effort to invite more lightness and brightness into your life. Remember, you are not alone and you don’t have to do this alone.

That said, you may also find yourself gazing into the rearview mirror considering we’re still in retrograde season. If this is true in your case, forgive yourself for your past mistakes. Bring the gift of self-compassion to the table. Think of it as the act of offering yourself the same kindness, understanding, and support that you’d offer a close friend who’s fighting a personal battle at the moment. Wise words by poet Dilruba Ahmed to contemplate as you sip on your tea, “…forgive yourself first so you could then forgive others and at last find a way to become the love you want in this world.”

So, what does the week ahead have in store for the rest of the signs? Let’s find out! Remember, these are guidance-based horoscopes that can be read according to your Sun, Moon or Rising Signs (Tropical or Sidereal). Take what resonates and let go of the rest!

Aries

Aries, if you’ve been in the echo chamber of your thoughts lately, it’s time to get out and get some sun. Your lesson this week is to change your perspective. Begin to see yourself as an empowered being of light rather than a victim. Just a reminder: you have the power to transmute your wounds into wisdom. Now, let’s talk about finances—because that’s something you’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Be mindful of your spending habits. Pay attention to how and where you are being called to curb your expenses. Learning to make practical decisions when it comes to money matters will change the game for you…

For Olivia da Costa, founder of Olfactive O, white florals are a staple for a reason. “They have eternally captivating qualities,” making them multi-faceted, rich and decadent. “Musky, skin-like scents are also unique in their own right. They settle into our skin and make us smell like ourselves, but better,” she shares.

The most addictive notes worth considering

“I find that textured, contrasting notes are consistently the most addictive. Saffron, for instance, is fascinating for its duality. Luminous yet smoky, soft yet powerful,” suggests Thibaud.

When creating Maison Crivelli perfumes, Thibaud loves “adding a trio of vanilla, leather and musks. This combination offers depth, comfort and roundness, making it a beautiful drydown for both men and women.”

According to Caterina, “creamy vanilla, soft musks and salty ambers linger in a way that is hard to forget. We’re naturally drawn to scents that link back to our human nature: like smoke, skin, or often something edible such as a tasty gourmand.”

Olivia also shares that, when done right, “delicious gourmand notes such as vanilla and tonka bean” can create an alluring blend, particularly when incorporated with unique notes like “dark chocolate, malted milk, fig, rum and honey.”

Signature-scent-worthy perfumes to consider

Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly

If I were to share the one perfume that encapsulates my whole personality in a bottle, it would, without a doubt, have to be Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly. It’s unapologetically feminine, comforting and elegant with a touch of playfulness, thanks to a clever blend of Turkish rose, vanilla, a sprinkle of fruity notes of pear and lychee, all wrapped up in a blanket of musk.

Oud Maracuja by Maison Crivelli

I like to call it an oud for those who are intimidated by traditional oud fragrances. Thanks to its unique blend with a juicy and refreshing passionfruit, this scent earns me a steady stream of compliments wherever I go. It’s…

This season’s catwalks were full of long dress variations: the return of the 1990s signature cowl-neck long dress, the arrival of a sportswear silhouette with a polo neck, and the stainless steel bohemian model sublimated in sheer lace.

The long cowl-neck dress: The most retro of all

An icon of the 1990s, the cowl-neck dress, inspired by the drapery of ancient Greece and featuring a more or less plunging, flowing neckline, is making a comeback this season. Popularised by the likes of Kate Moss, Sofia Coppola and Gwyneth Paltrow this silhouette was seen on the catwalks of the Atlein and Acne Studios shows.

Photo: Vogue Runway, Atlein spring-summer 2025

The bohemian maxi dress: the sunniest of all

This will undoubtedly be the star trend of Spring-Summer 2025, thanks to Chemena Kamali for Chloé, who made a strong impression by reviving the phenomenon on the catwalk for her first shows for the house. Sharon Tate ‘s lace dresses and paisley headbands are our inspiration for a summer of freedom.

Photo: Vogue Runway, Chloé spring-summer 2025

The immaculate long dress: The most versatile of all

It’s out with the black dress. This summer, the immaculate version is gaining ground as a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe. With this in mind, fashion houses and designers have decided to revisit it from every angle for spring-summer 2025: sheer, with silky details, in bohemian inflections to match the boho-chic trend, or with baby doll accents like Jacquemus.

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok recently, you’ve likely noticed that vibration plates are quite literally shaking up your feed. Loved by fitness and wellness influencers alongside celebrities like Serena Williams and Elle Macpherson and a staple in Paris Hilton’s Sliving Spa, these devices are being hailed for their ability to enhance muscle tone, increase bone density, and aid in lymphatic drainage. So, with all this buzz, is there actual science behind the hype?

The concept of vibration for health benefits dates back to the 1960s when the Soviet space program used it to help astronauts combat the effects of zero gravity on muscle and bone density. Initially gaining traction in the fitness scene during the 1980s as a novel tool for improving physical performance and recovery, vibration technology became more widely accessible to the general public in the late 1990s. Since then, it has evolved from a niche medical treatment to a widely popular fitness tool in gyms and homes.

Today’s vibration plates are sophisticated devices designed to offer a range of health benefits. These devices cause the body to make rapid, involuntary muscle contractions, mimicking the effects of conventional exercise but in a more intensified way. “The vibrations activate a tonic vibration reflex, which causes muscles to contract reflexively,” explains Conall Hoey, a sports physiotherapist at Avida Longevity in Dubai. This activation not only engages fast-twitch muscle fibers but also enhances overall muscle performance. “Mechanical stress from vibrations stimulates osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells, which improves bone density,” adds Hoey.

Despite their benefits, Hoey advises caution, particularly regarding claims about lymphatic drainage. “While vibration may help promote mild fluid movement, it’s not a substitute for manual lymphatic drainage techniques,” he notes. He also identifies key groups who might benefit most from vibration plates, including those with osteoporosis,…

Is drinking coffee on an empty stomach bad for you?

Drinking coffee in the morning at breakfast is one of the most popular and beloved rituals in the world. For some it represents the time of day when we are happiest, when we wake up early in the morning and drink coffee alone in silence. For others it is a ritual of conviviality, to be shared with colleagues before starting work. Although many have tried replacing coffee with green tea, the cup of arabica still remains the most coveted source of morning energy. There is, however, one thing you should never do when drinking coffee as soon as you wake up: drink it on an empty stomach. Drinking coffee without having eaten something first can, in fact, have several side effects and contraindications that many people ignore.

What happens if I take coffee on an empty stomach?

1 – Acidity and poor digestion

One of the first issues that arise when drinking coffee on an empty stomach is increased gastric acidity. Coffee stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which, if not balanced by some food, can irritate the gastric mucous membranes. This can lead to burning sensation, gastroesophageal reflux and gastritis, especially in those who are already predisposed to stomach problems. Acid can erode the gastric mucosa more easily when it is not protected by food, increasing the risk of inflammation.

In addition to acid production, caffeine also stimulates intestinal motility. When taken on an empty stomach, this action can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, and bowel problems, especially in those with a sensitive gut or suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can accelerate intestinal transit, causing discomfort and digestive upset.

2 – Cortisol spike and coffee stress

Another aspect to consider concerns our hormonal system. Coffee, thanks to caffeine, stimulates the production of cortisol, known as the stress hormone. Normally, cortisol levels are highest in the…