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W Hotels Worldwide Appoints Jenné Lombardo As New Global Fashion Director
Maldives Promotion House – W Hotels Worldwide has announced the appointment of Jenné Lombardo, entrepreneur and style maven, as its new Global Fashion Director. For more than 12 years, W Hotels has had a continuous commitment to fashion, and in 2010 appointed the first-ever Global Fashion Director for a hospitality brand – Amanda Ross. As the W brand continues to expand its international footprint and opens in fashion capitals around the world, Lombardo, a global trendsetter with a knack for identifying what’s new and next in fashion, will be instrumental in developing strategic initiatives and partnerships that showcase W’s innovative point of view on fashion.
“W Hotels has established itself as a brand that is constantly searching for ‘what’s new and next’ across music, design, and fashion,” Global Brand Leader of W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien, Eva Ziegler said. “Jenné Lombardo’s international outlook and connection to emerging talent makes her a perfect fit as both the W brand and the role of Fashion Director continues to grow.”
Jenné Lombardo’s intuitive approach to bringing like-minded brands together led her to the creation of M.A.C. & Milk, connecting the renowned beauty brand with a raw space to create a unique platform for emerging designers during New York Fashion Week. M.A.C. & Milk now serves as one of the premiere Fashion Week programs, providing space and other services to more than 40 designers per season.
Several high-profile designers have been showcased at these events, including Alexander Wang, Band of Outsiders, Lulu Frost, Matthew Ames, Proenza Schouler, Suno, and Vena Cava. Prior to working with M.A.C & Milk, Lombardo served as the Executive Director of Global Fashion, Talent, and Special Events at M.A.C., where she launched projects with celebrities and artists, including the Viva Glam campaign with Lady Gaga, on a global level.
“Throughout my career I have always looked at the unique ways in which artists, designers, and other innovators can work together,” Lombardo said. “With W Hotels, the possibilities are infinite. I am extremely excited and honored to be working with such a dynamic and global brand.”
In late 2010, Lombardo launched The Terminal Presents, a New York-based consultancy focusing on giving brands unparalleled access to unique talent across fashion, music, the arts, and pop culture. The company’s aim is to identify opportunities in the marketplace to allow brands to create, innovate, collaborate, and articulate an original customized vision. Past events have included after-parties for Alexander Wang and Gwen Stefani, a Gareth Pugh screening and dinner, and performances by Patti Smith, The National, Iggy Pop, Crystal Castles, MIA, and Santigold.
In anticipation of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, Lombardo has begun to identify the next group of designers for this season’s W Hotels Fashion Next program, which is an industry-first initiative that fosters and supports emerging designers. In her new role, Lombardo will seek to firmly establish the Fashion Next program on a global level.
The selected Fashion Next designers will make their debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in September, where they will show their collections at the Box space in Lincoln Center. She is also collaborating with fashion trendsetters in London and Moscow to indentify new and next designers to showcase their latest collections during those cities’ Fashion Weeks. Lombardo and the designers will then travel to fashion-forward cities around the globe as W Hotels provides a platform for support and brings its point of view on fashion to an international audience.
In early 2010, W Hotels first introduced the role of Global Fashion Director to the hospitality industry with the appointment of Amanda Ross, international stylist and fashion authority. During her time as Global Fashion Director, Ross steered W Hotels from backstage to “center stage” at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, as the W VIP Backstage Lounge evolved into a full fashion presentation, showcasing the W Hotels Global Glam collection, a seasonal line inspired by the unique personalities of W Hotels and Retreats. Ross also identified emerging designers to support through the W Hotels Fashion Next program and served as the W spokesperson at international fashion weeks in cities such as New York, Bangkok, and Mexico City.
Throughout its 12 years, W Hotels has been engaged with the world of fashion, from its Backstage VIP Lounge at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to its various collaborations with fashion fixtures, including Simon Doonan, Michael Kors, and Diane von Furstenberg. W has also redefined traditional hotel retailing with the creation of W Hotels The Store, trendsetting boutique stores that sell designer apparel such as the aforementioned Global Glam collection as well as jewelry, accessories, home and design items in W Hotels around the world, online, and through the W Hotels iPhone application.
Beyond the brand initiatives, W Hotels around the globe have also been engaged in fashion over the past years, whether from the W Lounge at ELLE Fashion Week in Bangkok to the launch of the exclusive James Small-designed Insider belt for W London – Leicester Square, to Fashion Next designer trunk shows in Atlanta, Chicago and New York and the debut of Global Glam from Mexico City, Miami, Barcelona, and Los Angeles, among other destinations. The role of W Hotels in the fashion industry will only continue to grow as the brand expands worldwide, with a presence at fashion weeks across the globe, from New York to London, Paris, Milan, Moscow, and beyond.
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Celebrating 25th anniversary of Rannamaari Shipwreck at Dhawa Ihuru Maldives
Dhawa Ihuru celebrated the 25th anniversary of the iconic Rannamaari shipwreck, a key feature of their renowned house reef and a symbol of marine conservation this October. Since its sink in 1999, the Rannamaari has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life and offering unforgettable diving experiences for enthusiasts from around the world.
Dhawa Ihuru’s house reef, considered one of the best in the Maldives, is home to a vibrant haven of Maldivian marine life and is easily accessible from the shore. The Rannamaari wreck is a key attraction, offering divers a unique opportunity to explore the wreck’s colourful coral growth and the diverse species that inhabit it. The reef is also central to Dhawa Ihuru’s marine conservation initiatives, serving as a living example of how artificial reefs can support marine biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
A 25-Year Celebration Week Marathon
From 4th to 6th October, Dhawa Ihuru invited guests to join event marathon for Sunken Stories – 25 Years Beneath The Waves, a weekend of celebration, exploration, and education in honour of this milestone. Guests had the opportunity to participate in a variety of exciting activities, designed for both divers and non-divers, blending marine conservation with Maldivian exotic culture and history:
- Exclusive Shipwreck Dives: Explore the wonders of the Rannamaari wreck through day and night dives, showcasing the vibrant marine life and coral formations.
- Freediving to Shipwreck: Challenge yourself with a freediving experience to explore the depths of the Rannamaari wreck.
- Shipwreck Treasure Hunt Dive: Join an exhilarating underwater treasure hunt around the historic wreck.
- Underwater Photography Contest: Capture the beauty of the wreck and compete in our photography contest for a chance to win exciting prizes.
For those seeking cultural and creative activities, the event offered a blend of art, mindfulness and local tradition experiences:
- Stone Carving Workshop: Learn the traditional craft of stone carving in a hands-on workshop led by a local artist.
- Morning Yoga Sessions: Start your day with a revitalising morning yoga session, surrounded by the tranquillity of Dhawa Ihuru.
- Marine Conservation Talk: Discover Dhawa Ihuru’s marine conservation efforts and find out how you can contribute to protecting the ocean.
- Rannamaari Folklore Performance: Enjoy live performances of Maldivian folklore, bringing the history of the Rannamaari to life.
A Commitment to Marine Conservation
The Rannamaari shipwreck is at the heart of Dhawa Ihuru’s dedication to marine conservation. Over the past 25 years, the wreck has developed into a vibrant underwater ecosystem, supporting coral growth and a variety of marine species including batfish, moray eels, and groupers. It is a testament to the effectiveness of artificial reefs in fostering marine biodiversity and regenerating reef ecosystems.
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Join exclusive LUX Tennis Star Clinic with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at Patina Maldives
Tennis enthusiasts are in for a treat this November as Patina Maldives hosts the prestigious LUX Tennis Star Event, featuring the dynamic Spanish tennis sensation, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Currently ranked World No. 32, Davidovich Fokina is celebrated for his aggressive play, powerful forehand, and competitive spirit. Formerly ranked World No. 21 and the 2017 Wimbledon boys’ singles champion, he brings much experience and excitement to the court.
This event promises to be a remarkable experience for tennis fans of all ages, providing an unparalleled opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s rising stars.
This is a great opportunity to witness Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s mastery on the court and gain valuable insights to elevate your own game.
The event will run from November 11th to 18th, 2024, offering a unique opportunity for guests to engage with Davidovich Fokina through a series of exclusive activities designed to enhance their tennis skills and provide unforgettable experiences.
Event Highlights:
- Meet and Greet Sessions: Get up close and personal with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on November 11th and 14th.
- Adult Clinics: Participate in group sessions on November 12th, 15th, 16th, and 17th.
- Private Lessons: Enjoy personalised coaching on November 13th and 16th.
- Kids Clinic: Young tennis enthusiasts can join a group session on November 14th.
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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa welcomes Elena Vesnina for weekend of tennis and luxury
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has announced the upcoming arrival of tennis professional Elena Vesnina, who will host a series of exclusive tennis clinics and activities from December 11th to 14th, 2024. The resort was recently recognised with the TTM Editor’s Choice Best Resort for Sports & Fitness award.
Elena Vesnina, a prominent Russian tennis player, is celebrated for her exceptional skill and achievements in both singles and doubles. Over her career, she has won three WTA singles titles, including a notable victory at the prestigious Indian Wells tournament in 2017. In doubles, Vesnina has claimed an impressive 19 WTA titles, including Grand Slam victories at the French Open in 2013, the US Open in 2014, and Wimbledon in 2017, all alongside her partner Ekaterina Makarova. Additionally, she earned a gold medal in women’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and won the mixed doubles at the Australian Open that same year. Her versatility and skill have positioned her as a formidable competitor in women’s tennis, achieving a career-high doubles ranking of No. 1 and a peak singles ranking of No. 13.
Vesnina’s visit will offer guests a unique opportunity to enhance their tennis skills against the stunning backdrop of Maldivian scenery. During her stay, she will provide her social media followers with real-time insights into the luxurious experiences offered by Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
Guests staying at the resort between December 11th and 14th, 2024, will have the chance to participate in complimentary daily group tennis clinics, suitable for all skill levels. Each one-hour clinic will be conducted alongside the resort’s resident tennis coach and will offer personalised guidance for up to four participants per session. Vesnina will host four one-hour group clinics for adults over four days, and another four one-hour group clinics for children (ages 8 and above) over the same period.
Private classes will also be available upon request, subject to coach availability, with a fee applied to these sessions.
This exclusive event provides guests with a unique opportunity to learn from a tennis champion while highlighting Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts and luxury travellers alike.
Located in the north of the Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a top choice for active travellers, offering a wide range of activities both on land and over water. The resort boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including two tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, indoor badminton, football, basketball, golfing, beach volleyball, Padel, and a dedicated yoga space. With ample jogging and biking paths, guests can stay active in a breathtaking tropical environment.
The resort also provides mindfulness meditation, yoga, and a wellness-oriented slow-life balance for those seeking relaxation. Water enthusiasts can enjoy jet-skiing, windsurfing, a floating aqua park, and paddleboarding, as well as guided snorkeling and diving excursions that reveal the vibrant marine life of the Maldives. Here, sports and relaxation come together seamlessly, making it an ideal choice for active luxury travellers.
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