Fashion
Soneva partners with sustainable Indian fashion brand Rahul Mishra

Soneva has announced a partnership with sustainable Indian fashion brand Rahul Mishra.
During the partnership, that will run from January to December, Rahul Mishra will develop a new collection inspired by Rahul’s stay and personal experiences at Soneva Fushi: The Soneva Collection by Rahul Mishra. The new collection will be launched at the Indian Couture Week 2020, in the last week of July.
“One often needs to step away from home to look at it from a different lens. The privilege of travel enables the genesis of fresh perspectives and fuels us to look deeper within ourselves.
On a recent trip to Soneva Fushi, Maldives, as I submerged myself quite literally, into an unfamiliar world, a series of stark realisations dawned upon me. Mesmerised by the million shades of blue, the ever-changing abstract shapes made up of a diaspora of fish, the alienesque underwater foliage and the striking corals, it was a mammoth task to register the beauty unfolding before me — an experience that was equal parts surreal and humbling.
The endless sky and the vast blue of the ocean staring right back at you, lends a clear sense of scale to the conscience. I have explored the notions of a habitat enveloped in memories, the subtleties of nostalgia guiding my past collections. But the current reality of it all is daunting to say the least.
My four-year-old daughter, Aarna, longs for a clear blue sky as pollution levels in New Delhi, the capital of India, are alarmingly high. We are confronted by the very outcomes of our own actions. There is no beauty in what is transpiring around us today, but the vivid imagery of the planet, virginal and untamed, serves a keen sense of optimism and paints a neat portrait of every ounce of life we are losing with each passing second. I recall watching Madagascar, the animated movie for the umpteenth time with my daughter. She is amazed by the plants and the animals that formulate the ecosystem of a massive jungle, and so am I. We travelled to the foothills of the Himalayas and were in the pristine presence of wilderness.
These distinct experiences shaped my approach to clothes this season, as we mark our debut in the haute couture calendar.
Entire ecosystems have been crafted out of delicately hand embroidered flora and fauna. We have pushed to discover new frontiers in our exploration of three-dimensional embroidery that lends a distinct shape shifting essence to the silhouette. With pieces that have taken more than five thousand human hours to make, the collection marks a big leap for us as we establish our codes.
The last seasons have witnessed a growth of 50 per cent in business with a drop of 10 per cent in production numbers. We are reducing the quantity of clothes we produce whilst growing as a business that employs more than a thousand artisans from the Indian craft community. The slowness enables us to incorporate a natural human pace to the process of creation, the biggest luxury of the moment.
A foray into couture is a conscious decision lead by an intention of catering to a demand for our fashion in replacement of having to create the demand. Articulated with the love for all people involved and value for environment at large, great strength is found in the process.”
– Rahul Mishra, on the inspiration for The Soneva Collection.
Rahul made his debut in 2006 at Lakme Fashion Week with a collection using cotton handloom textiles from Kerala. In 2009, he made reversible dresses, using Kerala mundu on one side, with Banarasi fabric woven by traditional craftsmen on the other side.
Since then, he has showcased his work at fashion weeks in London, Dubai and Australia, and is regular on the official calendar of Paris Fashion Week. He is known for incorporating traditional Indian textiles, and handmade artisanship to his work.
In 2013, he won the Indian segment of the International Woolmark Prize, going on to represent India and the Middle East at the 2014 International Woolmark Prize Competition in Milan, which he went on to win.
Rahul’s award-winning capsule range, The Lotus Effect, incorporated hexagon shapes and lotus motifs. The collection used Chanderi fabric woven with Merino wool with woollen embroidery by craftsmen in Kolkata. The collection was influenced by the monochromatic work of Dutch graphic artist Maurits Cornelis Escher.
The award has been previously won by designers Karl Lagerfield, Giorgio Armani and Yves Saint Laurent.
With two flagship stores in India, Rahul’s thriving national and international distribution channel is based on the idea of sustainability, and that fashion is a tool to create participation and empower the craft community.
Rahul’s purpose defines the process. The slow process of hand-weaving and hand embroidery allows them to build sustainable livelihoods for more than 1,000 artisans. They work in close association with the Ministry of Textiles in an attempt to sustain the storied heritage of Indian crafts. They are a design house that works on the philosophy of the three Es — Environment, Employment and Empowerment; looking at luxury from the lens of participation, not just consumption.
In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs the Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.
Stay in one of the 63 private villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms. Each comes with their own stretch of beach, most have their own pools, and are hidden amongst dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef.
As of May, Soneva Fushi will have eight new Water Retreats, bringing the total number of villas to 71. These one- and two-bedroom overwater villas all have their own pool, retractable roofs and water slide into the ocean below.
Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.
Soneva in Aqua is a luxury two-cabin yacht that sets sail from Soneva Fushi, it can be chartered for bespoke diving and snorkelling excursions.
Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, exploring the cosmos at the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, nine different restaurants both on the island itself and at Out of the Blue, the two-storey overwater structure, and countless destination dining options. Explore the treasure trove that is the children’s Den, that comes with a Lego room, dress up room, two pools, a water slide and more. There is a multi-purpose facility that encompasses the Maldives’ only hot glass studio, the glass gallery, and boutique where guests can learn the art of glassblowing.
If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.
Fashion
Patina Maldives debuts sustainable capsule collection in collaboration with contemporary menswear designer Chris Stamp

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands has unveiled its much-anticipated debut clothing collaboration, Patina x Stampd – an exclusive limited-edition capsule collection created by LA-based menswear label founder, Chris Stamp. Ignited by Chris’ first visit to Patina Maldives in November 2022, the collaboration comprises of 11 ocean-friendly pieces featuring exclusive graphics and prints created from photography from his trip, captured via his iPhone.
Available for purchase exclusively via Patina Maldives’ STAMPD Collection popup from 26 October 2023, the Patina x Stampd collection of ocean-inspired streetwear includes the Patina Palm Camp Collar Buttondown shirt (USD256); Patina Palm and Patina Deep Sea trunks (USD198); Patina Deep Sea Puffer Tote in silver or grey (USD198); Patina Ripstop trunk (USD187); three styles of tee shirts (from USD106); and Patina Structured Trucker caps in silver or black (USD118).
Patina x Stampd will be officially launched during Cosmopolitan Ocean, the second instalment of Patina Maldives’ signature Pathways series of events that seek to stimulate and nurture lasting personal transformations, habitualise new lifestyle practices and imbue guests’ lives with greater depth and intention. For further information and updates on Cosmopolitan Ocean, visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari- islands/cosmopolitan-ocean.
The collaboration will then be available November 4th at 9am PST online at www.stampd.com and at 11am PST in store at Stampd La Brea (130 S. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036).Founded in 2013 by Chris Stamp, Stampd provides a curation of quality designs inspired by a passion for the arts, travel and the outdoors, celebrating both urban and outdoor active lifestyles.
Reflecting a shared oceans-first philosophy, all items in the Patina x Stampd collection are made from ethically sourced cotton, recycled poly fabrics or – in the case of the Patina Palm Camp Collar Buttondown shirt a sustainably produced TENCEL™ fibre.
“The way in which Patina brings art and hospitality together is the future of resort living. I’m excited to continue their story, alongside mine, to further create an on-island experience like no other, for the modern traveller,” Chris Stamp, founder of Stampd, said.
Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands during Cosmopolitan Ocean start from USD2,300++ per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa on a half board (breakfast and dinner) basis, including all-access to the Cosmopolitan Ocean programme, nightly cocktails and return airport boat transfers for stays of four consecutive nights or more, plus complimentary Guest Benefits. Price excludes tax and service.
To book visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands, email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com or tel. +960 4000 555.
Fashion
St. Regis Maldives launches skincare promotion

The ultra-exclusive St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is celebrating sun, sea, sand, and skincare this month, with a special promotion at the on-site Iridium Spa.
A range of treatments will cleanse and rejuvenate the skin, allowing it to glow throughout the vacation and beyond, a hotel statement said.
Customers may choose from an array of renewing and refreshing treatments, delivered by expert therapists at Iridium Spa, supporting skin and body care regimes this summer.
Treatments range from 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes, ensuring everything from a quick fix to deep, nurturing recovery from the stresses of life and the environment. Highlights include the after-sun Swedish massage with Maldivian coconut oil, and the two-hour after-sun ritual including body exfoliation, body wrap – and a scalp massage using cooling aloe vera, cucumber and peppermint.
The offer is available until May 31, 2022. Prices are subject to 23.2% service charge and Maldives government tax, the statement added.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which opened in November 2016, is nestled on a private island in a secluded Maldivian atoll, amidst thriving marine life. Just 40 minutes from Male by seaplane, guests are transported into a newfound paradise in the Dhaalu Atoll.
Fashion
From Maldives to Dubai: One&Only Heritage Collection by Jay Ahr celebrates art of travel

One&Only Resorts is celebrating the art of travel by launching the exclusive, One&Only Heritage Collection by Jay Ahr, a limited edition of custom-designed vintage Louis Vuitton Keepalls.
Drawing on the natural beauty and rich culture of each location of One&Only, every bespoke bag is a blend of timeless travel and distinctive craftmanship, reflecting the One&Only ethos of exceptional beauty and unique charm.
Sourced from the 10 global resort destinations, including the Maldives, each treasured bag has been hand-picked and transformed with the highest quality embroidery that Jay Ahr is renowned for.
The bespoke designs are inspired by the local heritage, celebrating each destination. Every authentic Louis Vuitton Keepall is traced to its provenance, and informs a design that continues to tell a story.
Only two bags have been designed for each resort, each completely distinct in design, and are exclusively available for purchase from One&Only.
“Fashion is an intrinsic part of our guests’ lives,” Philippe Zuber, Chief Operating Officer at parent company Kerzner International, said.
“Collaborating with the incredibly creative artist Jonathan Riss for Jay Ahr allows us to create something truly bespoke for our guests that inspires dreams of travel, trips of discovery and a deep connection with the destination. These bags are timeless, and all have a story to tell.”
With a consistent yet evolving appreciation for fashion, One&Only has partnered with several high calibre designers over the years — from Alice Temperley and Christian Louboutin to Missoni and Knowlita — to create exclusive items for the resorts’ discerning guests.
“With The Heritage Collection, One&Only is the perfect partner as truly each bag I produce is the one and only bag,” Founder and Artist Jonathan Riss said.
“I love to discover different cultures and destinations and each One&Only resort is a true celebration of that. Transforming these vintage bags adds to the storied life span with something different, new and compellingly modern.”
Born in Paris and growing up in Brussels, Jonathan Riss spent time immersed in the work of modern and contemporary artists. Captivated by travel at a young age, he left Belgium after school for Ukraine where he developed his skills, designing fabrics and embroidery.
He eventually started his own embroidery atelier in Mumbai, but longing to launch his own brand, he returned to Paris to introduce JAY AHR.
Founded in 2005, JAY AHR (the name is a phonetic spelling of Riss’ initials) is a collection of bold pieces comprised of innovative fabrics and embroidery, celebrating his passion for travel, design, art and culture
Every country where there is a One&Only resort, has either a bag showcasing the national flag or the representative passport of that country. A second bag is available for each resort with a design that epitomises the inspiring location that was hand-picked for the resort, in celebration of the destination.
Each resort, just as each bag, reflects the One&Only independent spirit, showcasing a passion for life and for travel.
For instance, Jay Ahr’s design for One&Only Reethi Rah in Maldives was inspired by crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean tourist paradise and the marine life that lives within. Swirling around coral reefs, aquatic patters and reflections give depth and texture to this abstract design.

The custom redesign of these legendary bags breathes new life into every piece, meaning each one is a rare find as each has a distinct past as well as new signature and identity.
Made from Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram canvas that only gets better with age, the original craftsmanship is unrivalled and the One&Only Heritage Collection of repurposed investment pieces builds on this history, transforming the legacy into a sustainable and timeless icon.
Just like any good story, these collectors’ items are passed from one owner to another — a treasure never to be disposed of, but loved from one generation to the next.
In addition to this very exclusive collection, Jay Ahr will be designing a capsule of luggage tag, travel pouch and travel tote bespoke for each resort. Reflecting the authentic design and celebration of each destination, each item will act as a nod to memories experienced at each One&Only resort around the world.
Perfect for collectors, a badge of honour to be cherished. Each of these items are sold exclusively at each One&Only around the world.
Created exclusively for the ultra-luxury market, One&Only is conceived as a hallmark of excellence.
Set in some of the most beautiful locales in the world, each award-winning resort offers guests a distinctive style and personality borne of its local culture, a genuine hospitality and a lively energy that is unrivalled.
The exclusive collection includes One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.
Set on one of the largest islands in North Male Atoll, the all-villa ultra-luxury One&Only Reethi Rah resort offers an unparalleled array of luxurious options to create an unforgettable holiday.
Sleek and spectacular, with unprecedented privacy, One&Only Reethi Rah inspires extraordinary journeys for the soul. From extensive outdoor adventure options, including snorkelling and diving in the exotic underwater world, to the mesmerising One&Only Spa, guests are spoilt for choice.
The resort offers 122 thatch-roofed villas and a wide range of culinary experiences, including the Botanica restaurant, which offers the ultimate in organic garden-to-fork cuisine, and Rabarbaro, which offers genuine Italian fare, as well as a superfoods breakfast menu.
Guests at One&Only Reethi Rah can enjoy an array of spa experiences, including private sunrise yoga classes on a secluded sandbank, a ‘Twilight Spa Rendezvous’ massage experience under the stars, ‘foot rehab’ – a concept created by the resident yoga instructor and the Bastien Gonzalez therapist which combines yoga and foot massage, Barber+Blade – a men’s grooming and shaving studio and a Spa Courtyard featuring a vitality pool, outdoor sauna and steam room.
To purchase one of the limited-edition bags, contact neoboutique@oneandonlyresorts.com.
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