Image Nation announces documentary premiere

UAE-based media and entertainment company, Image Nation has announced the world premiere of its upcoming football documentary The Lights in Rome, to be screened at the DOC New York film festival in November 17, 2016. The documentary preserves an important moment in the Emirati history when they qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy as well as interviews from former Emirati football players.

“The Lights of Rome is one of our films that is so close to my heart as it tells the story of my childhood,” says Mohammed Al Mubarak, Chairman, Image Nation Abu Dhabi. “This film is not only another entertaining and informative documentary to add to our slate, it will serve as a historical documentary that finally details the legacy of what those players achieved for the UAE and Middle East football.”

Danielle Perissi, Head of documentary and factual entertainment, Image Nation Abu Dhabi adds “Through our documentary work, the Image Nation team has the opportunity to memorialise important cultural and historical events for the UAE. We hope it will leave a lasting impression for the next generation of Emiratis, as well as the broader community in the UAE and around the world.”

IPRA-GC PR Summit begins next week

International Public Relations Association Gulf Chapter (IPRA-GC) has announced its PR summit set to be held from October 25-27, 2016 at Intercontinental Festival City, Dubai. The summit will bring together the industry’s top journalists and communication executives to focus on this year’s theme, ‘Evolving Media Strategies for Public Relations’, featuring 12 sessions as well as eight workshops ranging from topics such as; The Changing Role of Women in PR and Managing International PR in the Gulf region. The keynote speakers will include Abdallah Jum’ah, former President, CEO of Saudi Aramco, Abdullatif Al Othman, former Governor and Chairman of the Board of Sagia and Bart de Vries, President of IPRA.

Emma Farmer joins Custard Communications

Events agency Custard Communications has appointed Emma Farmer to the role of General Manager. With over ten years of experience in events management, Emma previously worked with Centaur Media, UK as the Events Manager and most recently with Dubai Lynx as the Festival Director. In her new role, she will be joining the agency’s management team to oversee the strategic planning and representation of to meet their clients’ needs across the UAE.

“Strategically, now is the time for us to leverage our reputation and experience in the region to further strengthen our position as an industry leader,” says Nicola Holmes, Co-Founder, Custard Communications. “Emma has a fantastic track record and brings passion, strategic vision and clients’ needs to the heart of everything she does.”

Emma adds “I am very proud to be joining Custard, particularly at such a significant time for the company. I am looking forward to working with the team and driving the company forward.”

VIVA magazine launches new website

VIVA magazine, part of ITP Publishing Group, has launched vivabeauty.me. Providing readers with daily beauty news, the website features industry updates including make-up tips and tricks, behind the scenes sneak peeks, expert tutorials and the latest beauty items of the season.

“The recently launched website is an extension of the much loved VIVA brand and is just another way to offer readers more of what they love in an instant,” says Anita Quade, Editor, VIVA magazine.

Five Minute Focus – Megan Hess

Team TMN chat with Zahirah Variawa, Managing Director of Think Liquorice, to talk about the launch of Megan Hess’s new book, New York: Through A Fashion Eye

Tell us a bit about Megan Hess?

Megan Hess was destined to draw. Her initial career as a graphic designer led to her employment as an Art Director at some of the world’s leading design agencies. In 2008, Megan illustrated Candace Bushnell’s New York Times bestseller; Sex and the City. She has since illustrated portraits for Vanity Fair and Time magazine, as well as created iconic works of art for Cartier of Paris and decorated the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Megan also channels this signature style into her bespoke range of silk scarves and limited edition prints, which are sold around the globe. Her illustrious clients include; Chanel, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Ladurée, Sephora and the Ritz Hotel in Paris. When she’s not working in her studio, Megan is usually hiding in a coffee shop, secretly sketching those around her and looking for that perfectly dressed person.

This is her fourth book following Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion. Megan’s portfolio has been bursting at the seams with bigger and better projects being added every year. Since her last visit, she has launched a collaborative sleepwear and footwear collection and traveled the globe with leading luxury brands and numerous other projects in the pipeline.

Tell us about the concept behind the launch for Megan’s latest book

With New York: Through A Fashion Eye, Megan Hess will take you on a fashion adventure through this iconic city and allow you to discover her favourite places to shop, eat, sleep and play – all through her fashion eye. Megan’s signature style of fashion illustration has made her a favourite with international fashion labels, making her the perfect in-the-know guide for the reader. In her inimitable elegant way, she shines a light on the vast array of fashion-themed restaurants, hotels, parks, famous shops, galleries and sites to visit, as well as her own favourite places. This is an uber stylish travel guide that highlights all the famous spots and will serve as a special keepsake for your trip. For armchair travellers it’s a stunningly, gorgeous and inspiring snapshot of the city. New York: Through A Fashion Eye is full of Megan’s absolutely, beautiful, full-colour bespoke artworks that bring the New York streetscapes to life. This is a must-have insider’s guide to New York for any fashionista.

 What makes this event unique to previous launches you have held for Megan?

Each year we work very hard to try and create a concept that is unique, creative and true to the city with the brands who have partnered with us along the journey so far such as Fairmont The Palm. This year we wanted to celebrate the launch of the New York themed book, but still stay true to our city of Dubai. We’ve come up with something we consider to be the perfect marriage of the two cities – both incredible in their own right. We’re bringing a New York inspired sunset soiree to the Seaview Garden of Fairmont The Palm. Without giving too much away ahead of our VIP event – New York City will come to life in a very Dubai-esque style!

How will you make the Dubai launch stand out from its international counterparts?

Megan’s book tour travels across most of the major fashion capitals in the world and with all of these talented teams behind each event, it is always hard to stand out. What we take advantage of here is the beautiful weather and the outdoor setting we have. Dubai stands out as the only city on the tour that offers guests beautiful, warm weather with a skyline sunset and the luxury of hosting the event as a glamorous high tea.

Can anyone attend the launch?

The launch takes place in two events. The first is an invite-only event taking place in the Seaview Garden and the second is open to all and is a meet and greet that will take place in the Mashrabiya Lounge at 7pm. Both events will take place on Thursday, November 3, 2016

Could you tell us more about what media can expect to see at this event?

Megan Hess, in a small and intimate setting so they will have the opportunity to interact with her in luxury and comfort. A beautiful food and beverage service all uniquely themed to the event by the wonderful team at Fairmont The Palm. A New York inspired setting with a very special (secret) feature that we are very excited about. A Think Liquorice style event – small, intimate and enjoyable with loads of attention to detail.

Will there be opportunities for brand partnerships?

Yes, we are open to partners and sponsors for the event if confirmed fairly soon. Ideally this needs to be brands that fit the level of the Megan Hess brand and add value to the guests and event.

How can PR’s/brands get involved with this event?

Get in touch with Team Think Liqourice. We are always open to ideas and partners on any event and this one is particularly exciting as the brand association is extremely significant. Interested brands can reach out through email to Zahirah@thinkliquorice.com

Abbi Mullan joins Aziza Communications

Luxury lifestyle agency Aziza communications has welcomed Abbi Mullan to the role of Senior PR Executive. Abbi will work across a selection of fashion, beauty and F&B brands, including the Victoria’s Secret account and the upcoming KENZOxH&M launch event.

“The Aziza Communications team is ever expanding as we increase our service offerings, and investing in great talent is part of our growth strategy,” says Loubna Elfakri, Account Director, Aziza Communications. “We are thrilled to welcome Abbi to the team – not only is she a great content creator and communicator, but she has a sharp eye for detail and is bursting with ideas.”

TRACCS completes acquisition in Morocco

TRACCS has completed its acquisition of a stake in Marrakech-based agency L’Allure PR, extending the agency’s operations to Morocco. Established in 2005, L’Allure PR aims to offer a range of strategic communications solution to its clients. The new acquisition will see TRACCS and L’Allure work across clients in Morocco to expand its presence across North Africa.

“The launch of TRACCS Morocco is a natural extension of our wider growth philosophy and by joining forces with L’Allure, we are entering a high potential and high value market that we see as contributing significantly to our long-term strategy,” says Mohamed Al Ayed, President and CEO, TRACCS. “Together, we will work to develop and empower a new generation of homegrown PR practitioners with a deep indigenous understanding of local customs and cultural sensitivities in Morocco.”

Times of Oman wins at World Digital Awards

Times of Oman has been awarded Best Data Visualisation for its creative site at this year’s World Digital Awards in Vienna, Austria. The awards were presented by the World Association of Newspapers (Wan-Ifra) to recognise Times of Oman’s site for its features, which includes; drawings, graphics and videos that details the heritage behind the Omani dress for a digital celebration in honour of the country’s 45th National Day.

“I’m thrilled for the team behind this special project and even more so that a project that honours Oman’s heritage has won recognition at a global level, particularly as we approach National Day this year,” says Scott Armstrong, Chief Executive Editor, Times of Oman. “This came on the back of five awards, two gold, including one for the Omani dress project and three silver in the 2016 Middle East Digital Awards of the World Association of Newspapers.”