Shock

Damien Hirst's scarf for Alexander McQueen is something to treasure. Fujifilm's

Damien Hirst's scarf for Alexander McQueen displays his fascination with death and butterflies. Courtesy Alexander McQueen
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The National staff

Hang it on a wall or around your neck? It’s an enviable dilemma to have, if you’re lucky enough to acquire one of these limited-edition scarves, a match made in style heaven between the artist Damien Hirst and the fashion house of Alexander McQueen.

The 30 one-off designs, created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of McQueen’s ubiquitous skull scarf, marry Hirst’s own affinity for skulls with butterflies and beetles from his Entomology series, in vibrantly coloured kaleidoscopic patterns.

In the Middle East, there are only one or two copies of each design available exclusively at Alexander McQueen in The Dubai Mall and The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, in silk or the softest cashmere, from Dh1,950 to Dh4,400. Truly a treasure.

* Mo Gannon

Fujifilm Instax 210

Karl Lagerfeld once said: “What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” Years ago, my father owned a Fujifilm camera that spit out instant photos. It was heavy and complicated to use. Today, his daughter is the proud owner of a Fujifilm Instax 210 camera. The only difference is that mine is the modern-day version of a Polaroid camera.

When I first got it, I was extremely excited to try out my first shot. The first few pictures did not turn out well, then I got the hang of it. I used the Instax for my brother’s recent wedding; the camera sure drew attention.

My family members were running after me to take a picture until I ran out of film. Some of them thought the camera was expensive, but unlike a lot of modern Polaroid cameras and film, Instax is affordable. It costs Dh299 and each film package costs Dh75 and has 10 exposures.

* Asmaa Al Hameli

Travel trio

There’s nothing more frustrating than having your pricey lotions and potions confiscated by airport security staff for breaking hand-luggage regulations.

So, as I hopped on a regional low-cost carrier to Sudan a few weeks back, I road-tested a chic set of mini-toiletries that I discovered at Harvey Nichols for Dh1,325.

Chanel has rolled out a combo of a day, night and weekend cremes, with all three bottles just 50ml in size.

Le Jour creme is best described as a jasmine-infused gel which left my skin smooth and plump while La Nuit – my favourite – has a very Middle Eastern charm with its heady frankincense extract.

Le Weekend, which has so far lasted the longest, is all about serious rehydration and while I initially felt a slight tingling sensation upon application, the rose-water moisturiser proved a winner.

For frequent flyers or business travellers, this robust three-in-one set will leave you with a bit more space in your washbag to stock up on more Duty Free cosmetics.

* Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane

Moroccan bath

I know that in some North African countries, getting a Moroccan bath is as common as doing a weekly load of laundry, but for those of us not from the region it is a totally alien concept. For me, it wasn’t until I moved to the UAE that I even heard about one – let alone try one – but now, I have to say, I’m hooked.

Having your body scrubbed clean in a steam-filled room is both physically and mentally purifying. Afterwards, having your hair washed and wrapped in a towel makes you feel like a child at bath time.

I’ve been to a few places in Dubai for a Moroccan bath and some of the best are in hotels. But for a more affordable option, you can try Tips & Toes, the trusty nail salon with various branches in the UAE. It is now offering a very good service for Dh240 plus the loofah. You’ll leave feeling shiny and new.

* Anna Seama