From what to know and wear, to new drops and the ultimate spots to dine – Esquire Weekly is your go-to reference.
The Celebrity Crush
At the world premiere of The Fantastic Four: First Steps earlier this week, Pedro Pascal reminded us why he’s a constant Esquire favourite.
Dressed in TOM FORD by Haider Ackermann, Pascal delivered a red-carpet moment rooted in subtle confidence and high design.
The Opening
ZEGNA has opened a dedicated store corner at Level Shoes, located in The Dubai Mall – one of the world’s premier destinations for luxury footwear and accessories. This new space reinforces the brand’s solidified presence in the region while offering a curated experience that merges refined style with elevated design.
The space features a selection of men’s shoes, leather accessories, and eyewear, all of which celebrate the brand’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
Central to the space is a custom-made rug by Mariantonia Urru, a historic Sardinian craftsmanship brand known for its handwoven rugs made using traditional island techniques.
The Collection
Jonathan Anderson’s Resort Spring 2026 collection isn’t just a lineup of garments; it’s a living, breathing moodboard. The new vision for JW Anderson reads like a cabinet of curiosities, where classic silhouettes meet personal artifacts, local craft, and global references. It’s fashion filtered through Anderson’s instincts, and the result is as considered as it is eclectic. The brand has undergone a subtle rebranding: a slimmer, more defined logo and an updated store concept reflect this recalibrated identity.
The first lookbook, featuring Anderson’s close friends and collaborators, feels personal and curated. There’s a clear departure from trend-led narratives and a return to intuition-driven fashion. In a moment when the industry is obsessed with virality, JW Anderson reminds us that longevity lies in taste, not algorithms.
The Drop
Ray-Ban and A$AP Rocky introduced The Next Generation Collection, an exclusive collection of three brand new styles that debuted on the AWGE runway during Men’s Paris Fashion Week show. This latest drop from Ray-Ban Studios and its inaugural launch is a bold leap forward, reimagining what eyewear can be through a futuristic lens.
The collection features three dramatically reengineered styles: Ultra Wrap 001, 002, and 003. With gravity-defying contours and high-gloss finishes, the designs are sculptural, otherworldly, and purposefully removed from current trends.
The Dining Experience
TOTÓ Dubai is hosting a refined two-night culinary collaboration with Planeta Wines on July 25 and 26. Known for its elevated Italian fare, TOTÓ is taking the experience further with a five-course menu paired with some of Sicily’s most acclaimed wines.
Leading the tasting is Alessandro Vallecchi, Planeta’s Head Sommelier, bringing over three decades of experience to the table. The pairing has been thoughtfully composed to complement the depth and nuance of each dish from the delicate Burrata con gamberi to the earthy Calamarata allo scoglio and the indulgent Cannolo Siciliano.
Each wine has been chosen to enhance the meal’s textures and flavours, including the Rosé, La Segreta Bianco and the robust Plumbago red. Priced at AED 400 per person, the evening isn’t just about dining; it’s about discovery. Guests can expect a narrative-driven experience, complete with tasting notes and sommelier-led pairings.
The Summer Dish
Chef Georges Ikhtiar, head chef at Amelia Dubai, has a talent for contrast. His Japanese-Peruvian dishes are known for their theatrical edge and flavour precision. But his Raspberry Burrata Salad shows that minimalism can be just as striking.
Built around the creamy depth of burrata, the dish layers seasonal raspberries, arugula, toasted quinoa, Botija olives, and confit rainbow tomatoes—all elevated by a raspberry miso dressing, basil pesto, and a balsamic glaze. The result is an elegantly balanced dish that dances between sweet and savoury, crunchy and creamy.
It’s both starter and statement: light enough for hot evenings, complex enough for a chef’s tasting menu.
Chef Ikhtiar shares with Esquire ME his detailed instructions on how to prepare the dish:
- Prepare the base: Arrange arugula and mesclun greens evenly on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Add toppings: Scatter raspberries, confit rainbow tomatoes, and sliced Botija olives over the greens.
- Place the burrata: Gently place the burrata ball in the center. Tear slightly to reveal the creamy interior.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted quinoa over the salad.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle raspberry miso dressing, basil pesto, olive oil, and balsamic glaze evenly.
- Season and garnish: Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or basil caviar if available.
The Music
Rising Saudi artist Yazeed Fahad continues his steady climb in the indie music world with “Mali,” a new single released via MDLBEAST Records.
A melancholic, guitar-led track, “Mali” blends Arabic lyricism with the structure of Western indie ballads. Fahad’s haunting vocals are front and centre, telling a story of insomnia, introspection, and emotional inertia. A subtle clock-ticking rhythm runs underneath the melody, creating a cinematic quality that heightens the sense of vulnerability.
“I wanted to convey the feeling that, in many cases, a person’s greatest struggle isn’t with the outside world, but with something internal – a fear, a doubt, or an inner voice that holds them back. It’s about how we often become our own biggest obstacle,” he tells Esquire ME.
The News
Saddle becomes the first Emirati coffee brand to open in Saint-Tropez. What started as a Dubai coffee truck has grown into an internationally recognized brand, with over 25 locations across the Gulf, London, and Cannes. Saint-Tropez is a natural next step and perfectly in sync with Saddle’s brand DNA.
The new space offers their signature Pistachio Milkshake, handcrafted crepes, and premium coffee using globally sourced beans. Interior-wise, the café blends Riviera chic with subtle Emirati touches, offering a welcoming space that feels equally local and international. Their signature Matcha and Açaí offerings remain, but the Saint-Tropez edition is tailored to the French market’s sensibility. This expansion not only marks a cultural crossover but highlights the growing global presence of Gulf-born hospitality brands.