From what to know and wear, to new drops and the ultimate spots to dine, Esquire Weekly is your go-to guide.
The Celebrity Look
British-Egyptian actor Amir El-Masry wore dunhill Autumn Winter 2025 to attend the festival in Saudi Arabia, featuring a black wool Barathea Bourdon double-breasted peak lapel evening jacket and double-pleated strap evening trousers, a white cotton concealed-placket evening shirt, a burgundy wool-silk grosgrain butterfly bow tie, and black Made-in-England tassel loafers.
The Collection
Burberry’s 2025 holiday campaign, ‘’Twas The Knight Before…’’, invites audiences into a festive London townhouse where charm and chaos collide. “It’s a party invitation for family and friends,” says Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee. Directed by John Madden – the visionary behind Shakespeare in Love, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and Operation Mincemeat – the film captures a gathering of icons: Naomi Campbell, Ncuti Gatwa, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Son Heung-min. Each arrives with gifts, good humour, and Burberry elegance, while legendary comedian Jennifer Saunders orchestrates the festivities, from canapés to carols.
The cast showcases the season’s outerwear, transforming heritage icons into modern silhouettes rich with detail, blending tradition with contemporary style in a cinematic holiday celebration.
The Campaign
Tod’s 2025/26 Holiday Collection is unveiled through The Holiday Express, a short film where Italian sophistication meets festive fantasy. The narrative follows protagonists aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, capturing the elegance, culture, and timeless charm of Italy.
Rich in texture and tone, the collection features the iconic Winter Gommino ankle boot, classic Tod’s Gommino loafer, and Di Bag Folio and T Timeless bags reinterpreted for winter. Every piece tells a story of craftsmanship and Italian savoir-faire, making the journey toward the holidays a celebration of refined elegance.
The Dining & Party Experience
Ling Ling is a destination dining and ultra-lounge experience by Tao Group Hospitality, where contemporary Asian dishes meant to be shared meet an extensive drinks menu, a striking dining space, and an eclectic, high-energy soundtrack. Designed to evolve seamlessly from drinking to dining to dancing, Ling Ling occupies the 22nd and 23rd floors of Atlantis The Royal, the city’s ultra-luxury entertainment resort.
The Ultra Lounge boasts an unmissable DJ lineup curated to keep weekend energy at its peak. Known for its intimate yet high-octane vibe, Ling Ling welcomed acts including Caiiro, Emmanuel Jal, Kiko Franco, Enoo Napa, and Enzo Siffredi.
RBØR returns this Friday, 12th December, followed by self-proclaimed global Italian DJ and producer Enzo Siffredi on Friday, 19th December. Siffredi’s beats are inspired by the piano of Paolo Conte, Brassens’ guitar, and Berlin’s underground scene; he recently performed at HÏ Ibiza, the world’s number one club for four consecutive years.
Ling Ling Ultra Lounge is open every Friday and Saturday from 11pm to 3am, offering a night where dining, music, and nightlife converge in seamless, ultra-luxury style. Esquire Weekly recommends.
The Business Lunch
Rüya showcases the rich flavors of contemporary Anatolian cuisine through a host of curated experiences. From refined business lunches to lively themed evenings and hands-on cocktail masterclasses, the restaurant offers something for every occasion, seamlessly combining exceptional food, signature drinks, and an atmosphere that embodies the warmth and elegance of Turkish hospitality.
The luxurious business lunch presents a refined taste of Anatolia, beginning with starters such as Muhammara, a roasted red pepper dip, and Levrek, a delicate raw sea bass dish with apple and mustard. Mains include the signature Two Cheese Pide topped with slow-cooked organic egg, Şiş Tavuk Kebab, or a rich barley and wild mushroom risotto, each served with fragrant pistachio rice.
For a sweet finish, guests can choose traditional favourites such as Hazelnut Baklava or Fırın Sütlaç rice pudding, completing a culinary journey that is as indulgent as it is authentic.
The End-of-Year Party Look
ETRO’s Holiday 2025 collection captures the intimacy of post-celebration moments in a decadent palazzo setting. Paisley patterns are recast in jewel tones, velvets and silks flow effortlessly, and lace, ruffles, and shimmering yarns weave a tactile story.
Accessories shine with artisanal precision, from the leather maxi-paillette Vela Bag to the beaded-fringe, braided-detail Kalispera Bag. It’s a vision of festive sophistication where texture, pattern, and craftsmanship converge to celebrate the season’s afterglow.
The Festival
Sole DXB returns to transform Dubai Design District into a three-day playground of sound, style, and flavor. From December 12 to 14, the festival’s 13th edition features live music, interactive talks, tournaments, culinary experiences, and brand exclusives.
With GRAMMY Award-winning Miguel and November Esquire cover star headlining, the event promises a rhythm-driven, multi-sensory celebration, keeping attendees moving from dusk to night. Esquire Weekly recommends.
The Store
Paul & Shark reopens its Dubai Mall boutique with a 190-square-meter space that blends heritage and innovation. Natural limestone and Azul Bahia marble meet fluted wood and hand-sculpted walls, evoking the motion of sea and sand. Ribbed oak panels, wave-patterned stucco, and a stone façade sign narrate the brand’s Italian craftsmanship.
Cream, sand, and light blue punctuated by navy tones create a serene environment, enhanced by bespoke furnishings: blue velvet seating, ceramics, and gradient carpets. The store is a meticulous balance of tradition, elegance, and modern design – a destination for the refined shopper.
The Movie
Netflix’s The Fakenapping is a high-velocity Saudi comedy where misfortune spirals into chaos. Sattam (Mohamad Aldokhei), a hapless father and failed entrepreneur, devises a ludicrous plan to kidnap his own father. His friends – Yazeed Almajyul (Yaqoub), Khaled Howaijan (Abadi), and Abdullah Aldrees (Hamdan) – amplify the disaster with well-meaning incompetence.
A relentless loan shark, Abo Ateq (Saeed Al-Owairan), shadows every move. With humor rooted in Saudi life, escalating mistakes, and absurd timing, the film charts the comedy of human error, pride, and the fragility of control. Esquire Weekly must-watch.
