Red Carpet Ready: How to choose the perfect gown Oksana Arseniuk

In this exclusive feature, Dunes Magazine sits down with Oksana Arseniuk, a Qatar-based fashion and lifestyle influencer celebrated for her refined taste and trendsetting style. Known for curating stunning looks for high-end events across the Middle East, Oksana has become a trusted voice in luxury fashion. She shares her expert insights on selecting the perfect gown - offering tips on elegance, comfort, and making a statement while honoring the sophisticated aesthetics of the region.

Dunes: Choosing the perfect gown can feel overwhelming. Where should someone begin?  

OA: It always starts with understanding the occasion. A gown is not just about looking beautiful - it is about being appropriate for the setting. Whether it is a formal gala, a wedding, or an intimate evening event, the context shapes everything from fabric to silhouette.

Dunes: You often attend red carpet events in Qatar and Saudi Arabia - how does this Middle Eastern setting influence your choice of gowns?

OA: In the Middle East, elegance is deeply tied to culture and sophistication. In Qatar and Saudi Arabia, there is a beautiful balance between modesty and luxury. Gowns often feature refined silhouettes, longer sleeves, and exquisite detailing - think embroidery, crystals, and rich fabrics. At the same time, there is a strong appreciation for statement pieces, allowing you to embrace both grace and boldness in your look.

Dunes: How important is body shape when selecting a gown?  

OA: It is important, but not in a restrictive way. I don’t believe in rules that limit people, I believe in enhancing what makes you feel confident. The right gown should highlight your favorite features and allow you to move comfortably. Confidence will always outshine any trend.

Dunes: What role does fabric play in the decision?  

OA: Fabric is everything. It determines how a gown flows, how it photographs, and even how you feel wearing it. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon create softness and movement, while structured materials like satin or taffeta give a more sculpted, dramatic look. Always touch and feel the fabric before deciding, it makes a difference.

Dunes: Many people struggle with choosing the right color. What is your advice?  

OA: Color should complement your skin tone, but also your mood. If you feel powerful in black, wear black. If you want to stand out, explore jewel tones or metallics. The key is to choose a color that feels like an extension of your personality, not just what is trending.

Dunes: How do trends influence gown selection?  

OA: Trends can inspire, but they should not dictate. A gown is a personal statement. I always say: take what you love from current trends and adapt it to your own style. Timeless elegance will always have more impact than blindly following fashion cycles.

Dunes: What is one mistake people often make when choosing a gown?  

OA: Choosing something that looks good on the hanger but does not feel right on them. If you are constantly adjusting it, worrying about how you look, or feeling uncomfortable, it is not the right gown. The perfect dress should feel effortless.

Dunes: Any final advice for our readers?  

OA: Trust your feelings. When you find the right gown, you will know, it won’t just fit your body, it will match your energy. And when that happens, you do not just wear the gown: the gown becomes part of your presence. Being red carpet ready is not about perfection, it is about presence. The perfect gown does not just fit your body; it fits your moment. When you find it, you won’t just look stunning - you make every moment yours.

#ksanaArseniuk

yae; The Edit She's Been Waiting For

yae; the newly launched womenswear brand founded by Maurah Sheedy, makes its debut on Wolf & Badger, the global platform dedicated to independent designer and luxury labels.

The brand name itself is an abbreviation of ‘you are everything’. It makes no grand claim or promise. It is, instead, a recognition: the woman wearing yae; already knows exactly who she is.

The collection is produced in Portugal, chosen for its exceptional craftsmanship, ethical manufacturing standards and deep textile heritage, a natural home for a brand built on the belief that quality should be felt rather than announced. Every fabric is selected for its natural origin, with a strong emphasis on cotton and synthetics kept to the bare minimum required for performance.

Born from a deeply personal understanding of modern womanhood, yae; was built for the woman who recognises the accumulating noise around getting dressed and is done with it. The brand's founding premise is simple but quietly radical: that a wardrobe should reflect who a woman already is, rather than ask her to become something else.

Founder and Creative Director Maurah, born in Germany and currently based in Qatar, knows what it means to live a fast, international life that leaves little room for anything that does not earn its place. It was this lived experience that became the quiet foundation of yae;

Drop 1, The Core Edit, arrives as a tightly edited set of everyday essentials: tank, tee, sweater, leggings, bra, cap and socks. The palette draws from dark chocolate, warm coffee and cream. Each piece is designed to move seamlessly through a woman's day, from morning to evening, without asking for her attention. That invisibility is intentional, letting her be the statement.

yae; is available now at www.youareeverything.com and on Wolf & Badger at 

www.wolfandbadger.com.

#yae;

Traveling with Abdelaziz Alsafady Winter, Without the Noise: Rosewood Vienna and Rosewood Schloss Fuschl I’ve always believed that January is one of the most honest months to travel. The festive seas

I’ve always believed that January is one of the most honest months to travel. The festive season rush has passed, expectations are quieter, and destinations feel more like themselves again. There is no pressure to rush, perform, or tick boxes. Instead, travel becomes about rhythm, space, and observation.

During my visit to Austria this past January, there was no intense snowfall. Yet winter still made itself present in other ways, crisp mornings, softer light, calm streets, and a slower pace that allowed me to experience the country in a more grounded and personal way.

This journey took me from the heart of Vienna to the lakeside calm of Fuschlsee, staying at Rosewood Vienna and Rosewood Schloss Fuschl. Two very different settings, but hotels that complement each other beautifully. One offers cultural depth and urban elegance, the other offers nature, space, and restoration. Together, they create a well-balanced journey that works in any season.

While my stay took place in winter, what became clear is that both properties are designed as all-season destinations. Destinations like Austria adapt naturally to their surroundings and remain relevant throughout the year.

Rosewood Vienna: Living With the City

Rosewood Vienna is located in the historic centre of the city, surrounded by churches, narrow streets, and classical architecture. Despite being in such a central location, the hotel feels calm and discreet. It gives you the feeling of a place that allows you to slow down while remaining closely connected to the city around you.

January in Vienna feels intimate. Without large crowds, the city becomes easier to navigate and easier to understand. I spent many mornings walking through the old town before the streets filled, noticing details that often get lost during busier months. Shop owners preparing for the day, cafés opening quietly, and the steady sound of church bells in the background.

Breakfast at Rosewood Vienna became part of my daily rhythm. Mornings were relaxed and unhurried, with a thoughtful menu that felt seasonal and comforting. It was the kind of breakfast experience that encourages you to sit longer than planned. From the warm dishes, good coffee, attentive service without formality, truly made the stay even more exceptional.

Evenings followed a similar tone. After spending time exploring the city, returning to the hotel for dinner felt natural. The atmosphere was relaxed and refined, with a focus on quality and consistency rather than spectacle. Dining here felt like an extension of the day rather than a separate event.

The rooms reflect this same sense of ease. Warm, comfortable, and well-designed, they offer a feeling of privacy and calm. It’s the kind of space that makes staying in just as appealing as going out, especially during winter.

What stood out most is how well Rosewood Vienna works beyond any specific season. Whether in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, the hotel feels in sync with the city. Vienna doesn’t lose its character in colder months, it simply becomes quieter. Rosewood Vienna truly mirrors that beautifully.

From City to Countryside

Leaving Vienna and travelling toward Fuschlsee creates a natural shift in pace. The city gradually fades, and open landscapes begin to take over. Even without snow, the scenery feels peaceful and expansive.

The journey itself becomes part of the experience, a slow transition from urban energy to natural stillness.

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl: A Different Kind of Quiet

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl sits directly on the edge of Fuschlsee, surrounded by forested hills and open space. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere felt different. Time slows naturally here.

Winter at the Schloss is subtle and reflective. Without the typical snowfall during my stay, the lake became the main focus. Calm, still, and constantly changing with the light. The environment encourages quiet observation rather than activity.

Breakfasts at the Schloss were slow and restorative. Mornings began with views of the water, soft daylight, and a sense that the day could unfold without a strict plan. The setting alone invites presence.

Lunches and dinners followed the same relaxed rhythm. Meals felt thoughtful and seasonal, designed to complement the surroundings. Evenings were often spent indoors, looking out over the lake, allowing the stillness outside to set the tone.

The Schloss itself carries a strong sense of history, but it never feels heavy or formal. Interiors are warm, inviting, and comfortable. It feels like a place designed for long stays, reflection, and return visits.

Much like Rosewood Vienna, what became clear is that Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is not defined by one season. Whether in summer with greenery and outdoor dining, autumn with changing colours, or winter with quiet landscapes, the experience adapts while maintaining its identity.

Two Hotels, One Balanced Journey

Experiencing Rosewood Vienna and Rosewood Schloss Fuschl together feels intentional. One offers cultural immersion, architecture, and city life. The other offers nature, space, and stillness. Combined, they create a well-rounded journey that feels complete.

While my stay took place in winter, neither hotel felt limited by the season. Both are designed to be experienced year-round, offering different expressions of the same values: comfort, refinement, and a strong sense of place.

This trip wasn’t about chasing dramatic winter scenes. It was about experiencing Austria in a quieter moment, allowing space for reflection and presence.

Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys happen when nothing is trying too hard to impress.

#TravelingAbdelazizAlsafady