“The pool closes at 7PM – but who would swim after 7?” If it’s at SO/ Uptown Dubai – one of the city’s newest luxury hotels, Andrea Wazen would.
Not only would she steal a midnight dip in the hotel’s cinematic pool, but she would also be doing it in style, wearing a designer gown whose shimmer could outshine a starry night. Far from being the exception to the rule, what we’re privy to is celebrated fashion designer Andrea Wazen, inventing her own rules and embracing the rebellious spirit of the five-star urban resort, which encapsulates visionary design and style deeply connected to art and fashion.
In Vogue Arabia’s latest video, we embark on a breathtaking adventure led by Wazen – all without ever leaving the hotel. Listening to the voice of a friend on the phone with her as she arrives at the hotel in a billowing lavender cape, we follow a rebellious Wazen’s unique interpretation of her friend’s travel advice.
The moment she steps into SO/ Uptown Dubai, she’s greeted by its avant-garde atmosphere, crafted to evoke a sense of daring sophistication. Across its 188 rooms and suites, boasting marble bathrooms, rich fabrics, and dark woods accentuated by eclectic pops of color and bold design, guests find themselves immersed in a captivating blend of luxury and artistic inspiration at every turn.
Wazen kickstarts her day by turning a “sit down breakfast” into a spirited dance routine through the hotel’s panoramic Brasserie kitchen — one of the five captivating in-house concepts of the hotel. Whether indulging in the irresistible Asian fusion cuisine at The Citronelle Club or experiencing the hotel’s signature speakeasy, Celeste, each dining experience promises its own distinctive charm, staying true to the hotel’s daring and luxurious spirit. An unforgettable culinary journey even for the most discerning Vogue connoisseur.
Beyond the hotel’s artistic allure, SO/ Uptown Dubai offers an array of luxurious amenities and experiences designed to elevate every aspect of your stay. From exclusive access to the hotel’s signature pool or state-of-the-art gym, every moment is crafted for indulgence—something Wazen fancied as we spot her enjoying her dessert on the treadmill of all places, savoring her treat almost as much as the hotel gym’s panoramic view of the cityscape.
And when in need of a break from city life, the Uptown Spa offers a serene urban escape bathed in natural light, creating an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling energy of the city. In partnership with the finest French luxury in all-natural skincare, Anne Semonin Paris, and industry-leading wellness treatments that represent a new generation of holistic well-being, guests are treated to a rejuvenating experience.
And so it goes in an infectious, stylish whirlwind. As her friend’s voice continues to remind Wazen of all the parts of the hotel she cannot miss, it is Wazen’s own rebellious revelry through SO/ Uptown that becomes something unmissable – something that is, in her own words, “whatever you want it to be.”
Style: Ahmed Rashwan
Hair: Ginaluca Casu
Makeup: Arianna Scapola
Director: Nazly Abou Seif
DP: Karim Fouad
Steadicam: Steven Samy
V/O: Elliot Hardman
Post house: Barbershop Studios, Osama Bendary
Post producer: Yasser Bendary
Editing: Sherif ElShamy
Color grading: Mahmoud Ali
Sound design: Khaled Hamdy
Gaffer: Ossama Farouk
Choreography: Tuesday Le Roux
Producer: Danica Zivkovic
Production: Dinika Govender
Talent: Andrea Wazen
