The Vogue Ball of Arabia is back — and it’s just hours away! Before the event of the year kicks off, Lebanese event designer Toni Breiss shares details on the stunning decor of the ball this year.
Photo: Courtesy Toni Breiss
Taking place at the world’s most luxurious hotel, Atlantis the Royal in Dubai — in partnership with with Hongqi, Amaffi and Komos — this year’s celebration promises to be more than worth the wait. Expect the same festivity and grandeur you know and love, with a new theme that is bound to enchant, and a message that resonates through the region and beyond.
On the evening of February 15, the Ball of Arabia will unfold with a mystical, mysterious theme: ‘Mermaids of the Gulf’. As an ode to our collective responsibility for our waterbodies’ cleanliness and conservation, the event has partnered with Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG), established in 1996 under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and leadership awarded to Major Ali Saqer Sultan Al Suwaidi. Using its ever-growing reach, the 2024 edition will dedicate itself to raising awareness about EMEG’s incredible efforts to preserve biodiversity in the United Arab Emirates.
Of course, a theme like this is bound to be honored with some incredible red carpet looks. From royals of the region to celebrities from across the world, the Vogue Ball of Arabia will see its star-studded guest list decked out in underwater-inspired ensembles. But that’s not all. A special evening like this one called for an artist like no other to bring together the perfect mermaid-inspired decor. Cue Toni Breiss, the beloved Lebanese event designer behind some of the world’s most extravagant celebrations and beautiful weddings. From Tiffany Trump — whose wedding decor took over the internet like wildfire — to HRH Princess Lana Al Faisal, the Al Nahyan family, and the Al Yahya family, Breiss’s incredible work has created loyalists out of the most influential personalities in the region and beyond. Now, he’s all set to lend his magic touch to the ball to create a spectacular ambience fit for royalty.
As we inch closer and closer to the big moment, Vogue Arabia caught up with the world-renowned man of the moment to know more about his creative process and glean a spoiler or two on what guests can expect from the 2024 Ball of Arabia decor. Dive in below.
It’s almost time for the Ball of Arabia! How do you feel — nervous, excited?
It’s between stress and excitement, and lots of joy to be doing the Ball of Arabia, especially since we have a special theme. We’ve been working with the team a lot on this theme.
The theme of the ball this time is ‘Mermaids of the Gulf’. Was this an unexpected theme for you to work with?
This theme is absolutely stunning! I loved it as soon as Manuel [Arnaut] told me about it. It really is a super glamorous theme, and at the same time, it’s very Dubai, very Arab, and very glamorous for women. I can only imagine what we’re going to get to see on the red carpet — the dresses, the jewelry, and more. The theme will make this ball look exceptionally fashionable… much more than any other ball.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while conceptualizing the Ball of Arabia decor?
The challenge was to bring a balance between the ball’s super glamorous theme, and at the same time working it in a way that it doesn’t look childish. This is what Vogue Arabia’s editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut also insisted on, and I absolutely agreed with him on striking the perfect balance. We wanted to make the event look like a true ball — glam, something that celebrates the theme, but also makes guests feel like they got the whole underwater experience without it seeming childish.
Could you give us a few hints at what the decor might look like?
The decor is vibrant and very much alive. It’s not the regular under-the-sea theme that you expect to see. It’s not just blue or silver. There are a lot of vibrant colors brought together, because we looked at the theme and then elevated it. We didn’t go into fish-inspired decor, for example. Instead, we look into minerals, and brought the mermaid-inspired theme to life.
You are the name behind some of the most beautifully presented events across the globe. What are the five decor tips you absolutely swear by?
Your decor should be opulent, rich, effortless, extremely chic, and contemporary.
