< Previous There are staples in any woman’s wardrobe; looks that always end up in heavy rotation. Perhaps none more so than the little black dress that magically seems to work for any occasion. Th is is what the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class brings to mind. A car designed to be elegantly understated, that stealthily telegraphs a message of sophistication and self-discipline while never letting anyone forget the power that lies underneath its chic exterior. You can’t help but appreciate its air of quiet confi dence. Unmistakably Mercedes, its pedigree has only been enhanced by the reimagined front – with a graphic radiator grille that comes strikingly backlit, and rear embellished with more lighting detail work and contoured split tail-lights. All touches that lend a fresh perspective to the sedan silhouette, making the car feel modern but connected to its heritage. It looks purposeful, like it has places to go. Sliding behind the wheel furthers the sensation of being taken care of. Th e car’s plush leather seats speak of elegance, not excess – whispering sophistication rather than shouting for attention. Although it’s hard not to gasp in delight when spotting the new expansive Superscreen dashboard. Th is technological update elevates the driving experience. Not just a design statement, but a functional marvel that makes navigation, entertainment, and system controls intuitive. Th e new system has made it possible to drive in a mobile offi ce, with Apps like Zoom and TikTok at the ready. Th ere is also a discreet camera built into the dashboard, whenever the need to create a video to post to socials strikes. It can also be used for more prosaic functions like video conferencing or photography. Th e front passenger also gets their own touchscreen to enjoy videos, the internet or music on the go. Smartly, the passenger screen can be dimmed in the eyeline of the driver so as not to be a distraction. And just like an LBD that only gets better over time, the new E-Class has built-in AI that will help it learn habits. Over time it’ll know I like the temperature to be chilly, my seat heated to the max and that its Miami- pink hue is my go-to interior lighting setting. On the road is where the car’s elongated wheelbase can truly be appreciated, creating an extra-smooth ride, while the cruise control and lane assist functions instil a deep sense of safety. Th e glide of the E450, even though the engine is a turbocharged three-litre inline-six with 375 horsepower that can propel the car from zero to 60mph in 4.4 seconds, is soothingly seductive. Th is is a car that’ll turn heads, not through fl ash but through sheer, undeniable presence. Just like the perfect LBD. The New Mercedes- Benz E-Class is the little black dress of the automobile world Words by JESSICA MICHAULT HBA-194_OCT-24_228-229_Mercedes_13404739.indd 22829/09/2024 19:20229 HarpersBazaarArabia.com October 2024 “I T L O O K S PUR P O S E F U L . L I K E IT CL E A R L Y H A S PL AC E S T O G O ” The car’s elongated wheelbase creates an extra-smooth ride The ESCAPE HBA-194_OCT-24_228-229_Mercedes_13404739.indd 22929/09/2024 19:21230 HarpersBazaarArabia.com October 2024 Clockwise from top left: Shanina Shaik Photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth , February 2023. Priyanka Chopra Photographed by The Morelli Brothers , February 2022. Sonam Kapoor Photographed by Kurt Iswarieko, December 2015. Alia Bhatt Photographed by Francesco Scotti , May 2023. CO V E R U P The NOSTALGIA From Huda Kattan to Bella Hadid and Yousra, there has been a long, illustrious list of accomplished women from the region who have graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia since the inaugural issue 17 years ago. Additionally, the magazine has been at the forefront of putting its South Asian neighbours on the journal’s face. Bazaar Arabia shot Priyanka Chopra when she was expecting her fi rst child with Nick Jonas, Sonam Kapoor in Abu Dhabi at the height of the #metoo movement and Shanina Shaik in Zuhair Murad Couture on a Parisian rooftop. The mission was to always give voice to these inspiring women and their causes, in the most groundbreaking and impactful way. WORDS: SOPHIA SERN HBA-194_OCT-24_230_Nostalgia_13404604.indd 23029/09/2024 18:55LIFE LESSONS TO LIVE BY, COURTESY OF OUR MOST FABULOUS BAZAAR ARABIA FRIENDS Name: MANISH MALHOTRA Age: 56 Nationality: Indian Job title: Creative director and founder of Manish Malhotra @manishmalhotraworld @manishmalhotrajewellery @manishmalhotra05 The WISDOM FE LESSONSTOLIVE FAMOUS LAST WORDS Is it more important to be liked or respected? It’s more important to be happy than to be liked or respected. You need to be happy with your life and with the work you do and the decisions you take. One needs to like and respect themselves fi rst than to seek the validation of others. What book changed your life? I think more than books, movies changed my life. I learnt so much from them growing up. I loved the glamour, the colours, the drama, the music, the emotions that would transport you into a world of storytelling, a world that I wanted to be a part of, and I made sure I was. What did your last Spotify Wrapped look like? Old Hindi songs. What is your motto? Love what you do in life and it will love you back. Who is your hero? My mother. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’ve learned my work on the job and with the experience I’ve gathered, so if I could change that then I think I would like to study fashion design. What’s your greatest extravagance? I haven’t had it yet. What are you proudest of? It’s incredibly fulfi lling to see how our work has brought Indian couture to the global stage while celebrating the artistry of our weavers and artisans. Every creation tells a story and being part of people’s special moments through my designs is something I’m deeply proud of. What does success mean to you? Success, for me, is about creating a lasting impact through my work. It’s not just about accolades or fame, but about staying true to my vision and bringing Indian craftsmanship to the world stage. When I see people resonate with my designs, when my work contributes to preserving our heritage while pushing boundaries, that’s true success. It’s also about growth – continuously evolving, learning and inspiring others in the process. What would you ban if you had the chance? Airport looks. Just be comfortable when you’re travelling. What’s your most treasured possession? My home and my offi ce. What’s your guiltiest pleasure? I think anything sweet. I love desserts. If you could be anyone else, who would it be and why? I don’t want to be anyone else. I’m happy and content being me. What experience taught you most about life and why? Th at success doesn’t come overnight. It’s built through passion, perseverance and a deep respect for the journey and your work. Th at experience shaped my outlook on life and continues to inspire me every day. What inspires you most about your job? Everything! I mean that. I absolutely love what I do. I wake up each morning excited to go to work even today. From the multiple ideation conversations with my team, the design process, the artisans I work with, their craftsmanship and dedication to fi nishing touches to an ensemble. Every design is an expression of creativity, culture and emotion and the process of bringing that vision to life excites me. If you could only wear one brand for the rest of your life, what would it be? My own. What would you tell your younger self? Trust the process and everything will fall into place. Stay true to your vision and always remember that passion and hard work will pave the way. What do you most value in your friends? Th eir unwavering support and honesty. True friends are those who stand by you through every phase of life off ering genuine advice and encouragement. Loyalty, trust, and shared moments of laughter make these friendships so meaningful. What trait do you admire most in others? Honesty, hard work and intelligence 231 HarpersBazaarArabia.com October 2024 IMAGES: SUPPLIED. HBA-194_OCT-24_231_Famoues Last Words_13405022.indd 23101/10/2024 06:01232 HarpersBazaarArabia.com October 2024 IMAGES: SUPPLIED. WORDS: CHARLOTTE MARSH-WILLIAMS Why don't you... Schiaparelli’s latest SURREALIST SENSATIONS feature salon- esque accessories that will have you test-driving NEW HAIRSTYLES from head to toe Trompe L'oeil Cowboy Tie in Faux Hair, Dhs8,515, Schiaparelli TIE YOUR HAIR BACK? 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