This festive season, Vakkaru Maldives welcomes internationally-renowned fashion illustrator and author, Megan Hess for the exclusive launch of her third book in The Claris Collection, Claris: Bonjour Riviera on 5 and 6 January 2020. Surrounded by glistening turquoise waters and luxurious island settings, Vakkaru Maldives will set the scene for Claris’ new adventure in the French Riviera. Guests who pre-book their seats, will be the first in the world to receive signed copies of Claris: Bonjour Riviera hot off the press, view the unveiling of Claris’ new resort collection by luxury fashion house, Poca & Poca, attend an exclusive illustration masterclass conducted by Megan Hess and enjoy a bespoke Megan Hess dessert table on Orthodox Christmas night.
Megan Hess’ 2006 illustration of the New York Times number one selling book, Sex and The City by Candace Bushnell catapulted her onto the world stage where she began illustrating portraits for the New York Times, Italian Vogue, Vanity Fair, TIME magazine and more. Megan’s skills and iconic designs have also been specially commissioned by Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Harrods of London and used in global campaigns for FENDI, Tiffany & Co, Prada, Cartier, Dior, Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo and more. She has illustrated live for bespoke fashion shows around the world like Viktor & Rolf, Christian Dior Couture and Chopard at the 2019 Cannes International Film Festival. She has written and illustrated numerous best-selling books, including: Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel, New York, Paris, Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris, Iconic, Elegance and more. Today, Megan Hess is one of the world’s most sought-after fashion illustrators with a revered client list that includes Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and most recently Sarah Jessica Parker.
The Claris Collection was officially launched in 2018 offering readers delightful rhyming tales about courage, compassion and a stylish little mouse. From chasing her dream of moving to Paris in Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris, to racing against the clock to attend Paris Fashion Week in Claris: Fashion Fiasco, follow Claris’ next adventure as she stows away on the family trip to the French Riviera in Claris: Bonjour Riviera. “The Claris Collection is destined to delight fashion-obsessed readers of all ages. It is about a little mouse who loves fashion, has an enormous heart and chases her dreams with courage and compassion,” says Megan Hess.
5 January 2020
Claris: Bonjour Riviera Book Launch and Poca & Poca Fashion Launch (Limited Seats)
Set against the crystal-clear waters surrounding Vakkaru Maldives and under the shaded coconut trees, guests will be treated to a Megan Hess book reading of Claris: Bonjour Riviera and a conversation with Megan on her inspiration behind Claris as a character and the concept of her new book.
Alongside the book launch, luxury fashion brand Poca & Poca by sister and brother duo Karolina and Wiktor Gniewek, will unveil their newest Claris fashion collection consisting of six key looks – a resort collection in hues of blues and creams inspired by Claris’ upcoming seaside adventure. Crafted by a team of master tailors in Poland with precision and skill, each design is of the highest quality, exemplifying an energetic and youthful spirit. Timeless creations that are to be cherished and treasured forever.
6 January 2020
Megan Hess Fashion Illustration Masterclass (Limited Seats)
Limited to only the first 10 guests who book, this is an exclusive experience where Megan Hess will be conducting a fashion illustration masterclass.
Vakkaru Maldives’ collection of ultra-immersive and cherished guest experiences is created in partnership with guest experiences specialist The Magnolia Creative Collaborations. Watch out for more experiences from culinary greats, wellness mentors and scent experts to fashion collaborations and exquisite artisanal pop-ups as Vakkaru Maldives aims to inspire guests by creating timeless memories and effortlessly beautiful moments.
