Monday Muse
Monday Muse
Interview Founder of RR&Co, Media Personality, and Collector Rosemin M. Opgenhaffen
Interview
Rosemin M. Opgenhaffen
Interview
Rosemin M. Opgenhaffen
Art Dubai kicks off this week, with preview days on 16 and 17 April, and the main event running to April 20. Known for her sharp eye on the city’s art, fashion, and culture, Rosemin M. Opgenhaffen (@roseminsworld) is The Wick’s Monday Muse this week. A Dubai resident since 2007, the cultural connoisseur and entrepreneur has been shaping the luxury fashion scene, as a presenter of Dubai One talk show, content creator, and previous contributing editor at Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. Opgenhaffen is also the founder of RR&Co, and regularly collaborates with fashion’s most sought-after names (Tom Ford and Tory Burch to name a few). Here, she shares her hot tips for the Culturally Curious during Art Dubai, her advice to burgeoning entrepreneurs and what’s on her auction house wishlist.
THE WICK: What does a typical Monday look like for you?
Rosemin M. Opgenhaffen: I start my day with watching the news in the background, but in the morning like my coffee and to scan a few newspapers and scan my emails to prioritise any urgency. My mornings are quite disciplined with pilates or if I’m in London, I go to the park to get my steps in. I do like the morning for myself to think, plan, and manage my day and week ahead. At the moment, I am filming a new show so we are in the studio and late afternoon I’m on Zoom for a new brand launch; my team is in the US so my day has to be structured.
TW: You have been noted as one of the world’s most influential South Asians. Three South Asian talents you have your eye on?
RO: For art, I love Rana Begum: it’s the mesh clouds installation that I fell in love with. The colours, the lightness, the overall feel. For fashion, Tina Bhojwani, based in NYC, launched Aera – a vegan shoe brand. I love the styles and they travel with me everywhere. Actor Husein Madhavji is definitely one to watch, whether on television or on stage, he’s captivating and intelligent.
TW: You have worked with global luxury to the highest level, including representation of Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin, and Gucci HQ. With brands increasingly becoming the modern Medici of the art world, which do you think are doing art well and why?
RO:
LVMH Fondation is a beautiful building in Paris and has great programming throughout the year. Personally, I love the partnership between Christian Dior and Chanakya Institute in India, under the helm of Maria Grazia who has produced gowns, tapestries, etc, for the shows. Chanakya focuses on teaching women the craft of embroidery, a skill as well as a way to gain financial independence.
TW: It’s Art Dubai this week. Which are your top galleries in the city?
RO: Personally, I love Tabari Artspace specialising in Middle Eastern art. Founder Maliha Tabari has a great eye for young talent. Located in DIFC Gate Village. Leila Heller, based in NYC and Dubai always curates great exhibitions from various international artists, and 1 x 1 Gallery specialising in South Asian Art – both located in Al Serkal district.
“My tips as an entrepreneur: be able to adapt, be agile.”
TW: Your favourite Culturally Curious spot in Dubai and in London?
RO: Both are wonderful cities and offer very different feelings and experiences. But the UAE as a country has so much to offer from the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, to various cultural sites in the city: Qasr Al Hosn Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan – only a 45m drive from Dubai. London always has an abundance of programming from Royal Academy to fabulous theatre. It’s a visual feast!
TW: Which artist are you coveting next for your collection?
RO: I always have my eye on collecting masters. I love trawling the auction sites – I have my wish list of Matisse and Monet. Spending time in London more recently, I definitely fell in love with the textile work of Sussy Cazalet.
TW: As a leading luxury creator, who has a prominent online presence, what is the one biggest change you predict in social platforms for the next five years?
RO: The conversation on the pros and cons of AI. I’m still learning!
TW: The British Council Middle East honoured you for Excellence as an Entrepreneur in the Fashion Industry. What are the top three pieces of advice for someone to remain resilient when running their own business?
RO: My tips as an entrepreneur: be able to adapt, be agile. Know your own personal strengths and weaknesses and then build a team around it. Get a financial partner to keep you in check.
