‘Disgusted’ British fashion icon bins honor from late queen over UK’s Gaza stance
Katharine Hamnett: ‘I’m disgusted to be British for our role in genocide in Gaza’
She released a video saying her CBE ‘belongs in the dustbin’ along with PM, opposition leader
Updated 22 February 2024
Arab News
LONDON: British fashion designer Katharine Hamnett has renounced an honor she received from the late Queen Elizabeth II to protest against the UK government’s stance on Gaza.
Hamnett, 76, famed for pioneering the slogan T-shirt, was made a commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2011 in recognition of her influence on the fashion industry.
This week she released a short video clip showing her outside her front door, wearing a signature T-shirt with the words “Disgusted to be British” emblazoned on the front, throwing her CBE medal into a bin.
“I’m disgusted to be British for our role in genocide in Gaza,” she said. “This is my CBE. It belongs in the dustbin, with (UK Prime Minister Rishi) Sunak and (Labour leader Sir Keir) Starmer.”
Hamnett, who is noted for her political activism, released the clip ahead of a series of proposed motions in the House of Commons calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Miss Universe 2024 walks for Michael Cinco at Dubai Fashion Week
Updated 05 February 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig took to the runway for Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco on day four of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW).
Theilvig closed the show wearing a red gown – with a strapless, sweetheart neckline – that featured intricate sequin embellishments.
Cinco’s collection showcased detailed craftsmanship and dramatic silhouettes. (Supplied)
The dress included a dramatic, structured peplum detail at the waist over a fitted silhouette. The look was completed with a floor-length, flowing train.
Cinco’s collection showcased detailed craftsmanship and dramatic silhouettes, reinforcing his signature aesthetic that has been touted by celebrities including Mariah Carey, Sofia Vergara and Aishwarya Rai, among others.
Tuesday showcased a diverse lineup of brands, including Viva Vox, Lama Jouni, CHOICE, and Riva, which all brought bold styles, modern femininity and refined elegance to the runway.
Russian brand Viva Vox’s creative director Oleg Ovsiyov unveiled an Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection. (Supplied)
Russian brand Viva Vox’s creative director Oleg Ovsiyov unveiled an Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection characterized by striking silhouettes, vibrant colors, and experimental fabric choices, reflecting the brand’s avant-garde identity.
Lebanese designer Jouni blended luxury and streetwear in a collection featuring muted tones, waist-enhancing separates, and structured dresses. The designs emphasized versatility and practicality, offering a balance of comfort and sophistication.
Dubai-based brand CHOICE channelled the 1970s for its Spring/Summer 2025 line, incorporating linen, cotton, tweeds, chiffons and silks. The collection featured feminine silhouettes with dramatic draping, bold accessories and a palette of caramel, bronze and desert sand-like hues. Metallic fringes, sequins and textured details added depth, while structured trench coats and waist-cinching designs completed the lineup.
Riva presented a collection of flowing kaftans, flattering silhouettes, and intricate embroidery. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton, paired with a soft color palette, offered versatile designs suited for formal and relaxed settings.
Theilvig won the Miss Universe crown in November. The dancer, entrepreneur and animal rights activist beat out more than 120 contestants in the pageant’s 73rd edition held in Mexico City.
“I have been waiting for my whole life for this moment,” she said during the swimsuit round of the pageant.
“No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths,” she also said on the Miss Universe stage at the time.
Cynthia Erivo kicks off Grammys in Ashi Studio look as Beyonce wins top award
Updated 03 February 2025
Arab News and AP
DUBAI/ LOS ANGELES: The 2025 Grammys in Los Angeles saw “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo kick off proceedings in a gown by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi.
Accompanied by Herbie Hancock on piano, Erivo sang Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” while wearing a sculpted gown from the Paris-based designer’s Fall/ Winter 2024 collection.
Cynthia Erivo showed off a gown by Ashi Studio at the Grammys. (AFP)
She complemented her Ashi Studio dress with Messika jewelry and Christian Louboutin heels.
Erivo’s look hailed from Ashi Studio’s Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection, titled “Sculpted Clouds.”
At the ceremony on Sunday night, Beyoncé won album of the year for “Cowboy Carter,” delivering her — at last — the show’s elusive top award.
The superstar, who is both the most awarded and nominated artist in Grammys history, has been up for the category four times before.
In winning album of the year with “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé became the first Black woman to win the top prize in the 21st century. The last was Lauryn Hill with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” 26 years ago. Before her was Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston. That means Beyoncé is only the fourth Black woman to win album of the year at the Grammys.
Beyonce accepts the Album of the Year award with Blue Ivy Carter onstage. (AFP)
Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department presented Beyonce with the trophy Sunday, one of several times the show reflected the recent wildfires that burned thousands of homes.
“It’s been many, many years,” Beyoncé said in her speech. “I want to dedicate this to Ms. Martell,” she said, referencing Linda Martell, the performer who became the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry, a music venue in Nashville, Tennessee.
“We finally saw it happen, everyone,” host Trevor Noah said, nodding to the long overdue achievement for one of music's transcendent artists.
Kendrick Lamar won song and record of the year for his diss track “Not Like Us” at the 2025 Grammys, taking home two of the night's most prestigious awards.
Kendrick Lamar, winner of the Record of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, and Song of the Year Awards for "Not Like Us" poses in the press room during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. (AFP)
“We're gonna dedicate this one to the city,” Lamar said before shouting out Los Angeles area neighborhoods.
It is the second hip-hop single to ever win in the category. The first was Childish Gambino’s “This Is America."
Indonesian Embassy’s event aims to foster Saudi-Indonesian ties through fashion
Designs on show at Riyadh’s Cultural Palace
Updated 02 February 2025
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: The Embassy of Indonesia on Friday hosted the Indonesia Fashion Night, an evening celebrating designs, at Riyadh’s Cultural Palace.
Sugiri Suparwan, the deputy chief of mission at the embassy, said: “Tonight we celebrate creativity, culture, and collaboration as we showcase the beauty and diversity of Indonesian fashion.”
Noesa Birama showcased collections from nine Indonesian designers, including Deden Siswanto and her line Rachana Abra; Opie Ovie with Blue Journey to Eternity; Nina M. Nata with Splendor of Abaya; Irmasari Joedawinata with Hidden; Yani Halim with Cordial Bellis; Shaza by Adelina with Bon Voyage; Althafunissa by Karina with Haneen Jeumpa; Rinnasuri with Urang Minang; and Nura Boutique by Oewi Wahyono with Floral Blooming.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
Wahyono has been living in Jeddah for over 30 years and said that many of her pieces drew inspiration from Saudi Arabia.
When asked if there were any Saudi elements that inspired or impacted her design process, she referenced her love for the Saudi abaya.
She said: “I have been here in Saudi and you can see now with the outfit I am wearing, I always make my designs into dresses, but also similar to abayas.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
“Abaya for me is something that I can’t live without. Everywhere I go I’m always wearing an abaya. I love abayas, maybe that’s why.”
She added: “I might change it slightly but I am always wearing and using the abaya style.”
Speaking about her fashion line, Floral Blooming, the designer said: “These designs tell the story of floral blooming. The pattern of the material displays many floral sand butterflies.”
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
Attending the fashion event were a variety of figures from the Kingdom, including business owners, ambassadors, fashion designers, and influencers.
The main element of the event featured a catwalk that ran through the center of the Cultural Palace’s hall with a backdrop that showcased dresses and themes.
In their mission to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, the embassy invited designers to showcase their pieces in a way that allowed visitors a close look.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
The evening began with remarks from Suparwan followed by a message from Yusuf Arifin, the chairman of the fashion show.
The deputy chief of mission said that the fashion industry was one of Indonesia’s most “dynamic and growing” sectors.
Suparwan added: “In 2025, revenue from Indonesia’s fashion market is projected to reach $8.8 billion with an annual growth of 2.07 percent.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
“Saudi Arabia’s fashion market, on the other hand, is expected to generate $5.1 billion by this year, growing at an impressive rate of 10.3 percent a year.”
Suparwan spoke of the “enormous potential for both markets and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The envoy said that potential alone was not enough and that it needed to be connected, expressing the hope that the fashion event could serve as a bridge between the Saudi and Indonesian fashion industries while “fostering collaboration, partnerships and mutual growth.”
Arifin described the event as “an evening that celebrates the creativity, artistry, and cultural heritage of Indonesia,” with some 18 local models adorning traditional Indonesian textiles.
Dubai Fashion Week’s opening night hosts diverse designs
Updated 02 February 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Set to run until Feb. 6, the opening night of Dubai Fashion Week saw designers show off their Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collections in the city on Saturday.
The opening night’s line-up included an ode to Paris by Manel, founded by Dubai-based designer Manel Aboudaoud; a tribute to batik craftsmanship by Indonesian brand Toton; and a nod to Moscow and the Silk Road by Dubai-based Filipino designer Angelo Estera.
From flowing gowns to structured silhouettes, Iraqi designer Zaki presented a collection marked by subdued, elegant hues. Zaki — who has dressed celebrities including Kris Jenner, Ciara and Tyra Banks — created a number of ombre gowns for her latest line, which also included metallic evening wear amid nude-colored looks. Rouching was seen in many of the figure-hugging gowns, with a creamy beige menswear look turning heads on the runway.
Iraqi designer Zeena Zaki presented a collection marked by subdued, elegant hues. (Supplied)
Meanwhile, Toton Januar collaborated with batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, Indonesia, for a collection that combined traditional artistry with upcycled fabrics and innovative use of materials such as paper clay.
Toton Januar collaborated with batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, Indonesia. (Supplied)
Aboudaoud made a winning debut at Dubai Fashion Week with the “Paris Day to Night” collection, a tribute to her Parisian upbringing and Arab roots. The collection combined elegant tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and versatile designs that can transition from day to night. The colour palette drew inspiration from Parisian winters, blending earthy tones with opulent hues. Textured velvet, jacquard, Chantilly lace, and satin were employed across the collection to create a refined, yet wearable line.
Manel Aboudaoud made a winning debut at Dubai Fashion Week with the “Paris Day to Night” collection. (Supplied)
For his part, Estera fused traditional Russian elements with Eastern influences in a show inspired by the ancient trade routes connecting the East and West. The Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection featured a rich colour palette of red, black, and gold, representing luck, mystery, and cultural prosperity, according to the show notes.
Angelo Estera fused traditional Russian elements with Eastern influences. (Supplied)
Saudi-helmed Ashi Studio unveils sculptural silhouettes, intricate embroidery at Paris Haute Couture Week
Couturier’s designs been worn by Queen Rania of Jordan, Beyonce
First designer from region to join Federation de la Haute Couture
Updated 31 January 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Paris-based label Ashi Studio, founded by Saudi Arabia designer Mohammed Ashi, presented its Spring/Summer 2025 couture collection on Thursday during Paris Haute Couture Week, featuring sculptural silhouettes, intricate embroidery, and detailed craftsmanship.
The collection has a range of designs that incorporate voluminous structures, textural contrasts and embellishments.
Look 14. (Instagram)
Several looks emphasize architectural shapes, including a voluminous ivory skirt paired with an embroidered cropped jacket in shades of blue, adorned with floral beading and gold detailing.
Other designs include structured corseted gowns with sheer lace panels and sculpted sleeves.
Look 13. (Instagram)
The collection also features darker tones, with black and gold embroidery on form-fitting dresses. Strapless gowns include intricate hand embroidery with landscape motifs.
Metallic fringe elements and shimmering embellishments contribute to the textural variation within the lineup.
Look 9. (Instagram)
Alongside heavily adorned pieces, the collection includes streamlined silhouettes, such as a deep burgundy velvet strapless gown and a turquoise column dress with matching gloves.
Ashi became the first couturier from the region to join the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023.
The couturier’s designs have been worn by celebrities including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Queen Rania of Jordan.
