Ramadan 2024: Fashion houses unveil collections inspired by the holy month 

Ramadan 2024: Fashion houses unveil collections inspired by the holy month 
Dima Ayad’s collection features 19 outfits, ranging from two-piece sets to dresses, kaftans and kimonos, and employs two distinctive fabrics. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 March 2024
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Ramadan 2024: Fashion houses unveil collections inspired by the holy month 

Ramadan 2024: Fashion houses unveil collections inspired by the holy month 
  • Brands from Saudi to the UK have dropped Ramadan-themed releases this year 

DUBAI: Renowned fashion houses from the Gulf and across the globe have unveiled their new Ramadan collections to celebrate the holy month. Designers have infused their creations with symbolic motifs, vibrant hues and sustainable practices.  

Here, we showcase Ramadan collections from several designers and brands, each blending creativity and cultural significance in their designs. 

Honayda 

 

The Saudi designer’s highly anticipated Ramadan 2024 capsule collectionis called “Suhail” and draws inspiration from the Suhail star — also known as Canopus — to symbolize new beginnings and change. Canopus — the second-brightest star in the night sky — holds deep cultural significance in the Arab world. It was heavily relied on for navigation, but also has a strong spiritual connection for people. 

Honayda’s collection blends intricate delicacy with bold monochromatic aesthetics. A press release states: “Infused with the vibrant symbolism of red, evoking strength, passion and confidence,” each design reflects the brand’s signature elements. 

Leem 

This year’s Ramadan collection from the Saudi fashion house blends “elegant silhouettes, vibrant color schemes and sophisticated material choices” and “stands out with its mix of classic styles and modern detailing,” according to a press release. 

The capsule collection includes abayas, kaftans and co-ord sets, and features embroidered necklines, Najdi patterned prints, tassel detailing and geometric patterns.  

The new drop is available at Leem’s stores in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, as well as online at Leem.com and global retailers including Selfridges, Bloomingdale’s and Harvey Nichols.  

Dima Ayad 

The Dubai-based Lebanese designer’s Ramadan 2024 collection showcases “a captivating blend of vibrant colors and fabric palettes, using contrasting tones with graceful sheen, sequins and metallic accents.” It features 19 outfits, ranging from two-piece sets to dresses, kaftans and kimonos, and employs two distinctive fabrics.  

The first, a print named Brushstroke, “resembles strokes of paint … combining creamy hues with rich blues, purples and greens.” The other fabric is “adorned with stars, moons and Islamic architecture, featuring varied shapes and colors including cream, navy blue, green, burgundy, and black, all with gold undertones.” 

Bambah 

Egyptian designer Maha Abdul Rasheed’s label is showing off a diverse new line this Ramadan. Beyond the customary kaftans and abayas, her collection introduces modest plisse sets in sky blue and mint green hues. 

Abdul Rasheed caters to numerous tastes in her collection. Offering a range of fabrics, from luxurious silks to breathable cottons, she aims to provide something for every preference. The color palette is equally versatile, featuring an array of soft pastels, including purple, pink, blue, beige and white, juxtaposed with striking hues such as orange, green and maroon. 

CH Carolina Herrera 

The New York-based label’s Ramadan campaign stars Australian-Lebanese model Jessica Kahawaty and features a curated edit of modest wear combining distinctive patterns and vibrant colors. 

Kahwaty appears in several outfits, including a striking floor-length, long-sleeved chiffon dress in vibrant red, adorned with a prominent statement bow around the neckline; a black dress accented with a white collar and embellished with a shimmering CH logo on the chest, accessorized with a beige clutch featuring the brand’s initials; a colorful printed jumpsuit, cinched at the waist with an oversized yellow bow belt; a pink satin set; a vibrant yellow ensemble; and a purple linen set. 

The edit also features a selection of CH handbags inspired by the brand’s 35th anniversary bracelet. This “Insignia” collection features distinctive gold-plated clasps in the shape of the brand’s initials on a range of clutches, buckets and satchels.  

Stella McCartney 

The British fashion designer has dropped her “Rose Capsule” collection in celebration of Ramadan. Inspired by the beauty of the rose, and its “significance in Islam as a symbol of the splendor of creation, love and the natural beauty that surrounds us,” this concise collection features ready-to-wear pieces and vegan accessories inspired by the brand’s silhouettes and “blends modesty with modernity and tradition with innovation,” according to a press release. 

It features vibrant pink and black lightweight fabrics “upcycled from past collections to minimize environmental impacts.”  

Monogrammed with S-Wave symbols and embellished with lead-free crystal panels, the collection exudes “a conscious, celebratory attitude.” Apart from pajamas, cape dresses and kaftans, the collection also includes cruelty-free accessories: “crystalline takes on the iconic Falabella Mini and Tiny totes, alongside phone holders and wallets on chains,” all handcrafted by Italian artisans using vegan materials. 

Coach  

Moving beyond the traditional abaya and kaftan, this Ramadan collection from the US luxury fashion label puts the spotlight on the brand’s Tabby bag and Willow shoulder bag. The collection also introduces the label’s newest footwear styles.  

The bags are offered in a range of hues, including cream white, pastel yellow, jet black, denim blue, beige and khaki. 

Coach’s first ever Ramadan campaign stars Saudi DJ Cosmicat, Saudi footballer Farah Jefry, and fashion upcycler Salima Alaoui. 


Inaugural Art Week Riyadh set for April

Inaugural Art Week Riyadh set for April
Updated 41 sec ago
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Inaugural Art Week Riyadh set for April

Inaugural Art Week Riyadh set for April

RIYADH: The first-ever edition of Art Week Riyadh will be held from April 6-13, hosted by the Saudi Visual Arts Commission.

Set to run under the theme “At The Edge,” the event will gather local and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, patrons, collectors, and art enthusiasts at a week-long event to take place across the city of Riyadh, headquartered at JAX District in Diriyah.

Alongside exhibitions, Art Week Riyadh will put on a program of talks, workshops, and performances for the public.

According to a released statement, the “inaugural edition will explore thresholds, transitions, and liminal spaces, reflecting Riyadh’s role as a center of global cultural engagement.”

Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission, commented: “Art Week Riyadh is about building a robust and inclusive framework—one that supports innovation, creativity and thought leadership, and an unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing culture. By bringing together diverse elements of the Saudi art sector, it aims to empower and nurture practitioners and foster a shared vision of growth, opportunity, and cultural enrichment.”


Ahmed Shawky named critics jury president at Berlin film fest as Arab film ‘Yunan’ joins Golden Bear race

Ahmed Shawky named critics jury president at Berlin film fest as Arab film ‘Yunan’ joins Golden Bear race
Updated 8 min 23 sec ago
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Ahmed Shawky named critics jury president at Berlin film fest as Arab film ‘Yunan’ joins Golden Bear race

Ahmed Shawky named critics jury president at Berlin film fest as Arab film ‘Yunan’ joins Golden Bear race

DUBAI: Veteran Egyptian director Ahmed Shawky was appointed president of the critics jury at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival this week, coinciding with the festival’s announcement that the Arab film “Yunan” will compete for the top Golden Bear prize.

The festival is scheduled to take place from Feb. 13-23.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ahmed Shawky (@shawforlife)

Shawky will preside over the largest jury panel convened annually by the International Federation of Film Critics, guiding 12 international critics in assessing films across different festival categories. 

Alongside serving as jury president, he will also join the international competition jury, where he will work alongside critics Maja Korbecka from Poland and Francisca Romero Pezoa from Chile.

Meanwhile, “Yunan” is directed and written by Syrian filmmaker Ameer Fakher Eldin.

It is among the 19 films competing for the Golden Bear and is the only Arab film featured in the main competition lineup.

“Yunan” first premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, where it secured the Edipo Re Award in 2021.

It also received several recognitions, including the Best Arab Film Award and the Shadi Abdel-Salam Award for Best Film at the Cairo International Film Festival.

The film tells the story of an Arab writer who, feeling lost in exile in Hamburg, travels to a secluded island in the North Sea with thoughts of ending his life. There, he meets an elderly woman who helps him rediscover his desire to live. 


More than 300 aspiring chefs taking part in seafood cooking workshop in Riyadh

More than 300 aspiring chefs taking part in seafood cooking workshop in Riyadh
Updated 03 February 2025
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More than 300 aspiring chefs taking part in seafood cooking workshop in Riyadh

More than 300 aspiring chefs taking part in seafood cooking workshop in Riyadh
  • Workshops organized by Saudi Chefs Association
  • Sessions blend traditional Saudi methods, international expertise

RIYADH: More than 300 cooking enthusiasts are taking part in a three-day seafood cooking workshop in Riyadh in which top chefs are sharing their expertise.

Organized by the Saudi Chefs Association, the event is a highlight of the Saudi International Fisheries Exhibition, which is taking place until Feb. 5 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The workshop provides participants with an opportunity to learn from renowned Saudi and international chefs and features more than 20 seafood recipes drawing on traditional regional dishes.

The event is led by Yasser Jad, president of the Saudi Chefs Association, who spoke of the importance of mentorship and hands-on experience in the culinary industry.

Jad said: “Each day we hold six interactive sessions, featuring two master chefs who mentor two young chefs from different culinary schools, including students from HTMi Saudi Arabia, a leading hospitality and culinary institute.”

The association serves as a professional network, supporting chefs at all levels with practical training.

Jad added: “This is how chefs have always learned — by working side by side with experienced mentors. Masterclass continues that tradition in a structured, engaging environment.”

The masterclass workshop focuses on both traditional Saudi recipes and international seafood dishes.

Jad said: “We are proud to conduct this kind of workshop. Our goal is to preserve and modernize Saudi cuisine, ensuring that young chefs understand its history while also exploring contemporary techniques.”

Those participating work with fresh, locally sourced seafood, learning techniques for cleaning, filleting, marinating, and cooking different types of fish and shellfish.

Now in its fourth edition, the Saudi International Fisheries Exhibition is organized by the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, with the participation of various public and private sector entities.

The event highlights sustainable seafood initiatives, aquaculture advancements, and cutting-edge fishing technologies. Visitors can explore live aquaculture systems and experience seafood tastings and interactive exhibits showcasing the latest industry innovations.

For the Saudi Chefs Association, education plays a key role.

Jad said: “We want chefs to understand the value of local seafood, both from a culinary and environmental perspective.

“By supporting local fisheries, we strengthen Saudi Arabia’s food security and culinary identity.”


Cynthia Erivo kicks off Grammys in Ashi Studio look as Beyonce wins top award

Cynthia Erivo kicks off Grammys in Ashi Studio look as Beyonce wins top award
Updated 03 February 2025
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Cynthia Erivo kicks off Grammys in Ashi Studio look as Beyonce wins top award

Cynthia Erivo kicks off Grammys in Ashi Studio look as Beyonce wins top award

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."

 


Iconic works on show ahead of Sotheby’s auction in Riyadh

Iconic works on show ahead of Sotheby’s auction in Riyadh
‘Then What??’ by Louay Kayyali. (Sotheby's)
Updated 02 February 2025
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Iconic works on show ahead of Sotheby’s auction in Riyadh

Iconic works on show ahead of Sotheby’s auction in Riyadh

RIYADH: On Feb. 8, Sotheby’s will host “Origins,” which it is billing as “the first international auction in Saudi Arabia’s history.” Key pieces from the auction are on display in the accompanying exhibition at Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace that is free and open to the public.

Ashkan Baghestani — senior vice president and head of contemporary day sale, contemporary art, New York & Middle East — told Arab News of the importance of offering a diverse array of lots, from sculptures to paintings. 

"In terms of fine art, I think it was important for us to show the wide breath of the fields we represent at Sotheby’s,” he said, adding “in the last three years, every time I have been coming I have been seeing more international artists and curators, events, integrated with Arab culture.”

René Magritte is famed for his intriguing images combining everyday objects in whimsical and thought-provoking contexts. “L’État de veille” belongs to a series of dreamlike gouaches featuring several emblematic motifs. (Sotheby's)

While curating the auction and exhibit, Baghestani sought to bring the "greatest Arab and Saudi artists to an international audience … don’t forget, we don’t only cater toward the local audience and Saudi audience … a lot of our clients are looking at the sale."

Baghestani also broke down the different types of auctions to be held: Online, day and evening sales. 

"The evening sale auction is probably the highest caliber in terms of quality, featuring the most expensive, museum-quality, and rarest works. However, in terms of volume, it is usually the smallest."

“O' God, Honour Them and Do Not Honor an Enemy Over Them” by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Saleem. (Sotheby's)

One of the pieces set to be auctioned is by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Saleem (1939-1997), a key contributor to the evolution of the Kingdom’s art scene.

His painting, titled “O' God, Honour Them and Do Not Honor an Enemy Over Them” is inspired by the gradating skyline of Riyadh from the desert, with both the skyline and calligraphy blended into mosaic-like designs.

The auction will also include works from icons such as Rene Magritte and Andy Warhol, and regional art pioneers including Etel Adnan.