Arab models dazzle at Milan Fashion Week

Arab models dazzle at Milan Fashion Week
Nora Attal stepped onto the runway in a vibrant ensemble. (Getty Images)
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Updated 21 September 2024
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Arab models dazzle at Milan Fashion Week

Arab models dazzle at Milan Fashion Week

DUBAI: Arab models are taking over Milan Fashion Week, turning heads at renowned fashion brands such as Gucci and Missoni.

French Algerian model Loli Bahia walked the Gucci show wearing a charcoal grey, tailored zip-up jacket with a prominent, pointed collar and a slightly oversized fit, emphasizing a relaxed yet structured silhouette.

The jacket was paired with matching wide-leg trousers and the ensemble was accessorized with a sleek, metallic choker and a pair of white loafers with black details.




Loli Bahia wore a charcoal grey set. (Getty Images)

Mona Tougaard, who is of Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian decent, also walked the Gucci runway. She wore a sleeveless white dress with a high neckline. The dress was designed with a thigh-high slit and was paired with black knee-high leather boots that had a glossy finish and a chunky heel. For accessorizes, Tougaard wore a gold choker, and matching bracelets on each wrist.




Mona Tougaard, who is of Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian decent, also walked the Gucci runway. (Getty Images)

The show, presenting the Italian fashion house’s spring/summer 2025 collection, “Casual Grandeur,” featured draped or sleeveless dresses in various colors, each adorned with golden buckles, alongside see-through lace frocks.

There were looks that mirrored 1960s styles with short A-line skirts, structured jackets and shorts. Long coats were worn over tank tops and long denim trousers. Some coats were adorned with sparkling fringes.

The color palette included grey — just like Bahia’s look — brown, different shades of green, white, orange and red.

Meanwhile, part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair and British Moroccan catwalk star Nora Attal walked the Missoni show.




Al-Zuhair wore a dynamic eye-catching ensemble. (Getty Images)

Al-Zuhair wore a dynamic, eye-catching ensemble featuring bold, wavy stripes in black, white and yellow. The outfit included an asymmetrical top adorned with exaggerated ruffled detailing that cascaded down one side, paired with a high-waisted bikini bottom. Completing the look were matching high-heeled sandals in vibrant yellow, adding an extra pop of color.

Attal also stepped onto the runway in a vibrant and eclectic ensemble featuring a mix of bold colors and patterns. She wore a one-shoulder top adorned with wavy stripes in black, white, red, yellow and blue.

The top showcased a sharply angled, asymmetrical hem and was paired with high-waisted leggings that echoed the color theme through large, color-blocked panels. The look was completed with classic black pointed-toe heels.


Hail museums: Treasure troves of history and heritage

Hail museums: Treasure troves of history and heritage
Updated 23 January 2025
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Hail museums: Treasure troves of history and heritage

Hail museums: Treasure troves of history and heritage
  • Samia Suleiman Al-Jabri: Museums play a vital role in preserving heritage, protecting it from extinction, and connecting generations to their civilizational and cultural legacy
  • Al-Jabri: They (museums) provide an information-rich environment that enhances historical and scientific knowledge for both international visitors and tourists

Hail’s museums offer visitors a journey through time, bringing to life the ancient stories of the region’s ancestors.

A number of museums in the city highlight historical ways of life, traditional craftsmanship and an array of archaeological artifacts.

“Museums play a vital role in preserving heritage, protecting it from extinction, and connecting generations to their civilizational and cultural legacy,” Samia Suleiman Al-Jabri, associate professor of modern history at Hail University, told the Saudi Press Agency.

“They provide an information-rich environment that enhances historical and scientific knowledge for both international visitors and tourists, including students, researchers and cultural enthusiasts.

“Moreover, museums are key tourist destinations that promote cultural tourism, offering visitors access to diverse collections of rare heritage artifacts, which in turn significantly boosts the local economy.”

Al-Jabri said that Saudi Arabia’s leadership was committed to enhancing the role of museums nationally, which strengthened national identity by showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

The Authenticity Museum is one of the most prominent cultural, heritage and tourist landmarks in Hail.

It features a diverse collection of artifacts and tools that provide insight into the past.

The museum also highlights traditional furniture, from historical majlis (sitting rooms), heritage seating, and intricately hand-crafted cabinets once used in traditional homes.

Ali Bakhrisa, owner of the “Asalah” Museum, said: “Among the most notable items on display are ancient heritage tools, including pottery, cooking implements and hunting gear.

“The museum also showcases a collection of traditional clothing worn by the region’s tribes, featuring men’s garments such as the sadiriyya, dagla, kut and bisht, alongside women’s attire, which is hand-embroidered and woven, including the dagla, sabah, burqas and dara’a once worn by Hail’s women.

“In addition, the museum proudly exhibits a selection of classic cars from various manufacturers.”

The museum, which Bakhrisa said took 20 years to curate through extensive research trips across the Kingdom and beyond, boasts a rich collection of traditional weapons, including swords, daggers and antique rifles.

It also features an exquisite array of traditional jewelry and ornaments, historically worn by women on social occasions and renowned for their authentic heritage designs.

The museum also highlights traditional architecture once common in the region, showcasing distinctive architectural styles and locally sourced building materials.

One of the most renowned museums in Hail is the Found Influence from the Past Museum, housed in a clay structure more than a century old.

Its owner, Khaled Al-Matroud, has carefully transformed this historic home into a museum that showcases a remarkable collection of more than 2,000 artifacts, elegantly arranged across its wings and corridors.

A standout feature is the heritage majlis, known for its soaring ceilings — reaching up to eight meters — and its impressive 15-meter width, reflecting the region’s architectural style.

This majlis was ingeniously designed to adapt to seasonal needs, with distinct shapes for summer and winter.

The museum also preserves the charm of a traditional Hail house, featuring numerous rooms and an open courtyard that facilitates natural ventilation, further enhanced by the lush greenery of palm, orange and lemon trees at its entrance.

Fadi Al-Abdullah, a passionate admirer of historical artifacts, praised these museums for preserving and documenting the intricate details of a past era.

Antar Al-Kilani, an Egyptian resident, views these museums as a gateway to discovering the cultural and historical heritage of the region.


Saudi content creators win big at TikTok Awards in Dubai 

Saudi content creators win big at TikTok Awards in Dubai 
Updated 23 January 2025
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Saudi content creators win big at TikTok Awards in Dubai 

Saudi content creators win big at TikTok Awards in Dubai 

DUBAI: Two Saudi content creators made a mark at the TikTok Awards ceremony on Wednesday.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TikTok MENA (@tiktokmena)

Mohammed Hemex was honored with the Sports Creator of the Year Award, while Emad Ramen earned the title of Food Creator of the Year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TikTok MENA (@tiktokmena)

The event drew a star-studded crowd, including US-Iraqi entrepreneur and fragrance mogul Mona Kattan, accompanied by her co-stars from Netflix’s “Dubai Bling.” Among them were Ebraheem Alsamadi, who decorated the venue with centerpieces from his brand Forever Rose, Safa Siddiqui, Danya Mohammed, Marwan Al-Awadhi (DJ Bliss), and Jwana Karim. Also in attendance were “Love is Blind Habibi” stars Mohammed AlKiswani and Nour El-Hajj.

The Creator of the Year award was presented to Yara Aziz. (AN/ Mohammed Fawzy) 

The Creator of the Year award was presented to Yara Aziz. Ahead of her win, Aziz, who boasts 6.5 million TikTok followers, told Arab News: “I started everything on TikTok. It’s been five years now, and this is my first award ever with them. I am nervous, I am excited, I am happy, I am content and I am grateful.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TikTok MENA (@tiktokmena)

Originally a medical student, the TikToker attended the event wearing a dress handmade by her grandmother, a process she documented on TikTok for her followers. 

Reflecting on the experience, Aziz described the process as “extremely stressful.” She explained, “Honestly, it was stressful for my grandma, she felt like she was under pressure to make something quick and fast. But honestly, it turned out perfect.”

Before the announcement, Aziz mentioned that winning this award would mark the most memorable moment of her social media career — and it did.

The night included performances by Haitian-French artist Naika, known for the viral hit “Sauce,” and Egyptian rapper Marwan Moussa, a TikTok favorite, who thrilled the audience with tracks such as “Tesla,” “Batal Alam” and “Hob Khenaa,” joined by co-singer Nourine Abouseada for the latter.

Egyptian rapper Marwan Moussa thrilled the audience with tracks such as “Tesla,” “Batal Alam” and “Hob Khenaa.” (AN/ Mohammed Fawzy) 

The night celebrated other talents including Syrian Canadian Osama Marwah, who won the Video of the Year, while Egyptian singer Tul8te was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Lebanese chef Abir El Saghir received the Visionary Content Award, Abdullah Annan was honored as Changemaker of the Year, Shihab Al-Hashemy won Education Creator of the Year, and Nouran El-Sayed took home the Fashion & Beauty Creator of the Year award.


Iconic composer Hans Zimmer working on new interpretation of Saudi national anthem

Iconic composer Hans Zimmer working on new interpretation of Saudi national anthem
Updated 23 January 2025
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Iconic composer Hans Zimmer working on new interpretation of Saudi national anthem

Iconic composer Hans Zimmer working on new interpretation of Saudi national anthem
  • Announcement by General Entertainment Authority’s Turki Alalshikh
  • Original composition ‘Arabia’ inspired by the Kingdom also planned

DUBAI: Oscar-winning film composer Hans Zimmer — who will perform live in Riyadh on Jan. 24 — is working on a new interpretation of Saudi Arabia’s national anthem, according Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.

Alalshikh revealed on X recently that he had also spoken with Zimmer about ideas for a new Riyadh Season concert and an original composition called “Arabia,” inspired by the Kingdom.

“Today I met someone who is considered one of the greatest musicians of our time … the legend Hans Zimmer,” Alalshikh wrote.

The post continued that the German composer — known for his work on films including “The Lion King,” “Interstellar,” “Gladiator” and “Dune” — was also offered the chance to create the soundtrack for the upcoming Saudi Arabia film, “The Battle of Yarmouk.”

Alalshikh concluded the post by saying that Zimmer had promised he would visit the country again with his family and friends.

Zimmer attended the Kingdom’s Joy Awards over the weekend which honors the achievements of artists in the Arab world.

He will take to the stage for his “Hans Zimmer Live” show at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Saudi Arabia as a part of Riyadh Season.


Lavender carpet fashion: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025

Lavender carpet fashion: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025
Updated 23 January 2025
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Lavender carpet fashion: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025

Lavender carpet fashion: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025

DUBAI: The hottest looks from the Joy Awards 2025, held on Jan. 18 in Riyadh.

 

Zainab Alblushi 

The self-proclaimed Saudi “It Girl” wore this striking floor-length backless lilac gown with oversized, voluminous sleeves to the ceremony. The dress was created by Riyadh-based designer Khawla Alaiban, who founded her eponymous label in 2017. She stayed local with her accessories too, opting for diamonds from Saudi fine jewelry brand Lustro. 

 

Annabella Hilal 

The Lebanese model and TV presenter was fulsome in her praise of the awards, saying, “Every year this experience gets better and better.” She also thanked Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad — “a true artist” — for her “incredible dress,” this deep blue flowing gown which included intricate leaf-like embroidery on see-through fabric. Like Zainab Alblushi, Hilal went with jewelry from Lustro. She also carried a metallic silver Jimmy Choo bag.   

 

Mila Alzahrani 

The Saudi actress selected this beautifully tailored purple gown from Lebanese designer Sara Mrad. The dress featured an asymmetrical sheer corset with ruffled sleeves running into a dramatic skirt filled with feathers and eye-catching floral embroidery, and surrounded by a pleated train.  

 

Nour Ali 

Assisted by Dubai-based Lebanese stylist Cedric Haddad, the 29-year-old Syrian actress — shortlisted for the Best Actress in a Series award for her role in “Lo’bat Al-Hob” — chose this elegant all-black number with intricate tailoring and cut-outs from acclaimed Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad and accessorized with jewelry from Chopard. 

 

Aseel Omran 

The Saudi singer and actress looked chic in this timeless black gown with sculpted bodice and mermaid skirt from Lebanese designer Charbel Karam, who launched his namesake label in 2006 in Abu Dhabi. Omran also wore jewelry from Roberto Coin.  

 

Stephanie Atala  

The Lebanese actor and singer looked radiant in this pink dress with bejeweled bodice and voluminous skirt created by Lebanese-American designer Rami Kadi. The awards came just two days after Atala announced her engagement to her long-time musical partner Joseph Abboud, aka Zef.  

 

Zeina Makki  

The Kuwait-born Lebanese filmmaker and actress hit the lavender carpet in this glittering golden gown with chainmail-style top and flowing see-through skirt from Georges Hobeika’s Fall/Winter 2024 ready-to-wear collection. Stylist Ibrahim Fakhereldine paired the dress with jewelry from Marli. 

 

Nelly Karim 

The beloved Egyptian actress made a splash in this bright red couture gown with accentuated boat neckline from Lebanese-Italian designer Tony Ward. Her outfit was almost as dramatic as her surprise appearance on stage to duet with pop superstar Tamer Hosny.  


REVIEW: ‘Severance’ returns with more pleasurable mind bending 

REVIEW: ‘Severance’ returns with more pleasurable mind bending 
Updated 23 January 2025
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REVIEW: ‘Severance’ returns with more pleasurable mind bending 

REVIEW: ‘Severance’ returns with more pleasurable mind bending 
  • Season two of Apple’s sci-fi thriller remains wonderfully weird

LONDON: Despite the fact it’s been nearly three years since viewers last got to see inside the world of “Severance,” Apple’s sort-of-sci-fi show picks up pretty much where it left off. We rejoin the story just a few moments after Mark S (Adam Scott) and his team of Lumon data refiners managed to break free of their ‘severed’ floor — where work and out-of-work memories and personalities are controlled and delineated by a chip embedded in their brains — and alert the outside world to the cruelties of their working conditions. Mark reawakens in the hellish officescape without his team of escapees — Helly (Britt Lower), Dylan (Zach Cherry) and Irving (John Turturro) — and immediately sets about trying to find out what happened to them. This means getting the best of returning supervisor Milchick (Tramell Tillman), his new teenage assistant Miss Huang (Sarah Bock), and a trio of new coworkers. 

Creator Dan Erickson and director Ben Stiller waste no time in rediscovering the subtle blend of tangible oddness and sinister dystopian creepiness that made the first season such an uncomfortable joy. And, perhaps emboldened by season one’s success, drop greater hints at just how weird the wider world of Lumen and its mysteriously enigmatic founder Kier Eagan might be. Mark and his team are told that their escape has led to sweeping reform across the company, but with Mark having learned that his wife on the outside may be trapped somewhere in the building — rather than being dead, as his ‘outie’ personality had been led to believe — the setup for more convoluted reveals is in place by the end of this season’s first episode. 

In all the best ways, “Severance” feels the same as it did. The surreal nightmare of its setting is as terrifying as ever, and the sharp juxtaposition of Mark and the others’ personalities remains joyfully jarring. The pace of plot revelation actually appears to have slowed even further — but while this is surface-level frustrating, it’s also a big part of why the show is so engaging. Is this new season likely to answer all your questions from three years ago? It is not. In fact, by the end of episode one, there’s more mystery, rather than less. But “Severance” remains the most captivating of headscratchers.