Best and Worst: Saudi style star Alanoud Badr  talks trends, travel and Taylor Swift

Best and Worst: Saudi style star Alanoud Badr  talks trends, travel and Taylor Swift
The Saudi style star is known as Fozaza on Instagram. (Getty Images)
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Updated 13 October 2023
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Best and Worst: Saudi style star Alanoud Badr  talks trends, travel and Taylor Swift

Best and Worst: Saudi style star Alanoud Badr  talks trends, travel and Taylor Swift

DUBAI: The Saudi style star, known as Fozaza on Instagram, talks trends, travel, and Taylor Swift.  

Best TV show/film you’ve ever seen?    

I have two TV shows I think are gold. One of them is “Friends.” It’s one of those feelgood series you can watch over and over again. The other is “The Simpsons.” I love their witty humor and approach to real-life politics and societal issues. For films, I like “The Godfather,” it’s a classic! People still quote it to this day, it’s just so good! I also secretly like “The Abyss.” I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and what humans still don’t know about its depths.  

Worst TV show/film you’ve ever seen?   

I don’t believe there is a worst because it’s a matter of taste. There are some TV shows that aren’t really my style that many people love, like “Stranger Things.” For films, I can’t watch anything to do with exorcism or the devil. It freaks me out and I think it’s super-sensitive in general.  

Best personal style moment?    

Whenever I’m on holiday. I really have fun styling looks when I’m traveling. It’s when I get to freestyle that I enjoy it the most. It’s easier to be creative when you’re traveling because you’re constantly being inspired by your surroundings and the local fashions.  

Worst personal style moment?    

High school. It’s fair to say I was still discovering my personal style. It’s scary to look back on. There are a lot of ‘What was I thinking?’ moments, which are fun.  

Best accessory for a little black dress?    

A statement pearl necklace, really nice boots and a statement clutch. Although it depends on the cut of the little black dress. A little goes a long way, but it’s always nice to pick one statement piece to complete the look.   

Worst accessory for a little black dress?    

There isn’t one. As far as I’m concerned, anything goes. I love personal style; we’re always being inspired by each other, so I don’t feel there is a right or wrong.  

Best fashion trend of 2023?    

Anything rich red, from a jacket to a bag, dress or boots. The color is taking over and I’m here for it. Also I love blazers, and boxy blazers are back — and so is Eighties business chic, which I love. So many great trends this year to choose from.  

Worst fashion trend of 2023?    

The Barbie craze. I genuinely can’t look at the color pink anymore, or anything related to Barbie. It was overkill. 

Best advice you’ve ever been given?   

“Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary defeat.” What feels like the end is often the beginning. Have faith.  

Worst advice you’ve ever been given? 

“Follow your heart.” It’s nice, but I wish I was told to use my head as well and not gamble on my heart too much. Balance is key. It hurts less to know more.  

Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?    

A hot bath with Epsom salts and a side of Netflix. Or my favorite escape is going to the beach with a good book around sunset.    

Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?  

Overspend. When I’m happy I tend to want to make everyone around me happy, so I go on a shopping spree buying everyone I love gifts. It’s an expensive habit that I need to change. 

Best holiday destination?    

Cyprus is super-underrated. I always have the best time there. The weather, the food, the people, the beaches of Aya Napa are something else. Oh, you also get the most amazing long-lasting tan. 

Worst holiday destination?    

Everything’s an adventure. I don’t see it any other way. Even in the worst of situations, I always come out of it with the best memories and a lot of laughs. Nothing is perfect and sometimes you end up in a dump but it’s always about how you choose to see it. I like to make the best out of every situation, it really changes things.   

Best subject at school?    

Biology. I’ve always wanted to be a cardiologist. I’m fascinated by medicine and the human body. And geography, because I think we have the most beautiful planet and I hope I can discover it all one day.  

Worst subject at school?    

Math. Numbers stress me out. That’s why I don’t like baking. I like to cook because when you cook you cook with your senses, but when you bake you measure everything to the dot. I like to feel, then calculate, if that makes sense?  

Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?   

Go to bed early. Sleeping early is scientifically proven to give you greater energy and focus the next day.  

Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?    

Overcommitting. You end up not getting anything done. I love accomplishing tasks, so I try to keep them to a realistic amount, so I’ll be done with it all by the end of the day. It’s not humanly possible to predict how your day is going to go, so I make sure I give myself proper time for backups.   

Best concert you’ve ever been to?   

Lauryn Hill. She’s a legend. Her concerts always have strong messages and her energy is contagious. I really want to go to a Taylor Swift concert too. They say it’s a game changer.  

Worst concert you’ve ever been to?   

I honestly haven’t been to one that I haven’t enjoyed yet.  


Ajwa Aljoudi shows off Saudi fashion at the Emmy Awards

Ajwa Aljoudi shows off Saudi fashion at the Emmy Awards
Updated 16 September 2024
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Ajwa Aljoudi shows off Saudi fashion at the Emmy Awards

Ajwa Aljoudi shows off Saudi fashion at the Emmy Awards

DUBAI: Riyadh-based TV host Ajwa Aljoudi was spotted at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards in Hollywood in a look by Saudi designer Eman Alajlan.

Aljoudi, who also has a post at the Saudi Film Commission, showed off a mustard gown by the eponymous fashion house which was established in 2003.

The column gown featured black bow-and-feather detailing on the back.

Meanwhile, Emmy-winning actress, comedian and writer Quinta Brunson showed off  a mermaid sculpted gown from Lebanese designer Georges Chakra’s Fall/Winter 2024-2025 couture collection on the red carpet.

TV’s top stars sparkled on the red carpet at the Emmy Awards, back in its regular September time slot after twin Hollywood strikes delayed last year's ceremony to January, AFP reported.

“Shogun” star Anna Sawai was ready for her close-up — she accepted her Emmy for best actress in a drama in a fire-engine red strapless Vera Wang gown with a flounce just below the hips. Actress Kurumi Nakata, the wife of “Shogun” star Tadanobu Asano, brought a touch of the show to the red carpet in a traditional Japanese kimono.

Anna Sawai won the Emmy for best actress in a drama in a fire-engine red strapless Vera Wang gown. (AFP)

Sofia Vergara, nominated for her performance as a notorious Colombian drug lord in “Griselda,” rocked a strapless ruched red Dolce & Gabbana gown with a plunging neckline and Ayo Edibiri, a winner at the last Emmys for her work on “The Bear” and a nominee again on Sunday, looked glam in a strapless printed red, black and yellow Bottega Veneta gown with a high slit.

Black is always on point for Hollywood events, but blue also was everywhere at the Emmys, according to a report by AFP.

Selena Gomez, a first-time acting nominee for “Only Murders in the Building,” wowed in a form-fitting Ralph Lauren black velvet gown with a glittering silver halter neckline and a train and Brie Larson, nominated  for “Lessons in Chemistry,” adopted the peplum trend in a beaded blue Chanel gown with thin sparkling straps, a full skirt and a sweet black bow at the waist.

Selena Gomez wowed in a form-fitting Ralph Lauren black velvet gown. (AFP)

Glittering silver and gold looks definitely felt like a trend on the red carpet.

Jennifer Aniston, once again nominated for best actress in a drama for “The Morning Show,” sparkled in a sheer silvery strapless Oscar de la Renta gown with intricate pearl beading while “Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan, a presenter at the Emmys, glimmered in an off-the-shoulder silver Prabal Gurung sequin gown with the on-trend sculpted peplum at the waist.

“Bridgerton” star Nicola Coughlan glimmered in an off-the-shoulder silver Prabal Gurung sequin gown. (AFP)

 


Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah Al-Faisal ‘breathes new life’ into Asprey collection

Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah Al-Faisal ‘breathes new life’ into Asprey collection
Updated 15 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah Al-Faisal ‘breathes new life’ into Asprey collection

Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah Al-Faisal ‘breathes new life’ into Asprey collection

RIYADH: British luxury company Asprey is continuing its collaboration with Saudi Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, the founder of Nuun Jewels, with a reimagined version of Asprey’s Feather Jewelry Collection.

The new collection, designed by Princess Nourah, comes after she collaborated with the label on a capsule collection of bags in July 2023.

Coloured titanium is complemented by sparkling gemstones ranging from the most delicate hues to rich, saturated tones. (Supplied)

“When I approached this collection, I saw an opportunity to breathe new life into Asprey’s iconic feather designs. I wanted to honor that legacy while infusing it with the playfulness and innovation that’s become synonymous with the brand,” she told Arab News of the new launch.

The original Feather collection draws inspiration from royal heraldry, featuring designs that echo the feathers adorning the Prince of Wales’s heraldic badge, where three white ostrich feathers emerge from a gold coronet.

Now, Princess Noura has put her own spin on the collection with her unique aesthetic visible in the choice of materials.

The collection consists of 13 pieces that can be made to order in different colours and metal combinations. (Supplied)

Coloured titanium is complemented by sparkling gemstones ranging from the most delicate hues to rich, saturated tones, characteristic of Nuun Jewels’ style. From pale pink sapphires and morganite to pastel yellow diamonds, the interplay of colors is something Princess Nourah is known for.

“By experimenting with unexpected colors and materials, I’ve tried to create pieces that feel both fresh and timeless. There’s a subtle nod to Art Deco in there, which I’ve balanced with the contemporary aesthetic of my own brand, Nuun Jewels,” she said.

The Asprey x Nuun Feather Collection is a feather in the cap of Asprey, with its chairman telling Arab News he is keen to ensure the luxury goods house remains synonymous with “innovation” despite its more than 200-year history.

“This collection not only showcases (Princess Nourah’s) visionary creativity but also exemplifies Asprey’s relentless pursuit of excellence and beauty through innovation and tradition,” John Rigas, chairman of Asprey, said.

The collection consists of 13 pieces that can be made to order in different colours and metal combinations, with a statement necklace to be revealed in 2025.

 


Danielle Deadwyler shows off Elie Saab look at ‘The Piano Lesson’ screening in New York

Danielle Deadwyler shows off Elie Saab look at ‘The Piano Lesson’ screening in New York
Updated 15 September 2024
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Danielle Deadwyler shows off Elie Saab look at ‘The Piano Lesson’ screening in New York

Danielle Deadwyler shows off Elie Saab look at ‘The Piano Lesson’ screening in New York

DUBAI: US actress Danielle Deadwyler showed off a bubblegum pink cocktail dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab at a screening of “The Piano Lesson” in New York.

The outfit hailed from Saab’s Spring/Summer 2024 ready-to-wear collection and featured a belted waist with a slightly flowing skirt.

Danielle Deadwyler showed off a dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab in New York. (AFP)

Deadwyler stars in “The Piano Lesson,” an American drama directed by Malcolm Washington, who co-wrote the screenplay with Virgil Williams. Set to hit US theaters on Nov. 8, it will stream worldwide on Netflix on Nov. 22 and stars Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, and Corey Hawkins.

The film is based on August Wilson’s 1987 Pulitzer Prize–winning play of the same name.

It is set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression and follows the lives of the Charles family as they decide what to do with an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor.

The director spoke to Deadline about the upcoming release, saying: “’The Piano Lesson’ is a story that centers on a brother and sister’s disagreement on what to do with a family heirloom, but underneath the surface is a story about ancestry, legacy, and how the decisions that our ancestors made affect the lives we lived today.

“When I first read the script, I was in a place in my life where I was digitizing a bunch of family photos, and I was looking at the faces of my ancestors, thinking about the lives that they lived and the connection to my own. So when I actually read the text itself, it really spoke to me in a way that forced me to engage with the material in a meaningful way,” he added.

The film also played at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, with Deadwyler hitting the red carpet in a Dior Resort 2025 metallic embroidered dress that riffed on the current Joan of Arc-inspired trend with its armor-style aesthetic. 


French actress Camille Razat steps out in Amina Muaddi heels at ‘Emily in Paris’ photocall

French actress Camille Razat steps out in Amina Muaddi heels at ‘Emily in Paris’ photocall
Updated 14 September 2024
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French actress Camille Razat steps out in Amina Muaddi heels at ‘Emily in Paris’ photocall

French actress Camille Razat steps out in Amina Muaddi heels at ‘Emily in Paris’ photocall

DUBAI: French actress and model Camille Razat this week attended the “Emily in Paris” season four photocall in Paris, stepping out in a pair of heels by Romanian-Jordanian designer, Amina Muaddi.

The star chose the footwear designer’s “Charlotte Sling” heels that featured a black patent finish. These shoes are designed with a squared oblique toe and include a slingback strap secured with a silver buckle. The structure is supported by a block heel.

Completing her ensemble, Razat, who portrays Camille, one of Emily’s friends in the series, wore a tailored black suit from the French luxury fashion house Celine. The outfit was complemented by a crisp white shirt and a black tie.

The star chose the footwear designer’s “Charlotte Sling” heels that featured a black patent finish. (Getty Images)

The photocall featured the series’ lead, Lily Collins, who plays Emily. Accompanied by her husband, Charlie McDowell, Collins promoted the hit series in a sheer-net Christian Dior dress adorned with a long fringe, complemented by a black blazer and heels. Charlie matched her ensemble with a black suit.

Co-stars, Ashley Park and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, attended the event, along with series creator Darren Star, director and executive producer, Andrew Fleming, and costume designer, Marylin Fitoussi.

Leroy-Beaulieu wore a full-length, white sequined Saint Laurent gown featuring a high neckline and a halter-style top with a backless detail. The ensemble was complemented by long, black satin gloves.

(L-R) Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Lily Collins, Darren Star, Ashley Park and Camille Razat attend the "Emily In Paris" Netflix photocall. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Park wore a velvet dress from Alessandra Rich featuring a contrasting white satin collar and a row of decorative gold buttons down the front. The dress had a fitted silhouette that ended just below the knee. She accessorized her look with a Judith Leiber bag and pointed black heels with golden accents.

Since launching her eponymous footwear line in August 2018, Muaddi has attracted a loyal following of celebrities including Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Her brand, known for its distinctive footwear, bags and jewelry, has quickly become a favorite among the fashion elite.

Following the launch, Muaddi has seen a series of successful events, notably her collaboration with Rihanna’s Fenty collection. This partnership proved to be immensely successful, earning the Collaborator of the Year award at the 34th FN Achievement Awards in 2020.

A year after this accolade, Muaddi’s influence and success were further recognized when she was named one of Women’s Wear Daily and Footwear News’ 50 Most Powerful Women.


REVIEW: Colin Farrell is resplendent as Batman villain in ‘The Penguin,’ HBO’s new slow-burn crime epic

REVIEW: Colin Farrell is resplendent as Batman villain in ‘The Penguin,’ HBO’s new slow-burn crime epic
Updated 14 September 2024
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REVIEW: Colin Farrell is resplendent as Batman villain in ‘The Penguin,’ HBO’s new slow-burn crime epic

REVIEW: Colin Farrell is resplendent as Batman villain in ‘The Penguin,’ HBO’s new slow-burn crime epic
  • The spin-off of Matt Reeves’ ‘Batman’ — a lush and fully realized mob drama — drops weekly on OSN from Sept. 20

DUBAI: Audiences will be forgiven for rolling their eyes at yet-another supervillain origin story. But thanks to Colin Farrell’s “The Penguin,” for the first time in a very long time, you won’t walk away from your TV feeling mildly dissatisfied or pining for the long-gone golden age of superhero storytelling.

HBO’s eight-episode limited series — written and created by Lauren LeFranc (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Chuck”) — tells the story of the rise of Oswald “the Penguin” Cobb, or just “Oz,” from underworld criminal to mob kingpin; and does so in a richly realized manner that will earn comparisons to TV epics such as “The Sopranos.”

The show begins a week after the events of Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” (2022), where the citizens of Gotham are recovering from the deadly floods released by the Riddler, destroying entire neighborhoods and killing thousands. Oz (Farrell, who again disappears into the role thanks to game-changing prosthetics and acting instincts honed over decades) plans to exploit the chaos of the floods and the power vacuum left behind by the recent death of mob boss Carmine Falcone (Mark Strong).

Helping him in his endeavour is young Victor (Rhenzy Feliz), a wannabe criminal who lost everything to the flood. Oz and Victor’s pseudo father-son dynamic forms the beating heart of a tragic story of corruption, greed and violence; and accurately depicts how monsters are not born but created by a society that is sick at its core.

Additionally stirring the pot is Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone, Carmine Falcone’s daughter who is released from Arkham Asylum after a 10-year stint and is looking to take control of her father’s empire.

“The Penguin” sings when Farrell is on screen. The Irish actor gives the role his all, and watching him go from impulsive and rage-filled violence to quiet vulnerability to easy charm and then wounded puppy is a treat to behold.

And it is not always an easy watch, either. An episode dedicated to Sofia’s backstory that examines her life before, during and immediately after her stint in Arkham Asylum makes for a riveting but incredibly grizzly and difficult sit. Milioti handles Sofia’s justified anger and need for control and power with mesmerizing charm and deliciously dark humor.

With “The Penguin,” LeFranc has created something truly transformative, and no amount of superhero fatigue should keep you from watching it.