Gigi Hadid walks for Chanel, Miu Miu in Paris 

Gigi Hadid walks for Chanel, Miu Miu in Paris 
Gigi Hadid walked the runway for Chanel and Miu Miu at Paris Fashion Week. (Getty Images)
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Updated 06 March 2024
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Gigi Hadid walks for Chanel, Miu Miu in Paris 

Gigi Hadid walks for Chanel, Miu Miu in Paris 

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian model Gigi Hadid had a busy schedule at Paris Fashion Week, strutting down the runways for both Chanel and Miu Miu on the same day.

The catwalk sensation graced the Miu Miu runway in a white collared knee-length dress featuring a slit down the middle. The ensemble also featured a luxurious brown fur coat, complemented by a sleek leather purse and stylish pointy-toed leather shoes. 

For the Chanel show, Hadid — a mother of one — stepped out in a black knit dress featuring a turtle neck collar. The dress was designed with a diagonal cut from below the waist, adorned with sheer fabric. She also sported a thin black belt with a gold clasp, accentuating her waist.




The catwalk sensation graced the Miu Miu runway in a white collared knee-length dress featuring a slit down the middle. (Getty Images)

She paired the outfit with platform suede boots. Hadid wore bold gold jewelry, including two intricately textured cuff bracelets and a layered gold necklace embellished with several medallions. Completing her ensemble, she carried a sleek black Chanel bag. 

Hadid was joined by French Algerian model Loli Bahia at both shows. 




For the Chanel show, Hadid stepped out in a black knit dress featuring a turtle neck collar. (Getty Images)

At the Miu Miu fashion show, Bahia rocked a double-breasted grey coat paired with navy blue stockings, black leather gloves, classic black loafers, stylish red sunglasses and a sleek black purse.

On the Chanel runway, Bahia donned a chic navy blue knit set consisting of a sweater with a plunging neckline and straight-leg trousers. Just like Hadid, she was also accessorized with a delicate thin belt cinched at the waist and layered gold necklaces. 

In a cinematic homage blurring fashion and film, Chanel transported its audience to a fictional Deauville. The black-and-white film of the Normandy seaside town, starring Brad Pitt and front-row observer Penelope Cruz, evoked Chanel’s roots, The Associated Press reported.

Fusing the 1920s heyday of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel with the drama of the ’70s, designer Virginie Viard recreated the founder’s wardrobe from the “winter sojourns by the sea,” the brand indicated in show notes.

Meanwhile, Miu Miu’s latest collection took a playful jab at the transition from childhood to adulthood. Miuccia Prada’s tongue-in-cheek little sister brand once again addressed profound themes through the lens of frivolity.

Cropped sleeves, rounded-toe shoes and pajamas with outerwear amid exaggeratedly shrunken proportions evoked the Tom Hanks movie “Big.” Adulthood was depicted in gloves and handbags, brooches and sharp tailoring.


Jordan’s Princess Iman welcomes first child

Jordan’s Princess Iman welcomes first child
Updated 16 February 2025
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Jordan’s Princess Iman welcomes first child

Jordan’s Princess Iman welcomes first child

DUBAI: Jordan’s Princess Iman bint Abdullah II and her husband, Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, have welcomed a baby girl, Princess Amina.

Queen Rania, the princess’s mother, took to social media to announce the news on Sunday.

“My darling Iman is now a mother. We’re grateful and overjoyed to meet Amina, our family’s newest blessing. Congratulations Jameel and Iman — may God bless you and your precious little girl,” she captioned the post.

This will be the second grandchild for Queen Rania and King Abdullah. Their first grandchild, born in August, is the daughter of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein. She was named Iman in honor of her aunt.
 


Model Imaan Hammam turns curator of Arab art on Instgram

Model Imaan Hammam turns curator of Arab art on Instgram
Updated 16 February 2025
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Model Imaan Hammam turns curator of Arab art on Instgram

Model Imaan Hammam turns curator of Arab art on Instgram

DUBAI: Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model Imaan Hammam took to Instagram to announce the launch of her new archival project, Ayni, which will highlight significant contributions to Arab film, art, music and literature.

“Meet Ayni (@ayni.vault), an archive dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Arab artistic expression through ‘my eyes,’” Hammam captioned the post on Instagram.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

“Follow along as I highlight some of the most significant contributions to Arab film, art, music, and literature — both old and new — and celebrate the talented artists behind them. This project holds such a special place in my heart, and I hope you enjoy it just as much as I enjoy curating it.”

Late last year, the model made waves when she delivered the opening remarks at the highly regarded Fashion Trust Arabia Awards’ sixth event, which took place in Marrakech, Morocco.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

The 28-year-old went on stage in a gorgeous black kaftan from Moroccan designer Selma Benomar. The heavily embroidered look highlighted Moroccan artistry and design, and paid tribute to the country’s royal family.

“So honored to open this year’s @fashiontrustarabia Awards here in the motherland,” Hamman said on Instagram. “Celebrating Arab artistry in the place where my roots run deep made this experience truly special. Proud to uplift the creativity that makes our culture unique. A special thank you to @selma_benomar_caftan for designing this gorgeous Moroccan custom-made caftan.”

Although Hammam was born and raised in Amsterdam, her mother is from Morocco and she visits the country frequently.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show.  

Hammam has appeared on the runway for leading fashion houses such as Burberry, Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Balenciaga and Carolina Herrera, to name a few, and starred in international campaigns for DKNY, Celine, Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani, Tiffany & Co. and others.

Celebrity guests at the Fashion Trust Arabia ceremony included Emirati singer Balqees Fathi, British model Jourdan Dunn, Lebanese-British fashion entrepreneur Karen Wazen and American-Lebanese supermodel Nour Arida.


Stormzy’s ‘Free Palestine’ Instagram post was not deleted due to McDonald’s ad, sources tell British newspaper

Stormzy’s ‘Free Palestine’ Instagram post was not deleted due to McDonald’s ad, sources tell British newspaper
Updated 15 February 2025
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Stormzy’s ‘Free Palestine’ Instagram post was not deleted due to McDonald’s ad, sources tell British newspaper

Stormzy’s ‘Free Palestine’ Instagram post was not deleted due to McDonald’s ad, sources tell British newspaper

DUBAI: Sources close to British rapper Stormzy have said that the artist did not delete his previous Instagram post in support of Palestine due to last week’s advert with McDonald’s, according to Sky News.

Unnamed sources told the British news outlet that it “is simply not true” that the “archiving” of his Instagram post and the release of the McDonald's campaign are linked.

The initial Instagram post read: “1. Free Palestine. 2. In the future, if there is ever a clear injustice in the world no matter how big or small, 100 times out of 100 I will always be on the side of the oppressed. Unequivocally. As I always have been.”

According to Sky News, the deletion of the post was part of a “mass archiving effort” last year and not linked to his new advert, the sources said.

The 31-year-old grime artist from south London has come under fire for collaborating with McDonald’s, which has repeatedly been accused of supporting Israel since the start of the war in Gaza.

He launched the limited edition “Stormzy Meal” on Wednesday in the UK. In an advert, actors speaking in his voice order the new offering, consisting of nine chicken nuggets, fries, BBQ sauce, a Sprite drink and an Oreo McFlurry dessert.

McDonald’s has faced boycotts worldwide and been subjected to protests after it emerged that its Israel franchises gave thousands of free meals to members of the Israeli military and their relatives after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski previously condemned the boycotts as “disheartening and ill-founded,” saying they had harmed McDonald’s profits across the Middle East and elsewhere.

Franchise owners in Kuwait, Malaysia and Pakistan issued statements distancing themselves from the decision to hand out the free meals.

Fans responded to his McDonald’s collaboration critically, with one posting on social media that Stormzy is a “sellout.”

In an open letter to Stormzy, the UK-based  Peace and Justice Project  said his work with McDonald's is "hugely disappointing, especially given the musician's otherwise proud and solid record in supporting great causes and campaigns for social justice".

"We are therefore asking Stormzy to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their hour of need and respect the BDS committee's call for a global boycott of McDonald's by ending his new partnership with them," the group added. 

Kempczinski posted on LinkedIn in January 2024: “In every country where we operate, including in Muslim countries, McDonald’s is proudly represented by local owner-operators who work tirelessly to serve and support their communities while employing thousands of their fellow citizens.”

He added: “Our hearts remain with the communities and families impacted by the war in the Middle East. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone.”


Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador

Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador
Updated 15 February 2025
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Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador

Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador

DUBAI: Lebanese Jordanian actress Andria Tayeh is the first Middle Eastern ambassador for French hair care brand Kerastase.

The 23-year-old actress took to Instagram to share the announcement on Friday, just over a week after she was named Italian luxury fashion house Giorgio Armani’s new Middle East beauty ambassador.

“Growing up, hair was always a big part of my identity, and now, representing a brand that celebrates hair in all its beauty feels surreal. Here’s to confidence, strength and great hair,” Tayeh captioned her latest post.

In the clip, she is seen in an all-white studio answering questions about why she is the ideal Kerastase ambassador. Tayeh speaks in a mixture of English, Arabic and French as she jokingly flips her hair for the camera and details her dedication to maintaining healthy hair.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Andria Tayeh (@andria_tayeh)

Known for her roles in Austrian filmmaker Kurdwin Ayub’s “Mond” and Netflix’s hit series “Al-Rawabi School for Girls,” Tayeh also took to Instagram in early February to celebrate her collaboration with Armani, writing: “I am thrilled and honored to embark on this new journey with Armani beauty.

 “This marks a real milestone for me, as the brand embodies values I have always cherished: timeless elegance, dramatic simplicity, and women empowerment,” she added. “Armani beauty reveals one’s charismatic personality in the most subtle and natural way. It’s this pure simplicity that creates an impact, and this is exactly what I hope to bring to the Arab cinema world.” 

The actress is the latest in a long line of regional stars who have been tapped by international luxury brands for brand ambassadorship roles.

French Algerian model Loli Bahia was tapped to be one of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty’s brand ambassadors in 2023, starring in a debut campaign for the brand alongside Chinese model Tao Ye.

In 2024, Lebanese British actress Razane Jammal was named Dior Beauty’s brand ambassador after being announced as the Middle East’s brand ambassador for Dior in October 2022.

Meanwhile, Spanish jewelry brand PDPAOLA named Saudi influencer Jory Almaiman a brand ambassador in late 2024, and Nancy Ajram became Tiffany & Co.'s first Arab brand ambassador the year before that.

 


Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase

Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase
Updated 15 February 2025
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Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase

Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase

DUBAI: Manish Malhotra is a name synonymous with opulence, craftsmanship and Bollywood glamour. As one of India’s most celebrated designers, Malhotra revolutionized South Asian couture and has dressed some of the biggest stars in the international entertainment industry.

From Bollywood royalty, including crossover star Priyanka Chopra, to Hollywood’s Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Anniston, Malhotra’s clothes have been seen on A-listers globally.

The designer closed out the latest edition of Dubai Fashion Week in February. (Supplied)

While his influence has extended outside India for some time now, Malhotra took it one step further by establishing a permanent foothold in the UAE. After opening his first international flagship store in Dubai in December 2023, he closed out the latest edition of Dubai Fashion Week in February.

Marking his first-ever international runway presentation, the lineup was everything loyal clients would expect and more. Titled “The World Collection: Dubai,” the clothes were a celebration of traditional Indian craftsmanship reinterpreted with global appeal.

His signature sequins adorned most of the clothes. (Supplied)

“I wanted to explore a more globalized aesthetic while staying true to the essence of Indian couture,” Malhotra told Arab News. “The silhouettes are bold yet effortless, tailored yet free flowing, designed to complement the modern woman’s dynamic lifestyle.”

His signature sequins adorned most of the clothes, and a metallic silver gown and a rainbow-colored gown with a fabric draping the model’s head stood out. Elsewhere, suits dominated the runway – but not the corporate kinds – more couture-esque with fluid cuts making them comfortable to move around in. The suits came with exquisite pearl embellishments, a nod to the region’s pearl diving heritage. Others were sequinned from head to toe, an ode to maximalism. “Suits, for me, have always been a powerful expression of confidence and individuality. With this collection, I wanted to explore tailoring in a way that felt both bold and glamorous while staying true to the essence of craftsmanship,” he explained.

Malhotra’s kaftans and abaya-like silhouettes were elegant and versatile. (Supplied)

Handwoven brocade came in the form of structured, button-down blazers with matching voluminous midi skirts, further spotlighting the craftsmanship Malhotra is known for. “I worked with master craftsmen to create handwoven brocades, intricate pearl embellishments and signature sequins, but the silhouettes were envisioned with an international sensibility.”

Suits dominated the runway – but not the corporate kinds, more couture-esque. (Supplied)

With sahoor and iftar gatherings just around the corner, Malhotra’s kaftans and abaya-like silhouettes were elegant and versatile. “This collection reflects a shift toward a more universal language of fashion – where heritage meets innovation, and tradition finds expression in modern, statement-making forms,” he said.