Yara Shahidi features in star-studded Cartier campaign

Yara Shahidi features in star-studded Cartier campaign
Yara Shahidi, Jisoo, Paul Mescal, Labrinth and Jackson Wang all star in a campaign by Cartier. (Cartier)
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Updated 26 March 2024
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Yara Shahidi features in star-studded Cartier campaign

Yara Shahidi features in star-studded Cartier campaign

DUBAI: Part-Middle Eastern actress Yara Shahidi, K-Pop star Jisoo, Irish Oscar nominee Paul Mescal, British singer Labrinth and Hong Kong rapper Jackson Wang all star in a campaign by Cartier released on Tuesday.

“Grown-ish” star Shahidi, whose father is Iranian, stars in the new film and image campaign that celebrates the Trinity jewelery collection turning 100 years old.

Designed by Louis Cartier in 1924, Cartier is marking the centenary of the Trinity ring’s creation with the new campaign, the release of three new designs and, previously, a trio of parties. 

Harvard graduate Shahidi, who is a brand ambassador for Cartier and a global ambassador for French luxury label Dior, was on hand as the label marked the occasion with a party in New York on Feb. 1.

“The Maison chose to host three near-simultaneous events in the three capitals where the three Cartier brothers — Louis, Pierre and Jacques — settled at the beginning of the 20th century. These are the cities where they built the Maison’s three temples: Rue de la Paix, Fifth Avenue and New Bond Street,” Cartier said in a released statement.

Author and Cartier family member Francesca Cartier Brickell spoke to Arab News about the jewelry house in February at Dubai's Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. The writer of “The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire” shared insights into the family’s past, as well as the label’s unexpected beginnings.

Louis-François Cartier started as an apprentice in the jewelry trade and worked long hours before founding the business in 1847. “It’s so easy to imagine that Cartier today was always a big business, but it wasn’t – it was a startup. And it was a startup by someone incredibly poor and without money. There was a revolution the first year after he established it, and he thought the business would go under,” Cartier Brickell said.

While Louis-François’ son Alfred grew the business, his grandchildren, Louis, Pierre, and Jacques took the Cartier name further and forged bonds with royalty in Europe, the Middle East, and India.

For her part, Shahidi also starred in a campaign for French label Jean-Paul Gaultier in September 2023 and the 24-year-old was nominated for a NAACP Image Award earlier this year.

The NAACP Image Awards is an annual awards ceremony presented by the US-based National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The awards show honors outstanding performances in film, television, theater, music, and literature.

Shahidi was nominated for the outstanding actress in a motion series category for her role in “Sitting in Bars with Cake,” a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Trish Sie and written by Audrey Shulman.


‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ heads to Tokyo  

‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ heads to Tokyo  
1 - The 'Marvels of Saudi Orchestra' show being performed in Paris - Image courtesy of Music Commission
Updated 21 November 2024
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‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ heads to Tokyo  

‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ heads to Tokyo  
  • The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour reaches Japan 

DUBAI: The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir is on a mission to build a bridge between the Kingdom and the rest of the world, one musical collaboration at a time. 

Having already performed its musical showcase “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” in Paris, Mexico City, New York and London, the orchestra will perform at Tokyo Opera City on Nov. 22.  

The evening’s performance will feature the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir performing alongside Japan’s Gagaku Orchestra Imperial Court Music and the Orchestra Academy of Tokyo College of Music. The collaborative program will showcase traditional Saudi pieces and classical Japanese music. Renowned Japanese guitarist Hotei will also deliver a special guest performance. 

In an interview with Arab News, Saudi Music Commission CEO Paul Pacifico attributed the idea of taking the Saudi orchestra on a world tour to Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, and cited a dual purpose behind the program. 

“The first opportunity is international. It’s about taking the best of Saudi culture to the world and showing the world what Saudi culture is about. Most people around the world haven’t heard Saudi music, so this is a new experience,” Pacifico said. 

Maestro Hiro. (Supplied)

“The second part of this is about showing Saudi people how Saudi culture can be received worldwide, and how Saudi music can take its place on any of the world’s greatest stages with the world’s greatest cultural organizations. And really to take pride in seeing Saudi culture celebrated and validated in that way,” he added. 

Composed and arranged by Saudi Arabian maestro Rami Bashih with the support of Japanese maestro Hirofumi Yoshida, the Tokyo performance is an ode to Japanese and Saudi musical traditions. 

“I hope this performance will deepen the Tokyo audience’s understanding of different cultures through music and serve as a catalyst for building new cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan. This concert brings together distinct musical cultures on a single stage, offering the audience a valuable experience to see music and culture from a fresh perspective,” Yoshida told Arab News. 

“In the first and second parts of the program, the audience will enjoy a contrast between Saudi Arabia’s traditional music and the ancient Japanese court music, gagaku. In the third part, they will experience cultural harmony through a joint performance by musicians from both countries,” he continued. 

Both the Japanese and Saudi orchestras have had to rehearse online ahead of the big day. 

The 'Marvels of Saudi Orchestra' show in Paris. (Saudi Music Commission)

“The Saudi Music Commission and Japan’s Rising Sun Opera Foundation have held numerous remote meetings and organized advance visits from the Saudi side to prepare for this event in detail. We shared musical ideas online and made every effort to maximize our limited rehearsal time. Remote collaboration has been a new challenge, but by sharing a strong passion for music, we’ve been able to overcome the distance and foster meaningful cooperation,” said Yoshida. 

Yoshida is no stranger to Saudi Arabia, either. In 2017, he led the first performance by a full Japanese orchestra in the Kingdom. 

“I was deeply impressed by the enthusiastic applause, especially from young people, after each piece. Feeling the energy in the hall, I became certain that culture and the arts would flourish in Saudi Arabia in the near future. This experience showed me the potential for Saudi musical culture to continue growing and be shared with even more people around the world,” he said. 

For Pacifico, the opportunity to take Saudi music to yet another cultural capital is exciting. 

“There are so many rich collaborations in all of these cultures that we visited and hope to visit — whether that was the Carlos Chavez Orchestra in Mexico City, the Dizzy Gillespie All Stars in New York, or the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, every time we make a stop, we look to collaborate with the best cultural ambassadors from that city. And the cities haven’t let us down,” said Pacifico. “They’ve really exceeded our expectations. And, again, in two ways: the way the musicians have blended together and the audience reaction — how welcoming people have been, how interested and culturally curious to discover Saudi music, and the feedback has been incredible. 

“So much of what we do is about programs, KPIs… the technical work of government. But ‘Marvels of Saudi Orchestra’ brings it to a very human level. It’s about people connecting, and it’s that human connection that stands out to me,” he continued. “That’s what surprises and delights me each time that we’ve done this, and I’m sure will continue to do so.” 


Review: ‘Cross’ is a better-than-average gritty cop drama, thanks to Aldis Hodge 

Review: ‘Cross’ is a better-than-average gritty cop drama, thanks to Aldis Hodge 
Updated 21 November 2024
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Review: ‘Cross’ is a better-than-average gritty cop drama, thanks to Aldis Hodge 

Review: ‘Cross’ is a better-than-average gritty cop drama, thanks to Aldis Hodge 
  • Hodge stars as James Patterson’s tortured detective in new Amazon series 

LONDON: In its admirably committed bid to monopolize the ‘gritty cop drama adapted from books you might buy for your dad’ market, Amazon has turned to James Patterson’s Washington DC-based detective (and forensic psychologist) Alex Cross to follow in the footsteps of previous hits “Reacher”, “Jack Ryan” and “Bosch.”  

“Cross” (there’s a pattern here…) stars Aldis Hodge as the recently bereaved eponymous homicide detective. Assigned to investigate the murder of a prominent Black Lives Matter activist, our hero is all consummate professionalism and cerebral calmness as he attempts to unpick the increasingly sinister machinations of a deranged serial killer even as his bosses try to sweep the case under the carpet.  

What makes “Cross” more interesting than a lot of airport-novel adaptations is that Alex is also working a second case, obsessed as he is with hunting the murderer of his wife, who was shot in broad daylight a little over a year earlier. And when it comes to that case, he is neither a consummate professional nor cerebrally calm. 

The details of the two cases are better left unpacked here — spoiling the developments of either would be a shame — but it’s safe to say the show’s MVP is Hodge (“One Night in Miami”, “Black Adam”). The detective is, at times, more like two characters — one striving to deliver justice for his city, the other bent on nothing more than revenge and a desire to keep his family safe. And Hodge deserves plaudits for his portrayals of both sides of Cross, even as the lines between the two begin to blur and overlap across the eight-episode stretch.  

In fact, Hodge is so good, that it’s easy to forgive some of the show’s more cliché-riddled missteps. A couple of plot points arrive with much fanfare, only to slink out, unresolved; Alex’s supposedly masterful analytical superpowers tend to desert him when it suits the advancement of the story… There are other niggles, too. But, with a lead this charismatic — and closer to Patterson’s original Cross than the three previous film adaptations — and a supporting cast on their game, they’re all easy enough to overlook. 


Egyptian luxury label Okhtein launches Dubai store ahead of Saudi opening

Egyptian luxury label Okhtein launches Dubai store ahead of Saudi opening
Updated 21 November 2024
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Egyptian luxury label Okhtein launches Dubai store ahead of Saudi opening

Egyptian luxury label Okhtein launches Dubai store ahead of Saudi opening

DUBAI: Egyptian luxury label Okhtein, which has been touted by celebrities including Beyonce, Halle Berry and Gigi Hadid, has opened its first outlet in Dubai, its first bricks-and-mortar presence in the Gulf before it expands in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

Founded by sisters Aya and Mounaz Abdel Raouf, Okhtein combines Middle Eastern artistry with global fashion appeal.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by OKHTEIN (@okhtein)

On the decision to open in Dubai, Aya told Arab News: “Dubai is the fashion hub of the Middle East, and it’s easily accessible for international clients. It’s a key city in the GCC region’s fashion scene and holds a special place for us.” 

Mounaz said that Okhtein’s signature design elements, such as gold plating, crystals and Swarovski embellishments, resonate with the Gulf clientele’s preference for detailed, opulent pieces. “That ‘bling’ element is something our customers really gravitate toward,” she said. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by OKHTEIN (@okhtein)

After the opening of the Dubai store, Okhtein plans to expand further with a boutique in Riyadh’s Kingdom Mall, anticipated for early 2025. Mounaz described the Saudi market as a “natural next step.”

“The luxury market in Saudi Arabia presents a huge opportunity. It’s a large and growing market, with a clientele that is familiar with our brand. Many Saudi clients already buy from us when they visit Egypt, so we’re confident that we’ll be welcomed with open arms,” Mounaz said. 

Reflecting on Okhtein’s growing international presence, Aya said: “We’re honored by the international recognition, and it drives us to push the brand even further. It’s both a happy and humbling feeling.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by OKHTEIN (@okhtein)

“We’re committed to showing the world the Arab luxury dream, and while we’ve come a long way, there’s still much more to achieve,” she added. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by OKHTEIN (@okhtein)

One standout moment for the sisters was when US model Gigi Hadid showed off Okhtein bags on social media.

“She styled three of our bags in a very cool and unexpected way. Gigi is the perfect fusion of Arab and international influences, and her styling and persona made the moment even more special for us. Seeing our bags on her was truly exciting,” Mounaz said.

The label also collaborated with French luxury brand Balmain for its spring/summer 2023 collection, creating a statement bustier created from worn-out resin.

 


Kerry Washington hits the red carpet in Elie Saab

Kerry Washington hits the red carpet in Elie Saab
Updated 20 November 2024
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Kerry Washington hits the red carpet in Elie Saab

Kerry Washington hits the red carpet in Elie Saab

DUBAI: US actress Kerry Washington showed off a gown by Elie Saab in Hollywood this week, while Jennifer Lopez opted for a look by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

Washington and Lopez attended the 2024 Governors Awards in Los Angeles in their chosen Lebanese designs, with the former opting for an off-white gown from Saab’s Spring/ Summer 2024 Couture line and the latter showing off a beaded number from Murad’s Fall/Winter 2024 Couture collection.

Kerry Washington wore a gown from Elie Saab’s Spring/ Summer 2024 Couture line. (Getty Images)

Lopez accessorized with a Tyler Ellis bag, while Washington went for jewelry by British label Anabela Chan to complement the gem-encrusted neckline of her gown.

Lopez made the red carpet appearance fresh off a stint in Riyadh, where she performed at Elie Saab’s 45th anniversary show.

The songstress hit the stage in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 13 alongside Celine Dion, Halle Berry, Camila Cabello, Nancy Ajram and Amr Diab.

Jennifer Lopez opted for a look from Zuhair Murad’s Fall/Winter 2024 Couture collection. (Getty Images)

Opening the show was none other than Hollywood actress Berry wearing the same Elie Saab gown she wore when she won her first Oscar in 2002, making her the first Black woman to win the award for Best Actress.

Prior to the show, Berry was seen on the red carpet talking about how this was her first time meeting Saab in person, “That was the highlight of this trip for me to finally meet this man who I have been inextricably connected to for 22 years, and to give him a hug and tell him thank you.”

Celebrity stylist Law Roach, known for styling Hollywood A-listers like Zendaya, Anya Taylor Joy, Bella Hadid, and Celine Dion, talked to Arab News about Elie Saab’s ability to transcend eras.

“Elie Saab is one of the few couturiers whose clothes can be passed down to generations and generations and be reinterpreted.”

“Maybe someone got married in it (a dress), and maybe generations down the granddaughter of someone gets married in the same dress, it has that possibility of just being timeless and forever,” he said.

The evening was attended by more than 1,000 guests, including Egyptian actress Youssra; Italian star Monica Bellucci; British models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Poppy Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn; supermodels Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel and Helena Christensen; and Arab actresses Nadine Njeim, Cyrine Abdel Nour, and Tara Emad.


Princess Rajwa attends parliament session in Jordan 

Princess Rajwa attends parliament session in Jordan 
Updated 19 November 2024
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Princess Rajwa attends parliament session in Jordan 

Princess Rajwa attends parliament session in Jordan 

DUBAI: Saudi-born Jordanian royal Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein attended a ceremony marking the inauguration of the first ordinary session of the 20th Parliament in Amman on Monday, marking her second public appearance since the birth of her first child this summer. 

The royal showed off an elegant black ensemble for the occasion, complete with an oversized belt by Dior and pumps by Chloe. The look was finished off with the Goji Mini Bag in Black by Jill Sander. 

Princess Rajwa was photographed alongside Queen Rania, who showed off a red look courtesy of Maison Valentino and Altuzarra. 

Princess Rajwa made her first public appearance since the birth of Princess Iman bint Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II at a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification match in October. 

On August 3, 2024, the royal welcomed her first child, Princess Iman, with Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah. 

At her birth, Jordan’s King Abdullah posted a tribute to his granddaughter on social media. Translated from Arabic, the post read: "I thank God for giving us our first granddaughter Iman bint Hussein. I congratulate beloved Hussein and Rajwa for their newborn.

“We ask God to raise her well and protect her for her parents. You have lit up our family.”

Princess Rajwa, who celebrated her 30th birthday in April, is the daughter of late Saudi businessman Khalid bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saif, who died in January this year, and his wife, Azza bint Nayef Abdulaziz Ahmad Al-Sudairi.