Mona Tougaard stars in new Marc Jacobs campaign

Mona Tougaard stars in new Marc Jacobs campaign
Model Mona Tougaard is the face of Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2024 eyewear collection “The Sunglasses.” (Supplied)
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Updated 22 July 2024
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Mona Tougaard stars in new Marc Jacobs campaign

Mona Tougaard stars in new Marc Jacobs campaign

DUBAI: Model Mona Tougaard is the face of Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2024 eyewear collection “The Sunglasses.”

The catwalk star, who has Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian ancestry, took to Instagram to announce the campaign, posting a photo along with a simple heart emoji.

Last month, Berlin-based magazine-turned-fashion label 032c presented its menswear spring/summer 2025 collection at Paris Fashion Week, where Tougaard featured.

She strutted down the runway in a form-fitting suit with a cropped blazer and a blue buttoned-shirt layered underneath. The look was complemented with dark shades and her hair was slicked back in a low bun.

She was not the only regional model on the runway; Tougaard was joined by British-Moroccan model Nora Attal, who wore a sheer, reflective fishnet-like black dress.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Marc Jacobs (@marcjacobs)

The collection, designed by Maria Koch, is titled “Everything Counts” and included outerwear, feminine suiting and versatile denim co-ords suitable for day and night wear.

Collarless 032c jackets featured tonal gothic lettering, while army parkas and deconstructable cargo pants were paired with boxy vinyl tops.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Joerg Koch / 032c (@032c)

Last month, 032c also announced on Instagram that Tougaard had been named the artistic talent director for the collection.

“Tougaard is an inherent member of the 032c universe, who has starred on our magazine covers, our editorials, and our previous FW-24 show. It is an organic progression to involve Tougaard more closely in 032c’s creative processes together with creative director Maria Koch and fashion director Ras Bartram,” the post read.

Tougaard started 2024 with a bang, gracing the runway for Chanel during Paris Haute Couture Week in January. Tougaard wore a black thigh-high coat-style dress with white buttons and a sheer white skirt underneath, teamed with wore white stockings and black heeled sandals.

Tougaard started her modeling career in 2017 after winning the Elite Model Look Denmark competition at the age of 15. Since then, she has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry, known for her work with top designers and luxury brands including Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Chanel and Valentino.


Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad infuses Kingdom’s landscape and identity into new Adidas collection

Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad infuses Kingdom’s landscape and identity into new Adidas collection
Updated 04 September 2024
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Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad infuses Kingdom’s landscape and identity into new Adidas collection

Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad infuses Kingdom’s landscape and identity into new Adidas collection
  • Designer’s ‘Bloom Sky’ collection also includes abayas and hijabs
  • Inspired by poem written by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal

DUBAI: For Saudi Arabian artist Raghad Al-Ahmad, the chance to incorporate her roots and identity into the fabric of the famed apparel company Adidas was a dream come true.

The collection — called “Bloom Sky” — features the usual crop of functional unisex pieces including pants, shorts, sweaters, jackets, hoodies and t-shirts.

Jeddah-born multidisciplinary artist Raghad Al-Ahmad designed the newest collection from Adidas. (Supplied)

In addition, it has women’s modest-wear pieces including abayas and hijabs, all with a distinct Al-Ahmad touch.

“I believe we need to respect and integrate cultural elements into our collection. By including modest wear, we can connect with individuals who value this aspect of their culture, creating a complete experience,” said Al-Ahmad during a recent interview with Arab News.

“As a designer who wears abayas daily and strives to be modest through layering and matching, I understand the importance of these elements. Adding them to our collection will have a significant impact, allowing us to craft something that truly resonates with the culture we are embracing.”

The name of the collection is inspired by a poem by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who is renowned for his verse. The first sentence of the Arabic poem translates to: “The sky is pink and my desert is blooming.”

“As an Arab, I have grown up in a culture where poetry is a significant form of expression. I remember my grandmother always reading poems she had written, and my mother, who loved collecting poetry books.

She added that members of the royal family write poems, which are sometimes turned into songs. “I am particularly inspired by King Khaled’s poetry and his vivid descriptions of the natural world around him,” said Al-Ahmad.

The collection features women’s modest-wear pieces including abayas and hijabs. (Supplied)

The collection, which depicts iconography symbolizing flowers and stars, is an ode to all things Saudi and Al-Ahmad took inspiration from her everyday surroundings.

“My dad, an adventurer, retired from flight maintenance and began exploring Saudi Arabia in his motorhome. He opened a gateway to the country’s wonderful nature, camping amid the desert’s beauty.

“He introduced me to the captivating Saudi lavender flowers, showing his happiness surrounded by them in the desert. We found inspiration in the contrast between the sand’s color and the vibrant lavender,” said the Jeddah-born artist.

Al-Ahmad is a multi-disciplinary experimental artist who likes to work in mediums including collage, installation, sculpture and digital films.

Born and raised in Jeddah, she graduated with a degree in interior design at King Abdulaziz University in 2016.

Prior to this project with Adidas, Al-Ahmad has had partnerships with other international brands.

For example, in 2021, Al-Ahmad collaborated with luxury French label Jean Paul Gaultier to create playing cards that represent and celebrate the Kingdom’s culture on the occasion of Saudi National Day.

The “Bloom Sky” collection is part of Adidas’ efforts to collaborate and spotlight artists from the region. And also highlight their commitment to modesty and responsible consumption, whilst celebrating diversity and inclusivity.

“I was amazed by the Adidas team’s curiosity and their ability to adopt my culture in many ways, translating it into a product that everyone appreciates.

“The team paid attention to every detail, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Special thanks to each member … for bringing my culture into an innovative approach,” said Al-Ahmad.


Heba Jasmi showcases artistic eveningwear at Dubai Fashion Week

Heba Jasmi showcases artistic eveningwear at Dubai Fashion Week
Updated 04 September 2024
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Heba Jasmi showcases artistic eveningwear at Dubai Fashion Week

Heba Jasmi showcases artistic eveningwear at Dubai Fashion Week

DUBAI: Emirati brand Heba Jasmi showcased its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, titled “State of Art,” at Dubai Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The collection featured a striking combination of lace, abstract embroidered prints, pastel hues and saturated colors. Key elements included exaggerated circular silhouettes and artfully embroidered semi-sheer fabric, while the color palette ranged from sea blue to sandy tones punctuated by a few coral-colored and lilac gowns.

In an interview with Arab News, Sharina Al-Falasi, the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of the label, shared insights about the brand’s latest presentation.

Look 1. (Supplied)

“It draws inspiration from the dramatic hues and structures observed in nature, culture and human artifacts, translating these elements into fashion,” Al-Falasi explained.

The brand, which launched in 2019, has so far released four collections and recently ventured into couture creations, a primary objective from the outset. 

Look 2. (Supplied)

Al-Falasi also discussed the brand’s vision for its ready-to-wear line, emphasizing its appeal for women who prioritize sophisticated sartorial choices in their daily lives. 

“It is designed for ambitious women, whether she’s changing the world through a successful career or focused on taking care of her family, she needs something on the go that can inspire her and set her apart from the crowd,” Al-Falasi said.

Look 3. (Supplied)

“We believe that women in the Middle East, and globally, seek inspiring and beautifully designed dresses,” she noted. “Our passion is to create unique pieces, which drives the core of our label. We stand out because of our commitment to quality and craftsmanship, blending structure with feminine cuts.”

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at Heba Jasmi used the period to refine their creative vision and rethink their organizational structure.

“We turned what could have been a major setback into an opportunity for growth and development,” Al-Falasi said.


Georgina Rodriguez hits the red carpet in Venice

Georgina Rodriguez hits the red carpet in Venice
Updated 04 September 2024
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Georgina Rodriguez hits the red carpet in Venice

Georgina Rodriguez hits the red carpet in Venice

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia-based Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez graced the red carpet at the 81st Venice International Film Festival this week, before she was awarded the Diva E Donna Woman of the Year Award for her Netflix series “Soy Georgina.”

She wore an Oscar de la Renta gown, which featured a strapless neckline with a softly draped bodice. The fabric flowed smoothly, creating a structured yet fluid look, and the dress was accented by a thigh-high slit and long train. 

Rodriguez arrived in Venice on Tuesday aboard a private jet, wearing fitted black shorts paired with fishnet tights and a matching top before she changed into a back minidress. The model flew to Italy from Monaco, where she attended the UEFA Champions League Group Stage draw alongside her partner, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo.

Georgina Rodriguez was spotted in a black mini dress. (Getty Images)

Rodriguez has been living in Saudi Arabia since January 2023, following Ronaldo’s signing with Al-Nassr football club. Since then, she has made an effort to explore the Kingdom and her experiences will be featured in the third season of her Netflix show.

The reality TV show “Soy Georgina” (“I Am Georgina”) will focus on her life in Saudi Arabia, documenting her journey after the move with Ronaldo. 

“What is true luxury like in Saudi Arabia? We will find out when Gio and her family settle in Riyadh with Cristiano's signing for Al-Nassr,” Netflix stated.

According to the announcement, the season will also show Rodriguez enjoying a number of firsts, including the opening of her first beach house, Villa Perla, to starring in an international campaign for a luxury clothing brand and her Paris Fashion Week debut.

The star couple took some time off from their hectic schedules to explore Saudi Arabia’s coastline and the Red Sea development in June.

The two took to social media to post photos from their relaxing getaway at what seemed to be The St. Regis Red Sea Resort. They were seen enjoying the resort and its pristine beaches along with their children.

“My world,” Rodriguez captioned her post, featuring several images from the vacation.

In one of the photos, Portuguese footballer Ronaldo can be seen relaxing in a pool with his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. who turned 14 this June.


Maria Braz shows off Lebanese look at Venice Film Festival

Maria Braz shows off Lebanese look at Venice Film Festival
Updated 03 September 2024
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Maria Braz shows off Lebanese look at Venice Film Festival

Maria Braz shows off Lebanese look at Venice Film Festival

DUBAI: Brazilian model and influencer Maria Braz turned heads at the screening of “The Room Next Door” at the Venice Film Festival in a gown by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra. 

The strapless gown featured a mix of bold polka dots and intricate sequin embellishments. The look was completed with a dramatic, oversized polka-dotted shawl draped over her arms. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MARIA BRAZ (@mariabbraz)

Braz accessorized her gown with jewelry from Tiffany & Co., including a simple choker necklace and modern, understated earrings.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MARIA BRAZ (@mariabbraz)

Moroccan Emirati actress Mayssa Maghrebi was also spotted on the red carpet. She donned a sleek, black gown with a form-fitting silhouette. The gown featured thick straps and subtle cutouts at the sides. The bodice was adorned with intricate jeweled embellishments, and the dress extended into a slight train.

“The Room Next Door,” by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, had its world premiere at the festival’s 81st edition, where it received a standing ovation for nearly 20 minutes, The Associated Press reported.

Though a new Almodóvar film is always an event for cinephiles, this one has special significance — it’s his English-language debut.

“My insecurity disappeared after the first table read with the actresses, with the exchange of the first indications,” he wrote in his director’s statement. “The language wasn’t going to be a problem, and not  because I master English, but because of the total disposition of the whole cast to understand me and to make it easy for me to understand them.”

The film stars Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, who play disconnected friends, who met in their youths at a magazine job, and whose lives took different paths. Ingrid (Moore) wrote novels while Martha (Swinton) became a war reporter. And now after years apart, they meet again in New York when Ingrid finds out Martha has cancer and is in a nearby hospital.

Over the following weeks and months, they reconnect, learning about one another's lives and Martha’s estranged daughter through a series of revealing conversations.

The film, which will be released in theaters in December, is playing in competition alongside titles including “Maria,” “Queer” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Winners will be announced on Sept. 7.


Arab Fund for Arts and Culture director talks new Netflix collab supporting women filmmakers

Arab Fund for Arts and Culture director talks new Netflix collab supporting women filmmakers
Updated 03 September 2024
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Arab Fund for Arts and Culture director talks new Netflix collab supporting women filmmakers

Arab Fund for Arts and Culture director talks new Netflix collab supporting women filmmakers

DUBAI: Netflix and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) have partnered to launch an initiative called “Women in Film – Bring Your Story to Life,” dedicated to advancing the professional growth of Arab women filmmakers. 

It will offer training and development opportunities to up to 25 women from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait.

Hopefuls can apply as teams with a complete project or as individuals for positions such as cinematographer or editor. A jury will select five projects, while a matchmaking process will be used to help incomplete groups find the technical expertise they need. Each group will develop a short fiction film with a $25,000 budget.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AFAC (@afac.fund)

Rima Mismar, the executive director of AFAC, spoke to Arab News, sharing insights on the support the initiative will provide.

“The support that we give in the first stage is very much dependent on the script itself. The jury, which will make the selection, will also provide input and feedback on what each project needs in terms of finalizing the script, which will mainly be through training with scriptwriters, who may also be filmmakers,” she said.

“Once the script is finished, the focus will shift to the producers, as they bring together the team, including the director, writer, producer and cinematographer,” Mismar added.

The program will also offer mentorship and consultancy at every stage of production, from guiding directors on their films to providing support in cinematography, editing and sound design. 

Mismar expressed optimism about Arab cinema, noting: “Arab cinema, in terms of creative expression, style, and voices, is in a good place today.”

However, she highlighted significant challenges, particularly in funding and distribution. “The questions that most filmmakers today are grappling with are related to funding and the circulation and distribution of their films,” she said. 

She emphasized the need for a rethinking of production models to allow for more frequent filmmaking. “We need to think of ways to make films with less money because the economy of the region does not allow for huge productions. If filmmakers want to do films more frequently, rather than one every 10 years, we need to rethink the tools and resources available to them,” she explained.