Lou Gala stuns in Elie Saab at ‘The Decameron’ premiere

Lou Gala stuns in Elie Saab at ‘The Decameron’ premiere
French actress Lou Gala glittered in an ensemble from Lebanese couturier Elie Saab when she appeared on the red carpet for the New York premiere of her new Netflix show, “The Decameron.” (AFP)
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Updated 29 July 2024
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Lou Gala stuns in Elie Saab at ‘The Decameron’ premiere

Lou Gala stuns in Elie Saab at ‘The Decameron’ premiere

DUBAI: French actress Lou Gala glittered in an ensemble from Lebanese couturier Elie Saab when she appeared on the red carpet for the New York premiere of her new Netflix show, “The Decameron.”

The “Clips & Conversations” debut event saw the 29-year-old wear pieces from the label’s Spring-Summer 2024 ready-to-wear collection. The gold and pastel outfit included a sequined crop top and matching midi skirt, decked in shimmering beads and macrame trims.

Last month, the actress was spotted wearing Elie Saab at the label’s show during Paris Fashion Week, when she opted for all black.

“The Decameron,” which is loosely inspired by the eponymous short story collection, is streaming now on Netflix.

The series, from creator and showrunner Kathleen Jordan (of “Teenage Bounty Hunters” and “American Princess” fame,) examines the familiar theme of class struggles in the midst of a pandemic, as a cast of misfits tries to survive an outbreak of bubonic plague in Florence in 1348.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lou Gala (@lou_gala)

Alongside Gala, the series stars Amar Chadha-Patel, Karan Gill, Tony Hale, Zosia Mamet, Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Tanya Reynolds.

First published in Italy in the mid-14th century, Giovanni Boccaccio’s “The Decameron” tells the story of a group of nobles and their servants who shelter in the grand Villa Santa outside Florence as the Black Death rages. To pass the time, they take turns telling each other stories that range from witty to debauched.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lou Gala (@lou_gala)

In the show, as time goes on and social rules wear thin, the group quickly sinks into a struggle for survival.

Gala plays the timid and pious Neifile. As inspiration for the role, Jordan suggested that Gala watch Goldie Hawn’s performance in “Private Benjamin.”

“She has an otherworldly quality in the way that Goldie Hawn does, where it’s almost like she’s not aware of the kind of power she holds,” Jordan wrote in show notes on Tudum. “The doe eyes, that sort of naivete, but also the really high-minded physical comedy.”

Hale — who plays Sirisco — said particularly appreciated how “The Decameron” explored the existence of light and dark in all of us.

“Life is about that tension,” he told Tudum. “When things get really dark, we can see the light even more.”


Jennifer Lopez hits Broadway in Zuhair Murad gown

Jennifer Lopez hits Broadway in Zuhair Murad gown
Updated 24 March 2025
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Jennifer Lopez hits Broadway in Zuhair Murad gown

Jennifer Lopez hits Broadway in Zuhair Murad gown

DUBAI: US superstar Jennifer Lopez attended the opening night of “Othello” on Broadway in New York in a gown from Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad’s Fall/Winter 2024 couture collection.

The figure-hugging, two-piece look boasted glittering embellishments and a high neckline and Lopez donned a fur-like coat to combat the cold weather in New York on Sunday.

US superstar Jennifer Lopez attended the opening night of “Othello” on Broadway in New York in a gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad. (Getty Images)

She attended the premiere of the Shakespeare adaptation starring Hollywood heavyweights Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Directed by Kenny Leon, the two hour and 35 minute Broadway show is set in the near future and sees Washington play Othello while Gyllenhaal wowed critics as the villainous Iago.

“Gyllenhaal bounds, loose-limbed and bursting with malevolent energy, onto the … stage and barely takes a breath for the next nearly three hours. It is a remarkable performance, conversational, contemporary and unerringly convincing,” Deadline’s review of the performance read.

Besides Lopez, other celebrities who took in the show on its opening night included Anna Wintour, Colman Domingo, Keegan-Michael Key, Ariana DeBose and Samuel L. Jackson.

Anna Wintour and Colman Domingo. (Getty Images)

Lopez spent the evening in New York as news broke that “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” a musical remake from director Bill Condon starring Lopez, is close to finding a buyer after its much talked about Sundance Film Festival premiere in January.

Variety reported that Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate and independent studio LD Entertainment are in discussions to take on US domestic rights, though a deal has yet to close.

“Kiss of the Spider Woman” was independently financed in the high $30 million range, Variety reported.

The storyline centers on a political prisoner (Diego Luna), whose cellmate (Tonatiuh) creates a fantasy Hollywood narrative involving his favorite star, Ingrid Luna (Lopez).

It’s the second on screen version of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” following a 1985 feature from director Héctor Babenco. John Kander and Fred Ebb’s stage version opened on Broadway in 1993 and won seven Tony Awards.

The musical and both films adapted Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel of the same name.


Party décor tips for your Eid Al-Fitr celebration

Party décor tips for your Eid Al-Fitr celebration
Updated 23 March 2025
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Party décor tips for your Eid Al-Fitr celebration

Party décor tips for your Eid Al-Fitr celebration

DUBAI: With Eid Al-Fitr on the horizon, you may be planning to host friends and family to mark the festivities.

Nahel Selo, creative director at Sedar Global, shares his décor tips.

Tip 1: Make a good first impression

Spruce up your entrance to set the mood. Start with a prop style chair or bench with festive cushions and add a console table with a metal tray loaded with dates. Adding a diffuser or incense burner and floor lanterns will create a festive atmosphere. 

Tip 2: Ramadan tents and majlis-style seating

You can craft a simple tepee in your garden using sheer or linen curtains or, if budget allows, add a pergola or awning installation. Create communal areas using low seating arrangements such as ottomans or poufs teamed with floor cushions laid over a rug.

Tip 3: Add Arabesque touches

Options include temporary décor such as Arabic calligraphy-inspired style brass accessories,  mirrored objects or even geometric print fabrics.

Mix up interiors with traditional flashes of gold or brass contrasted with trending palettes of turquoise, royal blues or dusky pinks. Selo commented: “Adding metallics, specifically gold and brass, is not only a nod to tradition but also essential to create a festive mood. For 2025 worn brass and golds give an earthy and contemporary finish.”

Tip 4: Creative tablescapes

Take your Eid Al-Fitr meal to the next level by sprucing up the dining table with creative tablescaping. From incorporating metallic, intricate arabesque or lunar pattern accents through cutlery, napkin rings and dinnerware sets, to jute placements, table runners, mini lanterns and dry or fresh florals, thoughtful accents can transform your table. 

“Atmospheric lighting is key,” Selo added. “Battery-operated fairy lights, tall lanterns and tea lights … are a cost-effective décor touch to set the mood.”

 


Lyna Khoudri spotted at TV series festival in Lille

Lyna Khoudri spotted at TV series festival in Lille
Updated 23 March 2025
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Lyna Khoudri spotted at TV series festival in Lille

Lyna Khoudri spotted at TV series festival in Lille

DUBAI: French Algerian actress Lyna Khoudri made an appearance at Series Mania 2025 this weekend in Lille, France.

Also known as the International TV Series Festival, Khoudri and her castmates were on hand to promote Apple TV+ show “Careme.”

“An ambitious, young chef uses his seductive charm to work as a spy so he can save his father — and make his name,” the official logline of the period drama reads. The series is set to land on Apple TV+ on April 30.

It is a biographical series about Antonin Careme, who rose from humble beginnings to become known as the world's first celebrity chef during the Napoleonic era. Careme is played by Cesar Award-winner Benjamin Voisin, who is joined by Cesar Award-winner Khoudri, César Award nominee Jérémie Renier (“My Way,” “Saint Laurent”),”) and Alice Da Luz (“Hanami,” “And the Party Goes On”).

The Cesar Awards are France’s reply to Hollywood’s Academy Awards.

“Careme” is directed by filmmaker Martin Bourboulon, who also directed Khoudri in Afghanistan evacuation drama “13 Days, 13 Nights,”

The drama, the full title of which is “In The Hell Of Kabul: 13 Days, 13 Nights,” stars Khoudri alongside Danish BAFTA-winning “Borgen” star Sidse Babett Knudsen, Roschdy Zem (“Chocolat,” “Oh Mercy!”), and theater actor Christophe Montenez.

Set against US troops’ withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, as the Taliban marches on Kabul, the film recounts the true story of French Commander Mohamed Bida who oversaw security at the French embassy, which was the last Western mission to remain open.

The film marks a change for Bourboulon after period dramas “The Three Musketeers – Part II: Milady,” “The Three Musketeers – Part I: D’Artagnan” and “Eiffel.”

Khoudri, 32, first rose to prominence in her role as Nedjma in Mounia Meddour’s critically acclaimed drama “Papicha.” For her work in the film, she won the Orizzonti Award for best actress at the 74th Venice Film Festival, and she was nominated in the Cesar Awards’ most promising actress category.

Khoudri also starred in the 2019 mini-series “Les Sauvages” and in 2016’s “Blood on the Docks.”

Notably, she was cast in Wes Anderson’s 2021 comedy “The French Dispatch” alongside Timothee Chalamet, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Owen Wilson.

 


Actress Jameela Jamil joins Pixar’s ‘Elio’

Actress Jameela Jamil joins Pixar’s ‘Elio’
Updated 22 March 2025
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Actress Jameela Jamil joins Pixar’s ‘Elio’

Actress Jameela Jamil joins Pixar’s ‘Elio’

DUBAI: Actress and activist Jameela Jamil is set to lend her voice to the Pixar animated film, “Elio.”

Jamil will be voicing the character of Ambassador Questa.

The news broke when Jamil took to her Instagram story this week to share her enthusiasm about the project. Posting the official poster for the film, she captioned it: “It happening.” In a follow-up story, she pointed at the animated character and wrote: “It’s me.”

Instagram/ @JameelaJamil

Besides the poster, Pixar also released the trailer this week.

“Elio,” set to be released on June 20, follows an 11-year-old boy named Elio, who accidentally becomes the ambassador for Earth after being transported across the galaxy.

The movie also features the voices of Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Remy Edgerly as his alien best friend Glordon, Academy Award winner Zoe Saldana as Elio’s Aunt Olga, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, and Shirley Henderson as OOOOO.

Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, the film is produced by Mary Alice Drumm.

Instagram/ @JameelaJamil

Jamil is known for her breakthrough role as Tahani Al-Jamil on NBC’s “The Good Place” and her advocacy work around body positivity and social justice.

Jamil is also starring in “Hysterical” — a new feminist dramedy from Olivia Lee semi-inspired by controversial figure Andrew Tate.

The show stars Naomie Harris and Romesh Ranganathan. Harris plays Leonora, a therapist who spirals into a world of toxic masculinity after her daughter is assaulted.

She learns the boy responsible is a fan of Tommy T, an influencer known for spreading harmful advice among young men. During a weekly “rage release” session with friends, Leonora, fueled by anger and alcohol, convinces the group to act and bring him down.

The plot is inspired by events surrounding Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer with more than 10 million followers who once stated that women should “bear responsibility” for sexual assault.

“UMMMM A comedy series about female rage? Sign me up!” Jamil, who is British Pakistani, wrote on Instagram in October when the show was announced.

“Hysterical” is being produced by Ranganathan’s company, Ranga Bee Productions. Ranganathan and Lee executive produce the show alongside Michelle Farr and Benjamin Green. It has not yet been announced when it will be televised.


Saudi Arabia to debut at Triennale Milano’s International Exhibition with Al-Ahsa pavilion

Saudi Arabia to debut at Triennale Milano’s International Exhibition with Al-Ahsa pavilion
Updated 21 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia to debut at Triennale Milano’s International Exhibition with Al-Ahsa pavilion

Saudi Arabia to debut at Triennale Milano’s International Exhibition with Al-Ahsa pavilion

DAMMAM: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has announced the Kingdom’s inaugural participation at the 24th International Exhibition at the Triennale Milano design museum in Italy later this year, with a pavilion dedicated to the agricultural oasis of Al-Ahsa.

Curated by Lulu Almana and Sara Al-Omran, with Alejandro Stein as creative director, the exhibition is hosted by the Architecture and Design Commission and will be titled “Maghras: A Farm for Experimentation.” It will run from May 13 - Nov. 9.

It will explore the intersection of farming traditions, ecological shifts and cultural memory within a rapidly transforming landscape. The exhibition draws from research, artistic interventions and community-driven programs cultivated at Maghras, a farm and interdisciplinary space in Al-Ahsa.

Al-Ahsa, located in the Eastern Province, has been historically defined by its abundant water sources. It has undergone significant environmental and social transformations, mirroring broader changes in agrarian communities worldwide. The area has been farmed since the third millennium BCE. 

The pavilion takes the form of a transplanted maghras — a traditional unit of land defined by four palm trees. Through videos, sound installations and participatory programs, the exhibition invites audiences to engage with Al-Ahsa’s evolving agricultural ecosystems.

In the lead-up to the exhibition, artists, architects, and researchers collaborated with Al-Ahsa’s farming communities, gathering firsthand insights into the region’s shifting landscape. This knowledge exchange was further explored through performances, film screenings and local workshops examining the deep connections between culture and agriculture.