Malaysian label Rizman Ruzaini kicks off Dubai Fashion Week
Updated 02 September 2024
Rebecca Anne Proctor
DUBAI: Malaysian design duo Rizman Ruzaini opened Dubai Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway shows with their latest collection, “Mustika,” on Sunday night.
The collection combined modern cuts with the timeless elegance of traditional Malay designs — specifically the kebaya dress, a traditional upper garment, and batik print work.
Last year, the Malaysian label made their debut in Dubai during Dubai Fashion Week and had supermodel Naomi Campbell walk the runway in an elaborate dress and bolero jacket inspired by Malaysia’s Lake Chini.
This collection was inspired by the film “Perempuan Melayu Terakhir” (“The Last Malay Woman”), designers Rizman Nordin and Ruzaini Jamil explained to Arab News backstage.
“In this collection we chose to celebrate Malay heritage through fashion … the innovation of batik pattern into print, tumble beading and embroidery bring a significant evolution in fashion,” Jamil said.
“Mustika symbolizes the jewel of Malay heritage costume,” he said. “The entire collection focuses on the kebaya being one of the oldest iconic attires in women’s fashion in Southeast Asia. It symbolizes culture, heritage and national identity and is still being worn today.”
The collection features traditional batik motifs reappropriated into modern designs with intricate embroidery and tambour beading, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to preserving and promoting Malaysia's sartorial heritage on the global stage.
The dynamic designer duo, who founded their label in 2005, are particularly excited about the Dubai market. At the end of this year, they will open their first standalone store in Dubai in an undisclosed location.
“Dubai reflects the DNA of the brand. We mix local tradition with contemporary fashion cuts as well as modest fashion. People in Dubai love to dress up and so our label fits very well with the style here,” Nordin said.
Billboard Arabia Music Awards to present more than 40 prizes in Riyadh this month
Updated 03 December 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: The inaugural edition of the Billboard Arabia Music Awards — which will take place on Dec. 11 at the King Fahad Cultural Centre, as part of the first edition of Riyadh Music Week — will present awards in more than 40 categories, organizers announced.
Some of the categories include Top Artist, Song of the Year, Best in Dialect Charts, and Top New Artist of the Year.
With 210 nominations and 96 artists covering top songs, artists, composers, songwriters, and producers, Al Shami leads the nomination count with 14, while other prominent stars such as Assala Nasri, Ahmad Saad, Tamer Ashour, alongside Elissa, Dystinct, Ayed and Tul8te, are also nominated.
The event will feature musical performances by some of the most prominent artists in the region and the world, including Elissa, Dystinct, Ahmed Saad, Ayed and Tul8te, among others.
The event celebrates established and emerging regional talents, as well as the songs that have gained wide popularity on the trusted Billboard Arabia charts, including the “100 Artists” and “Hot 100” charts, and genre-specific and dialect-specific charts.
Billboard Arabia and the inaugral Billboard Arabia Music Awards is a result of a partnership between SRMG and Billboard. With Saudi Arabia’s live events market projected to surpass $1 billion by 2025 and streaming platforms in the region experiencing annual growth rates of between 10 percent and 15 percent, Billboard Arabia is poised to shape the regional and global music scene, driving economic growth and fostering creative expression.
Mike Van, the president of Billboard, expressed pride in the strategic partnership with SRMG, saying in a statement: “The Billboard Music Awards is globally recognized as the pinnacle of musical achievement, celebrating artists for their chart success and industry impact. We are excited to bring this legacy and vision to the MENA region, shining a spotlight on the incredible talent and musical excellence of local artists. This collaboration provides them with a unique platform to amplify their presence on a global stage.
“Winning a Billboard Arabia Music Award is a significant milestone in an artist’s career, one that can significantly accelerate their journey and open new doors for success,” he added.
Rami Zeidan, managing director of Billboard Arabia, described the event as historic: “Shaping new cultural trends in music has always been a fundamental part of Billboard’s pioneering philosophy.”
He highlighted that “the Billboard Arabia charts reflect our steadfast commitment to empowering the next generation of musical talent and celebrating the music that deeply influences listeners’ tastes and shapes the evolving music landscape.”
Zeidan further stated that “the music industry in the MENA region is experiencing unprecedented growth and rapid expansion, making it a focal point for global music platforms.”
Japanese artist Takayuki Mori’s interpretation of Saudi culture on display at Noor Riyadh
Updated 03 December 2024
Nada Alturki
RIYADH: Japanese visual artist Takayuki Mori pays homage to Saudi culture and heritage in his latest work, which can be seen at Noor Riyadh, the Kingdom’s annual festival of light and art.
In “View Tracing #5 ‘LABYRINTH’,” the artist creates a visual manipulation experience featuring prominent cultural elements such as the falcon, mabkhara (incense burner), dallah (coffee pot), and an oud musical instrument mounted on large blocks and steps.
“I designed this with the structures based on Islamic geometrical patterns, so when people see it from the top, you see the patterns. After doing some research, I selected objects inspired by Saudi Arabia and the neighboring regions … These represent the senses — taste, smell, sound,” Mori told Arab News.
All the objects on display are 3D-printed and lined with fluorescent thread which glows in the ultraviolet-lit room, the lines creating geometric shapes that resemble computer-generated graphics.
Viewers cannot physically smell, taste or hear the items, but the artist creates an experience where echoic, olfactory and taste memory come into play.
Japanese visual artist Takayuki Mori. (Supplied)
As they navigate the maze-like pathways they are challenged to test their own memory, creating a unique experience of determining what we presume to be true and what really is in both virtual and physical spaces.
“This physical sculpture and installation was made digital to explore the relationship between two and three-dimensional, the analog and digital Riyadh,” said Mori.
Previous artworks in the series use a grid pattern, but this one features triangular patterns signaling to the motifs commonly found in old houses in Diriyah, the capital of the first Saudi state.
This is Mori’s first time visiting and exhibiting his work in the Kingdom and he expressed his optimism for the region’s art scene: “It’s very powerful and energized. I’m very excited for the future here. I’ve talked with artists from Saudi and other countries and they are very motivated, so I got some inspiration from them and I’d like to continue that in my work.”
Stars Aamir Khan, Emily Blunt to be honored at Red Sea Film Festival
They are receiving the festival’s Red Sea Honoree award in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the film industry
Updated 03 December 2024
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Red Sea International Film Festival announced on Monday that stars Aamir Khan and Emily Blunt will be honored on the opening night of the Saudi festival’s fourth edition running from Dec. 5-14 in Jeddah.
Bollywood superstar Khan is an acclaimed figure in Indian cinema and known for films such as “Dangal” and “Ghajini.”
A true cinematic icon, Aamir Khan has captivated audiences worldwide with his unforgettable performances in films like Lagaan, 3 Idiots, and Dangal.
Blunt is an Academy Award nominee recognized for roles in blockbusters including “A Quiet Place” and “Oppenheimer.”
They are receiving the festival’s Red Sea Honoree award in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the film industry, organizers said.
Academy Award nominee Emily Blunt has established herself as one of Hollywood's most versatile talents through transformative performances spanning action, drama, horror, and musicals.
The pair will also take part in the festival’s “In Conversation With” series, which features distinguished industry figures discussing their careers and insights into the art of filmmaking. Other participants in the series this year include Eva Longoria, Andrew Garfield and Ranbir Kapoor.
Jomana Al-Rashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, praised the honorees, saying: “We are thrilled to celebrate Aamir Khan and Emily Blunt, whose remarkable achievements and enduring contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry.”
Khan expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the festival’s role in uniting global artists.
“Cinema has been my lifelong passion, and to be amid such an inspiring group of artists from across the world is truly humbling,” he said.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Red Sea International Film festival as it celebrates the impact and magic of cinema. I look forward to sharing my experiences, learning from others and collectively celebrating the art of storytelling that unites us all,” he added.
Blunt highlighted her excitement about the festival’s efforts to support women and emerging talent in the industry.
“I’m incredibly excited to be coming to the Red Sea Film Festival and grateful to be one of this year’s honorees,” the British actress said.
“I love all that this festival is doing for innovative and emerging talent in the film industry. In particular, I’m enthused by how they are empowering women in cinema and amplifying their voices,” she added.
The festival will also honor Egyptian actress Mona Zaki during the opening ceremony, while Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis will be recognized at the awards ceremony on Dec. 12.
DUBAI: Jordanian Romanian luxury shoe designer Amina Muaddi is busy promoting her winter drops, with K-Pop star Rose wearing her heels in a recent photo shoot.
Muaddi took to Instagram to reshare Rose’s posts, where the star is seen being photographed for her latest single, “Number One Girl,” wearing a Lupita crystal slipper in green.
The designer’s latest collection, titled Drop 24/25, launched in October. Over the weekend, she used Instagram to promote winter-friendly shoes including the Veneda stretch boot, the Anok bootie and the Lila slipper.
In September, Muaddi unveiled her latest heels on none other than Rihanna, as the singing star was spotted at Milan Fashion Week. Muaddi created a custom pair of Anok mules in a shade called butter satin and Rihanna attended shows by Ferragamo, The Attico and Gucci, wearing each of the brands as she sat in the front row. She also turned heads at the Dior show during Paris Fashion Week last month, while French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair graced the runway for Danish fashion label Ganni.
Muaddi, a regular at Dior fashion shows, opted for a classic white button-down shirt and a sleek black satin pencil skirt. She accessorized her look with a pair of dark round sunglasses and a small textured blue Dior handbag.
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.
Since the launch, Muaddi has enjoyed a series of successful events, notably her collaboration with Rihanna’s Fenty collection. Their partnership earned the Collaborator of the Year award at the 34th FN Achievement Awards in 2020.
A year later, 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.
KARACHI: Every year, enthusiasts of an ancient Japanese art form gather in the port city of Karachi to show off their works at the annual exhibition of the Pakistan Bonsai Society.
This year’s edition too saw members of the group putting on display trees that they had grown in containers to create a realistic miniature of mature forms. The members consider themselves artists and the miniature trees, shaped and pruned with precision and care, are not just plants for them but living sculptures rooted in history, tradition and deep personal devotion.
The practice of bonsai, or miniaturizing plants, is thought to have come to Japan from China sometime around the seventh century, when the two countries formally established diplomatic ties. Similar art forms exist in other cultures, including Korea’s bunjae, the Chinese art of penjing, and the miniature living landscapes of Vietnamese Hòn non bộ.
In the world of bonsai, every twist, turn and trim is an artistic act in which horticulture meets creativity.
“We are artists, using our horticulture knowledge and aesthetic sense, we create these bonsai,” Salman Farooqui, an enthusiast with over a decade of experience, told Arab News on Sunday, as his hands gently guided a tiny tree branch into shape.
Farooqui described bonsai as the only “recognized” living art form that traces its origins back to the ancient Gandhara civilization, which existed from around 500BC to 900AD in what is now northern Pakistan and Afghanistan, long before it became synonymous with Japan.
Buddhist monks in the ancient Taxila and Harappa cities meditated under the shade of the Peepal tree, or Ficus religiosa, with its roots intertwining with the spiritual practices of the time, according to Farooqui. The art form then shifted to Tibet in China, before it finally reached Japan.
Visitors attend the annual exhibition of Pakistan Bonsai Society in Karachi on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)
“The imagination of Buddha was under the Peepal tree,” Farooqui said. “Japan gave it an official recognition.”
For many Karachiites, the journey into the world of bonsai began with the efforts of a visionary, the late Maj. Gen. Dr. Shaukat Ali Syed, who brought the art form to Pakistan in the 1960s and is often credited with popularizing it in the South Asian country. The Pakistan Bonsai Society itself was established in 1998, the brainchild of Dr. Syed, whose legacy lives on through its annual exhibitions and workshops.
“I saw a live bonsai for the first time at his [Dr. Syed’s] residence in Karachi when I was a child. He had been growing them since the ‘60s,” Khawaja Mohammad Mazhar, an engineer who retired from the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and took up the cultivation of bonsai in 1980, told Arab News. “POTTED PLANTING”
Bonsai plants, unlike traditional potted ones, require care, patience, and expertise. They can be grown from seeds, cuttings or nursery stock. Beginning with a thicker trunk to form the base of the tree is often the quicker method but regardless of the starting point, all bonsai are treated as living sculptures that are pruned and shaped meticulously over time.
Various techniques, including painstaking pruning and wiring, are used to give the trees a mature appearance, Mazhar explained. It could take decades to complete one tree, meant to symbolize a scene from nature, and they could then survive for centuries.
Bonsai trees are seen exhibited by the Pakistan Bonsai Society in Karachi on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)
“It’s the same normal plants, they are only trained,” Mazhar said:
“They have a shallow pot, the roots do not spread much as they are constantly trimmed, and they are kept in the same shallow container, while the shaping is controlled from the top through wiring, through weights.”
The “clip and grow” method, in which parts of the plant were selectively trimmed to encourage specific growth patterns, is a main technique of the art.
Local plants are best suited for bonsai cultivation and Karachi’s enthusiasts recommended training native species into sculptural forms that express their unique ecological and cultural climates.
“An imported plant from outside will not survive here as a bonsai,” Manzar said.
Mansoor Alam Khan, another enthusias who found his passion for the art form through the Pakistan Bonsai Society, began cultivating about 10 years ago. The practice allowed him to continue his love for planting trees in Karachi, where space is often limited.
In fact, bonsai, which literally means “potted planting,” became popular as a way of bringing nature inside for many Japanese whose small houses made gardens impossible.
“I was inclined toward planting trees since childhood but there isn’t enough space in Karachi so we couldn’t grow trees,” Khan told Arab News. “When I met these people [at the Pakistan Bonsai Society] and saw that they are growing these trees in their homes so I followed suit too. I have made a really good collection in the last 10 years.”
Visitors attend the annual exhibition of Pakistan Bonsai Society in Karachi on December 1, 2024. (AN Photo)
“Everyone talks about planting trees these days to save the environment. So, if there is not enough space, you can start gardening from your home too,” he added. “For instance, if someone has 50 plants on their rooftop, they can turn them into bonsais.”
Farooqui, who practices bonsai with his wife Ruby Salman, said though the art was in its “introductory conditions,” in Pakistan, more young people were becoming interested.
“Now, as we train more youngsters into this art form, I hope it will become known in this country in the future,” he said.
His wife added that the Internet was helping to boost interest in bonsai among younger people.
“Yes, I feel that when kids do come [to Bonsai Society] and when they come to know the whole story about the bonsai, when we tell them that how it started, they really take an interest in it.”
