Aseel Omran, Mona Zaki take part in star-studded L’Oreal Paris show

Aseel Omran, Mona Zaki take part in star-studded L’Oreal Paris show
The theme for this year’s event was “Walk Your Worth,” which celebrated “women’s empowerment, inclusion and sisterhood.” (Getty Images)
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Updated 24 September 2024
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Aseel Omran, Mona Zaki take part in star-studded L’Oreal Paris show

Aseel Omran, Mona Zaki take part in star-studded L’Oreal Paris show

DUBAI: Saudi actress and presenter Aseel Omran and Egyptian actress Mona Zaki were among the celebrities that walked the seventh edition of L’Oréal Paris’ star-studded Le Défilé Walk Your Worth event during Paris Fashion Week on Monday.




Aseel Omran. (Instagram)

Omran wore a form-fitting velvet black dress with a contrasting white detail at the bust. Meanwhile, Zaki donned a glitzy gold gown with large sequins that create a reflective surface. The dress had a fitted silhouette and a V-neckline.




Mona Zaki. (Instagram)

Omran and Zaki, who are ambassadors for the brand, were joined by other A-list stars including Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevingne, Jane Fonda, and Eva Longoria. 

The theme for this year’s event was “Walk Your Worth,” which celebrated “women’s empowerment, inclusion and sisterhood.”


Egyptian actress Huda Al-Mufti named Dolce&Gabbana’s regional ambassador 

Egyptian actress Huda Al-Mufti named Dolce&Gabbana’s regional ambassador 
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Egyptian actress Huda Al-Mufti named Dolce&Gabbana’s regional ambassador 

Egyptian actress Huda Al-Mufti named Dolce&Gabbana’s regional ambassador 

DUBAI: Egyptian actress Huda Al-Mufti announced on Tuesday that she was named Dolce&Gabbana’s first regional ambassador in the Middle East. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @hudaelmufti

“I aim to showcase the brand’s essence through fashion and beauty that reflects my passion and the region’s culture,” she wrote to her 3.4 million followers on Instagram. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @hudaelmufti

Last year, Al-Mufti was also named a brand ambassador for Italian luxury label Bulgari.


Restauranteur Carole Moawad on bringing Japanese flavors to the Middle East

Restauranteur Carole Moawad on bringing Japanese flavors to the Middle East
Updated 24 September 2024
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Restauranteur Carole Moawad on bringing Japanese flavors to the Middle East

Restauranteur Carole Moawad on bringing Japanese flavors to the Middle East

DUBAI: It began as a niche offering, but Japanese cuisine has become a captivating choice for food enthusiasts in the Gulf.

Carole Moawad, Dubai-based founder of restaurant Uchi in the UAE and dessert ice cream spot M’oishi in Saudi Arabia, has been at the forefront of its growth.

Carole Moawad is a Dubai-based founder of restaurant Uchi in the UAE and dessert ice cream spot M’oishi in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)

With a passion for both Japanese cuisine and hospitality, Moawad has helped introduce the country’s delicate flavors to a new audience.

Reflecting on the evolution of the region’s appetite for Japanese food, Moawad told Arab News: “Initially, it was a niche market primarily appealing to expatriates and adventurous locals. However, as curiosity about diverse culinary experiences grew, Japanese food gained widespread popularity.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by UCHI DIFC (@uchi.uae)

She believes Japanese cuisine resonates with people in the region due to its emphasis on freshness, quality and presentation. “The growing health consciousness among consumers also plays a significant role, as many Japanese dishes are lighter and focus on natural flavors,” she said.

M’oishi, her Saudi Arabian venture, has been met with enthusiastic demand: “We’ve opened three M’oishi shops in Riyadh, and the mango and coconut mochi ice cream flavors have become our bestsellers,” she said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by UCHI DIFC (@uchi.uae)

The brand has also tapped into a craving for on-trend drinks, with bubble tea becoming a customer favorite.

Importing fresh ingredients from Japan is particularly important.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by M'OISHÎ UAE (@moishi.uae)

“For Uchi, for example, we make sure to import fresh ingredients from Japan weekly, especially the seafood,” she told Arab News. “For M’oishi, we import the mochi rice powder, matcha powder, yuzu, etc. on a quarterly basis which make it easier to manage.”

The restauranteur emphasized the importance of adaptability and strong team building, which have been key during her journey.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by M'OISHÎ UAE (@moishi.uae)

“The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, and being open to change has allowed us to innovate and grow,” she said.

“The response to mochi ice cream has been overwhelmingly positive, and we see potential for growth through partnerships and different locations within the Kingdom.”


H&M taps Loli Bahia for Autumn/Winter campaign

H&M taps Loli Bahia for Autumn/Winter campaign
Updated 24 September 2024
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H&M taps Loli Bahia for Autumn/Winter campaign

H&M taps Loli Bahia for Autumn/Winter campaign

DUBAI: French Algerian model Loli Bahia continues to maintain a busy schedule both on and off the runway. After hitting the runway at fashion week in New York and Milan this month, she took to Instagram on Monday to unveil her latest endeavor, starring in the Autumn/Winter 2024 campaign for the Swedish-founded fashion brand H&M.

In a short video and accompanying photos on the brand’s Instagram page, Bahia is seen embracing the cooler months in a series of layered outfits. The campaign opens with her navigating city streets in an all-black ensemble that includes a long coat, sleek shirt and tailored trousers, all set off by striking white pointed-toe heels. 

The color scheme of the campaign shifts between deep earth tones and soft neutrals, seen in the 15-second clip. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by H&M& (@hm)

The additional images feature Bahia in a black strapless mini dress accessorized with long gloves, and in another, she opts for a more relaxed yet equally refined look with a soft leather bomber jacket and matching trousers.

Throughout the campaign, Bahia’s ensembles are complemented by statement accessories such as belts, scarves and boots. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by H&M& (@hm)

Bahia recently graced the runways at New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week.

In New York, she modeled for American designer Tory Burch, wearing a sleek, structured black ensemble from the Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The outfit featured asymmetrical cuts and overlapping panels, offering a modern, deconstructed look. The top had a wrap-like structure with subtle ties at the front, while the skirt featured a high slit, complemented by oversized statement earrings and classic black peep-toe heels.

Following her appearance in New York, Bahia wowed audiences in Milan at a Gucci show. She wore a charcoal grey, tailored zip-up jacket with a prominent, pointed collar and a slightly oversized fit, striking a balance between relaxed and structured aesthetics. The ensemble was paired with matching wide-leg trousers and accessorized with a sleek, metallic choker and white loafers detailed in black.

Bahia is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She has walked for a host of prestigious labels, including Chanel, Tory Burch, Givenchy, Lanvin, Schiaparelli and Valentino. Bahia has also fronted campaigns for Saint Laurent, Tod’s, Isabel Marant, Courreges and Max Mara in addition to starring on the cover of Vogue Italia.


Amina Muaddi unveils new drop while at Milan Fashion Week

Amina Muaddi unveils new drop while at Milan Fashion Week
Updated 23 September 2024
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Amina Muaddi unveils new drop while at Milan Fashion Week

Amina Muaddi unveils new drop while at Milan Fashion Week

DUBAI: Jordanian Romanian luxury shoe designer Amina Muaddi unveiled her latest pair of heels on none other than Barbadian superstar Rihanna as the footwear mogul was spotted at Milan Fashion Week.

Muaddi created a custom-made pair of the Anok mules for the singer in a shade called butter satin, which Muaddi showed off on Instagram before hitting the streets at the now-concluded Milan Fashion Week.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi)

The designer attended shows by Ferragamo, The Attico and Gucci and showed off apparel by each of the brands as she sat front row.

A fashion week regular, Muaddi will likely head to France as Paris Fashion Week kicks off on Monday while rumors swirl about the industry’s most fabled brands.

Amina Muaddi took to Instagram to unveil a pair of custom-made shoes for Rihanna, above, which are part of a wider new collection. The designer was also spotted at Milan Fashion Week. Getty Images/ Instagram 

Falling profits at the two luxury giants LVMH and Kering have sent a shudder through the industry, fueling talk of musical chairs-style movements among top designers.

AFP reported that Celine’s Hedi Slimane and Simon Porte Jacquemus — the young French designer who made tiny handbags and tiny everything else a thing — are being talked of to fill Karl Lagerfeld’s empty chair at Chanel after Virginie Viard, who took the reins after the Kaiser’s death in 2019, bowed out in June.

Tongues are also likely to wag at the Spring-Summer shows over where John Galliano might go, with his contract at Maison Margiela nearing its end.

Rising young French star Victor Weinsanto kicks off the nine-day marathon of 66 shows, not to mention the myriad off-calendar shows and presentations, AFP noted. 

The first of the big-hitters will showcase their latest collections on Tuesday with Dior and Saint Laurent, the packed calendar reflecting Paris’s dominance over rivals Milan, New York and London.

And there is no let-up at the end: Chanel opens the final day on October 1 by returning to the vast Grand Palais, the scene of some of Lagerfeld’s most jaw-dropping shows, after an absence of four years.

The brand is shelling out $33.5 million for the right to stage its shows at the iconic Belle Epoque edifice, which reopened after a major facelift to host fencing and taekwondo at the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games.


World Halal Food Festival returns to London for ninth year

World Halal Food Festival returns to London for ninth year
Updated 23 September 2024
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World Halal Food Festival returns to London for ninth year

World Halal Food Festival returns to London for ninth year

LONDON: The world’s largest halal food festival returns to London for its ninth year, with organizers anticipating more than 20,000 visitors.

The World Halal Food Festival will take place from Sept. 28-29 at the London Stadium, displaying a wide range of cuisines from around the globe.

The event features a carefully selected lineup of vendors, chefs and food stalls representing countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, Morocco and Indonesia, among others.

Event director Waleed Jahangir spoke to Arab News, noting the growing demand for halal-certified products as the global Muslim population continues to expand.

“The growing interest in ethical, sustainable and high-quality food sources has attracted not just Muslim consumers, but people from all backgrounds to halal food,” Jahangir said.

A new addition this year is the Celebrity Chef Cookery Theatre, hosted by Shelina Permalloo, known for her appearances on ITV’s “Cooking with the Stars.” She will be joined by other top chefs in leading interactive cooking demonstrations. Celebrities such as Nadiya Hussain and Big Zuu, as well as actors from Netflix, are expected to attend the event.

The festival has expanded its family-friendly offerings with an enlarged childrens’ zone and bazaar. It has also partnered with Our Future Health to provide a mobile health clinic on-site, giving attendees the opportunity to participate in health research and have checkups.

“We also encourage discussions and conversations at the festival through interactive panels, giving people from all walks of life a space to connect over shared values of food, culture and community,” Jahangir added.

Organizers emphasized their commitment to supporting a diverse range of businesses, offering smaller, local vendors prime spaces at the festival to ensure they have high visibility.

The “Local Flavours” will focus on artisanal food producers, giving them a platform to show their products to thousands of festival visitors eager to explore new tastes.