Best and worst: Nour Hassan discusses memorable style moments, her take on trends

Best and worst: Nour Hassan discusses memorable style moments, her take on trends
Nour Hassan is a Saudi-Egyptian podcast host and influencer. (Hamed Kamel El Sayed)
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Updated 19 November 2024
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Best and worst: Nour Hassan discusses memorable style moments, her take on trends

Best and worst: Nour Hassan discusses memorable style moments, her take on trends

DUBAI: The Saudi-Egyptian podcast host and influencer shares memorable style moments, her take on trends, and the best and worst advice she ever received. 

Best TV show or film you’ve ever seen?    

“Gossip Girl” remains an iconic show for both fashion and pop culture. One of my favorite movies is “Pride and Prejudice” starring Keira Knightley, possibly since this is also one of my favorite books. And I have to watch “Love, Actually” at least once a year around December.  

Worst TV show/film you’ve ever seen? 

I don’t like anything dark or dreary. I prefer shows and movies that inspire and uplift because I think there is enough darkness in the world.  




Nour Hassan is a Saudi-Egyptian podcast host and influencer. (Rojay Nazir)

Best personal style moment so far?    

I would definitely have to say my custom couture Jean Pierre Khoury wedding dress. It was a timeless piece. Another style moment I cherish is wearing Marmar Halim to El Gouna Film Festival.  

Worst personal style moment?    

Overall my style has been quite consistent and identifiable. I wouldn’t say I have a worst, necessarily, but any time I opt for a trend, it does not age well. This might be too soon, but I cannot stand those flower hair clips anymore. I also rarely wear yellow or pink. But I change my mind often, as a Libra, so you might catch me in a full yellow look after saying this.  

 

 

Best accessory for a little black dress? 

Pearls. They’re such an underrated accessory. They can really help achieve a timeless look — something from the 1920s and ’30s when fashion was more feminine and definitely more demure. 

Worst accessory for a little black dress?    

Too much color. Own the black cat moment, make it bold. The black dress is a statement. It exudes confidence and power, so keep it simple and classic.  

Best fashion trend of 2024?    

The Fall/ Winter color palette is everything. Chocolate brown, deep burgundy, taupes and nudes. These are the colors I've always loved the most. As an Arab woman with Egyptian Pharaonic features, I always find the warmth brings out all the best aspects of my complexion. Cool tones like navy are not my go-to, but thankfully I think we’re over that age-old rule of not pairing navy with black. Fashion is becoming more free and I am here for it.  

Worst fashion trend of 2024?    

Ballerinas — ballet shoes — are something I cannot get myself to return to. I used to love them — I lived in them in the early 2000s — but something about them makes the entire outfit look naïve, and I don’t like that. It’s not a look I’d go back to, although Miu Miu has tempted me many times.  

Best advice you’ve ever been given?   

Never compare yourself to anyone. I think that’s almost impossible in the age of social media, but if you start the game of comparison it will never end. Focus on yourself and your work. That’s the only way to stay unique and authentic in the contemporary landscape.  

Worst advice you’ve ever been given?  

Asking for too much advice is usually a problem. Ultimately, you need to be able to make calls for yourself. 

Best book you’ve ever read?    

“The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer is a book that can change your life — but only if you’re ready to grasp the sobering message that you are, in fact, in control of your life and your circumstances. It’s a scary thought and you have to be ready to take accountability for your life. For non-fiction it is, and always will be, the “Harry Potter” books. 

Worst book you’ve ever read?    

A mentor once told me that a book finds you when you’re ready for it. I don’t think you can go wrong with reading. There is always something to learn. Even if you hated the book then that’s a lesson on what you do not enjoy.  

Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?    

Pilates or a good long walk will elevate just about any aspect of your day, especially the latter. Sometimes, if you do not have the energy for an intense workout, it’s best to listen and not force it. Just go for 15 mins — do something to move the body and it will help free your mind.  

Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?    

Be anywhere but in the now. 

Best holiday destination?   

Rome. Always. It’s a city that allows you to dream big — it kind of reminds me of certain parts of Cairo. It shows you what human beings are capable of and how vast and expansive civilization really is. 

 

 

Worst holiday destination?    

I’m not a camping girl, so anything like that, or somewhere with an arid climate, is not for me.  

Best subject at school?    

English. I got an award for the highest score in the Middle East during my IB Diploma. I’m a writer first and foremost, so I loved reading prose, analyzing poems and writing short stories. Art was equally a favorite. Both encompass the majority of my interests and passions. 

Worst subject at school?   

I was a major nerd so I didn’t really have a worst subject. I aced them all, like it or not. If I had to pick one perhaps it would be physics. I had a love-hate relationship with this subject.  

Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?   

Wake up before the sun. The days I wake up early are completely different to the days when I do not. I think deep down inside we all know this is the ultimate life hack, but potentially the most difficult one to implement because it requires uprooting your entire routine. I wake up at 5 a.m. at least once a week to reset and prepare for the week.  

Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?    

Open social media. You’ll be in the vortex for hours. 


Kerry Washington hits the red carpet in Elie Saab

Kerry Washington hits the red carpet in Elie Saab
Updated 57 min 41 sec ago
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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.


Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market

Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market
Updated 19 November 2024
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Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market

Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market

DUBAI: Skincare and makeup brand Flormar is planning to triple the number of its stores in Saudi Arabia over the next four to five years to meet the demand of a burgeoning and increasingly competitive market.

Established in Milan, Italy, in the late 1950s, the company is now headquartered in Turkiye. Arab News spoke to CEO Matthieu Gomart about why he is so keen to increase the brand’s presence — currently 25 outlets — in the Kingdom.

“The beauty market in the Middle East — and specifically in Saudi Arabia — is quite dynamic,” he explained. “They have double-digit growth, making it one of our most exciting markets.”

Flormar has undergone something of a transformation in recent years, refining its product lines and formulations to appeal to a broader, more discerning audience. 

(Supplied)

Gomart said the brand’s approach has evolved to focus “on high-quality makeup at affordable prices” that aligned with skincare and ethical beauty trends. 

The company’s clean and vegan products, designed to enhance skin health, have been particularly well-received among Saudi consumers, he added, noting an increasing appetite for natural ingredients and skin-friendly formulations. 

(Supplied)

It is a trend highlighted by panelists at Riyadh’s Hia Hub beauty conference in October. Industry insiders, such as Chalhoub Group president Patrick Chalhoub, told Arab News the under-30 demographic “use skincare products more frequently and are willing to experiment with innovative products, even with brands that are not necessarily very popular.”

With an entire conference dedicated to growing the Kingdom’s skincare market, it is no wonder Flormar has identified it as a target segment.

Gomart said Saudi consumers were also embracing innovations such as “skinification” — adding skincare benefits to makeup products.

To meet this demand, Flormar is adapting its offerings to include sun protection and hydration in its makeup line.

“Saudis have a strong appetite for those nutrients,” he said.

Flormar’s growth includes partnerships with local retailers, distribution through pharmacy chains, and plans to expand its e-commerce footprint.

“We are happy to be contributing to the rise of self-expression in Saudi Arabia,” Gomart added.


Lindsay Lohan stuns in New York wearing Zuhair Murad

Lindsay Lohan stuns in New York wearing Zuhair Murad
Updated 19 November 2024
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Lindsay Lohan stuns in New York wearing Zuhair Murad

Lindsay Lohan stuns in New York wearing Zuhair Murad

DUBAI: Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan has been in New York City this week showing off pieces by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

The actress appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in an outfit from the designer’s Resort 2025 ready-to-wear collection which included a black, long-sleeved top with structured shoulders and silver jeweled detailing down one side. The ensemble was completed with a matching black skirt, paired with black heels.

Lohan also attended the premiere of the romantic comedy “Our Little Secret” alongside her husband, Kuwaiti financier Bader Shammas, choosing a black gown from Murad’s Spring/Summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection. The sleeveless dress featured a plunging neckline with two statement crystal-embellished motifs at the midriff.

The flowing skirt incorporated sheer panels and she topped off the look with open-toe black heels and subtle jewelry, with her hair in soft waves.

Lohan also attended the premiere of the romantic comedy “Our Little Secret” alongside her husband, Kuwaiti financier Bader Shammas. (Getty Images)

“Our Little Secret,” due for release on Netflix on Nov. 27, tells the story of Avery (Lohan) who is planning to spend Christmas with her boyfriend’s family. Things take an unexpected turn when she discovers that ex-boyfriend Logan (played by Ian Harding) is also joining the festivities, as it transpires their current partners are siblings. Avery and Logan must navigate the holiday while ensuring their former relationship remains a secret.

Meanwhile, Murad has made headlines elsewhere this week, dressing various other Hollywood celebrities.

Jennifer Lopez, a longtime admirer of his work, attended the 2024 Governors Awards on Sunday  in a black and silver dress featuring a sheer bodice, intricate beadwork and a high neckline with layered embellishments as she. The waist was accented with crystal-embellished motifs, and the outfit included a black velvet train.

Last week, over to the premiere of “Wicked” in Los Angeles, Lopez walked the red carpet in a halter gown with gemstone embellishments and side cut-outs from Murad’s Spring/Summer 2024 couture line.

This week, Argentine model and actress Eva De Dominici also opted for a Murad gown at the Los Angeles premiere of her comedy-drama, “The Uninvited.” She wore a silk and suede gown featuring lace cut-outs from the designer’s Fall 2024 ready-to-wear collection.


Arabs cheer on newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig

Arabs cheer on newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig
Updated 18 November 2024
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Arabs cheer on newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig

Arabs cheer on newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig

DUBAI: Arabs around the world congratulated Victoria Kjaer Theilvig who was crowned Miss Universe 2024 on Sunday, becoming the first contestant from Denmark to achieve the honor.

The dancer, entrepreneur, and animal rights activist beat out more than 120 contestants in the pageant's 73rd edition held in Mexico City, two years after she visited the UAE and posed for snaps in Dubai’s desert surroundings on holiday.

“I have been waiting for my whole life for this moment,” she said during the swimsuit round of the pageant.

“No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths,” she also said on the Miss Universe stage.

X user Asia Alwasity echoed several other commentors who praised Theilvig’s apparent lack of cosmetic surgery. “She deserves it, she is a natural beauty with no cosmetic surgeries done,” she wrote in Arabic.

Another X commentor, @goodluck11974, wrote in Arabic, “Her beauty is wow, her face reminds us of the old natural beauty with no fillers or surgeries.”

Many social media users commented on Theilvig’s “exceptional beauty,” inside and out.

“Beauty is not just about looks, but about a strong, confident personality, and this beauty embodies these in every detail,” wrote X user @alzhrany60092.

“Congratulations to this beauty, she makes history with her exceptional beauty,” wrote X user @zyz51618 in a translated post.

Other social media users called Theilvig as pretty “as a Barbie,” with numerous commenters comparing Theilvig to the iconic doll.

Dressed in a pink glittering gown, the 21-year-old from Soborg was crowned by Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, in Mexico City on Sunday.

Crafted by Jewelmer, the crown features golden South Sea pearls, the national gem of the Philippines. Named the “Lumiere de l’Infini) tiara, the crown displays a radiant sunburst motif at its heart.

First runner-up was Chidimma Adetshina, a law student representing Nigeria, followed by Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico, Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, and Ileana Marquez of Venezuela.

An avid traveller, Thielvig seems to enjoy visiting cities across the world — including Dubai in the UAE. In January 2023, she took to Instagram to post a picture of herself posing on a dune buggy in the vast deserts of Dubai. “

Adventure in the desert,” she captioned the post, along with a camel emoji.