Jordanian Romanian designer Amina Muaddi spotted at Prada show in Milan
Updated 16 January 2023
Arab News
DUBAI: Jordanian Romanian footwear designer Amina Muaddi was spotted at Milan Menswear Fashion Week in a chic masculine look as she attended the Prada runway show on Sunday.
The designer and celebrity in her own right took to Instagram Stories to document her time in Milan, including short clips of her time at the Prada show where she showed off a black cardigan over a expertly tailored white shirt and pencil skirt paired with sky-high pumps from her eponymous label.
Muaddi shared a selfie from outside the Prada show at Milan Menswear Fashion Week. (Instagram)
The Milan menswear runway was full of spare looks for next fall and winter.
Muaddi correctly picked up on the color of the season in her black outfit — variations of black were spotted on the runway at a number of shows. The silhouette of the season is slim or relaxed, but mostly tailored, the Associated Press reported.
The ceiling on the darkened Prada showroom rose to reveal industrial chandeliers as the first looks appeared on the runway: Tailored, slightly blocky suit jackets with sharp, wing-like collars that flapped gently with each step, secured and cushioned by just a wisp of colorful knitwear.
The collars, reminiscent of the 1930s or ‘70s and in retro geometric prints, gave a romantic touch to an otherwise spare and cleansing collection by co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons.
“There is no space for useless creativity,” Prada summed up backstage.
The sharp collars, which appeared also on cardigans, are detachable, giving garments a longer life and utility.
The pair continued their exploration of uniforms, the sort that exemplify the value of working and not projecting authority. In that vein, suede tunics with matching overcoats recalled an artisan’s apron, worn with a shirt and tie to emphasize the virtue of work, and over the season’s slim trousers.
The clean looks and minimalist tailoring had an intentional retro-futuristic feel, that Simons defined as “very Prada, in my opinion.”
Puffer coats had a rotund shape. Quilted T-shirts kept the torso warm under overcoats. Shoes were thick-soled lace-ups with raised piping. Bags were slim document or computer bags, with a thermos slot.
Suiting was mostly black or gray, with separates providing color: trousers in red or green, cerulean blazers, yellow and pink cardigans.
Even the venue at the Fondazione Prada was stripped of artifice, down to the concrete floors and walls and ceiling, which dropped back down as the models left the runway.
Vogue Business event discusses sustainability, use of AI in fashion industry
Updated 21 March 2023
Nada Al-Turki
RIYADH: Global industry experts discussed at an event on Thursday how regional and global shoppers are trading fast fashion for more purposeful wardrobes as Saudi Arabia also pivots toward a more conscious conversation around fashion consumption.
The discussion, spearheaded by Vogue Business in partnership with the UK’s Department for International Trade and Saudi’s Fashion Commission, was held under the theme “Transformation and consciousness: Shaping the future of luxury.”
“When you look at how the Fashion Commission is building the new fashion ecosystem in the country, it’s looking at every aspect of the value chain to ensure that elements of sustainability are embedded in each step,” Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission, told Arab News.
A panel of industry leaders came together on Thursday for Vogue Business' "Luxury’s digital transformation in Saudi Arabia and beyond" discussion, as part of a wider conversation about the importance of conscious consumption. (AN photo by Abdulaziz Alarifi)
As part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan to induct sustainable actions in all sectors, efforts to understand circular consumption and support local talents are on the rise.
“We are now building our legacy,” said Rae Joseph, fashion entrepreneur, industry consultant and founder of the vintage fashion house 1954. “(Saudis) have always been conscious consumers…We have a concept of ‘ihsan’ in our religion, which is to do good and contribute to where you are.”
Her own interpretation of conscious fashion in the Saudi context is defined by mindful consumption in sustainable ways.
'We are now building our legacy,' said Rae Joseph, fashion entrepreneur, industry consultant, and founder of the vintage fashion house 1954. (AN photo by Abdulaziz Alarifi)
The past few years have demonstrated a social awakening globally in terms of mass production, uncovering underlying issues such as labor law violations, unethical material sourcing and environmental infringement.
Consciousness in fashion can be defined in many ways, depending on the values of each individual, and can range from respecting culture and traditions to prioritizing working conditions and innovating production and consumption methods.
The influx of digital resources and evolving technologies is also paving the way for younger generations to create awareness and design solutions around conscious consumerism.
The digitally savvy Saudi population is creating a pliable environment to lead in sustainable practices in the fashion sector, from materials to manufacturing, retail and brand-building.
The Fashion Commission has worked to establish a research center focused on constructing new sustainable materials, while also developing an advanced manufacturing space in Riyadh that will allow access to high-quality production methods using the right materials and processes to serve a local population and diminish import emissions.
The commission will utilize the latest technologies, allowing for innovative techniques such as digital rendering, 3D designs and digital pattern-making to directly reduce environmental and assembly impact within the fashion industry.
“When it comes to brands, we are encouraging them to understand their consumer needs, produce only what’s needed, and create new ways of engaging with them so there’s an optimization of inventory management,” Cakmak said.
From a consumer’s end, the commission is continuing to embed conscious behaviors, launching initiatives that promote sustainable practices, such as the Global Fashion Exchange Fashion Swap last December, in order to raise awareness among buyers on the importance of longevity and reuse of goods in the market.
“In last year’s Swap Shop, we had over 5,500 items that were brought for swapping, and 60 percent of them have been exchanged between customers…(while) 40 percent of them have been donated to a charity,” Cakmak said.
Artificial intelligence and new technologies play a crucial role in conscious consumption, experts said at the event. In order for brands to innovate their storytelling concepts, stepping into the Web3 and metaverse world is a way to future-proof their businesses.
Dr. Ahmed Zaidi, co-founder and CEO of Hyran Technologies, told Arab News: “In the context of Saudi…I think that understanding the consumer here is so underrated. Lots of people think that they can come from Paris or London and set up shop here, and they fail at it because they don’t understand the consumer.
“Whether it’s metaverse, or anything, conceptualizing it for the consumer in the local market 100 percent has to happen.”
Hyran Technologies is a London-based innovative AI platform that helps brands and suppliers respond to consumer demand, increase profitability and reduce waste. The company is working with the Fashion Commission to see how they can support Saudi brands in their journey to sustainable development.
Zaidi imagines a future in which airplanes substitute duty-free magazines with custom shopping suggestions suited for each individual passenger. Or in lieu of conventional online shopping sites, customers will log into a brand’s site to view a personalized “museum” space that is intelligently curated to show the items that the brand believes will serve each customer’s wants and needs.
Zaidi said: “Where we are with AI, right now, you can have a much better representation of your consumers, which means you can give them better recommendations. But they’re also portable.
“What that means is that you can use the same representation (or customer DNA) online, on your phone and in-store as well. When someone walks into a store, they can scan their phone, and then you’ll know exactly what they want, how they want it, in which way they want it.”
Cakmak said. “When it comes to artificial intelligence, brands are individually experimenting themselves and it’s intended to provide benefits for optimization of either their products, where they’re selling, and how much they need to produce, or potentially look for technologies that can be used for consumer engagement.”
Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad creates custom look for Taylor Swift on Eras Tour
Updated 20 March 2023
Arab News
DUBAI: US pop superstar Taylor Swift showed off a glittering ballgown by Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad during a tour concert in Glendale, Arizona, this week.
The Grammy-winning singer donned a custom-made gown by Murad in a peachy hue with starburst sequin work across the length of the creation.
“@TaylorSwift wore for her Night 2 of The Eras Tour a custom #ZMCouture pink tulle ball gown, with a starburst bodice and cross strap back (sic),” the fashion house posted on Instagram, referring to the look that was styled by Joseph Cassell Falconer.
Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” kicked off on Friday night in Glendale. She performed a three-hour show that ran through hits from every era of her 17-year career and followed it up with a second show in the city.
Boucheron celebrates the Middle East in new campaign starring Saudi actress Mila Al-Zahrani
Updated 20 March 2023
Arab News
DUBAI: Luxury French jewelry label Boucheron has released a new campaign celebrating the Middle East featuring its regional ambassador, Saudi actress Mila Al-Zahrani.
The “Invent The Future, Honour The Past” campaign features three short clips, as well as a series of photographs, that pay tribute to the region’s roots, progress and future.
The first episode of the series, “Roots,” features Al-Zahrani and a mother figure, portraying the bond between mother and child. In the clip and the images, both women wear the brand’s Serpent Bohème jewellery.
Created in 1968, Serpent Bohème was the first of Boucheron’s iconic collections. It is reimagined yearly and the new campaign sees Al-Zahrani show off the newest white gold Serpent Bohème Solarité earrings paved with diamonds.
“Evolution,” the second episode in the campaign, features the Saudi actress and a sister figure. The two women wear jewels from the Quatre collection.
Finally, the third video, “Future,” transports viewers to a modern metropolis where Al-Zahrani is seen wearing pieces from the new Quatre Double White Edition.
Frédéric Boucheron founded the label in 1858 and it has grown from its traditional home on Place Vendôme in Paris to more than 85 boutiques worldwide.
Riyadh-born actress Al-Zahrani was unveiled as the label’s Middle East ambassador in November 2022.
The announcement was made at a Boucheron brand experience in Riyadh in November, titled “La Maison,” which was hosted to showcase their Carte Blanche Ailleurs High Jewelry collection for the first time in the Middle East.
The collection was first presented during Paris Haute Couture week in July.
“The Middle East is a historic and crucial region for Boucheron from a business standpoint, as it still holds tremendous potential,” said Helene Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of Boucheron, in a released statement at the time.
“In Saudi Arabia, as in the rest of the region, we operate at the very top of the market, selling to highly educated and savvy collectors. This is something I am proud of, which is why Boucheron returned to Riyadh to host the second edition of our ‘La Maison’ event,” she added.
Dior reveals design details about Princess Iman of Jordan’s wedding dress
Updated 20 March 2023
Arab News
DUBAI: French fashion house Dior has shared details about Princess Iman bint Abdullah II of Jordan’s wedding gown, which she wore as she wed Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in a ceremony in Amman’s Beit Al-Urdon Palace last week.
Princess Iman, 26, opted for a traditional white wedding dress with a sheer lace panel at the neckline, lace-cuffed sleeves and a flowing skirt. The bridal look was completed with a matching veil and tiara by Chaumet.
“Take an exclusive look into the #DiorSavoirFaire behind the wedding dress specially designed by @MariaGraziaChiuri for Jordan’s princess, H.R.H. Princess Iman. The gown is imbued with beloved codes of the House like flourishes of florals on the lace neckline and sleeves,” the label posted on Instagram on Sunday.
Dior added that the elegant gown featured floral details and intricate lace work.
“For Jordan’s Princess Iman, @MariaGraziaChiuri incorporated delicate floral details into the collar and sleeves of her sleek wedding dress. Contemporary yet timeless, the white gown is adorned with immaculate lace work and precise tailoring as a testament to the refined excellence of the House’s atelier. The glowing bride beautifully embodied the irresistibly feminine silhouette for her special day,” Dior said.
Italian fashion designer Maria Grazia Chiuri was named the creative director of Dior in 2016, after stints working at Fendi and Valentino.
Olympic star Yusra Mardini walks the Boss runway in Miami
The Syrian refugee appeared for the German designer having walked for Parisian brand Casablanca earlier this year
Updated 17 March 2023
Arab News
DUBAI: Syrian Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini has officially added another title to her growing repertoire of accomplishments after becoming a model.
The athlete, whose story of fleeing her homeland alongside her sister Sarah was made into a BAFTA-nominated film by Netflix called “The Swimmers,” walked the runway in Miami this week for German fashion label Hugo Boss.
“Thank you for including me in this phenomenal experience,” Mardini wrote on Instagram sharing a picture of herself on the catwalk.
Mardini, who is based in Germany, wore a white shirt dress with a beige vest, beige calf-length stockings and brown heels from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection.
She walked the show, which was inspired by Miami, alongside A-list stars Naomi Campbell, Pamela Anderson, Law Roach, US Palestinian producer DJ Khaled, Precious Lee and Ezra Frech.
This is Mardini’s second runway appearance, after she appeared for fashion brand Casablanca’s Autumn/Winter 2023 show in January.
She also starred in Boss’s digital campaign that month, which featured a long list of Arab and international stars, including DJ Khaled, Dutch Palestinian model Gigi Hadid, Demi Lovato, Paris Hilton, Columbian singer Maluma, actress Bella Thorne and many more.
In the advert, Mardini shared a photo collage featuring two images — one from her childhood and one present-day photo, while wearing Boss sweatshirts.
In a recent interview with Arab News, Mardini said she is turning her focus to her non-profit work, as well as other endeavors.
Having competed in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Athletes Team, Mardini is aiming to develop a foundation to facilitate education and sports opportunities for refugees. She is also starting her own journey as a filmmaker.
“I am also studying in a university here in California called University of Southern California and I am studying film and production,” she said. “I am doing a lot of activities in the fashion domain and I have a non-profit organization, and I am doing something with the UNHCR and I am also studying, so generally I am happy with my life.”
