What We Are Buying Today: Saudi brand ‘Lora’ skincare product
The brand’s products are inspired by the 13 regions of the Kingdom, with scents sourced from around the country to reflect Saudi cultural heritage
Updated 19 July 2024
Nada Hameed
Lora, a Saudi brand operating under the Ministry of Culture and Al-Balad Development Program, offers a range of natural, handmade soap and skincare products that showcase the rich agricultural heritage of the Kingdom.
All products are crafted using local ingredients from around Saudi Arabia, including olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, shea butter and glycerin.
Located in the heart of historic Al-Balad, a UNESCO heritage site, Lora blends art, culture and nature. The brand’s products are inspired by the 13 regions of the Kingdom, with scents sourced from around the country to reflect Saudi cultural heritage.
Lora’s product range includes 12 types of natural, handmade soap blocks, as well as body, hair and beard oils, and facial care products infused with fragrances such as kadi, full, Arabian jasmine, Taifi rose, lavender, rosemary and more.
Flora’s signature soaps are not only affordable, but also high quality, gentle on the skin and highly moisturizing. They effectively combat acne and dryness, and enhance skin texture.
For those interested in skincare and soap-making, Lora offers soap-making workshops and classes led by owner Hashim Al-Shawi.
The 90-minute workshop provides theoretical and practical training, with the necessary materials, shapes, molds, natural coloring and fragrances provided. Participants can take home their handmade soap block, perfect for personal use or as a gift.
For those with a basic understanding of soap-making, Lora offers a 10-day informative diploma program to become a certified soap maker.
What to wear this Ramadan: A selection of seasonal collections from regional brands
Updated 49 min 6 sec ago
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: With Ramadan underway, fashion brands across the region have unveiled their latest collections. From embroidered kaftans to flowing abayas and statement accessories, these collections offer a variety of options for both daytime gatherings and evening celebrations. Whether rooted in Saudi, Moroccan or Lebanese craftsmanship, each label brings a unique perspective to modest fashion this season.
Amarah
The Saudi brand’s Ramadan edit has not only abayas and kaftans but also jewelry to accessorize your modest looks this month. Their gold crescent-shaped hoop earrings, adorned with blue and green beads, will add a decorative touch to your outfits. Another standout piece is this deep green velvet ensemble with intricate embroidery, featuring a dramatic cape and tiered skirt.
Amarah's Ramadan edit has not only abayas and kaftans but also jewelry to accessorize your modest looks this month. (Supplied)
Dal
The Saudi label’s Ramadan capsule collection showcases a variety of fabrics and colors, featuring organza with raffia collar embroidery and sand satin. Earth-toned pieces incorporate crochet details and hand-stitched craftsmanship. The collection highlights ethereal drapes and artisanal techniques, showcasing a blend of traditional methods and contemporary construction.
Dal's Ramadan capsule collection showcases a variety of fabrics and colors. (Supplied)
LN Family
Dubai-based LN Family has launched its first Ramadan collection, featuring four abayas in a classic neutral color palette. The designs incorporate flowing silhouettes in satin, crepe and sheer fabrics. From muted earth tones to black with feathered accents, the collection balances cultural heritage with modern wearability for Ramadan gatherings.
Dubai-based LN Family has launched its first Ramadan collection. (Supplied)
ASHAALIA
ASHAALIA’s Ramadan collection, designed by creative director Asheema Razak, merges Eastern craftsmanship with European influences. The collection features hand-beaded abayas in silk and satin, adorned with intricate embellishments. Earth tones, blacks, and jewel-toned greens all feature, and the collection as a whole showcases Razak’s multicultural heritage and a focus on sustainable techniques and materials.
ASHAALIA’s Ramadan collection, designed by creative director Asheema Razak, merges Eastern craftsmanship with European influences. (Supplied)
DUHA
Duha, founded by Tunisian designer Duha Bukadi, is offering a Ramadan footwear collection, in which one of the standout designs is the EVA line, which includes crystals arranged in the shape of a foot on the front part of the shoes, making them statement pieces as well as practical choices for Ramadan celebrations. The collection also includes BB Strass heels in silver, gold and black. The sandals are adorned with small metallic studs along the straps and heel counter.
The collection includes BB Strass heels in silver, gold and black. (Supplied)
Orient 499
Orient 499’s collection is apparently inspired by the classic book “Alf Leila Wa Leila” (1001 Arabian Nights). It features kaftans, abayas and jellabas with intricate hand embroidery, silk brocades and gold accents. The men’s collection includes embroidered tunics, tailored jackets with metallic detailing, and relaxed linen shirts, incorporating traditional motifs and artisanal stitching.
Orient 499’s collection is apparently inspired by the classic book “Alf Leila Wa Leila” (1001 Arabian Nights). (Supplied)
Selma Benomar
Selma Benomar’s Ramadan collection is influenced by her Moroccan heritage and features contemporary kaftans and flowing gowns crafted from silk, chiffon, velvet and organza, adorned with hand embroidery, beading and metallic threadwork. The color palette ranges from earthy tones to vibrant jewel hues, reflecting the season’s spirit and there are options for both daytime and evening gatherings.
Selma Benomar’s Ramadan collection is influenced by her Moroccan heritage. (Supplied)
Dima Ayad
The Lebanese designer’s collection highlights her signature silhouettes in earthy tones and metallic finishes. The collection includes kaftans, kimonos and dresses designed for versatility, and featuring feather-trimmed sleeves, geometric metallic prints and voluminous draping. A key part of the collection is The Flower Edit, which incorporates embroidered florals and shimmering sequins.
Dima Ayad's collection highlights her signature silhouettes in earthy tones and metallic finishes. (Supplied)
DUBAI: Romanian Jordanian designer Amina Muaddi attended the Maison Alaia Summer/Fall 2025 fashion show during Paris Fashion Week.
The footwear designer was spotted wearing an all-black ensemble featuring a sleek leather set with a structured, oversized silhouette. The standout element of her look was a fringe-detailed top that cascaded from her shoulders.
Her hair was slicked back into a bun, complementing her sharp, defined makeup, which featured a bronzed complexion, sculpted brows and a nude glossy lip.
Loli Bahia showed off an all-black look. (Supplied)
Muaddi watched from the front row as models walked the runway in the brand’s latest designs, including regional catwalk stars like French Algerian model Loli Bahia and Mona Tougaard, who has Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian ancestry.
Bahia wore a black, high-gloss, oversized leather coat with a padded structure, a wide belt cinching the waist, and long, voluminous sleeves. The coat also featured a cushioned collar wrapping around the neck.
Meanwhile, Tougaard was dressed in a fitted, long-sleeved burgundy bodysuit with an attached padded circular hood framing her face. The bodysuit was tucked into a high-waisted, off-white pleated maxi skirt that fell to the ankles.
“The Summer Fall 2025 collection began with thoughts of history, of geography, of sculpture, and always of women. They are all part of the clothes, within them,” the brand, which was founded by late Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaia, said in show notes.
The runway featured garments with kinetic movement, brought to life through pleats and drapes. Designs included hoods that framed the face, structured silhouettes and layered fabrics. The pieces were shaped to highlight the body's curves, incorporating padding.
The venue featured sculptures by Dutch artist Mark Manders, highlighting the connection between fashion and art.
The show’s soundtrack, “Liefde,” composed by Gustave Rudman, featured Egyptian soprano Fatma Said’s rendition of “Aatini al-Nay wa-Ghanni,” with lyrics by Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran.
Muaddi had a busy evening in Paris. After the Alaia show, we went to the Musée du Louvre to attend the Le Grand Dîner du Louvre, the fundraising event that celebrates the new Louvre Couture exhibition that opened on Jan. 24.
Celebrities including Victoria and David Beckham, Michelle Yeoh, Danai Gurira and Jisoo arrived in style, while supermodels Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid were also in attendance.
Georgina Rodriguez teams up with Mayyas dance troupe for new campaign
Updated 04 March 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez has joined forces with Lebanese dance group Mayyas, who won the 17th season of “America's Got Talent,” for a new campaign.
They starred in an advertisement for Egyptian real estate company Horizon Egypt Developments, where Rodriguez and the Mayyas promote Saada, a real estate development in New Cairo in Egypt.
The video opens with a formal outdoor gathering in a desert setting, where guests dressed in evening attire socialize under draped golden canopies and soft candlelight.
Rodriguez arrives in a shimmering gold, form-fitting gown, drawing attention as she walks through the crowd.
She stops and watches as the Mayyas perform a choreographed routine to orchestral music. The dancers were dressed in black and gold outfits, paired with gold eye masks, moving in the synchronized formations they have become famous for.
During the event, a waiter hands Rodriguez a letter. After reading it, she makes a phone call and says in Spanish, “Pack my bags. She reached before me.” The scene then transitions to her getting into a luxury car and when the driver asks for their destination, she responds: “It’s always Saada.”
This is not Rodriguez’s first campaign for Saada. In October, she led a campaign for Saada Sahel, another real estate development on Egypt’s North Coast.
In the video, she was seen speaking on the phone, saying: “I already got the tickets, we are going next summer.”
For the campaign, she wore a white lace-trimmed sundress with spaghetti straps and a fitted bodice featuring intricate lace detailing.
The look was accessorized with a necklace from Egyptian brand Nado’s Jewelry’s Perle collection, which includes large, rounded links alternating between polished gold and diamond-encrusted surfaces.
Teaming up with Rodriguez and winning “America’s Got Talent” are not the only global milestones for the Mayyas.
In 2023, Nadim Cherfan, the founder and choreographer of the dance troupe, reached a major career milestone when he choreographed part of Beyonce’s performance at the grand opening of Atlantis The Royal in Dubai.
“To the artist of my life Beyonce, thank you for making my dream come true. Thank you for being the humblest, most professional and phenomenal human that you are,” he shared on social media at the time.
Oscars fashion round up: Arab designs and standout looks on the red carpet
Updated 03 March 2025
Arab News AFP
DUBAI/ LOS ANGELES: After a long season of red carpet events, Hollywood's top stars brought their best fashion yet to the Oscars on Sunday.
A handful of designers represented the Middle East, with Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, Lebanon’s Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad, and Egyptian-helmed label Marmar Halim dressing attendees.
Ashi, the founder of Paris-based fashion house Ashi Studio, dressed US actress Meg Ryan, as well as French Algerian author and YouTube star Lena Mahfouf. US actress and director Anna Kendrick opted for a Fall/Winter 2024 ready-to-wear look by Ashi Studio at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, held after the Academy Awards.
French Algerian author and YouTube star Lena Mahfouf. (Getty Images)
At the ceremony, Danish actress Connie Nielsen and English star Annabelle Wallis opted for looks by Elie Saab, with Nielsen sporting a soft pink gown from his Spring/Summer 2025 couture collection and vintage Joseph Saidian and Sons jewelry.
Annabelle Wallis opted for a look by Elie Saab. (Getty Images)
Co-countryman Zuhair Murad dressed TV host Kelly Ripa and actress Keleigh Teller in bright orange and pale blue, respectively. Ripa’s gown hailed from the fashion house’s ready-to-wear Resort 2025 collection, while Teller showed off a look with floral beaded details from Murad’s ready-to-wear Fall 2024 collection.
Zuhair Murad dressed TV host Kelly Ripa and actress Keleigh Teller in bright orange and pale blue, respectively. (Getty Images)
US actress Ryan Michelle Bathe showed off a gown by Dubai-based Egyptian-led label Marmar Halim
While some A-listers matched their looks to their roles (hello, cast of “Wicked”), others went for classic old school Hollywood glamour.
Ariana Grande has worn an array of Glinda-coded pink gowns since kicking off a long press tour for the hit musical and then for awards season. But the nominee for best supporting actress saved the best for last, floating down the red carpet in a sculptural pale Schiaparelli peplum gown. The strapless bodice flounced at the waist and laced up the back. The dress then cascaded to the floor in a glimmering cloud of tulle.
Ariana Grande in a sculptural pale Schiaparelli peplum gown. (Getty Images)
Co-star Cynthia Erivo, a nominee for best actress, went for her Elphaba moment in a majestic dark green velvet Louis Vuitton gown with a high pointed collar, a wide neckline, a full skirt and her signature long nails.
Cynthia Erivo, a nominee for best actress, went for her Elphaba moment in a majestic dark green velvet Louis Vuitton gown. (Getty Images)
Jeff Goldblum -- who plays the Wizard -- wore a cream double breasted Prada jacket, dark pants, floral shirt and a purple floral brooch.
For mere mortals, wearing white is a challenge. For Hollywood stars, it screams old-school glamour.
Elle Fanning (“A Complete Unknown”) wore a lacy white Givenchy gown with a prominent black bow at the waist -- and a vintage Cartier diamond necklace. Her blonde tresses were swept into a sleek up-do.
Lupita Nyong'o, who voiced Roz in the animated feature “The Wild Robot,” rocked a white Chanel gown with pearl-encrusted straps, a silvery bodice overlay and a sweet bow at the waist.
The red carpet sparkled with glittering confections.
Demi Moore may not have won the best actress Oscar for her gripping turn in body horror flick “The Substance,” but she was dressed for the moment, wearing a body-skimming silver Armani gown with a plunging neckline and full train. And past best actress winner Emma Stone shimmered in a sequined nude Louis Vuitton gown, her pixie cut slicked back.
Amid a flurry of nude, shimmering gowns, a few stars stood out for wearing bold hues fit for royalty.
Zoe Saldana, who won the best supporting actress Oscar for her work in “Emilia Perez,” reigned supreme in a burgundy tiered Saint Laurent bubble gown. (Getty Images)
Zoe Saldana, who won the best supporting actress Oscar for her work in “Emilia Perez,” reigned supreme in a burgundy tiered Saint Laurent bubble gown with sheer black opera gloves.
And Colman Domingo, who often wins the red carpet for Hollywood's men, wore a custom Valentino belted red jacket with black lapels and a sparkling brooch over black trousers.
DUBAI: Lebanese Jordanian actress Andria Tayeh this week fronted Armani’s Ramadan campaign, set against the backdrop of a desert landscape.
Draped in a flowing emerald-green abaya, Tayeh was seen in the video applying the Vert Malachite perfume from Armani Prive as the camera captured the details of the fragrance and her attire. The setting featured sand dunes stretching into the horizon.
The campaign integrates elements of regional aesthetics with Armani’s luxury branding, aligning with the themes of Ramadan. Vert Malachite, known for its rich and opulent notes, is presented as part of the brand’s seasonal focus.
“Ramadan is a time of gratitude and blessings,” the star wrote to her 1.1 million followers on Instagram. “Honored to share this journey with Armani Prive and Vert Malachite, and wishing you a month filled with light and peace.”
Tayeh, known for her roles in Austrian filmmaker Kurdwin Ayub’s “Mond” and Netflix’s hit series “Al-Rawabi School for Girls,” has had a busy start to the year, collaborating with multiple brands and fronting their campaigns.
Last month, Giorgio Armani announced her appointment as its new Middle East beauty ambassador.
She took to Instagram to express her excitement, writing: “I am thrilled and honored to embark on this new journey with Armani beauty.
“This marks a real milestone for me, as the brand embodies values I have always cherished: timeless elegance, dramatic simplicity, and women empowerment,” she said. “Armani beauty reveals one’s charismatic personality in the most subtle and natural way. It’s this pure simplicity that creates an impact, and this is exactly what I hope to bring to the Arab cinema world.”
That same month, she was named the first Middle Eastern ambassador for French hair care brand Kerastase.
In a promotional clip, she appeared in an all-white studio, answering questions about why she is the ideal Kerastase ambassador. Tayeh spoke in a mix of English, Arabic and French, playfully flipping her hair for the camera as she discusses her dedication to maintaining healthy hair.
“Growing up, hair was always a big part of my identity, and now, representing a brand that celebrates hair in all its beauty feels surreal. Here’s to confidence, strength and great hair,” Tayeh captioned her post on Instagram at the time.
