Gigi Hadid named global ambassador for Rabanne scent
Updated 27 August 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Gigi Hadid has been named the global ambassador for French luxury fashion brand Rabanne’s new fragrance, Million Gold For Her.
In the campaign photos, Hadid is seen wearing a metallic gold two-piece set, consisting of a skirt and a cropped top made of reflective fabric. In the accompanying campaign video, she also appeared in a black suit.
Her hair was styled in loose waves and her makeup was subtle, emphasizing her blue eyes and neutral-toned lips.
In one of the images, Hadid is pictured holding the oversized perfume bottle for Million Gold For Her.
“Million Gold For Her reminds me of how Rabanne feels as a brand,” Hadid said in a statement. “It is powerful and beautiful, with rose, lavender and a salty mineral musk undertone. I love the balance. I think that a lot of my personality has masculine tinges to it, so I Iike the mix of feminine and masculine elements in a fragrance.”
Hadid took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes shots of the campaign shoot.
“The making of the ‘million gold’ commercial was days of trying to keep a straight face through the joy and fun that is dancing with @stephengalloway on set,” she captioned her post. “Feeling golden being the newest ambassador of this iconic fragrance – many, many thanks to my new family at @rabanne and to all who made this week wonderful.”
One of the photos featured her enjoying lunch on set with the team, which included an Arab meal. The spread consisted of tabbouleh, hummus, batata harra, rolls and fattoush.
This month, Hadid released the Fall 2024 collection for her fashion brand, Guest In Residence.
The collection includes timeless pieces such as oversized sweaters, cardigans, and tailored knit sets, all made from 100% cashmere. These pieces come in warm, earthy tones and rich autumnal colors, combining functionality with fashion-forward designs that reflect Hadid’s personal style.
Inside Afikra: Born in New York, the collective has been cultivating curiosity and community for a decade
‘We were this small community of 15 people. Now we’re hosting events at the Lincoln Center,’ says founder Mikey Muhanna
Updated 03 October 2024
Jasmine Bager
RIYADH: In 2014, Lebanese millennial Mikey Muhanna was living in New York. Despite having a healthy social scene swirling around him, he yearned for a community in which he could connect with fellow Arabs in a way that made sense to him and his “nerdy” sensibility. His brainchild, Afikra — a platform for salon-style community gatherings — was born out of a personal quest to reconnect with his Arab roots.
In doing so, he unknowingly embarked on a journey that would eventually lead him to become the steward of a unique global movement.
An Afrika event in Bahrain in 2019. (Supplied)
As a former school teacher, Muhanna was inspired by the Pen League, a collective of active Arabs and Arab-American wordsmiths living in New York a century before. He, too, wanted to collaborate and collide with fellow Arab residents in the area who wanted to explore and reflect upon their heritage and their sense of belonging. He didn’t want to linger on stereotypes associating Arabs with violence and oppression; he wanted to exchange ideas about other Arab identities and histories, to be part of something that went deeper than a text book or social media.
He started small with a humble gathering of like-minded people in Brooklyn, hosting Afikra nights first in his own apartment, and then in those of other members.
Fast-forward to 2024, and Afikra (which roughly translates to “and by the way”) now has more than 200,000 members globally and has become a brand in its own right. When people see the Afikra logo, they know they can expect quality content that is invigorating, interesting and informative. Muhanna now has a trusted team of staff and volunteers that he relies on to get the message out and the work done.
“We were this small community of 15 people. Now we’re hosting events at the Lincoln Center, which is crazy,” Muhanna tells Arab News. In the week beginning Sept. 24, Afikra was celebrating its 10th anniversary with a few famous friends on stage — including architect Rami Abou Khalil, Sudanese singer Alsarah, Lebanese-British journalist Zahra Hankir, and Moroccan-American author and political scientist Hisham Aidi — at locations across New York, including the aforementioned Lincoln Center.
The success of Afikra lies not in its numbers, but in its spirit. It’s a place where curiosity reigns supreme, where the pursuit of knowledge is a shared experience and where members of the global Arab diaspora come together to explore and redefine the cultural landscape of the Arab world — especially during these turbulent times.
Muhanna, who is now based in Lebanon, knows that Afikra has become a vital archival resource for the future. It provides a platform for people from the Arab region to be taken seriously within the wider world (with its Afikra Academy, the organization offers free lesson plans and material for teachers and students). It is a place where “hope” lives, Muhanna says.
There is also an Afikra podcast; an array of book-club meetings, film screenings and workshops; and strategic partnerships with institutes including Qatar Museum, NYU Abu Dhabi, Jameel Arts Center and the British Council. Its members and organizers are constantly exploring new ways to amplify Arab stories and lessons. Nobody in the Afikra world is “stingy” with their knowledge, Muhanna says, everyone is there to make the space more informed than when they came in.
Omar Offendum, Mona Miari and Zafer Tawil perform in New York on Sept. 24 as part of Afikra’s 10-year anniversary celebrations. (Supplied)
Afikra doesn’t encourage passive consumption, instead, it invites participants to actively engage on some level — whether by asking questions or answering them, or both. Through its curated series of talks, interviews and workshops, Afikra provides a platform to delve into diverse topics ranging from classical Arab literature to modern art, from regional politics to architectural heritage.
“We’re trying to get people to contribute... not just come and see and be seen,” Muhanna explains. “We want you to generously contribute.” That is the essence of Afikra — every voice matters, learning is reciprocal and the lines between teacher and student blur.
“The last 10 years have been kind of this act of relocating myself with all these people,” he continues. “We’re all redefining the topography of the Arab world in our imaginations, but also in real life.”
This idea is central to Afikra. It’s about creating a space where the rich, multifaceted history of the Arab world can be explored in its entirety—the good, the bad, the complex, and the confusing. By doing so, it is helping to shape a more nuanced understanding of the Arab world. At its core, Afikra is about intellectual curiosity.
“We are essentially a collection of our interests,” Muhanna says. “We’re telling people you are allowed to engage in those interests.”
The Afikra community is geographically diverse, but there’s a sense of shared purpose and responsibility that unites it. As Muhanna puts it, “You have inherited this region, and you’re trying to be a steward of this region and try to make it the best version of itself.”
Over the past decade, Afikra has hosted more than 400 events, featuring scholars, artists and thought leaders from across the Arab world and its diaspora — from its signature “Conversations” series, in which experts are interviewed on subjects ranging from poetry to archaeology, to its “Salon” talks, in which community members present research on topics of personal interest. These events, many of which are available for free online, have attracted a wide and diverse audience.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the extent to which Afikra has managed to remain inclusive and accessible. Unlike many academic or cultural institutions, Afikra doesn’t cater solely to experts or scholars or to the elite influencers. Instead, it welcomes everyone, from those deeply entrenched in Arab studies to those just beginning their journey of exploration.
Afikra operates regular chapters in numerous cities, including New York, Beirut, Berlin, Marrakesh, London, and, of course, Riyadh.
For Muhanna, the success of Afikra is not just about numbers or algorithms; it’s about the impact the platform has had on individuals and the community at large — and on him personally.
“The responsibility is immense, for sure,” he says. “But the joy is immense, too.”
Recipes for Success: AlUla’s Chef Meitha Yaseen shares her pumpkin salad recipe
The Saudi chef de partie at Joontos, Dar Tantora The House Hotel offers advice
Updated 03 October 2024
Shyama Krishna Kumar
DUBAI: In 2019, AlUla native Meitha Yaseen was one of 24 aspiring Saudi chefs who participated in an intensive cooking course at Ferrandi Paris, one of France’s leading training schools.
“I was lucky enough to travel as part of a scholarship, which was organized by the Royal Commission of AlUla. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and all of the work that is being done to develop the local community because I was able to learn firsthand from some of the best chefs,” Yaseen told Arab News.
“It was an exciting time for me as I was living in the heart of Paris, passing by amazing Parisian cafés and bakeries in the mornings. I would often visit fantastic restaurants while exploring the city and experiencing their food culture. It was truly a wonderful experience, not only because I learned so much, but also because it was my first time traveling solo.”
She went on to train in New York and the UK, before returning to AlUla to launch her career with a job at the Banyan Tree AlUla.
Saudi chef Meitha Yaseen is the chef de partie at Joontos, Dar Tantora The House Hotel in AlUla. (Supplied)
Currently, Yaseen is chef de partie at Joontos, one of the restaurants at Dar Tantora The House Hotel, an exclusive eco-lodge located in the heart of AlUla Old Town.
“My mother and her family are of Bedouin descent, born and raised in the surrounding desert,” Yaseen says. “I’ve always been inspired by the women in our family, not just through their cooking but also their incredible work ethic, and I try to bring that with me to the kitchen every day.”
When you started out what was the most common mistake you made?
At first, I struggled with proper time management.
What’s your top tip for amateur chefs?
Travel. It’s the best way to expose yourself to different cuisines and techniques. Always remember to be curious about learning and trying new things — ideas, techniques, and recipes.
What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?
Simple seasoning — salt, for example — can make a world of difference to a dish. Also, most of my recipes are based around a nice stock to start with, so that would be my personal ingredient.
When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?
Not really, Since I work in a professional kitchen I try to be understanding when I visit another restaurant, as I know that something can go wrong at any given moment.
What’s the most common issue that you find in other restaurants?
Being served the wrong order.
What’s your favorite cuisine?
Japanese. And Asian food in general. I would say Nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut and pandan leaf) is my favorite dish. It’s the national dish of Malaysia, and uses many ingredients that work together in the most delicious way.
What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?
I’d say soft scrambled eggs served with a nice salty butter, toasted sourdough, and a tasty strawberry jam. It’s just the perfect combination of sweet and savory to start the day with.
What customer request most annoys you?
I’ve worked in luxury hospitality my whole career, and therefore have the mindset of catering to customers’ outlandish requests. So generally, it’s very hard for me to get annoyed by them. However, if I had to pick something it would be when a customer frequently changes their mind or alters requirements mid-way through, without understanding the impact it has on us in the kitchen.
What’s your favorite dish to cook and why?
Nasi goreng (Indonesian fried-rice dish). It’s very simple to cook, but it always brings joy to my heart because of its amazing flavors.
What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?
I would say the national dish of Saudi Arabia: Jareesh. Only because every household has a different way of cooking it, so I’m always worried that people won’t like my spin on this particular dish. We do have it on our special heritage menu at Joontos.
As a team leader, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laid back?
I have a team that I lead for certain functions. I don’t like to shout, typically, but sometimes during the service things will get hectic so I find myself pushing other people to hurry up and finish.
RECIPE
Chef Meitha’s layered pumpkin salad with tahini-coriander emulsion
INGREDIENTS
For the roast pumpkin: 2 cups pumpkin, peeled and cubed; 2 tbsp olive oil; salt and black pepper to taste
For the spiced pumpkin puree: 2 cups pumpkin, peeled and cubed; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder (optional); 1/2 tsp chili flakes; 2 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper, to taste
For the salad: 2 cups fresh arugula (or mixed greens); 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted; 1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled; Qursan bread
For the tahini-coriander emulsion: 2 tbsp tahini; 1/4 cup olive oil; juice of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped; 1 tsp lemon zest; salt and pepper, to taste; water to thin, if needed
INSTRUCTIONS:
For the roast pumpkin:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until golden and tender. Set aside.
For the spiced pumpkin puree:
1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon (if using), and chili flakes. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
2. Add the pumpkin cubes, toss to coat in the spices, and cook for 15-20 minutes until soft.
3. Mash into a smooth puree. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
For the tahini-coriander emulsion:
1. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped coriander. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Gradually add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the emulsion reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Set aside.
For the salad:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the arugula, roasted pumpkin cubes, pumpkin seeds, and crumbled cheese together.
Plating:
1. On a serving platter or individual plates, place a layer of the salad mixture.
2. Top with slices of crisp Qursan bread.
3. Add another layer of the salad, creating a stacked effect.
4. Drizzle the tahini-coriander emulsion generously over the top.
5. Garnish with additional pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, if desired.
Review: In ‘Huddud’s House,’ Syrian poet pens heart wrenching love letter to Damascus
Updated 02 October 2024
Sumaiyya Naseem
JEDDAH: Syrian poet and writer Fadi Azzam’s novel “Huddud’s House,” poignantly translated by Ghada Alatrash, paints a kaleidoscope of Damascene life, from its artists and lovers to its doctors and politicians, during its recent period of great turmoil and destruction.
Beginning at the cusp of the Arab revolution and civil war in Syria, the novel is an epic that delves into the depths and dark pits of the human heart. It is a searing depiction of humans’ capacity to love in all forms, resist and grow, as well as their power to destroy, oppress, and wage war.
Among its central characters is Fadi or Fidel Al-Abdullah, a law student, artist, womanizer, famous filmmaker, or religious extremist — depending on which part of his story you’re reading. His character arc is a prominent thread in the novel’s theme of identity and exile, capturing the nature of identity as perpetually in flux.His married lover, Layl, a doctor, is a complex portrayal of a woman torn between desire and duty.
Anees, a heart surgeon in Britain, sees his life take a swift turn when a phone call beckons him to the homeland. In Damascus, he inherits his grandfather’s property, Huddud’s House, initially poised as a promising windfall.
But the ancient house itself, and the locals who care about its heritage and cultural significance, help the doctor uncover its treasures and secrets such as historical artifacts and documents about Syria and her people painstakingly penned by its former guardians.
In the story, Huddud’s House stands as a powerful symbol of Syrian resistance and perseverance against oppression: “This was the fortieth time that this house encountered destruction, but its history testifies that each time it returned greater than before,” reads an excerpt.
“Huddud’s House” is an emotionally fraught and sweeping story of human connection during war, as well as a harrowing testimony partially based on true accounts of the brutalities endured by the Syrian people during the great upheaval of their homeland.
Azzam’s novel cements storytelling’s pivotal role in preserving truth, history, and heritage.
And at the heart of this particular story is a powerful idea: To love is to resist.
Loli Bahia makes waves at Paris Fashion Week with Louis Vuitton, Chanel appearances
Updated 02 October 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: French Algerian model Loli Bahia has been busy of late, walking for several brands at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week, including the latest Louis Vuitton and Chanel shows.
For Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer presentation, womenswear designer Nicolas Ghesquiere presented a lineup of layered looks featuring short, flouncy skirts and puffy-sleeved jackets, similar to Bahia’s runway style on the final day of Paris Fashion Week.
The in-demand catwalk star graced the runway wearing a black jumpsuit with a relaxed, tailored fit and a deep V-neckline, allowing a metallic, iridescent top to peek through underneath. The shiny fabric of the top, visible on the sleeves and chest, contrasted with the matte texture of the jumpsuit.
The in-demand catwalk star graced the runway wearing a black jumpsuit with a relaxed, tailored fit and a deep V-neckline. (Getty)
She accessorized with a structured black handbag featuring metallic hardware and chain details, while her black pointed-toe shoes completed the look.
The runway was set up in a temporary venue in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum, made from a mix of trunk facades. It ran through the center of the space and rose into a podium as the show started.
The models paraded tops that were cinched at the waist, their long necklaces and loosely fastened neckties swinging, Reuters reported. The pace quickened through the show, even as the silhouettes grew longer, to include robe-like overcoats that swept the floor and loose, bohemian trousers.
For the Chanel show, Bahia wore a layered ensemble featuring a black-and-white houndstooth set. (Getty)
Handbags came in all shapes and sizes, with some models carrying more than one, stacked like jewelry.
For the Chanel show, Bahia wore a layered ensemble featuring a black-and-white houndstooth set. The look included a cropped, double-breasted vest with a wide, oversized collar, worn over a sheer white blouse with voluminous sleeves. The matching houndstooth skirt had a mid-length hem with a thigh-high slit. The look was styled with a pair of statement black-and-white platform lace-up shoes.
Without a creative director since June after Virginie Viard — who took over from Karl Lagerfeld after his death in 2019 — bowed out, Chanel’s studio designed the spring/summer collection, riffing on some of the label’s standards, from its trademark tweeds to lacy flapper dresses and flying jackets, AFP reported.
But it was the feathers that stood out, used in ruff-like collars on crocheted bombers and on 1920s-style gowns inspired by the glamour of French writer Colette’s forays into music hall and cabaret.
Coldplay ticket scalping fiasco sparks backlash in India
Disgruntled fans say tickets for Mumbai concert being sold for 30 times the original price
Local media reports say police questioned local ticket seller BookMyShow regarding controversy
Updated 01 October 2024
AFP
MUMBAI: British rock band Coldplay’s upcoming tour of India has triggered a police investigation and dismayed fans after scalpers bought up cheap tickets to resell online for more than $1,000 apiece.
Thousands of music fans tried and failed to buy tickets for three concerts scheduled in financial hub Mumbai next January, sold by popular Indian online ticket portal BookMyShow.
All three shows sold out in minutes, and those who missed out were infuriated when they saw $70 (6,000-rupee) tickets appear on resale websites at vastly inflated prices.
“The tickets are being sold at 10 times, 20 times, 30 times the price that is being sold on the website itself,” student Anna Abraham, 19, told AFP.
“I wouldn’t feel good about it myself if I knew that I paid for something 30 times more than what I could have paid for.”
Local media reports said BookMyShow’s chief operating officer was questioned by police Monday after a complaint brought by Mumbai lawyer Amit Vyas, who claimed the vendor was working with “black marketeers” to make an extra windfall on ticket sales.
“I checked with nearly 100 people who I know are regulars at concerts, none of them had gotten a ticket,” Vyas said, according to the Indian Express newspaper.
“This made me suspicious. I then decided to approach the police as I knew that something was amiss.”
BookMyShow issued a statement after the public backlash began last week, saying it had “no association” with unauthorized ticket selling.
“Scalping and black marketing of tickets is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India and BookMyShow vehemently opposes this practice,” the company said.
Controversies surrounding tickets for major international musical or sporting events are not new.
US megastar Taylor Swift lashed out at Ticketmaster in 2022 following fan anger over sales to concerts staged for her globe-spanning ‘The Eras Tour’.
The debacle sparked debate over the Ticketmaster’s privileged position in the industry amid fan complaints of hidden fees, rampant ticket scalping and limited tickets due to presales.
