Amira Al-Zuhair walks for Zimmermann at Paris Fashion Week

Amira Al-Zuhair walks for Zimmermann at Paris Fashion Week
Amira Al-Zuhair walked the runway for Zimmermann. (Getty Images) 
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Updated 11 March 2025
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Amira Al-Zuhair walks for Zimmermann at Paris Fashion Week

Amira Al-Zuhair walks for Zimmermann at Paris Fashion Week

DUBAI: Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair made a statement at the Zimmermann show during Paris Fashion Week, wearing a burnt-orange ensemble.

The sleeveless, fitted dress featured draped, ruched detailing that added movement to the design. The look was finished off with strappy brown leather sandals and gold accessories, including chandelier earrings and bracelets.




The sleeveless, fitted dress featured draped, ruched detailing that added movement to the design. (Getty Images) 

Joining her on the runway was British Moroccan model Nora Attal, who wore a flowing cream-colored gown with a high neckline and long, billowy sleeves. The fitted bodice transitioned into a pleated, floor-length skirt. 

Al-Zuhair and Attal were not the only Arab models making an impact at Paris Fashion Week. French Algerian model Loli Bahia walked for Louis Vuitton on Monday, wearing a relaxed yet structured ensemble. 

She donned an oversized coral turtleneck sweater adorned with asymmetrical metallic embellishments, paired with loose-fitting, high-waisted brown trousers. A coordinating brown coat featuring a checkerboard-patterned pocket detail completed the look. 




Loli Bahia took part in the Louis Vuitton show at Paris Fashion Week. (Getty Images)

The setting of the Louis Vuitton runway was “L’Étoile du Nord,” described by Louis Vuitton as “a hidden station where past and future travelers converge, evoking the golden age of railway adventure.” 

The show took place in this historic 1845 building, originally constructed for the Compagnie du Nord railway company to house its offices. Its atrium was meticulously transformed into a grand train station waiting room for the ready-to-wear display, reinforcing the theme of travel, anticipation and adventure, according to show noted.

On the runway, designer Nicolas Ghesquière spun a narrative of train stations both real and imagined, styling passengers for journeys unknown. There were detectives in trench coats, campers in bulky New Wave sweaters, and party girls rushing for the last train in ruched velvet. The designer has long been a master of cinematic dressing, pulling from a rolodex of filmic inspirations — classic whodunnits, fantasies and comedies. 

Elsewhere, a voluminous, cascading layered tulle skirt in deep fuchsia channeled Ghesquière’s penchant for fusing styles of different centuries, juxtaposed with a contemporary architectural knit top and futuristic slicked-back hair. 

The show saw A-list celebrities sit on the coveted front row, including Emma Stone, Jennifer Connelly, Ana de Armas, Chloë Grace Moretz, Lisa, Jaden Smith, Ava DuVernay and Sophie Turner. 


Farjana Salahuddin explores AI, tradition through interactive installation in Qatar

Farjana Salahuddin explores AI, tradition through interactive installation in Qatar
Updated 2 min 59 sec ago
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Farjana Salahuddin explores AI, tradition through interactive installation in Qatar

Farjana Salahuddin explores AI, tradition through interactive installation in Qatar

DOHA: Artists from around the world are showcasing their work in Qatar at “Ai or Nay? Artificial vs. Intelligent,” an exhibition running until May 15 at Doha’s Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern University.

The show features more than 20 installations by international artists exploring themes of artificial intelligence, creativity and identity. Among the contributors is Doha-based Bangladeshi artist Farjana Salahuddin, whose interactive installation “Patterned Deserts: Where AI and Traditions Meet” is a key highlight.

The experiential piece invites visitors to run their fingers through sand, encouraging them to reflect on the dynamic relationship between human creativity and technological advancement, Salahuddin said. As they move their fingers, shapes and lines form in response to their touch.

“It’s an interactive, sensory experience where people can connect with the piece and move their fingers through the sand,” Salahuddin told Arab News. “It’s a way to contemplate how much impact we’re really having, or whether technology is taking over all aspects of our lives.”

Inspired by natural elements such as desert roses and shells, the installation blends human-made forms with tech-driven designs. “Sometimes the sand follows your movements, but other times it moves on its own,” Salahuddin said. “This reflects how technology is evolving, sometimes complementing us and other times taking its own course.”

The interactive media artist, who was raised in Doha, drew inspiration from the city’s changing landscapes. “Doha is my home and it is transforming so much. In some places, you'll see that their identity is completely changing, and it’s all steel and glass,” she explained. 

“But then in some other places, we are trying to preserve the meaning in so many different ways, like the National Museum. It is such a contemporary place. So, we can build contemporary things, while keeping our identity in place as well.” 


Ikram Abdi spotted at Moncler show in French ski resort

Ikram Abdi spotted at Moncler show in French ski resort
Updated 16 March 2025
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Ikram Abdi spotted at Moncler show in French ski resort

Ikram Abdi spotted at Moncler show in French ski resort

DUBAI: Swedish Somali model Ikram Abdi attended the Moncler Grenoble Fall/Winter 2025 runway show in Courchevel, France, on Saturday, as Saudi Arabia-based model Georgina Rodriguez hit the snowy catwalk.

Courchevel is a French Alps ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley. It is a part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski area in the world.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Moncler (@moncler)

“The energy of winter sports, the warmth and joy of experiences shared on the snow, and the brand’s dedication to dressing all aspects of mountain life, combining high performance and high style, will be celebrated with a memorable brand experience at high altitude,” Moncler said in a statement released in December, before the unusual runway location was unveiled.

Fast forward to March 15 and the luxury label invited the who’s who of Hollywood to the resort’s snow-capped peaks as models walked a landing strip-turned-runway in a flurry of snow.

Abdi was joined by actress Ashley Park, Oscar-winner Adrien Brody, actress Jessica Chastain and South Korean star Lee Jae-wook, among others.

Jessica Chastain at the show. (Getty Images)

While the star-studded audience took in the show, Rodriguez walked the runway in a chunky knitted look complete with knee-high, fur-lined boots.

The model, who is the longtime partner of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, has modelled for luxury brands before and was recently spotted sitting front row at Lebanese label Elie Saab’s Paris Fashion Week.

Rodriguez walked the runway in a chunky knitted look complete with knee-high, fur-lined boots. (Instagram)

Elie Saab’s Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 collection transported the Paris Fashion Week audience to the world’s most exclusive mountain retreats, where relaxed glamour meets alpine allure.

At the show in March, Rodriguez wore a pristine white outfit that was in tune with Saab’s alpine theme. The ensemble featured a luxurious, textured top adorned with delicate feather-like details, adding a touch of avant-garde flair.

Rodriguez also recently joined forces with Lebanese dance group Mayyas, who won the 17th season of “America's Got Talent,” for a new campaign released earlier this month.

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.

For her part, Abdi, who posed for photographs at Moncler’s latest show, made her catwalk debut in 2018 during London Modest Fashion Week. She went on to walk for the likes of Iceberg and Charles Jeffrey and she has fronted campaigns for major international brands, including Burberry and Nike. 


Bella Hadid swaps praise with Donatella Versace after fashion shake up

Bella Hadid swaps praise with Donatella Versace after fashion shake up
Updated 16 March 2025
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Bella Hadid swaps praise with Donatella Versace after fashion shake up

Bella Hadid swaps praise with Donatella Versace after fashion shake up

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid shared praise for Italian fashion icon Donatella Versace on Saturday, days after the latter announced she will be stepping down as the creative director of the Italian luxury fashion house founded by her late brother Gianni Versace.

“Donatella era … will live on for infinity,” Hadid posted on Instagram alongside a carousel of images of her various shoots for the storied fashion house.

Bella Hadid shared praise for Italian fashion icon Donatella Versace on Saturday, days after the latter announced she will be stepping down as the creative director of the Italian luxury fashion house founded by her late brother Gianni Versace. (Instagram)

“Our time together will be memories I am buried with. The first time I truly felt beautiful in our industry … thank you for being fashion mother to us all, for making us feel loved, beautiful, unique, sexy, happy,” she added.

Versace replied with her own message for the model, who has starred in campaigns for Versace and has hit the runway for the luxury label on numerous occasions.

“Bella, your words truly mean the world to me. You are beautiful inside and out with a heart made of Versace gold. I love you so, so much. Thank you for always being there for me. With love, Donatella Versace,” she wrote in the comments section.  

Bell Hadid posted a carousel of images of her various shoots for the storied fashion house. (Instagram)

The designer will assume the new role of chief brand ambassador, Versace’s US owner Capri Holdings announced on Thursday.

Versace will be replaced by Dario Vitale, who most recently was design director at the Miu Miu brand owned by the Prada Group. His appointment is effective on April 1, the Associated Press reported.

Versace, 69, welcomed Vitale, emphasizing in a statement that “championing the next generation of designers has always been important to me,'” while Vitale, 41, thanked Versace for "her trust in me.”

Versace was thrust into the role of creative director in 1997 after her brother's murder in Miami, at first tentatively and then with a boldness that led to some big runway and red carpet moments.

The creative shift comes amid speculation that the Prada Group is in talks to buy Versace from Capri Holdings, which paid 2 billion euros (currently $2.2 billion) for the fashion house in 2018. The U.S. group also owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, AP reported.

Miuccia Prada acknowledged interest in the brand on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week last month, while Versace made no comment at what was to be her last runway show.


Actress Rachel Zegler stuns in Elie Saab gown

Actress Rachel Zegler stuns in Elie Saab gown
Updated 15 March 2025
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Actress Rachel Zegler stuns in Elie Saab gown

Actress Rachel Zegler stuns in Elie Saab gown

DUBAI: Rachel Zegler, star of Disney’s upcoming live-action movie “Snow White,” turned heads at a promotional event in Europe this week when she appeared in a breathtaking creation by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

Featuring intricate embroidery, delicate beadwork and a regal silhouette, the gown was a testament to Saab’s signature artistry. In soft, ivory-toned fabric, it featured delicate floral appliques and shimmering embellishments, with a structured bodice supported by thin straps. A flowing overskirt cascaded into a train.

The overall aesthetic was of a dreamy, enchanted forest, in line with the Snow White theme.

Featuring intricate embroidery, delicate beadwork and a regal silhouette, the gown was a testament to Saab’s signature artistry. (Getty Images)

The actress carried a red apple-shaped purse, a symbolic nod to the fairytale’s poisoned apple. She also wore silver platform heels and minimal jewelry.

The new “Snow White” is a reimagining of the 1937 animated classic, which was Disney’s first feature-length animated film.

Zegler stars as the titular princess, alongside Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.

Controversy has plagued the movie since it was first announced. Many activists called for a boycott due to Gadot’s stance over the conflict in Gaza.

An Israeli and former member of the Israel Defense Forces, Gadot has been an outspoken supporter of Israel on social media as well as in a passionate speech on March 4 when she was honored at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual summit in New York City.

“Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews,” she said.

Zegler has repeatedly given interviews and used social media to advocate for a “Free Palestine,” indicating a rift between the two leads.

Meanwhile, some Disney fans have questioned casting Zegler as Snow White as she is a Latina actor. The “West Side Story” star also faced backlash when she called the 1937 original “dated” because the prince “literally stalks Snow White.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

Beyond the world of cinema, Elie Saab has made headlines with the launch of his first eau de parfum for men, called Elie Saab L’Homme.

The woody vetiver scent blends bergamot and pink pepper with a bold heart of vetiver. It deepens with cedarwood, creating a warm long-lasting finish.


Unusual and memorable iftars to check out in Saudi Arabia

Unusual and memorable iftars to check out in Saudi Arabia
Updated 15 March 2025
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Unusual and memorable iftars to check out in Saudi Arabia

Unusual and memorable iftars to check out in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: As we center our days around fasting in Ramadan, it can be fun to spice things up. Here are a few unusual and memorable ways you can experience iftar this month.

A desert experience  

(Supplied)

Take a journey back to how our elders used to break their fast with this unique experience in the desert.

The journey starts at a camel farm where a guide will share more about the treasured animals and their significance in Saudi culture.

Sit down and relax afterwards at a traditional Kashta, an outdoor picnic, to break your fast with dates and laban before heading to the tent for the main meal.

The cost per person is SR700 ($187) through the WeBook app.

24-hour escape to Hofuf

Known as one of the largest date-producing areas in the world, Al-Hofuf is the perfect place for a day of serenity in the midst of nature’s beauty.

Departing from Riyadh, this experience takes you to the city in the Eastern Province where you will enjoy the sunset at Al-Asfar Lake to break your fast.

You will then depart to the Old Souk for a traditional iftar at a local restaurant, to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of the region.

It also includes a trip to the historic Ibrahim Palace. The next morning, you will discover the unique rock formations of Al-Qara mountain and its caves before returning to the capital.

The price per person is SR2,500 through WeBook.com.

Iftar at a family farm in Muzahmiya

This year, the Ftoon family are opening up their home to guests.

This memorable Ramadan experience is a chance to break your fast with the family before enjoying a peaceful horse ride on the premises.

You will then head back for the main meal, a home cooked dish prepared by Umm Ftoon.

The experience is SR500 per person via WeBook.com.

Break your fast on a traditional mud house rooftop

Gaze at the stars atop a traditional mud house in Diriyah before the summer heat sets in.

A culinary expert will guide you through a traditional Saudi Arabia dining experience, explaining the significance of each dish, as you mingle with new faces in an intimate setting.

The price per person is SR300 through WeBook.com.

Unique Ramadan experience on Red Sea with AROYA Cruise

If you are looking for an unforgettable way to enjoy iftar or sahoor this Ramadan, AROYA Cruise, the first-ever Saudi Arabia cruise line, offers a truly special experience.

Throughout the holy month, AROYA will be anchored in front of the prestigious Jeddah Yacht Club, welcoming guests to break their fast or enjoy a late-night meal while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Red Sea.

From 4 p.m. until noon the next day, visitors can explore the ship’s luxurious facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and one of the largest kids’ clubs at sea.

Special Ramadan-themed activities include guest speakers and wellness programs, adding to the immersive experience.

For those who want to extend their evening, “Ramadan Along the Horizon” offers the option of an overnight stay.

Tickets start at SR499 for adults and SR299 for children under 17 through Aroya.com.