DHAKA: Teen model Shonali Khatun strutted the catwalk as the audience cheered at a fashion show in Bangladesh’s capital.
But Shonali is no ordinary model, and this was no ordinary show.
She and the 14 other models are survivors of acid attacks, common in this South Asian country, where spurned lovers or disgruntled family members sometimes resort to hurling skin-burning acid at their victims.
The fashion show, held Tuesday night in Dhaka and attended by fashion lovers, rights activists and diplomats including the US ambassador to Bangladesh, aimed to redefine the notion of beauty while calling attention to the menace of such attacks.
For 14-year-old Shonali, the event was nothing short of empowering. She was attacked just days after she was born amid a property dispute involving her parents, and was left with burn scars on her face and arms. She spent nearly three years in a hospital and underwent eight operations. Her attacker has never been caught.
“I am so happy to be here,” she said. “One day I want to be a physician.”
The models, including three men, walked the catwalk, dancing and singing and showcasing woven handloom Bangladeshi designs. The show was choreographed by local designer Bibi Russel.
Organizers said they hoped to highlight the fact that acid victims, too often overlooked, are a vital part of society. They deliberately chose to hold the event on the eve of International Women’s Day.
“We are here today to show their inner strength, as they have come a long way,” said Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, which organized the show. “I often take inspiration from them. Their courage is huge.”
Bangladesh has struggled to deal with acid attacks in recent decades, and has instituted harsh punishments for the perpetrators, including the death penalty. The country has also trained doctors to treat such sensitive cases and attempted to control the sale of acid, but has failed to eliminate the scourge entirely.
In 2016, some 44 people were attacked with acid in Bangladesh — an annual number that has remained relatively stable.
“I am ashamed of having such things in the country,” Kabir said. “Unfortunately, in Bangladesh we do have acid victims because of either gender discrimination or violence, or because of greed. And we want to remind everyone the kind of injustice that has been meted out to them.”
Acid victims redefine beauty in Bangladesh fashion show
Acid victims redefine beauty in Bangladesh fashion show
Victoria Beckham drops capsule collection with Mideast retailer
- British singer and designer launches in Dubai with influencers
- Beckham expresses ‘joy’ over women here wearing her designs
DUBAI: British fashion designer and singer Victoria Beckham hosted an intimate dinner in Dubai this week with some of the city’s leading style influencers to celebrate her exclusive capsule collection with Middle Eastern online luxury retailer Ounass.
The collaboration includes a dedicated pop-up at the Ounass Maison, located in Dubai’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Jumeirah.
It features a curated selection of Spring/Summer 2025 pieces, including designs created specifically for the Middle East. The collection is also available online.
“So excited to be here in Dubai to celebrate my capsule for @ounass,” she wrote on Instagram. “Coming here and seeing how Emirati women are wearing my clothes and making them their own brings me so much joy.”
The dinner was attended by several fashion influencers, including Karen Wazen, her sister Andrea Wazen, Dima Al-Sheikhly, Dana Hourani, Sossi Wartanian, Jessica Kahawaty, Deema Al-Asadi and Rym Saidi.
Guests posed for photos with Beckham, who wore a shiny silver-white satin dress featuring a one-shoulder design, soft draping across the bodice, and a gathered detail at the hip that flowed into an asymmetrical hem. She completed the look with clear pointed heels.
Beckham attended the event with her youngest daughter, Harper Seven, 13, who matched her mother in a sleek, floor-length satin gown in a light silver shade.
Harper’s dress featured thin spaghetti straps, a straight neckline, and a smooth, fitted silhouette. She completed the look with a black clutch.
Victoria was not the only member of the Beckham household making fashion headlines this week.
Her husband, football legend David Beckham, is also making a foray into the fashion world with the announcement of a major new collaboration.
In Spring/Summer 2025, BOSS will launch “BECKHAM x BOSS,” the brand’s first collection co-designed with David.
The pieces will draw inspiration from the star’s personal style, and promises to blend modern tailoring with heritage influences.
“We have been very much looking forward to this launch and are more than excited to see how these pieces are received by our end consumers,” said Daniel Grieder, CEO of Hugo Boss, in a statement.
“This collection is based on our strategic priority that product is key and our goal to seamlessly dress our customers for every occasion with our brands.”
Bella Hadid celebrates beauty brand in Texas after Gigi Hadid’s birthday in New York
DUBAI: Almost one year since launching her fragrance brand Orebella, US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid made an appearance at the Ulta Beauty Field Leadership Convention in San Antonio, Texas, to promote her label.
The alcohol-free scents of Orebella, which launched in May 2024, were Hadid’s answer to traditional perfumes. The model dubs her fragrances “skin perfumes” and she has described them as “hydrating, alcohol-free and enriched with essential oils.”
Hadid attended the convention hosted by cosmetics chain store Ulta Beauty, taking to Instagram to say it “is so beautiful because we get to celebrate so many amazing brands but most of all we get to celebrate all of the hard working Ulta family that help us feel great!”
Hadid jetted to San Antonio after celebrating her sister Gigi Hadid’s 30th birthday in New York. The birthday party was held at Le Chalet in New York City on April 25, and Bella attended in a chic all-black look complete with dark sunglasses.
Gigi entered the venue with her partner, Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper, and met up with her sister Bella, mother Yolanda Hadid, father Mohamed Hadid, Russian media personality Keni Silva and US actress Anne Hathaway.
Gigi’s birthday was on April 23, and the internet was abuzz with celebrities, designers, family and friends who sent birthday wishes to the supermodel as she turned 30.
Bella shared a carousel of photos on Instagram to celebrate, writing: “IT’S GIGI DAY EVERYONE SAY IT WITH ME. HAPPPYYY 30th BIRTHDAYYYY JELENAAAA.”
Yolanda Hadid, Gigi’s mother, took a moment to reflect on her daughter’s 30-year journey. “Thirty years went by in a flash, 10,950 days to be exact but there hasn’t been one day without you on my mind,” she wrote, sharing photos of Gigi from babyhood to recent moments.
She added: “As you know giving birth to your first born is life changing, it really marks the first day of the rest of your life as you transition from womanhood into the blessing of motherhood. Today is your special day and I want to say thank for choosing me to be your mommy and for all the love, light and reflection you have brought into my life.”
Italian designer Donatella Versace also shared a birthday message, posting a few images with Gigi and writing: “Happy Birthday to my Taurus twin, @gigihadid! I wish I was with you on this special day. I am sending you kisses and so much love - today and always. Love you!”
Zuhair Murad styles Blake Lively, Nicole Scherzinger
DUBAI: Lebanese celebrity designer Zuhair Murad made a statement at the 2025 Time 100 Gala this week, with American actress Blake Lively, as well as singer and songwriter Nicole Scherzinger, showcasing his creations on the red carpet.
Lively, who attended the event with her husband Ryan Reynolds, wore a pink taffeta off-the-shoulder gown featuring a corseted bodice and a train detail from Murad’s ready-to-wear spring 2025 collection.
She accessorized her look with emerald earrings, cuffs and jade rings from US jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz.
Lively, who posed on the red carpet with Reynolds and her mother Willie Elain McAlpin, was honored at the event.
She took to the stage to speak about violence against women and paid tribute to her mother, who was seated alongside Reynolds.
Scherzinger, meanwhile, chose a black off-the-shoulder sequin gown from Murad’s ready-to-wear pre-fall 2025 collection.
The 2025 Time 100 Gala was held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, celebrating Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people worldwide.
The evening brought together a wide range of leaders, entertainers, athletes and innovators recognized for their contributions across different fields.
The event was hosted by rapper Snoop Dogg, who walked the red carpet with his son and gave special mentions on stage to honorees such as gymnast Simone Biles, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, actress Demi Moore, chemistry Nobel Prize laureate Demis Hassabis and makeup mogul Bobbi Brown.
Other notable honorees in attendance included Scarlett Johansson, Serena Williams and Kristen Bell.
Musical performances were given by fellow honorees Ed Sheeran and Myles Smith.
Murad has been recognized for his detailed craftsmanship in haute couture and bridal fashion.
Since founding his brand in 1997, he has gained international attention. His creations have been worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Sofia Vergara, Kristen Stewart and Johansson on major red carpets.
He is one of a handful of Arab designers on the official Paris Fashion Week and Paris Haute Couture Week calendars.
Murad made headlines this week for dressing Egyptian actress Laila Ahmed Zaher on her wedding day.
She wore a fitted, high-neck gown with long sleeves, adorned with intricate lace embroidery throughout. The form-fitting silhouette was paired with a detachable voluminous tulle overskirt.
Best and Worst: Ghalyah Al-Sharif talks styling, travel and trends
DUBAI: The Saudi beauty content creator talks styling, travel, and trends.
Best TV show or film you’ve ever seen?
“Breaking Bad.” It’s an absolute masterpiece with thrilling twists, unforgettable characters and brilliant writing that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Worst TV show or film you’ve ever seen?
“The Room.” It was honestly hard to get through because of the awkward acting and the storyline that did not make sense at all to me.
Best personal style moment so far?
My green outfit at the Make Up For Ever event during Ramadan was definitely a standout. I feel like the rich color of the dress really captured my personality and made me feel so confident and elegant.
Worst personal style moment?
Honestly, I can’t think of one. I always take time to choose outfits that make me feel confident and comfortable in my own skin.
Best accessory for a little black dress?
A pair of bold statement earrings. A sleek, structured clutch can also instantly elevate the look while keeping it chic and sophisticated.
Worst accessory for a little black dress?
Anything overly flashy can distract from the elegance of the dress and throw off the entire vibe.
Best fashion trend of 2025?
Classic suits. I love them. They’re so powerful and timeless. They give off an effortlessly elegant look that works for so many occasions.
Worst fashion trend of 2025?
I hate neon colors. They can be too loud and difficult to style in a way that feels polished or flattering.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Be open to new ideas.” Personal and professional growth starts with curiosity and the willingness to evolve. It’s something I strive for every day.
Worst advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t try too hard.” If you’re passionate about something, you should give it your all without holding back.
Best book you’ve ever read?
“The Four Agreements” (by Don Miguel Ruiz). It’s such a powerful life-changing read that shifted my mindset and helped me find more inner peace.
Worst book you’ve ever read?
“The Secret.” Yes, the intentions were positive, but I just found it overly simplistic and lacking practical depth.
Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?
I love to write down my thoughts and emotions. It really helps me process what I’m going through and gently releases any negativity I might be holding on to.
Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?
Procrastinate. It can really ruin any positive momentum and just leave you feeling like you haven’t accomplished anything.
Best holiday destination?
Bali. It’s incredibly peaceful, visually stunning, and has this unique spiritual energy that always makes me feel inspired.
Worst holiday destination?
Honestly, I’ve been lucky so far. Every trip I have taken has offered something memorable and enjoyable. I learn a lot from each trip.
Best subject at school?
Art. It allowed me to express myself creatively and tap into my imagination in a way that felt natural and fulfilling.
Worst subject at school?
Math. I never really clicked with numbers, and it always felt more like a challenge than something I actually enjoyed.
Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?
Start the day with a clear plan and an organized mindset. It makes a huge difference in staying focused and achieving your goals.
Worst thing to do when trying to be productive?
Scrolling through social media. It’s such a time drain and makes it harder to gain focus again.
Gigi Hadid honored by family, friends on her 30th birthday
DUBAI: The internet is abuzz with celebrities, designers, family and friends sending birthday wishes to US Dutch Palestinian model Gigi Hadid as she turns 30.
Gigi’s younger sister, Bella Hadid, shared a carousel of photos on Instagram to celebrate her birthday. “IT’S GIGI DAY EVERYONE SAY IT WITH ME. HAPPPYYY 30th BIRTHDAYYYY JELENAAAA,” she wrote.
The post featured a mix of baby and childhood photos, runway moments and family memories.
Yolanda Hadid, Gigi’s mother, took a moment to reflect on her daughter’s 30-year journey. “Thirty years went by in a flash, 10,950 days to be exact but there hasn’t been one day without you on my mind,” she wrote, sharing photos of Gigi from babyhood to recent moments.
She added: “As you know giving birth to your first born is life changing, it really marks the first day of the rest of your life as you transition from womanhood into the blessing of motherhood. Today is your special day and I want to say thank for choosing me to be your mommy and for all the love, light and reflection you have brought into my life.”
Italian designer Donatella Versace also shared a birthday message, posting a few images with Gigi and writing: “Happy Birthday to my Taurus twin, @gigihadid! I wish I was with you on this special day. I am sending you kisses and so much love - today and always. Love you!”
American fashion designer Thom Browne posted a picture of Gigi on the brand’s page, sending her well wishes as well.
Fan pages also shared short tribute videos to celebrate the supermodel’s special day.
