‘I am proud to be a Muslim,’ supermodel Bella Hadid tells magazine

Supermodel Bella Hadid this week opened up about her Palestinian father’s immigration experience in an interview with Porter magazine. (Photo courtesy: Porter magazine)
Updated 04 April 2017
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‘I am proud to be a Muslim,’ supermodel Bella Hadid tells magazine

DUBAI: Supermodel Bella Hadid this week opened up about her Palestinian father’s immigration experience and her embrace of Islam in an interview with Porter magazine.
Bella, along with her supermodel sister Gigi and brother Anwar, are the children of Yolanda and Mohamed Hadid, who lived in Syria and Lebanon before he moved to the US in his teens.
“My dad was a refugee when he first came to America, so it’s actually very close to home for my sister and brother and me,” Bella said, referring to US President Donald Trump’s recent measures against incoming refugees.

“He was always religious, and he always prayed with us. I am proud to be a Muslim,” she added.
On her rise to fame, the model added: “It gets really overwhelming…You feel really overexposed and you don’t want to see anybody... I just want to be in my apartment alone and kind of retreat and be centered again.”


Cynthia Erivo wears Ashi Studio at Tony Awards

Updated 09 June 2025
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Cynthia Erivo wears Ashi Studio at Tony Awards

  • Show’s major highlight sees cast of hit musical ‘Hamilton’ reunited

DUBAI: British singer-songwriter and actor Cynthia Erivo picked Saudi-helmed Parisian label Ashi Studio for two of her electrifying looks as she hosted the 2025 Tony Awards, the annual ceremony celebrating the best in Broadway theater, held at the Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Erivo’s first Ashi Studio look featured an oversized black coat dress dotted with bedazzled details, which she wore over black pants and a tube top.

Her second look was a black and gold snakeskin-print tailored trench coat with voluminous sleeves and an oversized collar, cinched by a fitted corset from the SS25 Ashi Studio collection. She wore the look to welcome Auli'i Cravalho to the stage.

“Maybe Happy Ending,” “Purpose,” “Sunset Blvd.” and “Eureka Day” took the top prizes at the awards, winning best musical, best play, best musical revival, and best play revival, respectively.

The ceremony also saw Sarah Snook (“The Picture of Dorian Gray”), Cole Escola (“Oh, Mary!”), Darren Criss (“Maybe Happy Ending”), and Nicole Scherzinger (“Sunset Blvd.”) win the lead acting awards for plays (Snook and Escola) and musicals (Criss and Scherzinger).

“Maybe Happy Ending” won a total of six awards after going into the night tied with “Buena Vista Social Club” and “Death Becomes Her” for the most nominations, with 10 apiece.

“Buena Vista Social Club” won four awards, while “Death Becomes Her” only took home one trophy, for Paul Tazewell’s costume design, which was presented in the “Tony Awards: Act One” pre-show.

Amal and George Clooney at the 2025 Tony Awards. (AFP)

Also in attendance at the event as British Lebanese human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, along with actor-husband George Clooney. The couple’s arrival at the Tonys came hours after George closed his record-breaking Broadway show, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” Amal wore an off-the-shoulder white gown with strands of pearls draped across the fabric, which she accessorized with a matching clutch.

A major highlight of the show saw the cast of the hit musical “Hamilton” reunited for a special performance in honor of its 10th anniversary.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by CBS (@cbstv)

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of the Tony-winning show, was joined by more than two dozen members of the original cast, including Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Daveed Diggs, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Anthony Ramos, Christopher Jackson, Jonathan Groff, and Ariana DeBose.

The performance began with Miranda and Odom Jr. performing a snippet from the song “Non-Stop.” The show continued with a medley of tracks from the “Hamilton” score, including “My Shot,” “The Schuyler Sisters,” “You’ll Be Back,” “The Room Where it Happens” and “History Has Its Eyes on You.”


Review: ‘Out Of 10’ – House of Vintage

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Updated 08 June 2025
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Review: ‘Out Of 10’ – House of Vintage

  • Shopping at Out Of 10 is not just about finding unique items; it’s about the experience of sourcing authentic vintage pieces

Out Of 10 is a vintage store located in Riyadh and Jeddah that specializes in authentic vintage t-shirts and goods dating back to the 1980s.

As a metal and rock music enthusiast, I recently visited in search of original Megadeth and Metallica t-shirts. I was not disappointed.

The store boasts an impressive collection of band merchandise featuring iconic names such as Guns N’ Roses, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden and more.

For anyone passionate about metal and rock, this place will feel like a treasure trove.

Shopping at Out Of 10 is not just about finding unique items; it’s about the experience of sourcing authentic vintage pieces.

The store emphasizes the importance of reliability and accountability. If you purchase a vintage watch from a reputable outlet, you know you are investing in a genuine timepiece. Prices can vary significantly based on authenticity and provenance — and the same is true in the world of vintage clothing.

Some items, especially those steeped in nostalgia, can command high prices — up to SR100,000 ($26,600).

At Out Of 10, the focus is on sourcing items from collectors who can ensure their authenticity. Instead of spending hours searching for that elusive vintage piece, customers can find a curated selection of rare items in one place.

I spotted a t-shirt from the ‘88 Armored Saint band and a 2007 Harley Davidson Canada t-shirt.

An original Bob Marley t-shirt from 2005, complete with its original tag, was a steal at just 150 riyals.

Even a Tweety sweater from ‘98 caught my eye, highlighting the vast range of nostalgic apparel available.

Out Of 10 is a must-visit for anyone who loves vintage fashion and music memorabilia. Its commitment to authenticity and quality makes it a standout destination in the vintage shopping scene.

 


Labubu mania sweeps the UAE, CEO of The Little Things says

Updated 07 June 2025
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Labubu mania sweeps the UAE, CEO of The Little Things says

DUBAI: Once just a niche collectible from Asia, Labubus have now become the must-have accessory among youth, influencers and collectors of all ages.

Seen clutched in the hands of BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Rosé, flaunted by Rihanna, and even making cameos in Kim Kardashian’s social media posts, Labubu has found its way into the UAE’s trend-savvy culture.

According to Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things, the UAE’s official POP MART retailer, the demand for Labubu has reached unprecedented levels.

“Labubu has become more than a collectible here,” Tamimi told Arab News Japan. “It’s a lifestyle statement. We’re seeing people pair them with luxury handbags, sports cars, even use them in wedding shoots.”

But in a region known for its love of luxury and limited-edition goods, the blind box collectible has struck a chord, especially among Gen Z and millennial buyers seeking aesthetic, niche fandom items with resale value.

However, the spike in popularity has brought an unfortunate side effect: a flood of fake Labubu figures infiltrating the UAE market. Counterfeit toys, often dubbed “Lafufu” by collectors, have been circulating online via scam websites and unverified sellers.

“We’ve had several customers walk into our stores with fake Labubus thinking they were real,” Tamimi said. “It’s heartbreaking, especially for those who paid high prices for something inauthentic.”

Tamimi warned buyers to look out for telltale signs: typos on packaging, incorrect paint colors, poor stitching on plushies, or even the wrong number of teeth, authentic Labubu figures always have exactly nine.

To meet the overwhelming demand while keeping things fair, The Little Things has implemented a strict one-piece-per-customer policy. The company has also increased restocking efforts and trained in-store staff to help collectors verify authenticity.

Tamimi also pointed out that Labubu’s appeal lies in the thrill of the hunt.

“The blind box format taps into that collector instinct, there’s excitement, suspense, and FOMO. You never know which figure you’ll get, especially with rarer editions, and that makes each purchase feel like an event,” he told Arab News Japan.

While Labubu has long been a cult favorite in Japan, Tamimi noted that the UAE is quickly becoming a hotspot in its own right. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi especially, Labubu fans are forming communities, trading figures and sharing unboxings and display setups online.

“What’s happening here mirrors what we’ve seen in Tokyo,” he added. “The only difference is access, Japan often gets first dibs on regional exclusives. But that scarcity is part of what makes collecting in the UAE so exciting.”

As for those looking to join the Labubu craze, Tamimi has one piece of advice: stick to official sellers.

“If it’s too cheap or too easy to find online, it’s probably fake. Trust verified stores. The magic of Labubu is in the real thing.”

- This article was first published on Arab News Japan. 


Princess Rajwa shows support in sporty style at World Cup qualifier

Updated 06 June 2025
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Princess Rajwa shows support in sporty style at World Cup qualifier

DUBAI: Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein of Jordan attended the AFC World Cup qualifier match between Jordan and Oman on Thursday, opting for a look that blended national pride with contemporary style.

The princess, who is of Saudi origin, wore the official home shirt of the Jordan national football team, featuring a white base with red collar and sleeve accents. She paired the jersey with Victoria Beckham’s structured pocket trousers in the “Sandstorm” shade, featuring a high-waisted silhouette with fine pinstripes and curved front pockets.

To accessorize, Princess Rajwa chose pieces from Bilarabiya Jewellery. She wore the brand’s “Abjad Hawaz” single earring and a custom necklace bearing the name of her daughter, Princess Iman, written in Arabic.

Princess Rajwa sat alongside Princess Iman and Princess Salma, the sisters of the crown prince, who were also dressed in the national team’s shirt. 

The Jordanian national team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history, following a decisive 3-0 victory over Oman.

Jordan secured its spot on the penultimate day of Asian qualifying for the tournament, which will be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.


Huda Kattan reclaims full ownership of Huda Beauty

Updated 03 June 2025
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Huda Kattan reclaims full ownership of Huda Beauty

DUBAI: Huda Kattan announced on Tuesday that she regained full ownership of Huda Beauty, the brand she founded in 2013, following the end of an eight-year partnership with private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners.

In 2017, TSG acquired a minority stake in Huda Beauty. As of 2025, Kattan has bought back that equity, making the brand fully independent once again and one of the few major beauty companies that is 100 percent founder-owned.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Huda (@huda)

“Taking back full ownership of Huda Beauty is a deeply very important moment for me,” said Kattan. “It says that while many of us dreamers have visions that we are told are too big or not possible to do alone, in actuality, you have all the power you need to change the world yourself! This brand was built on passion, creativity, and a desire to challenge the beauty industry. As we step into this new chapter, I’m more committed than ever to pushing boundaries, staying true to our roots, and showing up for our incredible community every step of the way.”

Kattan, who serves as founder and co-CEO, now leads the company alongside her husband Christopher Goncalo, also co-CEO, and her sister Alya Kattan, who oversees social strategy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Huda (@huda)

Kattan is recognized as a Fortune 40 Under 40 honoree, one of Forbes’ Self-Made Women in the US, and one of Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East, as well as a TIME100 Impact Awards recipient and one of TIME’s 25 Most Influential People on the Internet. 

Her brand is known for a number of cult-favorite products, including the Easy Routine trio — Easy Primer, Easy Blur and Easy Bake Setting Powder.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by HUDA BEAUTY (@hudabeauty)

The brand has also received industry recognition for its product quality and innovation, earning accolades such as the Allure Best of Beauty Award, Elle Beauty Award and Cosmopolitan Beauty Award.

Just last week, the brand was ranked the world’s most popular beauty brand in the latest Cosmetify Q1 2025 Beauty Index.

The Cosmetify Index ranks beauty brands each quarter based on factors such as search volume, social engagement and brand visibility.

The brand topped the global list ahead of industry names such as Dior, Fenty Beauty, Rhode and Rare Beauty.

The brand also topped Cosmetify’s list in 2019 and 2020. 

In 2018, the company was valued at more than $1 billion by Forbes.