‘Made in China knock-off:’ New Louis Vuitton line ridiculed by fashion lovers

The French fashion house launched the new collection in which all the bags feature the works of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci. (Photo courtesy: Facebook)
Updated 13 April 2017
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‘Made in China knock-off:’ New Louis Vuitton line ridiculed by fashion lovers

DUBAI: French luxury designer Louis Vuitton is being ridiculed online over its latest handbag collection, a collaborative effort with American artist Jeff Koons.
The new line of handbags was unveiled on Tuesday and is called “Masters.”
The French fashion house, famous for its emblem and checkered bags, launched the new collection in which all the bags feature the works of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rubens, Vincent Van Gogh and Titian.

Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Aniston, Michelle Williams and other celebrities attended the launch event at Paris’ Louvre museum.
However, the celebrity-backing didn’t win over many Louis Vuitton fans online as hundreds of commenters left negative remarks on the fashion house’s Facebook page.
“No offense, but how desperate the designers must be to use old masterpieces in order to create something ‘new.’ No creativity, no art, no respect,” one user wrote.

“Seriously, this looks like something I won’t buy for $35.00 in NYC’s Chinatown district. Disappointing,” another said.

“I don’t like these.... agree they look like something you might buy in a museum gift shop,” one disappointed user wrote.

Another wrote: “looks like MADE IN CHINA.. knock off… NO THANK YOU.”

A slew of unhappy fashionistas made their thoughts known.


But some came out in defense of the line.



Model Imaan Hammam turns curator of Arab art on Instgram

Updated 16 February 2025
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Model Imaan Hammam turns curator of Arab art on Instgram

DUBAI: Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model Imaan Hammam took to Instagram to announce the launch of her new archival project, Ayni, which will highlight significant contributions to Arab film, art, music and literature.

“Meet Ayni (@ayni.vault), an archive dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Arab artistic expression through ‘my eyes,’” Hammam captioned the post on Instagram.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

“Follow along as I highlight some of the most significant contributions to Arab film, art, music, and literature — both old and new — and celebrate the talented artists behind them. This project holds such a special place in my heart, and I hope you enjoy it just as much as I enjoy curating it.”

Late last year, the model made waves when she delivered the opening remarks at the highly regarded Fashion Trust Arabia Awards’ sixth event, which took place in Marrakech, Morocco.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

The 28-year-old went on stage in a gorgeous black kaftan from Moroccan designer Selma Benomar. The heavily embroidered look highlighted Moroccan artistry and design, and paid tribute to the country’s royal family.

“So honored to open this year’s @fashiontrustarabia Awards here in the motherland,” Hamman said on Instagram. “Celebrating Arab artistry in the place where my roots run deep made this experience truly special. Proud to uplift the creativity that makes our culture unique. A special thank you to @selma_benomar_caftan for designing this gorgeous Moroccan custom-made caftan.”

Although Hammam was born and raised in Amsterdam, her mother is from Morocco and she visits the country frequently.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show.  

Hammam has appeared on the runway for leading fashion houses such as Burberry, Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Balenciaga and Carolina Herrera, to name a few, and starred in international campaigns for DKNY, Celine, Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani, Tiffany & Co. and others.

Celebrity guests at the Fashion Trust Arabia ceremony included Emirati singer Balqees Fathi, British model Jourdan Dunn, Lebanese-British fashion entrepreneur Karen Wazen and American-Lebanese supermodel Nour Arida.


Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador

Updated 15 February 2025
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Andria Tayeh tapped by French haircare brand Kerastase as first Mideast brand ambassador

DUBAI: Lebanese Jordanian actress Andria Tayeh is the first Middle Eastern ambassador for French hair care brand Kerastase.

The 23-year-old actress took to Instagram to share the announcement on Friday, just over a week after she was named Italian luxury fashion house Giorgio Armani’s new Middle East beauty ambassador.

“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 latest post.

In the clip, she is seen in an all-white studio answering questions about why she is the ideal Kerastase ambassador. Tayeh speaks in a mixture of English, Arabic and French as she jokingly flips her hair for the camera and details her dedication to maintaining healthy hair.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Andria Tayeh (@andria_tayeh)

Known for her roles in Austrian filmmaker Kurdwin Ayub’s “Mond” and Netflix’s hit series “Al-Rawabi School for Girls,” Tayeh also took to Instagram in early February to celebrate her collaboration with Armani, 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 added. “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.” 

The actress is the latest in a long line of regional stars who have been tapped by international luxury brands for brand ambassadorship roles.

French Algerian model Loli Bahia was tapped to be one of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty’s brand ambassadors in 2023, starring in a debut campaign for the brand alongside Chinese model Tao Ye.

In 2024, Lebanese British actress Razane Jammal was named Dior Beauty’s brand ambassador after being announced as the Middle East’s brand ambassador for Dior in October 2022.

Meanwhile, Spanish jewelry brand PDPAOLA named Saudi influencer Jory Almaiman a brand ambassador in late 2024, and Nancy Ajram became Tiffany & Co.'s first Arab brand ambassador the year before that.

 


Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase

Updated 15 February 2025
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Celebrity-loved Indian designer Manish Malhotra explores a new ‘globalized aesthetic’ at Dubai showcase

DUBAI: Manish Malhotra is a name synonymous with opulence, craftsmanship and Bollywood glamour. As one of India’s most celebrated designers, Malhotra revolutionized South Asian couture and has dressed some of the biggest stars in the international entertainment industry.

From Bollywood royalty, including crossover star Priyanka Chopra, to Hollywood’s Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Anniston, Malhotra’s clothes have been seen on A-listers globally.

The designer closed out the latest edition of Dubai Fashion Week in February. (Supplied)

While his influence has extended outside India for some time now, Malhotra took it one step further by establishing a permanent foothold in the UAE. After opening his first international flagship store in Dubai in December 2023, he closed out the latest edition of Dubai Fashion Week in February.

Marking his first-ever international runway presentation, the lineup was everything loyal clients would expect and more. Titled “The World Collection: Dubai,” the clothes were a celebration of traditional Indian craftsmanship reinterpreted with global appeal.

His signature sequins adorned most of the clothes. (Supplied)

“I wanted to explore a more globalized aesthetic while staying true to the essence of Indian couture,” Malhotra told Arab News. “The silhouettes are bold yet effortless, tailored yet free flowing, designed to complement the modern woman’s dynamic lifestyle.”

His signature sequins adorned most of the clothes, and a metallic silver gown and a rainbow-colored gown with a fabric draping the model’s head stood out. Elsewhere, suits dominated the runway – but not the corporate kinds – more couture-esque with fluid cuts making them comfortable to move around in. The suits came with exquisite pearl embellishments, a nod to the region’s pearl diving heritage. Others were sequinned from head to toe, an ode to maximalism. “Suits, for me, have always been a powerful expression of confidence and individuality. With this collection, I wanted to explore tailoring in a way that felt both bold and glamorous while staying true to the essence of craftsmanship,” he explained.

Malhotra’s kaftans and abaya-like silhouettes were elegant and versatile. (Supplied)

Handwoven brocade came in the form of structured, button-down blazers with matching voluminous midi skirts, further spotlighting the craftsmanship Malhotra is known for. “I worked with master craftsmen to create handwoven brocades, intricate pearl embellishments and signature sequins, but the silhouettes were envisioned with an international sensibility.”

Suits dominated the runway – but not the corporate kinds, more couture-esque. (Supplied)

With sahoor and iftar gatherings just around the corner, Malhotra’s kaftans and abaya-like silhouettes were elegant and versatile. “This collection reflects a shift toward a more universal language of fashion – where heritage meets innovation, and tradition finds expression in modern, statement-making forms,” he said.


Saudi fashion label KML joins LVMH Prize shortlist

Updated 14 February 2025
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Saudi fashion label KML joins LVMH Prize shortlist

DUBAI: Launched in 2013, The LVMH Prize has unveiled its semi-finalists for 2025, with creatives from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Egypt making the cut.

Saudi menswear brand KML, by co-founders Ahmed and Razan Hassan, was named in the shortlist. The brand is known for its sharp tailoring and minimalist designs and was recently flaunted by US celebrity stylist Law Roach when he attended the “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” showcase in Riyadh.

Renaissance Renaissance, led by Beirut-based Cynthia Merhej,  is a returning contender from 2021 while Egyptian designer Yasmin Mansour’s eponymous brand earned her a spot on the semi-finalist list, as well as a 2024 Fashion Trust Arabia Prize.

The full list of semi-finalists includes Alainpaul by Alain Paul (France), All-in by Benjamin Barron (US), Bror August Vestbø (Norway), Boyedoe by David Boye-Doe Kusi (Ghana), Francesco Murano (Italy), Josh Tafoya (US), Meruert Tolegen by Meruert Planul-Tolegen (US), MFPEN by Sigurd Bank (Denmark), Nicklas Skovgaard (Denmark), Penultimate by Xiang Gao (China), Pillings by Ryota Murakami (Japan), Sinéad O’Dwyer (Ireland), Steve O Smith (United Kingdom), Tolu Coker (UK), Torisheju by Torishéju Dumi (UK), Young N Sang by Sang Lim Lee and Youngshin Hong (South Korea), and Zomer by Danial Aitouganov (The Netherlands) and Soshiotsuki by Soshi Otsuki (Japan).

The designers will present their latest collections on March 5 and 6 during Paris Fashion Week.

The LVMH Prize is open to international designers, aged 18 to 40, who have created at least two collections.

The winner of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers receives a $314,000 endowment and  a mentorship by LVMH. Meanwhile, the winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize receives a $157,000 prize and a one-year LVMH mentorship.

The jury includes designer Phoebe Philo and Louis Vuitton menswear creative director Pharrell Williams, Loewe designer Jonathan Anderson, Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, Louis Vuitton womenswear creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, designer Marc Jacobs and Dior CEO Delphine Arnault, among others.


Valentine’s gift guide featuring exquisite options from Saudi brands

Updated 14 February 2025
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Valentine’s gift guide featuring exquisite options from Saudi brands

Explore this curated list of romantic gifts for Valentine's Day, featuring exquisite options from Saudi brands.

Ofa Jewelry

A timeless classic reimagined, this handcrafted ring is made from 18k solid gold and adorned with pink sapphires (SR2,890).

Kooheji Jewelry

This sleek horoof pendant from Kooheji is a statement of personal style. Nestled in a heart of shimmering mother of pearl and crafted in lustrous 18K gold, the graceful pendant hangs from a shimmering chain, offering a contemporary and meaningful expression of individuality (SR1,692.60).

Charmaleena Jewelry

The ca-love-graphy love necklace in yellow gold, paved with diamonds, is a luxurious and meaningful piece that symbolizes love. This elegant necklace is ideal for making a statement of devotion (SR3,795).

Alwaleef Perfumes

Yaqoot is a romantic fragrance with a captivating scent that begins with bergamot and concludes with the allure of musk and vanilla, leaving a distinctive, lasting presence (SR249).

Mihyar Brand

Mihyar’s stylish mix of metal, leather, and beaded bracelets reflect the latest trends and are suitable for any occasion (SR99).

Zyros Brand

This elegant rosary is a charming addition for the man who values style. Made from Faturan stone, it features 35 meticulously crafted red stones, making it suitable for daily use (SR119).

Alrajul Almotameez Brand

Handcrafted with attention to detail, these BOZCADA cufflinks exemplify high elegance and are perfect for any formal occasion (SR249).