UK blogger Amena Khan joins viral campaign celebrating strong women
Updated 03 March 2018
Arab News
DUBAI: Hijab-wearing British fashion blogger Amena Khan is taking part in a campaign celebrating women with The Body Shop, she announced on her Instagram page on Friday.
Dubbed the #FORSTRONGWOMEN campaign, the drive encourages women to nominate a women who has “guided, empowered and inspired” them by uploading a picture and a brief description of the nominee to The Body Shop’s website. Nominations end on March 11 and the lucky winners will receive a weekend break away and beauty hampers.
The Muslim beauty blogger is taking part in the campaign and nominated make-up artist Paula Durance in a heart-warming video sponsored by The Body Shop.
Leicester-based make-up specialist Durance overcame a childhood of bullying over her hearing disability to build her own business.
In the video spotlighting Durance and her achievements, Khan explains why she is taking part in the campaign.
“This Mother’s Day, I’m working with The Body Shop to celebrate all the strong women who have inspired us.”
Of Durance, she said: “She’s positive, supportive, fierce and fabulous.”
“Having strong, supportive, authentic friends in your circle is a blessing. Today I’m celebrating strong women everywhere with @thebodyshop,” she added on her Instagram page, before encouraging other women to upload their own nominations.
Khan made headlines earlier this year when she became the first woman wearing a headscarf to feature in a major mainstream hair campaign for L’Oreal.
However, controversy ensued when just a couple of days after the announcement Khan stepped down due to anti-Israel tweets she made in 2014 during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Taking to Instagram Jan. 21, the British beauty blogger said: “I deeply regret the content of the tweets I made in 2014, and sincerely apologize for the upset and hurt they have caused.
Making a reference to the L’Oreal campaign, she added: “I recently took part in a campaign, which excited me because it celebrated inclusivity.
“With deep regret, I’ve decided to step down from this campaign because the current conversations surrounding it detract from the positive and inclusive sentiment it set out to deliver.”
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.”
DUBAI: The Saudi influencer shares her favorite shows, top trends, and the accessory she would never pair with a little black dress.
Best TV show or film you’ve ever seen?
Well, it’s actually an anime series called “Attack On Titan.” But for a live-action show it would be “Stranger Things” for sure. And for a movie, “Interstellar” remains untouched.
Worst TV show you’ve ever seen?
I would say “Dynasty.” It was too dramatic for my liking with no good plot.
I hate silver accessories for a little black dress. I feel like gold adds a touch of elegance and contrast, whereas silver can sometimes look too muted or harsh against the darkness of the dress.
Best fashion trend of 2025?
Bohemian style. I love how effortless, free-spirited and artistic it feels. It really aligns with my personal style. The flowy silhouettes, earthy tones and intricate patterns make every outfit look relaxed and stylish. My favorite pieces are maxi skirts, crochet tops and layered jewelry, especially with natural stones or beads. They add such a unique personal touch.
Worst fashion trend of 2025?
Slim-fit pants. I never liked skinny jeans back in the day, and I don’t think I’m going to start loving them now either.
“Do not take criticism from people you wouldn’t take advice from.” It helps me filter out negativity and focus only on constructive feedback from people whose opinions truly matter. Not everyone’s judgment is valuable or relevant to your growth. It’s been a game-changer for building confidence and staying true to myself.
Worst advice you’ve ever been given?
I have been advised to behave a certain way if I wanted to “grow.” That advice made me anxious and disconnected from myself. Then I realized that all it takes is just to be authentic.
Best book you’ve ever read?
“The Four Agreements.” I love it because it offers such simple yet powerful principles for living a more peaceful and authentic life. The four agreements are: being impeccable with your word, not taking things personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best. It completely shifted my mindset. It helped me let go of unnecessary stress, improve my relationships, and focus on personal growth.
I don’t think I have read a bad book so far. You learn something from every book you read.
Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?
I like to take a shower with salt to cleanse my energy whenever I am feeling low. And I put on good music and just dance! Dancing does wonders. Afterwards, I feel so much lighter, refreshed and more in tune with myself. The salt shower washes away any negativity, and dancing helps me shake off any stuck emotions. By the time I’m done, I feel re-energized, more positive and ready to take on whatever comes next.
Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?
To not be present. It’s so easy to get caught up in overthinking, worrying about the future, or even scrolling mindlessly on your phone instead of fully enjoying the moment. When you’re not present, you miss out on truly experiencing happiness and appreciating how good things feel.
Bali or AlUla for sure. I love the serene beaches, the lush greenery and the spiritual energy of Bali. The culture is so rich, and the people are incredibly warm. It’s the perfect place to relax and reconnect with yourself. And AlUla feels like stepping into another world. It’s such a magical and unique destination. The history and untouched beauty of the place are what captivate me the most — it’s peaceful, mysterious, and awe-inspiring all at once.
Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?
Wake up early and start with a high-protein meal. That makes me feel more energized, focused and ready to take on the day. Waking up early gives me extra time to set the tone for the day without feeling rushed, and a high-protein meal keeps me full and fueled, preventing energy crashes. When I start my morning this way, I feel more motivated and clear-headed, making it so much easier to stay on top of everything.
Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?
Procrastinate and get lost in social media. It drains your energy, wastes valuable time and takes you further away from accomplishing your goals, leaving you feeling unproductive and frustrated at the end of the day.
Coldplay in Abu Dhabi. It was absolutely ecstatic — the atmosphere was just unreal. They really know how to connect with the audience and create this incredible sense of unity. The lights, the visuals, and the way the whole stadium came alive during songs like “Fix You” and “Viva La Vida” was magical. It felt like such a powerful, unforgettable experience. I left feeling like I had been part of something much bigger than just a concert.
Worst concert you’ve ever been to?
Justin Bieber. He seemed distracted, and the energy wasn’t what we expected. We’d all been big fans, but it felt like he wasn’t giving his best, which was disappointing. We were hoping for a high-energy, engaging show, but it felt more like he was going through the motions. It definitely didn’t live up to the hype.
Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan’s brand is only just over a year old, but has already gained global attention
Updated 13 March 2025
Hanadi Merchant-Habib
DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan are on a roll. Since the launch of their menswear label KML in 2022, the Saudi brand has rapidly gained recognition, most recently as a semi-finalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize — an annual award for young fashion designers run by the eponymous fashion conglomerate — placing them among global fashion’s most promising new voices. And, in November, celebrity stylist Law Roach opted for a KML creation to wear to the “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” event in Riyadh.
Through creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring, KML, of which Razan is the owner, is reshaping Saudi menswear by reimagining traditional garments from the Kingdom’s history through a contemporary lens: jackets with shawls, large leather belts of the type seen on Bedouin men, and skirts reminiscent of the ones historically worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and Hijaz.
Ahmed says that their grandmother was a huge influence when he and his sister were growing up in Riyadh. He fondly recalls both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. That exposure to craftsmanship left an impression, though fashion was not initially an obvious career path.
“The family would oppose my trips to the fabric stores,” he tells Arab News. “My uncles would tell her she was ruining me, and her reply would be: ‘Ahmed has taste, so why not?’”
When he decided to venture into fashion, his grandmother wholeheartedly supported him when other family members expressed their concerns — concerns they had despite the fact that the family were progressive, with writers and poets among them, he says. With time, he realized their hesitation stemmed not from disapproval but from societal perceptions of men in the industry. “They wanted to protect me from the stigma associated with men in fashion,” he explains.
With no formal fashion education programs for men in Saudi, Ahmed instead studied architecture, later interning at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice it full-time.
“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explains.
The pair often discussed starting a brand together, and they frequently talked about fashion, delving into historical research, while Ahmed continuously sketched — though he kept his drawings private.
“It struck us that we have so much that we can bring to the realm of reality from our imagination. We wanted to do something meaningful. Tradition and intention were very important to us,” Ahmed says. “Razan looked at me sketching, and was, like, ‘You better do something with these. You better make them a reality.’”
That was the catalyst for the launch of KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection. “We just did three shirts and two pairs of pants, and filled the studio walls with references, research and development sketches,” explains Ahmed.
Towards the end of that year, they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. “When we presented our sample pieces to (Saudi Fashion Commission CEO) Burak Cakmak, we didn’t even talk about the brand. Instead, we discussed what fashion can and should be, and how people are going back to their roots and want to (express) their culture more.”
The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, providing support that led to KML showcasing its collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.
“Paris was a wonderful experience. People found our clothes rebellious—especially the skirts for men,” says Ahmed. “But it was rebellious to wear pants in Saudi Arabia 200 years ago! Men everywhere here wore skirts — there were different names for them.”
However, the historical relevance of the clothes was not immediately apparent to many online commentators.
“We’re on a high right now, so we tend to forget the lows,” Ahmed says. “We were slaughtered on social media — people told us we were ruining the culture and how men look. It became toxic, so we quit social media temporarily to focus on our work.”
Neither KLM’s skirts nor its wrap shirts with circular cut-outs at the back were intended to be controversial. Ahmed stresses that throughout the Kingdom’s history, men’s garments have been layered and draped, creating freedom of movement. KLM was simply offering a fresh perspective on them. “People forget: 70 years ago, wearing jeans and a T-shirt in Saudi would have been considered controversial,” he says. “The intention is not for it to be provocative. If anything, we are bringing back dying traditions.”
Ahmed Hassan. (Supplied)
Despite the social-media furor, the skirts sold out.
Much of Ahmed’s design philosophy is rooted in cultural reinterpretation. The idea for cinched waists — or highlighting the waist in some way — was inspired by how Bedouin men would wrap a leather belt or fabric round their waists. He has also designed a long coat with hidden zippers that can be turned into a cropped jacket, highlighting that, traditionally, there have been multiple ways of styling a single garment.
Another key piece is the one-shoulder tunic. During their research, the siblings discovered that the one-shoulder silhouette was shared across ancient civilizations, from Greece to India — highlighting a universal connection.
Last year, celebrity stylist Roach discovered their designs. What started as a casual Instagram message turned into a studio visit, during which Roach spent hours trying on their pieces.
“We thought he would just send someone to pick up a few items,” Ahmed says. “Instead, he showed up himself, spent time with us, and repeatedly told us how this is a cultural product.”
Then came recognition from the LVMH Prize — one of the most prestigious awards in the industry. “Thousands of designers apply, and only 20 make the cut. We were one of them. It still feels surreal,” says Ahmed.
Despite their success, one of the siblings’ biggest challenges is production. Currently, KML’s garments are manufactured in Europe, but the ultimate goal is to bring everything back to Saudi Arabia.
“The fashion ecosystem here is still developing, but we want everything — design, development and runway presentations — to be fully Saudi,” Ahmed says. “Being a Saudi designer is great, but contributing to the bigger ecosystem? That’s even more meaningful.”
Gigi Hadid walks for Miu Miu, opens up about co-parenting with Zayn Malik
Updated 12 March 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Gigi Hadid walked the Miu Miu runway during Paris Fashion Week wearing a mix of classic tailoring and modern styling with a vintage edge.
She donned a charcoal, double-breasted coat-dress with a structured, oversized silhouette. The look was completed with a 1920s-inspired hat that ties under the chin.
The outfit was further styled with dangling gold earrings, knee-high scrunched socks in a muted olive tone and brown leather loafers.
She donned a charcoal, double-breasted coat-dress with a structured, oversized silhouette. (Getty Images)
At Miu Miu, the little sister brand of Miuccia Prada, the feminine was not just celebrated — it was deconstructed, reconfigured and worn with a wink.
Silhouettes floated around the body rather than adhering to it, sculpted through folds, drapes, and engineered curves. Bras, no longer hidden, became garments in their own right.
Tailoring slouched off the shoulders, and fur stoles, brooches and heavy bracelets turned the everyday into something significant, a reminder that femininity — soft or sharp — is always a force.
Besides Hadid, Prada, known for casting both models and Hollywood stars, sent a mix of familiar faces and first-time muses down the runway — Raffey Cassidy and Sarah Paulson — blurring the line between fashion and film with every step.
A$AP Rocky, perched in the front row in a nonchalant slouch, soaked in the scene, while Sydney Sweeney, swathed in Miu Miu’s latest ode to femininity, radiated old Hollywood meets modern mischief, AP reported.
Meanwhile, Hadid made headlines this week, opening up about her relationship with ex-partner Zayn Malik.
Now, years after their six-year, on-and-off relationship ended, their priority remains co-parenting their four-year-old daughter, Khai.
“Zayn and I do our custody schedules months in advance,” the supermodel said in an interview with Vogue. “That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t change here and there, but we help each other out and have each other’s backs.”
Hadid said that she and Malik have found a way to manage public perceptions of their past together.
“There is the hard part of the world knowing this much, and thinking they know everything,” the model said. “And at the end of the day, we’re not interested in giving everyone our whole story.
“What we are interested in is raising our daughter together,” she added. “With so much respect for each other, and not just as co-parents, but what we’ve been through together.”
Amira Al-Zuhair walks for Zimmermann at Paris Fashion Week
Updated 11 March 2025
Arab News/ AP
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.
