Clear out your closet: Chloé’s Fall 2018 line is beautiful, bold and full of character

Outfits from the brand’s Fall 2018 line. (Photo supplied)
Updated 18 June 2018
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Clear out your closet: Chloé’s Fall 2018 line is beautiful, bold and full of character

DUBAI: Her debut collection for Chloé – Spring/Summer 2018 – was met with a rapturous reception during Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. Now, creative director Natacha Ramsay-Levi is back with her second round for Fall 2018.

Feminine yet edgy, Chloé’s latest — made of fabrics including tweed wool, wool gabardine and Prince of Wales checks — features contrasts of matte and shine, colored by a palette made up of wood, terracotta, mocha, midnight blue, grey, beige, khaki and white. Sharp tailoring is the order of the day, with signature items including a classic blanket cape, caban coat, riding blazer, and a “saharienne” jacket. Long-sleeved dresses and high flared trousers that elongate the silhouette complete the collection.

Releasing alongside the womenswear collection is a number of accessories, including the much-awaited new Chloé sneaker, available in both high and low-top styles. Other footwear to look out for is the brand’s pointed boots. Crafted on a stacked Cuban heel, these easy-to-wear, suitable for day-to-evening boots are available in ankle, mid-calf or thigh-high versions.

A couple of Ramsay-Levi handbag creations return here. The Drew Bijou — which first made an appearance during the SS18 runway show — is now available in burnished “sfumato” tobacco leather, leopard print calfskin or rounded quilting. The Roy bag, meanwhile, is being introduced as a bucket bag with canvas drawstring insert.

The appointment of Ramsay-Levi by the French luxury fashion house was considered one of the biggest stories in fashion in 2017. Not only was the designer leaving her prestigious post as design director for Louis Vuitton, she was also taking over from Clare Weight Keller — yes, she who designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress — who herself left to accept a role at Givenchy.

Describing her work, Ramsay-Levi told the New York Times: “I always like to have something that is a bit wrong – nothing too bourgeois,” citing inspiration ranging from New Wave cinema to Cycladic artefacts. “I call it vintage in the future.”

Chloé, of course, is a name that needs no introduction. Founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion – a Parisian of Egyptian-Jewish origin – the brand now brings in sales of around $417.20 million.

Since its inception, Chloé has garnered a legion of famous faces as fans, including Jackie Kennedy, Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly in the 1960s, to the likes of Kristen Dunst, Natalie Portman and Zendaya now.

The move also looked to change the artistic of direction of Chloé — transforming from flowy, feminine silhouettes, to something a little edgier.
It’s interesting to see what’s next for Chloé and Ramsay-Levi, but one thing’s for certain, with alumni including Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Phoebe Philo, she’s certainly in good company.


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.


Sofia Carson suits up for Netflix celebration

Updated 03 June 2025
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Sofia Carson suits up for Netflix celebration

DUBAI: US singer and actress Sofia Carson showed off several looks by Lebanese designer Elie Saab during Netflix festivities this week, marking the latest in a long list of red carpet moments where she has opted for a Lebanese creation.

Ahead of Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event — the streaming platform’s celebration of global fandom and storytelling — Carson appeared in a white ensemble featuring a tailored blazer, wide-leg trousers and a matching shirt.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

On a separate occasion, she wore an all-black outfit composed of wide-leg trousers and a sheer top with cape-like sleeves, tied at the neck with a long scarf. Both outfits were from Saab’s Ready-to-Wear Pre-Fall 2025 collection.

For the live event, which she hosted, Carson first wore a taupe, floor-length gown by Stephane Rolland, made of pleated fabric with long draped sleeves and a high beaded neckline. Later, she switched to a black velvet tailored suit, styled with a white shirt, satin lapels, a black bow tie, a brooch and statement rings.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event took place in Los Angeles at the sold-out Kia Forum and attracted thousands of online viewers as well as the live audience.

It included exclusive previews and performances by Lady Gaga and Hanumankind and featured appearances by cast members from series such as “ONE PIECE,” “Squid Game,” “Stranger Things” and “Wednesday,” as well as previews of upcoming films including “Frankenstein,” “Happy Gilmore 2,” “The Rip” and “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

The event was preceded by Netflix’s first fully interactive red carpet, which included immersive installations, fan pits and dedicated stages for photo opportunities tied to specific titles.

This was not the first time Carson, known for her roles in “My Oxford Year,” “Carry-On,” “Purple Hearts” and “Feel The Beat,” wore Elie Saab this year.

In March, she appeared in one of the designer’s ensembles while promoting her latest project, “The Life List.” She also wore a green dress from the designer’s Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2023–2024 collection during an appearance on “CBS Mornings” in New York City. The look featured an oversized floral embellishment at the neck in shades of yellow and white, styled with deep green knee-high boots and a matching bag.


Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair returns to the runway  

Updated 28 May 2025
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Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair returns to the runway  

DUBAI: French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair returned to the runway this week when she walked in Louis Vuitton’s high jewelry collection show, held at Bellver Castle on the island of Majorca, Spain.

Al-Zuhair reshared a video posted by Dubai-based Iraqi model and influencer Dima Al-Sheikhly, who shared her runway moment with the caption: “Wait for it… our beautiful Amira Al-Zuhair.”

The model wore a strapless white gown featuring a fitted bodice and a soft, flowing skirt. (Instagram)

It marks her return to the runway after she hit the catwalk at the amfAR gala in Cannes in May, before which she walked for Australian label Zimmermann at Paris Fashion Week in March.  

For Louis Vuitton, the model wore a strapless white gown featuring a fitted bodice and a soft, flowing skirt. The dress was detailed with cascading ruffles outlined in dark trim, which ran down the front and sides.

Al-Zuhair wore bold, sculptural necklace composed of three gold bands arranged in a layered choker style. (Instagram)

For the jewelry, Al-Zuhair wore bold, sculptural necklace composed of three gold bands arranged in a layered choker style. One band was set with a row of vivid yellow diamonds, while the other two boasted a twisted, rope-like texture. At the center, a large round yellow diamond pendant was suspended beneath a striking white diamond. 

Al-Zuhair also walked Louis Vuitton’s high jewelry show in Saint-Tropez last year.

She wore an intricate chunky choker that featured a wide, structured design with a lattice-like pattern in gold, adorned with numerous diamonds. The focal point of the necklace was a large yellow gemstone, which added contrast to the overall design.

This week, Al-Zuhair also reflected on her recent campaign with Balmain, sharing photos from the Resort 2025 collection shoot.

“Had so much fun shooting inside the Eiffel Tower herself!” she wrote in the caption.

In one of the images, Al-Zuhair donned a strapless denim mini dress paired with two matching denim handbags and calf-high black boots.

In the second image, she wore a black sequined two-piece outfit, featuring a crop top and a high-waisted skirt. The design incorporates gold and silver embellishments, with the top featuring the word “L’aime.”

This is not Al-Zuhair’s first collaboration with Balmain. She previously walked for the brand during Paris Fashion Week in September.

Al-Zuhair, born in Paris to a French mother and Saudi father, has made her mark on the fashion world and has appeared on the runway for an array of renowned fashion houses such as Missoni, Maison Alaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Giorgio Armani, Elie Saab and more.


Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards

Updated 27 May 2025
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Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards

DUBAI: US actress and comedian Nikki Glaser attended the American Music Awards this week wearing a black midi dress by US label Yara Shoemaker, founded by Syrian-born designer Yara.

Nikki Glaser completed the look with classic black patent leather pointed-toe stilettos. (Getty Images)

The form-fitting dress featured a lace-up corset detail at the front, with thick straps, a deep sweetheart neckline and metal eyelets that cinched the waist. She completed the look with classic black patent leather pointed-toe stilettos.

The designer also featured at the Cannes Film Festival last week, with part-Saudi model Shanina Shaik and US German model and TV personality Heidi Klum both wearing her creations.

Shaik opted for a two-texture gown featuring a sculpted, strapless corset-style bodice in ivory ribbed fabric. The silhouette flared slightly at the hips and flowed into a floor-length skirt of sheer embroidered lace adorned with beadwork and sequins.

Meanwhile, Klum wore a black strapless gown with a corset-style bodice embellished with black sequins and intricate beadwork. The dress flowed into a sheer floor-length skirt decorated with delicate black appliqué motifs. She completed the look with a voluminous black feathered cape draped over her arms.

The American Music Awards saw “Birds of a Feather” singer Billie Eilish named Artist of the Year, beating Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen and others nominees for the top honor. Eilish won all seven categories in which she was nominated, including Album of the Year and Favorite Touring Artist.

“This is so crazy. I feel speechless,” she said in a video message from Europe, where she is currently on tour. “I wish I could be there tonight.”

Gracie Abrams was named New Artist of the Year, while SZA earned awards for Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for “Saturn.” Becky G won Favorite Female Latin Artist.

Many of the big names nominated for awards did not attend. One such absentee was Beyonce, who claimed Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for “Cowboy Carter,” her first AMA wins in country categories.

Post Malone was named Favorite Male Country Artist.


Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

Updated 26 May 2025
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Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

DUBAI: Irish actress Nicola Coughlan has partnered with nonprofit organization Choose Love to donate her Peace Lily couture dress by Robert Wun to a prize draw raising funds for Gaza.

The “Bridgerton” star has long been outspoken about Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

She wore the dress to accept the Commitment Prize by French media company Konbini at Canneseries in April.

During an hour-long masterclass at the event, Coughlan spoke in depth about not only her work on shows like “Derry Girls” and “Doctor Who,” but also her support of Palestine. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Choose Love (@chooselove)

“There is a factor of ‘it’s better if you say nothing’ because our job is to entertain you,” said the actor when asked about speaking in support of Palestine, according to a report by Variety. “My dad was in the Irish Army, which is a peacekeeping force. My family lived in Jerusalem and Syria in the 70s, so it’s something that is in my bones. We are talking about right or wrong, about children being bombed in their beds. I wouldn’t accept that anywhere in the world.”

The actor, who was given the award for being a “talent actively making a change well beyond television,” continued by highlighting how there has “always been a connection between Palestine and Ireland,” and that the two countries have “shared ideals and struggles.”

“Any country in the world that was facing this, I would talk about it. It’s not difficult. For me, the killing of innocent people is never right,” she said.

The tickets for Choose Love’s prize draw are priced at $34 and the organization stated on Instagram that “donation(s) will help Choose Love’s incredible partners who are doing life-saving work in Gaza.”

“It was an honour to wear this custom gown from the inimitable Robert Wun. The message behind it is a rallying call for peace. I’m delighted to donate this gown to the prize draw to support Choose Love’s work in Gaza,” Coughlan said in a released statement about the draw.

The pearl white gown was designed by Robert Wun, a Hong Kong-born London-based fashion designer. After graduating from London College of Fashion, Wun launched his brand in 2014.