CAIRO: When cancer patient Merhan Khalil had a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy in 2012, her hair started to fall out in the shower. On Saturday she joined a Cairo workshop that teaches female cancer patients how to conceal signs of cancer treatment.
“It helps a lot mentally ... to feel beautiful and to feel that the medicine didn’t change us,” said Khalil, 46, who suffers from multiple myeloma, a blood plasma cancer.
The workshop is part of a program already in operation in Lebanon and the UAE called “Be Beautiful” that will be launched this month in at least seven hospitals in Egypt. It will offer women cancer patients makeup tips as well as mental health support and advice about nutrition.
“When the cancer patient feels that she is beautiful and when she gets proper nutrition that will have a positive effect on her mental state and that strengthens her immune system,” said Hanadi el-Imam, founder of the Hoda el-Imam Foundation, which is organizing the workshops.
She said the aim is to offer the workshops in five Egyptian governorates within a year.
Faten Fawzi, a breast cancer patient who was among a group of five patients learning how to paint their eyebrows and apply conditioner on dry skin at the Cairo Marriott Hotel, said she felt like her hair was burned after chemo.
“I went to my hairdresser and he shaved it off completely and I was devastated and started crying,” Fawzi, 46, told Reuters.
“But after that I put on a chic wig that looked like my hair and you couldn’t tell at all that I had cancer.”
While she recently got rid of the wig, Fawzi said she still paints her eyebrows and cares about her makeup routine because it makes her feel better.
Ghada Salah who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, said she started to experiment with different wigs and colorful hats after she lost her hair to chemotherapy.
“I didn’t want to look sick,” she said. “I didn’t want people to think ‘poor her, she has cancer.’”
The organizers hope to serve 5,000 Egyptian women in the first year, said Dina Omar, a cardiologist and one of the founders of Be Beautiful.
Globally, cancer is responsible for one in six deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Approximately 70 percent of deaths from cancer happen in low and middle-income countries, WHO said.
Women cancer patients learn makeup tips in new Egypt workshop
Women cancer patients learn makeup tips in new Egypt workshop
- Workshop is part of a program already in operation in Lebanon and the UAE called “Be Beautiful”
- Will be launched this month in at least seven hospitals in Egypt
France’s IMA launches Arab Fashion Award
- Award will celebrate ‘enormous creativity’ of Arab designers says IMA’s Philippe Castro
PARIS: The Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris has announced the launch of its Arab Fashion Award — the AFA-IMA — to promote and celebrate the rising stars of the Arab world’s fashion scene.
Since its opening in 1980, the IMA has supported Arab creativity in all its forms, including fashion. It has hosted numerous shows and exhibitions highlighting the role fashion plays at the intersection of cultures.
Philippe Castro, chief of staff of the presidency of the IMA, and the man behind the new initiative tells Arab News that “the moment seems ripe” for the launch of the award.
“We’re seeing Fashion Weeks popping up in Riyadh, Dubai, Beirut and Marrakesh. We’re seeing enormous creativity in fashion design in the (Arab) region as a whole and there is a growing appetite for these designers. They deserve our attention,” Castro says. “Christian Dior once said, ‘The air of Paris is the very air of haute couture.’ The same can be said today of the air of Riyadh, Beirut, Egypt, Morrocco and Tunisia. All these places have a long tradition of couture. Take Tunisia, for instance; it’s no coincidence that master couturier Azzedine Alaïa came from Tunisia.”
If Paris is the world capital of fashion, that is thanks in no small measure to Castro’s longtime colleague Jack Lang, president of the IMA. As Minister of Culture, it was Lang who saw the potential for fashion to become a booming industry for France. In 1982, he succeeded — in the face of a lot of pearl-clutching — in making the Cour Carrée of the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens the principle venues of Paris’ runway shows, moving fashion front and center in public consiousness. The number of fashion shows in Paris doubled between 1980 and 1990, after which fashion was definitively established as a sector that means serious business.
“Jack Lang made fashion fashionable.” Castro says. “We’re very lucky to have him as our president. He gave an unprecedented impetus to young fashion designers in the 1980s. Having worked alongside him for many years, as a big advocate of fashion, this award seems natural and inevitable.”
Castro is a regular visitor to Saudi Arabia, where, he says, he has witnessed “an incredible evolution in fashion” over the past decade, especially in Riyadh and Jeddah.
“There is a tangible effervescence and dynamism visible with people on the streets. On my most recent visit to Riyadh, I visited concept stores selling abayas. I find the reinterpretation of the abaya and the thaub brilliantly creative,” he says. “The designers have limitless imagination; they know how to explore their own culture creatively. I was also fascinated to see superb Saudi-designed streetwear for the first time. I fell for a towelling beach robe with pockets and a hood inspired by traditional Saudi robes — pure creative genius!”
Navigating the international fashion world is a complex challenge for young international designers. Creative talent is not enough, they need experienced professional mentoring. So the IMA is partnering with the world-renowned Institut Français de la Mode (the French Fashion Institute) to help the award winners develop their professional skills in cutting, patternmaking and marketing as part of the prize.
This first edition of the AFA-IMA is deliberately fluid. Jewellery and accessory designs are also eligible for entry. The award has two categories; Emerging Talent and Innovative Talent, with an option for the jury to grant a third award to an established Arab designer. Other categories may be added as momentum grows.
“It will evolve according to the type of entries we receive and be adapted accordingly,” says Castro. “This is an haute-couture — not ready-to-wear — process.”
The award is open to designers who are nationals of Arab League countries or part of their diasporas. The jury consists of key figures from fashion, art and culture including Pascal Morand, executive president of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode; Pascale Mussard, the founder of Hermès’ upcycled luxury brand Petit h; Lebanese fashion designers Rabih Kayrouz and Milia Maroun; Elsa Janssen, director of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Paris; and Manuel Arnaut, editor of Vogue Arabia.
“We composed our jury of people at the pinnacle of their profession. We always aim for excellence,” says Castro. “The members will follow the prize-winners’ progress closely. This is not a one-off. It’s a long-term initiative to showcase the region’s enormous creativity.
“We composed the jury of good friends of the IMA — a friendly needle and thread which will make dazzling embroidery. It’s a project that comes from the heart, because fashion is all about emotion. If there is no heart, there is no point,” he continues. “We are living in an era of severity, if we can diffuse some beauty into the world, so much the better for us all.”
If you need to know the price ... you can’t afford it
- Rare blue diamond valued at $20m goes on display in Abu Dhabi before auction next month
- The blue diamond will also be showcased in Taipei, Hong Kong and New York before its exhibition and sale in Geneva in mid-May
ABU DHABI: A rare blue diamond valued at $20 million went on pre-auction display on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.
The 10-carat Mediterranean Blue, which will go on sale in Geneva next month, is the showpiece of a collection estimated at $100 million.
“Included in the group are the largest flawless diamond in the world ... the second-largest red diamond known to exist and several diamonds over 100 carats,” Sotheby’s auction house said.
The polished stones were on display in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island cultural district on Tuesday next to lavish jewelry, including a white-diamond encrusted necklace featuring a 100.26-carat pear-shaped brown diamond pendant.
The blue diamond will also be showcased in Taipei, Hong Kong and New York before its exhibition and sale in Geneva in mid-May.
“At the top of the rarity pyramid are blue diamonds,” said Quig Bruning, head of jewels for Sotheby’s in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
“Diamonds of exceptional color and size are by definition wonders of nature that seldom occur, so their presence at auctions can only be infrequent.
“Such diamonds were rarer than usual on the market in the past year or so, which makes the sale of the Mediterranean Blue an even more exciting event.”
Imaan Hammam talks 'incredible time' in new campaign
DUBAI: Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model Imaan Hammam took to Instagram to highlight Gap Studio’s inaugural campaign, in which she stars alongside US models Alex Consani and Anok Yai.
Gap Studio is a new high-end segment from the US retailer. Created by Zac Posen, Gap Inc.’s executive vice president and creative director, Collection 01 reflects Posen’s signature approach to tailoring and draping while reimagining Gap’s core textiles such as denim and poplin.
“Had the most incredible time bringing @zacposen’s designs to life for #GapStudio with @anokyai and @alexconsani,” Hammam captioned the post, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the shoot.
Key pieces in the collection include the twill tailored trench coat, double-breasted blazer, high-rise sailor pant and poplin maxi shirtdress.
Earlier this year, 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.
“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, in Marrakech, Morocco.
The 28-year-old went on stage in a 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.
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.
How Saudi Arabia’s peregrina oil is taking over the beauty world
DUBAI: A hidden gem of the desert is making waves on the global stage, and it’s coming straight from the heart of Saudi Arabia.
The AlUla Peregrina Trading Company is getting ready to showcase its peregrina active oil and extracts at in-cosmetics Global — a cosmetics ingredients trade show — in Amsterdam this month.
The story behind APTC’s signature ingredient is as rich as the desert itself. The peregrina tree, native to AlUla, is known for thriving in the harsh Arabian climate. It produces nutrient-rich seeds that have been prized for centuries, and now APTC is giving this ancient treasure a modern twist.
APTC’s chairman and CEO, Abobakar Alanazi, sees the tree as a symbol of resilience and beauty. “It’s a true gem of nature,” he told Arab News. “What makes it exceptional for skin and hair care is the unique composition of its oil and extracts packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds that nourish, protect and rejuvenate skin.”
APTC’s virgin peregrina oil is “light yet deeply nourishing,” he added, “helping to hydrate the skin, improve elasticity, reduce fine lines and boost hair density.”
For Alanazi, the oil “exemplifies the essence of desert heritage and longevity in beauty, blending ancient wisdom with modern skincare innovation for a perfect balance.”
APTC works directly with 159 local farmers, ensuring that every bottle of peregrina oil is traceable from farm to skin. Alanazi also said that 90 percent of APTC’s employees are locals, with 70 percent being women.
“We take pride in establishing peregrina as an asset of AlUla and Saudi Arabia, focusing on the empowerment of local communities,” he said.
But breaking into the international beauty scene has not been easy. “One of our biggest challenges has been to position the desert of Arabia on the map of the global ingredients market,” Alanazi said.
But APTC has now secured partnerships with international brands, including an exclusive deal with Cartier for the launch of skincare products using winterized peregrina oil. These include three premium cosmetics products: pure oil for the face and hair, a face cream and aromatic oils.
Saudi model Roz on her homecoming: ‘It feels emotional in the best way’
- The Saudi model recently returned to the Kingdom for the first time in years
DUBAI: Roz — famed for being the first Saudi female model to work internationally, and for recently starring in the reality show “Dubai Bling” — has returned to Saudi Arabia after a decade abroad, marking a pivotal moment in her career and personal journey.
Roz shot to fame in 2019 when she modelled for a Victoria’s Secret’s Pink campaign.
She had moved to the US in 2013 to pursue a degree in interior design, but her modelling soon took over. Her Instagram feed (she has more than 15 million followers) is littered with photographs of her various advertising campaigns, as well as visits to many a product launch party — from NYX Cosmetics events to TikTok gatherings.
Roz’s homecoming reflects both her cultural pride and her desire to reconnect with her roots.
“It feels emotional in the best way,” she told Arab News. “I’m not moving back just yet, but I’ll be visiting more often to show the world how beautiful my country truly is. Being back on Saudi soil after so long brought back so many memories. There’s a deep sense of pride in seeing how much the country has evolved — and experiencing that change in person is really special.”
The model, who has been working on the international fashion circuit for years, says she has seen a remarkable transformation in the Kingdom’s fashion scene.
According to Roz, the country is now fostering a new generation of creatives who are pushing boundaries and embracing self-expression through fashion. This shift is not only inspiring but also deeply personal to Roz, who sees it as a celebration of identity that she had long hoped to see.
“The transformation is incredible,” she said. “There’s a whole new generation of creatives pushing boundaries and telling their own stories through fashion. What excites me most is seeing that self-expression is finally being celebrated, and I’m honored to witness it during my visit.”
One of the key motivations behind Roz’s visit was her desire to be part of the dynamic changes unfolding in the region, especially in fashion and entertainment.
“It’s my country, and I’ve always wanted to come back, but I was stuck in the US due to visa issues,” she said. “Once I finally sorted that out, I knew it was time to visit and reconnect. With everything happening in the region and how quickly things are progressing in fashion and entertainment, I wanted to be present, show support, and be part of this exciting moment in some way.”
Roz’s career journey to date has been far from easy, she said.
“There were so many (challenges). I faced judgment, stereotypes, and a lack of representation. But I kept going because I knew I was paving a path that didn’t exist yet,” she said. “Every step was about proving that a Saudi woman can take over the international stage and still stay true to who she is.”
Her role on “Dubai Bling” has also significantly impacted her celebrity status. “It definitely opened me up to a broader audience — people may have only seen me through fashion campaigns before. It also showed a more personal side, which helped people relate to me,” she said. “It came with more eyes, more opinions, but also more love and support than I ever imagined.”
Roz sees fashion as a form of self-expression, and embraces her roots as a strength that makes her style unique.
“To me, fashion is all about storytelling. I love merging global trends with elements of my identity, whether in how I carry myself or the brands I choose to represent. Staying true to my roots is never a limitation; it’s actually what makes my style stand out,” she said.
Roz is keeping her upcoming projects under wraps, but says her focus is on staying authentic and using her platform to inspire young Saudi women.
“I hope they see that there’s no mold they have to fit into. You can be proudly Saudi, proudly creative, and take up space in any industry,” she said. “I hope my journey shows what is possible, and that their stories deserve to be told on a global scale.”
