The Six: Bollywood stars turn to Middle East designers
Updated 11 December 2018
Arab News
DUBAI: Middle East-based fashion designers have been slaying the game recently, with more and more international stars stepping out in their creations. Bollywood is no exception, with these leading ladies spotted showcasing gowns from the region.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra shone in a glittery, sequined rainbow halter-dress at the Bumble launch party in Mumbai on Dec. 7, courtesy of Lebanese designer Elie Saab.
Deepika Padukone
Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad created this stunning scarlet couture gown and veil for Deepika Padukone to wear at her recent wedding reception.
Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival in May in a stunning, multi-hued butterfly-inspired gown from Dubai-based Michael Cinco.
Sonam Kapoor
The Bollywood star made an appearance on the popular Indian talk show “Koffee with Karan” wearing a custom-made feathered lavender gown by Lebanese designer Rami Kadi.
Shilpa Shetty
The actress partied at Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s wedding reception in a gorgeous, shimmering golden gown by Lebanon’s Reem Acra.
Shraddha Kapoor
At a party celebrating the success of her film, “Stree,” Shraddha Kapoor shut it down in an elegant, asymmetrical red dress by Reem Acra.
Indonesian Embassy’s event aims to foster Saudi-Indonesian ties through fashion
Designs on show at Riyadh’s Cultural Palace
Updated 02 February 2025
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: The Embassy of Indonesia on Friday hosted the Indonesia Fashion Night, an evening celebrating designs, at Riyadh’s Cultural Palace.
Sugiri Suparwan, the deputy chief of mission at the embassy, said: “Tonight we celebrate creativity, culture, and collaboration as we showcase the beauty and diversity of Indonesian fashion.”
Noesa Birama showcased collections from nine Indonesian designers, including Deden Siswanto and her line Rachana Abra; Opie Ovie with Blue Journey to Eternity; Nina M. Nata with Splendor of Abaya; Irmasari Joedawinata with Hidden; Yani Halim with Cordial Bellis; Shaza by Adelina with Bon Voyage; Althafunissa by Karina with Haneen Jeumpa; Rinnasuri with Urang Minang; and Nura Boutique by Oewi Wahyono with Floral Blooming.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
Wahyono has been living in Jeddah for over 30 years and said that many of her pieces drew inspiration from Saudi Arabia.
When asked if there were any Saudi elements that inspired or impacted her design process, she referenced her love for the Saudi abaya.
She said: “I have been here in Saudi and you can see now with the outfit I am wearing, I always make my designs into dresses, but also similar to abayas.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
“Abaya for me is something that I can’t live without. Everywhere I go I’m always wearing an abaya. I love abayas, maybe that’s why.”
She added: “I might change it slightly but I am always wearing and using the abaya style.”
Speaking about her fashion line, Floral Blooming, the designer said: “These designs tell the story of floral blooming. The pattern of the material displays many floral sand butterflies.”
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
Attending the fashion event were a variety of figures from the Kingdom, including business owners, ambassadors, fashion designers, and influencers.
The main element of the event featured a catwalk that ran through the center of the Cultural Palace’s hall with a backdrop that showcased dresses and themes.
In their mission to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, the embassy invited designers to showcase their pieces in a way that allowed visitors a close look.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
The evening began with remarks from Suparwan followed by a message from Yusuf Arifin, the chairman of the fashion show.
The deputy chief of mission said that the fashion industry was one of Indonesia’s most “dynamic and growing” sectors.
Suparwan added: “In 2025, revenue from Indonesia’s fashion market is projected to reach $8.8 billion with an annual growth of 2.07 percent.
Photo by Loai El-Kellawy
“Saudi Arabia’s fashion market, on the other hand, is expected to generate $5.1 billion by this year, growing at an impressive rate of 10.3 percent a year.”
Suparwan spoke of the “enormous potential for both markets and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The envoy said that potential alone was not enough and that it needed to be connected, expressing the hope that the fashion event could serve as a bridge between the Saudi and Indonesian fashion industries while “fostering collaboration, partnerships and mutual growth.”
Arifin described the event as “an evening that celebrates the creativity, artistry, and cultural heritage of Indonesia,” with some 18 local models adorning traditional Indonesian textiles.
Dubai Fashion Week’s opening night hosts diverse designs
Updated 02 February 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Set to run until Feb. 6, the opening night of Dubai Fashion Week saw designers show off their Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collections in the city on Saturday.
The opening night’s line-up included an ode to Paris by Manel, founded by Dubai-based designer Manel Aboudaoud; a tribute to batik craftsmanship by Indonesian brand Toton; and a nod to Moscow and the Silk Road by Dubai-based Filipino designer Angelo Estera.
From flowing gowns to structured silhouettes, Iraqi designer Zaki presented a collection marked by subdued, elegant hues. Zaki — who has dressed celebrities including Kris Jenner, Ciara and Tyra Banks — created a number of ombre gowns for her latest line, which also included metallic evening wear amid nude-colored looks. Rouching was seen in many of the figure-hugging gowns, with a creamy beige menswear look turning heads on the runway.
Iraqi designer Zeena Zaki presented a collection marked by subdued, elegant hues. (Supplied)
Meanwhile, Toton Januar collaborated with batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, Indonesia, for a collection that combined traditional artistry with upcycled fabrics and innovative use of materials such as paper clay.
Toton Januar collaborated with batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, Indonesia. (Supplied)
Aboudaoud made a winning debut at Dubai Fashion Week with the “Paris Day to Night” collection, a tribute to her Parisian upbringing and Arab roots. The collection combined elegant tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and versatile designs that can transition from day to night. The colour palette drew inspiration from Parisian winters, blending earthy tones with opulent hues. Textured velvet, jacquard, Chantilly lace, and satin were employed across the collection to create a refined, yet wearable line.
Manel Aboudaoud made a winning debut at Dubai Fashion Week with the “Paris Day to Night” collection. (Supplied)
For his part, Estera fused traditional Russian elements with Eastern influences in a show inspired by the ancient trade routes connecting the East and West. The Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection featured a rich colour palette of red, black, and gold, representing luck, mystery, and cultural prosperity, according to the show notes.
Angelo Estera fused traditional Russian elements with Eastern influences. (Supplied)
Saudi-helmed Ashi Studio unveils sculptural silhouettes, intricate embroidery at Paris Haute Couture Week
Couturier’s designs been worn by Queen Rania of Jordan, Beyonce
First designer from region to join Federation de la Haute Couture
Updated 31 January 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Paris-based label Ashi Studio, founded by Saudi Arabia designer Mohammed Ashi, presented its Spring/Summer 2025 couture collection on Thursday during Paris Haute Couture Week, featuring sculptural silhouettes, intricate embroidery, and detailed craftsmanship.
The collection has a range of designs that incorporate voluminous structures, textural contrasts and embellishments.
Look 14. (Instagram)
Several looks emphasize architectural shapes, including a voluminous ivory skirt paired with an embroidered cropped jacket in shades of blue, adorned with floral beading and gold detailing.
Other designs include structured corseted gowns with sheer lace panels and sculpted sleeves.
Look 13. (Instagram)
The collection also features darker tones, with black and gold embroidery on form-fitting dresses. Strapless gowns include intricate hand embroidery with landscape motifs.
Metallic fringe elements and shimmering embellishments contribute to the textural variation within the lineup.
Look 9. (Instagram)
Alongside heavily adorned pieces, the collection includes streamlined silhouettes, such as a deep burgundy velvet strapless gown and a turquoise column dress with matching gloves.
Ashi became the first couturier from the region to join the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023.
The couturier’s designs have been worn by celebrities including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Huda Kattan launches ‘Huda Hotline’ — a podcast for honest talking
Updated 31 January 2025
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: Huda Kattan, the mogul behind Huda Beauty, is breaking new ground with the launch of her “Huda Hotline” podcast.
Launched on Jan. 30, the podcast marks her first major project outside her beauty empire, offering a space for candid discussions about self-worth, beauty standards and personal growth.
Speaking about her motivation, Kattan told Arab News: “I wanted to do this for so long, it’s been a dream of mine for so many years, because I just had so many people from my community asking me to do a podcast, telling me they wanted to see a place where I could share some of my experiences.”
She added that her community has always been deeply connected by a shared passion for development and hard work, something she has learned from statistics and surveys conducted on her META platforms. They revealed a significant percentage of her followers are women striving to start their own businesses.
With “Huda Hotline,” Kattan said she was aiming to give back by being more vulnerable and open about her journey.
“I also have realized that my vulnerability and accepting that I don’t know the answers is something that people also have appreciated from me,” she said.
Initial episodes will explore topics such as entrepreneurship, overcoming fear and redefining traditional beauty standards.
Kattan also talked about the impact her beauty brand has had on diversifying the industry. She said: “I definitely think we were a big part of leading this conversation, and it was difficult at first. It was very, very difficult to be based in the Middle East and trying to break through to the US, break through Europe, and that was extremely, extremely challenging.”
As for the podcast’s future, Kattan envisions she will eventually bring in guests.
“I definitely think there may be some people, but not right away,” she said. She said she was interested in featuring experts in health, self-improvement and biohacking, giving her audience a glimpse into her personal passions beyond beauty.
Elie Saab’s couture escapism finds a new edge in Paris
Updated 30 January 2025
AP/AFP
PARIS: The sounds of spring, with babbling brooks and birdsong, set a serene yet surreal tone Wednesday as Elie Saab unveiled his latest couture collection inside the soaring Palais de Tokyo in Paris.
It was punctuated only by whoops and clicking camera shutters as Eva Longoria swept in.
While the setting evoked pastoral bliss, the collection was a study in high-drama couture, as Saab’s signature opulence met a new architectural precision.
This season, the Lebanese designer, a red carpet mainstay, tempered his signature cascades of embroidery with an almost armor-like structure. Sweeping architectural flourishes curved around shoulders and hips, recalling the grandeur of Art Deco but with a modern sheen. Geometric bands of sparkles reinforced the sculptural intent, carving out silhouettes that felt more commanding than Saab’s typical fluid romance.
Models emerged on three parallel runways framed by classical white arches, wearing gowns dripping with jewels and embroidered feathers that echoed foliage. The effect was cinematic, an invitation into a world of 1920s glamour — Gatsby decadence reimagined with Saab’s unerring eye for fantasy. But in a world of uncertainty, the excess took on a different weight, a reminder that fashion has long been a glittering escape from reality.
Saab’s touchstone aesthetic — luxurious embellishment, silhouette-flattering cuts and red carpet allure — was intact, but there was an added sense of structure, a couture boldness that gave the collection its edge. The designer has never strayed far from his core of femininity and grandeur, yet here was a whisper of something stronger: a woman draped in fantasy, but armored for the future.
Saab was not the only Arab designer to present that day.
Lebanese designer-to-the-stars Zuhair Murad, whose country has been under Israeli bombardment, told AFP that his glamorous collection of long evening wear was inspired by the idea of a tropical island inhabited by goddess-like women.
“The message of this collection is about escaping from our hectic world. I imagined this beautiful island, far from the cities, far from technology, far from the world that we live in right now, a peaceful world,” he said.
