DUBAI: The Ithra Art Prize announced its five jurors who will pick the best works to exhibit at 2020’s Art Dubai this week.
Nada Shabout, a professor of art history and coordinator of the Contemporary Arab and Muslim Culture Studies Initiative (CAMCSI) in Texas, has been announced as a jury member, while independent curator and architect Tarek Abou El-Fetouh will also take a seat.
Eiman Elgibreen, an artist and assistant professor of art history at the Princess Nourah University in Saudi Arabia, is the third name on the list.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani director Iram Parveen Bilal this week bagged the Best Director Feature Film award at the fifth Yellowstone International Film Festival, held in India’s New Delhi, for her film “Wakhri.”
Wakhri, meaning one of a kind in the Punjabi language, was inspired by the life of murdered Pakistani social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch. The film’s plot revolves around the challenges faced by a widowed schoolteacher named Noor, who becomes a social media sensation overnight.
Yellowstone International Film Festival is an Indian film festival that showcases films from around the world, providing a platform for filmmakers. With special categories such as women empowerment films, environmental films and student films, this year’s YIFF was held from Nov. 15-20 in New Delhi.
“Thank you for the honor, [YIFF] jury and organizers,” Bilal wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “[Wakhri] shines brightest with its audiences. Deep gratitude to my entire team, cast and crew alike, for enhancing my vision every step of the way.”
Wakhri had its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2023 before its release in Pakistan on Jan. 5 this year.
Written by Bilal and Mehrub Moiz Awan, Wakhri has been produced by Abid Aziz Merchant, Apoorva Bakshi and Bilal’s Parveen Shah Productions.
The film stars prominent Pakistani actress Faryal Mehmood in the lead role, Gulshan Mated, Sajjad Gul, Salem Mairaj, Sohail Sameer, Bakhtawar Mazhar, Akbar Islam, Tooba Siddiqui, Behjat Nizami and Bushra Habib.
Bella Hadid guest stars on ‘Holland’s Next Top Model’ alongside her mother
Updated 23 November 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian model Bella Hadid shared a series of images from her experience as a guest judge on “Holland’s Next Top Model,” the reality series where her mother, Yolanda Hadid, serves as one of the judges.
The post features a carousel of photos and videos, including moments with her mother, the show’s judges and contestants, as well as behind-the-scenes shots from various photoshoots.
In the caption, the runway star expressed her excitement about her fragrance brand, Orebella, being featured on the episode, describing it as “a dream.”
She said: “Thank you @hollandsnexttopmodelnl for having me on as a guest judge! To have @orebella be shot, on a show so dear to my heart, in my most beautiful Holland, was a dream.”
Hadid also reflected on her admiration for her mother. “To watch my mama work and be a second mama to a new generation of young creative human beings is such a blessing to me! Things that my mom can teach, she wasn’t taught. It’s part of who she is,” she said. “Her talent, nurturing ability, maternal instincts, confidence in hard work and success, faith in people and love for fashion is what makes her so special, especially on a show like this. I am so proud of you, mama.”
The model described the transformative journey of the contestants on the show. “This was just an incredible experience to watch these young women and men push themselves but also grow to know themselves better than when they arrived,” she added. “I saw so much of myself in every one of them, and I am proud of each one for getting through a competition that I know for sure is mentally and physically exhausting.”
Hadid launched her brand in May with three fragrances: Salted Muse, Blooming Fire and Window2Soul.
In August, she expanded her collection with the launch of a new scent called Nightcap, described as a “warm and spicy” fragrance featuring notes of ginger, cardamom and vanilla.
For the launch, she hosted a party in West Hollywood, where she wore a dusty-pink gown with delicate embroidery and bow detail from Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad.
Part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Balmain’s Resort 2025 campaign
Updated 23 November 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair this week shared pictures from her latest campaign with Balmain, showcasing the brand’s Resort 2025 collection.
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,” meaning “loves” in French. The setting, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, tied the look to the brand’s Parisian roots.
This is not Al-Zuhair’s first collaboration with Balmain. She previously walked for the brand during Paris Fashion Week in September.
She showcased a structured gray blazer over a classic black T-shirt, complemented by vibrant red suede over-the-knee boots that added a bold pop of color. Her ensemble was completed with a neutral-toned shoulder bag and a striking gold pendant necklace.
The model has been spending the week in Dubai and shared a moment on Instagram featuring an advertisement she spotted for Maison Alaia in Dubai Mall. “Casually shopping in Dubai Mall … and look who I found,” she said in the caption.
Al-Zuhair also shared a photo of herself having lunch with a friend at Al Mandaloun, a Lebanese restaurant in Dubai.
DUBAI: Clean beauty brand Kosas has officially entered the Saudi market, offering a range of skincare-focused makeup products.
Founded by Sheena Zadeh, Kosas, now available at Sephora Middle East, prioritizes skin-nourishing ingredients, a mission the founder feels deeply resonates with the Saudi market.
“Saudi Arabia is such a vibrant, emerging market with a rich beauty culture,” Zadeh told Arab News, adding that over the years, she has seen a growing demand from the Middle East for clean, high-performance beauty products. “Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this trend,” she said.
“For us, it’s about more than just expansion; it’s about connecting with a culture that values authenticity, quality and a holistic approach to beauty,” Zadeh said.
In preparation for its Saudi debut, Kosas chose a range of products aligned with local beauty needs. “We curated our lineup with universal favorites and regional needs in mind,” Zadeh said.
This lineup includes bestsellers such as the Revealer Concealer, the Cloud Set Baked setting powder, and the BB Burst Tinted gel cream moisturizer.
This lineup includes bestsellers such as the Revealer Concealer. (Supplied)
“(The setting powder) helps achieve that lasting, natural matte finish ideal for the warm climate,” Zadeh said, adding that the tinted moisturizer is “perfect for those looking for lightweight hydration with coverage.”
Kosas also plans to connect with the Saudi community by staging workshops and events focused on clean beauty and skin health.
In preparation for its Saudi debut, Kosas chose a range of products aligned with local beauty needs. (Supplied)
“We’re very committed to education and empowerment in the beauty space … we believe that beauty should feel effortless and enjoyable, so our educational initiatives will focus on simple, effective ways to incorporate Kosas into daily routines. We’re really excited about this,” Zadeh said.
Zadeh said her own roots influenced Kosas’s mission: “I’m Middle Eastern myself and I’ve always felt deeply connected to the region’s beauty philosophy.
“At its core, Kosas has a holistic and layered approach that aligns with the depth and tradition of Middle Eastern beauty philosophies,” she added. “Kosas was born from a deep passion for clean beauty that’s effective, fun, and makes people feel good in their own skin. Our journey started with a desire to create makeup that doesn’t just sit on the skin but works with it.”
Lavish and Johara Global collaborate to celebrate Saudi Culture
Lavish founders Nada Altobaishi and Hala Alsharekh said in a statement: “Lavish Concept Store is more than just a destination for luxury and style; it is a platform where innovation, culture, and creativity thrive
Updated 23 November 2024
Arab News
LONDON: Lavish Concept Store and Johara Global on Thursday joined forces to host an event at the Lavish pop-up in The Music Room, Mayfair, London, celebrating the timeless beauty and rich traditions of Saudi culture.
Lavish Concept Store aims to foster creativity and innovation, while Johara Global is a platform to support female leaders and enable them to fulfil their potential.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the event offered an immersive cultural experience, spotlighting the heritage and artistry of Saudi Arabia through a blend of fashion, art and cuisine.
A fashion show featuring traditional Saudi costumes showed off the intricate craftsmanship and rich heritage of the region.
Lavish founders Nada Altobaishi and Hala Alsharekh said in a statement: “Lavish Concept Store is more than just a destination for luxury and style; it is a platform where innovation, culture, and creativity thrive.
“We are committed to curating exclusive, high-quality products while showcasing the work of emerging artists and artisans.
“Our vision is to redefine the retail experience by blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge trends, all while championing artistic expression and cultural diversity. At Lavish, we strive to inspire confidence and elevate everyday living through the fusion of luxury, culture, and innovation.”
Katie Partridge, founder and chairwoman of Johara Global, and Intisar Alyamani, CEO of Johara Global said in a statement: “Johara Global was set up with a mission to bridge the east-west gap and foster the leadership of women through our four main pillars. Collaborations like these create a lasting and powerful impact on the community. We are delighted to join forces to achieve this.”
