TikTok star Addison Rae champions Lebanese designer Andrea Wazen
Updated 29 December 2020
ARAB NEWS
DUBAI: US TikTok star Addison Rae stepped out in a pair of heels by Lebanese footwear designer Andrea Wazen this week.
Rae, a 20-year-old dancer who is regularly spotted with the Kardashian clan, shared an Instagram Story with her 33.2 million followers in which she was spotted wearing clear pointy-toed shoes with white-strap detailing, called the Dassy PVC pumps.
She styled the shoes with a white shirt dress from French luxury label Louis Vuitton that featured large pockets on the sides and was tied at the waist with a matching belt.
Wazen’s impressive list of celebrity clientele covers a broad spectrum of stars, from Hailey Bieber to Tracee Ellis Ross and Jennifer Lopez to Kylie Jenner, who have all donned Andrea Wazen’s strappy sandals and stilettos.
The London-born designer, who is the younger sister of Lebanese fashion blogger Karen Wazen, launched her eponymous, celebrity-approved label following stints with some of the most renowned footwear designers in the world, including Christian Louboutin and Rupert Sanderson.
Wazen, who was raised in Beirut, returned to the Lebanese capital in 2013 to launch her namesake brand, working closely with factories and artisans in Lebanon in order to bring her designs to life.
Her collections are punctuated by striking and instantly recognizable designs, including diamanté-spangled stilettos, tulle-ruffled slingbacks, PVC sandals and toned-down leather boots.
Meanwhile, Rae seems to be a fan of the Wazen family’s businesses.
In August, she wore a pair of sunglasses by Karen Wazen Eyewear.
Rae was seen walking around the streets of Los Angeles, wearing a pair of “Vicky” in navy blue shades from Karen’s line, which launched in December 2018.
In July, the social media star championed the brand’s “Vicky” frames at least twice, and Karen has taken to her label’s Instagram account to compliment Rae’s various looks in the past.
Rae, who rose to fame doing fun-to-replicate dances, has accumulated more than 4.6 billion likes and 72.7 million followers on TikTok, the widely popular social media application.
According to Forbes, she is the platform’s top-earning star, bringing in an estimated $5 million this past year.
Top fashion trends for 2025: From power suits to parachutes and animal print everything
Updated 09 January 2025
Claire Carruthers
DUBAI: From power suits to parachutes and animal print everything, Claire Carruthers looks at what this year’s Spring/Summer collections have in store
Powder pink
Rather than the bold Barbie-inspired hot pink trend of recent years, 2025 will see a softer, playfully versatile shade with greater staying power and easier wardrobe integration. Simone Rocha quashed any antiquated gender rules with a spring/summer collection that proposed relaxed tailoring for the boys in a subtle blush, while Alaïa presented cocoon candy floss pelts, shimmering oyster mesh dresses and puffy quilt skirts in the palest pink. Loewe subverted the norm and pink’s traditionally sweet associations with larger-than-life shapes and floral print bell-shaped dresses. The collective result suggests an air of both optimism and nostalgia — fashion simply made for embracing joy.
Working overtime
If professional endeavours top your New Year resolutions lists, make sure your wardrobe complements your ambitions. Stride into boardrooms with cool self-assurance in sharp tailoring, served up best by Anthony Vaccarello’s outstanding SS25 collection for Saint Laurent (pictured): think iterations of statement suiting paired with leather bomber jackets or Wall Street trench coats — an Eighties power dressing redux complete with shirt, tie and oversized eyewear. At Bottega Veneta, silhouettes were languid and relaxed, tapping into one of the year’s most wearable micro trends: artful layering. Experiment with pants under asymmetrical wrap skirts, topped with tunic shirts or supersized suit jackets. Remember, new-look office wear aims for balance — masculine with feminine — and contrasting fabrications, always worn with confidence.
Animal instincts
While its cultural cachet may have fluctuated over time — from Hollywood starlet to gaudy, It-girl status, to sartorial sin and back again — animal print has remained a constant in fashion’s consciousness. Iconic moments made all the more memorable due to its presence include Naomi Campbell wearing head-to-toe leopard print in Guy Laroche’s autumn/winter 1991 show; Kate Moss showing the world how a leopard print coat can look great with just about anything; and Scary Spice claiming big cat prints as her girl-power signature. 2024 was a big year for leopard (the streets were flooded with the predatory motif), and for 2025, designers have added other abstract animal prints to the pack: see snake shift dresses, coats and bags at Dries Van Noten; zebra pencil skirts, loafers and mules at Jacquemus; and elevated spots on modern silks at Nanushka.
Parachute parade
From a palette inspired by light clouds set against a blue sky to swaths of dramatic drapery, fashion’s antidote to ‘hard times’ comes in the form of maximalist bubble-hem dresses and eclectic separates reminiscent of deployed parachutes. Unlike last year, which looked at the trend through an Eighties lens (puffballs galore), 2025’s offerings focus on shape and form, with outfits primed to inspire escapism and elation. Look to It brands such as Chloé, Issey Miyake (pictured), Loewe and Stella McCartney for ice-cream toned skirts and enveloping trains, flowing parka jackets, and plenty of exaggerated draping on maxi dresses.
Make mine a mocha Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025 — Mocha Mousse — is a deliciously evocative brown that blends shades of toffee, cacao and coffee. Think of it as the perfect balance between comfort and luxury. Seasonless, genderless and a breeze to mix with existing pieces of your wardrobe (pair with pale yellow, or with other earth tones including burgundy and olive green), Mocha Mousse also taps into the ‘polished minimalism’ movement that has dominated runways over the past couple of years. For SS25, the shade was used by Tod’s, Max Mara and Hermès (pictured) via tonal tailoring, suede jackets and soft leather accessories. Pantone describes it as a reflection of our connection to the natural world, “infused with an inherent sophistication and earthy refinement.”
Balance your checks
Threatening to replace animal as the reigning print of 2025 is plaid, which may be synonymous with fall, but its presence in the spring collections takes on a contemporary charm. Acne (pictured) did it best via soft check blazers, bow-detail skirts paired with button-up shirts in contrasting colors and spliced maxi dresses overlayed with sheer white chiffon. Elsewhere, designers including Dior coupled checks with a throwback Nineties palette and styling — a nod to a rebellious Nirvana-inspired spirit, perhaps — or embraced a classic, sophisticated tweed (Chanel). Looking for something to pair with slouchy denim? Take your cue from Bottega Veneta and add an over-oversized check shirt.
Luck be a lady
The jacket silhouette and twee signatures that Chanel (pictured) has held strong for decades serve as a foundation for this year’s ladylike look. Faux-fur coats and polka dot twinsets (Valentino), retro chunky stripes (Max Mara) and pussy bow blouses (Louis Vuitton) signal a return to refinement — just add a modern pillbox hat (Chloé, Marni and Loro Piana), a top-handle bag, a feather or lace collar, gloves and peep-toe heels (although not all at once). While SS25’s ladylike look may nod to a 1950’s tradwife uniform, this is clothing designed through a thoroughly modern gaze — a nuanced interpretation with an intangible coolness.
Elevated athleisure
Luxury fashion and sportswear brands began collaborating in the Eighties and ever since have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship, thriving through traded creativity and profitability. Almost every season, designers offer a new spin on athleisure and SS25 is no exception. Anoraks, parkas and hoodies were everywhere on the runways, often paired with a cocktail dress (Prada, Rabanne), or something equally elevated. The high-low contrast will be key this year. At Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri wanted to emphasize intention and function when it comes to dressing, and reinvented various pieces from the house’s archive in a way that allows the wearer to move freely. Think of a luxury take on leotards, tracksuits and relaxed tailoring.
Recipes for success: Chef Massimiliano Blasone shares insights as L~ARIA pop up delights Riyadh foodies
The head chef of L~ARIA offers advice and a tasty seafood pasta recipe
Updated 09 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Last month, the Mandarin Oriental Al-Faisaliah in Riyadh welcomed an exclusive pop-up of L~ARIA, from its sister property on the shores of Lake Como in Italy’s Lombardy region. Along for the ride was chef Massimiliano Blasone, who heads the kitchen at L~ARIA and oversaw the launch of the pop-up, which runs until Feb. 26.
L~ARIA, according to a press release, “fuses traditional Italian dishes with strong Oriental influences. Japanese cooking practices and techniques enhance the finest seasonal ingredients…”
The menu at the Riyadh pop-up includes lobster tempura, truffle taglioni and A5 Wagyu, as well as artisanal gelato for dessert.
Here, Blasone discusses early errors, love for lemons, and comfort cuisine.
When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made?
Trying to add in too many elements. It just disrupts the harmony of flavors and confuses the palate.
What’s your top tip for amateurs cooking at home?
Base your cooking on fresh and balanced ingredients that will maintain freshness and lightness. Your dishes will then be a celebration of both those things.
What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?
Lemon. It’s so versatile. You can use its lemon juice or lemon zest to add flavor to salads, to seafood dishes, and even to desserts.
What’s the most common issue that you find in other restaurants when you go out to eat?
A lack of communication between the staff. In the restaurant industry, mistakes are inevitable, so the real challenge lies in minimizing them through continuous refinement. The focal point of my attention is always constant training and timely communication. Communication is the key to smooth and immediate coordination: every detail, every need must be shared clearly and promptly, so that every team member is aligned towards the common goal of providing a flawless culinary experience, without hesitation or misunderstandings.
What’s your favorite cuisine?
I am a passionate fan of comfort food — that type of cuisine that embraces the soul. So I’m always looking for dishes that are fresh, natural, and full of authenticity — qualities that only the most genuine dishes can convey.
What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home?
Risotto. I’m a true Italian, and risotto is one of the most beloved and versatile dishes in our cuisine. It’s a dish that, despite its simplicity, lends itself to countless interpretations, seasons, and ingredients.
What customer request or behavior most annoys you?
I always try to maintain a balanced, positive attitude; that’s just my natural inclination, professionally. But I do find it quite annoying when I sense signs of impatience from guests.
What’s your favorite dish to cook and why?
Right now, while I’m in Riyadh, my favorite dish to cook is salt-crusted sea bass. It perfectly embodies the harmony between simplicity and sophistication. It is a dish that respects the quality of the ingredients and enhances every nuance of their flavor.
As a head chef, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Do you shout a lot? Or are you more laid back?
I’d say that, as a head chef, I’m the result of all the experience gained from working with professionals of great precision and discipline. I think my leadership is based on a foundation of rigor, but, at the same time, I firmly believe in the importance of serenity and clear communication, and, above all, balance.
Chef Massimiliano’s maccheroncini with shellfish recipe
(Serves 6)
Dry pasta maccheroncini
400 gr
Ingredients:
Lobster Bisque
Lobster meat
Shrimp meat
Spring onion
Tomato coulis
Tomato concasse
Sun-dried tomatoes
Almond pesto
For the Bisque:
Ripe tomatoes
Celery
Carrots
Onion
Fennel
Double concentrated tomato paste
Leeks
Non alcoholic white wine
Garlic
Shells (lobster carcasses)
Basil
Thyme
Instructions:
Roughly chop the vegetables.
Toast the lobster heads.
Sauté the vegetables and garlic.
Deglaze with non alcoholic white wine.
Add the tomatoes and the toasted lobster heads.
Add ice and water to cover, along with the aromatic herbs.
After 45 minutes, remove the shells and vegetables and strain the bisque through a fine mesh strainer.
Let the bisque reduce over low heat, then strain it again through a fine mesh strainer.
Tomato Coulis (for 1 portion):
Ingredients:
Date tomatoes (300g)
San Marzano tomatoes (300g)
Spring onion (100g)
Garlic cloves, without the germ (20g)
White onion (80g)
Instructions:
Chop the spring onion and white onion finely.
Crush the garlic cloves.
Sauté the garlic, then add the tomatoes, cut into large pieces.
After 40 minutes, add salt to taste.
Remove the garlic and infuse the basil in the sauce for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, remove the basil, then blend the mixture using a Thermomix (or similar blender), adding extra virgin olive oil slowly in a thin stream while blending.
Almond Pesto
Ingredients:
Cow’s ricotta (300g)
Toasted, skinless almonds (150g)
Confit tomatoes with thyme (30 pieces)
Vegetable broth (200g)
Garlic clove, without the germ (1 piece)
Maldon salt (3g)
Cooked basil, squeezed dry (150g, from cooked basil)
Extra virgin olive oil (200g)
Instructions:
Prepare the broth by simmering carrots, celery, and onions that have been charred.
Blanch the garlic 3 times in boiling water, using 3 different pans each time.
Blanch the basil, then cool it in ice water and squeeze out any excess moisture.
Combine the liquids (which should have been previously frozen as a cream), along with the confit tomatoes, almonds, garlic, and salt.
Finally, add the ricotta, making sure not to overheat the mixture.
Place the mixture in the Pacojet and freeze it.
Blue Lobster Cooking Method
Ingredients:
1 kg Blue Lobster
100g Leek
100g Carrot
100g Celery
80g Fresh Parsley
100g Lemon Juice
10g Black Peppercorns
Procedure:
Prepare the vegetable broth: In a large pot, combine the leek, carrot, celery, and parsley. Add water and bring to a gentle boil, allowing the vegetables to release their flavors and aromas. Season the broth with black peppercorns and lemon juice for a delicate balance of freshness and heat.
Cook the lobsters: Once the broth is simmering, carefully tie the lobsters in pairs, securing them upright to maintain their shape during cooking. Gently immerse the lobsters into the boiling broth and cook for exactly 5 minutes, ensuring the flesh remains tender yet firm.
Cool and extract the lobster meat: After 5 minutes, immediately remove the lobsters and allow them to cool in the cooking liquid to preserve their flavor. Once cooled, carefully extract the lobster meat from the shells, preserving the delicate flesh. Store the lobster meat in the refrigerator until ready for use, ensuring it remains fresh and juicy.
Dish Preparation
Use a sauté pan made of stainless steel, with a height of 7 cm and a diameter of 20 cm, to allow for perfect emulsification of the pasta. Begin by gently sautéing the garlic in extra virgin olive oil, making sure not to burn it, to extract the flavors in a balanced way. Next, add a finely chopped mix of confit tomatoes, along with a spoonful of fresh tomato concassé, peeled and seeded, for a touch of freshness and sweetness. Cook gently over low heat, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.
Deglaze with a slight splash of lime juice to add freshness and a subtle acidity. At this point, add the lobster bisque and allow it to reduce gently until a rich, flavorful sauce forms. Then, incorporate the tomato coulis, which will add an additional layer of freshness and depth to the sauce.
Add a handful of chopped parsley, a few finely sliced basil leaves, and a small pinch of Espelette pepper, which will provide a mild spicy note without overwhelming the other flavors. Keep the sauce warm so it can meld together perfectly.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente, then drain it and transfer it directly into the sauce, stirring gently to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors. If necessary, add a bit more lobster bisque to adjust the sauce's consistency.
Remove from heat and add the previously cut lobster meat, making sure the residual heat warms it through without overcooking. Finish the dish with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Pomodori Confit Preparation
Ingredients:
1 kg San Marzano tomatoes
100 g Extra virgin olive oil
100 g Fresh basil
60 g Fresh thyme
80 g Garlic, in the skin
Procedure:
Blanch the tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Immerse the San Marzano tomatoes for about two minutes. Once the time has passed, quickly remove the tomatoes and transfer them into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their color and freshness.
Peel and seed the tomatoes: Carefully peel the tomatoes, removing the seeds as well to obtain a clean pulp, ready for slow cooking.
Prepare for the confit cooking: Arrange the tomatoes, well-spaced, on a steel baking tray. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, add the garlic cloves (still in their skin), a few fresh basil leaves, and sprigs of thyme to create an aromatic bouquet that will enhance the flavor.
Slow cooking: Place the tray in a static oven set to 70°C (160°F) for a prolonged period of 6 hours, allowing the tomatoes to slowly dehydrate and concentrate their flavors without overcooking.
Cooling and storage: Once the cooking is complete, let the tomatoes cool in the tray, then store them in the refrigerator to preserve their freshness and delicate flavors.
Review: Wallace & Gromit make a cracking return in ‘Vengeance Most Fowl’
Updated 09 January 2025
Adam Grundey
DUBAI: It’s been a little over 16 years since we were last treated to a new “Wallace & Gromit” film from the brilliant stop-motion animation studio Aardman Animations. But now the eccentric UK inventor and his loyal, put-upon dog are back in a feature-length film that will delight fans old and new.
“Vengeance Most Fowl” is a straightforward enough story: Wallace, thinking he’s helping Gromit out, invents a robotic “smart gnome” called Norbot to help the dog with his gardening. Gromit isn’t impressed, but the neighbors are, and soon Wallace has set up a new home improvements business to help alleviate his financial struggles. Meanwhile, the duo’s arch-enemy, the villainous penguin Feather McGraw, whom they caught stealing the famous Blue Diamond from the city museum (back in 1993’s “The Wrong Trousers”), is serving a life sentence behind bars (in a zoo). But when he spots a news report about Wallace’s new invention, he sees a chance to take revenge. His plan starts with hacking Norbot and ruining Wallace’s new business — while making Wallace the prime suspect in a crime spree — and also involves breaking out of captivity.
Plot complexity isn’t — and never has been — the main draw of creator Nick Park’s “Wallace & Gromit” works, though. Their beauty lies in their extraordinary craftsmanship, gentle social commentary (this time, much of that focuses on our obsession with, and reliance on, tech, gadgets and AI), throw-away comic observations, and the sweet portrayal of the relationship between the main protagonists — long-suffering, stoic Gromit and his often-oblivious, exuberant owner. It’s a relationship in which the roles are often reversed; Gromit having to be the ‘adult’ taking care of the day-to-day tasks while Wallace loses himself in his own imagination. And, as ever, Wallace pushes Gromit’s patience to the limits before remembering that his dog is the only one who never loses faith in him.
The stop-motion animation skill displayed with Gromit, especially — given that he must convey everything with, basically, his eyes, ears and brow — is breathtaking, but then so is the whole world of “Wallace & Gromit.” It might all be constructed from clay, but it’s more authentic and engaging than 90 percent of what is put out with actual human actors.
Riyadh’s literary havens: Where coffee meets the love of books
City’s book cafes offer serene spaces for quiet reflection
Carefully curated selections of Arabic and English titles on offer
Updated 08 January 2025
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: Riyadh’s cultural landscape is undergoing a quiet transformation, where the love of coffee meets the timeless allure of literature.
Book cafes are carving out a niche as spaces where readers, thinkers, and coffee enthusiasts converge.
These havens of creativity and reflection offer retreats for the mind and soul, providing a sense of community in an increasingly fast-paced world.
The Book Club: Where stories find their home
Nestled in the Al-Yasmin district, The Book Club is a tranquil retreat for bibliophiles, particularly those passionate about Arabic literature.
Its shelves brim with carefully curated Arabic titles, from classics to contemporary gems, complemented by a modest selection of English books.
HIGHLIGHTS
• In Riyadh’s Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee and Book’s floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.
• Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm.
The minimalist interior, adorned with soft lighting and intimate reading nooks, creates an atmosphere conducive to focus and relaxation.
What sets The Book Club apart is its browsing policy. Visitors are welcome to skim books for three minutes before deciding to purchase, with additional purchases granting extended reading time.
During Arab News’ visit, the cafe hosted a stimulating talk with Saad Al-Bazai, titled, “Historical Fiction: Why Do They Believe in the Imagined?”
Al-Bazai told Arab News: “These gatherings bring together a diverse audience and provide them with the opportunity to meet researchers.
“This undoubtedly supports cultural life as it creates a platform for dialogue that differs from social media platforms — it is vibrant, direct, and involves personal presence.”
Sophia: A library, a cafe, and a place to connect
Sophia has become a cornerstone of Riyadh’s literary scene, acting as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and meaningful connections.
Its towering wooden shelves are filled with a rich collection of Arabic and English books, carefully curated to cater to a diverse audience.
Beyond being a library, Sophia also serves as a publishing house, amplifying the voices of local and regional authors, bringing their stories to the forefront.
What sets Sophia apart is its dedication to fostering intellectual growth and cultural exchange.
The space regularly hosts book launches, discussion panels, and thought-provoking dialogue sessions that bring together writers, readers, and thinkers from various backgrounds.
The inviting ambiance, complete with warm lighting and cozy seating, creates the perfect backdrop for these events, making each visit an enriching experience.
Aminah Al-Hassani, a loyal visitor, captured the essence of Sophia. She said: “The place is calm and serene, and it has never let me down with a bad book.
“Every book I’ve read here has been better than the last. Their selections are beautiful, and the events they organize are always beneficial and enjoyable.”
Coffee Trees: A green sanctuary
Coffee Trees, tucked away in the Al-Rayan district, offers a sanctuary that blends greenery with literary charm. The cafe’s lush decor, accentuated by vibrant plants and natural elements, transforms the space into a botanical retreat.
Though its library is modest, the curated selection of books is perfectly aligned with the cafe’s serene ambiance.
Patrons often find themselves lost in thought or pages, surrounded by the aroma of ethically sourced, expertly brewed coffee.
Whether it’s the tranquil environment or the commitment to sustainability, Coffee Trees is a favorite escape for those seeking a moment of calm in the city.
Wathbah Coffee & Book: Where timeless charm meets literature
In Al-Narjis district, Wathbah Coffee & Book exudes intellectual allure. Its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, vintage-inspired decor, and intimate corners create a haven for readers and thinkers alike.
The carefully selected collection spans genres and eras, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Wathbah’s ambiance is perfect for quiet reading, reflective conversations, or simply soaking in its aesthetic beauty.
As Sara Al-Ebraheem, a loyal patron, said: “There’s a certain magic in time spent in the company of good books, with a perfectly brewed coffee.”
Ons Coffee Roasters: Where simplicity meets serenity
Ons Coffee Roasters offers a minimalist haven for those who crave peace and simplicity. Its clean design, complemented by tasteful art and cozy seating, creates a calm environment perfect for unwinding.
While its library may be small, the books displayed are thoughtfully chosen to inspire reflection and curiosity.
Ons Coffee Roasters is as much about quality as it is about serenity. Its expertly brewed coffee elevates the experience, making it an ideal retreat for anyone seeking a quiet corner in Riyadh.
A cultural renaissance in Riyadh
The emerging popularity of book cafes is providing spaces where literature, art, and community thrive. The cafes cater to a growing audience of residents and visitors who value meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world.
DUBAI: Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna is excited to open for British rockers Coldplay as they get ready to take to the stage in Abu Dhabi, on Jan. 9, 11, 12 and 14 at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
“Still can’t believe I’m opening for @coldplay’s Music of The Spheres tour. Abu Dhabi,” she posted on Instagram.
Elyanna is set to perform live with Coldplay again when the band heads to Abu Dhabi for four shows in the UAE capital. The band will perform as part of the “Music of the Spheres World Tour” on Jan. 9, 11, 12 and 14.