Moroccan designers among finalists for prestigious French ANDAM fashion award

Casablanca is among the 14 finalists up for the prestigious prize. Photographed by Remi Ferrante
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Updated 05 June 2021
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Moroccan designers among finalists for prestigious French ANDAM fashion award

DUBAI: Casablanca, the brainchild of French-Moroccan designer Charaf Tajer and Sonia Ahmimou’s fashion label Aswad have been chosen as finalists for the grand prize and accessories prize of the 2021 ANDAM Fashion Award.

The ANDAM Fashion Award was established in 1989 by Nathalie Dufour as a joint venture between the French Ministry of Culture and the Defi Mode fashion organization in an effort to nurture young talent from Europe. The award comes with 300,000 euros ($364,996) and a year of coaching from Balenciaga chief executive officer Cédric Charbit, the president of this year’s jury.

Tajer’s buzzy Parisian label is a contender for  the award, alongside a pool of talented design mavens, which include Berlin-based design duo Serhat Işık and Benjamin A. Huseby of GmbH, London-based Grace Wales Bonner, winner of the LVMH Prize for Young Designers in 2016, and New York’s Area, spearheaded by Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk.

Rounding out the list are London-based womenswear designer Rok Hwang, who established his Rokh label in 2016, and London-based menswear designer Bianca Saunders.

“It is an honor to have been announced as a finalist for the Grand Prize of this year’s ANDAM Fashion Award,” wrote Tajer in a statement posted on Casablanca’s official Instagram. 

“We are extremely proud to show what we have achieved so far and to display our grand ambitions for Casablanca to such a prestigious and inspirational ANDAM jury. We’re thrilled to have been nominated alongside many of our esteemed and talented designers.”

Meanwhile, Ahmimou, the Moroccan-French accessories designer who launched Aswad, her own brand of leather goods in 2016, has been nominated for the Accessories Prize, valued at 50,000 euros. Other contenders include jeweler Samuel François and Austrian studio Published By.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Aswad (@aswad.paris)

Finalists were chosen from more than 300 designers who applied for the award.

The 2021 ANDAM Fashion Award winners will be selected by a jury that consists of Blackpink’s Lisa, Chinese singer Chris Lee and fashion designers Kerby Jean-Raymond and Phoebe Philo, among others, on July 1.

All finalists will present their collections to the jury in Paris on that day.

Past winners include Martin Margiela, Viktor & Rolf, Christophe Lemaire and Jeremy Scott.


Cast member unfurls large Palestinian flag on London’s Royal Opera House stage

Updated 20 July 2025
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Cast member unfurls large Palestinian flag on London’s Royal Opera House stage

  • Royal Ballet and Opera says protest ‘completely inappropriate for a curtain call’
  • Member of audience describes protest scenes as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘incredible’

LONDON: A cast member unfurled a large Palestinian flag on stage during the curtain call of “Il Trovatore” at the Royal Opera House in London on Saturday, prompting a brief scuffle with an official attempting to stop the protest and remove the flag.

A video shows a performer in a tussle with an official, as they refuse to relinquish the Palestinian flag, and continue to display it, at one point shaking it gently.

Seconds later, other officials, thought to be staff at the Royal Opera House, were shouting messages to the protesting actor from the wings, who looked ahead and appeared to ignore them. At the same time, the audience continued to applaud the performance.

Royal Ballet and Opera said the protest was “completely inappropriate for a curtain call.”

A spokesperson told the BBC: “The display of the flag was spontaneous and unauthorized action by the artist. It was not approved by the Royal Ballet and Opera and is not in line with our commitment to political impartiality.”

During the tussle, two performers beside the protester lurched to the side, while cast members further forward appeared oblivious to the situation.

Palestinian flags are commonly seen at protests supporting Gaza, as Israeli attacks on the Palestinian coastal enclave have continued since late 2023.

The flag of Palestine has also appeared at major events in the UK, including the Glastonbury Festival, where some bands and artists have featured it on stage.

The identity of the cast member remains unclear. “Il Trovatore” concluded its 11-night run at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on Saturday.

One member of the audience posted on X: “Extraordinary scenes at the Royal Opera House tonight.

“During the curtain call for ‘Il Trovatore,’ one of the background artists came on stage waving a Palestine flag.

“Just stood there, no bowing or shouting. Someone offstage kept trying to take it off him. Incredible.”


Saudi stars promote new film 'Al-Gaid' by Telfaz11

Updated 20 July 2025
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Saudi stars promote new film 'Al-Gaid' by Telfaz11

DUBAI: Saudi actress Maria Bahrawi took to social media to promote studio Telfaz11’s latest film, “Al-Gaid.”

The 18-year-old actress shared a post about the new film on Instagram Stories, featuring several stills from the movie.

The film is directed by Hussam Al-Halwa and written by Ahmed Al-Haqil.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Telfaz11 (@telfaz11)

Starring Yaqoub Al-Farhan, Saad Al-Shatti, Khaled Abdel Aziz and Ibtisam Ahmed, the film is set against the backdrop of the 19th-century northern Arabian desert in winter. It was penned by Saudi novelist Ahmed Al-Hokail and blends the revenge genre with Bedouin soap opera tropes, according to Variety. The film “(crafts) a unique narrative tailored for an Arab audience,” according to a Telfaz11 statement. “Rooted in an authentic Saudi perspective, ‘Al-Gaid’ aims to revolutionize the landscape of Saudi epic films,” the statement added.

Telfaz11 is a homegrown creative and media studio that has been behind successful Saudi projects like “Sattar,” which became the highest-grossing Saudi movie in the first three months of its release, and “Mandoob,” which beat “Wonka” from Warner Bros. on its opening weekend in Saudi Arabia in 2023.

Although she does not star in the film, Bahrawi is one of many Saudi stars whipping up excitement over “Al-Gaid,” with the likes of actress Mila Al-Zahrani and creative director Ahmed Al-Kaabi taking to her comments section to discuss the new movie.

No stranger to success herself, Bahrawi starred in “Norah,” the debut feature of Saudi filmmaker Tawfik Al-Zaidi, which screened in the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section in 2024. The film received the Special Mention accolade at the event.

The movie, shot entirely in AlUla, is set in 1990s Saudi Arabia when the professional pursuit of all art, including painting, was frowned upon.

Besides Bahrawi, the movie also stars Yaqoub Al-Farhan and Abdullah Al-Satian. It follows the story of Norah and failed artist Nader as they encourage each other to realize their creative potential in rural Saudi Arabia.

The movie was backed by the Red Sea Fund — one of the Red Sea Film Foundation’s programs — and was filmed with an all-Saudi cast and a 40 percent Saudi crew.

“I’m living the dream. Inshallah, I’ll reach bigger and higher goals. I have all the opportunities in the world, now it’s up to me to take them,” Bahrawi previously told Arab News while discussing the film


Nancy Ajram lands Times Square billboard

Updated 19 July 2025
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Nancy Ajram lands Times Square billboard

DUBAI: Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram was featured this week on a Spotify billboard in New York City’s Times Square.

She was named the EQUAL Arabia ambassador for July, coinciding with the release of her new album, “Nancy 11.” EQUAL Arabia is a program that aims to amplify the work of women creators by giving them international recognition.

With a career spanning more than two decades, Ajram is known for hits such as “Ah W Noss,” “Ya Tabtab” and “Badna Nwalee El Jaw.” She has released several chart-topping albums, blending traditional Arabic melodies with modern pop, and has built a wide fan base across the region and internationally.


Elie Saab’s son ties the knot in star-studded Lebanon wedding

Updated 19 July 2025
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Elie Saab’s son ties the knot in star-studded Lebanon wedding

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Elie Saab’s son, Celio Saab, tied the knot this week with Zein Qutami in a lavish, star-studded ceremony in Lebanon.

The Jordanian bride, who is based in Abu Dhabi, wore two custom-made gowns designed by her father-in-law.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

Her first look was a floor-length, long-sleeved gown featuring a fitted bodice, a full skirt and an extended train. The dress was adorned with intricate silver embroidery and embellishments, paired with a cathedral-length veil and a matching headpiece that echoed the gown’s ornate detailing.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

For her second look, she donned a champagne-toned gown with a deep V-neckline and vertical metallic embroidery. The design featured a dramatic overskirt and a long, matching veil.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

The wedding drew a high-profile guest list, with attendees including Nancy Ajram, Nadine Nassib Njeim, Jessica Azar, Karen Wazen, Assi El-Hallani, Balqees Fathi and Hande Ercel.


Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission participates in Avignon Festival in France

Updated 19 July 2025
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Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission participates in Avignon Festival in France

RIYADH: The Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission is taking part in the 79th edition of the prestigious Avignon Festival in France this month. This year’s festival shines a spotlight on the Arabic language, making it a fitting platform for showcasing the richness of Saudi cultural expressions.

The commission’s participation features four traditional performing art forms — Al-Khatwa, Khabiti, Liwa, and the Ardha of Wadi Al-Dawasir — alongside the theatrical production “Tawq.” Through its presence the commission aims to elevate Saudi performing arts while introducing contemporary Saudi theater to international audiences and fostering cultural exchange.

The play “Tawq,” which is directed by Fahad Al-Dossari, boasts a talented cast, including Ahmed Al-Zekrallah, Fatima Al-Jishi, Maryam Hussein, Abdulaziz Al-Zayani, Khaled Al-Huwaidi, and Shahab Al-Shahab. The performance promises to be a highlight of the festival, offering a glimpse into the evolving narrative of Saudi theater.

The play ‘Tawq’ is directed by Fahad Al-Dossari. (Supplied)

Al-Dossari told Arab News: “For me, any theatrical work is an integrated work, meaning that the harmony between all the elements and their quality is what creates this theatrical state, whether at the level of the idea, the directorial vision, the performance, or the scenography. This is what constitutes the strength of the theatrical performance.”

He stressed the significance of participating in the Avignon Festival, describing it as a “window to the world.”

Al-Dossari believes that the language of theater transcends borders, serving as a universal medium for conveying messages, ideas, and cultural narratives, and added: “This is what we seek in this important participation.”

The Star Program has played a vital role in enabling creative individuals in the theater sector to transform their ideas into reality. Al-Dossari noted the diversity of concepts and visions that have emerged, highlighting creativity in all aspects, from decor and costumes to music and acting performances.

He expressed gratitude to the authority for its unwavering commitment to fostering development and creativity within the sector.

As the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission makes a mark at the Avignon Festival, it stands as a testament to the dynamic cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia and its dedication to sharing its artistic heritage with the world.