Misk Foundation and Fashion Commission sign agreement to boost Saudi fashion industry

David Henry, the CEO of nonprofit city; and Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission. The deal will enhance cooperation. (Supplied)
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Updated 12 September 2022
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Misk Foundation and Fashion Commission sign agreement to boost Saudi fashion industry

  • They said it will enhance cooperation in the education and training of emerging designers, encourage entrepreneurism, and help attract talent and investors

RIYADH: The Misk Foundation’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh and the Saudi Fashion Commission signed an agreement on Monday designed to empower the booming fashion industry in the Kingdom.

The parties said the partnership will enhance cooperation between them to develop education and training programs for young Saudi designers, explore opportunities for the incubation of entrepreneurism, and attract talent and investors to the fashion industry in the country. It also lays the foundation for collaborations to host a variety of fashion-related events and festivals in the city, they added.

The commission has also signed a lease at creative center The City Hub to build a world-class studio for product sampling and prototyping that will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, technology and expertise to enable the growth of the fashion-design ecosystem.

FASTFACTS

• The agreement to boost Saudi fashion sector was signed at the Ministry of Culture’s headquarters in Diriyah.

• Nonprofit City, which will be the first development of its kind in the world, is located in the Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa, on a site spanning more than 3.4 square kilometers.

• Developers say it will offer unparalleled retail experiences by providing a platform for local fashion brands to pioneer innovative experiences that are creative, educational, engaging and transformational.

The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Culture’s headquarters in Diriyah by Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, deputy minister of culture and vice-chairman of the fashion commission board; David Henry, the CEO of Nonprofit City; and Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission.

Cakmak stressed the significant role the fashion sector plays in the Kingdom’s cultural scene and stressed the need for cooperation to develop it, saying: “Fashion is a true reflection of Saudi heritage and identity. The signing of the memorandum of understanding reflects the commitment of the Fashion Commission to advance the growth of the Saudi fashion sector and enhance its contribution to the local economy in line with Vision 2030.”

Henry said: “This partnership is an important step toward enhancing the Kingdom’s fashion industry and aligns with the City’s vision to cultivate innovation and creativity in Saudi youth.

“We look forward to working together with the Fashion Commission to create opportunities that inspire the next generation of talent and cement the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in the industry while showcasing Saudi culture.”

Nonprofit City, which will be the first development of its kind in the world, is located in the Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa, on a site spanning more than 3.4 square kilometers. Developers say it will offer unparalleled retail experiences by providing a platform for local fashion brands to pioneer innovative experiences that are creative, educational, engaging and transformational.

 

 


Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market

Updated 19 November 2024
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Flormar seeks to expand Saudi footprint to meet growing demand in beauty market

DUBAI: Skincare and makeup brand Flormar is planning to triple the number of its stores in Saudi Arabia over the next four to five years to meet the demand of a burgeoning and increasingly competitive market.

Established in Milan, Italy, in the late 1950s, the company is now headquartered in Turkiye. Arab News spoke to CEO Matthieu Gomart about why he is so keen to increase the brand’s presence — currently 25 outlets — in the Kingdom.

“The beauty market in the Middle East — and specifically in Saudi Arabia — is quite dynamic,” he explained. “They have double-digit growth, making it one of our most exciting markets.”

Flormar has undergone something of a transformation in recent years, refining its product lines and formulations to appeal to a broader, more discerning audience. 

(Supplied)

Gomart said the brand’s approach has evolved to focus “on high-quality makeup at affordable prices” that aligned with skincare and ethical beauty trends. 

The company’s clean and vegan products, designed to enhance skin health, have been particularly well-received among Saudi consumers, he added, noting an increasing appetite for natural ingredients and skin-friendly formulations. 

(Supplied)

It is a trend highlighted by panelists at Riyadh’s Hia Hub beauty conference in October. Industry insiders, such as Chalhoub Group president Patrick Chalhoub, told Arab News the under-30 demographic “use skincare products more frequently and are willing to experiment with innovative products, even with brands that are not necessarily very popular.”

With an entire conference dedicated to growing the Kingdom’s skincare market, it is no wonder Flormar has identified it as a target segment.

Gomart said Saudi consumers were also embracing innovations such as “skinification” — adding skincare benefits to makeup products.

To meet this demand, Flormar is adapting its offerings to include sun protection and hydration in its makeup line.

“Saudis have a strong appetite for those nutrients,” he said.

Flormar’s growth includes partnerships with local retailers, distribution through pharmacy chains, and plans to expand its e-commerce footprint.

“We are happy to be contributing to the rise of self-expression in Saudi Arabia,” Gomart added.


Lindsay Lohan stuns in New York wearing Zuhair Murad

Updated 19 November 2024
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Lindsay Lohan stuns in New York wearing Zuhair Murad

DUBAI: Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan has been in New York City this week showing off pieces by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

The actress appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in an outfit from the designer’s Resort 2025 ready-to-wear collection which included a black, long-sleeved top with structured shoulders and silver jeweled detailing down one side. The ensemble was completed with a matching black skirt, paired with black heels.

Lohan also attended the premiere of the romantic comedy “Our Little Secret” alongside her husband, Kuwaiti financier Bader Shammas, choosing a black gown from Murad’s Spring/Summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection. The sleeveless dress featured a plunging neckline with two statement crystal-embellished motifs at the midriff.

The flowing skirt incorporated sheer panels and she topped off the look with open-toe black heels and subtle jewelry, with her hair in soft waves.

Lohan also attended the premiere of the romantic comedy “Our Little Secret” alongside her husband, Kuwaiti financier Bader Shammas. (Getty Images)

“Our Little Secret,” due for release on Netflix on Nov. 27, tells the story of Avery (Lohan) who is planning to spend Christmas with her boyfriend’s family. Things take an unexpected turn when she discovers that ex-boyfriend Logan (played by Ian Harding) is also joining the festivities, as it transpires their current partners are siblings. Avery and Logan must navigate the holiday while ensuring their former relationship remains a secret.

Meanwhile, Murad has made headlines elsewhere this week, dressing various other Hollywood celebrities.

Jennifer Lopez, a longtime admirer of his work, attended the 2024 Governors Awards on Sunday  in a black and silver dress featuring a sheer bodice, intricate beadwork and a high neckline with layered embellishments as she. The waist was accented with crystal-embellished motifs, and the outfit included a black velvet train.

Last week, over to the premiere of “Wicked” in Los Angeles, Lopez walked the red carpet in a halter gown with gemstone embellishments and side cut-outs from Murad’s Spring/Summer 2024 couture line.

This week, Argentine model and actress Eva De Dominici also opted for a Murad gown at the Los Angeles premiere of her comedy-drama, “The Uninvited.” She wore a silk and suede gown featuring lace cut-outs from the designer’s Fall 2024 ready-to-wear collection.


Arabs cheer on newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig

Updated 18 November 2024
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Arabs cheer on newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig

DUBAI: Arabs around the world congratulated Victoria Kjaer Theilvig who was crowned Miss Universe 2024 on Sunday, becoming the first contestant from Denmark to achieve the honor.

The dancer, entrepreneur, and animal rights activist beat out more than 120 contestants in the pageant's 73rd edition held in Mexico City, two years after she visited the UAE and posed for snaps in Dubai’s desert surroundings on holiday.

“I have been waiting for my whole life for this moment,” she said during the swimsuit round of the pageant.

“No matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths,” she also said on the Miss Universe stage.

X user Asia Alwasity echoed several other commentors who praised Theilvig’s apparent lack of cosmetic surgery. “She deserves it, she is a natural beauty with no cosmetic surgeries done,” she wrote in Arabic.

Another X commentor, @goodluck11974, wrote in Arabic, “Her beauty is wow, her face reminds us of the old natural beauty with no fillers or surgeries.”

Many social media users commented on Theilvig’s “exceptional beauty,” inside and out.

“Beauty is not just about looks, but about a strong, confident personality, and this beauty embodies these in every detail,” wrote X user @alzhrany60092.

“Congratulations to this beauty, she makes history with her exceptional beauty,” wrote X user @zyz51618 in a translated post.

Other social media users called Theilvig as pretty “as a Barbie,” with numerous commenters comparing Theilvig to the iconic doll.

Dressed in a pink glittering gown, the 21-year-old from Soborg was crowned by Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, in Mexico City on Sunday.

Crafted by Jewelmer, the crown features golden South Sea pearls, the national gem of the Philippines. Named the “Lumiere de l’Infini) tiara, the crown displays a radiant sunburst motif at its heart.

First runner-up was Chidimma Adetshina, a law student representing Nigeria, followed by Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico, Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, and Ileana Marquez of Venezuela.

An avid traveller, Thielvig seems to enjoy visiting cities across the world — including Dubai in the UAE. In January 2023, she took to Instagram to post a picture of herself posing on a dune buggy in the vast deserts of Dubai. “

Adventure in the desert,” she captioned the post, along with a camel emoji.


Egypt’s Logina Salah makes history at Miss Universe pageant

Updated 18 November 2024
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Egypt’s Logina Salah makes history at Miss Universe pageant

DUBAI: Miss Universe Egypt Logina Salah made history when she broke into the top 30 at the grand finale of the Miss Universe 2024 beauty pageant, held in Mexico City on Sunday, making it the first time her country has made a placement in the event's 73 year history.

The glittering night came to a close with Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig taking home the crown — a first for a Dane. The 21-year-old, a competitive dancer, entrepreneur, and aspiring lawyer, beat more than 120 other contestants to win the annual beauty pageant.

 

 

Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina was named first runner-up, and Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran was named the second runner-up. Contestants from Thailand, Bolivia, Venezuela, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Russia, Chile, Canada and Peru also made it to the top 12.

This year’s finale featured a performance by singer Robin Thicke and was hosted by “Saved by the Bell” star Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.

 

 

Other contestants from the Middle East and North Africa region included the UAE’s Emilia Dobreva, Bahrain’s Shereen Ahmed, Lebanon’s Nada Koussa, and Iran’s Ava Vahneshan.

The pageant, in its 73rd year, also now sees married women and mothers compete.

“I feel like the world is getting closer to including everybody. It wasn’t allowed for moms to participate, or any woman above 30, and I didn’t like participating in ‘moms pageantry’; I do not like labeling,” Salah, who is based in Dubai, said in an earlier interview with Arab News of the rules that changed in 2023.

She added: “When those restrictions were lifted, I saw it as the perfect opportunity. Pageantry was always on my mind, but I always said, ‘Let me keep it for my daughter, maybe she would be interested.’ I used to dream about it, but now the dream came back to life. I applied, and, thank God, I made it to Miss Universe!”

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Logina Salah (@loginasalah)

 

Reflecting on her journey with vitiligo, Salah highlighted the power of living as an example. “I do not come every day and talk about vitiligo on my platform, but living my life fearlessly and unapologetically is a message to people,” she said.

“When someone comes across my profile and they see me living fearlessly, this is an inspiration. So, I do both. I like to go out and inspire, not only for people with vitiligo, but for all young girls and women.”


Miss Universe Bahrain Shereen Ahmed wins Voice for Change Silver award in Mexico

Updated 16 November 2024
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Miss Universe Bahrain Shereen Ahmed wins Voice for Change Silver award in Mexico

DUBAI: Miss Universe Bahrain Shereen Ahmed was announced on Thursday as one of the seven Silver winners of the Voice for Change competition at the 73rd Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mexico.

“This is for all the hardworking single moms out there,” she wrote to her followers on Instagram after the announcement was made.

Joining Ahmed as Silver winners of the Voice for Change competition were Anouk Eman of Aruba, Saran Bah of Guinea, Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, Matilda Wirtavuori of Finland, Snit Tewoldemedhin of Eritrea, and Raegan Rutty of the Cayman Islands.

 

 

The award was presented after the preliminary round, which featured 126 contestants from around the world showcasing swimsuits, evening gowns, and national costumes.

The Gold winners of the competition were Juliana Barrientos of Bolivia, Ana Gabriela Villanueva of Guatemala, and Davin Prasath of Cambodia.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Logina Salah (@loginasalah)

 

Besides Ahmed, there are two other Arabs representing their countries: Logina Salah from Egypt and Nada Koussa from Lebanon. Miss Universe UAE is Emilia Dobreva, a Kosovo-born model who has lived in Dubai for 10 years. 

For the National Costume competition, Ahmed donned a flowing green gown featuring gold embellishments and a structured shoulder cape. She also wore a gold headpiece and held a large gold incense burner prop.

 

 

Salah opted for a Cleopatra-inspired ensemble in shades of blue, gold, and bronze, designed by Simeon Cayetano. The cape featured hand-painted pyramids and the Sphinx, framed by protective wings. Hieroglyphic scripts adorned the lower portion of the cape.

Koussa wore a rich purple ensemble with intricate silver embroidery. The outfit included a tall, cylindrical, metallic headpiece and a full-length cape with pronounced shoulders, adorned with leaf-like motifs that extended down the back. The dress underneath was composed of a lighter, shimmery fabric.