Jordanian Romanian designer Amina Muaddi spotted at Prada show in Milan

Amina Muaddi founded her celebrity-loved eponymous shoe label in 2018. (File/Getty Images)
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Updated 17 January 2023
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Jordanian Romanian designer Amina Muaddi spotted at Prada show in Milan

DUBAI: Jordanian Romanian footwear designer Amina Muaddi was spotted at Milan Menswear Fashion Week in a chic masculine look as she attended the Prada runway show on Sunday.  

The designer and celebrity in her own right took to Instagram Stories to document her time in Milan, including short clips of her time at the Prada show where she showed off a black cardigan over a expertly tailored white shirt and pencil skirt paired with sky-high pumps from her eponymous label.  




Muaddi shared a selfie from outside the Prada show at Milan Menswear Fashion Week. (Instagram)  

The Milan menswear runway was full of spare looks for next fall and winter.

Muaddi correctly picked up on the color of the season in her black outfit — variations of black were spotted on the runway at a number of shows. The silhouette of the season is slim or relaxed, but mostly tailored, the Associated Press reported.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Prada (@prada)

The ceiling on the darkened Prada showroom rose to reveal industrial chandeliers as the first looks appeared on the runway: Tailored, slightly blocky suit jackets with sharp, wing-like collars that flapped gently with each step, secured and cushioned by just a wisp of colorful knitwear.

The collars, reminiscent of the 1930s or ‘70s and in retro geometric prints, gave a romantic touch to an otherwise spare and cleansing collection by co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons.

“There is no space for useless creativity,” Prada summed up backstage.

The sharp collars, which appeared also on cardigans, are detachable, giving garments a longer life and utility.  

The pair continued their exploration of uniforms, the sort that exemplify the value of working and not projecting authority. In that vein, suede tunics with matching overcoats recalled an artisan’s apron, worn with a shirt and tie to emphasize the virtue of work, and over the season’s slim trousers.

The clean looks and minimalist tailoring had an intentional retro-futuristic feel, that Simons defined as “very Prada, in my opinion.”

Puffer coats had a rotund shape. Quilted T-shirts kept the torso warm under overcoats. Shoes were thick-soled lace-ups with raised piping. Bags were slim document or computer bags, with a thermos slot.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Prada (@prada)

Suiting was mostly black or gray, with separates providing color: trousers in red or green, cerulean blazers, yellow and pink cardigans.

Even the venue at the Fondazione Prada was stripped of artifice, down to the concrete floors and walls and ceiling, which dropped back down as the models left the runway.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Prada (@prada)

Outside, hundreds of screaming K-Pop fans greeted boyband Enhypen as they arrived for the show, and a few were rewarded with selfies afterward. 


Lyna Khoudri supports French Arab directors ahead of Cesar Awards

Updated 1 min 8 sec ago
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Lyna Khoudri supports French Arab directors ahead of Cesar Awards

DUBAI: French Algerian actress Lyna Khoudri took to social media to drum up support for “Bye Bye Tiberias,” which is eligible in the documentary category at the 50th Cesar Awards in France.

France’s answer to the Academy Awards, the Cesar Awards will be held on Feb. 28, with voting for all categories closing on Jan. 28.

The awards are voted on by a cohort of 4,000 professionals in the film and media industries.

Khoudri does not feature in “Bye Bye Tiberias,” French Palestinian Algerian filmmaker Lina Soualem’s documentary feature that follows Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass. Best known for her roles in HBO’s “Succession” and Hulu’s “Ramy,” as well as films including “Munich” and “Blade Runner 2049.” Abbass grew up in the Galilean village of Deir Hanna. In her early 20s, she made the decision to leave her family home and follow her dream of becoming an actress in Europe. Behind her she left her mother, grandmother, and seven sisters. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by lynakhoudri(@lynakhoudri)

It is this decision that is central to “Bye Bye Tiberias.” Reflecting on Abbass’ chosen exile and the ways in which the women of her family have influenced her and her mother’s lives, Soualem’s film portrays four generations of daring Palestinian women, including her great grandmother, Um Ali, her grandmother Nemat, and her great aunt Hosnieh. 

“When my mother reads a poem about my great grandmother, we can feel that she is overwhelmed by emotion,” Soualem, who is also Abbass’ daughter, previously told Arab News.

“And the story of my great aunt combines all the tragedy of our family, because it’s the loss of place, it’s the separation from family, it’s the body separated from the soil. I couldn’t imagine being separated from my mother and sister for 30 years. And what is impressive is that, despite all of this, my great aunt seems to be a model of femininity and positivity for my mother. The one who lost the most is the one who taught her the most.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by lynakhoudri (@lynakhoudri)

Khoudri also took to Instagram to promote director Hakim Atoui’s “Blood Ties” in the Best Short Fiction Film category.

“When Ali and Leila visit their mother, who has just been discharged from hospital, they have some revelations to make. They are shocked to discover that she is now living with Elyo, a medical assistance robot. Lunch with this strange machine soon turns into a family feud,” the logline of the film reads.


Limitless Orchestra marks world premiere at Dubai Opera with show honoring Johann Strauss, Hans Zimmer

Updated 11 January 2025
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Limitless Orchestra marks world premiere at Dubai Opera with show honoring Johann Strauss, Hans Zimmer

DUBAI: Dubai Opera played host to a world premiere this week that reimagines orchestral music for a new generation of music lovers.

“Global Waltzing — from Johann Strauss to Hans Zimmer,” presented by The Limitless Orchestra, took place at the intimate venue at the heart of Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11.

The brainchild of Russian-German violinist and composer Aleksey Igudesman, the orchestra enjoys the distinguished patronage of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, who also made a special guest appearance on stage on both nights.

The orchestra enjoys the distinguished patronage of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, who also made a special guest appearance on stage on both nights. (Supplied)

Under Igudesman’s innovative “fail forward” approach, “The Limitless Orchestra” breathes new life into the traditional boundaries of symphonic artistry, blending timeless musical techniques with contemporary creativity to deliver an experience that is as daring as it is transformative.

“The world definitely does not need another orchestra, for sure, but I think the world needs this orchestra and other orchestras like it,” Igudesman said ahead of the show.

“The orchestra essentially has not changed, or an orchestra has not changed its format more or less for 150 years. It has become an institution, a very vital cultural institution. But everything that stays the same becomes stagnant and becomes a museum, and then dies eventually, and we do not want an orchestra to die. So, for me, I think launching the ‘Limitless’ orchestra with the help of my great friends is something that I just had to do, because I did not want to have the things that I love so much die, and I wanted to show a possible new way of doing things.”

The show sees the orchestra revitalize the timeless works of Johann Strauss. (Supplied)

The show sees the orchestra revitalize the timeless works of Johann Strauss, skillfully blending the cherished compositions of the Austrian king of the waltz with the epic film music of Hollywood legend Zimmer.

Zimmer, displaying his trademark humility, said: “I don’t think there are limitations to classical music. I would hate to go about ruining Bach or Mozart. That’s their music and we can have new music.

“I’m just a peasant of music. I write film music. But the weird thing is that every day I get to go out and hire an orchestra. I get to go out and play in arenas for 20,000 people. So, something is working with what I’m doing. I’m adding instruments to the orchestra, I’m adding playfulness.”

“Global Waltzing — from Johann Strauss to Hans Zimmer” took place at the intimate venue at the heart of Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11. (Supplied)

The program will showcase a dazzling fusion of classical and cinematic music through an innovative selection of compositions, including the opening piece, “Emperor Waltz, Sultan Style,” by Igudesman and Tristan Schulze, inspired by Johann Strauss.

Other pieces include “Sherlock Holmes Fantasy,” “From Time to Time — Inception Waltz,” and “The Banker’s Waltz.”

Igudesman, celebrated for his electrifying performances and whimsical approach to classical music, will perform original works and innovative compositions, accompanied by the mesmerizing voice of soprano Ekaterina Shelehova.


Saudi-backed film to screen at International Film Festival Rotterdam

Updated 11 January 2025
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Saudi-backed film to screen at International Film Festival Rotterdam

DUBAI: The International Film Festival Rotterdam this week revealed its line-up for the 2025 edition, featuring the Red Sea Film Foundation-supported “Dead Dog” by Lebanese director Sarah Francis.

The film follows Walid and Aida, a husband and wife reunited after his long absence abroad. As they confront the emotional distance between them, secrets come to light, including Aida’s silence about their beloved dog Punto. Set against a backdrop of shifting dynamics and unspoken truths, “Dead Dog” explores themes of estrangement, trust, and the complexities of marriage.

The festival is set to take place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9.


Netflix unveils season 2 trailer for ‘Mo’

Updated 11 January 2025
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Netflix unveils season 2 trailer for ‘Mo’

DUBAI: Netflix this week released the trailer for the highly anticipated second season of Palestinian-American comedian Mohammed Amer’s award-winning series “Mo,” announcing its debut on Jan. 30.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The new trailer showcases the show’s signature humor and heartfelt moments as Mo Najjar, played by Amer, continues to navigate life as a Palestinian refugee in the US.

In season 2, he finds himself stuck on the other side of the border, desperately trying to make it back to Houston in time for his family’s important asylum hearing. With no passport and few options, he faces a series of unexpected challenges, including a new rival who jeopardizes his relationship with Maria and his signature falafel taco recipe.

 


Bella Hadid’s childhood home destroyed in LA fires

Updated 11 January 2025
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Bella Hadid’s childhood home destroyed in LA fires

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian model Bella Hadid took to Instagram this week to share a devastating moment as her childhood home in Los Angeles caught fire.

The model posted a photo on her Instagram Story showing flames and smoke engulfing the house, accompanied by the caption: “Childhood bedroom,” with a sad face emoji.

In a following Story, Hadid shared an aerial view of the house after the fire had been extinguished, revealing the extent of the damage. The once-familiar home was visibly charred, with remnants of the fire still evident.

The model posted a photo on her Instagram Story showing flames and smoke engulfing the house, accompanied by the caption: “Childhood bedroom,” with a sad face emoji. (Instagram)

While Bella did not provide further details, her posts offered a glimpse into the heartbreaking loss of a place filled with cherished childhood memories.

The Malibu property, where her mother Yolanda Hadid once lived and raised Bella and her sister Gigi, frequently appeared on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”

In a following Story, Hadid shared an aerial view of the house after the fire had been extinguished, revealing the extent of the damage. (Instagram)

Hadid is not the first celebrity to experience such a loss. Billy Crystal lost his Pacific Palisades home, where he had lived since 1979. Paris Hilton watched her Malibu beach mansion burn live on television.

Perennial Oscars host Crystal and his wife Janice said they were heartbroken to lose the Pacific Palisades house where they had raised their children and grandchildren.

Media personality Hilton said she was “heartbroken beyond words” to lose her beachfront mansion.

“Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience,” she wrote on X.

The list of celebrities impacted by the worst fires in Los Angeles history reads like a Hollywood who’s who: Jamie Lee Curtis, James Woods, Mandy Moore, Mark Hamill, and Maria Shriver all publicly shared their experiences of being forced to evacuate as flames tore through some of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

The Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on the city’s western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena rank as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming more than 35,000 acres (14,164 hectares) — or some 54 square miles — and turning entire neighborhoods to ash.