Bella Hadid heads to New York for Adidas campaign launch

Bella Hadid (L) is seen in Midtown in New York City during her campaign launch with Adidas. (Getty Images)
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Updated 16 July 2024
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Bella Hadid heads to New York for Adidas campaign launch

DUBAI: US Palestinian Dutch supermodel Bella Hadid is the face of Adidas Originals’ new campaign for its SL “Super Light” 72 sneaker.

The brand is reintroducing the running shoe, which launched in the summer of 1972, in five colorways. Hadid took part in the launch campaign, which sees the model star in a digital and billboard campaign for the brand — with her image taking over a largescale billboard in New York this week.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

“Lucky to still be able to have these (kinds) of pinch me moments,” Hadid posted on Instagram alongside a carousel of photos of the billboard.

The photographs for the campaign were shot in Paris and see Hadid posing in the shoes while wearing an Adidas top-and-shorts set with the brand’s identifiable three stripes. She holds a bouquet of red-hued flowers in the photos.

Hadid is celebrating more than just her latest campaign — this spring, the model launched her own brand Orebella. The inaugural products were three perfumes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

In July, the beauty entrepreneur announced that a percentage of the proceeds from her brand are being donated to the Orebella Alchemy Foundation, a charitable initiative aimed at creating positive change across various communities.

The Orebella Alchemy Foundation partners with organizations that are “deeply personal” to Hadid, such as Girls Club New York, which empowers young women and “youth of color,” and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), which aims to change lives by providing equine-assisted services to people with disabilities.

“We will be donating a minimum financial donation of 1 percent of all Orebella net sales to charity, as well as delivering service hours, community outreach and social promotion,” Hadid wrote on social media. “I can’t wait to keep growing and including even more amazing organizations. I have so many different organizations that are important to me and we will continue to roll them out.”


Stay ‘committed and resistant,’ says Emirati aerospace engineer Marwa Al-Mamari

Updated 27 August 2024
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Stay ‘committed and resistant,’ says Emirati aerospace engineer Marwa Al-Mamari

DUBAI: Emirati aerospace engineer Marwa Al-Mamari is on a mission to encourage young women in the region to take up STEM careers.

Al-Mamari is featured in technology company Dyson’s new FIRSTS campaign, which “celebrates pioneering women from the region who are redefining success and innovation,” according to the brand.

Dyson added that Al-Mamari “made history” as the first Emirati woman to become an aerospace engineer. “She navigated the traditionally male-dominated field to break barriers.”

Al-Mamari told Arab News she wants to encourage women to venture out in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“I always say it doesn’t take someone smart to be what you want. It takes someone who’s committed and resistant … so as long as you have these two things, you can do whatever you want and be whoever you want.”

She added that if women do so they will “overcome all obstacles” and “receive support in return.”

Her path to a master’s in aviation safety and a career in aerospace engineering was fraught with obstacles. She said it took her years to convince her parents that she wanted a career in the traditionally male profession.

 They need not have worried.

“I was really taken care of and welcomed and taken care of sometimes, though, because you are the only girl in the room people might underestimate your voice, or your capabilities or what you can

offer on the table,” she said of the first phase of her career.

“But once you speak up, you know, the magic starts — they can see there is a brain, actually.”

Al-Mamari currently works at the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, implementing safety frameworks worldwide for the regulatory body. Her core duties include setting up training sessions for operators, airport staff, and other stakeholders.

She said that what “makes you feel alive at work is … doing the drills where I go and check their readiness, make sure they are following the regulations and are up to the standards.”

“Our work, my work, wasn’t only national, it was internationally impactful,” she added, explaining her motivation.

Al-Mamari also touched on being a parent while undertaking a challenging career.

“What I try to advocate here is I always tell all mothers out there, all women, if you need to take a break from your career, do it, know your priorities.

 “The minute you feel you’re ready to go back, you will always shine again because you still have that passion and all this potential.”


Gigi Hadid named global ambassador for Rabanne scent

Updated 27 August 2024
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Gigi Hadid named global ambassador for Rabanne scent

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Gigi Hadid has been named the global ambassador for French luxury fashion brand Rabanne’s new fragrance, Million Gold For Her.

In the campaign photos, Hadid is seen wearing a metallic gold two-piece set, consisting of a skirt and a cropped top made of reflective fabric. In the accompanying campaign video, she also appeared in a black suit.

Her hair was styled in loose waves and her makeup was subtle, emphasizing her blue eyes and neutral-toned lips.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

In one of the images, Hadid is pictured holding the oversized perfume bottle for Million Gold For Her.

“Million Gold For Her reminds me of how Rabanne feels as a brand,” Hadid said in a statement. “It is powerful and beautiful, with rose, lavender and a salty mineral musk undertone. I love the balance. I think that a lot of my personality has masculine tinges to it, so I Iike the mix of feminine and masculine elements in a fragrance.”

Hadid took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes shots of the campaign shoot. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

“The making of the ‘million gold’ commercial was days of trying to keep a straight face through the joy and fun that is dancing with @stephengalloway on set,” she captioned her post. “Feeling golden being the newest ambassador of this iconic fragrance – many, many thanks to my new family at @rabanne and to all who made this week wonderful.” 

One of the photos featured her enjoying lunch on set with the team, which included an Arab meal. The spread consisted of tabbouleh, hummus, batata harra, rolls and fattoush.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

This month, Hadid released the Fall 2024 collection for her fashion brand, Guest In Residence. 

The collection includes timeless pieces such as oversized sweaters, cardigans, and tailored knit sets, all made from 100% cashmere. These pieces come in warm, earthy tones and rich autumnal colors, combining functionality with fashion-forward designs that reflect Hadid’s personal style. 


Alana Hadid puts spotlight on Palestinian stories through production company

Updated 26 August 2024
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Alana Hadid puts spotlight on Palestinian stories through production company

  • Documentary ‘Walled Off’ is movie firm’s debut offering
  • Watermelon Pictures founded with Badie and Hamza Ali

LOS ANGELES: Alana Hadid, often only recognized as the sister of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, is amplifying her own voice for the Palestinian cause.

Deeply passionate about her heritage, Hadid has been using her platform to bring attention to the struggles of the Palestinian people, particularly in the light of the ongoing events in Gaza.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Alana Hadid (@lanzybear)

Her activism is not restricted to just the online space; it is a deeply personal commitment to highlighting the stories that matter, she said.

“I was always hearing stories, stories about the cities and the towns that their ancestors helped build. The lives that they had and their lives as refugees and then eventually in the United States.

“But I was very proud, always proud of being a Palestinian. That was what I learned as a child,” Hadid told Arab News.

Shifting her focus to filmmaking, Hadid — along with brothers Badie Ali and Hamza Ali — co-founded Watermelon Pictures, a production company with a mission to create compelling, impactful stories that resonate with global audiences.

Through her work in film, she aims to bridge the gap between mainstream media and the often-overlooked narratives of the Palestinian people.

“I was honored to be asked to be the creative director of Watermelon Pictures. I think it’s not only a passion project for Hamza and Badie, but it is an opportunity for Palestinians to have a place to go to tell their stories.

“I get emotional about it. I think it’s just one of the most beautiful things that people have a place where they can put their stories. And we know that we have a safe place for that,” said Hadid.

The production company’s debut project, the 2024 documentary “Walled Off,” delves into the realities of life under occupation, offering a poignant and raw look at the experiences of Palestinians.

“The Waldorf Hotel’s design is by the graffiti artist Banksy. It contains a secret museum. And essentially the hotel has a view of what we call the worst view in the world, the apartheid wall.

“So really, this hotel provides the framework for the film and just demonstrates the difficulty of living under military occupation,” said Hadid.

Through this film and her future projects, Hadid seeks to amplify marginalized voices and bring a human face to the political issues that often dominate headlines.

“Watch our social media and our website to see what’s coming next. But we have a lot of stories. We haven’t heard these stories and these stories have been censored for so long.

“So, we’ve been flooded with not only movies that have already been made that really need to be seen, but also with filmmakers, actors, editors. And we’re really excited to just be a hub for that for Palestinians,” she said.


AlUla’s rich cultural heritage beckons travelers from far and wide

Updated 26 August 2024
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AlUla’s rich cultural heritage beckons travelers from far and wide

  • Geological diversity, inscriptions and rock carvings are attractions
  • Hegra, the UNESCO World Heritage site, features Nabatean tombs 

JEDDAH: Culture is a fundamental component of the tourism offering in AlUla, which is situated in the Kingdom’s northwest, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Every visitor to AlUla is eager to learn about the region’s ancient heritage, reflected in its rich history spanning thousands of years. This makes it a bucket-list destination for history and travel enthusiasts.

AlUla is centered around an ancient town that emerged in the 12th century, featuring around 900 houses built from mud bricks, the SPA reported.

In the past, trade caravans laden with incense passed nearby, overlooking palm oases with around 3 million trees.

A towering fortress, standing 45 meters tall, was constructed within it, serving as a watchtower and defensive fortification for the town’s wall, which included 14 gates, the report explained. 

The town now has several local shops, restaurants and cafes, providing a retreat for families and tourists from various countries. 

The old town of AlUla was selected as one of the best tourist villages in the world by the World Tourism Organization in 2022, among 32 from around the globe, for meeting all the selection criteria.

AlUla offers its visitors numerous tourism options. Amidst its natural landscape distinguished by geological diversity and stunning rock formations, visitors can experience desert trips, camping, stargazing in its clear skies, nature reserves, and mountain climbing.

Jabal Ikmah is one of the most prominent historical sites in AlUla, popularly dubbed “the largest open-air library” in the Arabian Peninsula due to its hundreds of ancient inscriptions and rock carvings. 

At the same time, visitors can explore historical and archaeological sites, most notably the Hegra area, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here one can discover Nabatean tombs, various inscriptions, and excavation sites. 

Every year, the Royal Commission for AlUla organizes several diverse artistic and cultural events, including the upcoming Winter at Tantora Festival. 

The event features traditional sports of horseback archery and tent pegging, as well as exploratory tours, art and cultural exhibitions, including the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, and much more.


French Algerian singer Lolo Zouai goes goth at ‘The Crow’ premiere

Updated 26 August 2024
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French Algerian singer Lolo Zouai goes goth at ‘The Crow’ premiere

DUBAI: French Algerian singer-songwriter Lolo Zouai embraced gothic fashion on the red carpet at the New York premiere of the upcoming comic book adaptation, “The Crow.”

Zouai, who divides her time between Brooklyn and Los Angeles, took to Instagram to share images of her all-black, lacy ensemble.

“Guess the dress code,” she captioned the post.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lolo Zouaï (@lolozouai)

“The Crow,” by filmmaker Rupert Standers, stars Bill Skarsgard as Eric Draven, who is murdered alongside his girlfriend Shelly, played by singer-songwriter FKA Twigs in her second feature film role.

Existing somewhere between life and death, Eric transforms into the invincible superhero known as The Crow, who is determined to avenge the tragedy and sacrifice himself to rescue Shelly. Sanders’ new adaptation of James O’Barr’s comic book series arrives 30 years after the original 1994 film.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lolo Zouaï (@lolozouai)

Meanwhile, Zouai, known for her unique blend of R&B, club-pop and hip-hop, has gained an international fanbase for her dynamic stage presence and genre-blending music. 

Her career highlights include the release of her debut album, “High Highs to Low Lows,” in 2019 and her follow-up album “PLAYGIRL” in 2022. 

In April, Zouai took to Instagram to celebrate the five-year anniversary of her debut album. “Happy 5 years to the album that started it all,” she wrote. “Thank you to all my lil lo-riders for being on this ride with me from the beginning.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lolo Zouaï (@lolozouai)

To celebrate the milestone, Zouai brought back merchandise pieces originally created at the time of her debut album, including some signed clothing.

Second album “PLAYGIRL,” released in October 2022, featured 13 songs. The singer was featured on a billboard in New York’s Times Square and she shared a video of herself posing in front of it.

“I always said that one day, I would be on a billboard in Times Square. Today is that day,” she said in the short clip.  

An expansive tour in 2023 included 30 dates across North America and Europe, including the US, Canada, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.