DUBAI: Arab models are taking over Milan Fashion Week, turning heads at renowned fashion brands such as Gucci and Missoni.

French Algerian model Loli Bahia walked the Gucci show wearing a charcoal grey, tailored zip-up jacket with a prominent, pointed collar and a slightly oversized fit, emphasizing a relaxed yet structured silhouette.

The jacket was paired with matching wide-leg trousers and the ensemble was accessorized with a sleek, metallic choker and a pair of white loafers with black details.

Mona Tougaard, who is of Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian decent, also walked the Gucci runway. She wore a sleeveless white dress with a high neckline. The dress was designed with a thigh-high slit and was paired with black knee-high leather boots that had a glossy finish and a chunky heel. For accessorizes, Tougaard wore a gold choker, and matching bracelets on each wrist.

The show, presenting the Italian fashion house’s spring/summer 2025 collection, “Casual Grandeur,” featured draped or sleeveless dresses in various colors, each adorned with golden buckles, alongside see-through lace frocks.

There were looks that mirrored 1960s styles with short A-line skirts, structured jackets and shorts. Long coats were worn over tank tops and long denim trousers. Some coats were adorned with sparkling fringes.

The color palette included grey — just like Bahia’s look — brown, different shades of green, white, orange and red.

Meanwhile, part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair and British Moroccan catwalk star Nora Attal walked the Missoni show.

Al-Zuhair wore a dynamic, eye-catching ensemble featuring bold, wavy stripes in black, white and yellow. The outfit included an asymmetrical top adorned with exaggerated ruffled detailing that cascaded down one side, paired with a high-waisted bikini bottom. Completing the look were matching high-heeled sandals in vibrant yellow, adding an extra pop of color.

Attal also stepped onto the runway in a vibrant and eclectic ensemble featuring a mix of bold colors and patterns. She wore a one-shoulder top adorned with wavy stripes in black, white, red, yellow and blue.

The top showcased a sharply angled, asymmetrical hem and was paired with high-waisted leggings that echoed the color theme through large, color-blocked panels. The look was completed with classic black pointed-toe heels.

ALULA: The Azimuth Festival began in AlUla on Sept. 19, attracting a lively crowd that danced to the beats of techno and EDM, courtesy of a lineup featuring world-renowned DJs and artists from across the globe.

The first day featured a stellar lineup, including Ben Bohmer, YokoO, Ghostly Kisses, The Blaze, Monolink, Eli & Fur, Amine K, and many Saudi DJ’s performing on the Hive stage.

Ahead of his performance, German DJ Ben Bohmer shared his excitement with Arab News: “I’m here in the stunning AlUla in Saudi Arabia. It’s my first time both visiting and performing in this country. I’m thrilled to be here, and I hope everyone is having an amazing time.”

Running from dusk until dawn, the festival embraces the theme “Until the Sun Comes Up,” with performances extending until 7 a.m.

The festival featured two stages: The main stage and the Hive stage, where local artists took the spotlight.

DJ Cosmicat, returning for her third consecutive year, shared her excitement about closing out the Hive Stage on the first night: “Tonight, I’ll be the final act on the DJ stage from 5:20 a.m. until 7 a.m. The vibe is incredible, and the music is calm, perfectly suited to AlUla’s desert atmosphere. 

“It allows everyone to take in the beauty of this place and connect with one another. Each year, I see the festival evolving, with new faces and exciting developments,” she said. “I’m so proud of everything happening here. The audience at Azimuth has a distinct taste in music, and I am thrilled because the music I love aligns with this year’s lineup, featuring artists like Eli & Fur, Ben Bohmer and James Blake, all of whom have influenced my sound.”

The fourth Azimuth Festival has celebrated individuality, with attendees showcasing distinctive outfits that reflected their personalities and musical preferences. Set against the stunning backdrop of the AlUla desert, the venue provided the perfect space for music-lovers of all ages and nationalities to gather, dance and enjoy the experience.

The festivities on Thursday began with a captivating 80-minute set by internationally acclaimed DJ YokoO, who displayed his two decades of expertise in house music.

Ghostly Kisses then took the stage, mesmerizing the audience with an enchanting performance, followed by The Blaze, who kept the energy alive.

Under the stars, Ben Bohmer delivered a stellar set, setting the tone for the night. Monolink followed with an engaging performance, leading into a dynamic set by Eli & Fur.

Amine K closed out the first night, perfectly capturing the festival’s “Until the Sun Comes Up” theme.

Both Thursday and Friday nights also featured the Hive Stage, which spotlighted a diverse lineup of local, regional, underground and emerging artists.