Tiffany & Co. and Dar Al-Hekma University launched the Keys for a Cause initiative aimed at raising funds to empower women with education in Saudi Arabia. The campaign was launched on June 5, 2016 in Jeddah.
The result of this unique partnership — Keys for a Cause initiative — was that Tiffany & Co. handed over the amount raised for Dar Al-Hekma University Scholarship Fund this October to help students in need of financial support to complete their education.
This initiative reflects on the powerful meaning of Tiffany Keys collection expressed by the words “Unlock Your Possibilities,” the partnership between the international jewelry brand and local university underlines the importance of education as the most powerful asset enabling women to unlock their potentials and achieve their goals.
“We are very proud to partner with Dar Al-Hekma University on this program that gives young eager women the gift of education and we thank Dr. Al-Qurashi for her support,” highlighted Renaud Pretet, Vice President of Tiffany & Co., Middle East and Africa. “At Tiffany, we understand the impact education can have on professional and personal advancement. Education has the power to unlock the possibilities and potential of individuals; it can grant every woman a voice and make her a strong contributor to national growth. By adopting education as a focus for our Keys for a Cause initiative, we demonstrate how meaningful this subject is for us on a corporate social responsibility level.”
The collected fund is a generous contribution from the Saudi community who supported this worthy cause. Customers donated SR250 in exchange of a symbolic key at Tiffany & Co. boutiques in Jeddah’s Boulevard Mall and Riyadh’s Kingdom Center. After they received their keys, they attempted to open a lock fixed on a Tiffany Blue Box to unveil an iconic Tiffany gift.
“Education is the pillar on which society’s growth and advancement depend. Tiffany through the Keys for a Cause initiative invested in women’s education in Saudi Arabia and this proves their dedication and conviction in the importance of women’s education. The Saudi government has always invested heavily in education and if the private sector mirrors this positive attitude, Saudi Arabia will be in the fast track to a brighter future,” said Dr. Suhair Hassan Al-Qurashi, president of Dar Al-Hekma University.
The deal was to contribute to the cause by donating SR250 in exchange for a symbolic key or receiving one upon making a purchase of SR2500 and above. Guests found a pedestal in each boutique displaying a Tiffany Blue Box, secured with a white bow and lock in both Jeddah and Riyadh boutiques. After receiving their keys, guests were invited to open the lock and if it unlocks they will be directed to pick up an iconic Tiffany gift.
It is essential that the private sector works hand in hand with the education sector as they will benefit once the students have graduated and are seeking careers and employment. On the other hand, universities benefit from the financial support provided by the private sector and will be able to graduate a greater number of talents willing to serve their country in the best way possible.
“As a non-profit institution, we appreciate immensely the support that ‘Tiffany’s Keys for a Cause’ initiative is giving us. Empowering young women and giving them a chance to obtain a high quality education that has the potential to change their future is something everyone in the Kingdom should care about. The right to have access to local and good education that matches the quality of international standards should not be exclusive; everyone has the right to receive excellent education,” said Dr. Al-Qurashi.
Tiffany & Co. on a mission: Educating Saudi women
Tiffany & Co. on a mission: Educating Saudi women
Georgina Rodriguez promotes collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne
DUBAI: Argentinian model and reality TV star Georgina Rodriguez took to Instagram to announce that her debut fragrance collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne is back in stock.
“SENSE my new perfume with Laverne is back in stock,” she posted, alongside a photo of herself – dressed in an eye-catching red dress while holding the fragrance bottle.
On the official website, the label describes Sense as the result of a collaboration between Dalia Eisem and Rodriguez that lasted more than a year and included the creation of more than 740 samples.
“Finally, Georgina chose the perfect combination that embodies all her feelings in a perfume bottle,” it said, noting that the fragrance included notes of blackcurrant, mandarin, jasmine, cashmere and orange blossom.
In March 2023, Rodriguez – the longtime partner of legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo – collaborated with Laverne to become the face of their new fragrance, Blue Laverne.
Saudi star Model Roz makes guest appearance on Netflix’s ‘Dubai Bling’
DUBAI: Los Angeles-based Saudi influencer Model Roz made a surprise appearance in season three of Netflix’s gossip-filled drama show “Dubai Bling,” which premiered on Jan. 8.
The model, who boasts 15.2 million Instagram followers, shared a short clip of her cameo on social media.
In the video, Mahira Abdel Aziz, the Emirati Egyptian newcomer to the show, introduced Roz to the cast, saying” “Ladies and gentlemen, all the way from LA... Roz. We are happy to have her here in Dubai.” Roz responded by bowing gracefully and thanking the cast for their warm welcome.
“Welcome to Dubai,” added Zeina Khoury, a real estate agent and founder of the fashion brand I Am The Company.
“It’s my first time in Dubai, so all of you need to show me around,” Roz replied with a smile.
The scene then shifted to Roz sitting with Loujain Adada as they got their makeup touched up.
Roz seized the moment to ask, “What happened the other day in the fitting? I heard your voices and sensed some stress.”
Adada brushed off the question, saying: “Stress? Nothing happened. I don’t think it concerns you in any way, so don’t worry.”
Roz responded quickly, “Yes, I stay away from these things.”
“I’m telling you now, don’t be a gossip. I really hate that kind of stuff,” Adada cautioned.
Roz clarified: “It’s not my thing. I just wanted to make sure everything is okay.”
The program has been praised by critics for its ability to attract a multicultural audience due to its diverse cast, as well as merging English and Arabic dialogue, often in the same sentence.
Season three of “Dubai Bling” features a mix of returning cast members, new faces and notable departures. Familiar faces such as Adada, Khoury, Mona Kattan, Ebraheem Al-Samadi, Safa and Fahad Siddiqui, Farhana Bodi, Marwan Al-Awadhi (DJ Bliss), and Danya Mohammed return to share their glamorous lives.
Joining the cast are media personality Abdel Aziz and Iraqi singer and actress Jwana Karim.
Saudi TV presenter Lojain Omran, along with radio host Kris Fade and his wife Brianna Fade, have exited the show.
Roz shot to fame in 2019 when she modelled for a Victoria’s Secret’s Pink campaign.
The model’s Instagram feed is littered with photographs of her various advertising campaigns, as well as visits to many a product launch party — from NYX Cosmetics events to TikTok gatherings.
Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi dresses stars at the Golden Globes
DUBAI: Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi dressed three stars at Sunday night’s Golden Globes in Hollywood, with Mindy Kaling, Kristen Bell and Ari Graynor showing off looks by the Paris-based designer.
Kaling showed off a gold column gown from Ashi Studio, hailing from the label’s Spring/Summer 2024 couture collection.
The first designer from the Gulf to take part in Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Ashi also dressed Graynor in a risque look complete with cutouts across the bodice. The all-black gown was plucked from his label’s Fall/Winter 2023 couture collection.
For her part, nominee Bell shimmered in a gold, beaded Ashi Studio gown that boasted a peplum and rounded neckline.
With some of Hollywood's most fashion-forward stars up for awards this year, it's going to be an eventful season. The Golden Globes gets it all started, with stars — and their stylists — marking their territory at one of Hollywood's splashiest events, the Associated Press reported.
“Wicked” star Ariana Grande showed off a pale yellow Givenchy haute couture look. The gown was in crafted in silk with a hand-beaded bodice — a vintage 1966 gown from what the designer calls the Audrey Hepburn era of Givenchy.
Cate Blanchett looked like an awards statue come to life in a glistening gold gown with a ruched top by Louis Vuitton — one that she also wore at the Cannes Film Festival. New gold stones were added to the gown, designed by Nicholas Ghesquière, to freshen the look.
Where Blanchett glistened in gold, Nicole Kidman sparkled in silver, in a daring, one-shoulder backless Balenciaga gown. The “Babygirl” star polished off the look with a chic, voluminous half-ponytail.
Globes host Nikki Glaser zeroed right in on Timothee Chalamet, one of the hottest stars in Hollywood, in her monologue, telling him: “You have the most gorgeous eyelashes on your upper lip.” As for the clothes on his body, Chalamet went more traditional than other recent trips to the carpet, wearing a sleek Tom Ford black suit with embellished jacket, a white shirt and a blue scarf tossed around his neck (or was it a tie?).
Always a winner on the red carpet, actress Zendaya provided yet another high fashion moment at the Golden Globes in a custom Louis Vuitton ballgown paired with Bulgari jewelry.
Georgina Rodriguez steals the spotlight at Dubai event
DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez made a head-turning appearance this week at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards 2024, held as part of the Dubai International Sports Conference 2024.
She attended the event alongside her longtime partner, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was honored with two awards: Best Middle East Player 2024 and All-Time Top Goal Scorer.
Rodriguez turned heads in a fitted black dress featuring a sweetheart neckline and lace-detailed sleeves. She completed her look with black pointed-toe heels and carried a matching black purse.
The couple was joined by Ronaldo’s eldest son, Cristiano Jr., making it a family affair at one of the year’s most celebrated sports events.
Upon accepting the award, Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr FC, expressed his gratitude on stage, saying: “For me, it is a big pleasure to win this trophy. It is very different than the other ones. It is a pleasure to be in this gala. (There are) a lot of champions here, young generations and old generations.”
He continued: “I have to say thank you to my own family, my kids. They are all here in Dubai. My oldest son is there. My wife is here. She’s my lovely support all the time to carry on to play. In one month I’m gonna be 40 years old but I’m not finished yet. I will continue because I want to win titles, I want to be a champion.”
After the event, Ronaldo shared pictures with his 646 million Instagram followers, captioning the post: “A great way to end the year. Thank you to my teammates, staff, to everyone who has supported me along the way, and especially to my family. There is still more to come.”
The couple were later spotted at Nobu Dubai in Atlantis the Palm, where there was also Brazilian football player Neymar and former Italian footballer Alessandro Del Piero.
Rodriguez and Ronaldo traveled to Dubai following their family vacation in Lapland, Finland, where they celebrated the festive season.
The couple shared glimpses of their activities on Instagram, including an in-house dinner with their children, sledding adventures, ice baths and more, giving fans a peek into their holiday moments.
Mytheresa CEO on personalization, culture, Saudi Arabia’s luxury boom
DUBAI: As Saudi Arabia cements its position as a global centre for luxury, the Kingdom’s burgeoning fashion market is capturing the attention of high-end retailers worldwide.
Mytheresa, one of the leading luxury e-commerce platforms, is at the forefront of this shift, catering to a growing and increasingly discerning Saudi clientele.
Michael Kliger, CEO of Mytheresa, revealed how the brand is evolving alongside the Kingdom’s dynamic landscape, with a focus on personalization and cultural connection.
“We’re witnessing incredible changes in the Saudi market,” Kliger said. “More Saudis are staying in the region, with some even moving back permanently, which has created a significant increase in local demand for luxury fashion.
“Events like weddings and receptions have always been important here, but now, with cinemas and fine dining experiences becoming more common, there are even more occasions for people to dress up.”
While Mytheresa does not yet have a physical presence in Saudi Arabia, its strategy focuses on creating meaningful connections with local clients.
“We host a variety of events to engage directly with our Saudi customers,” Kliger said. “Recently, we had a dinner at Hia Hub in Riyadh with the designers of Oscar de la Renta, and in Jeddah, one of our clients hosted 100 of her friends for us at a hotel. These gatherings, along with style suites where customers can try curated collections, allow us to bring the Mytheresa experience to them in a personal and exclusive way.”
Additionally, the e-tailer frequently collaborates with local creatives to create authentic connections with their customers. Kliger said that understanding the timing of local events and traditions, such as Ramadan and other festive gatherings, is essential. He highlighted the importance of working with local influencers and ambassadors to ensure the brand’s messaging feels genuine and accessible, making it easier for Saudi customers to engage with Mytheresa.
Personalization too, is at the heart of Mytheresa’s approach. “It’s not about catering to a ‘Saudi style,’ but understanding each individual client,” Kliger said. “For example, one of our clients in Riyadh loves Yamamoto and Sacai. It’s about identifying those preferences and curating options that resonate with their personal taste. That’s what makes our service unique.”
Kliger also touched on the recent acquisition of Net-a-Porter by Mytheresa and its implications for the Saudi market.
“Net-a-Porter complements what we do at Mytheresa,” he said. “They’re strong in discovery and editorial, while we focus on highly curated, established luxury brands. Together, we can cater to different corners of the luxury market without diluting our individual strengths.”
As Saudi Arabia’s young, tech-savvy population drives the growth of e-commerce, Kliger emphasized the importance of adapting to the Kingdom’s digital preferences. “Social media usage here is unique, with platforms like TikTok and Snapchat playing a major role in how people interact and shop. Understanding these behaviors is key to connecting with this market,” he said.
With a focus on personalization, community engagement, and digital strategy, Mytheresa is poised to strengthen its position in Saudi Arabia’s thriving luxury landscape. “The Saudi market is one of the most dynamic regions for us,” Kliger said.
