DUBAI:Montenegrin Egyptian actress and model Tara Emad took to social media on Sunday to share snippets of her recent trip to Riyadh.
Emad was in the Saudi capital to attend Riyadh Fashion Week and found time to explore the city’s food scene. She shared a video of herself dining at Somewhere restaurant before visiting Bujairi Terrace andUNESCO World Heritage SiteAt-Turaif. She capped off her visit with several shows at Jax B5 as part of fashion week.
Emad captioned her social media post, promoting winter in the Kingdom with the words “Saudi Winter Is Alive” emblazoned across a clip of the city’s skyline, with: “24 hours in Riyadh — from Diriyah’s charm to Fashion Week glam.”
Earlier this month, she was named among the newest inductees to The Business of Fashion 500 Class of 2025, which recognizes individuals shaping the fashion industry, alongside Saudi designer Ahmed Hassan, co-founder of streetwear label KML.
The BoF 500 is an annual index by London-based platform The Business of Fashion, founded by Imran Amed, which celebrates designers, creatives, models, executives and entrepreneurs. Each year, 100 new members are selected based on their impact, industry nominations and extensive editorial research.
Emad, who serves as a Cartier ambassador, is best known for her roles in the recently released Arabic action-comedy “Darwish,” the Arabic adaptation of “Suits,” Netflix’s family drama “Catalog,” and the film “Siko Niko.”
A fixture on red carpets across the region, she has become one of the Arab world’s most recognizable faces, championing regional designers while maintaining a strong international presence.
In October, Emad also hit the red carpet at Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival, ahead of the premiere of “My Father’s Scent,” an Egyptian drama directed by Mohamed Siam.
Earlier at the film festival, she showed off a glittering gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab from the couturier’s Resort 2026 collection.
Princess Rajwa stuns at parliament opening/node/2620400/lifestyle
DUBAI: The stylish Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein had her daughter on her mind at the inauguration of Jordan’s 20th parliament’s second ordinary session led by King Abdullah on Sunday.
The -born princess wore a grey twill midi dress from Self Portrait, a London-based ready-to-wear label that was launched in 2013 by Han Chong.
Princess Rajwa complemented her look with a custom bag by Jordanian brand By Sireen, which had her daughter Princess Iman’s name on it in Arabic. (Instagram)
She complemented the look with a custom bag by Jordanian brand By Sireen, which had her daughter Princess Iman’s name on it in Arabic. The ensemble came together with black leather slingback pumps from YSL.
Also in attendance was Queen Rania, who shared pictures of herself alongside King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah on Instagram.
She was dressed in a full-length, sky-blue silk-shirt dress by Italian luxury label Valentino. She completed the look with blue suede pumps by Jennifer Chamandi and a bag from Fendi.
She was joined by Princess Salma, who opted for an all-black look with midi dress by London brand Me+Em.
In his speech, King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s support for Palestinians in the Occupied Territories.
“Today, we stand witness to the tragedy endured by our brothers and sisters in Gaza, who continue to persevere. To them we say: we stand with you as brothers, supporting you with all that we can.”
He also spoke about developing Jordan’s education, health care and transport sectors, and plans for megaprojects, investment attraction and job creation.
Runway rewind: Looking back at Riyadh Fashion Week’s Saudi design stars
Updated 23 October 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: We take a closer look at homegrown highlights from the capital’s catwalks this Riyadh Fashion Week.
Tima Abid
The Saudi designer’s Fall 2025 Couture collection relied heavily on a black color palette, reflecting the recent loss of her mother. Models were shrouded in black capes, hoods and billowing gowns, with exaggerated silhouettes creating a sense of drama.
In show notes, Abid said the inspiration behind the collection “lies in the chaos that surrounds us, a reflection of how human emotions and thoughts can be transformed into art, fabric, and form.”
Crystals, lace and textured fabric choices also worked to add a layer of interest to the line, with sober shades of burgundy making an appearance on the runway as a counterpoint to the otherwise all-black collection.
Crystals, lace and textured fabric choices worked to add a layer of interest to the line. (Supplied)
Atelier Hekayat
The Saudi label — founded by sisters Alia and Abeer Oraif — presented a line titled “A Ticket to the Theater,” marked by suitably head-turning prints and silhouettes. Inspired by “the transformative magic of performance,” according to show notes, the collection unfolded with A-line capes, poufy silhouettes, bold cuts, and intricate embellishments.
“This collection is a tribute to every soul who has ever stood behind the curtain,” the pair told Arab News in a joint statement. “The silent heroes who made us laugh, cry, and believe in magic.”
Harlequin prints were toned down and presented in tan-and-black to suit modern tastes, while fabrics printed with animated female forms added a touch of whimsy to the line that also boasted a ruffled showman-worthy cape in bright red.
“We wanted to celebrate the moment a woman embraces herself with love and grace,” the sisters explained. “It’s a story of self-love and confidence reborn under the spotlight.”
Harlequin prints were toned down and presented in tan-and-black to suit modern tastes. (Supplied)
Abadia
The label’s latest offering featured voluminous soft silhouettes, sophisticated layering, and rich textiles including silk, velvet, and wool in a warm palette of browns, creams, and golds with an on-trend touch of burgundy. Creative head Shahd Al-Shehail drew inspiration from the legacy of pearl diving communities in , paying tribute to the resilience of the women who held their families together during the men’s long absences at sea.
“It is inspired by my grandfather’s story when he was young and ventured into the sea to mark his coming of age … it reminded me of what it means to choose courage over comfort; to surrender, and to embrace the unknown,” Al-Shehail told Arab News.
The label’s latest offering featured voluminous soft silhouettes, sophisticated layering, and rich textiles. (Supplied)
Leem
The Saudi label’s Fall 2025 showcase was an exercise in blending the Kingdom’s heritage with contemporary design notes. European couture from the 1970s was used as inspiration and seamlessly melded with traditional Saudi attire, resulting in a collection of flowing bisht-style overlays and heritage-inspired farwas for the cooler months.
The brand also offered up business attire in the form of separates and loose fitting dresses in ruffled chiffon.
Psychedelic color-melting techniques were applied to long dresses with leg-of-mutton sleeves — updated with cleaner, less fussy lines. The show notes stated: “The Saudi woman is global, discerning, and self-assured … she understands style but values practicality and purpose.”
Psychedelic color-melting techniques were applied to long dresses with leg-of-mutton sleeves. (Supplied)
Waad Aloqaili
Hand-crafted elements elevated the Saudi designer’s showcase, with intricate embroidery and mother-of-pearl laminate used to stunning effect. Titled “YAMAL,” the collection paid tribute to ’s nautical landscapes with pearls, crystals, beading and chiffon used to mimic the “serene rhythm of the Saudi sea.”
One standout figure-hugging gown boasted a bodice sculpted from hand-crafted mother-of-pearl laminate refined through sanding and sealed with natural wax. Vertical strands of pearls and crystals hung from the waist, with the designer opting not to fasten the delicate ropes to the flowing fabric underneath in order to allow for fluid movement.
Accessories also played a role in paying tribute to the Kingdom’s past, with a pair of shouder-grazing gold earrings designed to look like the traditional scale once used to weigh natural pearls. A headpiece created from gold, natural mother-of-pearl and pearls was designed to mirror the hammah worn by Najd women.
Hand-crafted elements elevated the Saudi designer’s showcase, with intricate embroidery and mother-of-pearl laminate used to stunning effect. (Supplied)
Razan Alazzouni
Having dressed Stateside celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Emma Roberts, and Elizabeth Banks, Alazzouni’s show at Riyadh Fashion Week was her first runway presentation in her home country. Alazzouni also took inspiration from pearl diving and its storied history in the Gulf, but shied away from using pearls directly in her work, instead choosing to employ pearl-diving-related visuals as a motif throughout the collection.
Fishing ropes, the swells of underwater formations and coral were depicted through embroidery woven onto crop tops, dresses and blouses. The collection did not stray too far into nautical territory, however, with the designer opting for a color palette of cream, gold and black with the odd touch of blue.
Fishing ropes, the swells of underwater formations and coral were depicted through embroidery woven onto crop tops, dresses and blouses. (Supplied)
Mirai
The label’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection “ALMOSTAGBAL” used design references from and Japan — specifically Tokyo’s urban fashion. The collection was a welcome look at Saudi street style dressing at an otherwise couture-heavy event.
Cropped blazers, some with Nehru collars, kept things playful. The color palette — moss greens, shades of black and sharp white — was pared down enough that design quirks carried the collection and kept things visually engaging. Tiny triangular embroidery along pocket openings and collar edges harkened back to traditional Najdi architecture, while large buttons boasted intricate patterns in a somewhat unexpected detail for such an urban collection.
The color palette — moss greens, shades of black and sharp white — was pared down enough that design quirks carried the collection. (Supplied)
HINDAMME
The Saudi label showcased its “Hejaz” collection, paying tribute to the Kingdom’s western province. Creative head Mohammed Khoja offered up monochrome full-length dresses, knit cardigans, and silk button-downs emblazoned with Arabic print in a circular formation that picked up on design cues from his 2024 “Petroglyphs Collection.”
“Hejaz” stayed true to the brand’s ethos of contemporary, luxury, ready-to-wear pieces inspired by the concept of East-meets-West, featuring bold scarlet and hot pink shades, textured oversized coats in tan and brown, and boxy jackets that walked the line between nations.
The Saudi label showcased its “Hejaz” collection, paying tribute to the Kingdom’s western province. (Supplied)
Alana Hadid marries Ross Williams in intimate Los Angeles ceremony/node/2619783/lifestyle
Alana Hadid marries Ross Williams in intimate Los Angeles ceremony
Models Gigi and Bella Hadid among the bridesmaids
Updated 22 October 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: Alana Hadid, model and creative director of Watermelon Pictures, a production company highlighting Palestinian stories, and older half-sister to supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, has tied the knot.
She married Ross Williams, a television producer who now works in the mental health sector, whom she met on a dating app four years ago, wearing a vintage Vivienne Westwood gown.
The wedding was held at the home of her father, real-estate mogul Mohamed Hadid, in Los Angeles on Oct. 18, according to reports on Wednesday.
Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid at the wedding. (Instagram)
Her bridesmaids included Gigi and Bella, along with her maid-of-honor Marielle Hadid and “man-of-honor” Anwar Hadid.
According to Vogue, at the reception the couple served drinks from Palestinian-American brands, including an espresso and matcha bar by Mokafe and cola drinks by Drink Palestina.
Deeply passionate about her heritage, Alana, 42, has been using her platform to bring attention to the struggles of the Palestinian people, particularly in light of Israel’s continued occupation and genocide in Gaza.
Her activism is not restricted to 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,” Alana told Arab News in a previous interview.
Shifting her focus to filmmaking, Alana — 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 Alana.
Huda Kattan shows support for Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub before Miss Universe pageant/node/2619769/lifestyle
Huda Kattan shows support for Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub before Miss Universe pageant
Updated 22 October 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: US Iraqi beauty mogul Huda Kattan this week showed her support for Nadeen Ayoub, the first Miss Palestine, who will compete in the 74th Miss Universe pageant taking place in November in Pak Kret, Thailand.
Kattan took to Instagram to share a photo with Ayoub, writing: “We’re so proud to support the first-EVER Miss Palestine @nadeen.m.ayoub to compete in Miss Universe. This moment is so much bigger than pageantry. It’s about strength, pride and representation.”
Kattan has been outspoken in her support for Palestine and has used her platforms to raise awareness about the war in Gaza.
She regularly shares footage and updates from Gaza on her social media accounts to amplify awareness. In 2023, she announced a $1 million donation to two humanitarian organizations working in the region: Human Appeal and Doctors Without Borders.
In July, she teamed up with US-based Palestinian singer Saint Levant to support Palestine.
The partnership introduces a new shade of the brand’s popular faux filler lip oil, with proceeds going to organizations that support Palestinian causes.
Named “Kalamantina,” the shade references Saint Levant’s song of the same name, released earlier this year. The lip oil also features a clementine scent.
“This is for the homeland,” Kattan wrote on the brand’s Instagram page at the time, alongside orange and Palestinian flag emojis. “In honor of this collaboration, Huda Beauty will make a donation to organizations supporting Palestinian agriculture and cultural preservation.”
Meanwhile, Ayoub lives between Ramallah, Amman and Dubai — where she founded an organization that trains content creators on sustainability and artificial intelligence.
She grew up in the occupied West Bank, the US and Canada.
After earning degrees in English literature and psychology, she went on to teach and work for NGOs in the occupied territories.
But after modeling at a fashion show in Italy, people working in the industry encouraged her to compete in beauty pageants, so she launched a Miss Palestine franchise.
In 2022, the first Miss Palestine pageant was held online to allow Palestinians scattered abroad, in Israel, and in the occupied territories to participate.
As the first winner of the title, Ayoub has worked on the organization’s philanthropic activities and in 2022 competed in Miss Earth, an environmentally minded pageant.
But since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, she has not participated in any beauty pageants.
A second Birkin bag owned by Jane Birkin to be auctioned in Abu Dhabi
Updated 21 October 2025
Arab News
DUBAI: One of only four Birkin handbags ever owned by British actress and singer Jane Birkin will be offered at auction as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Week. The program of auctions, masterclasses, panel discussions, and exhibitions at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi is all set to take place from Dec. 2-5.
Gifted to Birkin by Hermes, the black bag was one of four the artist used after she sold her beloved Original Birkin, the prototype.
This one-of-a-kind bag will be sold in a live auction on Dec. 5 under the name Le Birkin Voyageur — a reference to a message inside the bag written by Birkin herself — with an estimate of $230,000–$430,000.
Following the record-breaking sale in July of Birkin’s original Hermes Birkin — a unique and iconic prototype that fetched $10.1 million at Sotheby’s Paris, becoming the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction — global interest in both Hermes Birkins and the actress’ personal collection has surged to unprecedented heights.
Birkin sold her original Hermes Birkin in 1994 to raise funds for a leading French AIDS charity, which prompted Hermes to offer the artist a new Birkin, similar to the prototype she had inspired and helped design.
Selling her Birkin bags to raise funds for charities she cared deeply about, after a few years of usage, became a tradition for the actress, with Hermes replacing them every time. Hermes gave Birkin a total of four Birkin handbags during the course of her life after the sale of the prototype, the very origin of the legend.
Now, one of those four bags is coming to auction, this particular model for the first time in over 15 years, presenting a rare opportunity to own one of the five pieces making up the iconic Birkin handbag legacy. Le Birkin Voyageur was Birkin’s everyday bag from 2003 to 2007, during which time it became an extension of her identity.
