Saudi designer Honayda Serafi makes history with Saks Fifth Avenue debut

Saudi designer Honayda Serafi makes history with Saks Fifth Avenue debut
Honayda Serafi has dressed many A-listers around the world. (Getty Images)
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Updated 10 August 2024
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Saudi designer Honayda Serafi makes history with Saks Fifth Avenue debut

Saudi designer Honayda Serafi makes history with Saks Fifth Avenue debut

DUBAI: Saudi designer Honayda Serafi, founder of the label Honayda, made history this week by debuting at New York City’s Saks Fifth Avenue, becoming the first Saudi woman designer to be featured at the luxury department store.

The collection available at Saks is her spring/summer 2024 Cosmos release, which draws inspiration from the achievements of women in space exploration. 

It showcases bright sky blues and reds, with glamorous sequins and vibrant crystals that echo the shimmering stars. Electric blue taffeta, dark magenta crepe and soft lace create a variety of textures, while body-shaping silhouettes, modernized mermaid cuts and dramatic capes add to the collection’s dynamic character. 

This collection also pays tribute to visionaries such as Syrian scientist Maryam Al-Astrulabi, celebrating their contributions to history.

From Priyanka Chopra to Lupita Nyong’o and Adriana Lima, Serafi has dressed many A-listers around the world. Since founding her label Honayda in 2016, Serafi has captured the attention of some of Saudi’s most stylish women and celebrities with her standout designs in elegant and sophisticated silhouettes. 

In 2022, she became the first Saudi designer to showcase her collection at Harrods in London. 

One of her achievements was designing a dress for Princess Rajwa of Jordan’s pre-wedding henna night celebration in May 2023.

The princess looked radiant in an ethereal white creation with gold embroidery that was inspired by Al-Shaby thobes of the Najd region in Saudi Arabia, where Princess Rajwa — who was formerly known as Rajwa Al-Saif — is from. 




The henna night dress was inspired by Al-Shaby thobes of the Najd region in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)

“When I first got the call, I was extremely happy and proud to be part of this exceptional and historical moment. What I am especially proud of is communicating the love story between the crown prince and Rajwa in the design itself,” Serafi told Arab News at the time.

In June, Rajwa attended King Abdullah II’s silver jubilee celebrations in Amman alongside her husband, Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, in a bespoke gown by Serafi.

It was a flowy, floor-length gown in a deep red color. It featured intricate, silver embellishments along the cape-like sleeves. 

“As the creative director, I am deeply grateful for her trust and encouragement, which serve as a key to unlocking boundless creativity and beauty in my designs,” Serafi previously told Arab News of the continuing relationship with the royal. 


Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards

Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards
Updated 27 May 2025
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Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards

Nikki Glaser wears Yara Shoemaker at American Music Awards

DUBAI: US actress and comedian Nikki Glaser attended the American Music Awards this week wearing a black midi dress by US label Yara Shoemaker, founded by Syrian-born designer Yara.

Nikki Glaser completed the look with classic black patent leather pointed-toe stilettos. (Getty Images)

The form-fitting dress featured a lace-up corset detail at the front, with thick straps, a deep sweetheart neckline and metal eyelets that cinched the waist. She completed the look with classic black patent leather pointed-toe stilettos.

The designer also featured at the Cannes Film Festival last week, with part-Saudi model Shanina Shaik and US German model and TV personality Heidi Klum both wearing her creations.

Shaik opted for a two-texture gown featuring a sculpted, strapless corset-style bodice in ivory ribbed fabric. The silhouette flared slightly at the hips and flowed into a floor-length skirt of sheer embroidered lace adorned with beadwork and sequins.

Meanwhile, Klum wore a black strapless gown with a corset-style bodice embellished with black sequins and intricate beadwork. The dress flowed into a sheer floor-length skirt decorated with delicate black appliqué motifs. She completed the look with a voluminous black feathered cape draped over her arms.

The American Music Awards saw “Birds of a Feather” singer Billie Eilish named Artist of the Year, beating Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen and others nominees for the top honor. Eilish won all seven categories in which she was nominated, including Album of the Year and Favorite Touring Artist.

“This is so crazy. I feel speechless,” she said in a video message from Europe, where she is currently on tour. “I wish I could be there tonight.”

Gracie Abrams was named New Artist of the Year, while SZA earned awards for Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for “Saturn.” Becky G won Favorite Female Latin Artist.

Many of the big names nominated for awards did not attend. One such absentee was Beyonce, who claimed Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for “Cowboy Carter,” her first AMA wins in country categories.

Post Malone was named Favorite Male Country Artist.


Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo wins New York Architectural Design Awards

Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo wins New York Architectural Design Awards
Updated 27 May 2025
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Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo wins New York Architectural Design Awards

Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo wins New York Architectural Design Awards

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai was awarded the Gold Prize in the Cultural Architecture in the Interactive and Experiential Spaces category by the New York Architectural Design Awards.

The prize recognizes the pavilion’s design and architecture, which offers visitors an immersive experience and insight into Saudi Arabia’s heritage.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the pavilion was spearheaded by the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission and was led by CEO Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Project Manager Fatima Al-Doukhi. It was also designed by the renowned global firm Foster + Partners.

The design highlights the cultural similarities between the kingdom and Japan, while focusing on sustainability, employing passive cooling strategies enhanced by the strategic placement of structural blocks to facilitate wind movement.

The pavilion features low-carbon materials, energy-efficient lighting and solar energy technologies, SPA reported. It also features Braille signage and pathways for visitors with disabilities, making the building accessible and inclusive.

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion has already attracted over half a million visitors since its launch on April 13.

It has also hosted over 175 events, including cultural performances, business events, media and over 400 VIP delegations.


Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort
Updated 26 May 2025
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Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

Nicola Coughlan donates gown to Gaza fundraising effort

DUBAI: Irish actress Nicola Coughlan has partnered with nonprofit organization Choose Love to donate her Peace Lily couture dress by Robert Wun to a prize draw raising funds for Gaza.

The “Bridgerton” star has long been outspoken about Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

She wore the dress to accept the Commitment Prize by French media company Konbini at Canneseries in April.

During an hour-long masterclass at the event, Coughlan spoke in depth about not only her work on shows like “Derry Girls” and “Doctor Who,” but also her support of Palestine. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Choose Love (@chooselove)

“There is a factor of ‘it’s better if you say nothing’ because our job is to entertain you,” said the actor when asked about speaking in support of Palestine, according to a report by Variety. “My dad was in the Irish Army, which is a peacekeeping force. My family lived in Jerusalem and Syria in the 70s, so it’s something that is in my bones. We are talking about right or wrong, about children being bombed in their beds. I wouldn’t accept that anywhere in the world.”

The actor, who was given the award for being a “talent actively making a change well beyond television,” continued by highlighting how there has “always been a connection between Palestine and Ireland,” and that the two countries have “shared ideals and struggles.”

“Any country in the world that was facing this, I would talk about it. It’s not difficult. For me, the killing of innocent people is never right,” she said.

The tickets for Choose Love’s prize draw are priced at $34 and the organization stated on Instagram that “donation(s) will help Choose Love’s incredible partners who are doing life-saving work in Gaza.”

“It was an honour to wear this custom gown from the inimitable Robert Wun. The message behind it is a rallying call for peace. I’m delighted to donate this gown to the prize draw to support Choose Love’s work in Gaza,” Coughlan said in a released statement about the draw.

The pearl white gown was designed by Robert Wun, a Hong Kong-born London-based fashion designer. After graduating from London College of Fashion, Wun launched his brand in 2014.


A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai

A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai
Updated 26 May 2025
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A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai

A vibrant exploration of identity, mind and meaning — Kojo Marfo’s ‘HOME’ comes to Dubai

DUBAI: Ghanaian British artist Kojo Marfo’s first solo exhibition in the UAE — “HOME: Heart of My Existence” — is being held at the JD Malat Gallery in Dubai until May 31.

The exhibition features 13 bold, large-scale works that invite viewers to a deeply personal and philosophical conversation about what it truly means to belong, and where that sense of belonging originates.

Best known for a vibrant style he calls “AfroGenesis,” Marfo blends influences from his Ghanaian heritage including Akan artifacts and carvings with Western techniques like Cubism and Old Master. The results are unique, with vivid, monumental figures that both conceal and reveal complex emotional narratives.

While his early inspirations include Spanish pioneer Picasso, Marfo has moved beyond mimicry to forge his own aesthetic.

“As time went on, I developed my own style and ideas — I call it ‘AfroGenesis.’ It sounds like a movement, but I want to say I am original. I am not trying to start a movement — I am just here to say, I’m authentic.”

A dialogue in color and form

While the dazzling colors and stylized forms initially captivate, it is the underlying message that lingers.

“This is about starting conversations,” Marfo explained. “We think we know everything, but we do not. We live in our minds 24/7 — it tells us what to do, how to feel. The physical space does not mean anything when the mind is in turmoil.”

“HOME” is not about a building or place. For Marfo, home is psychological, internal, shaped by emotion, experience and memory.

“We think home is four walls, a roof, and a lock — but it’s not,” he said. “This exhibition is an invitation for people to look deep into themselves. You need to know yourself, accept and learn from it.”

One of the standouts in the exhibition, “Freedom,” is a visual representation of this inner chaos.

“You can see how chaotic everything is,” said Marfo. “There is a shield — it is what society calls wearing a mask. It protects you from unnecessary aggression. It is our way of life.”

For him, the mask symbolizes humanity’s shifting identities, its emotional defenses and the delicate balance between self-expression and self-preservation.

An artistic evolution

Though Marfo’s work has been shown in global art hubs from Paris to Tokyo, this exhibition marks a significant turning point.

“When the gallery reached out to me, I said, ‘I’m going to introduce something different to this place.’ Most of these pieces have not been shown anywhere. I did it to spark a conversation in Dubai,” he said.

The exhibition is not just a geographical expansion — it is a deepening of his practice. Drawing inspiration from people and the intricacies of human behavior, Marfo paints with storytelling in mind: “Sometimes I paint and then think about the story, but it becomes more difficult. I prefer building on interactions — making it my own and then painting.”


Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes
Updated 26 May 2025
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Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

Iran’s Jafar Panahi Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

DUBAI: Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi made a triumphant return to the global stage, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or for his latest film “It Was Just an Accident” at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival.

Panahi, long a symbol of artistic defiance in Iran, had previously faced imprisonment and a 20-year ban on filmmaking and international travel. His emotional appearance at the festival, where he received the award from jury president Juliette Binoche — a vocal supporter of his work — marked a significant moment for both the director and Cannes.

 

 

The political thriller centers on a former prisoner who kidnaps the man he believes tortured him and grapples with fellow dissidents over whether to exact revenge or offer forgiveness.

The ceremony also recognized other global talents. Chinese director Bi Gan received a special jury prize for “Resurrection,” while Iraqi filmmaker Hasan Hadi made history as the first from his country to win the Camera d’Or for debut feature “The President’s Cake.”

 

 

Brazil’s Wagner Moura took home best actor honors for “The Secret Agent,” a 1970s-set political drama by Kleber Mendonça Filho, who also won best director.

German director Mascha Schilinski and Spain’s Oliver Laxe shared the Jury Prize for their respective films “Sound of Falling” and “Sirat.” The former is a sweeping multigenerational family saga, while the latter explores an apocalyptic vision of the Moroccan desert through techno-infused storytelling.

Actor John C. Reilly surprised audiences with a rendition of “La Vie en Rose” before presenting best screenplay to Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne for “Young Mothers,” the Belgian brothers' latest social drama.