Ali and Walaa Hennaoui embrace 2025 after Ralph Lauren campaign

Ali and Walaa Hennaoui starred in a winter campaign for Ralph Lauren. (Instagram) 
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Updated 31 December 2024
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Ali and Walaa Hennaoui embrace 2025 after Ralph Lauren campaign

DUBAI: Dubai-based influencer couple Ali and Walaa Hennaoui are gearing up for the new year after closing out 2024 on a high note with a Ralph Lauren campaign.

The duo shared an inspiring message on their joint Instagram account, writing: “And to 2025, we say: no matter what you hold, we are ready for you — together. Sky’s the limit, always. Dream big, live boldly, and most importantly—believe in yourself.

“Here’s to a new year, stronger hearts, and endless possibilities. Happy New Year, everyone,” they added. 

The couple, who have two children, reflected on their achievements in 2024, including their latest milestone: Starring together in a campaign for US fashion label Ralph Lauren during the festive season.

In a clip shared on their Instagram profile, they are featured aboard a yacht showcasing the brand’s latest collection, which includes clothing, accessories and perfumes. The video shows the couple preparing together on the yacht as it sails through locations such as Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with the region’s landmarks featured prominently in the background.

“Getting ready together…but this time aboard @ralphlauren yacht. Sailing through Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai,” the post’s caption reads.

Ali was dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers, with a tailored maroon knit sweater layered over his shoulders. Meanwhile, Walaa donned an off-white, full-sleeved knit sweater with a high neckline, featuring intricate patterns. She paired it with a flowing, pleated off-white maxi skirt, cinched at the waist with a statement brown leather belt that had a bold buckle.

In another image shared on their profile, Ali wore a tailored navy double-breasted blazer paired with a striped shirt and cream linen trousers, while Walaa opted for a navy blazer adorned with an embroidered crest on the chest.

The couple also took the opportunity to share heartfelt reflections on the past year.

“This year, we learned to embrace the beauty of the small things and truly understood the meaning of family first. Through every challenge and every doubt, we found strength in each other, solidifying our love, our marriage, and our smallest, most sacred circle,” they said on Instagram.

The pair share daily updates on family life on their social media feeds, including Instagram and TikTok, and have worked with fashion and homeware brands in the past. They also frequently attend runway presentations by Lebanese couturier Elie Saab, including his recent shows in Paris and Riyadh.


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

Updated 25 May 2025
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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.


Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

Updated 25 May 2025
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Maison Safqa’s private-sale model brings insider access, curated drops to Saudi Arabia’s luxury e-commerce scene

DUBAI: The e-commerce space in Saudi is thriving — every so often, the market sees a new entrant, whether in fashion, beauty or lifestyle.

Its newest player is Maison Safqa, a private-sale platform offering premium-to-luxury brands at special prices — but only for a limited time. Co-founded by Lea Mehweg, who serves as CEO, her sister Georgia, and former colleague Estelle Nasr, the concept draws inspiration from France, where private sales have long offered brands a discreet way to offload past-season inventory without diluting their image.

“It’s a private-sale platform where we offer premium to luxury brands at discounted prices,” said Mehweg. “The whole concept is to support the brand, take their collections — even from previous seasons — and put them in a very elevated and premium shopping environment.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

Maison Safqa’s approach differs from traditional outlet platforms. Rather than overwhelming users with thousands of items, the site hosts limited-time “drops” that spotlight specific categories or designers — from accessories and ready-to-wear, to upcoming plans in homeware, beauty, and lifestyle services like staycations and wellness. “It’s not like a year-round outlet with hundreds of items spread across endless pages where you eventually get lost,” Mehweg said. “On Maison Safqa, we drop new brands every week — or even every few days — and each one stays on the platform for a limited time.”

Access to these exclusive drops is available to registered members only, reinforcing the platform’s sense of community and curated exclusivity. While membership is currently free, a premium tier with added benefits, such as early access and free shipping, is in the works.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

Saudi Arabia was a natural choice for the full launch of the new platform. “The fashion and luxury industry is booming here. More brands are entering the market, which naturally leads to excess stock, and that’s where we come in. We want to be the first to offer a structured private-sale platform that supports brands while delivering real value to customers,” Mehweg said. Unlike the saturated off-price market in Dubai, Mehweg sees untapped potential in Saudi Arabia, especially in the premium and luxury segment.

Having grown up in France, Mehweg recalls rarely buying items at full price, knowing they would soon appear on curated private-sale platforms. That same smart, style-savvy mindset is what Maison Safqa aims to tap into.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Maison Safqa (@maisonsafqa)

Another key USP is local relevance. It is rare to see regional designers featured on off-price platforms, but Maison Safqa is committed to championing homegrown talent. Alongside global names like Coach and Victoria Beckham, the platform also features Saudi and regional designers. “Most off-price players are based outside the GCC and rarely include local talent,” said Mehweg. “For us, cultural resonance matters.”

Though first tested in Dubai, Maison Safqa is now fully operational in Saudi Arabia, with plans to expand across the GCC in the coming months. As the platform grows, its goal is clear: To redefine the off-price experience in the region by blending premium access, local relevance and a curated lens for the modern Middle Eastern shopper.
 


Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

Updated 24 May 2025
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Guns N’ Roses wow Riyadh as part of 2025 global tour

  • Iconic band make major stop on Middle East leg of schedule 

RIYADH: Iconic American rock band Guns N’ Roses performed in Riyadh on Friday as part of their 2025 global tour, marking a major stop on the band’s Middle East schedule.

The group, which was formed in Los Angeles in 1985, took the stage to a packed crowd, kicking off the night with “Welcome to the Jungle.”

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST. (Supplied)

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. 

The concert was organized by MDLBEAST and, ahead of the event, Rayan Al-Rasheed, its director of operations and artist booking, highlighted the significance of hosting such acts in the Kingdom.

The high-energy set featured classic hits including “November Rain,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” with fans singing along throughout. (Supplied)

He said: “Saudi Arabia has become a key destination for global music acts. By hosting legendary artists like Guns N’ Roses we aim to elevate the Kingdom’s presence in the global music scene.”

The introduction of rock music to the Saudi musical landscape acknowledged a genre that had long had a strong presence in the country, he said, adding: “The popularity of bands like Metallica and Linkin Park shows that rock has deep roots here.”


Kim Kardashian robbers found guilty in Paris

Updated 25 May 2025
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Kim Kardashian robbers found guilty in Paris

  • Algerian-born Aomar Aït Khedache, 69, the ringleader, got the stiffest sentence, eight years imprisonment but five of those were suspended

PARIS: A Paris court this week found the ringleader and seven other people guilty in the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian, but did not impose any additional time behind bars for their roles in what the US celebrity described as “the most terrifying experience of my life."

The chief judge, David De Pas, said that the defendants' ages — six are in their 60s and 70s — and their health issues weighed on the court’s decision to impose sentences that he said “aren’t very severe.”

He said that the nine years between the robbery and the trial — long even by the standards of France’s famously deliberate legal system — were also taken into account in not imposing harsher sentences. The court acquitted two of the 10 defendants.

Algerian-born Aomar Aït Khedache, 69, the ringleader, got the stiffest sentence, eight years imprisonment but five of those were suspended.

Three others got seven years, five of them suspended. Three more got prison sentences ranging from five to three years, mostly or completely suspended, and an eighth person was found guilty on a weapons charge and fined.

With time already served in pretrial detention, none of those found guilty will go to prison and all walked out free. The trial was heard by a three-judge panel and six jurors.

Still, the chief judge said that Kardashian had been traumatized by the Oct. 2, 2016, jewel heist in her hotel during Fashion Week.

“You caused harm,” the judge said. “You caused fear.”

Kardashian, who wasn't present for the verdict, said in a statement issued afterward that she was “deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case.”

“The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family. While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all. I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system," said the celebrity who is working to become a lawyer.


Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio

Updated 24 May 2025
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Cara Delevingne wears Saudi label Ashi Studio

DUBAI: British actress and model Cara Delevingne wore a black gown by Saudi label Ashi Studio to the premiere of “La Venue de L’avenir” (“Colours of Time”) at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.

The strapless gown featured a sleek, satin-like finish with a sculpted bodice that flowed into a straight, floor-length skirt, subtly draped at the hips. She paired the look with sheer black opera gloves for added drama.

Delevingne, her hair styled in soft waves, completed the ensemble with an emerald and diamond necklace and a matching ring from Hassanzadeh Jewellery.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Delevingne’s gown was originally presented during Paris Haute Couture Week as part of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 couture collection. The version shown on the runway was in blue.

Delevingne was not the only star dressed in designs by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, founder of Ashi Studio.

Hong Kong-Taiwanese actress and model Shu Qi also championed the designer at the premiere of “Resurrection,” wearing a deep burgundy velvet gown from his Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

The strapless dress featured a sleek, form-fitting silhouette. Its standout element was the train at the back, adorned with intricate gold-thread embroidery depicting trees, birds, houses, rivers and other landscape details.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Ashi and his atelier have been based in Paris since 2018. In 2023, he became the first designer from the Gulf region to be invited as a guest member of the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris, which allowed him to present on the official couture calendar.

In 2024, Ashi was commissioned to design the official cabin crew uniforms for Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline.

His designs have also been worn by a number of international public figures and performers, including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Queen Rania of Jordan.

He most recently dressed US actress Ali Ahn, star of Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” in a cream sculptural ensemble for the Screen Actors Guild Awards held in Los Angeles in February.

That same month, “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo also wore one of his creations to the 2025 Grammy Awards. Her look was from Ashi Studio’s Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection, titled “Sculpted Clouds.”