Review: ‘OFA’ luxury jewelry brand

Review: ‘OFA’ luxury jewelry brand
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OFA, which stands for “One For All,” is a luxury jewelry brand founded in 2020 by social media sensation Hala Abdullah. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 February 2025
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Review: ‘OFA’ luxury jewelry brand

Review: ‘OFA’ luxury jewelry brand

OFA, which stands for “One For All,” is a luxury jewelry brand founded in 2020 by social media sensation Hala Abdullah.

It is deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Saudi Arabia, with designs featuring elements such as the Arabian sword and Najdi triangle.

Abdullah’s work is a vibrant reflection of her environment, incorporating a diverse palette of gemstone colors that resonate with the landscapes and traditions of her homeland.

Collaborating with skilled artisans in Dubai, OFA has established a modern design vernacular that celebrates the beauty of materials while maintaining a strong connection to heritage. Abdullah’s aesthetic is influenced not only by her Saudi roots but also by her experiences living in France and Los Angeles, where she majored in architectural design.

Each piece is meticulously crafted from ethically sourced stones and the finest 18 karat gold, embodying a simplicity and timeless elegance that exudes warmth and quiet confidence.

At the heart of OFA is Abdullah’s vision of fostering a community that values inclusivity and unity. The brand aims to intertwine stories of heritage with innovative design, creating a space where individuality and creativity are paramount. Each piece is more than jewelry; it is a statement of identity for those who wear it.

One notable collection is Foug, which pays homage to Saudi heritage while seamlessly embracing contemporary aesthetics. Celebrating Saudi National Day, this collection features vibrant green onyx and rhombus shapes. Another standout is the Selene collection, known for its playful designs that combine pearls with blue topaz, evoking the fluidity of water and the natural world.

However, despite the unique designs and craftsmanship, some critics argue that OFA’s pricing is exorbitant for a relatively new brand. For instance, the Nereide pearl necklace, featuring two strands of pearls and white-gold pendants set with blue topaz, is priced at SR27,151 ($7,220). Some feel such prices are not justified, especially given the brand’s brief history and the competitive market.

I purchased the Arura diamond ring for SR2,951. While its craftsmanship is commendable and the design delicate, the overall pricing may deter potential customers seeking more affordable alternatives.

Despite these concerns, OFA’s commitment to quality and innovative design remains impressive, making it a noteworthy player in the luxury jewelry market and appealing to those who appreciate artistry and cultural significance.


Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition

Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition
Updated 08 July 2025
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Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition

Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition

DUBAI: Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW) is gearing up for its third edition, with organizers issuing a final call for designer applications. Fashion houses from across Saudi Arabia and around the world have until July 15 to submit their proposals for inclusion in the official calendar.

One of the Middle East’s most anticipated fashion events, RFW offers a platform for both emerging and established designers to showcase their collections to international buyers and industry leaders. 

The official calendar will feature a broad spectrum of brand activations beyond traditional runway shows. Designers can also take part in curated presentations, showroom exhibitions, trunk shows, retail pop-ups, creative takeovers, private dinners and immersive experiences. 

Saudi Arabia-based and international fashion brands across ready-to-wear, couture, menswear, and streetwear categories are eligible. 

“This is more than a runway,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission. “It is a statement of creative identity, innovation, and ambition. Riyadh Fashion Week provides a high-impact opportunity for designers to tell their story on a global stage.”


Georges Hobeika showcases Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week

Georges Hobeika showcases Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week
Updated 08 July 2025
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Georges Hobeika showcases Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week

Georges Hobeika showcases Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika presented his Fall/Winter 2025/2026 couture collection as part of Paris Haute Couture Week.

Known for his craftsmanship and red-carpet-ready designs, Hobeika’s latest offering featured a wide array of detailed gowns and structured silhouettes.

The runway collection showcased a soft color palette, with shades of beige, blush pink, maroon, black, blue, and brown making up the core color story.

Fabrics included heavily embroidered textiles, delicate lace, satin and tulle. Many looks incorporated tonal embellishments and shimmering surface details. 

Beaded bodices, crystal fringe, and metallic appliqués were prominent throughout the collection, adding texture and dimension.

Silhouettes ranged from structured floor-length gowns and A-line dresses to voluminous skirts and sleek, form-fitting eveningwear. There were also several mid-length and tea-length designs with sculptural detailing, along with a few two-piece sets featuring cropped tops and high-waisted skirts.

One standout bridal look appeared during the show — a long-sleeved gown with sheer detailing and silver embroidery. The dress was paired with a beaded headpiece and a trailing veil.

Accessories were kept minimal, with statement earrings and clean, slicked-back hair showed off by the models.

Toward the end of the show, Hobeika and his son Jad Hobeika walked the runway together to thank their supporters.

Paris Haute Couture Week kicked off on Monday with Schiaparelli’s Fall 2025 show, marking the start of a series of high-fashion presentations that will run through July 10.

The opening show did not begin with sequins or traditional red carpet glamor, but with the surreal sight of Cardi B and a live crow. 

Wrapped in a custom Schiaparelli gown of graphic fringe, the US rapper stood beneath the gilded columns of the Petit Palais, holding the black bird on her arm. Her avian plus one squawked, glared and nearly lunged — setting the tone for a monochrome show that itself soared straight into the surreal.

On the first day, Iris Van Herpen, Imane Ayissi, Rahul Mishra, Julie de Libran and Giambattista Valli also showcased their collections.

In addition to Georges Hobeika, several other Arab designers are on the calendar, including Ashi Studio, Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad and Rami Al-Ali.


Lena Mahfouf shows off vintage gown in Paris

Lena Mahfouf shows off vintage gown in Paris
Updated 07 July 2025
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Lena Mahfouf shows off vintage gown in Paris

Lena Mahfouf shows off vintage gown in Paris

DUBAI: French Algerian author and YouTube star Lena Mahfouf attended Le Bal d’Été at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris on Sunday in a vintage gown by Vivienne Westwood.

Other guests included Chanel ambassadors Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst, and Penélope Cruz.

Proceeds from the evening — an estimated $2 million — will go toward supporting the exhibition “1925–2025: One Hundred Years of Art Deco,” which opens on Oct. 22.

French Algerian author and YouTube star Lena Mahfouf attended Le Bal d’Été at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris on Sunday in a vintage gown by Vivienne Westwood. (Getty Images)

Sofia Coppola was the artistic director for this year’s edition of the ball and she told Vogue that she “wanted to keep the theme of a summer ball and bring the garden inside … and I approached it the same way I would a party scene in a movie.”

Legendary French hostess Countess Jacqueline de Ribes, who was captured in an iconic 1980s photograph, served as Coppola’s inspiration, with the director telling Vogue “I love the way hostesses did things then — big dresses, big flowers, color — while still being elegant and refined.

“I loved the idea of pale pink inspired by the Chanel archives — kind of Ginger Rogers — and I always loved Karl’s shirt dresses. I hope it feels personal, like a celebration of Paris and an occasion to dress up surrounded by beauty, art de vivre, and the great work of all the artisans who participated,” she added.

Sofia Coppola was the artistic director for this year’s edition of the ball. (Getty Images)

The event kicks off Paris Haute Couture Week, which this season will see provocative Georgian showman Demna take a final bow after 10 years at Balenciaga. The fashion week, which began on Monday, will also feature a debut for Maison Margiela's new chief creative.

Demna, known for his daring work as well as controversies during his decade-long stint at Kering-owned Balenciaga, will unveil his final collection on Wednesday in what is expected to be one of the highlights of the week.

Not to be confused with Paris Fashion Week, Haute Couture Week takes place exclusively in Paris - in January for spring-summer collections and July for autumn-winter.

It is a uniquely French event dedicated to handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations made to wear at red carpets, galas, and other high-profile events.

As usual, Schiaparelli opened Couture Week, followed later in the day by shows from Iris Van Herpen as well as Lebanon’s Georges Hobeika, among other labels.


Malone Souliers designers talk Middle East ties and signature looks 

Malone Souliers designers talk Middle East ties and signature looks 
Updated 06 July 2025
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Malone Souliers designers talk Middle East ties and signature looks 

Malone Souliers designers talk Middle East ties and signature looks 

DUBAI: As luxury footwear brand Malone Souliers continues to evolve under new creative leadership, its designers open up about their connection to the Arab world, their design process and why wearability always comes first.

Since its creation in 2014 by Mary Alice Malone, footwear label Malone Souliers has built a cult following. From Beyonce sporting a bespoke pair of fringed boots during a performance to Jennifer Lawrence stepping out in their iconic “Maureen” pumps, the brand’s celebrity fanbase is long-standing and ever-growing.

Known for its distinctive silhouettes, rich colour palettes and sculptural lines, the brand has carved out a significant niche in the luxury footwear space. Under the creative direction of Coco Fong and Valerio Bava, the London-based label is evolving — staying true to its design roots while embracing new ideas and deepening its presence in the Middle East.

While both designers officially assumed their roles in 2023, their journey with the brand began much earlier.

“We’ve been part of the brand for a long time — I joined two years after it was founded. Now that we’re leading the creative, it feels like a natural continuation of something we’ve always helped shape,” Bava said.

Their aesthetic blends feminine silhouettes with subtle nods to nostalgia, drawing inspiration from vintage references, pop culture and personal memories. While rooted in storytelling, their designs remain grounded in practicality — shoes made to be worn, not just admired.

“I think at the end of the day, we’re both quite practical in how we think. That mindset naturally comes through in the shoes — we never want them to feel overly fussy or difficult to wear. I want to be able to slip them on easily, and I want my mum to feel the same. We design shoes that are meant to be lived in,” Fong said.

Craftsmanship is critical to the Malone Souliers approach. The brand’s shoes are made primarily in Italy, with a close relationship between the designers and the artisans who bring each prototype to life. From sketch to sample, wearability is considered at every stage.

“Even the most expressive designs go through rounds of testing to ensure they’re comfortable and durable. We take that process seriously,” Bava said.

In the brand’s journey, the Middle East has emerged as one of its most engaged markets. “The region has become one of our biggest champions,” Fong said. “We receive consistent feedback — from buyers, from clients — and that dialogue has helped shape the way we design. There’s a real openness and honesty from customers here, and that has made the relationship incredibly valuable.”

In 2022, the brand partnered with Arab designer Dima Ayad on an exclusive capsule facilitated by footwear department store Level Shoes. The collaboration highlighted Malone Souliers’ interest in working with regional creatives and marked the beginning of a more localised strategy.

“I think what really connected us was her love of color and materials, which aligns closely with what we value in our own designs,” Fong said. “The silhouettes were kept simple, but there was a strong focus on texture and detail — plisse, pleats, shimmer, lurex and mesh—all elements we naturally gravitate towards in our collections.”

Looking ahead, the brand is continuing to expand its product offering, including a growing accessories line. When asked to choose one style that encapsulates their joint creative direction, Fong and Bava point to the Roxanne — a mule with a new block heel, combining comfort and simplicity but equally cool.

“It’s the kind of shoe we’ve always aimed to create. It feels modern, feminine and very much in line with what Malone Souliers stands for today,” Bava said.

 


Bella Hadid poses for Chopard

Bella Hadid poses for Chopard
Updated 05 July 2025
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Bella Hadid poses for Chopard

Bella Hadid poses for Chopard

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid is no stranger to Chopard, having worn the luxury jewelry house’s creations on numerous red carpets over the years.

This week, the brand shared new campaign images of Hadid wearing pieces from its high jewelry collection ahead of Paris Couture Week.

In one of the images, Hadid wears a diamond necklace featuring a large yellow gemstone at its center. In another, she wears a coordinated jewelry set consisting of sapphire and diamond drop earrings, matching necklace, and a statement ring.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Chopard Official (@chopard)

“@BellaHadid embodies the essence of High Jewelery — radiant, refined, unforgettable. A tribute to timeless glamor ahead of Paris Couture Week,” the brand wrote on Instagram.

The model’s collaboration with Chopard began in 2017 when she became one of the faces of the brand’s high jewelry collections. Since then, she has appeared in several campaigns and has worn Chopard pieces at major international events, including the Cannes Film Festival, Met Gala, and Paris Fashion Week.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Chopard Official (@chopard)

Hadid has had a busy summer. In June, with the help of close friends, she expanded her beauty brand Orebella with a range of accessories.

The model and entrepreneur teamed up with Wildflower Cases co-founders Sydney and Devon Lee Carlson to launch a limited-edition collaboration featuring two new products: an iPhone case and a “scentable wristlet.”

Hadid took to Instagram to announce the launch, writing: “Feeling like the luckiest girl in the world to be able to be creative with my beauty boss sisters. Life is beautiful when we have the opportunity to watch our friends winning. So proud of you two. So proud of our teams. So proud of us. Love you all — thank you for bringing this vision to life.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

“Cases ANDDDD our most special scented wristlets to keep the Orebella scent of your choice on you at all times! Been wanting to make this accessory for a while, had the idea for scented bracelets and wristlets, and my sisters pulled it all together for us,” she added.

In June, Ulta Beauty, one of the largest beauty retailers in the US, awarded Orebella its “conscious brand of the year” title, highlighting the label’s ethical practices and sustainable packaging.

Hadid announced the news on Instagram, saying: “Thank you to our Ulta Beauty family for recognizing our commitment to creating a healthy daily ritual for all.”