‘I am amplifying our voices,’ Miss Lebanon says ahead of Miss Universe pageant

DUBAI: Regional models Loli Bahia and Mona Tougaard took center stage at the Tory Burch Fall/Winter 2025 show during New York Fashion Week, walking the runway in layered, textured ensembles.

Bahia, who is French Algerian, wore a navy pullover sweater with an oversized white collar, paired with brown trousers featuring a panel running down the sides. The sweater’s sleeves were rolled back to reveal a lighter lining, and a small gold pin fastened the collar. She carried a structured black leather bag with a long strap and wore polished brown leather shoes. 

Meanwhile, Tougaard — who has Danish, Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian ancestry — wore a rich navy look, featuring a shaggy-textured coat draped over matching velvet pants. 

A structured scarf was wrapped around her shoulders, secured with a gold pin. The look was completed with glossy pointed-toe shoes and she carried a slouchy black leather handbag with soft folds and a long strap.

Tory Burch’s latest collection played with the familiar, offering a “twisted” take on classic sportswear, according to show notes. 

Pieces that might traditionally be considered wardrobe staples — such as cardigans, sweatpants and blazers — were reimagined. Banker shirts flared at the cuffs, cardigan sleeves were slashed and pinned at the shoulder, and shirt dresses followed a spiral construction, giving them a sculptural drape. 

“A wardrobe collected over time, where each piece becomes irreplaceable: the perfect blazer, a favorite dress, a worn-in sweatshirt,” Burch said in a released statement.

The fabrics reflected the collection’s focus on deconstruction and transformation. Corduroy shaped cut-out dresses, needle-punched wool resembled fleece, and Japanese brushed jersey refined sweatpants and rugby tops.

Footwear incorporated details like heels, zippers and seams that appeared asymmetrical. The Twisted Pump from Spring/Summer 2025 returned in a distorted T-strap and slingback sandal.

For the jewelry, the designer introduced a hint of ’70s glamour. Shoulder-dusting chain earrings, oversized crystal flower brooches, and gold-tone sunglasses brought a vintage sensibility to the collection. Notably, the whimsical animal-inspired jewelry seen in recent seasons continued. 

The show took place at the Museum of Modern Art, and was attended by guests including Amanda Seyfried, Jodie Turner-Smith and Alexandra Daddario, who shared a bench with singer-songwriter Ciara and media icon Martha Stewart. 

The event was set to a soundtrack curated by Wladimir Schall. 

DUBAI: French luxury label Cartier this week hosted its “A Journey of Wonders” high jewelry exhibition in Dubai, drawing a star-studded lineup of regional celebrities. 

Among the attendees were Egyptian Montenegrin actress Tara Emad, Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine, TV presenter Raya Abirached and entrepreneur and host Anas Bukhash. Each guest showcased Cartier’s signature pieces.

Emad wore pieces from the Trinity Collection, featuring a mix of pink, yellow and white gold. Her ensemble included Trinity earrings with black lacquer and diamonds, a matching Trinity necklace and bracelet, and a Trinity ring incorporating the same materials.

The actress, who recently debuted a new short haircut on Instagram to her three million followers, paired her jewelry with a tailored black pantsuit by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. The ensemble featured a structured blazer with sharp lapels and intricate gold stitching along the edges and pockets.

Abirached wore a black Magda Butrym midi-length dress featuring a strapless, structured bodice and an asymmetrical draped detail at the waist. She accessorized with Cartier’s Grain de Café collection, known for its intricate detailing. Her jewelry included Grain de Café earrings, a necklace and a ring, all crafted in yellow and white gold and set with diamonds. She completed the look with black open-toe heels adorned with floral embellishments. 

Meanwhile, L’Abidine, who sported a black suit, chose a refined selection of classic Cartier designs, wearing a Santos de Cartier watch in steel paired with a Love bracelet in white gold. 

Bukhash, on the other hand, opted for a mix of the brand’s signature pieces, including a Santos Dumont watch in yellow gold, a Juste un Clou bracelet in white gold, and a Love ring in white gold. 

These stars, who also serve as ambassadors for the brand, have previously collaborated with Cartier and attended its events.

In 2023, Emad, L’Abidine and Bukhash walked in the brand’s runway show in Dubai. 

That same year, in April, Emad starred in a Cartier campaign alongside L’Abidine, Tunisian-Egyptian actress Hend Sabri and Egyptian actor Ahmed Malek.