Loli Bahia opens star-studded Chanel show in Paris

Loli Bahia opens star-studded Chanel show in Paris
Loli Bahia walked the runway for Chanel. (Getty Images)
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Loli Bahia opens star-studded Chanel show in Paris

Loli Bahia opens star-studded Chanel show in Paris

DUBAI: French Algerian model Loli Bahia opened Chanel’s runway show during Paris Haute Couture Week in an ensemble that combined the house’s signature tweed with pastel quilting. 

The look featured a jacket with a quilted front panel in soft shades of pink, blue, yellow and green, contrasted with white tweed sleeves. The jacket was detailed with front pockets and Chanel’s signature buttons.

The in-demand model also wore a white tweed mini skirt, paired with a slim black belt featuring a gold buckle. The outfit was completed with two-tone Mary Jane heels in black and white, secured with gold buckle-adorned ankle straps.




The look featured a jacket with a quilted front panel in soft shades of pink, blue, yellow and green, contrasted with white tweed sleeves. (Getty Images)

Bahia was joined by Mona Tougaard, a Danish model of Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian descent, who walked the runway in a white gown with layered textures and embellishments.

The sleeveless dress featured a beaded trim along the neckline and transitioned into a flowing sheer skirt with subtle embellishments. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she showed off a deep red lip color.




Mona Tougaard walked the runway in a white gown with layered textures and embellishments. (Getty Images)

Other runway pieces struck a balance between whimsy and drama. Beyond the house’s bread-and-butter tweed skirt suits, leg-of-mutton sleeves brought historical grandeur, evoking a sense of Victorian elegance. Sequins and paillettes shimmered under the bright lights of the Grand Palais, the iconic Parisian museum. Silk trains in bold red injected a sense of drama. Playful neckties hinted at a 1970s influence.

But the devil at Chanel couture is in the detail — the buttons. 

Buttons in rock crystal, metal, and rhinestone ones adorned jackets, skirts, and dresses, adding a quiet brilliance to the vibrant collection.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The audience was a testament to Chanel’s unmatched global power, boasting one of the most prestigious guestlists of the week — and not just Kylie Jenner perched atop the double-C decor. Global ambassadors Jennie, the K-pop superstar from BLACKPINK, G-Dragon and Lily-Rose Depp sat alongside Dua Lipa, Marion Cotillard and actresses Elsa Zylberstein and Antonia Desplat.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Among the star-studded crowd, Pamela Anderson, who has been seen at shows all week was flanked by teams of menacing security guards.

From the Arab world, Iraqi influencer Jwana Karim, known for her appearance in season three of Netflix’s “Dubai Bling,” was also in attendance.


Dubai art exhibition ‘The Sublime Nature of Being’ explores ‘sense of wonder’

Dubai art exhibition ‘The Sublime Nature of Being’ explores ‘sense of wonder’
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Dubai art exhibition ‘The Sublime Nature of Being’ explores ‘sense of wonder’

Dubai art exhibition ‘The Sublime Nature of Being’ explores ‘sense of wonder’

DUBAI: Set to run until Feb. 22, Dubai’s ICD Brookfield Place is playing host to an exhibition that explores the sense of wonder that accompanies being in awe.

“The Sublime Nature of Being” is curated by Ambika Hinduja Macker, who brought together the work of 15 international artists to lead visitors on a journey through moments of awe and reverence inspired by the grandeur of nature.

“The sublime is an overwhelming sense of wonder, a feeling that transcends words and logic, pulling us into a moment of pure awe and connection. It’s what happens when we encounter something so profound, so vast, that it stirs both our soul and our senses, leaving us simultaneously humbled and uplifted. ‘The Sublime Nature of Being’ is my attempt to offer a tangible glimpse of this elusive feeling,” Macker told Arab News.

Is it a reimagining of her 2022 immersive art experience of the same name and the curator — who is the founder and creative director of art and design firm Impeccable Imagination — describes the experience as an alchemic sonic environment, one that “blends ancient techniques of sound healing with cutting-edge technologies to create an immersive soundscape rooted in reflection and renewal.”

Specially commissioned artists include US contemporary artist Jacob Hashimoto, French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, Belgian sculptor and contemporary artist Fred Eerdekensm Lebanese multi-disciplinary artist Nadim Karam and Brazilian artist Janaina Mello, among others.

“As a curator, my role is to weave these diverse expressions into a cohesive yet ephemeral narrative, creating an environment where materials, mediums, and artistic visions engage in dialogue with one another,” Macker explained.

The exhibition features a celebration of the five elements — “water, fire, earth, air, and spirit permeate the venue, each with its own curated space and featured works, all within a larger, interconnected environment,” the curator noted.

Works include several sculptures by Lebanese artist Karam, including “Silent Thinker” (2024), a polished stainless steel piece.

“(Karam) has developed a distinctive artistic language rooted in memory, space, and collective identity,” Macker explained. “His work embodies profound, ongoing reflections on societal diversity and pressing global issues, yet he seamlessly juxtaposes these important themes with playful, even absurdist, touches.”

A short walk away is “The Aquifer” (2024) by Hashimoto, a wall-hanging work featuring bamboo, acrylic, paper, wood and dacron.

Colourful, pattern-printed discs are suspended by wire between pegs in the mesmerizing work that is just one of the many emotive pieces on show.

Despite the effort involved in bringing together 15 artists, Macker says the most challenging aspect of bringing “The Sublime Nature of Being” to fruition “was transforming a vibrant public hub without disrupting its accessibility or the daily rhythms of those who frequent it.”


Jordanian crown prince meets prince of Brunei in London

Jordan’s Prince Hussein and his wife, Princess Rajwa, are pictured in London with Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen and his wife.
Jordan’s Prince Hussein and his wife, Princess Rajwa, are pictured in London with Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen and his wife.
Updated 28 January 2025
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Jordanian crown prince meets prince of Brunei in London

Jordan’s Prince Hussein and his wife, Princess Rajwa, are pictured in London with Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen and his wife.
  • Prince Hussein and Prince Abdul Mateen trained at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst together

LONDON: Crown Prince of Jordan Hussein bin Abdullah and his wife, Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein, met with Prince of Brunei Abdul Mateen and his wife, Princess Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah, in London on Tuesday.

Al-Hussein and Abdul Mateen trained at the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst in south England.

Al-Hussein posted a photo with Abdul Mateen from London on his Instagram account. In the image, Princess Rajwa wore a stylish all-black outfit, while Princess Anisha was dressed in a pale blue tweed blazer and black trousers.

Mateen, 33, and Anisha Rosnah, 30, tied the knot in a lavish wedding in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, in January 2024.

Mateen is the 10th child and fourth son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s longest-reigning monarch and once the richest man on the planet. Because of his position in the family, Mateen is unlikely to ever ascend to the throne.

Al-Hussien, 30, and Rajwa, 30, married in June 2023. The royal couple welcomed a baby daughter, Princess Iman, last August.

Prince Al-Hussein is the heir to the throne of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He is the eldest son of King Abdullah and Queen Rania Al-Abdullah.

This week, he is visiting London, where he met with William, Prince of Wales, at Windsor Castle on Monday.


Ithra showcases historic Islamic treasures at second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

Ithra showcases historic Islamic treasures at second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
Updated 28 January 2025
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Ithra showcases historic Islamic treasures at second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

Ithra showcases historic Islamic treasures at second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
  • Ancient edict, prayer carpet fragment, religious manuscript among artifacts
  • Event explores ways faith is experienced, celebrated

JEDDAH: Historic Islamic artifacts are being displayed by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture at the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale currently underway in Jeddah.

Running until May 25 at the iconic Western Hajj Terminal, this year’s biennale, titled “And All That Is In Between,” explores the profound ways faith is experienced, expressed and celebrated.

Pieces on display include an edict from the Ottoman Sultan Mustafa III, who reigned from 1757 to 1774, regarding the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb; a prayer carpet fragment; a tafsir (interpretation of the Qur’an) manuscript; a folding manuscript stand; a mosque lamp; and a large wooden minbar (pulpit).

Ithra, which is renowned as a global leader in Islamic arts and heritage, will feature its pieces in the biennale’s Al-Madar section. This exhibition brings together contributions from prominent local and international institutions, emphasizing the richness and diversity of Islamic culture.

Farah Abushullaih, the head of the museum at Ithra, said: “It is a privilege for Ithra’s Islamic collection to be featured once again at this prestigious biennale, which celebrates the diversity and depth of Islamic arts.

“Our participation underscores our ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Islamic art with a global audience while expanding knowledge of key concepts of Islamic traditions that have shaped and continue to shape Islamic identities today.”

The artifacts on display, which were carefully curated in collaboration with Heather Ecker and Marika Sardar from Al-Madar’s curatorial team, reflect the theme of waqf. This fundamental Islamic concept involves dedicating assets for communal benefit, supporting religious, educational, or charitable initiatives.

Ithra’s participation aligns with its mission to inspire, enrich and foster appreciation for Islamic heritage through various initiatives, including its triennial Islamic Art Conference and major exhibitions. Its current “In Praise of the Artisan" exhibition showcases over 130 historic and contemporary works, many of which are on public display for the first time.

With its robust programming of lectures, workshops, and live demonstrations, Ithra continues to honor the past and present, positioning Islamic craftsmanship as a living tradition. Its efforts underscore the institution’s role as a global champion of cultural exchange and creativity.

The Islamic Arts Biennale, hosted by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, provides a platform for exploring Islamic arts and traditions.

The event’s first edition in 2023, at which Ithra also participated, attracted more than 600,000 visitors.


Georges Hobeika hosts Arab stars at Paris Haute Couture Week

Georges Hobeika hosts Arab stars at Paris Haute Couture Week
Updated 28 January 2025
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Georges Hobeika hosts Arab stars at Paris Haute Couture Week

Georges Hobeika hosts Arab stars at Paris Haute Couture Week

DUBAI/ PARIS: Lebanese couturier Georges Hobeika showcased his Spring-Summer 2025 at Paris Haute Couture Week, with the likes of Emirati Egyptian TV personality Mahira Abdelaziz and Lebanese model Nour Rizk on hand to take in the show.

Billed as a tribute to his late mother, Marie Hobeika, the show kicked off with a series of all-black looks before transitioning into the glittering lighter-hued looks Hobeika is known for.

Lebanese model Nour Rizk outside the Georges Hobeika show in Paris. (Getty Images)

Abdelaziz was also on hand as Schiaparelli opened Paris Haute Couture Week with a dazzling spectacle titled “Icarus” under the gilded ceilings of the Petit Palais.  Gleaming gold talismans, envisioned as suns, lined the runway — a nod to the myth of the boy who flew too close to the sun, The Associated Press reported.

Lebanese couturier Georges Hobeika showcased his Spring-Summer 2025 at Paris Haute Couture Week. (Getty Images)

The collection embodied themes of risk-taking by subverting classic couture codes, daring to push boundaries. Unlike Icarus, however, this collection did not fall; it soared.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Marisa Berenson and Kelly Rutherford watched Kendall Jenner and other models walk with stately grace, deliberately evoking old-school couture shows’ slow pacing.

Daniel Roseberry’s collection reimagined traditional couture codes with a provocative edge. Inspired by vintage ribbons, he turned soft hues like butter, saffron and “toast” brown into bold baroque silhouettes that disrupted tradition.

Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri delved into the storied archives of Christian Dior for her latest haute couture collection. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, designer Maria Grazia Chiuri delved into the storied archives of Christian Dior for her latest haute couture collection Monday, exploring the transformations of time, AP noted.
The accomplished spring 2025 show — one of Chiuri’s best in seasons — drew from the key silhouettes of Dior’s iconic past designers, such as Yves Saint Laurent, and infusing them with her distinct contemporary vision.

The show was a commentary on how fashion serves as a lens for understanding time.
Key inspirations included the Trapèze line, originally conceived by Saint Laurent in 1958, and Christian Dior’s Cigale silhouette from 1952, both updated with modern fabrics.


South African composer Lebo M reflects on Saudi visit, Disney hits

South African composer Lebo M reflects on Saudi visit, Disney hits
Updated 28 January 2025
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South African composer Lebo M reflects on Saudi visit, Disney hits

South African composer Lebo M reflects on Saudi visit, Disney hits

RIYADH: On his first visit to Saudi Arabia, South African music producer and composer Lebo M sat down with Arab News to discuss his storied career creating Disney hits.

Known for creating the distinctive opening chant of the “Circle of Life” from 1994’s beloved “The Lion King,” M returned to the studio for 2024’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” with a song he composed titled “Ngomso” and “We Go Together,” which he co-composed with Lin-Manuel Miranda.  

The creative talent brought his iconic sound to Riyadh on Friday, joining forces with renowned composer Hans Zimmer at the Mohammed Abdo Arena as part of Riyadh Season’s calendar of events. 

“I got the privilege of leaving (the hotel) and going to the desert and getting the sense of both worlds… I am looking at the evolution of a society of a country in less than five years (since 2018). I appreciated the fact that I came here when it appears that Saudi Arabia is opening up to the world culturally,” he told Arab News after the show.

“I love interacting with people and learning about the country through people, hanging out here and meeting with people... It feels to me like ‘wow,’ I am coming to Saudi Arabia on a new journey of Saudi Arabia that has not been exposed to the world, and that’s exciting.”

M has been in the music business for more than 40 years, starting with his first gig at 13 in Soweto, South Africa, in the midst of apartheid.

Born in 1964, he was forced into exile at the age of 16 after travelling to Lesotho to perform without an ID or passport. After being denied re-entry to South Africa, he settled in Lesotho before moving to the US.

During that time, M faced homelessness but, regardless of the hardships, he continued to pursue his passion for music.

“It never killed my dream of being somebody. When you come from where I come from, where you grew up with people that die young, that politically get arrested, I dreamed that I was going to be somebody,” said M.

“My passion was rerouted, and I discovered Lebo M, the South African artist, because I had something unique.”

His career kickstarted after meeting Zimmer, who recognized his talent and brought him on board to co-write, co-produce, and perform the soundtrack of 1992’s “The Power of One,” which led to global recognition leading to his contributions in “The Lion King.”