Gigi Hadid hits back at those criticizing her for being ‘too skinny’
Updated 14 February 2018
Arab News
CAIRO: Supermodel Gigi Hadid has hit out at people who criticized her for “being too skinny” in a series of tweets, blaming her treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis as the reason behind her weight loss.
The 22-year-old model, who openly spoke about her Hashimoto’s disease since 2016, took to Twitter this week to say its treatment has contributed to her fluctuating weight over rat past few years.
Hadid responded by saying she would “not further explain” the way her body looks and that “I may be ‘too skinny’ for U...but I feel healthier.”
She admitted that “this skinny isn’t what I want to be” before urging others to “have more empathy” for those struggling privately.
For those of you so determined to come up w why my body has changed over the years, you may not know that when I started @ 17 I was not yet diagnosed w/Hashimoto’s disease; those of u who called me “too big for the industry” were seeing inflammation & water retention due to that.
Since her tweets on the disease, a huge surge in Google searches for Hashimoto’s disease has been detected, according to the Daily Mail.
Hashimoto’s disease can cause swelling at the front of the throat, hair loss and weight gain. It affects 14 million people in the US, yet experts are still not sure what causes the disease.
Eiza Gonzalez stuns at premiere of Saudi-backed film ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’
Updated 16 April 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Mexican actress and singer Eiza Gonzalez this week turned heads at the premiere of the Saudi-backed action movie “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” in New York City.
The star dazzled in a metallic gold strapless gown by New York-based label Jason Wu. The dress boasted intricate three-dimensional designs accentuating the waist and chest.
Complementing the ensemble, she showed off matching gold heels from Maison Ernest and Cartier jewelry. Her brunette bob was styled in a voluminous blowout.
Complementing the ensemble, she showed off matching gold heels from Maison Ernest and Cartier jewelry. (Getty)
She posed on the red carpet alongside her co-stars Henry Cavill, Henry Golding, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Cary Elwes, Babs Olusanmokun, Henrique Zaga and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
The premiere was attended by Mohammed Al-Turki, film producer and CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation.
The Saudi foundation, which backed the movie, took to Instagram to share pictures of the premiere captioning the post: “Live from New York, the premiere for ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,’ Red Sea Film Foundation is proud to have supported through its Red Sea International Film Financing initiative.”
Based on recently declassified files of the British War Department and inspired by true events, the movie is an action-comedy that tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a small group of military officials, including James Bond author Ian Fleming.
The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly “ungentlemanly” fighting techniques. Ultimately, their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.
The film is directed and co-written for the screen by Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes,” “The Gentlemen” and “Wrath of Man”) and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer (“Top Gun: Maverick,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “National Treasure”).
“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” will be released in cinemas in the Middle East on April 18 and internationally on April 19.
Jessica Chastain flaunts Elie Saab look at Breakthrough awards in Los Angeles
Updated 14 April 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: US actress and producer Jessica Chastain sparkled in a purple jumpsuit by Lebanese designer Elie Saab at the Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Chastain — who has previously championed looks by Lebanon’s Zuhair Murad, among other Arab designers — hit the red carpet in the sequined number that boasted a plunging neckline and bootleg-style pants. Celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart finished off Chastain’s look with a statement necklace by Damiani jewelry.
US actress and producer Jessica Chastain sparkled in a purple jumpsuit by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. (Getty Images)
French Canadian scientist Michel Sadelain was awarded an "Oscars of Science" for his research into genetically modifying immune cells to fight cancer at the event, AFP reported.
The genetic engineer was awarded the Breakthrough Prize at a glitzy ceremony attended by tech giants such as Elon Musk and Bill Gates, and an array of celebrities including Chastain, Robert Downey Jr. and Bradley Cooper.
His work has led to the development of a new form of therapy called CAR-T that has shown exceptional efficacy against certain blood cancers.
"This prize is an extraordinary recognition," Sadelain told AFP on the red carpet at the Oscars Museum. "It's all the more of an honor because ... my scientific colleagues told me for a long time that it would never work.
Honorees Dr. Michel Sadelain, right, and Dr. Carl H. June accept awards onstage during the 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony. (Getty Images)
"The greatest pleasure, however, is to see patients... who no longer had a chance and who thank us, who are alive today thanks to CAR-T cells," added Sadelain.
Launched in 2010, the Breakthrough Prize awards "the world's most brilliant minds" in fields including life sciences, fundamental physics and mathematics, styling itself as the Silicon Valley-backed answer to the Nobels.
Dubbed the "Oscars for Science", founding sponsors include Sergey Brin, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg.
Sadelain will split the $3 million prize money with American immunologist Carl June, who also led groundbreaking research into the field independently of his co-winner.
Sadelain studied medicine in Paris, then immunology in Canada, before taking up postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1989.
Other celebrity guests at the event includes actresses Zoe Saldana and Margot Robbie, director Olivia Wilde and Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, among others.
Manal Marvelous’ tips for aspiring designers have turned her into social media star
Updated 13 April 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Saudi fashion and lifestyle content creator Manal Marvelous discovered her love of design and sewing while at university and soon began sharing her work on social media.
“My passion for fashion was a coincidence; actually, I had to take one semester of fashion classes in college because of some weird situation I got myself into and I was supposed to transfer after the semester ended, but I fell in love and never looked back,“ Marvelous told Arab News.
Manal Marvelous loves to share how she develops and sews her creations, and her TikTok has 3 million views and 700,000 followers. (Supplied)
“I love out-of-the box and creative ideas I can share with my audience, which consist of girls around my age with similar interests who either love fashion or got inspired to start their journey after watching my content,” she said.
She loves to share how she develops and sews her creations, and her TikTok has 3 million views and 700,000 followers.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Marvelous took part in the Sony Creators Convention, where she showcased her work on models, and offered advice to aspiring content creators about the business, how to succeed, and how to make their passions their careers.
• Marvelous believes that with an abundance of talented and creative Saudi designers, as well as the diversity of Saudi fashion and traditional costume, the KSA scene needs more useful fashion events.
• Aside from TikTok, Marvelous supports up-and-coming fashion designers on her YouTube channel, paving a path for them to enter the industry.
• She said that constructive criticism is always appreciated, and that she tries to hear what people have to say to improve her material, gain insight into her audience, and receive feedback.
“It felt like magic to me how can you transform a piece of fabric into art just by cutting here and stitching there,” she said.
Marvelous took part in the Sony Creators Convention, where she showcased her work on models, and offered advice to aspiring content creators about the business, how to succeed, and how to make their passions their careers.
Manal Marvelous loves to share how she develops and sews her creations, and her TikTok has 3 million views and 700,000 followers. (Supplied)
“My work as a fashion and lifestyle creator takes me around the Kingdom to collaborate with global and local brands ranging from clothing to skincare to makeup,” she said.
Aside from TikTok, Marvelous supports up-and-coming fashion designers on her YouTube channel, paving a path for them to enter the industry.
Manal Marvelous loves to share how she develops and sews her creations, and her TikTok has 3 million views and 700,000 followers. (Supplied)
“In my YouTube channel, I share my love of sewing, but with a twist. From sewing pants out of bandannas and a corset with plastic, to recycling my old jeans into a denim jacket,” she said.
Marvelous had the backing of friends and family from the start, and they were her supporters.
Manal Marvelous loves to share how she develops and sews her creations, and her TikTok has 3 million views and 700,000 followers. (Supplied)
She did, however, mention how some elements of social media, like cyberbullying, were deterring her from sharing and how she overcame it.
“Bullying on social media has become the norm lately. What I do and what I recommend everyone do is ignore the comment, especially when it’s obvious that the person is just trying to hurt you.”
Manal Marvelous loves to share how she develops and sews her creations, and her TikTok has 3 million views and 700,000 followers. (Supplied)
She said that constructive criticism is always appreciated, and that she tries to hear what people have to say to improve her material, gain insight into her audience, and receive feedback.
“But people who just want to put you down and make you feel bad should be muted,” she added.
Marvelous believes that with an abundance of talented and creative Saudi designers, as well as the diversity of Saudi fashion and traditional costume, the KSA scene needs more useful fashion events.
“Saudi Arabia has some of the most talented and creative designers in the field, and their work should be appreciated and celebrated nationally and internationally. Having more shows in the Kingdom could be beneficial not only to the designers but to the country as well.”
Marvelous said that the Fashion Commission has been a significant asset to the sector for many years, planning events and providing support for emerging designers through programs such as 100 Brands.
“I advise upcoming designers to never stop dreaming big; this is our time to shine and create the unexpected. There’s space for everyone.”
Marvelous offers three tips for aspiring fashion content creators seeking to be authentic: “Don’t try to copy other creators; it’s good to follow trends, but only when it suits your content and your personality. Consistency is key. Pick the schedule that suits you and make sure to stick to it.”
Ryan Reynolds spotted wearing Gigi Hadid’s clothing brand
Updated 16 April 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds is the latest celebrity to be spotted in a cardigan from Palestinian Dutch supermodel Gigi Hadid’s clothing label Guest in Residence.
Hadid took to Instagram to thank the “Deadpool” star for choosing the label, while also playfully including the star’s actress-wife Blake Lively in the message.
“Thank You @vancityreynolds mostly because we collectively, as a team, geek out every time you wear Guest in Residence,” wrote Hadid.
“You will never look like Blake in it,” the post added. “But you know this and I find you as a more useful friend of the brand because you love trying all the new pieces and she’s been wearing the same shirt from two winters ago through every season.”
“CC @blakelively … Your spring package is on the way, please try a cotton blend.”
Reynolds was wearing a peach Everywear Cardigan.
Earlier this year, Lively was spotted in New York City wearing a colorful Guest in Residence sweater.
Lively was with US singer and songwriter Taylor Swift when she was seen wearing an orange, yellow and black striped sweater, called Stripe Crew.
Hadid shared Lively’s picture on her Instagram and wrote: “I’m dead, so gorgeous.”
Lively paired the sweater with a brown suede circle skirt, a pair of orange platform heels and a yellow, brown and beige Louis Vuitton purse.
Lively and Swift were attending a private party at Lucali Pizza restaurant in Brooklyn.
Swift has been spotted in Guest in Residence several times. She sported an eye-catching, red cashmere crewneck at a Kansas City Chiefs game, while cheering on her partner Travis Kelce.
Yet another celebrity supporting Hadid’s label is Hollywood star Bradley Cooper, who sparked dating rumors with Hadid late last year.
In February this year, the “Maestro” actor stepped out in in the label’s Stripe Crew in the forest/cobalt/midnight colorway. He paired the look with comfortable gray sweatpants, hiking shoes and a heavy coat.
Late last year, Cooper also made a style statement when he was photographed wearing the cashmere Plaid Work Shirt while out on a stroll in New York City.
French-Algerian designer Faiza Bouguessa discusses her vibrant new collection
The celebrity-loved label’s latest offering ‘embodies simplicity and vibrancy’
Updated 11 April 2024
Hams Saleh
DUBAI: French-Algerian designer Faiza Bouguessa, founder of the celebrity-loved fashion label The Bouguessa, has dropped her Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
The designs celebrate contemporary fashion, merging minimalist aesthetics with striking colors.
The Spring/Summer 2024 designs celebrate contemporary fashion, merging minimalist aesthetics with striking colors. (Supplied)
“This collection embodies simplicity and vibrancy in perfect harmony,” the designer told Arab News. “The focus on quality craftsmanship and sophistication ensures a timeless aesthetic and modern feminine elegance.”
The color palette features camels, nutshells, pinks and sky blue. With a versatile range of indoor and outdoor pieces, the collection offers looks that can be worn separately or combined.
The designer explained that her design philosophy revolves around creating classic, timeless pieces that can be worn during the day and at night and work for a variety of occasions.
The development process of her collections is shaped by a variety of inspirations, she said.
“Sometimes it’s the fabric I start with, other times it’s an era or an artistic discipline,” Bouguessa said. “However, regardless of the initial influence, most of my designs naturally blend with each other and can easily be converted from daytime or work outfits to evening looks with (a few) accessories.”
While aesthetics are, obviously, important, the designer emphasized that her and her team’s main concerns when developing any collection are “comfort and wearability.”
“I like to think that my designs make women feel confident and strong while being able to be worn during days on the go,” she said. “I also design for myself, and there is not a style (in my collection) that I would not wear.
“We also aimed to infuse the lineup with powerful and visually striking styles,” she added. “Take, for instance, the Rafael prints, which exemplify this balance, as well as the thoughtfully distributed color palette throughout the collection. I tried to reimagine some of our signature pieces and classic silhouettes, injecting them with a fresh sense of modernity through cuts and color choices.”
Bouguessa also discussed her dual upbringing, saying that she embraces positive aspects from both France and Algeria.
France, she said, has influenced her cultural and technical understanding of fashion. “(The) fashion weeks are always closely covered by the media, and various documentaries about designers and fashion houses are aired during that time on television,” she added.
Meanwhile, Algeria provides her with a deep connection to her heritage. “It is my roots, the warmth of my family,” she said. “And many Algerians will tell you about our extremely strong connection with the land.
“My Algerian background translates differently from my French background,” she continued. “It is a little more subtle — through details or choices of fabric. The French touch is more obvious through the cuts and silhouettes. However, none of it is intentional, I believe these elements will always appear effortlessly in our work, as they are part of our identity.”
Bouguessa’s brand has garnered support from several celebrities, with the first being Beyonce, who commissioned an abaya from the label in 2015. “It was quite a moment,” the designer recalled. In 2017, the singer wore an emerald velvet Bouguessa gown to a charity fundraiser. The dress quickly sold out.
The label has since been endorsed by numerous A-listers, including Eva Longoria, Kourtney Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Jessica Alba, Melissa McCarthy, and Kelly Rutherford, as well as esteemed royals such as Jordan’s Queen Rania and Saudi Arabia’s Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz.
Bouguessa emphasized her desire to be “remembered as someone who contributed to empowering women through clothing that goes beyond trends. I hope to be remembered for the positive influence and inclusivity I brought to the industry.”
