DUBAI: The fall-out over comments made by Kuwaiti beauty blogger Sondos Al-Qattan continues after another firm fired her over controversial comments made about Filipino domestic workers.
MAC Cosmetics, one of the world’s largest make-up brands said in a statement on Wednesday that it “did not support” Al-Qattan’s beliefs, and would be “ending its relationship” with the make-up blogger.
“We currently do not have any partnerships with her and will no longer be working with her on any brand activities,” the company said.
The statement went on to say that MAC strives “to align ourselves with partners that share our core values and in no way tolerate excluding anyone.”
MAC joins a host of companies, including Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido and South Korean brand Etude House, both of which distanced themselves on Tuesday from the controversial blogger and her comments.
Al-Qattan, who has 2.3 million followers on Instagram, faced huge backlash for criticizing Kuwait’s new labor law.
“All I said was that the employer was entitled to keep the servant’s passport, and that many Kuwaitis and Gulf nationals agree with me,” she said.
“I have the right as a kafil (sponsor) to keep my employee’s passport, and I am responsible for paying a deposit of up to 1,500 dinars (around $4,900),” she said.
Al-Qattan insisted the practices are not an “insult to the employee, and do not concern humanity or human rights because I did not deprive the employee of her salary or beat her.”
“The servant lives in the house just like the owners, he eats the same food, sleeps, rests and goes out shopping... this is a natural right. He’s not like a waiter who works fixed hours, so we give him a weekly leave,” she added.
Al-Qattan’s comments in the now deleted clip sparked outrage on social media, with many Twitter and Instagram users calling on brands that work with the makeup artist to sever ties.
MAC becomes latest company to break ties with Kuwaiti blogger Sondos Al-Qattan
MAC becomes latest company to break ties with Kuwaiti blogger Sondos Al-Qattan
Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode
- Attends wedding of best friend and model Cindy Bruna
DUBAI: Supermodel Imaan Hammam recently attended the wedding of her best friend and fellow supermodel Cindy Bruna, who tied the knot with former basketball star and actor Blondy Baruti in an intimate ceremony in Paris.
Bruna, a French-Congolese model best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and major fashion houses, married in a private celebration attended by close friends and family. She wore a custom gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.
Hammam was a part of the bridal party, serving as one of Bruna’s bridesmaids. The Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model wore a long, maroon-red gown with a sleeveless silhouette.
The dress was paired with matching elbow-length gloves in the same deep red shade, creating a coordinated and striking look that stood out but was in keeping with the formal event.
On Instagram she posted images with the caption: “Most special weekend celebrating my sis and Blondy. The most beautiful bride … truly. My heart is so full. We danced, we laughed, and we loved every moment.”
The floor-length gown featured clean lines and a streamlined cut, allowing the rich color to take centerstage. Hammam kept her styling minimal, letting the dress and gloves do most of the work.
Hammam and Bruna have been close friends for years, frequently appearing together at fashion events and on international runways.
Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show.
Hammam has appeared on the runway for Burberry, Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Balenciaga and Carolina Herrera. And starred in international campaigns, including for DKNY, Celine, Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani and Tiffany & Co.
Earlier this year, she launched Ayni, an archival platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating Arab artistic expression from her perspective.
“For me, it’s always been so much deeper than just fashion. It is about staying connected to my roots, telling stories that move me and shining a light on the voices that need to be heard.”
She said her hope for Ayni is for it to grow beyond a personal vision and become a “real community.”
