Sonia Ben Ammar gets candid about her music career

Tunisian model Sonia Ben Ammar’s first EP is set to be released on Nov. 8. (Getty)
Updated 30 October 2019
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Sonia Ben Ammar gets candid about her music career

DUBAI: Tunisian model Sonia Ben Ammar — a rising star in the fashion world — just sat down with Paper magazine to talk more about her foray into the world of music.

The 20-year-old budding singer grew up in Paris before moving to Los Angeles and has walked the runway for the likes of Chanel and Carolina Herrera.

Her first passion, however, seems to be music — the model unveiled her debut single “Joyride” in September and released her second single, “Games,” last week.

“I am so happy that GAMES is finally out!!!! Been impatiently waiting for you to hear it. I hope you love it and thank you to the wonderful people that helped make this song (sic),” Ammar posted on Instagram about the haunting song.

Ammar’s four-track debut EP is set to be released on Nov. 8 and was executive produced by Daheala, who has worked with the likes of The Weekend and Halsey.

Ammar spoke to US magazine Paper about her latest track and her career in music.

“‘Games’ is, in my opinion, one of the more fun songs of the EP. It’s a little bit more upbeat, contrasting the darker lyrics. It still has that nostalgic feel the rest of the music has. Basically, it’s about heartbreak and experiences growing up and finding who I am as a person in particular with regards to the relationships around me and specifically love,” she said.




The model and musician released her latest track last week. (AFP)

“The EP doesn’t really have a title — it’s called EP 1,” she told the magazine of the upcoming release. “The theme I wanted stemmed from my life and my growth. It’s a darker theme but it’s driven by heartbreak, betrayal, growth.”

Ammar, who splits her off-runway time between Paris and Los Angeles, made her runway debut in 2017 for Miu Miu and quickly found herself in demand from some of the biggest labels around. Aside from her modelling career, she has also appeared in a couple of French movies — a family affair as her parents are Tunisian director Tarek Ben Ammar and actress Beata.

Ammar credits her youth for setting her apart from other artists on the scene.

“The fact that I grew up overseas and had a childhood in Paris...that really influenced me and influenced my taste. My open-mindedness on the world and my views. I feel like I bring that to my music, and I bring a different taste of my childhood and what I grew up listening to in that whole world,” she said.


Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

Updated 21 January 2026
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Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan presented their Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, continuing the rapid rise of their KML label.

The duo has gained international recognition since launching the brand in 2022, most recently being named semifinalists for the LVMH Prize — a prestigious annual award for emerging designers.

Creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring mean KML — owned by his sister, Razan — has built its identity around reimagining traditional Saudi garments through a contemporary lens. Jackets are paired with shawl-like elements, large leather belts recall those historically worn by Bedouin men, and skirts nod to silhouettes once worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and the Hijaz.

The collection leans on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions. (Getty Images)

The approach is reflected in the new collection, which features a restrained palette of black, white and muted earth tones, leaning on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions.

Flowing skirts, structured wrap tops and robe-like coats dominate the lineup, with some looks referencing classical draping while others lean toward utilitarian dressing, defined by sharp shoulders, cinched waists and clean, architectural lines.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Ahmed said their grandmother was a huge influence on their lives as he and his sister grew up in Riyadh. He fondly recalled both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. The experience left an impression, though fashion was not an obvious initial career path.

Ahmed studied architecture and became an intern at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice full-time.

“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explained.

That was the catalyst for KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection and towards the end of that year they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, helping KML launch collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.