Gina Rodriguez turns heads with the help of Lebanon’s finest

US actress Gina Rodriguez starred in ‘Jane the Virgin’ and Netflix’s ‘Someone Great.’ (Getty)
Updated 19 November 2019
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Gina Rodriguez turns heads with the help of Lebanon’s finest

  • The “Jane the Virgin” star, who is of Puerto Rican descent, cut a sleek figure in a black, off-the-shoulder Ingie Paris jumpsuit
  • Last week, Kerry Washington made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live wearing a printed, sleeveless Ingie Paris jumpsuit

DUBAI: US actress Gina Rodriguez attended the Eva Longoria Foundation Gala at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills on this week and opted to wear a Parisian label founded by a French-Lebanese designer for the star-studded event.

The “Jane the Virgin” star, who is of Puerto Rican descent, cut a sleek figure in a black, off-the-shoulder Ingie Paris jumpsuit. The ensemble featured sparkling details across the top and the designer’s signature waist-cinching silhouette that further emphasized the 35-year-old’s figure.

Ingie Paris, the luxury womenswear brand founded by CEO and Managing Director of the Etoile Group Ingie Chalhoub, has proven to be a celebrity favorite since launching in 2009. Just last week, Kerry Washington made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live wearing a printed, sleeveless Ingie Paris jumpsuit.




Gina Rodriguez showed off a jumpsuit by Ingie Paris. (Instagram)

Other A-listers who have donned the label include Kendall Jenner, who recently turned heads wearing a pink, ruffled silk-taffeta dress with a feathered trim from Ingie Paris’s Spring 2019 collection.

Meanwhile, catwalk model Yasmin Wjnaldum, “Riverdale” actress Madelaine Petsch and “Friends” star Lisa Kudrow have all been pictured sporting the brand’s range of cocktail dresses, daywear separates and accessories.

 The look comes just days after Rodriguez demanded a double take wearing another Lebanese label. At the 2019 Baby2Baby Gala, the actress stepped out on the red carpet wearing an intricately embroidered, baby blue design from Ras Baalbek-born couturier Zuhair Murad.




The baby blue design was from Ras Baalbek-born couturier Zuhair Murad. (Getty)

Also present at Longoria’s annual gala was “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera and rising child actress Ariana Greenblatt, who posted a group photo with the actresses on Instagram writing: “Thank you @evalongoria for a great night and for all the inspiring work the @evalongoriafoundation does for Latina women (sic).”

Longoria also uploaded a picture of herself with Rodriguez on the social media platform and captioned it: “Latinas Unite! @evalongoriafoundation Thank you @hereisgina you for your constant support to help these young Latinas reach their full potential!”

Actors Mario Lopez, Terry Crews and “That 70s Show” star Wilmer Valderrama were also among the guests at the celebrity-filled bash.

Founded by the Hollywood star in 2012, The Eva Longoria Foundation aims to empower the Latina community through a number of mentorships, college scholarships, after-school programs and entrepreneurships.

In 2018, Rodriguez, alongside Zoe Saldana, was recognized for being an activist and role model in the Latina community by The Eva Longoria Foundation. 


Jessica Kahawaty to narrate London concert paying tribute to Arab music icons

Updated 24 February 2026
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Jessica Kahawaty to narrate London concert paying tribute to Arab music icons

DUBAI: Australian Lebanese model and entrepreneur Jessica Kahawaty this week announced that she will serve as the storyteller for “A Night With The Legends,” a one-night musical tribute celebrating iconic women of Arabic music, taking place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on March 5.

Kahawaty will portray Scheherazade and deliver spoken narration during the program.

The evening will pay tribute to the legacies of Umm Kulthum, Fairuz, Warda, Sabah, Asmahan and Layla Mourad.

Vocals will be performed by Lebanese vocalist Abeer Nehme, accompanied by the UK-based London Arab Orchestra under the direction of conductor Basel Saleh, alongside the London-based Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The program will also feature a 70-member all-female choir.

“I’m incredibly humbled,” Kahawaty wrote to her 1.8 million followers on Instagram. “As storyteller, I’ll be weaving history, memory and meaning into the musical experience in a one-night tribute celebrating the iconic women of the golden era of Arabic music.”

“I cannot wait to see you all there,” she added.

Kahawaty is also an entrepreneur. She co-founded fine jewelry label Kahawaty Jewels with her father, master jeweler Ghassan Kahawaty, launching the Dubai-based brand last year as a continuation of the family’s longstanding craftsmanship tradition.

“I grew up watching my father in his jewelry trade. I saw how happy he made people when he created these beautiful pieces,” Kahawaty previously told Arab News. “I’ve always wanted to continue my father’s legacy and my grandfather’s trade. I felt like this is the perfect time to launch Kahawaty Jewels in Dubai, which is a city I’ve been in for over 13 years.”

Kahawaty and her mother are also behind UAE-based food delivery business Mama Rita. In July last year, the pair expanded the venture with the launch of a cookbook, which featured a cover endorsement from Hollywood actress and producer Courteney Cox.

Writing on Instagram at the time, Kahawaty said: “The moment we held the Mama Rita cookbook in our hands for the very first time … after two years of pouring our hearts into it. And we’re beyond thrilled to share a special surprise on the cover — a quote from the one and only (Courteney Cox). Her iconic role as Monica in ‘Friends’ — the talented chef, perfectionist and loving control freak — mirrors so much of the dynamic between mum and me. And her true persona is even more beautiful, warm and generous.”