PARIS: LVMH, the world’s biggest luxury goods group, is ordering 40 million health masks from a Chinese supplier to help France cope with the coronavirus outbreak.
The first order, for a total of 10 million masks, will be delivered in coming days, LVMH said in a statement on Saturday. This initial batch will be given to the French health service for distribution to those in need early next week.
The rest of the order, on which LVMH cooperated with the French government, will be funded by the state and should be delivered in coming weeks.
LVMH, owner of brands such as Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior and controlled by France’s richest man Bernard Arnault, is already producing and delivering free-of-charge hand sanitizer to French hospitals.
“In order to secure this (mask) order during an extremely tense period and to ensure that the production begins today, Bernard Arnault arranged for LVMH to finance the whole of the first week of deliveries, amounting to 5 million euros ($5.4 million),” the group said.
Countries around the world are struggling to deal with the biggest public health crisis since the 1918 influenza pandemic, with medical supplies and protective gear in short supply.
Many health professionals in France have criticised the shortages as the country fights coronavirus and entered a unprecedented lockdown on Tuesday.
LVMH orders 40 million masks from China for France
https://arab.news/vdhez
LVMH orders 40 million masks from China for France
Yara Alnamlah launches beauty brand Moonglaze at Sephora
- Launch is ‘celebration of cultural pride’ for entrepreneur
DUBAI: Moonglaze, founded by influencer, makeup artist and entrepreneur Yara Alnamlah, on Thursday launched at Sephora Middle East, the first Saudi beauty brand to do so.
For Alnamlah, the launch represented more than a business achievement and she told Arab News it was “a celebration of cultural pride.”
She added: “This achievement not only elevates Moonglaze’s presence on the world stage but also represents a major step forward for Saudi and Middle Eastern beauty voices in the global marketplace.
“What makes this moment truly groundbreaking is that it’s the first time a Saudi brand has entered Sephora’s retail ecosystem, both in store and online exclusively in the Middle East.
“This move showcases the growing influence, creativity, and excellence of Saudi and regional beauty innovators, and opens the door for local brands to shine alongside international leaders.
“Moonglaze’s debut at Sephora reflects a celebration of cultural pride, visionary entrepreneurship, and a renewed spotlight on beauty that resonates with diverse identities from Riyadh to the world.”
At Sephora Middle East, the brand’s full range will be available, including blush sticks, bronze pods, highlighter sticks and brushes, alongside the newly launched FEELS lip liners and MOODS water lip tints, which are debuting exclusively as part of the Sephora launch.
The creation of Moonglaze has been a personal journey shaped by Alnamlah’s background as a makeup artist. According to Alnamlah, the brand is built around the idea of effortless glow and skin-first formulas.
“Our products are inspired by my belief in healthy, glowing skin as the foundation of any great makeup look,” she previously told Arab News, adding that this philosophy led her to begin the brand with skincare before expanding into color cosmetics.
Alnamlah added: “The idea of using makeup to highlight natural beauty rather than mask it is something that I wanted to reflect in every Moonglaze product.
“Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I’ve always been inspired by the cultural appreciation of beauty and the importance of glowing, radiant skin.”
The use of the word “moon” in the brand name references the Arabic term “qamar,” often used to describe someone as luminous, Alnamlah explained.
The Sephora launch follows the brand’s debut at Selfridges London in 2024.
