Toys R Us removes LOL dolls from UAE shops following outcry from parents

The dolls have been sold since 2015 and are extremely popular with young children. File/Instagram
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Updated 22 August 2020
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Toys R Us removes LOL dolls from UAE shops following outcry from parents

DUBAI: Toys R Us stores across the UAE have taken the decision to remove LOL Surprise! Dolls from their shelves following an outcry from parents regarding inappropriate markings on some of the toys. 

Toys R Us is the official distributor for LOL – which is an abbreviation for Lil Outrageous Littles – across the MENA region.

The dolls, which have been sold since 2015, have recently made headlines following a slew of viral videos made by concerned mothers, in which parents demonstrate what happens when some unclothed LOL dolls are dipped in ice water.

Many of the toys, upon being exposed to cold water, reveal new, provocative lingerie-like markings, which many parents deem inappropriate for four to 14 year-old children, which the dolls are marketed to.

LOL should be ashamed of themselves. Throw them out! Do not buy them for your children. As I said this is so disgusting and I am genuinley so upset by this as will most parents of kids playing with these toys! They are grooming our children without us realizing. Pool water - not shown Beach - not shown Bath - not shown I’ve Bucket of water - My eyes are scarred! #savethechildren

Posted by mylittlelovesblog.com on Monday, August 17, 2020

MGA entertainment, the creator of the dolls, responded to the controversy via a statement shared with Fast Company. 

“L.O.L Surprise! is a fashion-forward doll brand designed to be fun and expressive. We work very hard to be a brand that listens and adapts to our fans’ requests,” said the statement. “We acknowledge the recent feedback received and thank you for bringing it to our attention. We have implemented comprehensive corrective measures to our design and approval process while ensuring the essence of the brand is kept intact.”

The water feature first went viral as early as 2019, when one Reddit user noted that cold water made her 3-year-old’s doll “look like a hooker.” 

It’s worth noting that the lingerie-like markings do not appear on all LOL Dolls when placed in water.


Ashi Studio returns to Paris Haute Couture Week with spring/summer 2026 collection

Updated 30 January 2026
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Ashi Studio returns to Paris Haute Couture Week with spring/summer 2026 collection

DUBAI: Ashi Studio, the Saudi haute couture label founded by Mohammed Ashi, presented its spring/summer 2026 collection in Paris as part of Paris Haute Couture Week, joining a growing number of Arab designers showing on the official calendar.

Look 1 by Ashi Studio. (Supplied)

Set against softly draped fabric, the show this week focused on structure and craftsmanship, with garments defined by corsetry, layered surfaces and precise construction.

Corseted bodices appeared throughout the collection, many extending outward at the hips to create architectural silhouettes that framed the body. These shapes were executed in materials ranging from matte fabric to polished, reflective finishes that resembled molded metal or lacquered leather.

Look 2 by Ashi Studio. (Supplied)

In several looks, corsets were paired with sheer skirts, fine tulle layers or elongated panels that exposed the garment’s underlying structure.

Dresses made from feather-like strands, fringe and shredded materials contrasted with the rigidity of sculpted bodices, while embroidery and beadwork were applied in bands and clustered formations across the torso and hem.

The color palette remained restrained, moving between ivory, sand, taupe, bronze, black and deep burgundy. Darker looks included structured gowns and tailored coats with exaggerated shoulders, while lighter tones were used for sculpted white dresses, sheer wrapped pieces and feathered designs.

Look 3 by Ashi Studio. (Supplied)

Accessories were kept minimal, with sculptural clutches and headpieces used sparingly to maintain focus on the garments themselves.

Ashi Studio’s presentation took place alongside shows by Arab designers including Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Georges Hobeika, Georges Chakra, Tony Ward and Rami Al-Ali, underscoring the region’s continued presence on the Paris Haute Couture Week schedule.

Look 4 by Ashi Studio. (Supplied)

Ashi’s creations have been worn by the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Queen Rania of Jordan, and more.

Ashi became the first couturier from the Gulf region to join the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023. He also became the first designer from the Gulf to be included in the BoF 500 list, the Business of Fashion’s index of the people shaping the fashion industry in 2023.

Ashi designed the inaugural fashion line for the cabin crew of the Kingdom’s new airline, Riyadh Air, which is on track to make its maiden flight in 2025.