GAZA CITY: To the sound of drums and flutes, a freshly coiffed Palestinian groom dances with his brothers, cousins and friends, anxiously waiting for his veiled bride to arrive in her shimmering gown.
It might have been a normal Gaza wedding, except for the venue — not a luxurious seaside hall, but a narrow alley in the Al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City.
Welcome to Gaza’s new pandemic-era weddings: they are small because of strict crowd limits, they are held outdoors, and they finish early to beat the curfews.
And they are a whole lot cheaper than usual.
“I’m not entirely happy because I would have preferred to celebrate it in a wedding hall,” said the groom, Mohammed Ahmed Ashour, wearing a blazer and burgundy tie.
But for his family, the 24-year-old merchant told AFP between dances, the pared-down nuptials have also brought welcome savings at a time of economic hardship.
Weddings in the Palestinian coastal enclave are usually extravagant affairs, held in large halls that dot the Mediterranean coastline.
Despite staggering poverty and unemployment rates of around 50 percent even before the pandemic, many Gazans spend several thousand dollars on weddings.
This year the virus has further impacted the economy in the strip, which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, and is currently spreading rapidly across Gaza.
In recent weeks infections have multiplied and “the situation is getting out of control,” warned Doctor Ahmad Al-Jadba of Gaza City’s Shifa hospital.
On Friday, the Palestinian health ministry announced 922 new cases for the last 24 hours in Gaza, a daily record which takes the total number of people known to have been infected with the virus in the enclave to 18,333, including 86 deaths.
Hamas, the group that runs the strip, has banned large indoor gatherings to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Families have been forced to hold smaller weddings in less-than-fairytale settings — like alleys and backyards — but saved bundles in the process.
Ashour said these days many couples opt for scaled-back daytime nuptials which take “a little over an hour.”
Once the Ashours’ wedding was over, the musicians — three percussionists and a player of the traditional reed flute called a ney — headed home before the evening curfew.
They had more performances booked for the next day, as their small, traveling business is now thriving.
A few days later they were in Jabaliya, a town in the north of the strip, for the wedding of Ahmed Omar Khallah, a 28-year-old postman.
Khallah said that for him, too, the timing is good: “There is no work, no money, but we have saved a lot by marrying now,” he told AFP.
He was picking up his bride from a beauty salon.
Its proprietor, Fadwi, confirmed that “many young couples prefer to get married during the corona period because the costs are lower. They don’t have to rent wedding halls or pay for large buffets.”
Fadwi has changed his business hours to accommodate the new routine as Hamas police patrols enforce the night-time curfews.
“We now start work around 7:00 am,” he said, “because people only get married in ceremonies until 5:00 pm.”
Small is beautiful: Gaza’s toned-down coronavirus-era weddings
https://arab.news/yuxtg
Small is beautiful: Gaza’s toned-down coronavirus-era weddings
- Pandemic-era weddings in Gaza are small because of strict crowd limits and finish early to beat the curfews
- Weddings in the Palestinian coastal enclave are usually extravagant affairs, held in large halls that dot the Mediterranean coastline
Saudi artist brings ‘special charm’ of Japanese art to life
- Maryam Al-Suwaidan paints Japanese-style whimsical characters that evoke feelings of nostalgia
- Love for Japanese art began in childhood when she copied drawings from the covers of videos and comic books
RIYADH: A Saudi artist whose fascination with Japanese animation began in childhood is breaking new ground in the Kingdom’s burgeoning art scene.
Maryam Al-Suwaidan paints Japanese-style whimsical characters that evoke feelings of nostalgia.
Her love for Japanese art began in childhood when she copied drawings from the covers of videos and comic books featuring her favorite characters.
“These works had a special charm for me and opened the doors of imagination, which motivated me to continue drawing,” she said.
Al-Suwaidan’s method is derived from chibi art, a style of Japanese cartoon and anime illustration characterized by small, cute and exaggerated characters with oversized heads.
In high school, as Al-Suwaidan’s fondness for the art form grew, she decided to learn Japanese.
“I didn’t realize that most of these works came from Japan until almost high school. This pushed me to watch more of their works, and the Japanese language was completely new to me but comfortable to listen to and easy to learn,” she said.
“By learning the language, I can now access books by artists that are not translated, and discover their new tools and how to execute artistic works more deeply.”
Al-Suwaidan said: “I started learning art at a chalk drawing workshop with the artist Shoa’a Al-Dosary. I focus on illustration — depicting objects and characters with detailed backgrounds, and sometimes adding a hint of surrealism. My inspiration comes from animated films and visual stories that stimulate my creativity.”
The biggest attraction of Japanese art for Al-Suwaidan is that despite the distance and language difference of the medium compared with local art, there are similarities in culture, values and ethics.
The Saudi artist is inspired by iconic anime films such as “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle” by Japanese director Miyazaki Hayao of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese production house known for its attention to detail and unique storytelling.
Japanese animations such as the works of Miyazaki Hayao, Nakura Yasuhiro and others have “brilliantly depicted” the worlds and noble ideas of their creators, Al-Suwaidan said.
“This motivated me to learn the Japanese language to read their books and become familiar with more of their works and techniques.”
Al-Suwaidan found inspiration from the works of Saudi and Japanese animators that she watched as a child.
“One of the works that is still etched in my memory is the film ‘Jazeerat Al Noor’ (Island of Light) by the Saudi director Osama Khalifa. It tells the story of ‘Hay Bin Yaqthan’ by Ibn Tufail and how he came to know the presence of the Creator through contemplation and reflection on nature around him. This feeling accompanies me every time I contemplate the world and creatures to draw,” she said.
Al-Suwaidan added: “I aim for my drawings to evoke emotions and resonate with viewers. I choose color palettes and designs based on the subject matter, focusing on highlighting the main element of the drawing.
“Saudi culture and traditions influence my work, particularly in how I portray nature and surroundings. Feedback on my art has been positive, reminding viewers of their childhood memories and dreams.”
Al-Suwaidan views art as an “integral part of society” that reflects identity and conveys messages: “Through art, an artist can express their lifestyle and perspectives, connecting with others in the community.”
Mytheresa partners with Saudi influencer Nojoud Al-Rumaihi for Ramadan campaign
DUBAI: German luxury e-tailer Mytheresa has collaborated with Saudi influencer and consultant Nojoud Al-Rumaihi for a Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr campaign shot in Saudi Arabia.
The curated edit features the influencer’s top picks from labels such as celebrity-loved, London-based label Roksanda, New York-based fashion house Markarian, British brand Self-Portrait and red carpet mainstay Taller Marmo.
The edit of more than 500 pieces also includes costume jewelry, fine jewelry, hair accessories, dresses, bags and shoes. For Al-Rumaihi, comfort was key when curating the Ramadan edit.
“I always look for silhouettes that are fitted yet comfortable on the body, and I feel like the label that helps deliver my needs is Saint Laurent. The pieces always compliment my body in the best way possible,” she told Arab News. While she had a tough time picking a favorite, she added that an embellished, caped gown hailing from London-based fashion label Safiyaa, founded by Daniela Karnuts, was one of her personal favorites.
The e-tailer has partnered with Al-Rumaihi for the third year on its Ramadan campaign — something the influencer says is key in understanding the coveted Saudi market.
“Having a Saudi creative perspective can help international brands and e-tailers gain valuable local cultural insights with an authentic perspective that can help them connect with the Saudi market more effectively,” she said, adding that including local voices in the decision making process can ensure international brands project a message that is culturally relevant.
The campaign images were shot in the Bab Al-Saad resort in Diriyah, as well as a farm in the same historic area that is located just outside Riyadh.
“Bab Al-Saad is a venue that portrays a luxury Arab-themed space. Meanwhile, the farm is located in Diriyah, where Saudi was first established. The farm carries a lot of history in its architecture and doors,” Al-Rumaihi said, referring to the historical status of Diriyah, which was an oasis settlement founded in the 15th century along the Wadi Hanifah.
Diriyah is also home to At-Turaif, an archaeological treasure trove of royal palaces, mosques, homes and defensive towers built in the 18th century in the capital of the First Saudi State.
‘New Codes of Luxury in Saudi Arabia’ talks women and their role in driving the future of luxury
Yara Shahidi, Arab gowns spotted on the NAACP Awards red carpet in Los Angeles
DUBAI: Part-Middle Eastern star Yara Shahidi made an appearance at the 55th annual NAACP Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday night as a handful of stars showed off ensembles by Arab designers.
The ceremony honored the achievements of people of color in film, television, music, and literature and saw R&B icon Usher named entertainer of the year.
“Grown-ish” star Shahidi, whose father is Iranian, attended the ceremony in a look from Italian label Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer 2024 ready-to-wear collection. Meanwhile, Usher’s wife Jennifer Goicoechea walked the red carpet by the award winner’s side in a tailored, blazer-like gown from Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad’s Resort 2024 line.
Actress Queen Latifah stunned in a lilac look by Lebanon’s Georges Hobeika, from his Fall/Winter 2023 Couture collection, and model Madisin Rian showed off a dramatic burgundy jumpsuit by Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy, complete with an oversized cape and beaded detailing on the bodice.
For his part, Usher hit the stage and reeled off several of his recent big moments including his sold-out residency in Las Vegas, getting married, releasing his ninth studio album “Coming Home” and his Super Bowl halftime performance, which became the most-watched in the game's history.
Usher beat out Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey and Keke Palmer.
“I don't know how many people do that much stuff in one setting,” said the multi-Grammy winner, who was presented the award by Oprah Winfrey. After being surprised by Winfrey's presence, he thanked those who have supported him throughout the years.
“This is for you, you, my number ones,” the singer said as the audience repeated his words back to him. The final words of his speech were recited lyrics from his popular song “Superstar” from his 2024 album “Confessions,” which has sold more than 10 million units in the US.
Earlier in the ceremony, Usher was honored with the President's Award for the singer's public service achievements through his New Look Foundation. He thanked the women in his life, including his mother and wife Jenn Goicoechea, whom he married after his Super Bowl halftime performance last month.
“The say behind or beside or with every strong man is a stronger woman,” he said.
Queen Latifah hosted the awards ceremony aired live on BET.
“The Color Purple” was awarded best motion picture. The musical film featured star-studded cast including Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Domingo, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins and Bailey.
New Edition was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. The induction is bestowed on individuals who are viewed as pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence shaped their profession.
Review: No luck of the Irish for Lindsay Lohan’s new movie on Netflix
LONDON: We were told that Lindsay Lohan was decidedly “back” when she starred in “Falling for Christmas” at the end of 2022. That film was a run-of-the-mill festive movie which saw Lohan shrugging off her bad girl image for something a little more wholesome. Though the film was categorically average, it did seem that the Dubai-based actress was, at least a little bit, “back” after years out of the spotlight.
It’s a trend Lohan is seeking to continue with “Irish Wish,” a fantasy rom-com on Netflix which sees her star as Maddie, a book editor for handsome Irish author Paul Kennedy – who is also the subject of her unrequited love. When Paul (Alexander Vlahos) invites her to Ireland to celebrate his wedding, a heartbroken Maddie stumbles upon a magical stone chair (yes, really) presided over by a whimsical, mischievous Irish woman (yes, really) with the power to grant your heart’s desires. Maddie wishes she was the one marrying Paul and, lo and behold, she wakes up the next morning transformed into his bride-to-be. Which would be great if she hadn’t already had a contrived and clumsy meet-cute with handsome photographer James (Ed Speleers, slumming it here in sharp contrast to some of his excellent recent work). Having set up the requisite rom-com ingredients, director Janeen Damian then lets her leading lady at it — cue a series of bumbling set pieces, longing glances and awkward conversations which lead to a climactic showdown when Maddie must decide whether to stick with her new life or try to get back the one she wished away.
To be fair, there are few actors better than Lohan at pulling off this kind of by-the-numbers romantic fluff. But this is far from her best work and far from her best film — even by rom-com standards, “Irish Wish” is pretty dire. Every set piece feels dated and derivative, every exchange between the stars lacks any sense of natural conversation or connection.
Rom-coms often get a bit of a pass because they give audiences exactly what they expect. Sadly, in this case, what viewers should expect is some awkward faux-romance and precious little comedy.