Vanessa Hudgens, Katy Perry think pink in Arab designers

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Updated 10 December 2020
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Vanessa Hudgens, Katy Perry think pink in Arab designers

DUBAI: The 2020 MTV Movie and TV Awards: Greatest of All Time show took place in Los Angeles this week and while there was no large audience due to coronavirus restrictions, there was still a star-studded roster of performers and presenters, all of whom turned up to the socially-distanced ceremony wearing their glittering best.

When host Vanessa Hudgens stepped onto the red carpet at the annual awards ceremony, the “High School Musical” alumni gave onlookers a full-fledged fashion moment. Wearing a black strapless Versace mini-dress, she stayed true to the jaw-dropping and bold dress code that the awards show is known for. 




Vanessa Hudgens showed off a salmon pink gown by Tony Ward. Getty Images

However, that wasn’t the only head-turning look she donned during her hosting duties. The 31-year-old star also opted for a design from our neck of the woods. Hudgens kicked off the show in a silk, salmon-colored gown by Lebanese-Italian designer Tony Ward. The halter dress, which was styled by Jason Bolden, boasted a jewel-encrusted neckline, thin cut-outs across the waist and a mermaid-style skirt. The actress completed the look with matching opera gloves. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Duckie Thot (@duckiethot)

 The American-Filipino actress wasn’t the only star to seek out the Lebanese-Italian talent for an important event this week. 

Ward, who has worked with such high profile designers as Gianfranco Ferré for Dior and the late Karl Lagerfeld for Chloé, was also responsible for the orange, crystal-embroidered party dress worn by supermodel Duckie Thot to the 2020 British Fashion Awards.

However, he wasn’t the only Arab couturier who popped up on our fashion radar this week.

Elsewhere, US popstar Katy Perry hit the stage at the UNICEF Changemaker event in Los Angeles to perform one of her latest hits.




Katy Perry wore Bahraini label Monsoori at the UNICEF Changemaker 2020 event. Instagram

Introduced by fiancé Orlando Bloom, the 36-year-old star delivered a powerful performance of her recent single “Only Love” wearing a vivid pink Monsoori gown, from the Bahraini designer’s Spring 2021 collection.

The pink taffeta dress boasted a deep plunging neckline, bow-embellished shoulders and a voluminous tiered skirt. 


Yataghan boutique in Jeddah celebrates Saudi heritage

Updated 20 December 2025
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Yataghan boutique in Jeddah celebrates Saudi heritage

JEDDAH: Yataghan, the contemporary Saudi jewelry house founded in 2008 by designer and entrepreneur Sarah Abudawood, has announced an expansion with its Riyadh debut at Kingdom Centre, alongside the relocation of its headquarters and flagship store to a street-front location on Jeddah’s Thalia Street.

The brand, known for blending Arabian heritage with modern minimalism, unveiled two boutiques designed as immersive experiences rather than mere retail spaces.

Every detail of the new Jeddah location has been carefully curated; brass accents inspired by the Yataghan blade evoke precision and luxury, while striped, gray onyx symbolizes continuity and progress, according to the brand’s founder. Vast windows, softened by Yataghan’s signature hexagonal motif, a symbol of harmony, order, and strength, flood the boutiques with natural light, creating an inviting environment for visitors.

Inspired by the Yataghan sword, with its distinctive, single-edged blade, the brand’s collections fuse minimalist design with Arabic calligraphy and tribal motifs.

“The name Yataghan draws its meaning from the two swords on the Saudi flag — a symbol that has always fascinated me for what it represents: conviction, protection, truth, and above all, balance,” Abudawood told Arab News.

“The Yataghan sword, known for its graceful curve and exquisite craftsmanship, embodies purpose and precision. It is drawn to defend what matters and to guard what is sacred. It sets boundaries and restores equilibrium, reminding us that strength is not only about force, but about knowing when to advance and when to stand still.

“That balance is reflected in every piece we create. Because, like the sword, Yataghan is more than an ornament; it is a statement of purpose, and identity.”

Abudawood explained the cultural inspiration behind the brand, highlighting pieces connected to Saudi identity. “This branch carries designs that are deeply connected to Saudi identity and cultural memory. Some pieces are exclusive, inspired by symbols, rhythms, and forms rooted in our heritage, interpreted through a modern lens … Jeddah, in particular, has a unique spirit: fluid, expressive, open, and layered with history. That essence subtly informs the designs you’ll find here.” 

The founder also spoke of the brand’s philosophy of minimalism and meaningful design.

“It comes from my belief that simplicity creates space for meaning. I have always been drawn to architecture and the principle that form must follow function. I design with intention; nothing is accidental. Every line has a purpose, every curve holds a story. Minimalism, for me, is not about removing emotion; it is about distilling it. I want each piece to feel timeless, personal, and quietly powerful.”

The label has been flaunted by high-profile clients — including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Lama Akeel — but Abudawood emphasized the brand’s focus on connection over visibility. “Whether someone is a public figure or not, what moves me is when they feel seen by the jewelry. Yataghan has always been about resonance, about creating pieces that speak to identity, strength, and personal stories,” she said.

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark new chapters for Yataghan, including local and international expansion, innovative collections, and a stronger focus on storytelling and community collaborations. “Growth has never been about reach alone; it’s about depth, integrity, and lasting impact,” Abudawood added.

“Ultimately, what drives me is purpose. I’m motivated by the desire to create work that matters, to offer women something that reflects who they are, not who they’re expected to be. Design, for me, is a form of dialogue, a way to translate emotion into form. As long as I’m creating with honesty, intention, and heart, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”