US actress Hilary Duff taps Lebanese designer for press event

Duff wore the heels during a press event for her upcoming show “How I Met Your Father.” (Getty Images)
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Updated 15 January 2022
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US actress Hilary Duff taps Lebanese designer for press event

DUBAI: US actress and singer Hilary Duff turned heads this week wearing a pair of heels designed by Lebanese shoemaker Andrea Wazen.

The “Lizzie McGuire” star championed the brand’s Denver pumps in white during a press event for her upcoming show “How I Met Your Father,” which will premiere on Hulu on Jan. 18.

The 10-episode comedy series is a sequel to the CBS hit sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff)

Duff, who is also the producer of the series, will play the role of Sophie, the show’s protagonist, who tells her son the story of how she met his father.

During the press event, Duff paired the heels with a printed thigh-high dress in blue by US label Rhode that featured a ruched skirt with a side ruffle, elbow-length puff sleeves and a round neckline.

“This whole thang to sit in a chair from 9-7 yesterday doing press, but those shoes and that gloss lid were sass,” wrote Duff to her 19.7 million Instagram followers, complimenting Wazen’s creations.

Duff is known for championing labels from around the world.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff)

In November, the star turned to a British-Afghan-Pakistani designer for the 2021 Baby2Baby gala at Hollywood’s Pacific Design Centre. 

The 34-year-old actress was a vision in a dazzling hot pink dress by UK-based label Osman, which featured a plunging neckline, dramatic sleeves and thigh-high slit. 

Duff is not the only celebrity fan of Wazen, however.

In fact, the Lebanese label is shaping up to be the next big footwear brand to watch.

Since launching in 2013, the label’s strappy sandals and stilettos have made their way onto the pedicured toes of A-listers and It-girls across the globe, including Beyonce, Megan Fox, Hailey Bieber, Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Addison Rae, who have all championed Wazen’s creations.

Just this week, US actress Alyssa Milano wore the label’s black Denver pumps during an interview with celebrity interviewer Steve Varley for her new Netflix film “Brazen.”


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.”