French-Algerian blogger Lena Mahfouf heralded with Barbie doll

Lena Mahfouf posing with her Barbie doll. Instagram
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Updated 06 March 2022
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French-Algerian blogger Lena Mahfouf heralded with Barbie doll

DUBAI: Franco-Algerian blogger Lena Mahfouf is being honored with a Barbie doll in her likeness as part of a celebration of female business founders.

In its latest Barbie role models line-up, toy maker Mattel is paying tribute to women from around the world, including US producer Shonda Rhimes and British make-up artist Pat McGrath.

Mahfouf, 24, took to Instagram to share a picture of her doll from the collection to her 3.6 million followers ahead of International Women’s Day.

“When I was little, I didn't have a Barbie that looked like me physically,” she wrote. “I spent the first few years of my life resenting my parents for not having created me white, blond and with straight hair, because it was for me, until very recently, the only definition of beauty,” she continued.

“Today Barbie has chosen me to be the spokesperson for the ‘Ceiling of Dreams’ project to help all people believe in themselves. I admit that seeing this little doll with curly hair in her yellow suit and carrying a little book in her hand feels like the ultimate revenge,” she said.

“Thank you @barbie for this honor, and for letting me be a part of affirming diversity for all children. I'm adding this unique little doll to my museum (the shelf in my living room, lol). Anything is possible!” she concluded.


Gigi Hadid introduces sun-washed knitwear in new Guest in Residence drop

Updated 14 February 2026
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Gigi Hadid introduces sun-washed knitwear in new Guest in Residence drop

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian model Gigi Hadid this week released the first drop of her brand Guest in Residence’s spring/summer collection.

The pictures she shared with her 79.5 million followers on Instagram showed that the new offerings lean into relaxed, sun-washed dressing, blending the brand’s signature knitwear with a more playful, resort-ready mood.

The collection features lightweight cardigans, cropped knits and long-sleeve tops paired with knit shorts, relaxed trousers and soft lounge pieces designed for warm weather.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

A palette of coastal blues, butter yellow, soft red, cream and pastel tones runs throughout, complemented by subtle stripes and textured finishes.

Across the images, knits are layered over swimwear or styled as coordinated sets, aligning with the collection’s casual, seasonal direction.

Hadid wrote on Instagram that the newly launched products are now available in stores and retailers worldwide.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

The model and entrepreneur’s latest drop was a collaboration with Moon Boot, the Italian snow boot brand. Released in November, Hadid and the brand dropped 16 designs for winter.

A week before that, she launched her winter collection that expanded Guest in Residence’s knitwear offering with cold-weather staples designed for layering.

The range included chunky scarves with fringe finishes, ribbed beanies, knitted socks, striped sweaters, zip-neck tops and relaxed knit polos, alongside straight-leg trousers and casual separates.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

A muted winter palette of red, cream, brown, forest green and blue ran throughout, with stripes and textured knits adding visual contrast.

Hadid launched her clothing label, which features soft, colorful knitwear, in September 2022.

“Over the last handful of years, I didn’t want to be backed into starting my own line just because there was an offer on the table or a deal to be made,” she wrote to her followers on Instagram at the time.

“The earliest days of Guest in Residence came about when I started to question the cashmere market, and those answers gave me a path,” she added.

“I believe that because of its sustainable qualities — natural and made to cherish and to pass down — cashmere is a luxury that should be more accessible.”

Celebrities including Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Swift and Bradley Cooper have been spotted wearing the label’s designs.