British actress Florence Pugh spotted in Moroccan label  

Actress Florence Pugh showed off an ensemble by Moroccan-led label Casablanca. (Instagram)
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Updated 23 November 2022
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British actress Florence Pugh spotted in Moroccan label  

DUBAI: British actress Florence Pugh was spotted in an ensemble by Moroccan-led label Casablanca in Los Angeles on Tuesday.  

The “Don’t Worry Darling” actress was styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray, who chose the futuristic look from Casablanca’s Spring/Summer 2023 ready-to-wear collection.  

 

Featuring peek-a-boo cutouts and oversized lapels, the outfit is everything fashion insiders have come to expect from the pioneering brand.  

Corbin-Murray finished off the look with understated Tiffany & Co. jewelry. 

Casablanca, founded by Charaf Tajer, is known for its use of luxury silk and cashmere in clothing inspired by Tajer’s Moroccan roots.  

The label has been flaunted by the likes of British singer Dua Lipa in the past, while US actor Nicolas Cage starred in a recent campaign for the brand.  

No stranger to the limelight, Tajer partnered with Italian luxury brand Bulgari on a new collection in March. 

The seven-piece collection, a mix of sporty and elegant designs, was divided into two launches. 

The first, inspired by tennis bags and titled Apres Tennis, was released on April 20. The second launch, Mosaic Story, which dropped on May 2, was inspired by landmarks in Rome, the city where Bulgari was founded. 

The brand’s debut runway during Paris Men’s Fashion Week in 2018 was a love letter to the designer’s parents who met while working side by side in a clothing atelier in the fashion district of Casablanca. 

Casablanca is also known for its charitable initiatives.  

In March, the label pledged to donate all proceeds from sales on its website this weekend to help Africans fleeing Ukraine in the wake of the Russian invasion.  

In a statement on its Instagram, the Paris-based label said: “Throughout the growth of Casablanca, our ambition is to support as many people in need as we can, on every level. Globally, many countries and people are in need of critical help as a repercussion of countless unnecessary wars and conflicts.” 

For her part, Pugh is set to star “Dune: Part 2,” with shooting locations confirmed in Jordan and the UAE. However, it is unclear whether the star will touch down in the Middle East for her role in the hugely anticipated sci-fi film. 


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.”