Nicola Coughlan wears Sara Mrad to ‘Bridgerton’ premiere in Toronto

Nicola Coughlan donned a lavender silk organza mini-dress paired with a red mikado petal-like cape. (AFP)
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Updated 05 June 2024
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Nicola Coughlan wears Sara Mrad to ‘Bridgerton’ premiere in Toronto

DUBAI: Irish actress Nicola Coughlan this week stepped out in a head-turning gown by Beirut-based label Sara Mrad at the premiere in Toronto of season three of Netflix’s hit show “Bridgerton.”

Coughlan donned a lavender silk organza mini-dress paired with a red mikado petal-like cape from the designer’s spring 2024 couture collection. She accessorized with droplet-shaped earrings from London-based Ysso jewelry, which are hand-carved in Greece.

For her heels, she opted for a pair of Christian Louboutin open-toe shoes that were transparent and adorned with glitzy crystals.




Coughlan has shown support for Gaza by sporting the “Artists for Ceasefire” pin. (AFP)

Coughlan, who stars as Penelope Featherington in the series, posed for pictures with her co-star Luke Newton, who plays Colin Bridgerton.

He wore a pinstripe suit paired with a blue button-down.




The actress posed for pictures with her co-star Luke Newton. (AFP)

This is not the first time Coughlan has championed an Arab designer.

At the show’s premiere in Brazil in May, the actress wore a deep red gown by Lebanese fashion label Azzi & Osta. The gown featured an oversized hood, which she wore over her head, and long gloved sleeves adorned with gold embellishments.

Coughlan has shown support for Gaza by sporting the “Artists for Ceasefire” pin at several promotional events. This includes the premieres of the third season of “Bridgerton,” and her television appearances on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “Good Morning America.”

When asked about the pin during an interview with USA Today recently, the actress said: “It’s very important for me because I feel like I’m a very privileged person. I’m doing my dream job and I’m getting to travel the world, but then I’m hyper-aware of what’s happening in Rafah at the moment.”

Coughlan has helped raise just over $1.9 million for aid efforts in Gaza over the past seven months.

Meanwhile, season three of Netflix’s Regency-era drama has become the most successful one so far based on viewership numbers, Forbes reported this week.

With part two set to drop on June 13, the first half was the most-watched on Netflix between May 13 and 18, according to Variety. The first four episodes, released on May 16, reached 45.1 million views during its opening weekend.


Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia announces final wave of restaurants

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Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia announces final wave of restaurants

DUBAI: The Michelin Guide in Saudi Arabia on Monday unveiled the final wave of restaurants in its three-part rollout, with three new Bib Gourmands awarded to restaurants in Riyadh, and one each in Jeddah and AlUla.

A total of 52 restaurants, spanning across Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla, make up the Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 selection, with 11 establishments earning the Bib Gourmand distinction.

The Bib Gourmand award highlights restaurants within the selection which offer good quality food at an affordable price, whereas the Michelin Selected restaurants are noted for the high standard of their cooking and consistency. It’s an endorsement that they’re worth visiting, aligned with the guide’s professional standards.

In Riyadh, the newly awarded Bib Gourmand restaurants include Lebanese eatery Em Sherif Café, local favorite Najd Village, and Persian-inspired Sasani. 

Jeddah’s new Bob Gourmand awardee is Samia’s Dish, known for its Hijazi classics.

And, finally, in AlUla, the Bib Gourmand was awarded to Tofareya, a local favorite in a charming village house at the foot of AlUla’s fort, serving authentic Saudi dishes.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, said in a statement: “Michelin Inspectors enjoyed dining everywhere whether humble village houses steeped in heritage to chic contemporary spaces that celebrate modern design. The country’s tables showcase a rich mix of influences, blending Saudi roots with Levantine warmth, Peruvian flair, and international sophistication. This diversity reflects a nation proud of its culture yet open to the world.”

The wave of announcements mark a milestone in the Kingdom’s evolving culinary landscape.

Poullennec spoke to Arab News in Paris in October the future of Saudi Arabia’s food scene. “When we are talking about Saudi, we still have to consider that it’s an emerging both gastronomic and hospitality destination … the second step … is to see more independently run and smaller properties blossom.”