Saudi label Rebirth brings boho style to regional fashion scene 

Riyadh-born Tala Abukhaled is the founder, designer, and creative director of the luxury bohemian ready-to-wear label Rebirth. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 August 2024
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Saudi label Rebirth brings boho style to regional fashion scene 

  • ‘We want to tell stories through our pieces,’ says founder Tala Abukhaled 

RIYADH: Riyadh-born Tala Abukhaled is the founder, designer, and creative director of the luxury bohemian ready-to-wear label Rebirth. Established in 2021, the sustainable slow-fashion brand for men and women that is intended to celebrate and revive Saudi artistic heritage in unique, modern, statement pieces, reflecting the Kingdom’s current cultural transformation.  

Rebirth, Abukhaled tells Arab News, is related to “anything that has to do with being free, being connected to Earth, or being inspired by nature. It all comes back to that bohemian feel, using natural materials in the designs.  

“For me, what you wear reflects who you are,” she continues. “You can be whoever you want. It can give you confidence, even change the way you act, so it’s really important.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rebirth (@rebirth.sa)

Fashion has been a long-time passion for Abukhaled. “Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to do something in the creative field and the arts, but I didn’t decide what until I started applying for university. Growing up, I really did care about what I was wearing and styling my wardrobe, so that led me to (study for a) degree in fashion design and patternmaking (from French fashion institute ESMOD).”  

The bohemian — or “boho” — style that Abukhaled favors has long been associated with avant-garde non-conformists and has had a major impact on artistic styles over centuries. It generally promotes a free-spirited approach to creativity, borrowing from other art forms but not sticking to any rigid design doctrines. Natural color palettes, ethnic prints, and comfort are significant features of bohemian fashion. 

Social media has made boho styles even more popular, but the Kingdom has not previously produced a brand that identifies so obviously with the style. After some experimentation with her brand’s creative direction, it was this gap in the market that Abukhaled identified.  

“If I want to shop ‘luxury bohemian,’ it’s very hard to find and it’s not readily available everywhere,” she explains. “I really built on that idea.”  

However, it wasn’t just a market-research-driven decision, Abukhaled points out. “I’m kind of a reflection of my brand and its spirit,” she says. “A lot of people (assume) I’m from Jeddah, because it’s more beach-y and free-spirited, when actually I’m not.”  

Her latest collection takes inspiration from Saudi palm trees. It features beach resort-inspired garments including fishnet hoodies that nod to the historic coastal fishing trade to statement neck pieces that repurpose dried palm fronds. Boho is on full display in the collection’s eclectic mix of traditional materials — including flax seed, raffia, and palm wood beads — with modern designs.  

“I also made other collections like my line that incorporates bisht embroidery into the designs in a way that hasn’t been showcased before,” Abukhaled adds. “(And I’ve used) the shemagh in new colors and ways.”  

Her Bisht collection featured the titular embroidered embellishments on a bomber jacket, palazzo pants, and an asymmetrical choker top, as well as a redesign of the traditional shalki fabric into a corset top, which she called “A Modern Heirloom.”  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rebirth (@rebirth.sa)

“I hope that Rebirth preserves some art and culture,” she says. “We also want to tell stories through our pieces. Each one has a story to tell.” 

And those stories are not solely focused on the Kingdom. In October, Rebirth produced a line in honor of Palestine. An Instagram post for one of the pieces was accompanied by text that read: “Each stitch representing a thread of hope, the Palestinian embroidery will forever be engraved on our skin, and we’ve represented this sentiment by creating a piece from delicate white tulle finely stitched using the Palestinian embroidery method. The cuffs, which securely embrace your wrists, symbolize unity by lacing the rope through each loop of transparent fabric, signifying the diverse community we have become.”  

Abukhaled places great emphasis on sustainability for her brand. None of her pieces are mass-produced, instead she champions the circular production model, meaning each piece of fabric is used to its fullest extent.  

“Honestly it’s crazy how many leftover fabrics, dead stock, and even stitched garments go to waste each year,” she says. “I started noticing it even more when I started producing ethically. Going to malls or entering a store and seeing racks and racks of the same product just became so overwhelming.” she said.  

According to the US National Library of Medicine, the global fashion industry produces 92 million tons of waste annually. And that figure is expected to rise to 134 million by the end of 2030.  

“So, I felt like I needed to stress that,” says Abukhaled. “I love that sustainability is such a growing aspect globally now — and in KSA as well. It’s the fastest growing segment of fashion.”  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rebirth (@rebirth.sa)

However, the designer notes that sourcing sustainable materials means spending more money; a fact that has forced her to search out fabrics in Turkiye, India, and other countries. 

“Looking back to when I started, I got slapped left and right by the mistakes (I made),” she says. “But that’s the only way to learn when starting a business.  

“Don’t be afraid to ask for support from the government,” she adds, citing the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, (Monsha’at) and other programs including the Fashion Commission’s Saudi 100 Brands initiative as helpful resources.  

“They’re offering us so much support. You just need to know where to go. They’re there and ready to help you,” she said. 

That support is already helping Abukhaled to establish Rebirth on the global scene. She recently signed an agreement with New York concept store DOORS NYC, which will take the brand’s name to one of the world’s great fashion capitals.  

Abukhaled also promises that she’ll be announcing an “exciting project” soon, and suggests that boho enthusiasts “stay on the lookout.” 


Benson Boone to perform in the UAE

Updated 17 April 2025
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Benson Boone to perform in the UAE

DUBAI: US singer and songwriter Benson Boone will open this year’s Yasalam After-Race Concerts, part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December.

Boone, known for chart-topping hits like “Beautiful Things” and “Slow It Down,” is set to take the stage at Etihad Park on Dec. 4.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yasalam (@yasalamae)

Last week, organizers announced that pop superstar Katy Perry will headline the event’s grand finale on Dec. 7.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Yasalam (@yasalamae)

The 2024 lineup featured performances by Teddy Swims, Peggy Gou, Maroon 5, Eminem, and Muse.


Disney+ launches limited-time immersive experience in Riyadh

Updated 17 April 2025
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Disney+ launches limited-time immersive experience in Riyadh

RIYADH: For one weekend, Disney+ has unveiled an interactive activation at U Walk in Riyadh. From April 17-19, this pop-up invites families to immerse themselves in their favorite stories from the entertainment company, transforming beloved movies and series into an experience that blends film and food.

The experience includes interactive zones like the “Roar Challenge,” inspired by “Mufasa,” and rhythmic drumming experiences set to the beats of “Moana.”

For one weekend, Disney+ has unveiled an interactive activation at U Walk in Riyadh.  (AN Photo)

Saleh Al-Anzi, one of the attendees, remarked: This is a very special occasion, and it’s the first time this happens in Saudi Arabia. When I got the invitation, I was so excited and came here with my children. Everything here was amazing—the hospitality, the food, the cupcakes, and the desserts. We had a really fun time with the kids. I like this activity because it's not only for children; it's also for adults like us. We also watch Disney+ with our kids.”

Disney+ partnered with the Saudi premium confectionary brand Milaf to craft a bespoke menu of desserts and dishes available only at the event. Merging local heritage with global storytelling, the menu was tailored for the Saudi audience, blending iconic Disney+ tales with the rich flavors of Saudi cuisine. From Hanini and Masabeeb to Kleija, each creation celebrated Saudi culture while offering a journey through Disney+’s most iconic stories.

Tamim Fares, Director of Disney+ Middle East & North Africa, remarked: We were thrilled to bring this one-of-a-kind Disney+ activation to Riyadh, providing families with a unique experience that transcended streaming. This event was more than just entertainment — it was a celebration of stories that resonated across generations, brought to life with a local Saudi touch.”
 


Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

Updated 17 April 2025
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Review: Jon Hamm breaks bad in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’

LONDON: Another month, another stellar new original series from Apple TV+, now pumping out hits with noteworthy regularity and deservedly seeing its viewer numbers steadily creeping in the right direction.

In his first TV leading role since his career-defining work in “Mad Men,” Jon Hamm plays Andrew Cooper, a recently divorced New York hedge fund manager whose life spins out of control when he loses his big-money job. Unable to admit to his family and friends that he’s now unemployed, ‘Coop’ suddenly finds himself in need of cash to maintain the flashy standard of living to which he and his dependents have become accustomed. After a number of epiphanies regarding the fickle nature of most of his so-called friends and colleagues, Coop begins stealing from his wealthy neighbors to fund that lifestyle.

But this wealthy, suburban spin on “Breaking Bad” comes with its own set of unique risks. The first of nine episodes (two are available at launch, with weekly installments to follow) shows us a glimpse into Coop’s future as he wakes up in a pool of blood next to a dead body. From there, we flash back four months to see how Coop winds up in this mess. It’s a real “I bet you’re wondering how I ended up here" moment — a cheap and somewhat overused trope, truth be told, but “Your Friends and Neighbors” quickly rewards us for being willing to overlook such a hackneyed plot mechanic.

As you’d expect, Hamm is the show’s MVP. He paints Coop as a complex and flawed individual. A bit of a jerk, sure, but far from the worst guy in the world when you compare him with an ensemble of truly obnoxious characters (played with verve and humor by a great cast which includes Amanda Peet as Coop’s ex-wife, Olivia Munn as a fellow rich divorcee and Hoon Lee as his brutally honest business manager). Indeed, with each crime, Coop’s point of view actually starts to make an alarming amount of sense.

Making audiences root for a kind-of-obnoxious money-grabbing robber is no small task, but Hamm is more than up to the job.


Jacquemus unveils new campaign shot in Egypt

Updated 17 April 2025
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Jacquemus unveils new campaign shot in Egypt

DUBAI: French fashion house Jacquemus on Wednesday unveiled its latest campaign, “La croisière,” set entirely in Egypt and captured over a 24-hour journey from Cairo to Aswan.

The campaign, shot by Egyptian photographer and director Mohamed Sherif, starred Brazilian-New Zealand model Angelina Kendall and Egyptian model Mohamed Hassan, and merged high fashion with Egypt’s historic and natural landscapes. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by JACQUEMUS (@jacquemus)

It features striking visuals in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza, along the Nile River, on a wooden riverside deck, and in lush farmlands surrounded by palm trees.

In the pictures and videos, Kendall was seen wearing pieces from Jacquemus’ collection, including a voluminous polka-dotted coat with exaggerated sleeves and a long train, a bold red dress, and a sculptural banana-printed two-piece ensemble, among other looks. 

Meanwhile, Hassan wore an off-white suit with a relaxed fit, a yellow-and-white striped shirt tucked into wide-leg black trousers, and an all-black ensemble featuring an open-collar shirt and high-waisted trousers.

Accompanying the still images, a series of short videos that captured the journey, showcasing the scenery from Cairo to Aswan, were released on social media.


What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival

Updated 17 April 2025
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What’s screening in competition at the 2025 Saudi Film Festival

DUBAI: A rundown of the Feature Narrative Film contenders at this year’s Saudi Film Festival, which runs from April 17-23. 

‘Hobal’ 

Director: Abdulaziz Alshlahei 

Starring: Mila Al-Zahrani, Amal Samie, Ibrahim Al-Hasawi 

The Saudi filmmaker — whose movie “The Tambour of Retribution” was selected as the Kingdom’s entry into the 2022 Oscars and won the Special Jury Prize at the Cairo Film Festival in 2020 — has already grabbed headlines with his latest project, which is the first feature film to be shot in the Saudi megaproject NEOM. It’s set shortly before the outbreak of the Gulf War in 1990, and follows a Bedouin family living a nomadic existence in the desert. The patriarch has forbidden his family from heading into modernized cities — believing them to be dens of sin — but when his granddaughter Rifa contracts measles, her mother defies his rules to try and save her life. The film has already been a hit in Saudi Arabia: according to the Saudi Film Commission it had more than half a million cinema admissions in a little over a month following its release in January. 

‘My Driver and I’ 

Director: Ahd Kamel 

Starring: Roula Dakheelallah, Mishaal Tamer, Mustafa Shehata 

Saudi actress, writer, director and producer Kamel’s entry is a coming-of-age story set in her hometown of Jeddah in the Eighties and Nineties. It centers on the relationship between a free-spirited girl, Salma, and her family’s chauffeur, a Sudanese man named Gamar, who quickly becomes her confidant and something of a father figure to Salma, whose real dad is a businessman who shows more interest in his work than he does in his daughter. But as Salma grows up, their relationship becomes strained, as Salma feels that Gamar has overstepped his boundaries in his attempts to alter her behavior and protect her reputation.  

Saudi actress, writer, director and producer Ahd Kamel’s entry is a coming-of-age story set in her hometown of Jeddah. (Supplied)

‘Songs of Adam’ 

Director: Oday Rasheed 

Starring: Azzam Ahmed Ali, Abdul Jabber Hassan, Alaa Najm  

The Baghdad-born Arab American director blends drama and magical realism in this tale of two brothers — Adam and Ali — that begins in the 1940s. Having been told by their father to witness their grandfather’s corpse being washed before burial, Adam, then aged 12, announces that he has decided not to grow up. And as the years pass, he doesn’t. The villagers, including Ali, believe he has been cursed. Only Adam’s best friend Anki and his cousin Iman — who wasn’t allowed to witness the ritual as a child because she is a girl — see Adam’s condition as an innocence-preserving gift.  

The Baghdad-born Arab American director blends drama and magical realism in this tale of two brothers — Adam and Ali — that begins in the 1940s. (Supplied)

‘Holes’ 

Director: Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan 

Starring: Mariam Abdulrahman, Meshal Almutairi 

Saudi writer-director Aldhabaan’s latest feature is a psychological thriller that centers on Rakan and his wife Rim, who are desperate to find their own place so that they no longer have to live with Rakan’s mother. The only issue with their supposed new home is that someone has hammered a hole into one of its walls. After the married couple have moved in, Rakan becomes increasingly distant from Rim. Through flashbacks, we begin to learn why his mood has changed, and when his mother is attacked by burglars in her house, Rakan is confronted by an unwelcome reminder of his past.  

‘Fakhr Al-Suwaidi’ 

Directors: Hisham Fathyn, Abdullah Bamajboor, Osama Salih 

Starring: Fahad Al-Mutairi, Faisal Al-Ahmari, Saeed Al-Qahtani 

Shaheen is the idealistic principal of Al-Suwaidi High School, who is searching for a way to connect with some of his students whom he believes are in danger of going astray; three students in particular: Ziyad, whose family have recently returned from America and who is feeling stifled by their expectations of him; Mazen, a restless boy prone to violent outbursts; and Saeed, who is struggling to stay on the straight and narrow and redeem his reputation as a troublemaker. Shaheen starts a sharia class, and finds himself bonding with the students, but his younger brother Moeen is unhappy about the project, which he views as a waste of the school’s overstretched budget. 

‘Session Adjourned’ 

Director: Mohammad S. S. Almujaibel 

Starring: Hind Al-Balushi, Abdullah Al-Jiran, Abdullah Al-Turkmani 

This thriller marks the return of Kuwaiti star Al-Balushi to the silver screen after nearly seven years of not starring in movies. According to a synopsis on the Ithra website, it centers around a series of crimes apparently carried out in revenge for the murder of a young boy called Fahd. At each crime scene, the only clue found is a necklace in the shape of a scorpion. The most obvious suspect would be Fahd’s father — Younis Abdul Rahman. But he committed suicide over a year before the crimes began.