From Sweden to Hollywood, Arab designers shine among celebrities

Ellie Goulding hit the red carpet in a Zuhair Murad gown in Sweden. (Getty Images)
Short Url
Updated 09 September 2024
Follow

From Sweden to Hollywood, Arab designers shine among celebrities

DUBAI: From US actress Grace Van Patten flaunting heels by Andrea Wazen to British singer Ellie Goulding hitting the red carpet in a Zuhair Murad gown, celebrities kicked off September in style.

Van Patten opted for the Katy Lace Sling heels by Lebanese footwear designer Andrea Wazen at the season 2 premiere Of Hulu's "Tell Me Lies" in California.




Grace Van Patten opted for the Katy Lace Sling heels by Lebanese footwear designer Andrea Wazen at the season 2 premiere Of Hulu's "Tell Me Lies" in California.
(Getty Images)

The actress, who has appeared in two Netflix films and two Hulu mini-series, paired the black heels with a baby pink slip dress at the premiere.

For her part, Goulding showed off a floor-length number by Lebanese designer-to-the-stars Zuhair Murad, hailing from the label’s Resort 2025 collection. The “Love Me Like You Do” singer chose the dress for an appearance at the Perfect World Foundation's Honorary Conservation Award ceremony in Gothenburg, Sweden, where she was given The Perfect World Foundation Award, following in the footsteps of previous recipients such as Sir David Attenborough, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Ragnhild Jacobsson, CEO and co-founder of The Perfect World Foundation, praised Goulding's environmental efforts in a released statement, saying: "Ellie Goulding is a respected force as a climate and nature champion. Her inspirational efforts to mobilize the youth in saving our planet's biological diversity are admirable. We are proud to honor her as this year's recipient."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Variety (@variety)

In another landmark achievement for an Arab designer, Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, the founder of Paris-based Ashi Studio, saw US actress Demi Moore grace the cover of Variety magazine in one of his creations.

Moore was photographed for the cover of the Hollywood title’s September issue in a black gown from Ashi’s Sculpted Clouds collection — his Fall 2024 Couture show.

Ashi became the first couturier from the Gulf to join the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023 and has since shown his collections on the official Paris Haute Couture Week calendar.


Culture articulates beliefs, values that define a group of people, says Norway’s ambassador to Kingdom

Updated 29 sec ago
Follow

Culture articulates beliefs, values that define a group of people, says Norway’s ambassador to Kingdom

  • Norwegian film shown as part of Nordic Culture Week
  • Ambassador Kjersti Tromsdal addresses attendees

RIYADH: Culture articulates beliefs, practices, values, and artistic expressions that define a group of people, said Norway’s new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Kjersti Tromsdal, adding it shaped our daily lives, influenced interactions, and connected across generations.

Tromsdal was speaking at a Norwegian evening organized as part of Nordic Culture Week that included a special screening of the award-winning film “Songs of Earth” on Wednesday.

Tromsdal added that the Nordic countries shared a rich culture characterized by common values such as equality, community, and a deep respect for nature.

From food and folklore to design and language, these elements helped to create a sense of belonging, she added.

Nordic Culture Week 2024 in Riyadh celebrated the shared culture of the Nordic countries, and presented expressions of the countries’ culture to the people of Saudi Arabia, including films from Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Tromsdal said that in Norway the connection to nature was particularly profound, adding: “Our landscapes, from majestic fjords to rich forests, are not just beautiful: They are integral to our identity.

“The concept of ‘open-air living’ reflects our belief that nature is essential for our well-being. It encourages us to embrace the outdoors, whether through hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying spending time outside in crisp air.”

Tromsdal added that this bond with nature was expressed in folk tales, music, and art, reminding all people of their responsibility to protect the environment.

She added: “This brings me to the special screening of the award-winning film ‘Songs of Earth’ by Margreth Olin, who is a prominent Norwegian filmmaker. She has gained recognition for her ability to explore complex social issues through a cinematic lens.

“The documentary ‘Songs of Earth’ illustrates the intricate relationship between humans and nature, capturing the essence of how our surroundings influence our lives and cultures.

“The film brings us through one of Norway’s most scenic valleys, where generations have been living alongside nature to survive. This is where the filmmaker’s father, now 85 years old, grew up. He will be our guide and take us through the four seasons in Olderdalen.”

The speech preceded the showing of the film.


Ancient Roman artifacts make regional debut in AlUla

Updated 10 October 2024
Follow

Ancient Roman artifacts make regional debut in AlUla

DUBAI: The National Archaeological Museum of Naples is preparing to display a collection of artifacts from ancient Italian sites as part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival in AlUla, marking their first appearance in the region. 

Running from Nov. 7 to Dec. 14, the exhibition, titled “Masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples,” will feature artifacts from the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried under volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. 

Statue of Trajan Minturno, late 1st century CE Marble.(Photo credit: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli)

It will also present pieces from the famed Farnese Collection, one of the most prestigious collections from Greco-Roman antiquity.

The exhibition will be held at the famed Maraya, the largest mirrored building in the world.

Statuette of Alexander on horseback Herculaneum, 1st century BCE Bronze. (Photo credit: Giorgio Albano, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli)

Rami Almoallim, the vice president of destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said in a statement: “The display of these ancient artifacts is particularly poignant, because just as the people of ancient Rome sought beauty and craftsmanship, so too did the ancient civilizations of AlUla, and my hope is that visitors can experience both here.

“This exhibition is ultimately a tribute to both our legacies and reinforces AlUla’s vital role as a centre for heritage preservation, knowledge exchange, and discovery,” he added. 


Christina Aguilera to perform in Abu Dhabi

Updated 10 October 2024
Follow

Christina Aguilera to perform in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: US pop icon Christina Aguilera is set to make her long-awaited return to Abu Dhabi on Feb.15, performing in the UAE capital for the first time in 17 years.

Her gig will be part of Saadiyat Nights, a three-month series of open-air musical events that begins with her show.

Aguilera, known for her four-octave range, will be joined by Iranian performer Ebi, whose real name is Ebrāhim Hāmedi. He will treat fans to an array of hits from across his 50-year career. 

Boyz II Men, the American vocal harmony group and four-time Grammy Award winners, will take to the stage on Jan. 25, while Egyptian composer Omar Khairat will perform a collection of his symphonies on Feb. 1.

 


REVIEW: ‘Joan’ gives Sophie Turner the chance to shine

Updated 10 October 2024
Follow

REVIEW: ‘Joan’ gives Sophie Turner the chance to shine

  • British actor proves her leading lady credentials in 80s crime drama

LONDON: In the UK, “Joan” is already being touted as one of the best shows of autumn 2024, with early reviews lauding its faithfully recreated Eighties’ setting, stellar soundtrack, and that ‘based on a real person’ kudos that resonates so well with audiences. And, thanks to a star turn from leading lady Sophie Turner, “Joan” could very well have the ingredients to win over viewers around the world too. Because while some of the settings, parlance and stylings do feel very UK-centric, Turner (back on screens for the first time since 2022) is captivating here, turning in a performance as housewife-turned-jewel-thief-turned-crime-boss Joan Hannington that’s loaded with equal parts grit and glamor.

Forced to leave her abusive partner when he falls foul of some local gangsters, Joan can’t seem to catch a break, beset on all sides by men who objectify and underestimate her, or both. She takes a job at a jewelry store working for kindly boss Bernard, only to learn that he, like most of the men in “Joan,” is a slimy creep too. So Joan, desperate to earn enough money to start a new life with her daughter, pockets a handful of diamonds and flees. She meets local antiques dealer (and trader in stolen goods) Boisie, and the two dare to daydream of a world where they can simply take what they want.

Mother Joan is all worry and anxiety, but jewel thief Joan is Eighties’ glamor personified — and Turner, championing the strong shoulder pads and power dressing of the era, drags her character from timid victim to powerful crime boss in short order. As Boisie, Frank Dillane is the equal of his co-star, the chemistry between the two crackling as they tentatively begin to trust one another. If there’s one criticism of “Joan,” it’s that the titular antihero seems to lurch alarmingly from fiery confidence to lovestruck dependence and back again, but with a pair of leads this good, that’s a niggle that can be easily forgiven.


Bayou’s search for identity resonates with global audience

Updated 10 October 2024
Follow

Bayou’s search for identity resonates with global audience

  • The Saudi-born Egyptian singer-songwriter discusses his roots, influences, and upcoming EP ‘Never at Home’ 
  • His performance at the Coachella music festival as a guest of Palestinian rapper Saint Levant this summer was well-received

JEDDAH: Adham Bayoumi, who goes by the artist name Bayou, is carving out a distinctive space in the music scene. Bayoumi is Egyptian, but was born in Jeddah. While he was still young his family relocated to the UAE, and although he still has family ties in Saudi Arabia — his father currently works in Riyadh — he has few memories of the Kingdom. 

“I don’t have much recollection of my time there,” he tells Arab News. “My connection to Saudi has been purely through music.” He is currently signed to a Saudi label, MDLBEAST Records, and plans to perform in the Kingdom this year. He’s excited to explore his Saudi connections further. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bayou (@bayousworld)

His association with MDLBEAST began a little over a year ago. “They reached out to me, and it felt like a perfect match,” he says, adding that the partnership has influenced his sound. Bayoumi’s music journey has been an eclectic one, ranging from the UAE to the US, where he attended university, and involving numerous collaborations. “My main producer, Motif Alumni, was in New York but has recently moved to Massachusetts, which impacted our creative workflow,” he says. As his music has evolved, Bayoumi has incorporated more Egyptian and Arabic influences. 

Bayoumi grew up in Dubai, where he absorbed a wide variety of musical influences. “I listened to everything — especially pop hits on Virgin Radio,” he recalls. His mother’s taste in music included artists like Muhammad Munir and Andrea Bocelli. This diversity shaped his own artistic sensibility. Creativity runs in Bayoumi’s family; his mother is an interior designer and his sister a visual artist, but his own artistic path was self-initiated, sparked in elementary school by a teacher’s guitar playing. “I wanted to do that too,” he says, recalling one of his first songs, about the changing of the seasons, written while he was still at school. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bayou (@bayousworld)

His first major release as Bayou — 2019’s “Moonlight” — quickly gained traction, garnering more than 100,000 streams and solidifying his confidence as an artist. “I realized, ‘Hey! People actually like my music!” he says. That seems a fair assessment; “Moonlight” now has more than 3 million listens on Spotify, and his performance at the influential Coachella music festival as a guest of Palestinian rapper Saint Levant this summer was well-received by both audience and critics. 

He describes his music as “a unique blend of influences,” an international R&B sound that resonates personally.  

“Even when the songs aren’t directly about my life, they often feel like the soundtrack to my experiences,” he says. His upcoming EP, “Never at Home,” is a deep exploration of his Egyptian identity that should resonate with anyone trying to find their place in the world — a concise snapshot of Bayoumi’s quest for identity and belonging through music (which leads him to conclude “Home is where my mom is”). 

Spending four months in Egypt in 2024 allowed him to immerse himself in the culture and complete his EP. “I wanted to really dive into what it means to be Egyptian, especially as someone who didn’t grow up there,” he says. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bayou (@bayousworld)

His latest singles, “Neshar Belel” and “Mesh Haseebek” have both proven popular with young Arab audiences, blending the rich tapestry of Egyptian musical heritage with contemporary sounds. By infusing traditional rhythms and melodies into modern R&B, Bayoumi honors his cultural identity while creating music with the potential to appeal to a global audience. 

Language has played a crucial role in his artistic journey. Initially, he wrote primarily in English, but his experiences in Egypt prompted a shift.  

“I realized I was very far from my culture and wanted to reconnect with it,” he explains. Writing in Arabic became essential, allowing him to navigate his identity as an Arab more authentically. “I felt like I needed to speak to my culture in the language it deserves,” he says. “It’s about understanding my own character and expressing it through my songs.” The exploration of love in Arabic has been particularly rewarding, he says, allowing him to connect with his heritage on a deeper level. But he also stresses that this doesn’t mean he’s stopped writing English-language songs.  

And Bayoumi’s interests extend beyond music. He has a keen eye for fashion, often choosing outfits that help him express his identity. He’s also passionate about reading, especially philosophy and self-help literature. “I want to understand how to be a good person and navigate life effectively,” he says. Football also remains a significant passion, along with biking. Oh, and watching cartoons. “That brings me back to that state of freedom, my childhood, which is crucial for any artist,” he explains. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bayou (@bayousworld)

Bayoumi’s goals are ambitious. “It’s incredible to see how people from all backgrounds are drawn to my Arabic music,” he says. “I want to be a pop star worldwide, singing in both English and Arabic. I want to be the bridge between the East and the West.”