Saudi fashion label KML joins LVMH Prize shortlist

Saudi menswear brand KML, by designer Ahmed Hassan, was named in the shortlist. (Supplied)
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Updated 14 February 2025
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Saudi fashion label KML joins LVMH Prize shortlist

DUBAI: Launched in 2013, The LVMH Prize has unveiled its semi-finalists for 2025, with creatives from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Egypt making the cut.

Saudi menswear brand KML, by co-founders Ahmed and Razan Hassan, was named in the shortlist. The brand is known for its sharp tailoring and minimalist designs and was recently flaunted by US celebrity stylist Law Roach when he attended the “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” showcase in Riyadh.

Renaissance Renaissance, led by Beirut-based Cynthia Merhej,  is a returning contender from 2021 while Egyptian designer Yasmin Mansour’s eponymous brand earned her a spot on the semi-finalist list, as well as a 2024 Fashion Trust Arabia Prize.

The full list of semi-finalists includes Alainpaul by Alain Paul (France), All-in by Benjamin Barron (US), Bror August Vestbø (Norway), Boyedoe by David Boye-Doe Kusi (Ghana), Francesco Murano (Italy), Josh Tafoya (US), Meruert Tolegen by Meruert Planul-Tolegen (US), MFPEN by Sigurd Bank (Denmark), Nicklas Skovgaard (Denmark), Penultimate by Xiang Gao (China), Pillings by Ryota Murakami (Japan), Sinéad O’Dwyer (Ireland), Steve O Smith (United Kingdom), Tolu Coker (UK), Torisheju by Torishéju Dumi (UK), Young N Sang by Sang Lim Lee and Youngshin Hong (South Korea), and Zomer by Danial Aitouganov (The Netherlands) and Soshiotsuki by Soshi Otsuki (Japan).

The designers will present their latest collections on March 5 and 6 during Paris Fashion Week.

The LVMH Prize is open to international designers, aged 18 to 40, who have created at least two collections.

The winner of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers receives a $314,000 endowment and  a mentorship by LVMH. Meanwhile, the winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Prize receives a $157,000 prize and a one-year LVMH mentorship.

The jury includes designer Phoebe Philo and Louis Vuitton menswear creative director Pharrell Williams, Loewe designer Jonathan Anderson, Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, Louis Vuitton womenswear creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, designer Marc Jacobs and Dior CEO Delphine Arnault, among others.


Bella Hadid embraces rodeo style

Updated 21 December 2025
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Bella Hadid embraces rodeo style

DUBAI: As the National Finals Rodeo took over Las Vegas, it was not just the action in the arena drawing attention. American Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid was in the stands, lending her support to boyfriend and professional horse cutter Adan Banuelos — and doing so in unmistakable Western style.

The model, who has long embraced cowboy aesthetics, returned to full rodeo mode for the event. She wore a vintage-style paisley top paired with a classic, fringe-trimmed leather jacket. Leaning into the look, Hadid layered a second leather piece underneath — a sleeveless vest featuring a heart-shaped cut-out at the back.

Her accessories followed suit. A dark brown cowboy hat, leather riding boots and a printed belt with a statement buckle grounded the outfit, while stacks of silver bangles and rings added a finishing touch.

For another outing at the rodeo, Hadid switched gears with a monochrome ensemble that nodded to bohemian influences. She wore white bootcut trousers with a cream turtleneck beneath a suede fringed duster coat. Beaded necklaces and a medallion-style belt completed the look.

The standout accessory was her vintage Fendi Mama Baguette — the larger iteration of Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic bag — rendered in bold leopard print. Hadid wore the ensemble from the arena to the fair, where she was later spotted sharing curly fries with her beau.

The model has been dating Banuelos since October 2023 and regularly supports the star at his various competitions.

Since the two began dating, Banuelos has helped the model — who trained as an equestrian in her youth — find her way back into the saddle, training her and cheering her on at competitions, which eventually led to a Rookie of the Year win last December.

Showing her love and appreciation for her horseman beau at the time, Hadid shared a heartfelt post, where she wrote: “Thank you @ab_performancehorses for supporting me in my dreams this year and never treating me any different. You, your heart, your talent, your family, and your team went above and beyond for us to get this done and I appreciate it more than any of you know!! Love you all so much it hurts!”