Mideast designers steal the show at the Emmys

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Updated 15 September 2025
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Mideast designers steal the show at the Emmys

DUBAI: Television’s biggest stars hit the red carpet on Sunday for the Emmys, the first of many award shows that will offer style trends on the road to the Oscars.

Many walked the red carpet in looks created by Arab designers, while some part-Arab stars were spotted at the event.

Entertainment reporter Zuri Hall opted for a liquid organza gown by Lebanese designer Elio Abou Fayssal, while US actress Skye P. Marshall also looked to Lebanon for style advice. Marshall showed off a blazer-skirt combination by Lebanese-Italian designer Tony Ward on the red carpet.




Entertainment reporter Zuri Hall opted for a liquid organza gown by Lebanese designer Elio Abou Fayssal. (Getty Images)

US singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson finished off her Zuhair Murad Resort 2026 outfit with a white cowboy hat, and US actress Sara Foster showed off a scarlet look by the same designer complete with a dramatic slit.




Lainey Wilson finished off her Zuhair Murad Resort 2026 outfit with a white cowboy hat. (AFP)

Dubai-based Egyptian designer Marmar Halim dressed TV star Alexis Bledel in a glistening silver look, and part-Arab model Shanina Shaik looked glamourous in an all-black grown by Carolina Herrera with Le Vian jewelry.

The Australia-born model — who is of Saudi, Pakistani and Lithuanian descent — was joined on the red carpet by fellow Australian Shabana Azeez, who stars in the Emmy winning show “The Pitt.”




Shanina Shaik looked glamourous in an all-black grown by Carolina Herrera. (AFP)

Azeez opted for Marchesa Couture and Saidian Vintage Jewelry, a label with Iranian heritage.

Other celebrities were dressed by international fashion houses, with standout looks showcased by Jenna Ortega and Blackpink singer Lisa.




K-Pop superstar Lisa, who made her acting debut in “The White Lotus,” stunned in a sculptural off-the-shoulder pink Lever Couture gown. (AFP)

Ortega, the star of Netflix’s Addams family revamp “Wednesday,” turned heads in her striking Givenchy black skirt — and only chunky jewels draped over her torso.

K-Pop superstar Lisa, who made her acting debut in “The White Lotus,” stunned in a sculptural off-the-shoulder pink Lever Couture gown that revealed lots of leg and trailed off in a long swirling skirt of tulle ribbons.

Her co-star Aimee Lee Wood also looked pretty in pink wearing a strapless Alexander McQueen pink gown with a bodice that revealed a hint of red.

Searing teen murder saga “Adolescence” was the big winner at Sunday’s Emmy Awards, claiming eight prizes including best limited series, while “The Pitt” prevailed in a tight race for best drama at television’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire “The Studio” dominated the comedy categories, earning best series honors and a total of 13 Emmys — a record for comedies.


Tashas’ founder lauds Kingdom’s ‘appetite for authentic dining experiences’

Updated 18 November 2025
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Tashas’ founder lauds Kingdom’s ‘appetite for authentic dining experiences’

  • Saudi is ‘exciting’ location, says Natasha Sideris
  • Dining here is ‘deeply social and family-oriented’

DUBAI: With outposts in London, Dubai and South Africa, restaurant brand Tashas is making headway in Saudi Arabia with the recent opening of a branch in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District.

Founded in 2005 by South Africans Natasha Sideris and her brother Savva, the Riyadh cafe features a curated dinner menu alongside the brand’s well-known daytime offerings, as well as its largest cake display to date with over 25 options.

Jill Okkers is the culinary director. (Supplied)

Culinary director Jill Okkers said the Kingdom’s culture has played a key role in shaping the Riyadh menu. “Dining in Saudi Arabia is a deeply social and family-oriented experience, it’s about connection, generosity and shared moments,” she said.

The Riyadh cafe features a curated dinner menu alongside the brand’s well-known daytime offerings. (Supplied)

“That balance really comes down to staying true to our DNA while being open enough to let the local culture influence us in a meaningful way,” she added.

“In Saudi Arabia, we might work with local dates, spices or breads in ways that still feel distinctly Tashas — approachable, elegant and layered with nostalgia.”

Culinary director Jill Okkers said the Kingdom’s culture has played a key role in shaping the Riyadh menu. (Supplied)

Discussing the new location, CEO and founder Sideris said recently: “Since the opening of Flamingo Collection in Bujairi Terrace, alongside our partners, Janiya, we had been looking for a location for our first Tashas.”

She said that KAFD was the “most aligned in terms of an entry into the market.”

Tashas was founded in 2005 by South Africans Natasha Sideris and her brother Savva. (Supplied)

Sideris added that each branch is tailored to its setting. “We’ve always followed a simple formula: every Tashas is 75 percent the same and 25 percent unique.

“The Kingdom is such an exciting region for us; there’s an appetite for authentic dining experiences, and we see considerable potential to grow here in a meaningful way.”