Famous American rapper Snoop Lion — formerly known as Snoop Dogg — was recently seen wearing a traditional Saudi thobe designed by Saudi designer Hatem Al-Akeel in his latest video for the song “Here Comes the King.”
At New Years Eve 2012 Snoop wore the designer’s thobe in his Dubai’s concert. “We spoke about the possibility to collaborate on his new album but I was not expecting him to wear so many of my designs in his latest video,” said Al-Akeel, designer and founder of Toby. “He chose three different designs: a black thobe, a beige thobe and one of the shirts I designed exclusively for him in black with gold embroideries with the Toby signature on top.”
Since the video was released earlier this month, people started calling Al-Akeel the King of Thobes. “I could honestly not be more proud and I’m completely over the moon. It is so nice to see our traditional clothing officially cross over to the western style and culture,” he said.
“The thobe was worn in the best pop culture and in my designs I have always tried to open people’s mind to our tradition. Snoop has now given me the quintessential platform.”
‘Here Comes the King’ is a song of the world renowned artist’s upcoming album called ‘Reincarnated.’ This will be his 12th album and the first under his new name.
Snoop wears Saudi thobe in new video
Snoop wears Saudi thobe in new video
Imaan Hammam shines in bridesmaid mode
- Attends wedding of best friend and model Cindy Bruna
DUBAI: Supermodel Imaan Hammam recently attended the wedding of her best friend and fellow supermodel Cindy Bruna, who tied the knot with former basketball star and actor Blondy Baruti in an intimate ceremony in Paris.
Bruna, a French-Congolese model best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and major fashion houses, married in a private celebration attended by close friends and family. She wore a custom gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab.
Hammam was a part of the bridal party, serving as one of Bruna’s bridesmaids. The Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian model wore a long, maroon-red gown with a sleeveless silhouette.
The dress was paired with matching elbow-length gloves in the same deep red shade, creating a coordinated and striking look that stood out but was in keeping with the formal event.
On Instagram she posted images with the caption: “Most special weekend celebrating my sis and Blondy. The most beautiful bride … truly. My heart is so full. We danced, we laughed, and we loved every moment.”
The floor-length gown featured clean lines and a streamlined cut, allowing the rich color to take centerstage. Hammam kept her styling minimal, letting the dress and gloves do most of the work.
Hammam and Bruna have been close friends for years, frequently appearing together at fashion events and on international runways.
Hammam is one of the most in-demand models in the industry. She was scouted in Amsterdam’s Centraal Station before making her catwalk debut in 2013 by walking in Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture show.
Hammam has appeared on the runway for Burberry, Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Balenciaga and Carolina Herrera. And starred in international campaigns, including for DKNY, Celine, Chanel, Versace, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani and Tiffany & Co.
Earlier this year, she launched Ayni, an archival platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating Arab artistic expression from her perspective.
“For me, it’s always been so much deeper than just fashion. It is about staying connected to my roots, telling stories that move me and shining a light on the voices that need to be heard.”
She said her hope for Ayni is for it to grow beyond a personal vision and become a “real community.”
