DUBAI: There is no denying that the design scene in Saudi Arabia is buzzing. Designers from the Kingdom have been making headlines regionally and internationally, and one of the pioneering creatives was Princess Nourah Al-Faisal with her label NUUN Jewels.

With a boutique in Paris’ luxurious Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, NUUN boasts an array of resplendent, one-of-a-kind pieces.

After completing an apprenticeship in Paris, Al-Faisal started by designing pieces for her family and friends. “I’ve always loved designs in all their forms — jewelry being my favorite because of the precious metals and the emotional connection,” said Al-Faisal.

A post shared by Bespoke High Jewellery (@nuunjewels)

As her creations gained popularity, opening her own boutique was a natural next step. And given her experience with fine Parisian craftsmen, the city made for an ideal choice. “The business is based in France because that’s where I did my apprenticeship and where my network was. There were obstacles on the business side, but once I found my NUUN family, it worked out.”

Al-Faisal said that 80 percent of what she creates is bespoke, so it comes as no surprise that each piece boasts not only meticulous craftsmanship but also a unique aesthetic. Case in point: A bracelet from her most recent “Jewels of Arabia” collection inspired by a face mask found in the tomb of a princess in Saudi Arabia. Featuring a brushed gold finish and encrusted with diamonds, the oval shape in the middle of the bracelet is complete with eyes, a nose and a mouth to represent what the princess would have looked like.

For Al-Faisal, a true artist at heart, beginning a new collection does not necessarily start with a specific idea. (Supplied)

“The nice thing about the ‘Jewels of Arabia’ collection was that I was given a point of inspiration — the ancient civilizations that pre-existed in Saudi Arabia — I worked directly from that history,” explained Al-Faisal. Another standout creation from this collection includes a ring inspired by ancient tablets — made from half-moon diamonds and baguettes, it features oxidized copper with a patina effect to give it an antique finish.

For Al-Faisal, a true artist at heart, beginning a new collection does not necessarily start with a specific idea. “I work very organically — I create and eventually the pieces will tell me what they want to do. I am currently working on a few pieces that will hopefully become a new collection, which I’ll tell you about in a few months,” she said.

Bo Caree Ti & Quartz. (Supplied)

And perhaps it is exactly this romantic approach to design that leads her to create the conceptual pieces she is known for. It is not every day you come across a bracelet reminiscent of a goat’s horn crafted out of amethyst, gold, and reversed diamonds; or the geometric rings from her extremely successful “Thahab” line, which are almost otherworldly and unlike anything out there in the market.

Jewelry design aside, Al-Faisal takes her role in the Saudi Cup, alongside supporting regional creatives, very seriously. For the Saudi Cup, the country’s premiere racing event, Al-Faisal worked closely with the Fashion Commission to co-create a dress code, and she is also a consultant for The Jockey Club. Juggling all this while running a successful brand is not easy, and yet she does it effortlessly. “I think it is all about being inspired by the different elements and the people around you. I draw my energy and inspiration from the young people I come across every day.”

DUBAI: Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian catwalk star Imaan Hammam turned heads this week by modeling for US label Ralph Lauren’s star-studded show.

The part-Arab model walked the runway wearing a purple outfit that featured a floor-length taffeta skirt with a thigh-high slit and a matching tank top from the brand’s spring-summer 2023 collection. 

She spiced up the look with a rainbow-colored bucket hat and a green satin scarf that she wrapped around her neck. 

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam)

The model’s backdrop was a setting sun at the grand Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, near Los Angeles.

“So honored to be a part of such a special evening. Your legacy lives forever Ralph Lauren,” wrote the model on her Instagram after the show. 

Apart from Hammam’s outfit, there were plenty of cowboy hats, worn-in jeans and boots to begin with, gradually morphing into fancier wear such as long, bright skirts and slinky cut-out gowns.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Ralph Lauren (@ralphlauren)

A post shared by Ralph Lauren (@ralphlauren)

The show, which featured designs from several Ralph Lauren lines including menswear and childrenswear, finished with the models returning to gather on the patio, joined by Lauren as he emerged to cheers.

Rivaling his lavish 50th anniversary show in New York’s Central Park in 2018, this week’s extravaganza brought in a slew of movie stars — including newlyweds Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck — to watch more than 120 models strut the runway, including some adorable tots in Lauren’s childrenswear, who had the fashionable crowd gasping with delight.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Ralph Lauren (@ralphlauren)

A post shared by Ralph Lauren (@ralphlauren)

Always a celebrity magnet, Lauren brought out a slice of A-list Hollywood with Lopez and Affleck, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, Sylvester Stallone, John Legend, Diane Keaton, Jessica Chastain, Laura Dern, Chris Pine and James Marsden, to name a few.

Over dinner, Kushton and Kunis chatted with Legend, who said in an interview before the show that Lauren is “obviously an icon in the fashion business and has meant so much to style for such a long time.”

Lopez noted that Lauren had dressed her and Affleck for their recent nuptials. “Ralph did our wedding, so we’ve become quite close,” the pop star said. “And we really love his aesthetic.”

DUBAI: Stars of Bravo’s hit show “Real Housewives of Dubai” revealed this week — at BravoCon 2022 — that they are ready for a new season. 

“If and when there’s a season 2, we’re all ready,” said Nina Ali, one of the stars on the show, during the Los Angeles event. “I’m manifesting it! For all of us!” 

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by carolinestanbury (@carolinestanbury)

A post shared by carolinestanbury (@carolinestanbury)

“We’re hopeful,” teased her colleague Caroline Stanbury. “If it happens, it’s going to be amazing.”

“There is a season two! You have to put it out in the universe,” said Chanel Ayan. 

Bravo has not yet announced a new season for the Middle Eastern franchise.

The reality television series, which premiered in June, shared glimpses of six women’s lavish lives in Dubai, from luxurious dinners to fancy parties. 

Although eggs are a great source of protein for a healthy diet and an essential ingredient in desserts and baked goodies, they are concerning for those with an allergy.

But if you are allergic to eggs and craving a dessert in the Makkah region, then Itra Dessert is the place for you as it specializes in eggless goodies and cakes.

With an array of fresh and delicious options, Itra’s banoffee pie, which is a very popular dessert in the UK, boasts a buttery cracker crust for the base, is filled with bananas, toffee and dulce de leche, and garnished with shaved chocolate.

The shop’s premium desserts include the ultra-creamy cheesecake garnished with seasonal fruit. It is offered with flavors such as strawberry, mango, blackberry and raspberry.

Itra’s cheesecake is also available with a chocolate cocoa filling topped with the fruit of your choice.

The outlet also sells a rich chocolate cake with a fine ganache, as well as a refreshing orange variety.

Itra prides itself on the presentation of its products, making sure the customer receives picture-perfect sides and a look that is flawless from all directions, especially above.

It also offers portions in tiny sizes, which are ideal for any social occasion or as a personal treat.

Pre-orders are available via direct messages on WhatsApp if you require large quantities or live outside Makkah. For information and more details, visit Instagram page @itra.dessert.  

DUBAI: Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson teased the release of his new movie “Black Adam” to Dubai film fans on Friday with a video he shared on the movie’s Twitter page.

Johnson’s character was seen electrifying the city’s tourist hotspots like Burj Al-Arab, the Museum of the Future and Burj Khalifa in the 47-second clip.

Watch as “Black Adam” arrives in Dubai and lights up the city’s most iconic landmarks including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa! Black Adam smashes into cinemas across the region on the 20th October, get your tickets now! #BlackAdam @VisitDubai pic.twitter.com/xXnmMxRLGI — Black Adam Movie (@blackadammovie) October 13, 2022

Watch as “Black Adam” arrives in Dubai and lights up the city’s most iconic landmarks including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa! Black Adam smashes into cinemas across the region on the 20th October, get your tickets now! #BlackAdam @VisitDubai pic.twitter.com/xXnmMxRLGI

The superstar said: “Hello Dubai, Dwayne Johnson here, and I’m so excited to report to you guys that ‘Black Adam,’ my new movie, is already lighting up the city and taking over some of the coolest landmarks and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.”

Johnson is the titular star in the superhero movie and has just escaped after almost 5,000 years of incarceration. His old-school approach to punishment sees the Justice Society of America (which includes DC Comics characters Hawkman, Atom Smasher, Cyclone and Doctor Fate) get involved. They attempt to modernize Adam’s approach and persuade him to join them in their battle against the sinister Sabbac, who is possessed by a powerful demon.

The film hits theaters in the region on Oct. 20.