Loro Piana has announced the launch of its seasonal takeover of La Réserve à la Plage on Pampelonne Beach in Saint Tropez on the French Riviera. 

It’s the second consecutive year Loro Piana has collaborated with La  Réserve à la Plage, following a successful 2023 season.

Discussing the new launch in the notes which accompanied the announcement, the house said: “The Maison’s motifs and colours adorn furniture, umbrellas, sunbeds, and cushions adding a quintessential soft touch and feel to the elegant space.

La Réserve à la Plage boutique is decorated with multicoloured ropes, creating a stripe motif in the Maison’s classic colours.

It features a curated selection of garments and accessories from the Resort 2024 Collection, for ultimate ease, sophistication, and comfort on vacation, for touching the exceptional in life. 

Loro Piana at La Réserve à la Plage epitomises the maison’s exceptional savoir-vivre, combined with the incredible savoir-faire of the collection.”

loropiana.com

Saint Laurent has become one of the first leading luxury fashion maisons to win an award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Through the house’s Saint Laurent Productions company, it was awarded the Jury Prize and the Best Actress Prize for its film “Emilia Perez” at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this weekend. 

The latter prize was shared between the four leading actresses in the movie, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón. 

The film was one of three supported by the house which premiered at Cannes this year.

The other two films that premiered included “The Shrouds” by David Cronenberg and “Parthenope”
 by Paolo Sorrentino. 

Saint Laurent Productions is a registered subsidiary of the house and marks the first fashion house to count the full-fledged production of films among its activities. 

According to the house, the division, envisioned by Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent, is in line with Vaccarello’s assured steering of the brand into the future, while echoing the cinematic breadth and nuances of his collections.

ysl.com

Celebrities took to the red carpet this evening for the closing ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival. 

The top prizes were announced for 2024, with “Anora” directed by Sean Baker taking the prestigious Palme d’Or prize. 

The jury casting the winning votes for the competition this year included Greta Gerwig, Ebru Ceylan, Lily Gladstone, Eva Green, Nadine Labaki, J.A. Bayona, Pierfrancesco Favino, Kore-eda Hirokazu and Omar Sy. 

For the full list of 2024 winners, scroll down below.

The 77th Cannes Film Festival Winners 2024

Palme d’Or

Anora directed by Sean Baker

Grand Prix

All We Imagine As Light directed by Payal Kapadia

Jury Prize

Emilia Pérez directed by Jacques Audiard

Best Director

Miguel Gomes (Grand Tour)

Special award

The Seed Of The Sacred Fig directed by Mohammad Rasoulof 

Best Actor

Jesse Plemons (Kinds Of Kindness)

Best Actress

Adriana Paz, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez)

Best Screenplay

Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)

Camera d’Or

Armand directed by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel

Special mention: Mongrel directed by Wei Liang Chiang & You Qiao Yin

Short Film Palme d’Or

The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent directed by Nebojša Slijepčević 

Special mention: Bad For A Moment directed by Daniel Soares

festival-cannes.com/en

Louis Vuitton took over Gaudi’s Parc Guell in Barcelona last night, to reveal the house’s Cruise 2024 Collection. The A-list FROW included actress Sophie Turner and rock band Haim. 

The house described the public garden – which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site – as “an architectural utopia.”

Discussing the choice in the location, the house continued “Even more than an architect, Antoni Gaudí is like a land unto himself that, to this day, continues to come into its own in the city of Barcelona. The idea of a legacy in constant mutation suits Louis Vuitton. Staged within this incomparable architectural organism, the Cruise 2025 collection is steeped in the flourishing culture of Spain.”

Inspired by the rich tapestry of Spanish culture, creative director Nicolas Ghesquière revealed a collection which explored the matador, flamenco and folk traditions of the country.

Meanwhile, there were nods to the iconic work of Catalan architect Gaudi too, with geometric prints and textual elements in the different looks showcased. 

The scenography for the event was created by set designer James Chinlund, with seats that follow the contours of the space. Meanwhile, the music chosen for the show included “Music for Chameleons” by Gary Numan and “Madame Butterfly” by Malcolm McLaren. 

louisvuitton.com

This week ZEGNA brought its latest SS24 collection to Shanghai to celebrate its release with Danish actor and house Global Ambassador Mads Mikkelsen.

For the occasion, the house unveiled “VILLA ZEGNA”, an immersive experience which is inspired by the original house of founder Ermenegildo Zegna located in Oasi Zegna (“the Zegna Oasis”) a 100km2 natural territory in Piedmont, Northern Italy.

According to the house, VILLA ZEGNA reflects the house’s new approach to its relationship with its customers, offering them immersive experiences that foster emotional connections to the brand. 

The VILLA ZEGNA pop-up event is the first stop on a worldwide tour for the house, with the inaugural Shanghai edition taking part in the bustling neighbourhood of Middle Huaihai Road – an area known for linen – a fabric at the heart of the new SS24 collection.

Inside VILLA ZEGNA

The immersive space in Shanghai sprawls across three floors, seamlessly blending the vision of the founder, the brand’s history and the fabrics that made ZEGNA the leading menswear brand in the world. 

The VIP guests invited to the space are taken on a journey through the oasis of linen before arriving at the floor dedicated to the products and creativity of the garments. 

Within the space, the house’s love of nature is explored, with a field of flax that celebrates Oasi Lino within the immersive space. Oasi Lino is the fully traceable ZEGNA fibre and star of the brand’s summer collections. 

On the top floor, guests can enjoy a private lounge, with a tailor-made shopping session with exclusive products that are not available in normal retail outlets. 

There is also a ZEGNA Caffè pop-up at the event, inspired by the first ZEGNA Caffè worldwide which opened Shanghai Taikoo Hui recently. According to the house it “unites sustainability with innovation, [and] transcends the typical cafè experience with a harmonious fusion of nature and a forward-thinking mindset.”

The Oasi Lino SS24 collection

ZEGNA’s global ambassador Mads Mikkelsen fronts the new SS24 campaign for the house. 

First revealed during ZEGNA’s L’Oasi di Lino Summer 2024 fashion show in Milan, the new collection features relaxed silhouettes, colourways inspired by nature, and house Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori’s vision of lightness for the new season

Discussing the new collection, Mikkelsen said: “I am really proud to continue my collaboration with ZEGNA and to be the Global Ambassador of the new Oasi Lino SS24 collection. ZEGNA is the leader in the production of fine fabrics and global excellence in menswear. Their commitment with Oasi Lino towards sustainability and traceability is extraordinary. Oasi fibres are the epitome of the highest craftsmanship that goes into every ZEGNA product. The philosophy and values of ZEGNA are the reason it is such an inspiring brand.”

zegna.com

Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim has announced the launch of her eponymous new label called Nadine Njeim Beauty. 

According to the actress, the beauty brand was inspired by one of the most challenging times in her life, following the Beirut explosion of 2020. 

Taking the pain endured from this experience, Njeim propelled herself forward with the goal of creating something meaningful and useful, representative of the self-belief and resilience she discovered within herself. 

Discussing the launch, she said “In revealing Nadine Njeim Beauty to the world today, I am filled with gratitude for the healing journey that has led me to this point in my life. Aside from offering a collection of beautiful products, Nadine Njeim represents perseverance and self-belief. As I share it with others, I hope to inspire them to embrace their uniqueness, to find their own light, and to never underestimate the power of self-love as a transformative force.”

According to Njeim, alongside empowerment, the focus on ‘clean’ formulations lies at the heart of the new beauty house, with this commitment grounded in the use of ingredients that are safe for both your skin and the planet. 

“Every formula is backed by science and infused with active, natural ingredients that benefit the complexion. Being a clean beauty brand means making a consistent, conscious effort in every part of the development, formulation and packaging process, with a view to reducing the impact on the planet wherever possible,” the house explains in the notes which accompanied the announcement. 

The first launch for the brand is “The Glow Collection” which features five products all designed to create a “lit-from-within effect”: The Allure Velvet Glow, Lip to Cheek Cream Blush, Glow Lighter, Lip Glow Gloss, Glow Satin Illuminator and the Face Blending Brush.

Nadine Njeim Beauty is available through the brand’s own e-commerce platform, which boasts Virtual Try-On Technology, allowing clients to test shades digitally at home and fall in love with the shades that best suit their own style and personality. 

nadinenjeim.com

Versace is having a moment on the red carpet at Cannes this week, with several celebrities stepping out in archive and current looks from the house. 

Hollywood icon Diane Kruger wore Atelier Versace from the FW97 collection while attending the “The Shrouds” Red Carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival, while Egyptian actress Salma Abu Deif wore a checkerboard double silk duchesse jacquard dress with necklace embroidery from the Versace SS24 collection at Marché Plage des Palmes during the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival. 

Salma Abu Deif

Abu Deif wore the Versace ensemble while attending the Variety Global Conversation at Marché Plage des Palmes during the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Kruger wore a custom-made floor-length crystal mesh gown with a draped waist and three-dimensional voluminous shoulder detail inspired by an archival design from the Atelier Versace FW97 collection.

Maria Bakalova

Elsewhere at Cannes, Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova was spotted wearing Versace while leaving Hotel Martinez in the French Riviera city. The actress wore a checkerboard double silk duchesse jacquard top with necklace embroidery and a matching skirt from the Versace Spring-Summer 2024 collection. Gianni Ribbon slingback pumps and a Medusa ’95 tote bag complete the look.

Maria Bakalova

Heading up the menswear at House of Versace, actor Xavier Dolan wore a tailored white suit, featuring a single-breasted blazer with Medusa buttons, matching pants, and a Versace logo vest while attending the Kering Women in Motion Awards at the festival.

versace.com

Selena Gomez stepped out in an outfit inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood this week at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. 

Gomez wore an exquisite two-tone off-the-shoulder velvet gown by Saint Laurent for the premiere of her new movie “Emilia Perez” at the festival. 

The film is one of several movies at the festival which is supported by Saint Laurent Productions, a creative arts division at the house conceptualised by Anthony Vaccarello.

At the premiere, the actress accessorised the look with diamond drop earrings and a festoon diamond necklace both by Bulgari diamond jewellery.

Finishing touches included a Scarlett manicure, nude make-up a subtle updo with beach-wave hair at the front, and Santoni heels.

ysl.com

Tod’s has announced the opening of the house’s latest boutique in the heart of Venice’s luxury shopping district. 

The new boutique is housed in a historic nineteenth-century building which is characterised by three large openings onto the street. To close the perimeter, large lightboxes run along the side facade.

Inside the new boutique, the atmosphere plays on linear, essential and elegant arrangements: silver mirrors and walls with leather panels enhance the travertine floors.

The new Tod’s boutique in Venice welcomes Tod’s women’s and men’s collections, including the iconic Gommino and Di Bag, which are also available to customise, a new point of reference for international shopping.

tods.com

Sienna Miller attended the premiere of her new film, “Horizon: An American Saga” at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this week.

It was a family occasion for the actress, with her daughter, 11-year-old Marlowe Sturridge making her red carpet debut at the event. 

For the evening, Miller wore a bespoke long ruffled dress by Chloe, in powder blue crepe chiffon, with a transparent ruffled train cape. 

The British actress paired the look with Nour sandals in python print also by Chloe, and a diamond necklace by Chopard.

The incredible look was then styled with beach waves and a dark magenta lip.

chloe.com

Jean Paul Gaultier has announced Ameni Esseibi as the house’s first Arab ambassador. 

The Tunisian body-positive model and entrepreneur is known for her unique sense of style and commitment to empowering women of all shapes and sizes. 

Discussing her new role with the house, she said “Jean Paul Gaultier is more than just a brand to me; it feels like family. Its identity embodies everything I stand for – rebellion, strength, boldness, fearlessness, sensuality, and a touch of scandal. Growing up, Jean Paul Gaultier was my mother’s favourite fragrance, making it a cherished part of my life. I am deeply honoured to make history as their first Arab ambassador in the region, and this brand will continue to be an enduring part of my career.”

Esseibi’s role will be primarily within the Jean Paul Gaultier Fragrances division. In the notes which accompanied the announcement, the house described Esseibi as bringing “a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the beauty industry, making her the perfect fit for the role.”

The house went on to say that the new “appointment mark[ed’ an exciting new chapter for the brand.”

jeanpaulgaultier.com

Loro Piana is currently participating in the historic 69th edition of the Tre Golfi Sailing Week 2024 in Italy.

The event is a key part of the Italian sailing calendar and commenced on the 17th of May from Naples and will conclude with an awards ceremony on the 23rd of May in Sorrento. The 150-mile course will take in the islands of Ponza and Li Galli before arriving in Sorrento.

Organised by the International Maxi Association together with the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia di Napoli, one of the country’s oldest yacht clubs (founded in 1889), the IMA Maxi European Championship comprises a 150-mile long-distance regatta and four days of coastal regattas. 

Participation in both the inshore and offshore races is required for scoring for the 2024 ORC Mediterranean Championship, with trophies awarded in four classes: ORC Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D, with CDL limits defined in the Notice of Race. Scoring of the inshore races alone is eligible for trophies in the Campianato Nazionale del Medio e Basso Tirreno (CNT). The long-distance race is non-discardable for the ORC Mediterranean Championship.

At the awards ceremony on the evening of the 23rd of May, the Loro Piana Challenge Trophy for the first-place winner in Group 1 will be presented alongside the Rolex Overall Trophy for the new European champion, and others. 

loropiana.com

Brunello Cucinelli has revealed its latest eyewear pieces through its long-term collaboration with EssilorLuxottica. 

Discussing the partnership and the new collection, the founder of the Italian maison, Brunello Cucinelli explained: “The phenomenal product resulting from this heartfelt collaboration represents an outstanding piece of luxury craftsmanship, as well as the ‘Made in Italy’ craftsmanship that is recognised and embraced worldwide. Plato said: ‘Beauty is the splendour of truth’. This is why I wholeheartedly hope that our glasses, which are so true and beautiful, will please customers and achieve all the success they deserve.”

The Italian quiet luxury brand and EssilorLuxottica signed a 10-year licensing agreement in November 2022, following the successful 2021 launch of the first collaborative eyewear capsule by Brunello Cucinelli and Oliver Peoples, an exclusive brand owned by the French-Italian group. 

In 2023, the creative teams of both companies collaborated on the successful launch of the “Brunello Cucinelli” eyewear collection. 

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica, remarked: “The Brunello Cucinelli fashion house has succeeded in creating a new concept of luxury, fueled by respect for labour and its dignity, which represent its true, deepest soul. We are bound by more than just an agreement: Brunello Cucinelli is not only a great entrepreneur but also a friend whom I respect and admire. The collection we helped to create under his and his family’s creative direction expresses all these values, perfectly combining technology and superior craftsmanship.” 

The new collection is available now at select boutiques.

brunellocucinelli.com

Celine unveiled the house’s Homme Winter 24 collection this afternoon, titled “Symphonie Fantastique”. 

For the new collection, Hedi Slimane was inspired by the song which holds the same name and was composed in 1830 by 26-year-old French composer Hector Berlioz.

Described as the work of a “lovesick musician” by American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, the work has also been referred to by many creatives as the predecessor to the spirit of the 1960s. 

Berlioz described his symphony as an “immense instrumental composition of a new genre.” In the aftermath of its first public presentation, critics were taken aback by its modernity and reviewed it as “the almost inconceivable strangeness one could ever imagine.”

celine.com

The much-anticipated Dubai Fashion Week dates for the Spring/Summer 2025 season have been announced. 

The region’s definitive fashion fixture is due to return to its home in Dubai Design District from the 1st-5th of September this year.

Maison Rizman Ruzaini Couture Spring/Summer 2024

The event which was co-founded by the Arab Fashion Council and Dubai Design District will showcase a range of leading local, regional and international designers over the five-day event. 

Maison Rizman Ruzaini Couture Spring/Summer 2024

In the notes which accompanied the announcement, the organisers said: “By positioning it ahead of the fashion weeks of New York, London, Milan and Paris, DFW provides an opportunity for participating designers to set the season’s trends and capture the attention of buyers and leading fashion stakeholders and influencers worldwide.”

dubaifashionweek.org

British actress and model Sienna Miller stepped out at the Cannes Film Festival this weekend in head-to-toe Schiaparelli Ready-To-Wear Spring Summer 2024, designed by Daniel Roseberry. 

The actress was at the event for the premiere of her latest movie “Horizon: An American Saga” directed by Kevin Costner.

 For the event, she wore the house’s iconic Measuring Tape short jacket in sand-pressed tweed with a frayed edge and asymmetrical collar embellished with gold bijoux buttons. 

The jacket is adorned with a double brooch with a chain representing an eye and mouth in hammered golden brass and rhinestones. 

The look was paired with the house’s extra-wide low-rise cowboy-inspired pants in Japanese raw denim with tonal front inserts; and a high-waisted white compact jersey knickers adorned with the signature gold Keyhole.

Schiaparelli.com

The Doha Film Institute reaffirmed its dedication to fostering emerging voices in global cinema today at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, unveiling the recipients of its 2024 Spring Grants cycle. 

A total of 44 films from 17 countries have been chosen for this round of the Middle East region’s enduring film development programme, which has backed over 850 diverse projects from 75 countries to date.

 The CEO of the Doha Film Insitute Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: “The founding objective of our Grants programme is to build a new collective of authentic voices who bring diversity and depth to the medium of cinema and encourage cross-cultural exchange and dialogue. Our aim is to identify new talent, amplify globally resonant stories and develop a robust ecosystem that nurtures powerful and moving storytelling to help emerging filmmakers realise their creative aspirations.” 

“We are proud to present a new slate of captivating projects from across the region and beyond chosen for their innovative filmmaking techniques, reiterating our commitment to nurturing original and independent voices in world cinema. We are particularly excited about the notable presence of female talent, who represent the bold new energy of filmmaking in the Arab world.” She added. 

The 2024 Spring Grants recipients are: 

MENA – Feature Narrative – Development

• Al-Dana (Qatar) by Nora Al-Subai tells the story of a woman in a man’s world who embarks on a Pearl Diving adventure to reclaim her freedom, find the famous black pearl, and heal old wounds.
• Running With Beasts (Lebanon, Czech Republic, Qatar) by Leila Basma. Amid Lebanon’s economic collapse, five friends come up with a risky secret plan to chase their dreams, confronting the unexpected costs of growing up.

MENA – Feature Narrative – Production

• Marie and Jolie (Tunisia, France, Qatar) by Erige Sehiri is the tale of three Ivorian women who rescue a child from the desert to form a complex blended family amidst a country in crisis.

• Sound of Silence (Lebanon, France, Greece, UK, Qatar) by Joyce A. Nashawati. Set in 1972, when Greece was under military rule, Alice and Cristina, caught in a police raid on their hippie camp, seek refuge in a monastery, only to discover it harbours a deadly cult led by a ruthless Abbess.

MENA – Feature Narrative – Post-Production     

• To a Land Unknown (Palestine, UK, Greece, Netherlands, France, Germany, Qatar) by Mahdi Fleifel tells the story of the desperate attempts of two Palestinian cousins stranded in Athens to find a way out of their hopeless environment before it is too late.
• Yunan (Syria, Germany, Canada, Italy, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) by Ameer Fakher Eldin. Haunted by vivid dreams and tormented by inner demons, an Arab author embarks on a journey to a remote German island driven by a desire to end his life.
• The Settlement (Egypt, France, Germany, Qatar) by Mohamed Rashad tells the story of a factory worker, Sayed el-Deeb, who dies on the job in present-day Alexandria. When his two sons became labourers in the same factory, the workers become suspicious that they are there to avenge his death.
• Nomadish (Morocco, Hungary, Qatar) by Yassine Marco Marroccu. In Casablanca, 1961, Edoardo embarks on a covert and illegal mission to rescue a wrecked ship on the shores of the Atlantic.
• Agora (Tunisia, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) by Ala Eddine Slim. In a faraway town, missing people return under inexplicable circumstances – when an investigation is launched, things get complicated.

Non-MENA – Feature Narrative – Post-Production

• Żejtune (Malta, Germany, Qatar) by Alex Camilleri. Mar is determined to claim her family inheritance and leave the small island of Malta behind for good. But an encounter with Nenu, an elderly troubadour, tempts her to rediscover the country she aims to escape.
• The Botanist (China, Qatar) by Jing Yi is set in the village valleys of northern Xinjiang, where a Kazakh boy obsessed with plants gradually dwells in the dreamy fable of botany as he reminisces about the time that has passed.
• Another Birth (Tajikistan, USA, Germany, Qatar) by Isabelle Kalandar. Eight-year-old Parastu sets out on an imaginative-driven quest to find her long-lost father to save her beloved and grief-stricken grandfather from dying of longing for his absent son.
• Horizon (Colombia, France, Luxembourg, Chili, Qatar) by César Augusto Acevedo. Separated in life due to violence, Basilio and his mother Inés understand that their reunion is only because they are now dead. They decide to set out in search of the father through a landscape completely devastated by war.
• Tale Of The Land (Indonesia, The Philippines, Qatar) by Loeloe Hendra follows a victim of land conflict as she tries to get her life back on a floating house in the middle of the water.
• The Fin (South Korea, Germany, Qatar) by Syeyoung Park. In a reunified Korea devastated by an ecological catastrophe, an oppressed mutant Omega fights to fulfil a dying wish, whilst an ardent government worker begins to doubt the state’s ideologies.

MENA – Feature Documentary – Experimental/Essay – Development

• Flying Elephants (Lebanon, France, Qatar) by Mona Khaouli is a documentary about 64-year-old Lebanese musician, Munir Khauli, whose niece reveals a singular character and a unique, quirky vision of Lebanon through his music.
• Just Like a Dream (Lebanon, Qatar) by Corine Shawi explores how the Beirut port explosion and the everlasting political turmoil have shaped Lebanon’s collective psyche.
• Road Trip (Morocco, France, Qatar) by Linda Qibaa follows Linda, who reunites with her father Khammar in his car garage after 30 years apart. Together, they set off for Morocco, the family’s country of origin, via Spain—where Khammar had been imprisoned.
• Speak Image, Speak (Palestine, Germany, Qatar) by Pary El-Qalqili, sets out to narrate a disobedient cinematic counter-memory of Palestinian history in Germany.

MENA – Feature Documentary – Production

• Flower of the Sands (Morocco, Qatar) by Jaouad Babili follows a woman who runs a café in a fishing village—challenging circumstances in a predominantly male-dominated environment.
• Climbing the Mountains (Algeria, France, Germany, Qatar) by Sabrina Chebbi investigates what might happen if trauma is passed on silently from generation to generation. 

MENA – Feature Documentary – Post-Production

• She Was Not Alone (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, USA, Qatar) by Hussein Al-Asadi chronicles the life of Fatima, a resilient nomadic woman in the disappearing Iraqi marshes amidst the threats of climate change.
• Those Who Watch Over (Morocco, Belgium, Qatar) by Karima Saidi explores how Muslims, Jews, Orthodox and outsiders are buried together in a unique place where care is taken to respect plurality, both for the dead and the living.
• Ground Zero (Palestine, Qatar) a collective shorts project with 22 directors from Gaza preserves the scarcely heard voices, experiences and memories of artistic talents from the Gaza Strip.
• Moondove (Lebanon, Netherlands, Qatar) by Karim Kassem, moves between three stories in a village in Lebanon, exploring inner worlds and psychological landscapes, as the phases of the moon cycle on. 

Non-MENA – Feature Documentary – Post-Production

• Cutting Through Rocks (Iran, Germany, Qatar) by Sara Khaki and Mohammad Reza Eyni is a feature-length documentary in production and is expected to be finished in 2024.
• Requiem for a Tribe (Iran, Spain, Qatar) by Marjan Khosravi documents the life of Hajar, a 55-year-old Bahktiari grandma who is betrayed by her family and forced to abandon her nomadic lifestyle.

 MENA – TV Series – Development

• Badr on the Moon (Qatar, Jordan) by Aisha Al-Jaidah and Kholoud Al Ali is about a boy and his robot sidekick who live on the lunar surface and learn all about recycling, energy saving, new technology, and more.
• Last Words (Lebanon, Canada, Qatar) by Antoine Waked, depicts a woman with newfound powers to hear the final thoughts of the dead who must use them to survive and protect her immigrant community in Canada from a killer.
• Palmyra (Lebanon, France, Qatar) by Carol Mezher and Gabriela Flores. Upon the brutal murder of Palmyra’s head of antiquities, three women are reunited as the sole inheritors of precious artefacts he smuggled from the ancient Syrian city.
• Rent-a-Mama (Lebanon, Canada, Qatar) by Dania Bdeir tells the story of a traditional Lebanese supermom and housewife, who is living in New York and decides to sign up on an app to become a mother-for-hire to liberal Gen Zers.
• The Dry Kingdom (Jordan, USA, Qatar) by Dana J. Atrach. Amid a global water crisis, the rebellious daughter of a missing scientist must find her father and his groundbreaking discovery before it falls into the wrong hands.
• Echoes (Lebanon, Qatar) by Marie-Rose Osta is a collection of selected stories from the Arab world, where the tales of six women from different countries intersect with the spirits of women from the past.

MENA – Web Series – Production

• El’Sardines (Algeria, France, Qatar) by Zoulikha Tahar. An Algerian marine bioengineer navigates the chaos of her sister’s wedding preparations while keeping her impending departure for a sardine-run expedition a secret.

MENA – Shorts – Narrative – Development

• Before the Day Breaks (Qatar) by Amal Al-Muftah tells the story of Nour, a young truck driver, who encounters obstacles while delivering an urgent, unusual shipment to Qatar.
• If Only (Qatar) by Ali Al Anssari portrays Hamda, who thirty-five years after her separation from her parents, takes a leap back in time to save their lives, only to find out the hidden truth about their untimely departure.

MENA – Shorts – Narrative – Production

• Little Man (Morocco, France, Qatar) by Hajri Gachouch unfolds the story of a man who persists in carrying out his mysterious project in a drought-stricken village in the Sahara.
• Salted Skins (Lebanon, France, Canada, Qatar) by Nicolas Fattouh depicts Nabil who begins to lose his space in his childhood home, gradually being occupied by the family of his elder brother.
• The Heaviness of Absence (Syria, Germany, Qatar) by Jalal Maghout. In the midst of war-torn Damascus, a distressed young man tries to discover the fate of his arrested father.
• Zizou (Egypt, Qatar) by Khaled Moeit is about a 13-year-old overweight boy’s struggle to join the neighbourhood’s football team as a way to prove himself.
• Eman (Qatar) by Maha Al-Thani. Raised in a strict household, an adolescent girl’s immense desire to go out leads her to an alternative universe which might prove to be worse than her reality.  
• Please Pause (Qatar) by Lulwa Al-Thani follows a boy navigating the challenges of growing up who, while seeking comfort in reminiscence and nostalgia, confronts a surprising truth about his age during a chance encounter with a police officer.

MENA – Shorts Documentary – Production

• The Star (Lebanon, Qatar) by Ingrid El Zoghby is the transformative journey of a cancer survivor who discovers how her health problems might be linked to her past traumas.
• Another Day Shall Come (Palestine, Qatar) by Aida Kaadan is an audio-visual portrait of silenced Palestinians living in Israel during the war on Gaza.

dohafilminstitute.com

Celebrities stepped out in the South of France for the Red Sea International Film Festival’s “Women in Cinema” Gala at the Cannes Film Festival this weekend. 

Guests on the red carpet included the CEO of the Saudi Arabian festival, Mohammed Al Turki and the chairwoman Jomana Alrashid alongside celebrities including Uma Thermen, Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Richard Gere, and many others.

(L-R) Mohammed Al Turki and Richard Gere

The soiree took place in the magnificent Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes.

Naomi Campbell

Those stars and many more attended the evening’s festivities at the iconic Hotel Du Cap.

Alessandra Ambrosio

The event champions the achievements of up-and-coming women working within the film industry, shining a light on talent particularly in Arabia, as well as the wider Asia region and Africa. 

During the event, six women “who are fiercely redefining what is possible for future generations of female storytellers,” were honoured by the organisation. Those included Saudi stars Aseel Omran and Adhwa Fahad, acclaimed filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy, popular Thai actor Sarocha Chankimha aka Freen, Indian superstar Kiara Advani and acclaimed Egyptian actor Salma Abu Deif.

redseafilmfest.com

The leading British marque Bentley has announced that its new fourth-generation Continental GT will be unveiled in June.

It is the first car to be built around Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain.

Delivering 782 PS and 1000 Nm of torque, combined with 50 miles (80 km) of electric-only range and a CO2 figure (WLPT) of under 50 g/km, the new Continental GT marks a significant step forward for Bentley. 

Not only will it be the most powerful and most dynamically capable Bentley road car in the company’s 105-year history, it will also be the most sustainable – whilst retaining the handcrafted luxury and exceptional materials that is synonymous with the marque.

The latest generation of chassis technology – including active all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, four-wheel steering, an electronic Limited Slip Differential, 48V electric active anti-roll control and new, advanced dual-valve dampers. A new design and a new suite of technology complete the latest generation of the car that has come to define the modern Bentley.

Originally unveiled in 2002, the Continental GT started the rebirth of Bentley. The car was to transform the business, catalysing a ten-fold increase in sales and redefining Bentley for the modern era. Both the design inspiration and the performance ethos of the Continental GT, came from the R Type Continental of 1952 – the fastest four-seat car in the world at the time, which defined the concept of a luxury Grand Tourer. It was a long-distance cruiser for crossing the continent – hence the name. The Continental GT adopted the same three key design lines – the power line, the haunch, and the sloping roofline.

Bentley.com

Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone stepped out on the red carpet for her latest film at the Cannes Film Festival this weekend. 

Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Kinds of Kindness” premiered at the festival on Friday night. 

The duo have a strong working relationship, with Stone winning her 2024 Academy Award for her lead role in the director’s last film “Poor Things.” 

Stone wore a custom Louis Vuitton gown for Friday’s premiere. The burgundy sleeveless dress featured shimmering elements cascading over the fabric, while the back of the gown featured sheer bands of fabric connecting the straps to the skirt. 

Fans of “Poor Things” can expect a continuation of Lanthimos’s unique and sometimes unsettling style in his new film, which is due for release this summer. The plot centres around three distinct but loosely connected narratives set in and around modern-day New Orleans.

Alongside Stone, Hunter Schafer and Margaret Qualley also star in Lanthimos’s latest movie.

Louis Vuitton has revealed its latest Core Values campaign featuring tennis’s most revered champions, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, as they ascend to the summit of Italy’s Dolomites mountain range. 

Embodied in the tagline “There are Journeys that turn into Legends,“ the campaign captures both athletes on a journey of ambition and determination, captured through the lens of celebrated photographer Annie Leibovitz.

3,000m high, far from the familiarity of the court, Nadal and Federer are seen not as competitors but as companions on a shared ascent — a visual metaphor for their careers which have been marked by deep mutual respect and friendship, forever overcoming the obstacles set before them. Federer brought his record-setting 20 Grand Slam titles and unparalleled elegance to every court he graced while Nadal‘s 22 Grand Slams, among those 14 French Open wins, were each demonstrations of peak athleticism and skill. Together, these athletes represent parallel odysseys.

Discussing the new campaign, Nadal said “I know how many important icons have been part of this campaign, so for me personally, being part of it is something that I am very proud of, especially sharing it with Roger – he has been my biggest rival and now a close friend today. In my career, I achieved more than I ever dreamt of, so at the end of the day, the legacy in terms of human beings is the most important value.” 

Meanwhile, Federer added: “It’s a unique opportunity to be working on this campaign with Rafa. How we could be such rivals and then at the end of our careers be beside each other doing this campaign has been very cool. And where we are here today, I think it also embodies everything: at the peak of the mountains. For us, it is something meaningful and special.”

louisvuitton.com

Asteri Beauty is the first official beauty partner for the inaugural three-day Red Sea Fashion Week, which is running until the 18th of May.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the St Regis Red Sea Resort on Ummahat Island, in Saudi Arabia the event is the latest fashion event to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on the brand’s participation in Red Sea Fashion Week, Asteri Beauty founder Sara Al Rashed said,  “This is a beautiful moment where fashion and beauty come hand in hand. To represent the Saudi fashion movement and be part of this moment is an honour for Asteri Beauty as we are a representation of Saudi Arabian beauty. We are thrilled to be complimenting the fashion show with beautiful faces and looks.” 

The Red Sea Fashion Week, organised by the Saudi Fashion Commission, features a lineup of both local and international designers, including EAU, Tima Abid, Hadia, Niluu, Rebirth, and more. This groundbreaking event aims to elevate Saudi fashion onto the global stage while honouring its rich cultural heritage.

asteribeauty.com

Linen is one of the core materials at the heart of Loro Piana. The factory which the house uses, the Solbiati Factory, has been a key part of the house since 2013, and has a long history in the world of linen, dating back 150 years. 

Each linen piece the Loro Piana house creates is Masters of Linen™ certified which means it is 100% Made in Europe, from flax field to finished garment. Linen is by nature more sustainable compared to other crops, requiring less water and pesticides thanks to cultivation without irrigation. Linen is also inherently antibacterial, antipilling, extremely breathable, and effectively absorbs humidity. The Maison and its flax growers are committed to preserving ultimate quality, transparency, and local production. 

The process behind sourcing the linen:

A long and meticulous process transforms the naturally rigid stem of the flax plant into fine comfortable linen fibres with a signature touch into fine comfortable garments with the signature touch of the Maison. The first step is the cultivation and harvesting of flax. Loro Piana linen is grown in the naturally humid climate of Normandy in France and Belgium, regions renowned for producing the finest linen. The fibre selection is an expert art, done by sight and with a masterful touch. 

Following the harvest, the dried flax undergoes a transformative journey through retting, a process by which the fibres are released from the stem of the plant by monitored natural degradation, usually by submerging them in water or exposing them to dew moisture. The desirable fibres are separated from the plant’s woody core through beating. Traditional methods employ manual techniques, where craftsmen detach the noble fibres by hand, preserving their integrity and purity. This artisanal approach ensures a superior linen quality and honours the ancient traditions of textile craftsmanship. 

Combing is the next phase of the linen metamorphosis, where the extracted long fibres are separated from the short fibres and carefully aligned and prepared for spinning. They are then arranged into parallel strands, laying the foundation for the yarn’s impeccable strength and resilience. Once the ribbon has been generated, it can be spun, giving life to the thread. 

Guided by the expert hands of artisans, each strand is carefully inspected and adjusted, ensuring uniformity and precision in every thread. Skilled spinners coax the fibres, and with each twist of the spindle, linen is transformed into yarns of unparalleled refinement. Loro Piana also uses Nm110 linen threads, the finest of its kind. If stretched, one kilogram of thread can extend for 110 km. 

The creation of the fabric takes place in the Maison’s factory with the warping and weaving, an artistry that requires attention to detail and precise savoir-faire. Linen can be treated with aloe vera during the finishing process, adding anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking properties and infusing the fabric with softness, for a signature Loro Piana touch. What makes the Maison’s linen truly unique is the extensive research to find exceptional raw material, the use of the finest yarns, the innovation to create new blends and new finishings. 

The house also offers a new blockchain method of tracking products. For example,  each André shirt in linen that is produced has a digital certificate, powered by the Aura Blockchain Consortium. 

So clients will now be able to trace every step of the production of the linen André shirt, from field to yarn to finished garment by scanning the QR Code on the labels. 

This authenticates and verifies Loro Piana’s vertical integration, incorruptible thanks to the data on the blockchain. A dedicated webapp is also launched to enable the discovery of the journey of every André shirt in linen. 

loropiana.com

Award-winning actress and Roger Vivier brand ambassador Laura Dern stars in the new campaign for the house, alongside her 19-year-old daughter Jaya Harper.

 Roger Vivier has revealed a visual portfolio featuring the duo highlighting some of House’s most iconic designs.

Photographed in Los Angeles by Luke Gilford, the images showcase the Belle Vivier shoe, one of the House’s most iconic classics, along with some of Gherardo Felloni’s contemporary creations such as the Viv’ Choc handbag, jewel-encrusted satin headbands, an embroidered waistcoat, and a patent leather belt.

Discussing the new campaign, Dern said “I bought my first pair of Belle Vivier shoes in Paris many, many years ago, and have been in love with the House ever since. Collaborating with Jaya on this campaign has been an incredibly special experience as it was an occasion to celebrate, together and for the first time, our shared love for fashion.”

Explaining why the Belle Vivier was chosen for the new campaign, the house said in the notes which accompanied the release of the mother-daughter photo shoot: “Just as the Belle Vivier remains a coveted accessory across generations, the connection shared between Dern and Harper serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of timeless elegance and familial love.”

rogervivier.com

The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival is currently underway on the French Riviera and there have been some fabulous red-carpet looks on display.  

From British supermodel, Naomi Campbell dressed in head-to-toe vintage Chanel, from the house’s FW96/97 collection to Anya Taylor-Joy in a Dior Haute Couture embroidered beige tulle dress, these are some of the best outfits on the red carpet. 

Naomi Campbell in Chanel 

British model Naomi Campbell wore a black silk tulle and organza evening dress embroidered with sequins and with beaded pearl straps, look 86, from the Fall-Winter 1996/97 Haute Couture collection. She paired the look with the house’s Tweed Perlé Earrings in 18K white gold, diamonds and cultured pearls. Chanel High Jewelry Ring in 18K white gold, cultured pearls and diamonds, she then completed the look with Chanel Makeup.

Vic Carmen Sonne in Louis Vuitton

Danish actress Vic Carmen Sonne wears a white lace gown, with a straight neckline and crossing draped bands on the back, embroidered with white and light green sequins and crystals. Vic Carmen Sonne also wears Louis Vuitton High Jewelry pieces from the Deep Time Collection including Bones necklace, set with a 16.92 carats cabochon-cut black opal and LV Monogram star diamond, paved with diamonds in white gold as well as Bones ring, set with a 3.84 carats oval fancy-cut tourmaline, paved with diamonds in white gold. The look is completed with silver leather sandals.

Anya Taylor-Joy in Dior 

The Global Brand Ambassador for Women’s Fashion and Makeup, actress Anya Taylor-Joy was dressed in Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri. She wore a Dior Haute Couture embroidered beige tulle dress. The look was completed with make-up by Dior.

Xavier Dolan in Versace

Xavier Dolan wore Versace while attending the “Un Certain Regard” jury photocall as president of the Jury during the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The actor and movie director wore a fluid-fitting long-sleeved Barocco shirt worn under a silk-blend single-breasted jacket with a foulard Barocco Sea back panel and matching tailored pants, from the Versace “La Vacanza” 2024 collection.

Nadine Labaki in Celine

Lebanese actress Nadine Labaki wore a head-to-toe Celine by Hedi Slimane on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival this week. She was styled by Sleiman Dayaa in the house’s Veste Classique Tux Mohair Noir, Chemise Loose Popeline Coton Blanc, Pantalon De Smoking Dylan Taille Basse Mohair et Soir Noir.

festival-cannes.com

Luxury Italian house Miu Miu has announced the launch of its fifth Miu Miu Upcycled collection, built once again, around denim, a material famous for its durability and cherished for the unique patina it develops with age. 

Introduced in 2020 the Miu Miu Upcycled initiative celebrates the precious nature of vintage fashion and encourages circular design practice. The value of history, of the timelessly beautiful, is passed down to enrich the present and future.

For this collection, the original garments were meticulously sourced from experts in the field the world over, then disassembled at the seams and natural suede borders were added using visible white stitching. 

 Re-fashioned, jeans are loose-fitting and worn low on the hips, scarf tops and micro-shorts are abbreviated, and cropped in line with the iconic Miu Miu ready-to-wear silhouette. Snappers – carefully removed, then reinstated – are engraved with Miu Miu branding. In the case of blouson jackets, the form is also modified: shortened. Central buttons are replaced by suede borders and a front fastening zip.

The accompanying Miu Miu Upcycled campaign is photographed by Tarek Cassim on models Ana Elisa Brito, Wenqing Liu and Alice McGrath. 

miumiu.com

Renowned footballer and fashion icon David Beckham has announced a new collaboration with the fashion house Hugo Boss. 

According to the house, the partnership will “evolve the BOSS menswear collections over many years to come.”

The house continued: “In terms of its scope, the collaboration is the first of its kind for BOSS Menswear and will deliver innovative and captivating designs that reflect the style and aesthetic values of David Beckham and BOSS, appealing to a wide global audience.”

The new collaboration will include capsule and seasonal collections designed and curated by David Beckham.

According to the duo, the collections will embody Beckham’s signature style as well as classic BOSS aesthetic codes. 

The upcoming collections are expected to focus on both formal and casual menswear with

the first collection being revealed as part of the Menwear’s SS25 season, and Beckham appearing in the brand’s Fall/Winter global campaigns this year.

Daniel Grieder, CEO of Hugo Boss and David Beckham

“David Beckham is a true global icon in both sports and fashion. With his distinctive entrepreneurial spirit and authentic passion for fashion, he perfectly embodies the values of our BOSS brand. We are very much looking forward to seeing the first collections come to life and working closely with David throughout this multi-year partnership,” said Daniel Grieder, CEO of Hugo Boss.

“Over the last few years, I’ve been wanting to invest more time in design and fashion but wanted to ensure I collaborated with a brand and team that could deliver something truly global and impactful. I’ve really enjoyed the collaboration with BOSS so far and have been impressed by the team’s ambition, creativity and desire for excellence. I look forward to sharing the upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 collection as the first step in our long-term partnership,” David Beckham said.

hugoboss.com

The Spanish Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rosalía has been revealed as Dior’s new global ambassador.

In the shoot revealed by the house, Rosalia was captured with the latest iteration of the Lady Dior bag.

Discussing the importance of Lady Dior, the house said “The Lady Dior encapsulates the essence and excellence of Dior style. Revisited season after season by Maria Grazia Chiuri, it is revealed in unprecedented variations, weaving the alchemical, primordial ties between heritage and reinvention at the heart of the House’s identity.”

Exploring the spontaneous emotion of colour and the profound intensity of black and white, the shots taken by Collier Schorr convey a wonderful plurality. In an intimate setting, only adorned with a microphone and a piano – paying tribute to live performance and the passionate connections between fashion, stage, and music – the multitalented Spanish singer is unveiled, sublimely radiant.

 Amid light and shadow, the American artist and photographer eloquently captures Rosalía’s natural singularity, her magnetic aura, the way she makes Lady Dior her own, letting the many expressions of elegance shine forth.

dior.com

Six films supported by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) have been selected for the 77th Cannes Film Festival being held this month until the 25th of May. 

The Institute also co-financed the project Rendez-vous avec Pol Pot’ (Meeting with Pol Pot) by renowned Cambodian director and screenwriter Rithy Panh, selected to the Cannes Premiere section in the Official Selection. 

Rendez-vous avec Pol Pot

Rendez-vous avec Pol Pot’ (France, Cambodia, Taiwan, Qatar, Turkiye) by critically acclaimed filmmaker and Un Certain Regard Grand Prix Winner Rithy Panh draws from his moving personal experiences to revive unrecorded memories of his native Cambodia. Based on a true story, the film recounts the adventurous journey of three French journalists invited to Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge in 1978 to meet with Pol Pot. 

During the festival, diverse projects supported by the DFI Grants programme will screen for global audiences, including three projects in the parallel section of Critics’ Week (Semaine de la Critique) and two in Director’s Fortnight (Quinzaine des cinéastes). 

Locust

Critics’ Week (Semaine de la Critique): 

• The Brink of Dreams (Egypt, France, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, tells the story of a group of Coptic girls who refuse the roles forced upon them by forming an all-female street theatre troupe.
• Locust (Taiwan, France, USA, Qatar) by KEFF is set in Taiwan, where a mute twenty-nothing struggles to find meaning in the injustice of everyday life.
• Across The Sea (Morocco, France, Belgium, Qatar) by Saïd Hamich Benlarbi in Séance Speciale follows Nour who immigrated illegally to Marseille in 1990. With his friends, he lives a marginal and festive life.

Brink of Dreams

Director’s Fortnight (Quinzaine des cinéastes):

• East of Noon (Egypt, Netherlands, Qatar) by Hala Elkoussy is a fable about musician Abdo, who rebels against his elders, seeking freedom through his art in a confined world outside of time.
• To a Land Unknown (Palestine, UK, Greece, Netherlands, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) by Mahdi Fleifel is about two Palestinian cousins who are forced to take extreme measures to escape a hopeless environment before it is too late.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI, said: “Once again, the eclectic selection of DFI-backed projects selected at Cannes this year demonstrates the Institute’s commitment to supporting compelling voices and powerful stories that have the potential to shape world cinema. We are honoured to partner with internationally renowned creative visionaries and emerging talent from the Arab world and beyond to offer a captivating window into different cultures and perspectives to foster a sense of global unity.” 

“I am especially proud that celebrated auteur and DFI’s long-term mentor and collaborator Rithy Panh’s new film will premiere at the prestigious festival. Rithy’s films offer creative cinematic representations of significant social and historical events that forever changed our world, and his unbounded passion for storytelling with rare and striking authority, portrayed in Rendez-vous avec Pol Pot, an important and timely film will resonate with all.” 

dohafilminstitute.com

The Fall/Winter 2024-2025 collection offers a fresh take on Fendi Kids wardrobe staples and signature themes, developed into a cheerful and relaxed offer. 

An ever-present college inspiration is mixed with the Pequin logo-non logo stripes recoloured in various shades, while the Teddy Bear mascot encounters other cute friends.

A romantic forest-themed pattern featuring trees, flowers, mushrooms and various inhabitants of the woods overlaps Fendi Pequin vertical stripes with cute teddy bears, squirrels, deer, rabbits and hedgehogs. Coloured in powder pink stripes with red prints, the pattern adorns cotton poplin short-sleeved shirts and matching skirts as well as a sleeveless dress and a chemisier. 

The story continues with romantic red bow embroideries over white cotton feminine proposals, characterised by dreamy silhouettes and frilled sleeves, and on a romantic light blue tulle dress. The same bow decorations become an all-over print over a beige organza dress with A-line and ruffle sleeves, present in girl and baby adaptations.

A college attitude pervades unisex and boy proposals, embellished with a Fendi university-style crest featured on t-shirts, polo shirts and knit cardigans in red and navy blue. A baseball-inspired striped t-shirt has Fendi’s foundation year, 1925, embroidered on the chest and contrasting red pipeline also featured on the matching shorts.

A cotton anorak and coordinated shorts combine Fendi Pequin stripes in white and beige with the embroidered Fendi Roma logo. The same theme returns on the boy’s elegant proposals with a cotton jacquard beige ensemble featuring tonal Pequin stripes that add a subtle shine to the fabric.

A blue pinstriped fabric is introduced, completed with contrasting denim-like white stitching, shaping a jacket and cargo shorts for boys, all featuring the Fendi crest on the pocket.

For girls, the same fabric becomes a ladylike short-sleeved dress with a pleated mini skirt, embellished with a mini Baguette accessory attached at the waist. Vertical stripes – recalling the Pequin logo non-logo – define the collection, present on bleached denim proposals and on college-style knitwear.

fendi.com