Fashion And Lifestyle

Beyond Trends How AI Is Redefining Global Fashion Design By Zulaikha Bi Fashion has always reflected the rhythm of society, its culture, aspirations, and creativity. From the hand-stitched garments of ancient civilizations to the fast-paced production lines of the 20th century, fashion has evolved alongside every major technological and cultural shift. Today, a new force is transforming this ever-changing industry, artificial intelligence. AI is more than a modern buzzword; it is becoming a powerful creative and strategic asset. Once confined to logistics and data analysis, it now influences how clothes are designed, produced, and experienced. The boundaries between creativity and computation are blending, opening up a new dialogue between human intuition and digital intelligence. Traditionally, fashion design has been an emotional and intuitive art form, guided by personal inspiration, cultural influences, and imagination. Now, AI is entering this space as a collaborator rather than a competitor. Using vast amounts of data from fashion shows, social media, and consumer preferences, AI tools can suggest new colors, styles, and fabrics.  Designers can experiment with thousands of variations on a single concept in just a few clicks. Companies like The Fabricant have even taken this innovation to a digital level, creating clothing that exists only in the virtual world. By removing the physical limits of material and production, such tools offer designers a new level of freedom. Design software like Adobe Sensei and CLO 3D allows creators to visualize designs in three dimensions, test fits, and make changes instantly. This shortens the design process, reduces material waste, and supports sustainability. Rather than replacing human touch, AI frees designers to focus on storytelling, emotion, and creativity while technology manages repetitive tasks and data-driven insights. In production, AI is addressing one of fashion’s biggest challenges — inefficiency. Overproduction, long lead times, and unsustainable manufacturing have plagued the industry for decades. Now, AI systems analyze purchasing behavior, market trends, and even weather to forecast demand with remarkable accuracy. Brands like Zara and H&M rely on this technology to manage inventory and reduce waste, ensuring they produce only what customers actually want. Automation in factories is also transforming the manufacturing process. AI-driven machines handle fabric cutting, stitching, and quality control with precision, minimizing errors and allowing greater customization. Some manufacturers are using AI to develop sustainable textiles, optimizing raw materials and creating eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental harm. Perhaps the most exciting shift comes in the way AI personalizes the shopping experience. With virtual try-ons and augmented reality, customers can now see how clothes look on them before buying. Brands like Gucci, Nike, and ASOS use these features to enhance convenience and reduce returns. Services such as Stitch Fix combine AI with human stylists to curate personalized fashion boxes tailored to each customer’s size, taste, and lifestyle. Advances in AI body-scanning technology have also made made-to-measure clothing more accessible and inclusive. Customers can upload a few photos, and AI calculates precise measurements, offering custom fits without traditional tailoring costs or delays. AI is also democratizing fashion globally.  No longer limited to fashion capitals like Paris or Milan, creativity is flourishing everywhere. A designer in Nairobi, Jakarta, or Bogotá can now create and market a full collection using AI tools for trend analysis, virtual modeling, and logistics. Platforms such as Fashwell and Vue.ai provide advanced design tagging and image recognition, giving small and independent brands access to tools once reserved for large corporations. AI is also inspiring cultural fusion. Designers are now able to explore influences from across the globe, blending traditional aesthetics with modern forms.  Indian startups are reinterpreting heritage textiles like Bandhani and Kanjivaram, while African designers are using AI to celebrate Afro-futurism and share indigenous fashion with international audiences. Despite these advancements, AI’s growing role in fashion raises important ethical questions. What does originality mean in an age when algorithms can mimic artistic styles and brand aesthetics? Intellectual property laws are still adapting to these new realities. There are also concerns about bias in AI models, which often reflect the data they are trained on. If that data lacks diversity, it can exclude certain body types, skin tones, or cultural styles. To build a more inclusive industry, brands must ensure that the data guiding these systems represents a wide range of human experiences and identities. Automation also affects the workforce. Millions of people in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Ethiopia rely on textile and garment jobs. As machines become more capable, there is a risk of widespread job displacement. A fair and responsible transition requires investment in retraining programs, ethical sourcing, and policies that protect vulnerable communities. Another critical contribution of AI is in promoting sustainability. Fashion remains one of the world’s most polluting industries, but AI is helping change that. It assists in selecting durable, eco-friendly materials and enables digital prototyping to reduce fabric waste. Even digital fashion garments created only for virtual use is becoming a sustainable option for influencers, gamers, and digital consumers. By predicting demand more accurately, AI reduces overproduction and waste. It also helps consumers make conscious choices by offering transparent information about a product’s origins, materials, and environmental impact through smart tags and traceable digital labels. Fashion is more than just clothing. It is a language of culture, identity, and emotion. AI is not replacing this language; it is helping us rewrite it with greater imagination and responsibility. From sketch to shop floor, from luxury runways to online wardrobes, artificial intelligence is making design more inclusive, production more efficient, and experiences more personal. Yet, this technological progress must remain guided by human values, creativity, empathy, and ethics. The future of fashion will not belong solely to algorithms or to humans, but to the collaboration between both. When intelligence meets imagination, fashion becomes not only smarter but also more meaningful, sustainable, and human. In a conversation with a young woman about fashion, she shared a refreshing perspective. “Personally, I prefer simple and casual dressing, mostly in light colors,” she said. “Simplicity always wins. Casual clothes save time and reduce confusion.

A Conversation With Mira Abou Jaoudé The Soul Behind the Style By Cynthia Mansour Mira Abou Jaoudé, a survivor, businesswoman, and influencer, carries a presence that radiates strength, warmth, and authenticity. From her earliest days on digital platforms, she has captivated audiences with her genuine smile, resilience, and unwavering support for those facing similar battles. A cancer survivor, Mira transformed her personal journey into a beacon of hope. Through her content, followers witnessed not only her recovery but also her remarkable transformation, one that extended beyond the physical to reveal emotional depth, maturity, and an unshakable sense of gratitude. Mira has been an integral part of Rami Kadi’s team for as long as many can remember. As a luxury brand marketer and PR professional specializing in strategy, marketing, and communications, her work reflects deep loyalty to the fashion industry and a genuine dedication to the creative community she calls home. Her commitment goes beyond tasks, it is a form of love for art, storytelling, and the people behind it. Throughout her health journey, Mira opened a window into her world, sharing moments from hospital corridors to everyday routines, and offering heartfelt reflections on how illness reshaped her perception of strength, beauty, and presence. Her honesty brought comfort to many, patients fighting the same battle and loved ones seeking understanding and hope. After overcoming her illness, Mira began sharing a new chapter rooted in transformation, healing, and mindful living. Whether she is offering time management tips, book recommendations, or fitness motivation, her message remains consistent, to help others grow and to remind them that life is a gift worth cherishing. What makes Mira truly stand out is not just her style or influence, but her ability to turn life into meaning. She reminds us daily that nothing is worth sacrificing our mental peace, that health is a privilege never to be taken for granted, and that every day should be lived fully, with gratitude, not regret. For all these reasons, her authenticity, her influence in fashion, and her inspiring impact on mental wellness, it felt only natural to sit down with Mira for a conversation that captures her essence, a dialogue on fashion, healing, and the art of living beautifully. For Mira, fashion has never been just about aesthetics, it is an emotional language, a mirror of the soul. “Fashion is my way of expressing everything,” she shares. “My knowledge in fashion helped me navigate this journey in a way where I could turn scars into beauty. It is no longer about how I look, but how deeply I feel through what I wear.” Through her evolution, she has turned style into self-expression, transforming pain into presence and design into healing. In a world built on appearances, Mira stands firmly rooted in truth. “Authenticity is my luxury,” she says with conviction. “I have learned that perfection does not inspire, but truth does. I bring both worlds together by staying honest, even in glitter, because why not?” Real elegance, she believes, lies not in perfection but in transparency, in being bold enough to be human in an industry that often hides behind polish. To Mira, fashion is more than fabric, it is storytelling in motion. “Fashion today should tell stories of resilience, identity, and consciousness, not just beauty,” she explains. “It should remind people that style is energy, not ego.” Her perspective highlights a shift within the industry, one that values emotion, diversity, and authenticity over surface glamour. When asked about her work with Rami Kadi and the legacy of Lebanese designers, Mira’s pride shines through. “Lebanese designers create from emotion, not formula,” she reflects. “There is a heartbeat in every stitch, a fusion of pain, passion, and poetry that speaks beyond trends. Lebanon just tells a different story.” It is this emotional craftsmanship, she believes, that sets Lebanese couture apart, artistry that carries both heritage and heart. If fashion were a language, Mira’s would be fluid and free. “Flow, freedom, and feeling,” she says. “A mix of strength and softness, like silk over steel.” Her fashion choices embody balance, power with grace, resilience with femininity. In a digital world that never stops demanding more, Mira has learned to slow down. “By choosing presence over pressure,” she says. “I pause, breathe, and remind myself that being grounded is what navigates me through life.” It is a philosophy that keeps her centered, staying authentic even in a space that often glorifies constant performance. Having faced illness, loss, and renewal, Mira’s definition of beauty has evolved profoundly. “Beauty, to me, is truth unfiltered,” she reflects. “It is the light that appears when you have been through darkness and still choose to shine. Your inner glow, I call it that.” For her, beauty begins where filters end, it is the courage to be seen as you are. Once driven by achievement, Mira now defines success through presence and peace. “Success used to mean doing more, now it means being more, more peaceful, more purposeful, more myself.” This redefinition reflects the growth of someone who has lived through change and chosen depth and alignment. For Mira, fashion is not only creative, it is therapeutic. “Clothes can heal,” she affirms. “When we dress with intention, we reconnect with the part of us that still believes in magic. You need to feel good in your skin, always.” Perhaps her most powerful belief is that fashion can be a form of mental health advocacy. “Fashion can normalize honesty,” she explains. “It can remind women that it is okay to show up as they are, style is about expression, not perfection.” Her message is simple but profound, what you wear should never hide who you are. Fashion is not a mask, but a reminder that true style begins with self-acceptance. Through her work, her story, and her words, Mira Abou Jaoudé continues to redefine what it means to be a woman in fashion today, graceful, grounded, and unapologetically real. Her journey proves that fashion is not only about beauty

Maisoon Al Saleh Reimagining Heritage Through a Contemporary Lens By Jane Stevens To encounter the art of Maisoon Al Saleh is to step into a dialogue between past and future, memory and imagination. Her work feels at once grounded and transcendent, weaving threads of Emirati heritage with modern narratives that challenge and expand the visual language of identity. Born in 1988, Maisoon belongs to a generation of Emirati artists who have witnessed their country’s cultural awakening and, through creativity, have helped shape its evolving artistic landscape. A graduate of Zayed University with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Design, she has exhibited across more than 25 countries, from Paris and Vienna to Miami and Basel. Her pieces have appeared in major international venues such as the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, the Contemporary & Fine Art Basel Biennale, and the Art Cannes Biennale, while locally, her presence at Art Dubai, Abu Dhabi Art, and Emirati Expressions has positioned her as a powerful voice within the UAE’s cultural movement. Beyond her exhibitions, she is also the founder of The Paintly Store, a creative platform that merges art, design, and entrepreneurship, extending her influence from gallery walls to community spaces. Maisoon’s art is unmistakably her own, a synthesis of surreal forms, cultural symbolism, and bold reinterpretations of tradition. For her, heritage is not a relic of the past, but a living language that evolves with time. “Tradition is the foundation,” she explains, “but innovation is what lets it grow in new directions.” Her process often begins with sketches and stories rooted in Emirati culture, which she reimagines through modern techniques, futuristic colors, and layered symbolism. The result is work that speaks to continuity as much as change — a visual conversation between origin and possibility. Storytelling lies at the heart of Maisoon’s creative practice. Each piece is a narrative, often revealing hidden histories or reinterpreting cultural memory through striking imagery. Her recurring use of skeletal motifs has become one of her signatures, not as a reference to mortality but as a metaphor for shared humanity. “Bones and skulls are not about death,” she notes, “they are a reminder that beneath our differences, we are all equal.” This philosophy reached its most powerful expression in a ten-meter panoramic painting that captures the essence of Dubai’s evolution, traditional dhows drifting alongside futuristic skyscrapers, construction cranes reaching upward, and communities of every nationality coexisting in harmony. All the figures in the scene are rendered as skeletons, uniting the diverse faces of the city through a message of equality and connection. Having exhibited for more than a decade, Maisoon has witnessed the UAE’s art community transform from a small, close-knit circle into a global cultural hub. She speaks of this growth with admiration and optimism. “When I began exhibiting, the scene was intimate,” she recalls. “Now it’s vibrant and fearless, with artists blending disciplines and creating bold new dialogues.” What excites her most is the confidence of emerging Emirati artists who are redefining the country’s visual narrative not just preserving heritage but reinventing it for a global audience. Maisoon’s entrepreneurial journey through The Paintly Store is an extension of her belief that art should exist beyond galleries. By bringing creative tools and educational experiences into people’s daily lives, she bridges the gap between artist and audience. “Launching The Paintly Store allowed me to merge entrepreneurship with artistry,” she explains. “It deepened my connection to the community and helped me see how people experience art in everyday life.” This initiative also reflects her commitment to mentorship; through workshops and creative sessions, she helps nurture the next generation of Emirati artists, encouraging them to experiment, take risks, and find their authentic voices. In the digital age, where algorithms often shape visibility, Maisoon approaches social media with intention and restraint. She uses online platforms not as performance spaces but as storytelling tools. “Authenticity resonates more than algorithms,” she says. “I prefer to share the process, not just the polished image. It’s about creating genuine connections with people who respond to the spirit of the work.” Collaboration, for Maisoon, is another form of storytelling, an exchange that broadens the vocabulary of art. She envisions future projects that merge visual and spatial design, particularly collaborations with architects and musicians. “Architecture and music share something with art: rhythm, emotion, and narrative,” she reflects. “By merging these worlds, we can create experiences that transcend boundaries and bring Emirati heritage to life in new dimensions.” In her view, Emirati artists carry a responsibility that extends beyond their canvases. “We are cultural ambassadors,” she says. “Through art, we can offer the world a deeper understanding of who we are, not through stereotypes, but through authenticity, innovation, and dialogue.” Each Emirati artist, she believes, contributes a unique note to a broader symphony that defines the UAE’s modern identity: proud of its roots, yet open to global conversation. To emerging artists, Maisoon offers wisdom that feels both practical and poetic. “Trust your voice, even when it feels unconventional,” she advises. “Don’t imitate trends — explore your heritage, learn your craft, and stay curious. Art is not a race but a reflection of who you are. Growth comes from community, not competition.” Her words echo the same balance she seeks in her art — courage rooted in tradition, creativity guided by self-awareness. Looking ahead, Maisoon’s focus is expanding toward immersive and multisensory art experiences works that invite viewers to step inside her world rather than observe it from a distance. She envisions installations that blend physical and digital realities, exploring themes of memory, transformation, and belonging. “Art is not just to be seen,” she says. “It should be felt, experienced, lived. I want to create environments where people don’t just look at my work, they become part of it.” As her career continues to evolve, one constant remains: a deep reverence for the Emirati spirit that shaped her. Every brushstroke, sculpture, or digital composition carries traces of her heritage reinterpreted, reimagined, but never forgotten. In Maisoon Al

Dr. Najat Makki, The Colour of Heritage, the Light of a Nation By Jane Stevens There is something luminous about Dr. Najat Makki not merely in her art, but in the way she speaks of it. Her words move like her brushstrokes, deliberate yet fluid, filled with emotion, memory, and light. One of the UAE’s most celebrated artists and a pioneering Emirati woman to pursue formal art education, Najat has spent her life transforming the essence of her homeland into colour, rhythm, and form. Through decades of work, she has not only defined her own artistic language but also helped shape the identity of Emirati contemporary art itself. Her journey began in the heart of old Dubai, where every street corner seemed to whisper stories and every texture of daily life found its way into her imagination. She recalls her childhood in Bur Dubai with tender nostalgia  the creek shimmering under sunlight, the murmurs of the souk, and the quiet beauty of faces crossing from one shore to another. “I was born into a world rich with visual stimuli,” she often says, “and from those early days, colour became my language.” When the UAE opened the door to international scholarships in the early years of the Union, Najat saw her path clearly. Against family expectations and social convention, she chose to study art  a decision that demanded courage and conviction. “I knew it was my destiny,” she reflects. With determination, she left for Cairo and entered the Faculty of Fine Arts, immersing herself in sculpture, where she discovered the tactile poetry of form and mass. Those years in Egypt were transformative, filled with experimentation and self-discovery. She recalls the thrill of standing before a blank canvas or raw stone, feeling her pulse quicken as each work took shape. When she graduated in 1982, she returned to the UAE with a heart full of dreams and a mind sharpened by exploration. Her first exhibition in Dubai, held at Al Wasl Club in 1987, marked the beginning of a lifelong dialogue with colour and light. The local environment  the rhythm of the desert, the pulse of the sea, and the serenity of everyday life  became an unending source of inspiration. In her work, the dunes glow with golden warmth, the waves shimmer with turquoise calm, and the air seems alive with unseen movement. Dubai taught her how to see beauty not as an abstraction but as something woven into the very soul of life. The path to becoming one of the first Emirati women to formally study art was not without resistance. At a time when creative careers were not widely accepted, Najat faced skepticism, both cultural and personal. Yet her perseverance became her greatest strength. “When a person possesses true willpower, they can reach their goal,” she says. Her journey to Cairo was an act of faith in herself, in her identity, and in the belief that art could be a voice of both individual freedom and national expression. These challenges gave her work emotional gravity and depth, strengthening her resolve to portray the Emirati woman as a symbol of determination and grace. In her art, Najat has always sought harmony between tradition and modernity. She draws from her surroundings, the desert, the sea, the city, translating their textures and rhythms into abstract forms and bold colour palettes. Her paintings capture the motion of sand, the pulse of light, and the serenity of vast horizons. The influences of Al Sadu weaving and Bedouin crafts find their way into her brushwork, while natural pigments like henna and saffron ground her art in the earth itself. For Najat, the act of painting is a dialogue between heritage and the present, a way of transforming old patterns into new visual languages. Her reflections on the evolution of Emirati art reveal both gratitude and vision. She recalls the early cultural foundations that shaped the UAE’s artistic identity, the establishment of the Emirates Fine Arts Society in Sharjah, the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, and the International Art Center in Dubai. These institutions nurtured a generation of artists who brought Emirati creativity into the global conversation. Over the years, events such as Art Dubai, the Sharjah Biennial, and Art Basel have carried the country’s talent to international stages, affirming the UAE’s place in the world of contemporary art. For Najat, these achievements symbolize not only progress but also a deepening of national identity. Emirati art, she believes, thrives in its ability to balance modernity with emotion, technology with spirit. Even as digital media, artificial intelligence, and virtual exhibitions reshape the creative landscape, she insists that true art must remain human at its core. “Art should never become just a display,” she says. “It must carry the pulse of life, the voice of a people, and the memory of a place.” When asked what defines the “Emirati aesthetic,” Najat describes it as something far greater than visual motifs or stylistic signatures. It is, in her words, “a complex fabric woven between memory and modernity, between the material and the spiritual, between stillness and openness to the world.” She sees this aesthetic as an interplay of collective memory, landscape, spirituality, and nostalgia, all bound by a search for identity in a rapidly changing world. It is the quiet of the desert, the rhythm of the sea, and the glow of the city lights, all speaking in the same visual tongue. To young artists, especially women, Najat offers advice born of experience and grace. “Stay true to your heritage and emotions,” she urges. “Experiment, explore, and take risks, but let authenticity guide you.” She encourages them to see art as a means of storytelling through one’s own lens, not as a mirror of online trends. For her, the greatest danger of the digital age is imitation; the greatest power is sincerity. “Use social media to share, not to define,” she advises, believing that the truest art comes from curiosity, reflection, and faith in one’s inner world. If she

Eveningwear & Couture New Luxury Narratives Shaped by Middle Eastern Craft By Raveena Parmar In a world where fashion trends cycle faster than ever, couture remains one of the rare art forms that resists time. And nowhere is this resistance more poetic, and more powerful than in the Middle East. Here, eveningwear is more than glamour: It is memory, heritage and devotion stitched into silk. Today, a new generation of Middle Eastern designers is rewriting the meaning of modern luxury: one that balances structure and softness, opulence and restraint, heritage and innovation. Couture from the region is no longer content to be admired, but it demands to be felt. Threads of Memory, Sculpted in Modernity The soul of Middle Eastern couture lies in craftsmanship. Not as marketing rhetoric but as an inherited tradition. Generations of master artisans have perfected the sacred language of needle and thread, passing down hand-embroidery, beading, crystal placement, and metallic threadwork as forms of storytelling. Lebanese couturier Elie Saab, the undisputed poet of eveningwear, once said, “Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.” His gowns, often drenched in constellations of Swarovski crystals and moonlit sequins, feel like preserved fragments of beauty. They whisper rather than shout. This reverence for handwork echoes across ateliers from Beirut to Dubai, from Marrakech to Riyadh. Zuhair Murad turns embroideries into entire universes,star maps, baroque florals, and celestial motifs that seem destined for red carpet mythology. Georges Hobeika breathes softness into couture through feathers and silk petals that sway like poetry in motion. Rami Al Ali fuses Arab geometry with couture minimalism, proof that embellishment and purity can coexist.These designers are guardians of a legacy but they are also architects of a new future. The Rise of Wearable Opulence Once upon a time, couture was purely spectacle as it was beautiful but distant, untouchable beyond gala carpets and editorial fantasy. Today, Middle Eastern couture is evolving toward emotional wearability. Eveningwear now moves, adapts, and transforms to the rhythm of modern women. Designers are responding to a new generation, to the one that wants clothes they can feel themselves in, not disappear beneath. The gowns are still breathtaking, but now they hold ease and softness. Structure is still celebrated, but it serves the body instead of restricting it. Shapes sculpt rather than suffocate; corsetry is lighter, and silhouettes embrace fluidity. Even modesty, which is a key element in Middle Eastern fashion, has become a dimension of modern couture. Capes replace bare shoulders. Draping replaces deep cuts. Coverage becomes elegance rather than limitation. A new visual language is emerging: sensuality through silhouette, not exposure. Craft Meets Innovation The future of couture doesn’t abandon tradition; it transforms it. The growing demand for function in luxury has birthed modular eveningwear: gowns with detachable trains, adjustable sleeves, and removable crystal harnesses. Convertible couture allows a woman to wear a dramatic runway gown as both a red-carpet statement and a more intimate soirée look. It is an emotional and intelligent design. In Dubai and Riyadh, experimental houses like Ashi Studio are redefining eveningwear through sculptural minimalism, using architectural structure and innovative materials to craft gowns that look like moving art. Meanwhile, designers from North Africa like Maison Sara Chraibi are infusing couture with symbolism, embedding Amazigh patterns, calligraphy, and spiritual geometry into contemporary shapes. Technology has also entered the atelier: laser-cut silks, 3D floral appliqué, and AI-assisted embroidery mapping are quietly shaping the future. Yet the heart of couture remains deeply human. Hours of labor. Devotion by hand. A relationship between maker and garment. Red Carpet Power: The Middle Eastern Takeover You can trace the power of Middle Eastern couture not only through ateliers but through pop culture itself. From Beyoncé’s golden tour gowns by Nicolas Jebran to Jennifer Lopez’s ethereal Zuhair Murad cape in Cannes, from Priyanka Chopra’s crystal-encrusted Elie Saab moment to Bella Hadid’s sculptural Ashi Studio gowns, the influence is global and undeniable. The Middle East isn’t just participating in the red carpet; it is defining its visual language. Celebrities now turn to these designers not just for spectacle but for storytelling. These gowns carry meaning, drama, and identity. They are wearable art and full of soul. LUXURY WITH PURPOSE Fashion Beyond Fantasy A quiet revolution is also happening behind the seams. Many Middle Eastern designers are championing ethical luxury and artisan preservation. Instead of outsourcing production, they keep ateliers local, passing on artisanal skills to young generations. Couture becomes a way to preserve heritage rather than commercialize it. Even sustainability, which was once seen as incompatible with couture, is now finding its way in. Rami Kadi experiments with recycled sequins along with other young Arab designers who are upcycling vintage fabrics from souks. Future couture is not only stunning but also conscious. A New Luxury Narrative The world once looked to Paris for couture, and today it looks East, too. Because in the Middle East, couture is not just a business,it is also a living legacy. Eveningwear is treated with emotion, and gowns are made to carry identity. Luxury is not excess, but it’s an expression. The next chapter of couture belongs to designers who balance heritage and innovation, those who dare to imagine gowns that transcend time but move with the world. Designers who build cathedrals of embroidery and allow a woman to dance in them. Middle Eastern couture is not just rising: It is redefining the global language of elegance, one handcrafted masterpiece at a time. As someone who observes this industry not just with admiration but curiosity, I believe the true future of couture lies in honesty. Luxury today is not defined by price, but by purpose. What makes Middle Eastern couture stand out to me is not only its beauty, but its emotional depth, as it is one of the few fashion movements that still carries a soul. Yet I also think couture must continue evolving beyond fantasy. I want to see more designers embrace storytelling that resonates with real women, not just muses, but

Seif El Hakim Awakening the Alpha Within By Michelle Clark Leadership today is constantly being redefined, yet Seif El Hakim has carved out a voice that transcends trends and titles. Known to many as “The Alpha,” Seif embodies more than a name. He represents a movement built on discipline, authenticity, and purpose. From Cairo to Dubai, from the corporate boardroom to the global stage, his journey is a testament to courage and vision. For Seif, being an Alpha is not about dominance, it is about responsibility. It begins with self-mastery, discipline over the mind, control over emotions, and clarity of vision. “True leadership today isn’t about having followers, it’s about creating more leaders,” he reflects. “The Alpha is not a crown you wear, it’s a standard you live by.”   That philosophy has guided Seif through his journey of building an empire that bridges business, media, and influence. But he doesn’t see himself as simply a CEO or a creator. “I see myself as a movement in motion,” he explains. “Businesses can scale, but movements shift generations. That’s what I’m building.” With millions following him online, authenticity is at the core of his brand. He refuses to draw lines between the personal and professional, instead choosing transparency as his guiding principle. “My brand is me, and I am my brand,” he says. “People don’t want perfection, they want truth. That’s why I share both the wins and the scars. If the audience sees me fall and rise again, they don’t just follow the Alpha, they connect with Seif, the human being. That’s where trust is born.” Yet, behind the spotlight lies a story of grit. Few see the nights he spent sleeping on the floor after leaving his corporate career, or the isolation of lying in a hospital bed in a foreign country. Fewer still saw the struggles of navigating corporate politics, racism, and self-doubt while leading billion-dollar businesses. “Those invisible battles shaped me more than any spotlight,” he admits. “Success is built in silence, long before it’s celebrated in public.” Seif’s identity has been sculpted by the cities he has called home. Cairo gave him resilience and hunger, while Dubai offered scale and vision. Moscow instilled toughness, Seoul taught discipline, and Istanbul showed him how to bridge cultures. “Each city added a layer to who I am, sharpening not only my entrepreneurial instincts but also my ability to tell stories that connect across worlds,” he says. For Seif, leadership is rooted in balance, power aligned with purpose. “Power without purpose is destruction. Purpose without power is just a dream,” he explains. “Being Alpha is not standing above people, it’s standing in front of them, taking the hit first, and pulling them forward. Dominance builds fear. Purpose builds legacy.” In a world where attention is the new currency, Seif distinguishes between temporary sparks and lasting fire. “Attention is a spark. Impact is fire. The secret is consistency with depth. Influence only matters if it moves someone to act, to think bigger, to build something, to change their life. That’s how you turn noise into movement and followers into future leaders.” Perhaps the most defining moment of his journey came when he walked away from a secure, multimillion-dollar role as Regional CMO at Samsung to start from scratch. “Everyone thought I was crazy,” he recalls. “But freedom has a price, and I was willing to pay it. That was the true Alpha move, betting on myself when no one else would.” If the younger Seif could see him now, he believes the message would be simple: “You made it, but you didn’t lose yourself.” That commitment to authenticity, even in the face of success, remains his proudest achievement. And as for his legacy, Seif hopes to be remembered in one sentence, “He awakened the Alpha in others.” For him, true success lies not in building empires but in building people, leaders, and generations who will carry the torch forward. Or, in his own words, “Nobody on earth could twist his arm.” A man unshaken in principles, unwavering in values, and resolute in awakening the Alpha spirit in everyone he meets. Seif El Hakim is more than an entrepreneur, more than a media personality, and more than a leader. He is a movement, one that challenges people across the world to rise, to lead, and to live with both power and purpose. His story is not simply about success, but about resilience, integrity, and the courage to bet on oneself. Above all, his mission is clear, to awaken the Alpha within us all.

Rayana Masri On How Gen Z Communicators Are Reshaping Leadership Narratives Across the Middle East By Afef Yousfi The communications landscape of the Middle East is transforming at an unprecedented pace. From digital acceleration to cultural shifts, a new generation is stepping forward not quietly, but with clarity, courage, and conviction. Among the most inspiring voices in this evolution is Rayana Masri, a rising Gen Z communicator whose career reflects the resilience, creativity, and collaborative leadership her generation is known for. Rayana’s journey began early. At just 18, she found herself walking into boardrooms surrounded by CEOs, producers, and directors who had decades of experience over her. Many would have kept quiet, but Rayana refused to shrink herself. She spoke up, offering bold perspectives that ultimately shaped the final cut of a major talent show on Abu Dhabi TV. That pivotal moment revealed something important: leadership is not about age or hierarchy, but about creating space for ideas, no matter where they come from. For Rayana, this became the foundation of her career and the ethos of Gen Z leadership, a model that is collaborative, empathetic, and authentic. Still, being a young voice in the region wasn’t easy. Early on, Rayana often felt compelled to hide her real age, telling clients and colleagues she was 28 instead of 18 to be taken seriously. The fear of being underestimated taught her an important lesson about perception. Too often, youth was equated with inexperience, and fresh ideas were dismissed before they were even heard.  Yet, rather than retreat, she leaned into opportunities, once even leading a full pitch from planning to execution. That experience proved that capability is not measured in years, but in initiative, creativity, and results. This drive carried her into public relations, where she joined Bates Pan Gulf straight out of university and quickly managed accounts for international names like Michelin Guide, Uber, Mindvalley, and Evian. Within just seven months, she rose from account executive to senior account executive—a testament to her ability to deliver impact, challenge expectations, and prove that Gen Z can thrive in industries still dominated by hierarchy. What sets Rayana apart is her ability to merge creativity with strategy. Her background in production sharpened her instinct for audience insight and storytelling, while PR allowed her to transform those insights into powerful campaigns. For her, success lies at the intersection of vision and execution: knowing what makes an idea resonate, then bringing it to life with precision and authenticity. This blending of creativity and strategy, she believes, is fast becoming the hallmark of Gen Z leadership. Recognition soon followed, with Campaign ME’s 30 Under 30 and PRCA Young Lions finalist adding weight to her portfolio. Yet even with accolades, Rayana realized awards alone don’t shift power dynamics. What truly changes the narrative is when young professionals are trusted with responsibility, empowered to lead, and allowed to shape outcomes. Her perspective is also deeply rooted in purpose. She sees GeZ as the most values-driven generation, one that doesn’t just craft campaigns to sell but to connect meaningfully. When working on Uber’s campaign, for example, she insisted on ensuring influencer content reflected authentic experiences rather than hollow promotion. For Rayana, purpose is the bridge between brand goals and community needs, and authenticity is what ensures stories resonate. In a region undergoing massive digital, cultural, and social change, she sees her peers making the boldest impact through social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are no longer just tools for marketing—they are town squares where culture is shaped, ideas spread, and communities gather. And with AI accelerating how content is produced, Rayana believes Gen Z’s greatest strength is ensuring storytelling remains human, relatable, and emotionally engaging. But perhaps the most profound aspect of her philosophy is her call for mentorship and allyship. She is quick to credit leaders who trusted her with responsibility early in her career, allowing her originality to flourish. She emphasizes that mentorship should not be about molding young voices into replicas of the past but about creating space for them to lead in their own way. Looking ahead, Rayana hopes her story inspires leaders across the region to stop measuring capability by age and start valuing creativity, perspective, and impact. Her message is clear: Gen Z is not here to follow old playbooks, but to write new ones, ones grounded in empathy, collaboration, and authenticity. Rayana Masri is more than a rising voice in communications. She embodies the narrative of a generation that is redefining leadership in the Middle East. Her career is proof that boldness, resilience, and purpose can break barriers, and that the future of leadership is not only younger but also more human, more inclusive, and more connected than ever before.

A Glimmering Narrative Reviewing the Sana Osmani Party Wear Collection By Jane Stevens The fashion landscape is a canvas of fleeting trends and enduring styles, and within this dynamic space, certain designers emerge to offer a distinct, signature narrative. Sana Osmani, a luxury brand founded in Dubai, has consistently crafted a vision of effortless glamour, and its latest party wear collection is a testament to this philosophy. Eschewing the ephemeral for the extraordinary, the collection weaves a story of modern sophistication, where radiant sequins, flowing silks, and bold silhouettes converge to create a wardrobe for the woman who “dares to shine.” This review will delve into the core elements of the collection, examining its aesthetic direction, material palette, and standout pieces, including the highly coveted Diana Jumpsuit. The aesthetic of Sana Osmani’s new party wear line is a masterful balance of celebratory extravagance and refined elegance. The collection is not merely about clothing; it’s about crafting a mood. The color palette is both vibrant and luxurious, featuring rich golds, shimmering aquas, and eye-catching gelato flower prints. This is a collection for the woman with a “sparkling social calendar,” as the brand describes its target audience. The pieces are designed to be noticed without being overpowering, with a focus on fluid, body-skimming silhouettes that accentuate the natural form. The designs show a clear understanding of contemporary desires for comfort and versatility, allowing for movement and ease while maintaining a high-fashion sensibility. It’s an aesthetic that speaks to sun-drenched resort evenings and glamorous city galas alike. Central to the collection’s appeal is its commitment to luxurious and tactile materials. The use of sequins, a hallmark of the brand, is elevated from a simple embellishment to a defining feature. The sequin pieces, such as the Divina Sequin Dress and the Lumi Sequins Shorts, are designed to catch and reflect light, creating a dazzling effect that is both playful and chic. What makes the brand’s approach to sequins unique is the way they are often paired with contrasting textures like flowy linsilk and shimmering linen, preventing the look from feeling one-dimensional. This intelligent combination of textures creates visual interest and depth. The fluid silk and linsilk fabrics used in pieces like the Muse Dress and the Agor Silk Top provide a soft, graceful counterpoint to the more structured or embellished items, ensuring a balanced and harmonious collection. While the entire collection is a feast for the eyes, the Diana Jumpsuit stands out as a quintessential piece that encapsulates the brand’s entire ethos. Billed as a “dazzling piece in printed lightweights sequins,” the jumpsuit is designed for maximum impact. Its backless design, halter neck, and wide-leg silhouette combine to create a statement-making garment that is simultaneously powerful and feminine. The open front slits add an element of allure and drama, ensuring the wearer turns heads. The styling suggestions—pairing it with bold earrings and a statement bracelet are a nod to the garment’s role as a standalone centerpiece, a piece that requires minimal accessorizing to create an unforgettable ensemble. The Diana Jumpsuit is more than just a garment; it is an invitation to embrace boldness and confidence, making it perfect for cocktail parties, gala events, and any sparkling occasion. Beyond the jumpsuit, the collection offers a range of pieces that cater to various tastes and events. The Mizelle Kaftan and Zenda Kaftan offer a more bohemian, free-spirited vibe, while the Desire Top and Sirene Skirt Set and the Bliss Top and Pants Set provide sleek, coordinated options. The Canary Backless Mini Dress is perfect for those who prefer a shorter, more flirtatious silhouette, and the variety of tops and skirts allows for endless mix-and-match possibilities, catering to the creative spirit of the modern woman. The consistent use of new arrival designations and limited product options suggests an emphasis on curated, special pieces rather than mass production, a strategy that enhances the sense of luxury and exclusivity. In conclusion, Sana Osmani’s new party wear collection is a well-thought-out and beautifully executed offering that successfully bridges the gap between luxury and wearability. It is a tribute to celebration, confidence, and the enduring power of high-quality design. The collection’s use of radiant fabrics, its dynamic range of silhouettes, and its clear brand identity all contribute to a powerful fashion statement. It’s a collection that understands its audience, the woman who wants to feel both effortless and extraordinary and provides the perfect pieces to achieve that balance. The Diana Jumpsuit is a shining example of this vision, but the true strength of the collection lies in its comprehensive and coherent approach to party wear, offering a versatile yet unified look.

Sarah Hariri Redefining Influence and the Future of Luxury By Jane Stevens In a world defined by rapid change, shifting global powers, and an evolving definition of success, Sarah Hariri has emerged as one of the most magnetic figures bridging cultures, industries, and communities. With trusted access to some of the most exclusive circles of royalty, investors, and decision-makers, she has built her reputation on something far more valuable than status, trust. Her work spans diverse industries, from AI and defense to private aviation and luxury lifestyle, yet at the heart of her journey is a philosophy that influence is about creating opportunities, building bridges, and shaping experiences that carry meaning. For Hariri, the new currency of influence is trust combined with access, and she sees true leadership not in titles but in the ability to unlock doors and mobilize ecosystems. In her view, credibility and consistency are what set leaders apart, and real power lies in delivering results that benefit all sides.  This belief has guided her through a career where luxury and innovation intersect, creating synergies that others often overlook. Her background in fashion and luxury brought creative flair while her roles in aviation, AI, and defense demanded vision and precision, a combination that allows her to connect industries in fresh, dynamic ways. She speaks passionately about the future of luxury, which she sees as moving away from mere extravagance toward experiences rooted in personalization, sustainability, and seamless technology. The new luxury will no longer be about what people own but about how they feel, with AI-powered hotels and eco-conscious aviation setting the stage for an era where meaning and responsibility carry more weight than status. For the ultra-wealthy, true indulgence will lie in authenticity, safety, and experiences that reflect their values. From her work across the Middle East, Europe, India, and the United States, Hariri notes that global leaders are often struck by the speed of execution and boldness of vision in the GCC, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where projects are realized at a breathtaking pace. She finds that this region’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, protecting heritage while investing in futuristic ventures, pushes leaders to rethink what is possible and inspires a new dialogue about legacy and ambition. As the founder of Luxe Atelier and a representative of the Dolce Vita Luxury Women’s Club, Hariri has redefined luxury not only as exclusivity but also as empowerment and experience. For her, luxury is about elevating lives, whether through couture, travel, or access to transformative communities. She emphasizes that true luxury makes people feel seen, valued, and inspired, even if only for a moment, and it is in this transformation that empowerment is born. Her philosophy extends to how people enter elite networks, where she argues that magnetism stems from authenticity, generosity, and vision. Those who are truly magnetic are not the ones seeking attention but those who create opportunities for others, bringing ideas, introductions, and inspiration into every room they enter. This ability to add value, she says, is what earns access to the highest levels of influence. Philanthropy is a vital part of Hariri’s mission, and she insists it is not separate from business but integral to it. She consistently asks how major ventures can also empower women, children, and communities, weaving purpose into profit and ensuring that success is measured by impact. For her, women’s empowerment and education remain at the heart of meaningful progress, grounding her work and reminding her of the importance of building models where social good and business thrive together. Looking to the future, her upcoming podcast, Be Magnetic with Sarah, promises to explore leadership and the art of living a magnetic life. She believes that in 2025 and beyond, the single most essential quality for leaders will be emotional intelligence, as technology and global networks continue to grow but human connection remains irreplaceable. The ability to understand, inspire, and unite people will determine the sustainability of leadership, making emotional intelligence the true hallmark of influence. Sarah Hariri’s story is not just about business, luxury, or influence, it is about a vision for a future where trust, authenticity, and purpose define power. Her journey proves that success is not measured by what you own but by what you create, inspire, and leave behind. With a career that bridges industries and continents, she embodies the essence of modern leadership, one that is magnetic, purposeful, and deeply human.