Sofia Vergara in an outfit by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra at the Golden Globes. AP
Sofia Vergara in an outfit by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra at the Golden Globes. AP
Sofia Vergara in an outfit by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra at the Golden Globes. AP
Sofia Vergara in an outfit by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra at the Golden Globes. AP

Arab designers on the 2025 Golden Globes red carpet, from Ashi Studio to Elie Saab


  • English
  • Arabic

The night may have belonged to The Brutalist and Emilia Perez, but glamorous outfits by some of the Arab world's most renowned labels ruled the red carpet at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards.

Designers including Lebanon's Elie Saab and Georges Chakra, and Saudi's Ashi Studio dressed a bevy of Hollywood's most famous faces for the ceremony, which took place at the Beverly Hilton hotel in California on Sunday evening.

Colombian-American actress Sofia Vergara arrived in a mermaid gown by Georges Chakra. From the designer's autumn 2024 collection, the black dress is overlaid with a layer of sparkling tulle, giving off a vibe of discreet glitter. Vergara's look, which is fitted through the torso and hips before kicking out into a sensual mermaid tail skirt, is a go-to silhouette for the Modern Family star, who frequently wears this shape to show off her curves.

Sharon Stone also opted for Georges Chakra, choosing an archive spring/summer 2014 haute couture look. An intriguing construction, the dress – in a soft sea foam tone – is made of bands of double sequins and knotted at the shoulder and hip.

Sharon Stone in Georges Chakra. Reuters
Sharon Stone in Georges Chakra. Reuters

Since launching in Beirut in 1985, Chakra has consistently won plaudits for collections filled with deeply feminine and glamorous dresses, making him a favourite of stars such as Vergara, Stone, Zendaya and Demi Moore.

Elsewhere on the red carpet, American actress Sarah Paulson opted for Elie Saab to create a statement look for her turn as presenter.

Sarah Paulson in Elie Saab. AFP
Sarah Paulson in Elie Saab. AFP

Deceptively simple, the strapless black look – with a pretty sweetheart neckline – is trimmed with a trailing skirt of ostrich feathers, plus more around the neckline for a soft, flowing outline. Lebanese couturier Saab recently made waves for attracting a number of global superstars, from Celine Dion to Halle Berry, to a show in Riyadh celebrating his 45-year career.

Mohammed Ashi is another Arab designer making a mark on the global fashion circuit. Not one but two stars looked to the Saudi designer for their Golden Globes outfits.

Mindy Kaling arrived in a strapless column of rich golden sequins, a natural choice for an awards ceremony.

Mindy Kaling in Ashi Studio. AFP
Mindy Kaling in Ashi Studio. AFP

Also in gold was Kristen Bell, whose look was sculpted from lamé in a golden shade of champagne. Bell played into the severely corseted look with her hair slicked back and minimal jewellery.

Ashi made history in 2023 as the first designer from the GCC to be invited to join the prestigious Federation de la Haute Couture. A highly coveted grading, haute couture is a term that can only be bestowed by governing body Federation de la Haute Couture and being invited to join its ranks is considered the highest possible accolade for a fashion house.

Kristen Bell in Ashi Studio. AP
Kristen Bell in Ashi Studio. AP

Other standout looks

Elsewhere it was a night for vintage, with Anya Taylor-Joy wearing a baby pink Dior look straight out of the archives; Elle Fanning in a glorious vintage golden gown by Balmain; and Ariana Grande arriving in a vintage volume dress by Givenchy that has reportedly never been seen in public before. Even Cate Blanchette got in on the action by rewearing one of her Louis Vuitton dresses.

Ariana Grande, right, wore a vintage Givenchy dress. AP
Ariana Grande, right, wore a vintage Givenchy dress. AP

A number of statement colours were spotted on the red carpet, too. Both Morris Chestnut and Zendaya opted for burnt orange – him in head-to-toe by Greyscale and her in a glossy custom Louis Vuitton dress – while Emma Stone paired her brand-new Pixie haircut with a strapless Louis Vuitton gown in a vibrant tomato red.

Zendaya in custom Louis Vuitton. AP
Zendaya in custom Louis Vuitton. AP

Actor Jeremy Stone went for a velvet celadon-hued Loro Piana suit – with a matching bucket hat, while newly engaged Selena Gomez looked regal in Tiffany-blue custom Prada.

Jeremy Strong in Loro Piana. AP
Jeremy Strong in Loro Piana. AP

Naturally, this was also a night for shimmer. A number of gold looks aside, Felicity Jones arrived in a liquid silver look by Prada; Viola Davis wore a black sequin look by Gucci with a cape shot through with green, blue and deep reds; Moore opted for a strapless champagne silk gown by Armani Prive; and Angelina Jolie wore a beaded look by Alexander McQueen.

Viola Davis in custom Gucci. AFP
Viola Davis in custom Gucci. AFP
ESSENTIALS

The flights 
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
 

The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Director: Jared Hess

Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa

Rating: 3/5

Where to buy

Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Five healthy carbs and how to eat them

Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand

Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat  

Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar

Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices

Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants

Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique

UAE%20FIXTURES
%3Cp%3EWednesday%2019%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Kuwait%3Cbr%3EFriday%2021%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Hong%20Kong%3Cbr%3ESunday%2023%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Singapore%3Cbr%3EWednesday%2026%20April%20%E2%80%93%20UAE%20v%20Bahrain%3Cbr%3ESaturday%2029%20April%20%E2%80%93%20Semi-finals%3Cbr%3ESunday%2030%20April%20%E2%80%93%20Third%20position%20match%3Cbr%3EMonday%201%20May%20%E2%80%93%20Final%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
World Cup League Two

Results

Oman beat Nepal by 18 runs

Oman beat United States by six wickets

Nepal beat United States by 35 runs

Oman beat Nepal by eight wickets

 

Fixtures

Tuesday, Oman v United States

Wednesday, Nepal v United States

 

Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

Brief scores:

Toss: Northern Warriors, elected to field first

Bengal Tigers 130-1 (10 ov)

Roy 60 not out, Rutherford 47 not out

Northern Warriors 94-7 (10 ov)

Simmons 44; Yamin 4-4

Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

RESULT

Manchester United 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1
Man United: Sanchez (24' ), Herrera (62')
Spurs: Alli (11')

Kandahar%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ric%20Roman%20Waugh%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EGerard%20Butler%2C%20Navid%20Negahban%2C%20Ali%20Fazal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE squad

Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.

UAE tour of Zimbabwe

All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Other must-tries

Tomato and walnut salad

A lesson in simple, seasonal eating. Wedges of tomato, chunks of cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, coriander or parsley leaves, and perhaps some fresh dill are drizzled with a crushed walnut and garlic dressing. Do consider yourself warned: if you eat this salad in Georgia during the summer months, the tomatoes will be so ripe and flavourful that every tomato you eat from that day forth will taste lacklustre in comparison.

Badrijani nigvzit

A delicious vegetarian snack or starter. It consists of thinly sliced, fried then cooled aubergine smothered with a thick and creamy walnut sauce and folded or rolled. Take note, even though it seems like you should be able to pick these morsels up with your hands, they’re not as durable as they look. A knife and fork is the way to go.

Pkhali

This healthy little dish (a nice antidote to the khachapuri) is usually made with steamed then chopped cabbage, spinach, beetroot or green beans, combined with walnuts, garlic and herbs to make a vegetable pâté or paste. The mix is then often formed into rounds, chilled in the fridge and topped with pomegranate seeds before being served.

The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3

Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)

Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)

Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)

Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)

Crazy Rich Asians

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeon, Gemma Chan

Four stars

Updated: January 06, 2025, 10:11 AM