Beyoncé models custom-made couture by Ashi Studio
Beyoncé models custom-made couture by Ashi Studio
Beyoncé models custom-made couture by Ashi Studio
Beyoncé models custom-made couture by Ashi Studio

Beyoncé performs in Lebanese designer Ashi Studio's dress in South Africa


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Beyoncé.

Famous enough to go by just one name, Queen Bey has a well-earned reputation for bringing her best fashion game when performing.

So when she and husband, rapper Jay Z, took to the stage as part of the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela at 100 event in Johannesburg, South Africa, we all knew we would be in for some serious costumes changes. Jay Z donned purple suits by Calvin Klein, while Beyoncé worked her way through looks by Balmain, Mary Katrantzou and Versace. However, it was one look in particular that stole the show.

Beyoncé stepped on stage in a sculpted, shocking fuchsia couture gown by Beirut designer Ashi Studio, and despite having been previously worn by actress Deepika Padukone at Cannes in May, Beyoncé’s custom-made version was still spellbinding. A frothy creation of endless layers, carved into pink, billowy folds, it came with a large ruff that stood up up and around the singer's shoulders.

Deepika Padukone wore the same Ashi Studio dress to Cannes earlier this year
Deepika Padukone wore the same Ashi Studio dress to Cannes earlier this year

Cut high in the front and extended into a long train, the outfit was drama personified, and as Beyoncé carried on with her performance (itself impressive in what was probably a 10kg gown), she showed us why she is on top of the world.

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
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  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
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Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

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Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

If you go

The flights

Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes. 

The hotel

Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.

The tour

The Shoreditch Street Art Tour costs from £15 (Dh73) per person for approximately three hours. 

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5