For the first time, a new musical play in London will dive into the life and artistry of one of the Arab world’s most famous singers of the 20th century, the Syrian icon Asmahan. The blue-eyed, black-haired beauty rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s in Egypt, where she established her short-lived yet productive career in singing and acting. The star of the musical is renowned Syrian-Armenian singer Lena Chamamyan, and although she was approached to play the lead character a year ago, preparing for this role was unknowingly in the making for years.

Chamamyan grew up in a cultured Damascus household where the classical melodies of Fairuz and Majida El Roumi were playing around the house. It was her mother who discovered her voice, but her maternal grandmother (who was a huge devotee of Asmahan) nurtured it. “When I was young, I remember every Thursday night we watched black-and-white movies,” Chamamyan told Vogue Arabia. “My grandmother let me wear pretty dresses and powder my face and together we watched Asmahan’s movies so that I could become her. She helped me memorise her songs. . . Sometimes what we wish for can happen in strange ways.”

Landing the role, as Chamamyan says, came as a “surprise” for the singer, who became famous nearly two decades ago with the release of her debut album, Hal Asmar Ellon, reinterpreting classical Arabic songs in a modern, jazzy way. “The musical’s producer Ali Matar called me and told me, “Get ready – you’re playing Asmahan next year,” and I was like, “What?” In the beginning I was hesitant, because Asmahan’s singing style is far from my own. But, slowly, I accepted it.” For Chamamyan, playing the role is a responsibility and has its own challenges, mostly a lack of information published about Asmahan, who was rumoured to be a spy during the Second World War and died in…

Native to Switzerland, skincare brand Valmont has become an icon in the anti-aging realm, and for good reason. Using alpine ingredients and scientific innovation, these products promise incredible results — and yes, they deliver.

Before your next night out, head over to the Valmont spa at Dubai Mall for the most effective face sculpting session on the block. Using a combination of the brand’s Vital collection, LumiMask, Prime Renewing Pack and the L’Elixir Des Glaciers serums, Valmont’s experts cleanse, tone, massage and expertly knead every contour of your face to leave your skin luminous, your cheekbones and jawline beautifully defined, and no sign of a single crease across the forehead. With a few sessions with Valmont, you won’t need to get up close and personal with fillers or Botox again.

The 360 beauty experience

Sometimes, one needs a complete makeover to look and feel their best. If you’re looking for a reset this season, it may be time to enter the Zieda universe. Spread over two locations, Zieda Beauty Lounge and Zieda Aesthetics Clinic cover the spectrum of grooming and wellness, starting with hair extensions, nails, lashes and microblading, moving on to spa treatments and facials.

Boasting soothing all-white interiors and spacious treatment rooms, the aesthetics leg of Zieda focuses on feel-good tweakments that promise to leave you feeling your best. IV drip options range from hair nourishment to boosting gut health, while a wide range of skin sessions address issues like acne, stubborn pores and wrinkles, to name a few. For those hoping to contour their bodies for the summer, Zieda also offers fat dissolving and skin tightening treatments.

Long before logos became shorthand for luxury, Gabrielle Chanel filled her world with emblems of deep meaning. Faux pearls – once dismissed as improper for elegant women – were worn in bold defiance of convention. The camellia, which she admired for its resilience and simplicity, became an immortal house code, appearing on the lacquered screens in her Rue Cambon apartment. These symbols continue to surface across the Chanel universe, from couture to accessories and beauty. Now, in the house’s ­latest high jewellery offering, Reach for the Stars, it is the lion, comet and, introduced for the first time, wings that are reimagined as contemporary icons of the maison. These motifs are transformed into extraordinary pieces of jewellery that speak to Chanel’s heritage and future.

The 109-piece collection (90 debuting this year) honours the brand’s legacy while marking a final curtain call for its late fine jewellery director, Patrice Leguéreau. “It is indeed a great tribute to him. Over the years, he constantly pushed the boundaries and elevated Chanel fine ­jewellery to new heights, playing masterfully with the house’s codes and symbols,” says Dorothée Saintville, international product marketing director of watches and fine ­jewellery at Chanel.

First seen in Gabrielle Chanel’s ­revolutionary 1932 Bijoux de Diamants line, the comet stood for freedom – representing women charting their own path. An ideology that feels just as relevant today. ­Mademoiselle Chanel ­created pieces without clasps, designed to flow effortlessly, ­reflecting her belief that jewellery should follow – not restrict – a woman’s movement. We see the comet in a new light in Reach for the Stars, where it is conceived as a symbol of Chanel’s take on ­glamour. In the Blazing Star set, it is elongated in fine gold and onyx, while the Dazzling Star choker features tw

o ­diamond pendants that instantly draw the eye to the neckline. “These ­symbols, part of…

For decades, conversations around hormonal health have largely remained in the realm of clinical consultations and pharmaceutical fixes. Like many women, we’ve all faced our share of hormonal ups and downs—cramps and cravings, PMS mood swings, or that strange in-between phase when our body seems to turn against us with breakouts or unexplained irritation. Now, there’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in women’s wellness, but in kitchens. And one of the most unexpected entries into this conversation? Seeds.

Yes, women are rotating ground flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds based on the phases of their menstrual cycles. It’s called seed cycling, a naturopathic-inspired practice gaining popularity for its promise to gently support hormonal balance. “The nutrients in these seeds may influence hormone levels and alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. Some studies suggest that seed cycling may help regulate hormones and support menstrual cycle regularity, particularly in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some have also shown a reduction in the number of cysts when combined with calorie control and exercise,” reasons Zeina Soueidan, a registered/licensed nutritionist and health coach.

At its core, seed cycling is a functional food-based practice where women consume specific types of seeds during the two primary phases of their menstrual cycle. “During the follicular phase (days 1–14), flax and pumpkin seeds are consumed to support estrogen production. In the luteal phase (days 15–28), sesame and sunflower seeds are consumed to support progesterone levels,” says Zeina.

There’s a reason why these specific seeds are chosen because of their nutrient-dense properties, that is believed to support the natural ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone. Here’s how: Flaxseeds are rich in lignans (phytoestrogens), fiber, and omega-3s, which may modulate estrogen levels and reduce inflammation. Pumpkin seeds offer zinc…

“Think of dietary vitamin A as your foundation, the nutrition that feeds your follicles from within,” says Dr Anand. That comes from foods like carrots, leafy greens, egg yolks and mangoes.

Topical forms, such as retinoid-based scalp serums, are more about addressing scalp conditions like flakiness or congestion. “I occasionally use topical retinoids in combination treatments,” says Dr Mour. “But their benefit is mostly to scalp health, not directly stimulating hair growth.”

Anand adds a word of caution. “The scalp is delicate, and too much topical vitamin A can leave it dry or irritated. Always consult your doctor before trying it.”

Can too much vitamin A cause hair loss?

Vitamin A for hair health is a balancing act. Too little is not ideal, but too much can be worse.

“Vitamin A is fat-soluble, so your body stores the excess rather than flushing it out,” says Dr Anand. “Overdo it, and your follicles can go into hibernation.”

Dr Mour adds. “Excessive intake, especially via supplements, can cause telogen effluvium, where a large number of hairs shift prematurely into the shedding phase.” The upper limit for adults is around 3,000 mcg, or 10,000 IU, per day. Exceeding that can lead to dry skin, brittle nails, fatigue and liver stress, along with diffuse hair loss.

The best food sources of vitamin A for hair health

Plant-based sources:

• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Red bell peppers

Animal-based sources:

• Egg yolks
• Milk, cheese and yogurt
• Oily fish like salmon
• Liver (sparingly)

“Beta-carotene is the safest form because your body only converts what it needs,” says Dr Anand. “Think of it as the slow, steady friend you can count on.”

Dr Mour suggests pairing these with healthy fats like ghee, olive oil or avocado. “Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, it needs fat for optimal absorption.”

What does a vitamin A deficiency look like?

If you are not getting enough vitamin A, your hair will let you know.

“Hair becomes dry, brittle, more prone to…

Although long hair tends to receive most of the praise and attention among the masses, it is a fact that short hair is here to stay—at least in 2025. From gamine cuts and mullets to the coveted indie bob, here’s a roundup of short hair inspirations to show your hairdresser this year.

1. Layered bob

Ultra-flattering for women over 50, the layered bob is the perfect way to modernise your chevelure. With its clever mishmash of layered lengths, it sculpts the face by softening the chin and embellishing the forehead with its tapered fringe. The result: an unstructured short cut that’s definitely on trend.

2. Boyish or gamine cut

Androgynous, the boyish cut redefines the codes of femininity to enhance its aura tenfold in 2025. This hairstyle frees the nape of the neck and accentuates the eyes with its signature tapered mini fringe. Already adopted by Emma Stone at the start of the year, with her 60’s Pixie Cut version, the gamine cut is set to become a major trend in 2025.

3. Cub cut

After its breakthrough in 2023, the cub cut has returned to the forefront of the beauty scene in 2025! Inspired by the spirit of the cub, this cut is lighter and cheekier than the wolf cut—characterised by layers but this time, embellished with shortly cut edges, reminiscent of the freshness of a carré.

You don’t need to look beyond Stéphanie Cachard’s perfectly groomed nails and understated finesse to get a sense of her retro-tinged namesake jewellery brand. Born and based in Lebanon, Cachard is a second-generation jeweller who first joined her father’s atelier 15 years ago as a temporary job, only to fall in love with the craft and never leave. Today, she runs both the family’s main business and her own line.

Demure and refined, anchored by a masculine weight that grounds their femininity, Cachard’s pieces embody the same Modernist sensibility that defines her personal style. Influenced by the bold geometry of ’60s and ’70s architecture and fashion, her signature stackable rings – Ava, Helga, and Kim – feature striking angular cuts that echo the clean lines of the era. Worn daily with the effortless elan of an undone ivory silk blouse, they feel instinctive, a little undone, and entirely intentional. “My father collected jewellery magazines from that period and they became my first design references,” she says in her soft-spoken, French-lilted accent. “That effortless simplicity still captivates me.”

One of her most arresting pieces – a gargantuan topaz ring, its golden depths framed by a bevelled, ridged silver setting – feels both audacious and deeply personal. A nod to her parents’ rings from the ’90s, it captures the essence of her work: a blend of craftsmanship, nostalgia, and the talismanic power of heirlooms meant to be worn, not merely kept. “All the pieces we create in our atelier are handmade, preserving the little imperfections that add value and meaning,” she adds. An old soul with a resolutely modern eye, Cachard distills a timeless elegance that transcends trends – an enduring cachet destined for generations to come.

Here, we get a little bit more personal on what inspires Stéphanie’s creative orbit, some style tips and why nostalgia is still so chic.

Stéphanie Cachard at home in Beirut with her cat,…

Minimalism is back at your fingertips, literally. This summer’s chicest statement is surprisingly simple after seasons of glazed doughnut chrome, bejewelled talons, and sculptural nail art. Think clean shapes, softened nudes, and classic reds with a modern edge. Whether on short, almond, or natural tips, the new nail mood is wearable, polished, and quietly luxurious.

A shift from maximalism

The return to basics doesn’t mean boring. In fact, it’s a recalibration. “Clients are craving a breath of fresh air,” says Haneen Odeh, founder of Snob Salon in Dubai, whose clientele is slowly swapping bold designs for elevated neutrals. “The mood is confident but understated, like your nails, but better.”

This shift mirrors wider trends in fashion and beauty, quiet luxury, skin-forward makeup, and timeless silhouettes. It’s about low maintenance that still looks like high effort.

Colour codes for the season

The palette? Milky whites, soft blushes, sandy taupes, and the occasional clean rouge. These shades flatter all skin tones and transition seamlessly from beach to boardroom. Sheer washes of pink or beige lend a healthy, glossy finish, while a true crimson or poppy red nods to vintage glamour.

The new neutrals

What sets this return apart is the attention to detail. Buffed cuticles, a high-gloss finish, and perfectly sculpted edges take centre stage. Even the French tip is making a comeback but in thinner, barely-there lines or inverted versions with tonal contrasts. “A beautiful manicure doesn’t need to shout,” says Odeh. “It just needs to feel considered and effortless with attention to the smallest detail.”

The rise of the natural nail

Strengthening formulas, builder gels, and BIAB (builder in a bottle) are seeing a rise in popularity. “We’re focusing more on nail health,” she explains. “It’s not just how they look. It’s about how they feel and how long they last.”

Whether you’re booking at your favourite salon or reaching for a sheer polish at home, the message is clear:…

The sabeel, a free water fountain often visible at mosques and other public spaces, is the focal point of Good Water, an exhibition at Saudi’s National Pavillion at the London Design Biennale 2025. Water is central to the history of Saudi’s land, which is the source of the miraculous zam zam well discovered during the time of the Prophet Abraham. Today, the kingdom is the world’s largest producer of desalinated water.

“The practice of offering free drinking water, embodied by the sabeel, is deeply rooted in our cultural landscape,” explains Dur Kattan, who formed a multidisciplinary design collective with fellow artists Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, and Fahad bin Naif. “It reflects a shared value system where hospitality is not just about hosting guests but about ensuring that even strangers and passersby are cared for. Providing water has historically been both a necessity and a virtue: a humble act of service that quietly speaks volumes about solidarity, community care and ethical responsibility.”

For the exhibition, which was commissioned by the Kingdom’s Architecture and Design Commission, the artists ponder questions such as, who pays for ‘free’ water? And what does it truly cost? In line with the Biennale’s theme, which is “Surface Reflections”, the collective deconstructs concepts like generosity, infrastructure, access and contradiction as they examine seemingly altruistic intentions behind the idea of the sabeel.

“We want to present it as a symbol of interdependence, a challenge to commodification and a call to collective responsibility,” says Tarabzouni. “Ultimately, Good Water invites visitors to consider water not as a commodity to be consumed, but as a sacred right, deeply engrained in ethical, ecological and communal frameworks.”

Good Water runs from 5-29 June at Somerset House in London

All floor-to-ceiling windows, dark wooden interiors and warm lighting, Bar des Prés relies on seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques to bring its offerings to life. This summer, it beckons with dishes including crunchy crab and avocado galette with madras, native lobster salad served with strawberries, elderflower and fresh almond, and spicy tuna tartare with soy sauce. For the sushi lover, nothing hits the spot quite like Lignac’s Label Rouge salmon with avocado, jalapeño and sriracha. What better way to enjoy a meal than with a melange of mouth-watering concoctions and a sweeping view of Dubai’s Jumeirah Mosque, Al Yaqoub Tower and Jumeirah Emirates Towers?

Loona

At Loona, Italian cuisine comes alive with Parmigiano Reggiano that’s been aged for 24 months, several types of Caputo flour, Lorenzo extra virgin olive oil, Sicilian olives and more. Start your escapade with a wide variety of sea meats — think Gillardeau oysters, sea scallop, sea urchin and more, all cooked in the chef’s special sauce upon request. The king crab with avocado is a particular favourite, while the smoked eel and foie gras roll takes sushi to the next level.