Vogue Arabia’s January 2024 issue looks to a bright new year with a breakdown of the most exciting names, places and events taking over the world over the next 12 months.
The model
Photo: Txema Yeste
Our list of all things exciting in 2024 begins with this month’s cover star, a rising model who is taking the fashion world by storm one runway at a time. Meet Moroccan beauty Rania Benchegra, who first caught the world’s attention during 2023’s Vogue Open Casting, and has already walked for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Schiaparelli, and Versace.
Born and raised in the Medina of Marrakech, Benchegra started modeling at age five, when she was invited to shoot for a French brand in Morocco. “My dad thought it would be a great experience,” she says. “Little did he know that it would define my future.” Today, she’s the freshest face in the fashion world, identified by her flawless olive complexion, delicate features, and glossy raven mane, all complemented by her striking walk. “Every opportunity to walk in a fashion show feels like a dream,” she reveals. “The big names were always a fantasy for me, and I was lucky enough to walk these this year. Some other bucket list fashion shows would be Chanel and Bottega Veneta.”
An avid surfer, philanthropist, and cinema enthusiast (Benchegra also happens to hold a degree in film), our January 2024 cover star’s journey has just begun, and she hopes to use her platform to uplift people as she continues to grow. “I will always make sure to give back to my community and remember where I came from,” she shares. “There are a lot of inspiring people and creatives from our part of the world, and I think that if we started to work more collaboratively and really focus on building and growing together, we could create something really powerful and beautiful.”
The Arab collection
Photo: Mazen Abdulrahman, Style: Mohammad Hazem Rezq
Amid the burgeoning Saudi Arabian style scene, there was one brand that stole the show with its debut collection at the Kingdom’s highly anticipated fashion week in October last year. Kaf by Kaf was founded in 2021 by Kawthar Alhoraish; as an artist and designer, her eponymous brand was a hit on the runway, featuring references from Riyadh’s oldest farmer’s market, Alrabwah. The Spring/ Summer 2024 collection was a fun and playful array of dresses that featured fruits – including a long sleeveless mesh dress lined at the bottom with bananas – and colorful splashes of red and yellow. With an inclusion of avant-garde, several looks made of straw featured in dramatic shapes and silhouettes, making this designer one to watch for 2024.
Saudi rising actor Fay Fouad, who has starred in films such as 90 Days and El Hamour H.A., wears the opening looks from Kaf by Kaf from Riyadh Fashion Week
The exhibition
Photo: Ismail Noor
Showcasing the influence of Islamic design on French heritage house Cartier, over 400 pieces of jewelry, precious objects, rare Islamic art, sketches, and photographs from the 20th century until the present day are on display at the ongoing Louvre Abu Dhabi exhibition Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design. Take a part of it home with a book of the same name, published by Skira – 248 pages and 320 color illustrations feature jewelry and objects from the Cartier collection and the various Islamic art and architecture that continue to inspire a major part of Cartier’s high jewelry repertoire.
Until March 2024
The neighborhood
Vogue Arabia, January 2022. Photo: Mous Lamrabat
Founded in the seventh century, the historic district of Al Balad served as the beating heart of Jeddah for thousands of years. In 2014, the area was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site as Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Mecca. Today, it stands as a testament to the culture and heritage of the rapidly evolving Kingdom. Intricate wooden latticework and striking colored windows feature throughout the maze-like alleys that seem to hold stories at every turn. As Saudi Arabia continues to undergo a cultural revolution, Al Balad has become the playground of a younger, more creative generation, celebrating events such as Hai Vogue – a two-day block party taking place on February 8 and 9. These days, visitors are just as likely to find an old rug vendor alongside a music festival unfolding within its streets. As the past and present of Saudi Arabia collide in spectacular fashion, there is no better place to experience it than in Al Balad.
The restaurant
Photo: Romain Ricard
The first pages of the story of the illustrious restaurant and night spot Maxim’s on the Rue Royale in Paris were written over a century ago, in May 1893. The historic address was originally founded as a bistro by Maxime Gaillard, formerly a waiter. Little by little, a refined clientele started to come and by 1899, the beautiful Belle Époque interiors were commissioned. In the words of Pierre Pelegry, who has been the artistic director for the past 27 years, “The interiors were all about nature and the sensuality of women. This is what makes Maxim’s unique.”
With its iconic red facade and stained-glass windows, Maxim’s has always been classic, chic, and a living legend. Now, amid refreshed art nouveau interiors, the Parisian landmark is ready to take center stage once again. “In my opinion, Maxim’s is one of the strongest restaurant brands in the world. The first time I visited this place, I was stunned to discover a decor that was as magical as it was timeless. A setting we haven’t touched, and which is also part of the restaurant’s reputation and beauty,” says Laurent de Gourcuff of Paris Society. Stay tuned to know more about its sparkling new phase.
The color of the year
Photo: Unsplash
Pantone has announced Peach Fuzz or Pantone 13-1023 as the color for 2024. If past years are anything to go by, expect to see the hue splashed across runways and artfully decorated interiors for months to come. Described as “a velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches heart, mind, and body,” the shade is meant to evoke a certain softness that the turmoil of our times often lacks. Imagine the few minutes of absolute calm in the middle of a busy day or the warm embrace of a loved one – that is exactly what peach fuzz is supposed to be.
The fragrance launch
Dubai-based fragrance house Emperor Blue launches its Chess collection next month with 16 all-new perfumes. Inspired by travel, Julia Andreu, Emperor Blue’s founder and CEO, is dedicated to creating scents that capture a time and place. “I always felt that there are distinctive scents that made my stay memorable,” says the Greek founder. “I became obsessed with creating collections of fragrances that will make me live another journey.” The rich compositions are emblematic of traditional perfumery, with layers unfolding on the skin. The founder’s namesake fragrance, Emperatriz Julia, plays with fruity blackcurrant, rhubarb and lychee, and a bouquet of orange blossom and rose, before settling into a delicious base of marshmallow and vanilla. Immortal, with its notes of pepper, rosewood, and cardamom, over a heart of oud and sandalwood, is likely to resonate with regional fragrance connoisseurs. “Dubai being the cosmopolitan city where all cultures live in harmony, was the perfect place [to launch Emperor Blue],” adds Andreu. The perfume bottles are a vivid spectrum of color, indicative of the collection’s celebratory direction. Each glass flacon is topped with a bronzed chess piece, with a full set mirroring the timeless balance of the chess board.
The global event
Ons Jabeur for Vogue Arabia, January 2023. Photo: Sam Rawadi
Paris 2024; it’s the event so many athletes have been working relentlessly toward in a bid to qualify for their countries, and it beckons the UAE and Saudi qualifiers of the equestrian jumping teams this July. The nations secured their spots in the upcoming Olympics by finishing first and second in the 2023 Nations Cup Olympic qualifier in Doha in February. The teams will join seven others, including host nation France, Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands as qualifiers for Paris 2024, which will take place from July 26 to August 11.
Known for its history in equestrian jumping, team Saudi Arabia won the bronze medal at London 2012 and will be looking for even greater wins at Paris 2024. Like Saudi Arabia, equestrian traditions are ingrained in the history of the UAE. This year, the UAE will be sending a full team of showjumpers to the Games for the first time, including Emirati showjumper Abdullah Al Marri, who was all praises for HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, owner of Al Shira’aa Stables, saying, “She has been the main backing force of the UAE Team for the past eight years, the first to believe in supporting young and talented riders from the UAE and I was lucky to be among those who she believed in.” Find out more during the rest of the month on Vogue.me.
The destination
Photo: Kelvin Trautman
Founded by record-breaking polar explorer Patrick Woodhead, White Desert redefines Antarctic exploration for travelers around the world with its luxury camping packages – Whichaway, Wolf’s Fang, and Echo. Whichaway sits on the shores of one of the freshwater lakes of the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis. It offers six heated polar pods that combine sophisticated exteriors with vintage interiors reminiscent of Antarctica’s exploration heritage. Guests can savor gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, enjoy a sauna with a view of the glacier, and cross off bucket-list adventures like visiting the South Pole, ice climbing, hiking over ice waves, and coming face-to-face with 28 000 emperor penguins.
Located in the hills of Queen Maud Land, Wolf’s Fang offers laidback interiors that evoke the bygone age of explorers, with six heated bedroom tents. Guests can enjoy activities such as abseiling, ice climbing, rope walking, or opt for more traditional winter experiences like hiking and ski doo riding.
Echo Camp draws inspiration from space exploration, and its Sky Pods look like they’ve been beamed down from Mars. The luxury bedroom features floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking views of the landscape. Original photographs taken by astronaut Terry Wirts of the International Space Station adorn each pod, adding to the ethereal experience.
Prices from USD $98 500 for Whichaway, $104 000 for Echo, and $45 000 for Wolf’s Fang
The new tech
Ushering in a new era of spatial computing, the Apple Vision Pro brings a fresh lens to the future of fashion. Expected to launch early 2024, the newest brainchild of Apple proposes digital content into its wearer’s physical space, and the possibilities for the clothing industry seem endless. Imagine a world where designers can view their couture in real-life contexts before they’re ready, where models on billboards come to life to present one-of-a-kind fashion shows, and shoppers can try on clothing virtually before adding their favorites to cart. Using just their eyes, hands, and voice, Apple Vision Pro users now have the freedom to customize their workspaces, scale and arrange apps, and experience the world in a whole new dimension.
The design event
Photo: Courtesy Design Doha
The Qatar Museum is set to unveil the inaugural Design Doha next month. The biennial event will celebrate excellence in design and innovation in Qatar and the Mena region. Held in the vibrant Doha Design District and led by Qatar Museums’ chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Design Doha aims to provide a dynamic platform, empowering Arab designers to develop their creative practices and projects, while showcasing their talents on a global stage. The event promises a comprehensive showcase featuring more than 100 creatives from the Mena region. This includes a regional survey of Arab designers, the introduction of new commissions, jury awards, panel discussions with industry leaders, cooperation with local design agencies, and other special events.
The anniversary
Photo: Domen / Van De Velde
Italian high jewelry house Bulgari welcomes its 140th year with a mega event and continued collaborations with local artists. Founded in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris, the house, firmly established in Rome since 1905, began making waves in the high jewelry world for its Byzantine and Islamic art- inspired pieces. Today it is synonymous with the Serpenti, Monete, B.Zero1, and Diva collections, and brilliant gemstones evoking the natural world designed by its longstanding creative director Lucia Silvestri. Donning Bulgari jewels, its glamorous celebrity muses Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Priyanka Chopra ensure many years to come.
The rising talent
In early December, standing before a celebrity-studded crowd at the 2023 Red Sea Film Festival, Saudi native Nour Alkhadra accepted the Chopard Rising Star Award for her leading role as the love interest in HWJN. Based on the bestselling sci-fi romance novel by Ibraheem Abbas, the story unfolds in both the spiritual and the human world and is set in modern-day Jeddah. Having been selected as the first-ever local project to open the festival, HWJN is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning film industry, in which Alkhadra is proud to be involved. “It’s great to be part of this growing industry and to watch it flourish,” she says. “Film is a medium that can impact a whole nation, culture, and the world, so being part of wanting to create a voice and a message for Saudi feels purposeful.”
Find out more about Nour Alkhadra and her startup, WeGeek, later this month on Vogue.me.
The party
Huda Kattan or Vogue Arabia, February 2023. Photo: Pierfrancesco Artini
The annual Vogue Ball of Arabia, taking place at Dubai’s Atlantis the Royal, takes a fantastical turn this year as it evokes the vast expanse of the deep sea and the mysteries that lurk beneath its surface. For centuries, the allure of pearls and fables about water creatures have captivated the imagination of Arabia. As fashion and culture become infatuated with mythic marine dwellers, Vogue Arabia draws upon this history to envision an opulent night on February 15 under the theme Mermaids of the Gulf, which also underscores the urgent need for sea preservation. Guests will be immersed in an ethereal realm designed with a little help from Toni Breiss, the man behind some of the most lavish weddings and events in the region. Everything is set to be on theme, from the venue at Atlantis the Royal to the dress code: expect to see mermaid core featuring iridescent fabrics, asymmetrical hemlines, and cascading ruffles.
The designer
On October 30, 2023, fashion circuits and devoted Philophiles awaited the dawn of a new day, when Phoebe Philo’s highly anticipated brand launched its first collection, A1. With an immediate sell-out and prices in the thousands, the former creative director of Celine was overwhelmed by the response to the collection. Showcasing classic cuts and practical hues, Philo understands her audience and is determined to create a sustainable brand, making no more than 100 pieces at one time. The new year will see the collection’s later drops, A2 and A3, online with immediate sell-out undeniable. Philo’s aim is to reduce chemical impact, as well as liberating the idea of seasons and trends to ensure her brand is environmentally viable. As the star designer embraces the new year, her loyal audience will be waiting patiently.
The tribute
Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon – Tribute to Arabesque stands as a testament to the relationship between Vacheron Constantin and the Middle East since 1817. Designed as a single unit, this remarkable timepiece features the in-house caliber 2755 TMR, which combines a minute repeater and a tourbillon regulator, a symbol of Vacheron Constantin’s technical prowess. Its design pays homage to the architectural wealth of the Muslim world with its pointed arches, domes, and mashrabiyas. The engraving work took three months and required meticulous care in making tenth-of-a-millimeter incisions. The motifs chosen to decorate this timepiece were modeled on those of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the largest in the UAE, built between 1995 and 2007, in which arabesque and floral patterns are omnipresent on the 82 domes and four minarets. “Since the earliest exchanges with the region, Islamic architecture and richly illuminated Arabic manuscripts have been a favorite source of inspiration for the Manufacturer’s artisans. A new peak of this art is nonetheless reached in Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon – Tribute to Arabesque,” says Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin style and heritage director.
The TikTok trend
Cindy Crawford. Photo: Getty
You may experience a twinge of déjà vu while scrolling through Tiktok, with Gen Z now publicly rediscovering some of the beautyverse’s iconic products. Tiktokers are delighting in cult classics such as Lancôme Juicy Tubes, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, Calvin Klein CKOne EDT, and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, with a 90s revival that’s delivering a heavy dose of nostalgia. Makeup staples including Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks, and OG shades of MAC Lipstick are starring in get ready with me – or #grwm – tutorials for trending latte eyes and strawberry lip looks.
The newfound popularity of millennial beauty has been so influential that MAC was driven to re-release its long-dormant Squirt lip gloss, with the original lime green hue launched in 2000 now joined by eight new shades in a Plumping Gloss Stick format. Whether you’re reliving Y2K or trying out the era’s beauty icons for the first time, there’s a sense of discovery seeing glossy, brown-lined pouts, and other decades- old looks through Gen Z’s eyes.
The accessory
Since 2016, Dior has been inviting artists from across the globe to transform its iconic Lady Dior purse, including Egyptian Ghada Amer and Qatari Bouthayna Al Muftah. This season will see the art project invite a number of creatives to re-design the bag, with Xu Zhen among the first to be invited to do so. The young artist transformed the bag inspired by her “metal language;” the transparent plexiglass and mirror effect printed to leather makes this piece one-of-a-kind. The adorned leather purse features silver and gold exclamation marks on a reflective surface as a symbol of the emptiness of language. As 2024 predicts that emojis will gain prominence, this bag holds a powerful message.
The Arab photographer
Twenty-five-year-old Egyptian Sarah Lasheen has always been creatively inclined; her earliest hobbies include painting, crafting, and sketching. At the age of 14, the emerging creative was gifted the Sony Alpha 3000 by her mother, inspiring her to take to the streets “shooting portraits of friends and occasionally strangers.” Over time, she forged a fluid, dynamic style that was deeply inspired by the surrealist and ethereal works of legends Man Ray and Paolo Roversi. From her very first photography job with a local Egyptian brand called Selissas in 2017 to working with big names like Dior, Harvey Nichols, and Okhtein today, Lasheen’s remarkable journey in photography is just getting started.
Originally published in the January 2024 issue of Vogue Arabia
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