SemSem

Photo: Instagram.com/karenwazen
If there’s one thing we can say for sure about Karen Wazen‘s sartorial aesthetic, it’s that she loves a pop of color. Over the past few months, the Lebanese influencer and entrepreneur has been spotted in a spectrum of vibrant hues, from acid blue and emerald green to canary yellow. And yesterday, it was time for Wazen to give striking scarlet a little love.
Seen enjoying an evening out in Doha, Qatar, Karen Wazen made a case for traffic-stopping reds in a crinkled silk-chiffon gown by Egyptian fashion house SemSem. The billowing ensemble created the illusion of a formal kaftan, and came with two floor-length sleeves that fluttered behind her as she walked. Take a closer look below.

Did you miss the Swarovski detailing on Karen Wazen’s red gown?
Adding just the right amount of sparkle to Karen Wazen’s look from Doha were the delicate Swarovski buttons that dotted the front of her SemSem gown. Instead of pairing her kaftan-inspired look with matching accessories, the 35-year-old opted for a champagne gold and pink handbag from her sister Andrea Wazen’s label for the night out. A classic diamond ring was among her only accessories. As for her beauty look, Wazen painted a sultry picture on Instagram with artfully disheveled ombré waves, and natural makeup that drew attention to her doe eyes.
Here’s a closer look at Karen Wazen’s SemSem gown.
Gown, SemSem. AED 6,960

Vogue Arabia, January 2022. Photo: Paul Farnham
With Eid Al-Fitr 2022 coming up after a reflective month of Ramadan, it calls for the continued spirit of giving. Welcome your loved ones with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Forever Rose London or Flowers.ae, and a selection of delectable desserts from Brix. Nothing says Eid like an elegant outfit and what better way to complete that than with Dior’s blush-toned bag and Kurt Geiger’s matte pink heels, which come with a sparkling finish?
Diptyque embraces the Oud scent reminiscent of households on a refreshing Eid day, while Cartier keeps in mind those with a love for Arabic coffee with a collection of cups laced with gold and its signature motif, the panther. Semsem brings out its elegant pieces of clothing to satisfy your kaftan needs this Eid, especially with their olive green draped number, which can easily be paired with Miu Miu’s dazzling princess-like heels for an Eid night out with family.

Below, take a closer look at 11 Eid al-Fitr gifts that are ideal for your family and friends.
Capsule collection, Christian Dior
Photo: Courtesy of Dior
Penthère de Cartier cups, Cartier
Photo: Courtesy of Cartier
Flower of Eternity necklace, Mouawad
Photo: Courtesy of Mouawad
Capsule collection, Off-White
Photo: Courtesy of Off-white
Bouquet, Flowers.ae
Photo: Courtesy of Flowers.ae
Capsule collection, Kurt Geiger
Photo: Courtesy of Kurt Geiger
Floral centerpiece, Forever Rose London
Photo: Courtesy of Forever Rose London
Kaftan, Semsem
Photo: Courtesy of Semsem
Capsule collection, Miu Miu
Photo: Courtesy of Miu Miu
Oud candle, Diptyque
Photo: Courtesy of Ounass
Limited-edition three-tier gift box, Brix
Photo: Courtesy of Brix
Read Next: Eid al-Fitr 2022 Gift Guide: 11 Presents for Anyone Who Loves Beauty, Makeup, Skincare and Fragrances

Balqees Fathi in SemSem. Photo: Hala Aljahwary via Instagram.com/balqeesfathi
Solid-colored kaftans can be just as noteworthy as embellished and printed ones, and Balqees Fathi‘s recent outfits proved just that. While in Saudi Arabia, the Emirati-Yemeni singer served up not one, but two looks in different saturated hues that were all about pared-back elegance.
Photo: Hala Aljahwary via Instagram.com/balqeesfathi
The first came in the ever-classic and bold shade of bright red, which the star effortlessly wore in the form of a floor-grazing kaftan by SemSem. The head-turning number—picked from the brand founded by Egyptian designer Abeer Al Otaiba—featured crystal buttons down the center for a hint of glam, and caped sleeves that lent to the flowiness of the piece. For the occasion, Fathi’s makeup was done using products from her own brand, Bex Beauty, and took on a monochrome look with a brown smoky eye and creamy nude pout.
Fathi in Taller Marmo. Photo: Hala Aljahwary via Instagram.com/balqeesfathi
In the same week, the singer also attended a suhoor event in Riyadh, this time embracing a lush green shade for her kaftan from Dubai-based label Taller Marmo. Made with drapy crepe, the piece featured long silk tassels lining its entire hem, as well as the satin tie wrapped around the kaftan’s high neck. Once again wearing her hair down in her signature sleek and straight style, Fathi’s makeup look was switched to feature peachy bronze tones. Both looks were curated by celebrity stylist Cedric Haddad, and paired with dazzling jewelry from Marli, with which Fathi recently collaborated.
Photo: Hala Aljahwary via Instagram.com/balqeesfathi
Read Next: Tara Emad’s Fringed Top and Trouser Look is a Refreshing Alternative to the Kaftan for Ramadan

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to show moms just how much they are appreciated. The hard work that mothers put in on a daily basis deserves praise, and even a little gift can go a long way in letting her know that she is both cherished and appreciated. However, it can be hard to choose the perfect gift to accompany a beautiful bouquet of flowers on this special occasion, especially since every mother differs in style and choice. Luckily, your favorite labels seem to have heard your call for a helping hand, and have launched several pieces this month that will make your mother feel as special as can be on March 21.
If your mom likes to keep it classic, check out Mulberry‘s new Mother’s Day range, which includes a fail-safe set of Forget Me Not pearl earrings, while Skin Story is here to make sure your mother feels pampered with its range of indulgent multisticks. Got a mom who loves bold accessories? Jude Benhalim jewelry comes in strong with its statement gold creations this Mother’s Day—we’ve got our eye on a certain set of earrings.
Mothers who have an eye for interior design will enjoy Jonathan Adler’s porcelain vase, or possibly Pols Potten’s colorful teacup set. Beautifully draped ensembles such as SemSem’s emerald green plissé-satin maxi dress also make great gifts for the mom who likes to party, while Saint Lauren’s loulou heart-shaped sunglasses will show her how much you love her, and Sleeper’s feather-trimmed crepe de chine pajama may just convince her to take a break from life for some relaxing shut eye.
For every mother there is a gift. Look through Vogue Arabia’s edit above for your perfect pick.
Read Next: Mother’s Day: 8 Wonderful Ways to Spend Time with Your Mom in the UAE

Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
The month of Ramadan is right around the corner and online luxury fashion retailer, Net-a-Porter, already has your wardrobe sorted. In honor of the sacred month that is rooted in unity and appreciation, Net-a-Porter has brought together the most covetable international and local brands in a wide-scale celebration of modest fashion. Uniting global names with local talent, the fashion retailer has curated a Ramadan Collection that defines traditional modest attire in utmost luxurious fashion.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Net-a-Porter’s new collection works to satisfy soaring demand for modest apparel in the Middle East, especially around the Holy Month. According to the luxury retailer, searches for maxi and midi dresses increase by a whopping 80% during the Ramadan period alone. Listening to the needs of their local customers, Net-a-Porter has joined Taller Marmo, SemSem, Johanna Ortiz, Reem Acra, Halpern, Louisa Parris, Carolina Herrera, Jenny Packham, Rasario, Alex Perry and more, to craft the ultimate wardrobe for divine demure dressing.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
The Ramadan collection radiates with exciting variety, inspired by a beautiful amalgamation of international and local taste. From the regal elegance crafted locally by SemSem and Halpern, to the understated luxury channeled by global icons Carolina Herrera and Rasario, Net-a-Porter will have you dazzling with modest allure in each and every intimate iftar of the year.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
This collection celebrates the Holy Month of Ramadan with female empowerment and global collaboration at its core. SemSem’s creative director, Abeer al Otaiba, talks through her inspiration for the exclusives on Net-a-Porter, mentioning: “This season, I felt called to focus on the unwavering strength of women. Ramadan is a special time of reflection and self-awareness – an opportunity to hit refresh, embrace our surroundings and give back to others. It is my hope that this collection encourages women to own their strength and approach each day with confidence.”
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
The delectable garments make their grand debut in a campaign shot against the historic Arabian landscape of the UAE’s “garden city” – Al Ain.  Nisreen Shocair, CEO of Yoox Net-a-Porter, Middle East accentuates the symbolic significance of the collection and campaign: “Ramadan is a special month for me and this Ramadan collection and campaign feel very close to home.  The collaborative process of working with these amazing local and global designers and shooting the campaign in Al Ain perfectly captures the aesthetic and mood of the collection: beautiful, soothing, grounding yet inspiring; and that’s how we see our customers celebrating Ramadan this year with Net-a-Porter Arabi.”
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Net-a-Porter has become no stranger when it comes to reflecting the fashion-focused needs of the local market. As they move towards greater specialization in personalized merchandising, their new shopping experience is specifically designed for the Middle East, offering customers dual-language searching in their respective local currencies. Supporting regional talent is also at the heart of the luxury retailer, not only in this revolutionary Ramadan collection but also in their commitment to mentoring emerging local designers as a part of their didactic Vanguard Program.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Traditional Ramadan lanterns are lighting up the runway, as Net-a-Porter makes way for a world of chic modesty and redefines fashion through the lens of unity and empowerment.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Read Next: Exclusive: Dolce & Gabbana Unveils a Joy-Sparking Collection Ahead of Ramadan

Katy Perry pictured wearing a gold belted draped pleated lamé gown by regional label SemSem. Photo: Instagram/ @katyperry

American singer Katy Perry recently showed her love for Arab designers, when she appeared in two show-stopping looks by regional labels SemSem and Monsoori.
Perry, who has recently given birth to her first child, posted a series of images on Instagram this week, of her wearing a SemSem gold, draped, and pleated lamé gown with the caption, “Mother”. The strapless gown features a belted waist and two cascading side panels that elegantly float along with the dress as it moves. The singer completed her look with triangular shaped earrings and wore her blonde hair in subtle yet glamorous waves.
New York-based brand SemSem was founded in 2016 by creative director Abeer Al Otaiba, who drew inspiration for the label from her Egyptian, French, and Emirati heritage; and has become a firm favorite among models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, as well as actor Blake Lively and singer Taylor Swift.
Katy Perry pictured wearing a pink gown from Bahraini label Monsoori. Photo: Supplied

Perry also made an appearance at the Unicef Changemaker event in Los Angeles on December 1, where she took the stage to perform one of her latest singles, Only Love. For this occasion, the singer wore a vibrant pink gown by Bahraini label Monsoori. The pink taffeta dress, from the brand’s Spring 2021 collection, featured a plunging neckline, bow-embellished shoulders, and a voluminous tiered skirt.
Perry has recently returned to work duties following the birth of her daughter with her fiancé, British actor Orlando Bloom. Since welcoming daughter Daisy Dove Bloom in August, Perry has frequently shared the realities of motherhood, specifically relating to her post-baby body and her refusal to adhere to “bounce back” to her weight prior to being pregnant.
Read Next: Exclusive: Ashi Presents His FW21 Collection On Friend & Model Cindy Bruna