Lifestyle

Mohamed Salah Egypt’s Pride and Global Cultural Icon By Jane Stevns In the heart of Egypt, where the Nile winds through ancient lands and the pyramids whisper stories of a bygone civilization, a new legend has emerged, one not chiseled in stone or enshrined in temple walls, but celebrated on football pitches and revered in homes across continents. Mohamed Salah, born in Nagrig, a small village in the Gharbia Governorate of Egypt, has become more than just a footballer. He is a symbol of aspiration, pride, and cultural identity for millions, not just in Egypt but throughout the Arab world and beyond. Salah’s journey from the dusty fields of his village to the glistening stadiums of Europe is a tale woven with resilience, faith, and a deep connection to his roots. As a child, Salah’s love for football was evident. He would travel hours by bus each day just to attend training sessions, balancing his dream with the harsh realities of limited resources and time. These early sacrifices forged a sense of discipline and purpose that would later define his character both on and off the field. While his early career in Egypt with El Mokawloon showcased his promise, it was his move to Europe that set the stage for his transformation into a global star. Stints with FC Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, and Roma revealed his talent, but it was his transfer to Liverpool in 2017 that marked the beginning of his legend. At Anfield, Salah flourished into one of the most lethal forwards in modern football. His blistering pace, deft touch, and clinical finishing captivated fans and dismantled defenses. Yet beyond the goals and accolades, Salah brought something more profound to the Premier League, an unapologetic expression of his cultural identity. With every goal, Salah drops to his knees in sujood, a Muslim act of prostration, quietly but powerfully displaying his faith to millions. In a time when global narratives around Islam have often been marred by misunderstanding or bias, Salah’s presence has subtly reshaped perceptions. His faith is not a spectacle, but a steady undercurrent to his public life, and his visibility has encouraged a reevaluation of how Muslim athletes are represented and understood in global sport. In Liverpool, chants like “If he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim too” echo through the stands, not in mockery, but in genuine celebration. Salah’s cultural impact extends well beyond the pitch. In Egypt, he has become a unifying figure in a country often divided along political and social lines. For many Egyptians, Salah is not just a football player, he is a national treasure. His image is ubiquitous, painted on walls, plastered on billboards, and worn on T-shirts from Alexandria to Aswan. He has redefined what success looks like for young Egyptians, presenting an alternative path grounded in dedication, humility, and global ambition. But Salah’s influence is also deeply humanitarian. Despite his fame, he has remained closely tied to his hometown of Nagrig. His philanthropic efforts have transformed the village, he has funded schools, a hospital, and other critical infrastructure projects. At a time when celebrity can often result in detachment from one’s origins, Salah’s investment in his community speaks volumes about his values. His actions demonstrate a model of success that includes giving back, that elevates not only the individual but the collective. In the Arab world, Salah represents something even more nuanced. He is a modern embodiment of Arab excellence, succeeding not by shedding his heritage but by embracing it. His humility, often seen in his soft-spoken interviews and team-first mentality, aligns with cultural ideals of modesty and honor. At the same time, his global achievements challenge the often monolithic representations of Arab men in Western media. Through Salah, a new narrative is told, one where tradition and modernity coexist, where faith and fame do not conflict, and where cultural pride is not a barrier to international success but a foundation for it. Salah’s rise has also sparked a cultural phenomenon in how football is consumed and experienced in the Arab world. His matches are followed religiously, with entire communities gathering to watch him play. Children imitate his moves in alleyways and schoolyards, mimicking his dribbles and goal celebrations with unbridled joy. Football, long a beloved sport in the region, has taken on a new layer of meaning through Salah. He has given fans not just someone to cheer for, but someone to believe in, someone who reflects their values, their struggles, and their aspirations. The cultural resonance of Mohamed Salah cannot be confined to his performance statistics or trophy haul, impressive as they may be. He exists in a broader narrative, one where a young boy from rural Egypt has come to embody the hopes of a region. His story has parallels with myth and folklore, the humble beginnings, the trials abroad, the triumphant return. Yet, Salah’s magic lies in his reality. He is not a myth. He is tangible, real, and relatable. This authenticity endears him to fans across cultures and generations. His presence has also influenced wider conversations about representation in sport. Salah has become a beacon for diversity in the footballing world, proving that greatness does not require assimilation into a singular cultural mold. He has maintained his Egyptian and Islamic identity not just privately but publicly, offering an alternative image of success to young players from underrepresented backgrounds. In him, they see a model that says you can reach the pinnacle of global sport without sacrificing who you are. As Salah continues to play at the highest level, his legacy is already being written, not just in the annals of football, but in the hearts and minds of those he inspires. Whether he is dazzling defenders with his footwork, leading Egypt in international competitions, or quietly funding a new school in his hometown, Salah’s influence transcends sport. He is a cultural ambassador, a humanitarian, and a modern icon whose story will be told for generations to come. In an age where

The Warmth of Autumn Why Chocolate Suede Bags Are the New Black By Afef Yousfi There’s a certain ritual that comes with the start of autumn. The air cools down, coffee shops bring back spiced lattes, and wardrobes slowly shift from breezy summer staples to warmer, textured layers. And then there’s the handbag swap, that small but powerful move that can change the entire mood of an outfit. For years, the classic black handbag has been the default, a safety net for style lovers everywhere. It’s timeless, reliable, and practically goes with everything. But fashion is rarely about staying safe. This season, something richer, warmer, and unexpectedly versatile is quietly taking over. Say hello to the chocolate brown suede bag, the understated accessory that’s quickly dethroning black as the go-to choice for autumn 2025. Brown isn’t exactly new to the fashion scene. It has long been a favorite in leather boots, wool coats, and tailored trousers. But handbags are where things are shifting. Designers across Europe and the Middle East have been leaning heavily into earthy tones, especially the deep, velvety richness of chocolate brown. The material of choice is suede, a fabric with a soft, tactile quality that automatically adds depth to a look.  Pair that with a shade as indulgent as chocolate, and you get an accessory that feels luxurious without shouting for attention. It is the epitome of quiet luxury, a phrase we’ve been hearing a lot in recent seasons. Where flashy logos once dominated, now the most coveted pieces are the ones that whisper sophistication through craftsmanship, material, and color. During Copenhagen Fashion Week, influencers and editors were spotted carrying oversized chocolate suede totes that grounded even the most playful street style looks. On Instagram, fashion insiders are swapping their glossy black bags for supple brown shoulder bags and crossbodies, showing how seamlessly this shade works with the rest of the autumn palette. Black has always been fashion’s anchor. It’s chic, practical, and universal. But its dominance has also made it predictable. Chocolate brown offers something that feels both nostalgic and new. It carries an emotional pull that black doesn’t always deliver. Brown is warm, grounding, and connected to nature. In a time when fashion is leaning toward sustainability and authenticity, these earthy tones feel like an extension of that shift. A chocolate suede bag doesn’t scream for attention; it invites it. There’s also a psychological side to this color choice. Studies on color theory show that brown conveys reliability and comfort. It’s the color of strong coffee, aged wood, and cozy leather chairs. Carrying a brown suede bag this autumn feels like wearing an extension of the season itself. It matches the falling leaves, the cinnamon-spiced drinks, and the burnt-orange sunsets. It’s not just a bag, it’s an experience. Styling chocolate brown suede is another reason it has gained popularity. The beauty of this shade is its versatility. Just like black, it pairs effortlessly with nearly any color, but it adds more character. With neutrals, it blends into tonal dressing. Picture a camel coat, cream turtleneck, and tailored trousers, instantly elevated by a chocolate suede crossbody. With bold jewel tones like emerald green, deep burgundy, or navy, brown creates harmony rather than harsh contrast, softening the outfit.  Even in everyday casual wear, the effect is powerful. A chunky knit with vintage jeans and ankle boots looks instantly more intentional with a suede bag thrown over the shoulder. And when it comes to evening style, replacing the predictable black clutch with a sleek chocolate suede mini bag accented with gold feels modern and daring. The texture itself adds depth because suede absorbs light rather than reflecting it, making outfits look more layered and sophisticated in a season already dominated by knits, wool, and leather. Designers are also driving the shift. Luxury houses such as Valentino, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta have embraced chocolate suede, releasing handbags that balance timeless shapes with this seasonal twist. At the same time, more affordable brands like Mango, COS, and Zara are offering approachable versions, allowing everyone to explore the look. Many smaller independent designers are also stepping in with sustainable, artisanal takes. Responsibly sourced leather, plant-based dyes, and careful craftsmanship are bringing even more meaning to these bags, further aligning the trend with the ethos of quiet luxury. Social media has only fueled the momentum. Fashion influencers are styling chocolate suede bags with oversized blazers, slip dresses layered with knits, and even casual athleisure outfits. It’s the type of accessory that looks just as good in a carefully styled flat lay as it does in an airport travel look. What makes this trend especially refreshing is how authentic it feels. It’s not being aggressively pushed by fast fashion or backed by enormous ad campaigns.  Instead, it’s bubbling up naturally through organic adoption, with fashion lovers showing genuine appreciation for its understated appeal. The hashtag #ChocolateSuede continues to gain traction, proving its popularity across different style cultures, from New York to Copenhagen to Dubai. Of course, this doesn’t mean black handbags are disappearing. Black will always have a place in fashion, remaining the ultimate fallback when you don’t want to think too hard about accessories. But the rise of chocolate suede shows us that even the most enduring staples can be challenged. Black is bold, sleek, and sometimes intimidating, while brown feels approachable, soft, and quietly chic. Depending on your outfit and your mood, there is now space for both. If you’ve never owned a brown handbag, this season is the perfect time to experiment. Choosing chocolate suede can refresh your wardrobe without forcing a complete style overhaul. Instead of reaching automatically for black, try adding brown and see how it changes the balance of your outfit. You’ll notice how it warms neutral ensembles, softens bold ones, and even makes jeans and sweaters feel more put-together.  A well-made suede bag is also an investment piece. With proper care and the right suede protection, it will last for years, developing its

A Symphony ofValentino’s Ready-to-Wear By Paul Smith Stepping into the world of Valentino’s Ready-to-Wear Dresses is akin to entering a realm where craftsmanship meets expressive storytelling. The Valentino women’s dress collection, featured on the brand’s official site, stands as a testament to elegance, diversity, and thoughtful design. From romantic chiffon silhouettes to tailored midi creations, this range effortlessly captures both timeless finesse and modern temperament. A Curated Universe of Style Browsing the Valentino Ready-to-Wear Dresses online, one is immediately struck by the range. The menu invites you to explore Short, Midi, and Long dresses, filtered further by line, patterns, textures, and solid designs. The portal’s clean layout emphasizes the beauty and versatility of each piece, whether you’re after structured minimalism or romantic detail. Valentino’s ready-to-wear ethos roots itself in the femininity and grace established by founder Valentino Garavani. His designs were clean and modern, yet unabashedly feminine, with bows, flowers, ruffles, lace, and embroideries, always in the finest fabrics, always molto elegante. This tradition lives on today, particularly in the dress collection. Romantic Drama Meets Modern Minimalism Take, for instance, the stunning Chiffon Long Dress, a pure silk creation that drapes elegantly, with a ruffled skirt, a faille belt tied in a bow, and a drop neckline that feels both classic and ethereal. Its delicate georgette stretch lining adds comfort to beauty. Available in Italy-sized 40, it exudes a poetic romance that feels timeless. On the other end of the spectrum are textured, optical black and white statements, dresses with bold graphic geometries, and caps like tweed jackets, demonstrating Valentino’s modern edge in design. These monochromatic offerings are striking in their simplicity, yet unmistakably bold in presence. Patterns That Sing With Whimsy Valentino also excels at infusing playful prints that elevate the collection from beautiful to enchanting. Animal-inspired designs such as Le Chat de la Maison and Petit Charles appear alongside an Animalier print, blending whimsy with haute-luxe appeal.  These prints infuse vibrancy without overwhelming, ideal for those who desire statement dressing with personality. Echoes of Couture, Tailored for Real Life What stands out most about this ready-to-wear collection is how it echoes Valentino’s house couture DNA while feeling wearable. Recent runway presentations celebrated this harmony, blending Valentino’s heritage of femininity with contemporary maximalist visions. Soft feathers, romantic florals, and archival inspiration were grounded in wearable structure. In Couture shows, the house leaned into grandeur, voluminous skirts, immense bows, and layers that felt both over the top and intentional. Yet moments of restraint balanced the opulence, creating visual complexity without overwhelming the viewer. That same tension, the blend of drama and discipline, animates Valentino’s Ready-to-Wear Dresses collection beautifully. The Essence of Valentino Through Time Valentino remains synonymous with red-carpet elegance, as highlighted by icons across decades wearing unforgettable Valentino gowns. This lineage of iconic femininity filters into ready-to-wear through attention to craftsmanship, refined shapes, and signature details, brought into everyday life. Over time, the brand has modernized couture silhouettes by removing stiffness, incorporating more light and volume for fluidity. Silhouettes vary from tunics and shorts to capes and pencil skirts, often with pleats, ruffles, and feathers. That evolution is reflected in the dress collection; the range feels fluid, wearable, and richly detailed. A Living Collection, Perfectly Accessible What’s particularly compelling is how accessible Valentino’s romance appears online. Complementary shipping and returns suggest confidence in the garments and an invitation for women to experience luxury with ease. It feels like a boutique, expert, welcoming, and utterly curated. Final Thoughts Valentino’s Ready-to-Wear Dress collection is more than just a series of beautiful garments; it is a carefully orchestrated expression of femininity, vitality, and heritage. The beautifully crafted chiffon pieces, playful prints, and monochrome statement-making fashions blend couture elegance with modern sensibility. The collection continues to push boundaries, balancing archival nostalgia with fresh expression, maximal drama with wearable grace. Whether romantic, bold, whimsical, or refined, each dress tells a story that feels deeply rooted in tradition but fully alive and contemporary. For anyone seeking to explore a collection that embraces elegance without compromise, Valentino offers both timeless craftsmanship and expressive edge, making the Ready-to-Wear Dresses collection a destination for style, substance, and dreams.

Mahira Abdelaziz Grace, Grit, and Growth, The Journey of Dubai’s Multifaceted Actress and Entrepreneur By Peter Davis Mahira Abdelaziz is an actress and public figure based in Dubai, recognized for her transition from architecture and media journalism into on-screen performance and social influence. Born in the UAE to an Emirati father and an Egyptian mother, she carries in her story layers of cultural fusion and professional reinvention. Represented by Hancock Agency London and Agence AML, her presence extends from media screens to TikTok and Instagram, and even to entrepreneurs’ shelves through her lifestyle ventures. Her early career began in architecture, where she earned a goldmedal thesis at a Canadian institute, before pivoting into journalism. She became a business correspondent with CNBC Arabiya and later hosted her own real estate program. Her breakthrough came when she anchored the Morning Show on Al Arabiya TV, followed by her own talk show on MBC, where she built a strong media identity through highprofile interviews and oncamera presence. Her shift into acting blended with her existing public persona, leading to a seamless move from presenting facts to portraying characters. When casting directors called, she leapt into dramatic roles, landing on the cast of Netflix’s The Platform and The Promise, before entering the realityTV arena with Netflix’s Dubai Bling Season 3 as one of the new standout figures. Her arrival in the Dubai Bling ensemble introduced her not as a socioeconomic archetype, but as a woman of intellect, poise, and media savvy. The show highlighted her personal grace amid the city’s opulence while casting new light on her multifaceted identity, blending professional accomplishment and family life. Mahira’s content across social media reveals a personality that is both radiant and relatable. On Instagram, where she counts millions of followers, she shares curated moments from her acting roles, media appearances, and glimpses into daily life, occasionally featuring her daughter. Her TikTok, under the handle MahiraAbdelAziz, reaches millions with short-form creativity and authenticity. She avoids overexposure, choosing instead to project a presence that feels curated yet sincere, elegant yet approachable. Despite her popularity, Mahira has also been vocal about the scrutiny that comes with public motherhood. A viral incident involved her allowing her eight-year-old daughter to undergo laser hair removal, a decision she says stemmed from empathy, having herself experienced teasing as a “hairy child.” The backlash sparked debate across social platforms, to which she responded with composed honesty: acknowledging the complex emotions involved and insisting that the decision was made in consultation with medical advice and her daughter’s wishes. She moves comfortably across worlds, media, reality TV, lifestyle, motherhood, through a foundation of education, professionalism, and cultural awareness. She reflects on her origins in architecture and journalism as formative: both disciplines taught her structure, structuring a building and structuring a story. Her media experience sharpened her ability to ask probing questions, remain composed under pressure, and craft narratives, not just report them. Her role on Dubai Bling placed her in a world of glamour, but her approach was thoughtful rather than performative. She didn’t seek drama; she sought to represent a woman who balanced career ambition with cultural tradition and family life. Her voice, soft but authoritative, resonates against the louder arcs of reality TV, reminding audiences that depth and poise carry power. Beyond television, Mahira’s personal brand extends to ecommerce through Boutiqaat, where she launched a body spray, inspired by ideas of relaxation and goldenhour femininity, reflecting her aesthetic of understated luxury. It signals her ambition to derive tangible businesses from her creative identity, blending lifestyle, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Throughout, her multilingual fluency (Arabic, English) and crosscultural roots are assets, allowing her to move between regional Arab content and international platforms effortlessly. She has interviewed royals and business leaders, hosted events, and leveraged her public platform with credibility. Yet she chooses her roles, whether on screen or business ventures with care, aligning them with her values rather than chasing opportunities for the spotlight alone. Her rising influence is built on nuance and balance, between spectacle and substance, between personal risk and visible composure. She challenges the assumption that popular media must always sacrifice dignity for attention. At the same time, she understands that visibility brings responsibility; she tends to it with composure and self-reflective grace. Looking ahead, Mahira continues to explore projects across genres, drama, documentary, lifestyle engagement, while deepening her entrepreneurial pursuits. She carries forward the ambition of a mother, a creator, and an innovator who knows the power of story, selfcare, and style. She frames her public identity not as a persona, but as an evolving practice in authenticity. As Mahira Abdelaziz journey unfolds, she offers something rare in the digital age: the ability to blend legacy and innovation, heritage and global reach, storytelling and entrepreneurship. Whether filming a scene, launching a product, or simply holding her space in public life, she moves with intention. Her story is not just about stardom, it’s about lasting impact through thoughtful presence and purpose-driven vision.

Dr. Kholoud Bridging Beauty, Wellness, and Empowerment with Grace & Purpose By Michelle Clark In the digital age, where every scroll can spark inspiration, or self-doubt, Dr. Kholoud has carved out a space of authenticity, elegance, and empowerment. A doctor by training, a successful entrepreneur by vision, and a genuine human being by choice, she stands as a modern emblem for Arab women striving to blend tradition with bold ambition. Her Instagram feed, crammed with genuine smiles, behind-the-scenes moments, and heartfelt reflections, captures more than beauty, it illuminates a life lived with intention, vulnerability, and hope. Her story begins with a spark, a deep passion for beauty, wellness, and entrepreneurship. What started as a personal platform quickly evolved into something much larger, a mission to empower women through confidence and self-expression. “I wanted to create brands that deliver real value, not just trends, and contribute positively to people’s lives,” she says. Each of her ventures reflects a piece of her personal journey and values, not empty aesthetics but meaningful statements of identity and purpose. Balancing the overlapping roles of doctor, entrepreneur, mother, and influencer isn’t easy. Still, Dr. Kholoud navigates her life with a rare combination of discipline and passion. She organizes her priorities clearly and remains steadfastly true to her vision. Perhaps most importantly, she’s honest, she shares her successes alongside her struggles, building a deeply personal connection with her audience. Amid the carefully curated posts, there are unguarded glimpses, late nights, moments of doubt, quiet victories, that feel real and relatable. Beyond the polished visuals, there’s a philosophy at play, “True beauty comes from confidence and self-acceptance,” she reminds us. In an era where beauty standards are often homogenized, and particularly in settings where Arab women feel pressured to conform, she champions a different approach. “Arab women should not feel pressured to fit into a single global standard,” she insists. Instead, she encourages celebrating natural features, cultural identity, and individuality. This gentle yet powerful message invites women to redefine beauty on their own terms, reclaiming narratives long shaped by external ideals. Her dual identity as both doctor and entrepreneur is no accident, it’s intentional. She believes in the power of example and wants to show young Arab women they don’t have to choose one path. Through her own journey, she demonstrates that it’s possible, and beautiful, to pursue multiple passions. Her message is clear, with determination, resilience, and faith, every dream is possible. She wants to be proof that limitations exist only if you accept them, and she hasn’t. One of her ventures, Karma Beauty, stands as a testament to her values. What sets it apart is its focus on authenticity, innovation, and quality. She listens deeply to her customers’ needs and designs luxurious yet practical products. In a competitive market, she understands that trust isn’t given, it’s earned, through consistency and real results. Her mission isn’t to sell beauty but to empower women, to give them tools to feel good in their own skin. Of course, thriving in the public eye brings its own challenges. For Dr. Kholoud, managing expectations, from herself and from thousands of followers, has been the hardest part. “At times, the pressure to be perfect was overwhelming,” she admits. She overcame it by anchoring herself in her values, surrounding herself with supportive people, and embracing the idea that growth comes from challenges. Every obstacle, she reflects, has been a lesson that shaped who she is today. Looking ahead, her plans are as expansive as they are grounded. In the next five years, she envisions expanding her brands internationally, bringing new innovations in beauty and healthcare to broader audiences. On a personal level, she aspires to continue evolving as a leader, a mother, and a global inspiration. She isn’t just aiming to scale markets, she wants to build a legacy that blends success with purpose, business with humanity. Social media, to her, is more than a promotional tool, it’s a responsibility. She sees it as a platform to spread positivity, kindness, and messages that go beyond beauty. Whether she’s encouraging self-love, promoting respect, or supporting humanitarian causes, she strives to make her voice meaningful. “Beauty fades, but the impact of compassion lasts forever,” she often reminds her community. By embracing all these roles, doctor, entrepreneur, influencer, mother, Dr. Kholoud shows us that modern success doesn’t demand a monolith of perfection. Instead, it’s about synergy, the blending of passion and service, of personal growth and collective uplift. She reminds us that being a public figure doesn’t mean abandoning authenticity, in fact, it’s an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a role model. Her digital presence backs all of this up with impressive reach. With over 11 million followers on Instagram, she’s among the most prominent social media personalities in the Arab world, her impact undeniable. From her Instagram bio (“Humanity Peace, founder of Karma Beauty Cosmetics, Kholoud Clinic”) to her feeds filled with daily reflections and family moments, she presents a balanced, heartfelt persona that resonates deeply. In a world quick to equate fame with superficial glamour, Dr. Kholoud stands out as a breath of authenticity. Her journey isn’t about the spotlight, it’s about using it. Whether she’s introducing skincare innovations, offering candid reflections on motherhood, or simply encouraging women to love themselves as they are, she does it with humility and vision. She’s not just a figure to follow but a story to learn from, one where beauty, wellness, and wisdom converge to nurture a more inclusive, confident future for women everywhere.