Latest news with #KarenWazen
Emirates Woman
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
5 Arab brands with the best sunglasses to invest in
Fashion by Sarah Joseph 2 hours ago As peak sunglasses season will soon dawn upon us again, there are a host of sophisticated Arab eyewear brands that are sure to make a statement with every outfit during summer and beyond. From 2000's inspired shades to futuristic styles, each face is accentuated by the right shape of aviators as Emirates Woman has curated an edit of noteworthy eyewear brands to continually extend your support to. Karen Wazen Eyewear Several A-listers ranging from Kourtney Kardashian to Camila Coelho have been spotted wearing a pair of this brand's luxe sunglasses. The Dubai-based maven Karen Wazen has created a cult following with her namesake eyewear brand that launched in 2018. From trend-focused lenses with UV protection to styles varying from retro cat-eye to futuristic micro shades, we just can't get enough of all the diverse pieces this luxury brand produces. For more information or to make a purchase visit Amr Saad View this post on Instagram A post shared by amr saad (@amrsaadartisan) With sustainability at the core of this sunglasses brand, Amr Saad is an Egyptian brand that produces handcrafted eyewear and self-expression jewellery that is inspired by human stories. By embodying his artistic traits into each design, elements of the earth are portrayed through each conceptual design as an ode to timeless craftsmanship. It continues to forge a path against the world of mass production with pieces inspired from the 60s. For more information visit Alaïa View this post on Instagram A post shared by ALAÏA (@maisonalaia) With the label known to explore the Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaïa's heritage, which is a mix of classic and modern in a joyful celebration of unprecedented elegance is seen, the brand has a reputation for its originality and unique quality of design and craftsmanship. With a continuous devotion to the perfect shape, Maison Alaïa is constantly striving for perfection through each piece. For more information visit Port Tanger View this post on Instagram A post shared by Port Tanger (@porttanger) While seeking inspiration from the modern city of Tangier, this handcrafted eyewear line celebrates the DNA of its origins with Moorish architecture serving as a frame. Each pair is carefully curated by keeping Port Tanger's values in mind as it appreciates the pillars of nostalgia, tradition and craftsmanship, as several celebrities including A$AP Rocky and Imaan Hammam also being fans of the brand. For more information visit Ahlem Eyewear View this post on Instagram A post shared by AHLEM (@ahlem) Founded by Manai-Platt, originally of Tunisian descent, the Parisian brand, exudes simplistic elegance in all its forms, as there's enhanced attention to detail in every pair with the Ahlem eyewear gearing towards an innovative approach in their creations. Exuding the laidback nature of Venice Beach, the founder's values are stylishly approached through an edge for either everyday work or special occasions. Being worn by the likes of Robert Downy Jr. and Beyoncé, there are several noteworthy personalities that have been spotted in this covetable brand. For more information visit – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Instagram, Feature image: Instagram @ahlem
The National
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Karen Wazen named newest regional goodwill ambassador for UNHCR
Lebanese influencer Karen Wazen, known for her eponymous eyewear brand, has been named a regional goodwill ambassador for the United Nations refugee agency. To mark her appointment, she has launched a special Ramadan appeal for donations through her brand, with proceeds supporting the provision of life-saving assistance, including shelter, medicine, food and clean water to displaced families through the UNHCR. 'Being appointed as a UNHCR goodwill ambassador is an honour and a profound responsibility,' said Wazen, who has more than eight million followers on Instagram. 'I hope to capitalise on my platform to shed light on the struggles refugees face, inspire meaningful action and help those in need. 'Every contribution, no matter how small, can help restore hope and dignity to those who have lost so much.' As a goodwill ambassador, Wazen will use her platform to highlight the difficulties faced by forcibly displaced communities. She has been supporting the UNHCR since 2018, with her first visit to settlements in the north of Lebanon, where she met Syrian refugees. Since then, she has continued to support other UNHCR campaigns, including its global Ramadan campaign, winterisation campaign and emergency appeals such as during the Beirut blast and Bangladesh monsoon. Wazen joins a group of other goodwill ambassadors that includes Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett, Saudi singer and actress Aseel Omran and British actor Theo James. 'We are delighted to welcome Karen Wazen as UNHCR's goodwill ambassador,' said Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR's senior adviser and representative to the GCC. 'Her passion and commitment to the refugee cause will be instrumental in raising awareness about the plight of forcibly displaced people and mobilising essential support. We look forward to working closely with her to amplify the voices of displaced communities and advocate for their rights and well-being. 'In times of crisis, the strength of our humanity is revealed through collective action. We cannot but rely on the power of the community to provide hope and support to the most vulnerable forcibly displaced people. 'Every act of kindness in solidarity counts and has a direct impact on those in need. We hope that this Ramadan, through the many great initiatives, will yield hope and strengthen the sense of communities coming together.'
Arab News
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Karen Wazen on hand as Valentino hosts theatrical show in Paris
PARIS: Valentino paraded high fashion inside public toilets in one of the season's most provocative backdrops, especially for a house as classical as Valentino. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Lebanese influencer and eyewear designer Karen Wazen was on hand — decked out in an all-cream Valentino look, with polka dotted gloves to boot — as the likes of Chappell Roan, Parker Posey, Jared Leto and Barry Keoghan sat amid the crimson glow of the set. The meticulous recreation stayed true to the aesthetic of a communal toilet down to the tiling, soap dispensers, mirrors and endless rows of stalls, all bathed in an unsettling, almost seedy red light. Partly inspired by David Lynch, the space set the tone for Alessandro Michele's bold new vision. With a background in costume design, Michele infuses his collections with inspirations from theater and film, crafting narratives as much as he does garments. Michele often selects venues with deep historical or cultural significance — think palaces — so this public toilet setting was a clever subversion, even of his own signature style. The result? A show that explored the boundaries between public and private, intimacy and exposure, and the ever-blurred lines of identity in contemporary fashion. Models emerged from toilet cubicles, some stopping to inspect their faces in the mirrors, blurring the line between personal and performative. The clothes were pure theatricality: caps, hoods, and dark shades concealing the face, while sheer nude tops exposed the body, a direct contrast between covering up and revealing. Michele's designs are characterized by a kaleidoscopic mix of times and cultures, blending elements from different historical periods to create a unique aesthetic. He considers himself an 'art archaeologist,' exploring how adornment and embellishment have evolved over the centuries. The audience buzzed with excitement. 'He's upending Valentino in the same way Demna did at Balenciaga,' one front-row guest remarked. The applause was loud, the reaction immediate. This wasn't just a collection, it was a statement, disruptive and irreverent, pulling a classical house into new, unexpected territory.
Khaleej Times
07-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Khaleej Times
Why fine jewellery makes for an authentically Arabian brand extension
From marriage to children to milestone birthdays, over the last decade, we have witnessed the lives of the GCC and Levant's It girls-to-influencers evolve in the palm of our hands. And where once the nascent stars of blogs, Instagram and TikTok would convince us of the must-buy power of a new lipstick; today, with established life stories filling social media grids, they are finding success in more personal – and potentially, profitable – commercial ventures. I was working as a luxury magazine editor at the start of influencer culture in the 2010s – a time when our print advertising revenue became increasingly diverted to 20-something women posting about makeup and handbags for jaw-dropping sums of money. This worked, for a while, until discerning consumers started to question whether luxury goods were devalued by being promoted by someone on the basis of their social media following. We'd hear whispered reports of high net worth clients becoming repelled by brands gifting, and paying, influencers to promote high value products. Likewise, over time the women and men sharing their life stories with us looked for ways to leverage their followings beyond sponsored content. Now in their 30s, 40s and beyond, these first gen influencers – like their audience – desire authenticity in their digital and physical lives. A natural next step is to launch an eponymous product line; some finding global success, such as Huda Beauty, whose foray into strip lashes has become a world-leading cosmetics player, recently returned to full founder ownership. Similarly, Karen Wazen's Gen Z catnip cat-eye sunglasses (as worn by Beyoncé), with fashion jewellery and belts joining the Karen Wazen Collection. Beyond beauty and accessories, however, it can be challenging to formulate a physical fashion brand robust enough to survive the changing tides of trends. Over the years, we've had Noughties bootcut jeans (incidentally now back in style) designed by Dubai's Rima and Dina Zahran (more from Rima later), sharp-shouldered blazers by Saudi's Alanoud Badr, aka Fozaza, and everything in between. But to truly succeed and gain longevity, an influencer-driven fashion line needs a strong manufacturing partner. Denmark's Rotate Birger Christensen has managed this brilliantly by harnessing the Fashion Week peacocking of its glamorous stylist founders and turning it into accessible partywear, backed by a 150- year-old Copenhagen fashion giant. While 150-year-old fashion firms have yet to exist, let alone wield manufacturing clout, in the GCC, the region does have incredibly strong heritage in fine jewellery, from the gold souqs to the family firms established during the 20th century. With a wealth of local craftsmanship on our doorstep, local tastemakers have a unique opportunity to parlay their audience connection into lasting jewellery pieces that cement that bond. It may seem contradictory that the transience of digital storytelling should translate effectively into the permanence of fine jewellery, and yet the deep intimacy of sharing your life online weaves into precious mementos with ease. In November 2022, Dubai-based Palestinian fashion designer-cum-influencer Rima Zahran launched her eponymous fine jewellery brand RZ by Rima Zahran with just one design; a heart-shaped locket bracelet that harks back to a piece she had made as a teenager who longed to fit in. Subsequent designs include a key pendant representing those worn by displaced Palestinian refugees as a symbol of the hope to return home. Of late, international fine jewellery brands have come around to the power of Middle Eastern celebrity. Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram has been the face of Tiffany & Co since 2023, while Cartier dresses Egyptian actor Tara Emad (it has previously worked with Yasmine Sabri, although Sabri has more recently been associated with Chopard). Yet, there is something intensely personal and heartfelt about local creations, such as Zahran's – which are modelled by her and her female family members – that goes beyond a billboard or red carpet association. Zahran has succeeded in translating her personal brand into a physical, precious product that deeply resonates with her online following. She is also able to mine a sweet spot of pricing; the clear blue water between the anonymity of gold souq offerings and international powerhouse marques. Leveraging local expertise in jewellery creation, and layering on individual heart, regional pride and intimate insights, Middle Eastern fashion influencers transforming digital currency into carats look set to shine brightly.
Emirates Woman
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
Heaven Mayhem to Karen Wazen: 10 cool-girl sunglasses
Fashion by Camille Macawili 36 seconds ago While bright and warmer days are on the horizon, sunglasses are a must-have all year long. Sleep deprived from staying up all night during Ramadan? Going incognito for your afternoon matcha run? Want to look cool without making much of an effort? This accessory is a non-negotiable when you're living in the Middle East region – and it's that time of the year to overhaul your rotation. Here, we've scoured the web for affordable sunglasses from the likes of celebrity and influencer favourites: Vehla, Karen Wazen, to the just-launched category from Heaven Mayhem, and more. From cat-eye to oval-shaped, scroll through find the most coveted pairs of expensive-looking sunnies – all under AED800. Style Note: Heaven Mayhem's Margaux sunglasses complements the angles of a smaller oval-shaped face. Margaux Dhs671 Heaven Mayhem available at Style Note: These D-frame gold-tone pair are universally flattering – and an affordable alternative to Bottega Veneta's Classic Aviator Sunglasses! Vista Dhs695 COS available at Style Note: Add this oversized pair with burgundy frames and green-tint lenses to your sunnies rotation for an instant dose of cool. Kaia Dhs770 Vehla available at Style Note: Can't get a pair of those coveted Chrome Heart sunglasses? This pair from & Other Stories are in stock and retail for a fraction of the price. Frameless Rectangular Sunglasses Dhs180 & Other Stories available at Style Note: This oval-framed pair lends a retro flair – the perfect finishing touch to your office siren look. Small Oval Sunglasses Dhs429 Massimo Dutti available at Style Note: Looking for an alternative for the 'It' Miu Miu sunglasses? Say no more. This pair from Karen Wazen is your next best alternative. Oval-Frame Sunglasses Dhs675 Karen Wazen available at Style Note: Channel your inner Rosie Huntington-Whiteley with these oversized rectangular pair. Rectangular-Frame Sunglasses Dhs299 Mango available at Style Note: This burgundy-brown pair is a chic addition to your sunnies roster. Vittoria Dhs746 Heaven Mayhem available at Style Note: In a sea of black sunglasses, brown is a fail-safe option without going overboard. Mocha Mousse is the colour of the year after all. Outta Love Dhs263 Le Specs available at Style Note: The small rectangular frames have been spotted on the likes of Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber – need I say more? The Monroe Dhs283 Banbe available at – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Instagram @heavenmayhem_ @bykarenwazen
