Hello lovelies; there’s a strange, delicious pause in the air here in Beirut: daylight still carries a warm, late-summer glow even as nights begin to taste like autumn. The city feels like a soft in-between and the thrill of a cultural week that makes it feel newly alive. This week is especially busy: We Design Beirut brings design talks, exhibitions and studio tours across the city (check all the stories on the Shift Consultancy page), Divas exhibition at Sursock Museum and Beirut’s calendar is full of concerts, book fairs and food & drink events (Beyrouth Livres, AUB music events and more) that make walking around feel like an itinerary of small, perfect discoveries.
F for Facts/ Fun
Have you heard of BFF apps, are your dating preferences ageist, what is October theory and who was behind the Louvre heist?
F for Fashion
Riyadh Fashion Week ran from October 16–21, 2025, positioning the Saudi capital again as a major regional fashion moment; a six-day program of runways, presentations and curated showcases that blended couture, ready-to-wear and streetwear while putting Saudi and regional talent alongside international names.
Vivienne Westwood opened the week with a high-profile Middle East debut: a couture-leaning presentation that foregrounded hand embroidery and collaborations with local Saudi artisans (Art of Heritage projects and traditional techniques appeared throughout).
Stella McCartney closed RFW with a show that read as a manifesto for conscious luxury: considered materials, wearable tailoring and an eco-forward presentation (the brand reportedly left attendees with an “Eco Fact Sheet” underlining sustainability choices). The beauty direction favoured natural, effortless styles a soft, polished counterpoint to the extravagance elsewhere on the schedule.
Beyond the headline international names, Riyadh’s program doubled down on Saudi and MENA designers pushing heritage and innovation: Atelier Hekayat, Waad AlOqaili, Hindamme, Qormuz, Abadia and others brought couture silhouettes, dark-palette drama, and regional craft techniques (caped gowns, bold draping, embroidered surfaces). Several presentations focused on local storytelling — work that felt rooted in place and also staged for cross-border visibility. The week balanced spectacle with substance: while international brands brought press attention, local designers showed the depth of talent and the specific fashion language emerging from the Kingdom; silhouettes that read both ceremonial and modern, often leaning on texture and volume rather than on quick trend cycles.
We can’t forget also Gouna Film Festival ’s 8th edition opened last week (officially kicking off on October 16) with a star-studded program that mixed regional premieres, major international titles and plenty of red-carpet glamour. Highlights included a high-profile appearance by Cate Blanchett who was honoured during the festival and used her platform to spotlight refugee causes and a packed programme that features prize-winning auteur work and festival favourites from Cannes and Venice. Egyptian screen legend Yousra was celebrated with a major tribute marking 50 years of brilliance — an AI-powered exhibition (BRIDGE × Instagram) and a special ceremony that curated rare photos, posters and moments from her career. Critics have pointed to a strong, sometimes uncompromising film selection this year (themes of memory, exile and social critique recur).
The red-carpet at El Gouna this year was pure spectacle a mix of decadent gowns and quiet, modern statements that made the festival feel like the region’s definitive fashion moment. Designers from the region and beyond dressed the nights: standouts included sculptural and couture looks on stars like Tara Emad and Razanne Jamal, and plenty of editorial moments that Vogue Arabia and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia flagged as best-dressed.
F for Fitness / Health
5 signs you need to do mammogram before 40, Lagree or pilates, what is Norwegian 4×4 workout, what is power peeing and why should you avoid it, how to protect your muscle and metabolic health as you age and ar eyour muscles sign of wealth?
F for Food
Gluten free pumpkin muffins, pack your salads with protein with these combos, tahini loaded granola and how to make apple tarte tatin.
Until next week, InshAllah.
Stay Fabulous and updated; subscribe to my blog, my Instagram, and my Youtube channel, and follow my Instagram, Facebook, tiktok, Pinterest, threads and X pages. Don’t forget to shop my favorites from Revolve and Fwrd, Bokitta (Code PTITNFIT) and Lyra modest.
XOXO
La Petite, Hanine
Leave a comment