Missed out on the fashion chatter this week? We’ve got you covered. Every week, our inbox is flooded with hundreds of press releases, but we made it our mission to sift through all the noise so you don’t have to. Here’s your quick recap of all the key fashion news from April 12 to 18, served up in bite-sized pieces so you can catch up fast…
Okhtein Makes Saudi Debut
Okhtein just touched down in Riyadh. The cult Egyptian brand, founded by sisters Mounaz and Aya Abdelraouf, has opened its first flagship store in Kingdom Mall, serving up luxe accessories with a side of heritage. Think handcrafted pieces that blend traditional Egyptian techniques with modern glam. The launch, done in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority, was co-hosted with Saudi entrepreneur Mariam Moussali. The store promises a curated shopping experience, complete with limited-edition pieces and personalized service. To mark the occasion, an exclusive event on April 14 brought together Saudi royals, regional style icons, and Egyptian stars like Dina El Sherbiny and Amina Khalil, followed by a private dinner at Carbone Riyadh.
Azza Fahmy’s New Chapter? A Beach Club
Azza Fahmy is heading to the North Coast, but not in the way you’d expect. The iconic Egyptian design house is partnering with MARAKEZ to open a bespoke beach clubhouse at Ramla in Ras El Hekma, set to launch in summer 2026. Blending contemporary elegance with heritage-inspired design, the space will span 750 sqm and offer a curated experience that goes beyond sun and sea. From exclusive retail drops to architectural details rooted in Azza Fahmy’s signature craftsmanship, the clubhouse is designed as a space where design, culture, and community come together. For MARAKEZ, it’s part of a wider mission to build immersive destinations. For Azza Fahmy, it’s a natural evolution—bringing its storytelling ethos into a new, experiential space.
Ounass Just Made Shopping Easier Than Ever for Tourists
Ounass is changing the game for online luxury shopping in the UAE. In an exclusive partnership with Planet Tax Free, the homegrown e-commerce platform has become the first in the region to offer VAT refunds to tourists shopping online. Yes, really. Until now, VAT refunds were limited to in-store purchases—but thanks to this new digital rollout, international shoppers on Ounass can now claim their refunds with just a few clicks and a quick ID check at delivery. The process wraps up at a Planet counter before departure, where tourists can choose from refund options like card, cash, or digital wallets. The pilot phase is currently live for customers in Dubai across web and app, with plans to expand soon across the UAE. As the first country in the world to extend VAT refunds to e-commerce, the UAE is once again leading the charge in digital innovation—this time, with Ounass at the forefront.
De Beers Begins Middle East Expansion With Dubai Flagship
De Beers just opened the doors to its dazzling new flagship in Dubai Mall—and it’s every bit as exquisite as you’d expect. In partnership with Chalhoub Group, the iconic jewelry house brings its signature blend of diamond mastery and contemporary elegance to the UAE, marking a major milestone in its regional expansion. The boutique, located in the Grand Atrium of Dubai Mall, is a carefully curated space where craftsmanship meets innovation. With curated collections like the Talisman (notably the first to blend rough and polished diamonds), the Enchanted Lotus, and De Beers RVL, the store offers a lens into how the brand is pushing traditional codes of fine jewelry toward more personal and symbolic territory.
Van Cleef & Arpels and Tashkeel Celebrate 10 Years of the Emergent Designer Prize
To mark 10 years of nurturing regional talent, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tashkeel are celebrating the Emergent Designer Prize with a special exhibition at Tashkeel Nad Al Sheba. Since 2013, the prize has championed designers from across the GCC, pushing functional design rooted in storytelling, sustainability, and local heritage. This year’s winning piece—Dhow Kite by Emirati designer Hajar Al Tenaiji—pays tribute to the UAE’s maritime past, while other standout works explore nature, materiality, and movement. With winners gaining access to Van Cleef & Arpels’ L’ÉCOLE in Dubai and Paris, the initiative continues to shape the next generation of designers in the region.