In recent weeks, life in the Gulf has returned to a familiar rhythm. Evenings out with friends, school runs, the simple pleasures of moving through the day without interruption – all of it feels newly appreciated. The situation remains uncertain, but living here teaches you something constant – optimism has a way of finding its footing. In times like these, people come together with a generosity that feels instinctive. In this spirit, our May issue looks at how fashion and culture react to the times – offering not just an escape, but a way to process and move forward.
We spotlight Lebanese cellist Mahdi Sàhêli, whose haunting performance of Andantino from Aram Khachaturian, played atop rubble following Israeli strikes in Beirut, became a viral moment across the region and beyond. In an emotional account, he shares what compelled him to express himself in this way. “When I stood on the street, surrounded by destruction, the silence was unbearable. Not literally, because war is never truly quiet, but in the moral absence that follows. I took the cello there because it was the most honest response I had,” Sàhêli reflects.
Elsewhere, art takes on a more literal form through Youssef Nabil, who becomes the first Arab artist to exhibit at the Musée d’Orsay. Known for his hand-painted photographs, his work draws on cinema while engaging with Orientalist imagery through a distinctly personal lens. His landmark exhibition, To Dream Again, marks a defining milestone for regional representation. “I remember my younger self… and now 30-something years after… the museum is showing me as an artist,” shares Nabil. Closer to home, Art Dubai marks its 20th anniversary this May, reflecting its growth alongside the city’s cultural landscape. A longstanding fixture in the regional calendar, this year’s edition adopts a scaled-back format, responding to the current scenario while continuing to bring together artists, collectors and audiences.“In times of crisis, culture is not just another add-on because it is often the thing that people turn to for renewal and healing,” says Alexie Glass-Kantor, executive director, curatorial at Art Dubai.
Within the architectural realm, we visit Venice, where Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d’Amman completes the restoration of one of the city’s most storied palazzos, now unveiled as the Orient Express Venezia Hotel. Nearly a decade in the making, the project reveals interiors rich in texture – from walls draped in pastel silk moiré to Murano glass chandeliers and Fortuny lighting – creating a dialogue between history and contemporary design. “There are truly layers of surprises… You discover something new every time and it keeps you in a permanent state of wonder,” adds d’Amman.
Across fashion, the focus turns to identity and expression. In London, a group of creatives approach modest dressing on their own terms – not as something separate from the mainstream, but as part of the same fashion language. Covering up becomes both instinctive and expressive, rooted in identity while allowing room to experiment and engage with the season’s mood.
Meanwhile, the apex of fashion’s global calendar, the Met Gala once again takes its place as the industry’s most anticipated event. This year’s theme, Costume Art, draws parallels between fashion and art, erasing the distinction between the two. “In a way fashion is beyond art. It embodies our lived experience. It’s the only art form that does that,” says Andrew Bolton in the issue, the institute’s curator in charge.
Ahead of its highly anticipated release, The Devil Wears Prada 2 returns to a fashion universe that captured the zeitgeist – where cerulean monologues and Chanel boots became part of the cultural lexicon. We speak to the film’s costume designer, Molly Rogers, as she breaks down each character through dress. “Things needed to not be part of a trend. I had to pull back on pieces I knew wouldn’t hold up for the next 20 years, no matter how much it hurt to send some items back. The looks needed to last,” explains Rogers, who was also involved in the styling of Sex and the City.
Meanwhile, in beauty, maximalism takes centre stage, as bold make-up returns with renewed energy. Moving away from the pared-back “clean girl” aesthetic, faces become a space for colour, texture and embellishment – from glitter and high-shine finishes to expressive, painterly hues. The result is a more playful, self-defined approach to beauty, where impact takes precedence.
As always, Vogue Arabia continues to champion women who lead with purpose and individuality. Our cover star is Priyanka Chopra Jonas, whose career spans Bollywood, Hollywood, fashion and her humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. And of course, her most important role – a mother. That balance between strength and vulnerability comes to the forefront in her latest project, The Bluff, where she steps into one of her most physically demanding roles to date. “Personally, as a mother, it’s about how far a woman would go to protect her family. What would you do to protect your children? And that was what really fed me in this part,” she says.
The actress reflects on her journey, recalling how in her early days she struggled to master dance sequences – a fairly critical part of being in Bollywood. But there’s little she can’t do; she immersed herself in the art, practising for hours each day. The rest is history, as she rose to the status of a global star. Today, she moves between India and the United States, balancing life across both worlds. “It’s very important for Nick and me that our daughter grows up in this multicultural way,” she says. At home, that balance is shared, with Nick Jonas taking an active role in raising their daughter. That sense of family runs deep – particularly in the memory of her late father. “When my father started to feel unwell, he was told to wear an emerald to help ease his pain. I lost my dad in 2013 and after that I’ve always worn this same stone every day of my life. It holds a very special significance. I feel my father is close to me.”
We also catch up with Nour Ali, whose recent role in the Ramadan series Mawlana has further cemented her presence across the region. At a point of evolution in her career, she reflects on her trajectory and the choices ahead. “I’m going through a phase of repositioning myself… with a focus on quality over quantity,” she says.
And then there’s Nour Yahya, who made history as the first Sudanese model to walk for Chanel during Paris Fashion Week. Born and raised in Sudan, her journey reflects a determined pursuit of opportunity beyond borders. She speaks candidly about her journey – on navigating harsh comments on her appearance and body – and confronting them through self love. “I maintain my identity, natural beauty and values, and I believe that self-confidence and embracing who you are ultimately reflect onto those around you,” she says.
Finally, in Jordan, a group of women are making it their mission to protect marine life while opening up diving to others. Through Project Sea, what began as individual efforts has grown into a movement tackling marine waste along the coast of Aqaba, while encouraging more women to enter the field. “All of our dives have at least 50 per cent female attendants. Female-only dives are a regular occurrence, too,” says cofounder of Project Sea, Beisan AlSharif. Together, they work to safeguard the ocean while building a more inclusive diving community.
As always, purposeful storytelling is embedded in our DNA. Whether it’s an Arab artist breaking new ground, an actress expanding the scope of her craft, or women driving change within their communities, every story carries meaning. All of it is accompanied by the most beautiful fashion spreads of the season.
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