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Egyptian actress Rania Youssef wore this dress. Now she faces jail time.

Egyptian actress Rania Youssef is facing possible jail time for wearing a revealing dress at the closing ceremony of this year’s Cairo International Film Festival, reported the New York Times.

The actress is accused of violating Egyptian morality by wearing a revealing outfit that could “incite debauchery.”

If convicted, Youssef could face a possible five-year jail term. Her trial is set for January 12.

This lacy, black dress is at the center of a criminal case in Egypt involving actress Rania Youssef. (Facebook/Cairo International Film Festival)
This lacy, black dress is at the center of a criminal case in Egypt involving actress Rania Youssef. (Facebook/Cairo International Film Festival)

The bizarre case is one of many unconventional prosecutions in Egypt under the authoritarian rule of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

In June, a Lebanese tourist was arrested for “insulting Egypt” on a Facebook Live video. She was sentenced to 8 years in jail over comments about sexual harassment and poor conditions in the conservative nation.

RELATED: Lebanese tourist arrested for ‘insulting Egypt’ on Facebook

Her sentence was cut short in September after she was freed and deported back to Lebanon.

In Youssef’s dilemma, the likeliness of prosecution is still not known. The morality-focused cases attempt to police clothing and behavior within Egyptian culture and society.

Most of these cases are unsuccessful.

Youssef has since apologized and insisted she did not mean any harm in wearing the controversial black dress.

“I didn’t expect this reaction, and if I had known, I wouldn’t have worn this dress,” the actress said in a statement.

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 Entertainment

Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra wows in dress by Lebanese designer

Strutting down the streets of Amsterdam, Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra stopped her Instagram fans mid-scroll early November when she posted photos of herself in a heavenly-looking feathered dress by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra.

Chopra, who is set to marry American singer and former boyband member Nick Jonas, was in the Netherlands celebrating her days as a #bachelorette before her upcoming nuptials.

According to Emirates Woman, Chopra enjoyed another bachelorette celebration at Tiffany & Co. in New York City before flying out to party with more close friends in the Dutch city.


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Featherweight Champion of the world… #Bachelorette #FauxNotFur @georgeschakraofficial

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She paired her intricate Chakra-designed mini dress with a white faux fur coat and classic red-bottomed Christian Louboutin heels. Covered in crystals, a curtain of delicate white feathers fanned out from the dress.

“Featherweight Champion of the world… #Bachelorette #FauxNotFur @georgeschakraofficial,” the actress captioned her glamour shots.

Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra is set to marry former 'Jonas Brothers' boyband member Nick Jonas. (Facebook/Priyanka Chopra)
Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra is set to marry former ‘Jonas Brothers’ boyband member Nick Jonas. (Facebook/Priyanka Chopra)

The Lebanese fashion house later re-posted Chopra’s photos on its Instagram account, and added that the “white long sleeve beaded cocktail dress with feather detailing and long sleeved feather duster” came from the Georges Chakra Couture 2018 Collection.

According to Georges Chakra’s website, the designer began his work in “war-clad Beirut” and set up a small studio in his home’s living room before expanding his workshop to Paris in 2002. He then debuted his first collection on the French runway for Haute Couture Fashion Week.

His work has also been featured in the 2006 movie “The Devil Wears Prada,” and his ready-to-wear-line, Edition by Georges Chakra, was launched and presented at New York’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in 2009, his site said.

Chakra’s elaborate work and haute couture designs have since become a favorite among actresses and pop stars across the globe, his site said, and his work often turns heads at couture shows during Paris Fashion Week.

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 Lifestyle

Queen Rania dresses in classic shirt by Lebanese designer

Queen Rania of Jordan looked glamorous in a balloon short sleeve shirt styled by Lebanese fashion designer Maison Makarem.

The queen wore the classic white shirt while accompanying King Abdullah II of Jordan to visit the Jordanian national martial arts team. The team recently participated in the Asian Games in Indonesia, and brought home 12 medals.

Queen Rania wore a classic white shirt by Lebanese fashion designer Maison Makarem. (The Royal Hashemite Court)
Queen Rania wore a classic white shirt by Lebanese fashion designer Maison Makarem. (The Royal Hashemite Court)

According to its website, Maison Makarem was launched in 2015 by political science graduate Layal Makarem. The fashion studio has grown quickly, and is working on opening a new studio and creative space in Beirut.

In a Facebook post, Maison Makarem said this is the fourth time Queen Rania appeared in public wearing from Maison Makarem.

“The Maison Makarem team and founder, Layal Makarem, are beyond honored, humbled and grateful to Her Majesty Queen Rania for believing in the vision of Maison Makarem and the cycle of goodness and giving back that we chose to be part of,” the post added.

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 Entertainment

Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie wears Elie Saab dress on wedding day

Game of Thrones actress Rose Leslie wore a stunning dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab for her wedding to English actor and producer Kit Harington.

Leslie, who plays Ygritte in the Game of Thrones series, wore a beautiful gown featuring lace sleeves, a tight waist and trailing veil. She also carried a white bouquet, and wore a white floral crown.

A wedding was held Saturday in Aberdeenshire, Scotland area. The wedding reception was held at Leslie’s family estate, Lickleyhead Castle, in the Aberdeenshire village of Auchleven.

Photo posted on Kit Harington's Instagram page reads, "Mr. and Mrs. Harington." (Instagram/Kit Harington)
Photo posted on Kit Harington’s Instagram page reads, “Mr. and Mrs. Harington.” (Instagram/Kit Harington)

Leslie and Harington met while on the set of the HBO show in 2012. Harington plays the role of Jon Snow, King of the North, in Game of Thrones.

Co-stars Peter Dinklage, Sophie Turner and Emilia Clarke were spotted at the wedding, among a list of other A-list celebrities.

?❤️ . #roseleslie #kitharington #couple #wedding

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Lebanese designer Elie Saab has dressed major VIPs, including Queen Rania of Jordan, Angelina Jolie, Celine Dion and Taylor Swift.

Saab has a main workshop in Lebanon, with other locations in Milan and Paris. His couture collections are available in Paris, London and Beirut, with clothing sold in more than 160 global retailers.

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 Lifestyle

How to dress like a local in Beirut — for any occasion!

Fashion is a big deal in Beirut — and looking good can go a long way!

Whether you’re visiting Beirut for pleasure or business, here’s how to look fashionable for all occasions.

1. Business trips

For the guys, two-button suits in navy or black with designer belts and loafers are recommended if you are in town for business, Business Insider reports.

The Lebanese are big on designer brands, and bigger branded logos are always a plus.

Finally, don’t forget to accessorize! A nice watch, sunglasses and pocket square can make you stand out.

For ladies, a solid-colored dress looks classy and keeps you cool in the scorching sun.

Top it off with a nice designer bag or sunglasses, and you’re good to go.

Pro tip: Zara stores are a great place to shop for any business occasion.

2. Casual strolls

If you just want to walk the streets or go out with friends, a nice shirt with some designer jeans will do nicely.

Women certainly have a few more options to choose from. Nice jeans, shorts, skirts, a summer dress — pretty much anything goes.

But to stand out, don’t forget to accessorize!

RELATED: How to get ready for a day at the beach in Lebanon

3. Parties and clubs

It’s all about the skin at Beirut’s hottest clubs!

A crop top and skirt is a common sight at a Beirut club.

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Flashy dresses, heavy makeup and heels are also a dime a dozen.

For the guys, tighter dress shirts are always appropriate. If you have the build, don’t be afraid to show it off.

4. Formal gatherings

For fancier evening events and galas, CNTraveler recommends draped gowns made by local designers like Rabih Kayrouz or Krikor Jabotian.

Custom-tailored suits and designer names can be found at these men’s locations.

If you need to go shopping while in the capitol, check out Beirut Souks or your nearest shopping mall.

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 Lifestyle

How to get ready for a day at the beach in Lebanon

It’s summer in Beirut, and there is no better place to spend the season than at one of Lebanon’s best beaches!

Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of your time.

First, you have to pick the right spot! If you’re ready to spend big bucks, perhaps you can consider booking a chalet ahead of time.

Some of the best beaches in Lebanon are known for their luxury and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Consider trying something new with:

Next, you need to figure out what to wear.

For the men: skip the board shorts, baggy fits and tacky patterns and stick with a stylish swimsuit with a solid or simple pattern.

Happiest bday @gracekouyoumjian ❤️ when clients become family!

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Beirut.com recommends women try something a little different and uncomfortable!

Off-shoulder shapes and textured fabrication are all back in style for the summer.

And while on the way there and back, pick a nice summer dress or tank top to stay comfortable.

Like this picture?!

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Finally, don’t forgot to bring your shades and radio speakers!

If you’re into drinking, a nice cold pack of Almaza will do nicely in the summer heat.

Sometimes bada #almaza ?

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RELATED: How to dress like a local in Beirut — for any occasion!

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 Entertainment

Lebanese beauty blogger Maya Ahmad lives it up at Coachella

Lebanese Instagram star and beauty blogger Maya Ahmad partied hard at the Coachella music and arts festival in Indio, California.

The YouTube and Instagram star, who has more than half a million subscribers and 1.1 million followers, posted a photo on her Instagram page dressed in denim shorts and a cropped neck top.

The Coachella festival is one of the largest, most profitable music festivals in the world. It features artists from many genres of music, including rock, indie, hip hop and electronic dance movement.

maya ahmad coachella lebanese beauty blogger

A post shared by M A Y A (@themayaahmad) on Apr 15, 2018 at 2:36pm PDT

Maya’s Instagram post said, “#Coachella Day 2. Still not over Beyonce.” Beyonce was one of many well-known performers at the festival.

To see more of Maya’s page, click here.

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 Lifestyle

Lebanese designer launches new ‘angelic’ collection

A Beirut-based fashion studio is catching eyes worldwide after its launch of a glitzy new ‘angelic’ collection of designer dresses.

Lebanese designer Mohammed Ashi is the brains behind the ice-white patterns and intricate embroidery. He has dressed A-list celebrities on the red carpet, including singers Celine Dion and Janelle Monae.

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Ashi’s latest design is described on Instagram as “The Girl on the Moon.” The launch comes months before Paris Fashion Week, which is set to begin on February 27, 2018.

The Ashi brand was launched in 2007 to “tell fairy tales through every meticulously hand crafted design,” according to its website.

Ashi’s biography says he is “attached to his Arab roots yet inspired by diverse cultures.”

For more information on the Ashi brand, click here.

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 News

LAU awards Lebanese designer Elie Saab with honorary doctorate

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Lebanese American University Business School during their commencement ceremony over the weekend.

“When I started my career 33 years ago I had a burst of energy and determination to succeed,” Saab said during the ceremony, according to Beirut-based newspaper The Daily Star.

Saab, 50, was born in Beirut, where he launched his fashion label at age 18. Saab credits a “result of work and effort,” but admits that times have changed.

Saab said his interest in fashion started when he was 9-years-old, when he began making clothes for his sisters.

“Nowadays your future lies in education, which will help you fulfill your dreams,” Saab said. “Your degree is your key to the real world.”

In 2013, LAU teamed up with Saab to launch the university’s first English-language bachelor’s degree in fashion design. The program continues in collaboration with Saab’s brand and the London College of Fashion.

“This honorary degree has increased my responsibility,” Saab added, “I thank (LAU President Joseph) Jabra for the trust he put in me and I wish students all the luck and success.”

Saab is originally from Damour, a southern coastal Beirut suburb, but currently owns homes in Gemmayze, Rabieh, and Faqra. He also owns properties in France and Switzerland.

Saab has dressed over 150 international celebrities for key global events over the past year.

His creations can be found all over the world, with boutiques located in Beirut, Dubai, Doha, Paris, London, Geneva, Hong Kong, and Mexico. Saab has 100 retail outlets all over the world.

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Lebanese fashion designer Basil Soda dies at 47

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanese fashion designer Basil Soda, 47, died at a Beirut hospital on Monday after a two-year battle with a medical illness, according to media reports.

Soda was known for quickly spreading into international fashion markets after launching his high-profile fashion line in 2001. Years later, several American celebrities wore his signature line at red carpet events, attracting global attention and soaring his brand.

Soda studied architecture at Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, and opened his first atelier in Sin El Fil in 2009, where he employed over 150 tailors and garment workers to cater to private clientele.

“We are sorry to announce the loss of Basil Soda, the great international designer, he who built his company single-handedly from the ground up,” the company said in a statement. “A great man who will always be remembered for his craft and beautiful soul.”

Soda has dressed Katy Perry, Guliana Rancic, Marion Cotillard, and Emily Blunt, among others. His brand has locations in major cities around the world, including New York, Vienna, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Toronto.

His ready-to-wear collection launched in 2010 in major international markets with high price tags starting at over $2,000.

The average price for a ready-to-wear evening dress costs around $3,000, according to fashion experts.

The nature of his illness was not revealed, however some media reports said he died from cancer.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at Our Lady of Annunciation in Beirut.

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