lifestyle SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

Features New York Fashion Week Rihanna puts the sexy into sweats in NY runway debut

arbadian superstar Rihanna, feted as much for her The Canadian-Taiwanese designer entitled “immaculate” daring style as her vocal chords, closed out day two the collection of his eponymous label at Fashion Week, Bof New York Fashion Week by unveiling a debut col- where he is also making an appearance as artistic director lection for Puma that put the sexy into sweatpants. of womenswear at Hugo Boss. There was an impeccably Following in the footsteps of music star Kanye West, cut navy dress with a round neck, a black dress with plung- who on Friday booked out Madison Square Garden to ing decolletage embellished with a blue fur collar and a parade his Yeezy Season 3, “RiRi’s” first catwalk collabora- long-sleeve knit dress with bare shoulders and a plunging tion with the German brand has been one of the most hot- neckline. “The idea is about these immaculately dressed ly anticipated celebrity-link up of fashion week. women. I wanted to address the idea of the wardrobe and It was a high-energy catwalk presentation that blended thinking about what she wants and what she covets, and the singer’s love of sportswear with sexy: thigh-high black that’s really important for me,” Wu said. boots, hoodies, thongs and sports jackets turned into “It’s not about a seasonal trend particularly, it’s not strapless dresses zipped down the front. The palette was about day or evening, it’s just beautiful clothes that fill her monochrome: black and white and the music backdrop rel- wardrobe.” With an unusual nod to, if not austerity then at atively restrained giving pride of place to the clothes-mar- least sensible purchases, the designer said the Wu woman keted as “Fenty X Puma.” of fall/winter 2016 did not want to splurge thousands of Los Angeles model of the moment Gigi Hadid was dollars on a one-season wonder. transformed into a vampish vision in black, draped in an “She wants things that can stand the test of time,” Wu oversized black textured hoodie as she stomped down the said backstage after the show. “I think she wants quality, mirrored set adorned with tree trunks. Hoodies were re- and she wants to be sexy and feminine and sophisticated, imaged as shearling, with oversized baggy boots and but she wants that refinement.” Wu shot to global promi- shearling backpacks. There was a Gothic twist and at the nence aged 26 when he dressed Obama in a stunning end, Rihanna appeared for a brief wave. white creation for her husband’s first inaugural ball in The catwalk was broadcast simultaneously on her January 2009 — as feat he matched at the couple’s second Facebook page, where it was viewed more than half a mil- in 2013. — AFP lion times in just two hours. It was a more refined affair over at Jason Wu, the wunderkind best known for dressing Michelle Obama, who presented a sophisticated collection designed to cultivate loyalty from illustrious clients. FENTY PUMA by Rihanna is modeled during New York Fashion Week.

Rihanna attends the FENTY PUMA by Rihanna fashion show at 23 Wall A model displays fashions during the Fenty PUMA by Rihanna show Gigi Hadid walks in the FENTY PUMA by Rihanna Rihanna greets the audience after Street. during the Fall 2016 New York Fashion Week. — AP/AFP photos show during New York Fashion Week. FENTY PUMA by Rihanna show.

HOME CENTRE ROLLS OUT ‘THE SEASON’S LATEST’ COLLECTION HANDPICKED BY NANCY AJRAM

ome Centre, the largest home Mederic Payne, CEO of Home Centre, retailer in the Middle east, said: “Home Centre strategizes ahead in Hbrought to life their latest brand order to meet the expectations of the campaign ‘The Season’s Latest’ this global audience shopping in the region, February. The vibrant collection is hand- who seek to refresh their homes. We are picked by their brand ambassador and excited about this campaign and espe- Arabic superstar Nancy Ajram. Featuring cially delighted by the selections made a wide range of furniture and home by Nancy Ajram, as they not only reflect accessories, the collection offers a revital- Nancy’s exceptional style, but Home izing spectrum of the latest trends and Centre’s as well”. colors, comprising of classic and contem- Commenting on the brand campaign, porary styles. Nancy Ajram said: “I’m happy to be asso- Through ‘The Season’s Latest’ cam- ciated with a brand such as Home Centre paign, Home Centre reflects the brand’s because of what they represent. Being a principal message of ‘making people love house-proud individual myself, I take coming back home’. The stylish selec- special care in regularly decorating my tions by Nancy Ajram mirror the themes - home. With new styles, colors and ‘Avant Pop’ and ‘New Classic’, both of designs, Home Centre’s latest collection which guarantee to bring a splash of col- is a breath of fresh air. I look forward to or and novelty to homes across the sharing my favorite choices from their region. newest collection with customers across An ultra-contemporary and quirky the region to enjoy and introduce into theme, ‘Avant Pop’ brings a colorful and their homes”. fun, summery feel to the home and is Home Centre’s collection is available characterized by abstract shapes, bold now across all Home Centre stores, and colors, polka dots and small geometrics. those looking to rejuvenate their homes New Classical on the other hand, sees a can choose from pristine choices to uplift blend of the past and future on a classic their rooms with the season’s joyful European style. Opulent decor with a colours and trends. modern twist is what comprises this col- lection.