GYUNEL Couture Steps Out To Support The 5th Annual Global Gift Gala Dubai

The Global Gift Gala returned to Dubai for its 5th consecutive year on Friday, December 8, hosting an exceptionally successful event in the Palazzo Versace in aid of Dubai Cares, Harmony House and victims of hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Global Gift Foundation founder, Maria Bravo, gave a heartfelt speech, before the charity auction got underway, and guests were treated to a rousing rendition from internationally acclaimed soprano Seia Lee, accompanied by the Emirates Community Symphonic Orchestra and aspecial performance by 'Despacito' star Luis Fonsi. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised from the live auction, with an artwork by famed British artist Sacha Jafri taking the highest bid, while Michelin 2-star chef Mansour Memarian served his famous cuisine to the attendees. This year's event was kindly supported by GYUNEL Couture, who also donated a couture experience to the charity auction.


2017 is the 'Year of Giving' in the UAE, and in keeping with the motif 100% of funds raised during the Gala will go towards supporting programs in 5 different continents making it a truly global gala in partnership with Dubai Cares. Together with Global Gift Foundation, both entities will see projects in India (Harmony House), Europe, America and Asia benefitted, and a donation being made on behalf of Global Gift Foundation to Puerto Rico which was recently left devastated by Hurricane Maria.

"Dubai is our most important gala each year. Year after year it has received more and more traction, and this is thanks to having partners like the Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Cares and GYUNEL Couture onboard. Our gala provides a platform for diversification bringing people from every walk of life together for a common cause – help others. We have big performers lined up, loved actors, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, great auction items: all the necessary elements to ensure a fantastic event," said Global Gift Foundation's founder, Maria Bravo.


"We are proud to be taking part in this unique initiative and work with Global Gift Foundation towards providing children in developing countries with access to quality education through the design and funding of programs that are integrated, impactful, sustainable and scalable," said GYUNEL Couture's Creative Director, Gyunel. Understanding just how important giving back is, GYUNEL Couture has made it an integral part of its business model. In fact, a percentage from every couture piece sold goes directly to philanthropic causes that in turn invest in local NGOs, thus providing grassroots organisations the help they need to transform the lives of the world's most marginalised youth, and civil society as a whole.


For her onstage appearance and performance, Ms Seia Lee chose a GYUNEL Couture customised black duchess satin gown featuring rose gold geometric patches, with slim-fitting front and dramatic back train.

Eight Reasons Not To Miss Dubai Modest Fashion Week

Fresh from successful launches in Istanbul and London, highly anticipated Dubai Modest Fashion Week (DMFW) debuts on 8^th – 9^th December at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. Created by the founders of Think Fashion and Red Connect, the two-day event will include an action packed roster showcasing the latest modest fashion trends from an eclectic mix of established and emerging designers from across the globe.

Want to know why Dubai Most Fashion Week is the event every style savvy lady will be hitting this weekend? Try these eight reasons for size…

No. 1 - Spectacular opening show starring supermodel Halima Aden

Starting Modest Fashion Week off with a bang, hijab supermodel Halima Aden is set to star in the opening show – making it a must see event for any self-respecting fashionista. Widely known as the global face of modest fashion, Somalian-born Aden was famously discovered by Vogue Paris Editor Carine Roitfeld; and has graced the catwalks of mainstream fashion designers including Alberta Feretti and MaxMara as well as fronting campaigns for the likes of Nike. Don’t miss the chance to see her in action at the Modanisa Fashion Show 4:30pm – 4:50pm on December 8.

No. 2 - Meet famous faces of the modest fashion industry from across the globe 

With over 100 influencers and celebrities in attendance, it will be more unlikely not to spot a famous face at Dubai Modest Fashion Week. Coming from 5 continents across the globe, notable modest fashion names include hijab supermodel Halima Aden, British icon Dina Tokio, the face of modest fashion Mariah Idrissi, Bollywood celebrity Gauahar Khan, supermodel Tulin Sahin, British Miss Universe Muna Jama and well-known influencers Leena Asad, Melanie Elturk, Manal Rostom, Rumena Begum, Nabiilabee, Habiba da Silva, Sebinaah, Chinutay, Saufeeya Goodson and Safiyah El of Modestroute, Manal Rostom, and Soha MT amongst many others. If shaking a fashion icon’s hand is at the top of the ‘to do’ for the weekend, the Biggest Meet and Greet on December 9 at 8:45pm– 9:10pm is the perfect way to tick this off the #lifegoals list.

No. 3 - Inspirational talks from Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassemi & Dubai Design Fashion Council

Grab the chance to gain insight into the industry, learn secrets on the modest movement or simply get style tips from top bloggers at a roster of hotly anticipated inspirational talks and workshops taking place throughout the weekend. Featuring big names and experts in their field, the Talkshow Tent is the place to be for modest fashion fans and budding designers looking for ways to break into the multi-billion pound modest industry.

Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qassemi on behalf of The College of Fashion and Design will lead a talk show on The Evolution of Abaya - From Local to Global | December 8 from 5:00pm – 5:20pm. Speakers including hijab supermodel Halima Aden, Dina Tokio, Manal Rostom and Haifa Beisesso will take part in From Nike to The Cover of Vogue – Why Representation Matters | December 8 from 8:45pm – 9:10pm. A must see Fashion and Activism: Use Your Platform for Good will bring Sara Al Madani, Isra Chaker, Mariah Idrissi to the stage on December 9 on 1pm-1.25pm. Followed by Style Talks on the 9 December and The Fashion Panel led by Dubai Design Fashion Council and Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre takes place on December 9 at 6.45pm – 7.05pm.

No. 4 - Over 30 designers from across 5 continents and more than 20 countries

Bringing together the best in modest fashion, the two-day event will see over 30 top designers showcase under breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa. The talent-packed schedule includes the exclusive show of Modanisa.com, Muslima Wear, Selma Sarı and Raşit Bağzıbağlı, plus live shows from Hilal Oguzkan-talented Turkish designer,Anggia Handmade showing amazing embroidery works, Huw Roman - Japan’s leading modest fashion designer, prestigious leather bag label Doris Dorothea, iconic modest label Fllumae-USA, famous Kuwaiti brand Anotah, as well as contemporary ready-to-wear Malaysian label, aere,

and renowned German-designer Meriem Lebdiri’s brand Mizaan. The Emerging Modest Fashion Designer Award supported by The Modist will present the creative works of three finalists on the last show.

On day two see, luxury Australian-based brand Anjilla Seddeqi, teen brand from Canada- Yours Truly, and renowned local label Sara Al Madani presented by The College of Fashion and Design will be on show. The final day will also host an exclusive Wardah Beauty Show, featuring an array of favored modest designers worldwide; Etu, Ria Miranda, Norma Hauri, Zaskia Sungkar and Vogue Arabia’s ‘Modest Muse’ Dulce by Safiya Abdallah (UAE). The closing show will present one-to-watch Sumayya & SSS, Ajmal Perfumes presenting Annah Hariri, Miss Ayshe and India’s first abaya designer Murcyleen Peerzada presenting Bollywood celebrity Gauahar Khan.

No.5 - Get Artsy

As well as live shows and stimulating talks, DMFW will showcase a series of exhibitions dedicated to fashion, photography and painting. Drop by the Art Point between shows to check out the works of WWAGS, Run into Hijab, Mona Munshi, Silver & Soul, Imen Bousnina X Asma Aiad and captivating paintings from one-to-watch artist Sarah Kayed. 

No. 6 - Feel like a star for the weekend and walk the #DMFW red carpet 

Kick off Dubai Modest Fashion Week by walking the red carpet like a star, stopping along the way to snap the experience at one of the social media booths located throughout the entrance. After taking in the latest modest trends, visitors can kick back at the various majlis areas with eight food trucks from the likes of NKD pizza, Moshi Puffitos, Royal Crepe and The SPOT.

No. 7 - Show stopping performances from world famous music artists, including Hisham El Hajj 

Bringing Dubai Modest Fashion Week to an unforgettable close, the finale night will see the runway welcome Lebanese artist and world-famous musical icon, Hisham El Hajj. Joining him will be a host of other special guests including musician Salah Kurdi and Sara Elhani, along with Muslim Miss Universe Muna Jama amongst many others.

No. 8 - Entrance is FREE

The best part about Dubai Modest Fashion Week? It’s free. Pre-register now for fast track tickets by heading to www.dubaimodestfashionweek.com

Dubai Modest Fashion Week will take place at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai on Friday 8^th from 3.00pm – 10.00pm and Saturday 9^th December 2017 from 11.00am – 10.00pm. For full event schedule and to register for free entrance, visit Dubai Modest Fashion Week: www.dubaimodestfashionweek.com

Middle East Film and Comic Con 2018 Initial Guest List Announced!

The Middle East Film and Comic Con (www.mefcc.com), the ultimate pop culture convention in the Middle East, has announced its initial guest line up, including actors Karl Urban and Jason David Frank. Karl has played several beloved characters across genres, notably Doctor ‘Bones’ McCoy in the latest Star Trek trilogy, Eomer in the Lord of the Rings and Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok. Jason, meanwhile, has been fan-favourite from Power Rangers universe for over a decade.

For comic book fans, the 2018 MEFCC will provide the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the legendary Adam Kubert, one of the seminal artists in comic book fandom for his run on Wolverine, Weapon X, and Action Comics, among others. MEFCC 2018 promises fans a truly unique experience with exclusive merchandise, workshops and several fun activities.

Set to run from 5^th to 7^th April, 2018, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the seventh MEFCC promises to be the best yet, with an impressive roster of celebrities and great new features for the fans. Tickets are now on sale online and at Virgin Megastore outlets across the GCC, while a limited number of early bird passes can be bought exclusively at Games Con in Abu Dhabi this weekend (23^rd to 25^th November).

Ticket Prices

VIP - 3 DAY	500 AED
Gold- 3 DAY	250 AED
Bronze- 1 DAY	100 AED
Steel- Early Bird Limited (3 day)	200 AED