Rihanna has reportedly given birth. While her pregnancy might be over, the way she dressed her bump is bound to remain an inspiration for women the world over — and can even influence those who follow more modest codes of fashion, including this writer.
I’m currently in the second trimester of my second pregnancy. As my stomach grows larger, I’m looking at the maternity wardrobe from my first pregnancy with fresh, uninspired eyes. It basically comprised a pair of black Lululemon leggings, two sizes up, oversized boyfriend shirts and T-shirts bought from the men’s section of stores, along with a handful of voluminous maxi dresses.
Euphemistically, my former maternity wardrobe could be described “effortless tomboy” or “cottagecore chic”. In reality, I now think it was boring, baggy, unfestive and unflattering.
It sure was in stark contrast to Rihanna’s wardrobe. The musician and entrepreneur swathed her baby bump in strands of sequins, negligees, latex cropped tops and, sometimes, little more than belly chains or layers of chunky necklaces. While Rihanna’s maternity style was skin-baring, sexy and far from what I’d ever wear due to my own modesty guidelines, her approach of celebrating her bump, rather than hiding it, is nonetheless rubbing off on me.
So when I stepped into Zara this week, I purchased a form-fitting dress that gathers on the side that accentuate my bump while still covering my shoulders and ankles. It hangs in festive hues of tangerine and lime, both shades that radiate positivity and optimism — feelings that I hope to embody.
Pregnancy is, after all, a transformative stage filled with emotional ups and downs, not to mention an expanding body that can cause insecurities, frustrations and fitting challenges. Clothing that makes you feel good while also radiating confidence can be an instant mood-lifter, helping you wear your pregnancy with positivity, pride and gratitude.
Women who would rather not bare their skin can, nonetheless, take cues from Rihanna’s bold approach to maternity fashion, combining current style trends with the level of coverage they feel comfortable with.
Wrap dresses, for instance, may be a traditional maternity and post-pregnancy staple, but why not opt for one in a striking hue of Valentino pink or Bottega green, instead of overdone, matronly prints?
One can also look beyond oversized cotton T-shirts for day-to-day wear. Tops and dresses crafted from plisse textures and ribbed jerseys are all over the high street, and these textiles give shape and form. They’re also a great base for layering — if a ribbed design is too clingy for you, throw an unbuttoned shirt or shacket on top for extra coverage.
On-trend nap dresses, meanwhile, can be worn belted at the waist to give the body some shape, offering a happy marriage between comfort and style.
With so much talk about the “Covid baby boom,” I am hoping retailers will be motivated to amp up their maternity fashion marketing. The retail category is forecasted to reach $24.5 billion by 2025 according to MarketWatch, and thanks to the influence of Instagram culture and celebrities, brands are likely to become more trend-conscious when designing their maternity wear.
Yet, pregnant women should also know their wardrobes need not be limited by the “maternity” tag — and that they can easily still wear garments from a store’s regular range.
My plans this weekend include scouring the malls and my favourite online shopping sites for more fitted maternity tees that show off my bump, rather than oversized menswear that makes me look bulkier and boxier.
A sucker for a prairie dress, I’m seeking out silhouettes with flattering empire-waistlines a la Bridgerton, instead of shapeless sacks. I’m finding ways to be both feminine and modest while embarking on this new chapter of my motherhood journey.
So while our personal styles and aesthetics might be miles apart, I can certainly credit Rihanna for making me see maternity fashion in this new — and frankly empowering — light.
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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More on animal trafficking
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Company profile
Company name: Nestrom
Started: 2017
Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi
Based: Jordan
Sector: Technology
Initial investment: Close to $100,000
Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Teaching in coronavirus times
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
