Such is the star power of the multi-talented Pharrell Williams, that for his debut show for Louis Vuitton menswear in Paris on Tuesday, the seating arrangement looked like a who's who of A-listers.
The runway was set in Pont Neuf in central Paris – for which part of the city had to be cordoned off. Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z arrived clad in bespoke Vuitton, and at the end of the show, Jay-Z stood up, shrugged off his Vuitton jacket, put on another and started rapping. Williams also joined him on stage.
Rihanna, the star of the first campaign under Williams, was also in attendance, her pregnant stomach on show, with her partner A$AP Rocky. Williams stopped and bowed to Rihanna during the finale of the show.
Also in attendance were Lenny Kravitz and Naomi Campbell, as well as Willow and Jayden Smith, plus basketball star LeBron James, who towered over the crowd. K-pop group Got7 members Jackson Wang and BamBam were also at the show, as was Yuta from NCT 127.
Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton was one of many that kept their sunglasses on all night, while British grime star Skepta arrived in a studded Vuitton top and trousers. Kim Kardashian wore a second skin, camo-print look, complete with cape, while the new house ambassador, Zendaya, arrived wearing head-to-toe print.
In a show of the diverse appeal of Williams – or was it the house? – retired New Zealand All Blacks captain Dan Carter and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami were also both at the show, while former creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati walked as a model.
For his finale, Williams repeatedly stopped and bowed to the crowd, before turning and acknowledging the Vuitton design team summoned on the runway.
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
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
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
What is tokenisation?
Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets.
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.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Company%20Profile
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THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
