Latest news with #CosmoME
Cosmopolitan ME
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
POV: you're watching Yasmina Moonlight's rise in real time
In a world that moves at the speed of a scroll, Yasmina Moonlight stands still. The Tajik singer, who first captured hearts on The X Factor with her viral performance of Nasini El Donya, is not chasing the noise, she's building something intentional. As she steps into her moment, Yasmina opens up to Cosmo ME about feminine power, self-trust, and the quiet kind of confidence that doesn't demand attention, but earns it. Top and trousers: The Kript Earrings: Elisabetta Franchi Bangle: COS Shoes: Joanna Heeled Sandals in Gold, Sam Edelman Cosmo: Yasmina, you're the cover star of our Summer Issue! What does this cover mean to you at this point in your journey? Yasmina: This cover is such an unforgettable opportunity. For the first time, I feel like I'm truly being seen for who I am and what I do. It's not just about the image on the outside, but everything I've poured into my music, my art, and my story. Reaching this point feels like confirmation that I've been walking the right path all along. It hasn't always been easy, but moments like this remind me that it's finally my time to shine and I'm ready. Cosmo: How do you describe yourself right now, in one sentence? Yasmina: A soulful force of nature blending vulnerability, strength, and stardust. Cosmo: Your name, Moonlight, feels symbolic. What's the story behind it? Yasmina: My name Moonlight represents light in the darkness. I try to shine through tough times, bringing comfort through my voice and presence. Choosing Moonlight is my way of saying I'm soft but strong. I don't need to shout to be seen. I illuminate in my own way. And lastly, it's a symbol of my religion. Cosmo: As a Tajik Gen Z woman, you're navigating multiple layers of identity tradition, rebellion, visibility, softness. How do you hold space for all those versions of yourself? Yasmina: Growing up as a Tajik girl in the UAE, I carry a mix of worlds within me. The deep-rooted traditions of my culture, the evolving lens of my generation, the softness I was raised with, and the rebellion I've grown into. Holding space for all those parts hasn't been easy, but I've learned to stop apologising for being more than one thing. Growing up in the UAE added even more complexity. It gave me exposure to so many cultures but also made me cling tighter to my own. Cosmo: Do you ever feel pressure to represent the culture and how do you stay true to your roots? Yasmina: I do feel that pressure sometimes, especially as someone who comes from a culture that isn't widely represented on the global stage. But I don't feel pressure to represent my culture in a forced way. I carry my heritage with pride. I honour my roots in how I live, speak, and in the respect I hold for my family and community. Skort: Mango Top: Magda Butrym Head scarf: Magda Butrym Bracelets and rings: Swarovski Cosmo: What does being Tajik mean to you in 2025, especially in the online world where narratives are constantly being reshaped? Yasmina: Being Tajik in 2025 means holding onto something ancient while living in a world that moves at the speed of a scroll. In the online space I feel a deep responsibility to where I come from. Cosmo: What's your creative process really like behind the scenes? Yasmina: Creating is so intentional for me. But what people don't always see is how difficult it can be behind the scenes. Before I release anything, I overthink, second-guess, rewrite, and change things so many times. Some days I love what I create, other days I question it. It's emotional and vulnerable because I care deeply. What I share isn't just content, it's a piece of me. Cosmo: We're living in an age of constant performance. How do you protect your inner world while still showing up for your audience? Yasmina: We really are living in a time where everything feels like a performance, even our silence can be misread. For me, protecting my inner world is non-negotiable. That's where my art is born, and if I lose that, I lose my truth. I pull back when I need to. I create in private before I share. I journal, sit with my feelings, and talk to the people who remind me who I am. When I show up, it's from alignment, not obligation. I'd rather post less and be real than perform constantly and lose what makes my work meaningful. At the end of the day, I'm not here to impress. I'm here to connect. And that starts by staying connected to myself. Dress: Elisabetta Franchi Sunglasses: Dolce&Gabbana Earrings: COS Bangle (right hand): COS Bangle (left hand): Swarovski Shoes: Tillie Sandals in Amber Multi, Sam Edelman Cosmo: Is there a moment in your career that felt like a spiritual click? A time when you thought, yes, this is exactly who I'm meant to be? Yasmina: The moment I stepped on the X Factor stage and sang Nasini El Donya, something in me clicked. I wasn't just performing, I was fully alive and fully me. I could feel every note in my bones, and I knew without a doubt this is where I'm meant to be. When that performance went viral, it wasn't about the numbers. It was about being heard in my most honest form. Of course, it was nerve-wracking. I cried after my audition, not out of sadness, but because it hit me how much I care. I always want to give my best, and that moment reminded me why I keep showing up, heart first. Cosmo: You speak often about feminine power, softness, and self-awareness. How do you define power now? Has that changed for you over time? Yasmina: For a long time, I thought power had to be loud, unshakable, always in control. But I've come to realiae real power, especially feminine power, can be incredibly soft. It's not about dominance, it's about presence. It's having the strength to feel deeply, to be gentle in a world that rewards hardness, and to hold space for yourself without shrinking or explaining. Power now lives in self-awareness. In knowing who I am and who I'm not. In saying no without guilt, expressing emotion without shame, and choosing to show up as myself, not as who people expect me to be. That kind of power is quiet, but it transforms everything. Dress and head scarf: Magda Butrym Sunglasses: Rewrites Eyewear Bangle and ring: Swarovski Shoes: Bianka Sling Heels in Rose Multi, Sam Edelman Cosmo: What's something you're currently healing from emotionally, spiritually, or creatively? Yasmina: There are quite a few things I'm healing from, both past and recent experiences that shook me in ways I didn't expect. But one of the deepest wounds I'm working through is the loss of people I once believed were meant to stay in my life. It's a hard kind of grief, realising some people were lessons, mirrors, or reminders. Letting go has been painful but necessary. I'm learning to release what I thought love or connection should look like, and open space for what truly aligns with who I'm becoming. Cosmo: When you're not on, not posting and not performing, who are you? Yasmina: When I'm not on, I'm simply myself. A regular girl at home, grounding in the quiet. I spend time with my cat, write songs, pray, go to the gym, and just be. Those moments are sacred. They remind me who I am without the noise. I value time with my family. I reflect, recharge, and reconnect. Top: Magda Butrym Capri pants: & Other Stories Earrings: & Other Stories Bracelet: Swarovski Shoes: Phoebe Embellished Mules in Beechwood, Sam Edelman Cosmo: What's the most important thing you want Tajik and Arab Gen Z girls to know not just about success, but about self-trust? Yasmina: I know what it feels like to question yourself, to wonder if your dreams are too big or your truth too complicated. But here's what I've learned. Self-trust is choosing to believe in yourself even when no one else does. It's honouring your feelings, your timing, your gut. It's letting your no be enough, and your yes come from alignment not pressure. Your worth isn't something you earn through perfection or performance, it's something you own by simply being you. Self-trust is quiet. It's not about proving anything. It's about showing up for yourself again and again. Cosmo: When the cameras are off and the season shifts, what do you want to leave behind from this chapter and what are you taking with you? Yasmina: When the cameras are off and the season shifts, I'm leaving behind lessons on self-trust, the evolving meaning of success, and the quiet strength of feminine power. I've learned that confidence doesn't come from being seen, it comes from knowing who you are when no one's watching. I'm letting go of the urge to rush or prove. Your time will come when it's meant to and no one can take away what's destined for you. If you lead with your heart, work with intention, and stay aligned with your truth, you can achieve anything. Dreams aren't distant. They're built moment by moment. As this chapter closes, I'm taking with me clarity, courage, and the quiet knowing that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be and the best is still unfolding. Swimsuit: Taller Maro Earrings: Swarovski Shoes: Bay Jelly Slides in Calypso Mint, Sam Edelman Editorial Director: Milli Midwood Deputy Editor: Sara-Aisha Kent Photographer: Daron Bandeira Stylist: Joyce Gereige Senior producer: Steff Hawker Hair & Make Up Artist: Aida Glow Styling Assistant: Lucy Semaan Lighting Assistant: James Aquillano Junior Content Producer: Quinn Catabui Junior Assistant: Kate Simmons Location: Maison De La Plage
Cosmopolitan ME
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Who is Nour Al Ghandour? Meet the Egyptian actress who stunned the Cannes Film Festival
Can we have a moment for the queen, Nour Al Ghandour? The Egyptian actress has been absolutely slaying on the 78th Cannes Film Festival red carpet. But it seems her last day on the French Riveria was the cherry on top we all needed to see. Surely you've seen her top-rated Netflix movie Honeymoonish last year—it was the talk of the town! Since then, the actress has been making a slew of worthwhile appearances regionally and globally. From being the star in Aldo's Ramadan collection to being dressed in world-renowned brands, Cosmo ME has all the deets that YNTK about this queen. Nour Al Ghandour age: How old is the actress? Nour was born on November 13, 1993. Nour Al Ghandour zodiac: What is her zodiac sign? As a November queen, she's naturally a Scorpio. Scorpios are naturally known for their passion, being deeply intuitive, and strategic. Nour Al Ghandour education: Where did she study? She graduated in 2017 at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts Nour Al Ghandour nationality: Where is the actress from? The talented actress is Egyptian, but was born and raised in Kuwait, where she still resides. Nour Al Ghandour career: When did she start her acting career? Just before entering the world of glam and acting, she initially started as a broadcaster on the Al-Rai Channel before fully embracing her love for acting. Nour Al Ghandour films: Where has she starred in? You may have her star in shows like Ya Baada in 2021, 25 Minutes (2022), of course, Honeymoonish (2024) and Zawja Wahida La Takfi (2024). Erm, you need to know about Nour Giselle! Meet Huda Kattan's daughter who's taking over the beauty space.
Cosmopolitan ME
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Enhypen Desire: Unleash UAE release: Concept cinema, official MV, dates and more
Dearest Engenes, it's been a minute–we haven't had a new album in a little over five months *stress*. If you're anything like us at Cosmo ME HQ, we've been steadily waiting (and stalking every TikTok and X teasers) for K-pop sensation Enhypen to drop their next drop in expanding vampire universe–it couldn't come soon enough! But thankfully, the boys have done their bit, having produced yet another upcoming stellar album soon to be released, Desire: Unleash. Since unveiling the album title at their first Coachella appearance in April, fans have been gearing up for yet another SOTY (song of the year), following their slew of back-to-back achievements and awards in the music industry. Needless to say, the boys, which includes, Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo and Ni-ki, have been cooking in the studio. And OG and new fans are more than ready to cop the next EP (extended play) album release in the UAE and in the GCC. Keen to know more about the album? Enhypen Desire: Unleash UAE: Promotional Calendar May 6 (7pm GST) (May 7, 2025, 12am KST) – DESIRE Concept Cinema Teaser. May 11 (8am GST) (May 11, 2025, 1pm KST) – DESIRE Concept Cinema Premier Event. May 11 (7pm GST) (May 12, 2025, 12pm KST) – DESIRE Concept Cinema. May 16 (5pm GST) (May 16, 2025, 10pmKST) – Concept Film 'MAKE'. May 16 (7pm GST) (May 17, 2025, 12am KST) – Concept Photo 'MAKE'. May 17 (5pm GST) (May 17, 2025, 10pm KST) – Concept Film 'YOU'. May 17 (7pm GST) (May 18, 2025, 12am KST) – Concept Photo 'YOU'. May 18 (5pm GST) (May 18, 2025, 10pm KST) – Concept Film 'MINE'. May 18 (7pm GST) (May 19, 2025, 12am KST) – Concept Photo 'MINE'. May 19 (5pm GST) (May 20, 2025, 10pm KST) – Concept Film 'ENGENE'. May 20 (7pm GST) (May 21, 2025, 12am KST) – Concept Photo 'ENGENE'. May 21 (7pm GST) (May 22, 2025, 12am KST) – Tracklist Poster. May 22 (7pm GST) (May 23, 2025, 12am KST) – Album Preview. June 5 (8am GST) (June 5, 2025, 1pm KST) – Official MV & Album Release ‼️. Enhypen Desire: Unleash UAE Concept Cinema: When did Enhypen release the DESIRE Concept Cinema? On May 11, 2025, the group held an exclusive premiere of their concept film in Seoul, aptly titled 'Desire Concept Cinema'. It's an eight-minute visual-focused, storytelling video which shows another narrative of the vampire concept (currently on a chokehold). Watch it above! Enhypen Desire: Unleash UAE MV release: When will the official music video come out? According to the promotional calendar posted on their official social media accounts, Enhypen's 'Desire: Unleash' album and music video is slated on June 5, 2025, which is merely two weeks away. Enhypen Desire: Unleash lore: Where does it fit in story? Following their previous album 'ROMANCE : UNTOLD -daydream-,' which followed a more daydream style compared to their usual dark fantasy style. Now, returning back to their usual concept, the EP album reveals the darker allure of romance, shifting away from the previous albums theme of youthful, into a more deeper sense. Enhypen Desire: Unleash album: Where can you buy the album? Checkout our K-pop guide on the best album sellers in the UAE. However, fans can buy through the official app, Weverse. Here's your K-Pop fan official survival guide in the UAE.
Cosmopolitan ME
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
These Dubai brands are so soft-girl coded
Let's face it, you went through so many eras already. Whether it's the siren-eyes, aegyo-sal, wannabe streetwear girlie, thrifter, maybe even dabbled in gamer girl energy, or perhaps even corporate fashion. One thing you haven't aced yet, though? The soft girl. Dubai is home to a slew of It-girl-worthy brands, but only a few in the city have surely clocked the right amount of finesse when it comes to soft girl core. Between the frilly dresses, coquette design, and the fan-favourite flowy volumes (obsessed is an understatement), Cosmo ME has curated a list of the best soft-girl-coded brands to cop in the city. Faye by Fashionist There's nothing like a cute feminine dress that screams Disney princess. This Dubai-based brand curates your fave bold silhouettes with breathable fabrics that we all oh-so-love. While keeping their dresses uber modest, you can channel soft girl energy with their dreamy designs. Click here to shop. The Style Vault Dubai girls, you're going to love The Style Vault fr. This brand embraces minimalist fashion and is perfect for mid-sized women. From its iconic Classic Velvet Maxi Dress, which is a must for girly outings, and the modest flared dress in purple that makes you never want to stop twirling! Click here to shop. Dee Closet The soft girl aesthetic doesn't always have to be flowy. Sometimes, it can be flattering pastel figure-hugging dresses that is simply tres chic. With Dee Closet, you can cop some light-hued dresses with a sweeping shoulder veil. Click here to shop Ninas Soft girl, but make it abaya fashion seems to be Ninas' energy. At Ninas, you can find all your soft-hued abayas with floral prints in equally stunning modern designs. Our top pic? A straight-cut chiffon abaya in off-white with pink flowers! Click here to shop. Faraway Founded by sisters and besties Maimona and Nora Bawazir, Faraway is all about making fashion feminine and dreamy again. Going for that soft ethereal glow, Faraway's designs are filled with flowy silhouettes from dresses to casual outerwear. Click here to shop. Want a go for streetwear? Check out these brands.
Cosmopolitan ME
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Sara Al Madani isn't holding back in her new book
We didn't *exactly* expect entrepreneur and public figure Sara Al Madani's, new book, Dear Narcissist: F*ck You, to be subtle. Turns out, our intuition was spot on. This survival guide, packed with emotional grit, is for anyone who's ever been tangled in the exhausting web of narcissistic abuse. We sat down with Sara to get the deets on her bold new literary release. Supplied Cosmo ME: The title, Dear Narcissist: F*ck You, is a whole moment. What gave you the power to say those words out loud? Sara: Honestly? Enough was enough. I spent years swallowing my truth, questioning myself, and living in confusion. When you get gaslit long enough, you start doubting your own reality. But once I woke up, and I mean really woke up, the anger hit. That anger is sacred. This title is me reclaiming my voice. Not sugarcoating or being polite. It's me saying exactly what needed to be said. This book isn't about revenge. It's about closure. Sometimes, closure sounds like f-you. Cosmo ME: You've built brands, stood your ground publicly, and now you're calling out emotional abuse. What pushed you to write this book, now? Sara: I've spoken about business, failure, and entrepreneurship, but this topic felt taboo. When you're a successful woman, people expect you to 'know better' when it comes to narcissists. They don't wear warning signs on their foreheads. They wear charmful, love-bombing, empathy masks. I wrote this book because if I, a smart and accomplished woman, could fall for it, anyone can. I felt that pain and I lived it. I know what it feels like. Therefore, I made a vow to educate people about it so they'll never feel that pain. This is their roadmap. Cosmo ME: Narcissists are in relationships, at work, and even in friendships. What red flags do you wish you had seen earlier? Sara: I wish I trusted my gut sooner and honoured my intuition. If I could go back, I'd be on the lookout for people trying to fast-forward intimacy and push for deep connections quickly. I'd also acknowledge inconsistency and be on alert for actions not aligning with words. Another major red flag is victimhood. Alarms should have gone off when I encountered people who somehow, were always the victim in situations. Little by little, I felt smaller and smaller. These people dimmed my own light so they could shine brighter. Supplied Cosmo ME: What would you say to the version of you who still believed the gaslighting? What do you hope other women hear in that message? Sara: I'd hold her face and say, 'You're not crazy. You're just being broken down by someone who benefits from your confusion.' To every woman and man still stuck in the loop, you don't owe anyone your peace of mind. Love doesn't make you sick, silence you, or destroy your self-esteem. When you finally stop negotiating your worth, that's when the healing begins. Cosmo ME: Why is this book important to women, especially those in the Middle East? Sara: In our culture, silence is sacred. We're taught to forgive, to endure, to fix. Emotional abuse is abuse, and if no one gives us the language for it, we normalise it. This book is a mirror, a guide, and a middle finger to a cycle that's hurt too many for too long. Cop your own copy of Dear Narcissist: F*ck You on Amazon. Here's a really useful list of where to get therapy and online support in the UAE.
