These are red carpet looks to warm the soul.
What a year it’s been. From current events (overwhelming) to deciding what to do for New Year’s Eve (lower stakes, but still a struggle), we’re all a bit frazzled. In such times, the only thing to do is look at pictures of beautiful people wearing stunning clothes.
You’ve come to the right place. Join us for a look back at the best Middle East-designed gowns of the year. In no particular order, let’s begin.
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Karlie Kloss in Elie Saab
Well hello, gorgeous. We’re not 100 per cent sure why Karlie Kloss attended Nashville’s Country Music Awards in November, but we’re so glad she did. This tomato-red beaded and embellished number from Lebanese designer Elie Saab is a triumph.
Kate Beckinsale in Zuhair Murad
Back in May, English actress Kate Beckinsale wore this firework of a gown to the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. It’s perfect for the event and the city, and she looks like a total movie star. Full marks.
Gigi Hadid in Zuhair Murad
Speaking of movie stars, here’s Gigi Hadid looking like a human Acaedmy Award (we mean that as praise). This high-necked, long-sleeved Zuhair Murad gown is high glamour, and we’re all about it. Hadid wore this to a Glamour magazine event in New York this November.
Olivia Munn in Nicholas Jebran
More casual, but still stunning, is actress Olivia Munn’s sparkly Nicholas Jebran mini. How cute is that appliqué? Somehow it manages to stay back from turning out too twee. (Also in that image is singer Kesha in a frothy floor-length number from Bahraini brand Monsoori). These shots are from August’s MTV Video Music Awards.
Sonam Kapoor in Ashi Studio
We could write an essay about how good this is. From Sonam Kapoor’s flawless hair and makeup, to her carefully chosen jewellery (love a watch on the red carpet), everything is in harmony here. Her Ashi Studio strapless gown and coat combo is refined, elegant, and with a tiny bit of a menswear feel. Love. Kapoor was attending the Dubai International Film Festival earlier in December.
Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad
This woman was born to wear hot pink. In embellished, draped heavy satin, Priyanka Chopra wore this Zuhair Murad like a modern Marilyn Monroe. Is that comparison over-used? Yes. Is it warranted in this case? Absolutely yes. Chopra was attending a Bollywood awards show in December.
This Elie Saab runway look
At Paris Fashion Week in late September, Elie Saab sent this look down the runway and we fell in love. The hue, the details, the sleek yet floaty cut… We’ll be holding onto this image for some time.
Jessica Chastain in Zuhair Murad
This is what’s known in the business as a showstopper. Chastain has a penchant for Middle East-designed gowns, and this Zuhair Murad worn at Cannes in May is one of her best yet. Keep it up, gal.
Iris Mittenaere in Michael Cinco
In November, Miss Universe 2016, France’s Iris Mittenaere wore a gown from Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco as she crowned her successor. We’re thrilled she did, too. This sparkly red ombre number is the definition of glamour.
Emma Watson in Elie Saab
What a note to finish on. Emma Watson wore this dreamy beaded number to her Beauty and the Beast premiere in March, and she looked like an actual princess. Elie Saab is truly one of the all-time greats.
Images: Instagram, Getty
