We’re more than halfway through the year, so what better way to celebrate than by looking back at the standout style moments?
From Elie Saab and Ashi Studio to Zuhair Murad and Michael Cinco, many Arab-based labels have been dominating the year’s red carpets.
Whether worn by Hollywood stars or top models, these regionally born brands have provided plenty of sartorial inspiration during 2017 so far (and really clogged up our Instagram saved list).
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During these quiet summer days, while we’re really regretting not booking a trip abroad, we’ve been daydreaming about our favourite gowns from the last seven or so months.
So, here we’ve rounded up the most mesmerising to help you while away a few minutes too…
Nicole Kidman
It was one of our favourite pieces from Zuhair Murad’s couture catwalk show earlier this year, and it looks just as ethereally spectacular on the red carpet. The restrained use of froth and glitter pairs beautifully against the muted colour palette, creating something that feels fragile, and delicate and magical all at once.
Lupita Nyong’o
She might be starring in a new Marvel film, but Lupita Nyong’o’s wardrobe was the real superhero of this year’s Comic Con. This jungle-print cami and wide-leg trousers came courtesy of Elie Saab, and filled us with summery vibes more than any other three-piece ensemble we’ve seen so far.
Aishwarya Rai
The Bollywood icon had a real Cinderella moment at Cannes in this fairytale blue ballgown by Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco. The stupendous number featured intricate embroidery and ethereal textures paired against a modern architectural off-shoulder cut, while Rai kept her hair and makeup perfectly pared down.
Aishwarya (again)
The actress also wowed in a diaphanous black creation with rippling panels by Ashi Studio.
Jessica Chastain
The Zero Dark Thirty star also had a head-turning moment at Cannes in Lebanese label Zuhair Murad. The actress donned a customised haute couture gown, featuring an elaborate swirl of scarlet beading, structured cap sleeves and sweetheart neckline, for the festival’s closing ceremony.
Zhang Lanxin
Murad also made quite the statement at the Shanghai Film Festival, decking out the Chinese actress in a shimmering hot-pink gown with an ornately beaded train and a romantic waterfall of ruffles.
Fan Bingbing
The actress wore a theatrical caped gown by Beirut-born label Elie Saab at this year’s Cannes, featuring an artfully ruched bodice and bronze belt.
Celine Dion
The Canadian songstress made many a best-dressed list at the 2017 Grammy Awards in this glimmering, mermaidy gown.
Emma Watson
The Beauty And The Beast star looked like a real-life Disney princess in this custom (and eco-conscious) creation from Saab.
Hailey Baldwin
The model stunned in a burgundy velvet and tulle number for the amfAR gala, courtesy of Saab.
Kristen Wiig
Beirut-born designer Reem Acra dressed the Bridesmaids star for the Golden Globes in this lacy gown with a demure high neck.
Sonam Kapoor
The Bollywood actress looked like a million bucks at Cannes thanks to two bow-down gowns from Saab. The romantic blush-pink gown on the right was a particular highlight, with its ethereal draped sleeves and train.
Jennifer Lopez
J-Lo wore a nude-hued, off-shoulder number from Saab’s S/S17 haute couture collection earlier this year, with a slicked-back bun and minimal accessories letting the sheeny gown shine.
Meryl Streep
The Hollywood legend chose a glitter-dusted pants-and-skirt combo by Saab for the Oscars.
Sara Sampaio
The Victoria’s Secret supermodel selected a theatrical scarlet floor-sweeper by Zuhair Murad for Cannes’ opening ceremony.
Kate Beckinsale
The Pearl Harbour actress had us reminiscing about our favourite Van Gogh work of art with these spectacular firework-inspired embellishments.
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Zendaya
The American actress and singer turned to the designer-to-the-stars Zuhair Murad for a dose of old Hollywood glamour at the MTV Movie Awards.
Beyonce
The pop phenomenon turned to Dubai-based maternity label Mina Roe throughout her recent pregnancy. Here, Beyonce donned the Aaliyah dress in black, which rings in at a rather wallet-friendly US$120 (Dhs440), and styled it up with some star-spangled sandals and a silky trench.
Adele
The chart-topping British singer added a sweeping off-shoulder gown by Murad to her stage wardrobe for her world tour.
Michelle Dockery
You can always rely on Saab – known as the King of Couture – to provide a real head-turner, and that’s exactly what the Downton Abbey star got with this floor-length striped numberat the SAG Awards.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Beirut-based haute couture creator Georges Chakra dressed the Veep star for the Golden Globes, and we adore the split one-shoulder cut and figure-skimming silhouette.
Ava DuVernay
The American director wore an elegant lacy gown by Lebanon-based Ashi Studio to the Oscars, revealing she “chose to wear a gown by a designer from a majority Muslim country” after the announcement of US President Donal Trump’s travel ban.
Images: Getty, Elie Saab/Instagram, Zuhair Murad/Instagram, Michael Cinco/Instagram
