The royal, who turns 36 today, would make these designs look beyond regal.
We’re long-time fans of the Duchess of Cambridge here at Emirates Woman, whether we’re trying to copy her glossy blow-outs or listening to one of her insightful speeches on repeat.
The royal, who turns 36 on January 9, is also one of the world’s most photographed style icons, and has been inspiring many of our workwear outfits ever since her engagement to Prince William back in 2010.
The now-mother-of-two, born Catherine Middleton, has favoured British-based labels for public appearances, often turning to Jenny Packham, Catherine Walker, Erdem and Alexander McQueen (the design house behind her legendary wedding gown in 2011).
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However the duchess has been known to diversify her wardrobe choices, sporting Indian designer Naeem Khan, Italian label Miu Miu, and New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead (among many others).
But yet, as we were trawling through her most recent ensembles in celebration of her birthday, it struck us that Catherine has never seemed to wear a label from this neck of the woods.
So, whether the royal wants to update her eveningwear collection or needs some sartorial inspiration for future visits to the region, we’ve put together a list of Middle Eastern labels we’d love to see the duchess don.
Elie Saab
The duchess often turns to British designer Jenny Packham for her after-dark gowns (and kudos for supporting her nation’s talent), but we think Elie Saab could provide a fairytale number or two. The Lebanese label, famed for its romantic creations imbued with a dreamy, feminine aesthetic, could easily see the royal through her next state dinner or glitzy premiere.
Madiyah Al Sharqi
As the daughter of the ruler of Fujairah, Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi can be relied upon for a suitably regal look. The Dubai-based designer, who studied at prestigious French fashion college Esmod, is renowned for her fluid silhouettes and contemporary detailing, and has some retro-inspired separates that could jazz up the duchess’ formalwear.
Reem Acra
The Beirut-based designer could inject a little whimsical edge into Catherine’s eveningwear with her ethereal embellished pieces.
Georges Chakra
This legendary Lebanese couturier has already worked with HRH Queen Rania of Jordan and HRH Princess Camilla of Bourbon, so is well-versed in the sartorial needs of royals. We’d particularly love to see the Duchess of Cambridge embrace the label’s punchy colour palettes.
Bouguessa
Catherine is in frequent need of stately great coats for public appearances in a chilly England, and this Dubai label, helmed by French-Algerian designer Faiza Bouguessa, is certainly rich in them. Offering the perfect balance of classic silhouettes and avant-garde tailoring, these would be pieces the royal could throw on season after season.
Noon by Noor
The royal regularly sports a slouchy knit for more casual, sporty events, and this Bahrain-born label ticks all the boxes with its luxuriant offerings.
Nathalie Trad
This Dubai-based accessories designer is renowned for her sculptural pieces, often crafted in pearlescent shell. We’d love to see the duchess off-set one of her block-colour skirt suits with one of these.
Rami Kadi
While this Lebanese-American designer is beloved for his 18th century-inspired bridalwear, we’re equally in love with his statement evening gowns. We’d especially love to see Catherine sport something a little sartorially left-field, like this vibrant geometric off-shoulder number.
Maison Rabih Kayrouz
With an expert balance of clean lines and architectural detailing, this Lebanese-born designer could imbue the Duchess of Cambridge’s closet with a touch of minimalistic elegance.
Rami Al Ali
One for the royal to wear to Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry this year, perhaps?
SemSem
Judging by previous outfits, Catherine is in favour of the peplum—so the dramatic silhouettes employed by Abeer Al Otaib’s label may well tickle the royal’s fancy.
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Razan Alazzouni
More often than not, the Duchess of Cambridge relies on fitted midi dresses or co-ordinated suiting for formal engagements, but this culotte two-piece by Saudi Arabian designer Razan Alazzouni could put a twist on the tried-and-tested formula.
Images: Getty, supplied, Reem Acra/Instagram, Noon by Noor/Facebook, themodist.com
