The only way must be up for Rana Yousry, the designer who recently created a custom gown for Jennifer Gates during her fairytale weekend wedding to professional equestrian Nayel Nassar. The eldest daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates fittingly wore the stunning gown by Yousry for the Katb el Kitab reception.
However, the Islamic marriage ceremony wasn’t the only time the emerging designer managed to get heads turning during the festivities, which took place at the bride’s 124-acre horse farm in Westchester County, New York. She also created seven amazing custom looks for the groom’s mother, Iman, a fellow Egyptian.
Gates, a 25-year-old medical school student and professional show jumper, wowed in the bespoke halter neck gown by Yousry, who founded her label, ASORY, in 2016. The dreamy dress featured a plunged bust slit and a double cloche skirt in off-white French satin palme. The up-and-coming designer, who has studied with Marc Jacobs and interned at Tony Ward Couture, added a fixed belt to emphasise the bride’s waist and offer some extra expression. Yousry also felt a bolero would add a conservative and royal stroke to the look, which included pointed sleeves for a younger touch. The designer behind the brand that is heavily inspired by Assyrian history and the Assyrian star opted for materials like rich satin, soft tulle and organza.
Yousry, known for her traditional but bold designs, also made waves during the wedding celebrations with the seven looks she crafted for Iman, who initially contacted her. Yousry felt it apt for the groom’s mother to channel a strong yet feminine Egyptian queen.
The gowns ranged from fitted to princess cut and came alive in French and Italian satins, silks, chiffon, organza and Chinese shantung in a myriad of royal Pharaonic colours such as green, gold, aqua, rose gold, purple and bronze. Plus, of course, there was the fully pleated royal blue dress, which created a lot of buzz at the main event.
