22 Ways Arab Designers Have Been Killing It At Cannes Film Festival 2022

The Cannes Film Festival is back in all its glory, so it’s isn’t surprising award-winning actresses, as well as ultra glam supermodels and influencers have taken the opportunity to put their best fashion foot forward. And whether attending premieres, dinners or parties during the world's premier showcase for the movies, the celebrities have been turning to the talent and creativity of the region’s most remarkable design houses.

Many Arab stars have been displaying their pride for homegrown talent. Saudi filmmaker and actress Fatima Albanawi rocked a black and white asymmetric dress by Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy. Yasmine Sabri also cherrypicked another creative with Lebanese roots, Rami Kadi.

The Egyptian actress was glowing in a custom-made holographic one-shoulder gown, embellished with handmade dégradé sequins. Meanwhile, Moroccan Abla Sofy was spotted in Georges Hobeika, yet another Lebanese designer. The LA-based model, stylist, actress and Instagram star wowed in the autumn/winter 2022-23 dress with asymmetric cuts and crystallised geometric embroidery. Additionally, entrepreneur and fashion influencer Hadia Ghaleb looked ravishing in a yellow couture gown from Syrian-born Rami Al Ali’s spring/summer 2022 collection. The Mikado satin dress, featuring a slit and slim belt, was the perfect choice for the Dubai-based go-getter, who has launched an inclusive swimwear line.

A-listers from other parts of the world have been opting for designs by uber-talented designers from the region too, including Dubai-based supermodel Elvira Jein. She stepped out in a stunning creation by Emirati designer Hamda Al Fahim. The simple silhouette is contrasted by hundreds of intricately hand-embellished crystals, glass beads and dangling pearls, accompanied by ostrich feather trims.

Meanwhile, other renowned models put their confidence in couturiers from Lebanon. Sara Sampaio shimmered on the red carpet wearing a long, off-shoulder with cape-like sleeves, lipstick red lurex draped dress from the Zouhair Murad spring/summer 2022 couture collection. Catrinel Marlon, also an actress, chose to stand out wearing a one-sleeve draped silk-satin gown with an attached cape in Antler Grey from the same collection by the coveted designer. Additionally, Alessandra Ambrosio, who has actress and founder of swimsuit line on her resume too, showed how fairytale looks are done in a haute couture dream from Elie Saab. This season’s sweeping nude mesh gown is adorned with organza bougainvillea and silver embellished straps.

Ashi Studio, helmed by Saudi-born designer Mohammed Ashi, has also been making waves during the prestigious festival. Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone turned heads in her striking custom-made saffron orange look. The strapless taffeta gown, which fit the newly appointed Louis Vuitton ambassador like a glove, features a weightless draped detail around the shoulders. Actress Kat Graham was spotted in another custom-made dress by the Paris-based label. She simply slayed in the gown featuring a white folded bodice and a contrasting black shimmery skirt.

Click through to see how Arab designers have been dressing some of the most in-demand stars at the 11-day festival, which is unfortunately in its final stretch.