By Nourhan Khaled
The fall season is upon us and with it comes an exciting “to-do list” for every fashionista.
From the sheer happiness that comes with Bloomingdale’s epic Friends and Family sale to the excitement and anticipation of the trendiest collections at the New York Fashion Week, fashion month has become a cultural phenomenon that ushers in a rush of excitement for prized seating spots, celebrity sightings, what’s in and who’s out in the high style world of global fashion trends.
This year’s Fashion Week, however, gave Middle Eastern influence a time to shine. Here are six of our favorite Arab designers defining vogue on the runways:
1. Noon by Noor
Deemed one of Elle’s “break out talents of 2013,” Noon by Noor designer cousins Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa took the industry by surprise with the spring-inspired collection that “focused on the idea of renewal, youth and beginnings.”
The Bahraini designers’ fresh and feminine, pretty in pastel creations were clean, balanced yet intricately detailed enough to wow any crowd and bring together the best of the East and the West.
“We were inspired by fresh blooms, lush greenery, and flourishing landscapes,” they told Style.com.
2. Reem Acra
Lebanese fashion designer Reem Acra’s innate elegance and glamor were brought to life through her stunning collection of sheer florals and fabrics, sparkling sequins and intricate beadwork. Having studied at the American University of Beirut, Acra is famous for her impeccably dazzling bridal collections and exquisite embroidery that first got her noticed by a fashion editor and earned her a fashion show within ten days while she was still in college.
Acra’s Spring 2015 Bridal collection did not disappoint either with her feminine dresses oozing opulence, a touch of bohemian modernity and, of course, romance.
She has also been known to dress A-list celebrities such as Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie and Beyoncé Knowles.
3. Steven Khalil
Australian-Lebanese designer Steven Khalil is also sweeping the bridal industry off its feet with his own jaw-dropping gowns.
His eccentric silhouettes provide a unique look for any bride looking to stand out. Khalil’s designs ranged from sophisticated silk and sexy embroidery to a show-stopping metallic gown.
His plunging, gold matte sequin creation also landed him at the 2014 Miss America pageant with E! News anchor Giuliana Rancic showcasing the stunning gown.
4. Charbel Zoe
New York Fashion Week hasn’t been the only display of Middle Eastern fashion influence this season. At this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, the red carpet overflowed with designs by Arab designers.
Jennifer Lopez was crowned one of the VMA’s best dressed and rightfully so. Her racy, silver-sequin, cutout floor length-gown was designed by Lebanese designer Charbel Zoe, who has created a number of looks for her this year.
He is also the designer behind Lopez’s emerald green dazzler that she performed in at the opening of the World Cup and Shakira’s fiery-red piece featuring an embroidered bodice and feathered skirt at the closing ceremony.
5. Nicolas Jebran
Beyoncé Knowles, on the other hand, dazzled fans with opulent gowns by not one, but two Lebanese designers – one for the red carpet and the majority of the show, and a second one for interviews and the after party.
Beyoncé’s first gown was an elegant sensation with a black lace and beaded dress that “had everything” by Nicolas Jebran for the red carpet. Jebran is famous for his haute couture line of accessories, shoes and bags called ‘Jebran.’ Singer Iggy Azalea also wore a stunning white Nicolas Jebran gown during the same event.
6. Zuhair Murad
Beyoncé’s second gown for the evening was a gorgeous burgundy gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad which featured sheer sequin details running down her arms and legs.
Murad also dressed Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev in a beautiful color-blocked draped gown at the VMAs and later, Brazilian model Camila Alves in a breath-taking white gown with geometric cutouts, nude lining and a narrow belt at the Emmys.
Challenging conventional ideas about fashion and design in the Middle East, Arab designers are gaining traction and making their way to the forefront of the fashion scene through their bold, creative designs that resonate not only with high-fashion socialites but international celebrities, top fashion editors and fashion-forward buyers and retailers.
These designers are certainly stepping up their game and making a statement, not only on the red carpet and the high-fashion covers of Vogue, but in the media as well as a reminder that the region is more the troubling news we see every day, but a bubbling cauldron of ambition, talent and creativity.
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Obsessed with Charbel Zoe since Shak and Jlo’s gorgeous outfits at the World Cup. The other designers have some beautiful designs too!
All of Lebanon is proud of its designers! From Reem Acra to Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad and Charbel Zoe, they show the true spirit of the Lebanese people and what they can do and achieve in the world!
I’m sure there are many more there and many, many more to come.
It’s one thing to praise these designers. It’s another to be inspired by them. I hope many more creatives follow suit and venture outside the box.
Made in the Middle East girls are superb and excellent as fashion 😀