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There are very few places left where fashion still feels truly cinematic, but Cannes continues to be one of them. Each year, spotting Middle Eastern designers on the red carpet on the Palais des Festivals steps is a given – and this year was no exception.
While most celebrity dressing today leans toward minimalism and safe styling, this year’s festival reminded everyone that couture is still at its best when it embraces drama. And, unsurprisingly, some of the strongest moments came from Middle Eastern designers.
Bella Hadid set the tone early in archival Elie Saab, wearing a softly draped couture gown that felt timeless rather than nostalgic. The look carried Saab’s signature balance of glamour and delicacy, intricate detailing, fluid movement and the kind of elegance that never competes with the woman wearing it. It was a reminder of why his couture remains so synonymous with Cannes itself.
Elsewhere, Zuhair Murad brought darker glamour through Shanina Shaik’s sheer black embellished gown, complete with sculptural satin detailing and a dramatic sweeping train. While Naika introduced a more futuristic edge in a shimmering bronze corseted look by Rami Kadi, where metallic textures and fluid fringe caught the light from every angle. Negin Mirsalehi embraced softer couture glamour in a crystal-embroidered nude-toned gown by Georges Hobeika, while other regional designers including Tony Ward and Nicolas Jebran also appeared throughout the week on actresses, models, and international personalities attending premieres and gala events across the Croisette.
What made these looks stand out wasn’t only the craftsmanship, but the emotion behind them. Middle Eastern couture still understands fantasy in a way much of modern red carpet fashion has lost and at Cannes, that sense of spectacle continues to matter.
