The 78th annual Venice International Film Festival has officially begun and has welcomed an instant parade of stunning creations on the red carpet on the iconic night. After following the COVID-19 safety precautions, we’ve seen stars in a way we haven’t seen in more than a year.

From a black satin and lace gown by Zuhair Murad on actress Madaline Ghenea and a navy hooded Rami Al Ali number on Raya Abirached and many more, the ladies brought it for the night and took some chances along the way. We’ve seen an array of international stars and regional influencers wearing renowned Lebanese labels and supporting the Middle Eastern region.

The night’s nominees and presenters all went the extra mile. The drama on Sara Croce’s Zuhair Murad Haute Couture collection came to the red carpet, providing a larger-than-life approach to her gown, filled with subtle sequins and ruffled detailing. Thanks to the handcrafted details designers ateliers put into each garment, the looks offered the ultimate touch of elegance.

After a tumultuous year where even seeing a movie in a theatre was nearly impossible, the spectacle of the Venice Film Festival took on a different meaning. It felt like several months ago, the concept of getting dressed up felt almost out of place. But as the world slowly reopens, the nostalgia has officially kicked in.

Ahead, find a walkthrough of the celebrities spotted in the latest Arab designs to the 78th annual Academy Awards.

zuhair murad

rami kadi

rami Al Ali