Lebanese stylist and beauty consultant Khalil Zein is set to host Say Yes To The Dress Arabia, which is an adaptation of the original show which has been airing since 2007. The show is perfect for anyone who’s getting hitched and is struggling to find that perfect dress. Zein will be helping the lucky women find the dress of their dreams, and who better to help you out than someone that has styled the likes of Nancy Ajram, Haifa Wehbe and Maya Diab?
The STARZPLAY Original show will be filmed at the couture bridal boutique, Hazar Haute Couture in Jumeirah, Dubai, and will feature 20 brides, aged 23 to 50, from 12 different nationalities. We were curious to learn a bit more from Khalil Zein, so we chatted with him about his new role on the show and what his predictions are for wedding dresses this year.
What was one of the highlights of your career?
It’s tricky to choose! Every celebrity I’ve dressed has defined a certain time in my career. Dressing the phenomenal star Haifa Wehbe, for example, was a turning point and a breakthrough experience for me in the fashion world. I have styled her for prestigious events, concerts, movies, photoshoots, and TV programs. I’ve also worked on exciting projects with the beautiful Maya Diab, including her bridal look for a magazine cover and the stunning Nadine Nassib Njeim for her TV appearances and big events such as Bulgari. The lovely songstress Nancy Arjam was also a pleasure to work with, it was an exciting experience styling her for a concert. Currently, I’m having a great time styling Myriam Fares. She is a true fashionista, and it feels like I’m dressing a Barbie doll every time I work with her.
I have had amazing experiences working with some of the most incredible celebrities, throughout my career, in the Arab world, which makes picking a handful of highlights absolutely impossible.
Say Yes To The Dress is all about finding the perfect bridal gown for your wedding. What’s one piece of advice you would offer every woman looking for the perfect dress?
I believe that there’s a unique gown for every woman, and it will take a lot of trials before you find ‘the one.’ Nothing worth it comes easy. It really is a hunt – an exciting once-in-a-lifetime hunt. When finding a dress, it’s great to consider cuts and fits that flatter your body shape, height, and skin tone. Keep in mind that a wedding dress doesn’t have to be white; it can be anything your heart desires. My advice is to pick a dress that makes you feel like your authentic self – something you can truly picture yourself wearing while walking down the aisle on your special day.
Do you believe trends in bridalwear also emerge from couture shows and runways just as other clothing trends do?
Personally, I don’t believe that bridal fashion should follow trends like other fashion lines. Instead, I’d choose a wedding dress that perfectly suits the bride, regardless of trends. I believe that wedding dresses are like sartorial fairytales, and a bride should always follow her heart and make her own fairytale come true on her wedding day no matter what the trends are.
She can choose princess cut, mermaid cut, romantic flowy dress, or whatever she feels like wearing and, more importantly, whatever is suitable for her body, her wedding motif, and the season.
How do you stay up-to date with the latest trends?
I manage to stay up-to-date with the latest trends through research and watching seasonal fashion shows. I’m mainly inspired by international designers and celebrities, especially the Kardashians, Sarah Jessica Parker, Victoria Beckham, and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Having said that, I believe in creative freedom. I love fashion icons who experiment with fashion – whether that comes to dressing down or strutting avant-garde looks. Though I have many inspirations, I believe in adding my own Khalil Zein touch and celebrating my grandeur fashion sense inspired by my cultural background.
Can you tell us what you predict will be trending this year in bridalwear?
As restrictions eased throughout the pandemic, I’ve noticed a lot of brides go all out as they’re not just celebrating their wedding, but they’re also celebrating togetherness with family and friends. So we might see more extravagant bridal looks. Whether this trend will persist or not, I believe it is important to follow your own instinct, if it’s the dress for you, you’ll feel it wholeheartedly. Also, I believe your wedding dress should be something you appreciate for years to come, so pick something that reflects your personal style.
Say Yes To The Dress Arabia will be launched by STARZPLAY and discovery+ as a new STARZPLAY Original, and will be available to stream exclusively on the platform from Friday, 11 February 2022, with two episodes released each week. Subscribe now to watch by clicking here.
