Throughout the years, Sheikha Moza has continuously cemented her status as one of the region’s most prolific fashion icons. Effortlessly shaping the cultural conversation on the Middle East’s fashion landscape. The Qatari royal stands as one of the most revered figures throughout the Arab world, known for humanitarian work and a unique take and timeless, individual dressing sense. Her relationship with haute couture is one that has long captured the attention of the fashion world as an individual known for her discerning eye and signature approach to modest dressing

Beyond her wardrobe, the royal figure has been a foundation in the region’s fashion scene. As the Honorary Chair of Fashion Trust Arabia, she dedicates her efforts to providing a platform to Middle Eastern designers. Her fashion credentials were further cemented when the Sheikha was named best-dressed on the International Best-Dressed List for three consecutive years, starting in 2015. She is also the co-founder and chairperson of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

For years, modesty and high fashion were viewed as opposing forces within the fashion landscape, with designer pieces, intricately woven and made for those with the most elegant of wardrobes, expected to be tailored in order to suit the guidelines of modest dressing. Sheikha Moza, however, has helped rewrite that narrative. Her wardrobe demonstrates that modesty need not mean compromising on drama, craftsmanship or individuality. Instead, it can become an integral part of the look itself.

From moments in Valentino to archival Chanel, GRAZIA brings you some of the Arab royal’s most iconic haute couture moments.

The Lime Green Valentino Gown

Sheikha Moza’s love affair with Valentino has long been a talking point in the region’s fashion space, and at the royal wedding in Jordan the icon turned heads in a gown from the maisons Fall 2021 collection. The fluorescent green gown was customised with long sleeves and a matching head cover, seamlessly transforming the piece from its extravagant runway look to something entirely her own. The star accessorised with an exquisite set of jewellery, with a custom belt from Boghossian and a Cartier bracelet that featured the legendary jewel ‘Star Of The South’, previously owned by the Maharaja of Baroda.

A moment for Armani Privé in baby blue

For a work-related visit back in 2017 to Tunisia, Her Highness delivered a masterclass in understated elegance. Stepping out in a soft baby-blue Armani Privé Haute Couture top, a look that was finished by an exquisite pair of VHERNIER earrings, which brought a refined touch to an already timeless silhouette. She added her own styling touch with a matching long white skirt and turban, elevating the look with the kind of polished elegance that has become synonymous with her wardrobe.

Turning heads in Vintage Chanel

In another iconic fashion moment, the royal figure stepped out in a vintage Chanel coat from the Maison’s Spring 2002 collection. The statement coat was donned with an array of buttons trailing down the silhouette, with an emerald green skirt underneath. Sheikha Moza adapted the look to suit her signature modest aesthetic. Extending the hemline, raising the neck, and fashioned a black headscarf. The result was a timeless Chanel moment infused with the glamour and elegance that define her style.

The Quilted Christophe Josse Dress

Sheikha Moza stepped out looking nothing short of ethereal in a quilted dress by Christophe Josse from the Fall/Winter 2018 collection. For long, the royal has been one of the Maison’s prolific clients with a longstanding affinity to the Parisian couture house, which is widely known for its understated approach to couture. With timeless and regal designs, Christophe Josse feels like a fitting reprise for the Sheikha’s wardrobe. The royal fashioned the piece with an elegant chiffon abaya and a matching white dress, adding an element of modesty in comparison to the original runway piece.

An Emerald Green Couture Kaftan

During a state visit in Italy was seen in a couture creation from Jean Louis Schecer’s 2005 collection. The green kaftan by Stephen Roland was designed to integrate Hollywood glamour with Middle Eastern elegance, intertwining elegant presentation with cultural heritage. The stunning satin gown held a sharp silhouette and dramatic draping sleeves embroidered with golden tassels. Accessorised with a pair of golden earrings, bracelets and a matching headscarf, the look was adapted from its original piece to provide greater coverage to the upper body, accompanied by a golden piece woven into the gown at the waist, which tightened the waist to showcase an effortlessly elegant silhouette.

The Powder Blue Ulyana Sergeenko Dress

For a visit to Malta, the Qatari Royal met with President George Vella sporting a haute couture dress from the Ulyana Sergeenko Spring 2015 collection. The light blue haute couture piece was covered with a geometric pattern in white hues as well as puffy white sleeves, which the icon matched with a turban and a Richard Mille watch to complete the look. The look was adapted to sew the slit of the dress, adding an element of modesty to the look. The meeting took place at the 30th anniversary of the Year of the Family Conference at the Qatar National Centre.

The Red Fausto Sarli Gown

The royal figure previously stepped out in a customised Fausto Sarli Haute Couture piece from the Maison’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection. Sheikha Moza further cemented her status as a fashion icon by perfectly coordinating the richly hued red gown with a brown coat, boots and headcover. She kept the seamless draping of the runway look but adapted it to extend the hemline of the silhouette to provide further coverage. Resulting in an effortlessly opulent look fitting for the Qatari queen’s signature elegance.

Christian Dior haute couture skirt suit from Fall 2018

One of the Sheikha’s most prolific couture moments was courtesy of Christian Dior. From the Maison’s Fall 2018 collection, the Arab royal was seen in an elegant haute couture skirt suit that followed a finely tailored look to amplify a chic silhouette. The icon amplified the look with a brown briefcase and shirt, seamlessly coordinating the outfit.

a Sharp silhouette

During a visit to the United Nations and the Qatari Foundation Alumni, Her Highness fashioned an asymmetrical suit ensemble by The Row from the brand’s Fall 2023 collection. Keeping to her signature style, a formula that acutely balances effortless chic with feminine elegance. However, the look balanced its femininity with masculine-inspired tailoring, resulting in a bold silhouette in tune with the royal’s regal persona. The outfit was paired with a matching headscarf and a pair of heels adjusted from their runway origins by sewing the neck to create a modest silhouette. The look predicted a trend that would dominate the Fall/Winter 2025 fashion landscape, balancing femininity and masculinity to project a timelessly chic look. Proving once again that the Royal stays ahead of the trends when she’s not busy creating them.

A refined take on a Schiaparelli look

A refined take on a vibrant look – Sheikha Moza turned heads at the 17th World Congress of Bioethics in Doha. The icon wore a top from Schiaparelli’s 2015 collection – and what originated as a playful look on the runway transformed into an elegant look. The runway donned the sheer top with a flamboyant, colourful coat. In contrast, the icon adds her signature formula of elegance to the look – refining it with a chic dark royal blue satin skirt with white heels. The royal figure transformed the sheer, translucent top with opaque noir fabric and the intricate detailing of the initials ‘MBN’. The ruffle detailing at the plackets and the button details remained the same.