Looking Back at the Most Memorable Regional Fashion Moments of 2023

Fashion has its moments, and then it has its headline-making moments. This year dealt us numerous memorable instances that cemented its status as truly unforgettable for fashion in the MENA region. For one, Najwa Karam made history with the world’s longest cape, Riyadh hosted its debut fashion week, the Jordanian royal wedding made front-page news for a good month or so, while Egypt sparked chatter with provocative shows at its inaugural fashion week. 

Alicia Keys Stuns in Youssef Akbar at AlUla

February

Shimmering like a blue moon at Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, MRS girl-on-fire herself, Alicia Keys, opted for a glammed-up, glimmery royal blue two-piece ensemble by Saudi designer Youssef Akbar for her second concert in AlUla, and trust, we were Fallin’

Egypt Fashion Week

May

For Egypt’s inaugural fashion week, we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but one thing for certain is that we were absolutely served some controversial - yet absolutely iconic - moments. From Waseem Khadra’s oversized Kanye-inspired suit to Ahmed Hamdy’s quite-literally bare statement ‘Made in Egypt’, the first edition of Egypt Fashion Week set the bar quite…high.

Arab Designers Making Regal Appearances at the Jordanian Royal Wedding 

June

You know which royal wedding we’re talking about…When Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein tied the knot with Saudi architect Rawja Al Saif in a stunning ceremony at Amman’s Zahran Palace. The day marked the fostering of stronger bonds between the two newlyweds’ homelands and provided a field day (month, if we’re honest) for fashion enthusiasts. With a guest list boasting world leaders and global celebrities, the artistry of Arab couturiers shone at the ‘wedding of the year’. 

With Rajwa in Elie Saab, the Queen in Ashi, Jill Biden and the UK’s Princess Beatrice in Reem Acra, Arab designers truly stole the spotlight (sorry, love birds.)

Beyonce Sporting Georges Hobeika’s ‘Un Reve’ Fall Collection During Her Renaissance World Tour

July

Clad in a stunning and shimmering pink tulle creation bedazzled to the brim, global icon Beyoncé enchanted audiences in the Georges Hobeika ‘Un Reve’ Fall 2023 creation. Needless to say, we were ‘Crazy in Love.’

Taylor Swift Wears Reem Acra on Cover of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

July

Originally posing for the ‘Speak Now’ album cover in a Reem Acra dress, Swift brought her purple era full circle with another Reem Acra dress from the designer’s 2022 drop. It seems as though Taylor has remained ‘enchanted’ with the Lebanese designer for well over a decade.

Angham Displays Her Gowns at Eponymous Museum Exhibit in Saudi Arabia

July

There’s self-love, and then there’s self-worship, and having your own museum (while you’re still living and breathing) is a feat not many have accomplished. The spacious gallery in Riyadh displayed cherished treasures from the star's collection: concert dresses adorned with intricate beading, delicate embroidery, and vibrant hues that beautifully showcased her flair for fashion on stage. And honestly? Big self-slay.

Elyanna Name Drops Egyptian Label Okhtein in New Single ‘Mama Eh’

July

In her moody single ‘Mama Eh’, Palestinian-Chilean popstar Elyanna gave a shout out to Egyptian luxury label Okhtein. Having watched Okhtein grow from a small corner in a smaller shop in Cairo’s Downtown Mall to a fast-growing label putting Egypt on the global fashion map, we may or may not have shed a tear while listening to ‘Mama Eh’. 

Michael Cinco’s Ancient Egyptian Fashion Show On Egypt’s North Coast.

August

Along Egypt’s North Coast, Filipino designer Michael Cinco proudly embodied and employed his love for Ancient Egypt in a collection dubbed ‘The Impalpable Dream of Egypt’ last August. Looking straight out of a Pharaonic reverie, Cinco’s collection metamorphosed into a living relic of the past.

Najwa Karam Dons Guinness Record-Breaking Gown

August

Najwa Karam took centre stage and left heads turning at her album launch event in Amman, Jordan, donning a striking and statement-making cape designed by Jordanian fashion visionary, Kish Jeane. Measuring a jaw-dropping 55.7 metres in length, this breathtaking cloak required an impressive 118 metres of fabric, securing its spot in the Guinness World Records as the longest cape ever created. 

Don’t try this at home, folks, don’t make those curtains suffer…

Bulgari Announces Bassel Khaiat As First Male Regional Ambassador

September

Unveiled as Bulgari’s inaugural male ambassador in the Middle East, Syrian actor Bassel Khayyat officially became Bulgari’s darling.

Ahmed Malek Becomes Dior's First MENA Fashion & Fragrances Ambassador

September

No stranger to the French luxury Maison, Malek, a beloved figure in the fashion house and frequently seen at Dior's menswear shows, solidified his status at the house’s first MENA ambassador.

Jean Paul Gautier Films Divine Gaultier Campaign Shoot in Luxor

September

Elegantly captured amidst the picturesque landscapes of Luxor, Jean Paul Gaultier's fragrance, 'The Gaultier Divine,' assumed a central role against the backdrop of Egypt's Nile River. Egyptian photographer Mazen Abusrour masterfully lensed the campaign, producing a collection of radiant images. The campaign starred internationally celebrated models, including Salima Jenkins, Mia Regan, Kenza Aboutrif, and Camelia.

Mona Zaki Walks L'Oréal Paris Défilé Catwalk

October

Strutting down the L'Oréal Paris Défilé Catwalk, Egyptian actress Mona Zaki shone in shades of Ruby, donning a thigh-length full-sleeved dress complete with a billowing red train and metallic silver platforms. Modeling alongside Kendall Jenner, Zaki walked with the poise of a seasoned professional, bestowing a gentle kiss upon guests as she turned to strut off the catwalk.

Alexa, play ‘Walk Like an Egyptian.’

The First-Ever Riyadh Fashion Week

October

In a first for the Kingdom, Saudi showcased over 30 brands and designers for its inaugural Riyadh Fashion Week. Celebrating the Kingdom’s rising creative landscape, Riyadh Fashion Week was an astounding success, placing Saudi on the pedestal of countries to look out for within the industry.