The 20 best looks by Arab fashion designers at the Cannes Film Festival

From intricate beadwork to daring silhouettes, regional creators have been a force to reckon with every year

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone in an 80s-inspired look by Saudi label Ashi Studio in 2018. AFP

Hala Abdallah wears a sequined Rami Kadi in 2021. EPA

Austrian model Nadine Leopold in a daring Zuhair Murad in 2022. AFP

Eva Longoria in a dress by Omani fashion house Atelier Zuhra in 2019. Getty Images

British reality TV star Kimberley Garner wearing sequinned Rami Kadi in 2022. EPA

Danish model Josephine Skriver wearing monochrome Tony Ward in 2022. EPA

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a gown by Lebanese-American designer Rami Kadi in 2018. Getty Images

Chinese megastar Fan Bingbing in Tunisian couturier Ali Karoui's creation in 2018. EPA

Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid in Elie Saab Fall 2007 Haute Couture gown at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Getty Images

Nicole Scherzinger dazzling in white Ashi Studio in 2018. AFP

Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio wearing pink floral Elie Saab in 2022. Getty Images

German blogger Leonie Hanne wearing mint-green Tony Ward in 2022. Reuters

YouTube star Liza Koshy in Georges Hobeika in 2022. Getty Images

French actress Nathalie Odzierejko wearing a Georges Hobeika suit in 2022. Photo: Georges Hobeika

Araya A Hargate wearing Nicolas Jebran in 2023. Getty Images

Didi Stone wearing Rami Kadi Couture in 2023. EPA

Izabel Goulart wearing Zuhair Murad in 2019. Getty Images

Isabeli Fontana displays Ali Younes in 2019. AP

Elle Fanning wears Reem Acra in 2019. EPA

Jasmine Tookes in Georges Chakra in 2019. Reuters

Ahead of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, here are 20 of the best looks from Arab fashion designers over recent years – from Zuhair Murad's daring silhouettes to Rami Al Ali's intricate beadwork.

The festival is about more than cinema these days. It is a glittering showcase of high fashion. From the classic old Hollywood glamour of the 1950s to the bold and daring silhouettes of today, the red carpet has seen it all over the years.

In the early years western fashion houses reigned supreme, from the sculptural might of Dior to the ultra-feminine elegance of Chanel. Arab designers have gradually made their way into the spotlight too, bringing in Middle Eastern opulence.

Lebanese couturier Elie Saab has become a red carpet favourite, showing off his exquisite beadwork, romantic silhouettes and cultural flair. Aside from dressing Arab and South Asian stars, Saab's creations have also been worn by Hollywood darlings including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Halle Berry, Blake Lively, Jessica Chastain and Emilia Clarke.

From established names to rising stars, each Arab designer brings their unique perspective and cultural influences to the red carpet.

Omani fashion house Atelier Zuhra, for example, is known for using rich fabrics and intricate embroidery in its sartorial creations, while Dubai-based label Azzi & Osta often incorporates subtle cultural nods to its otherwise whimsical pieces.

Other go-to designers include Georges Hobeika, who specialises in haute couture and is known for his impeccable tailoring of luxurious fabrics. Celebrities like Lively and Clarke have donned his show-stopping gowns at Cannes.

There's also Lebanese-Italian fashion designer Tony Ward, who draws inspiration from contemporary architecture in his designs. Meanwhile, stylists and celebrities who gravitate towards pieces with exquisite details often opt for the creations of Beirut designer Georges Chakra.