Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged. As fans celebrate the news, thoughts have quickly turned to what the bride-to-be might wear for her wedding.
“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the couple declared via a joint Instagram post, alongside images of the proposal.
In these images, Swift wore a striped Ralph Lauren dress - that reportedly sold out online in minutes after the engagement news broke – raising the fashion stakes for what will undoubtedly be the wedding of the year. To propose, Kelce chose an old mine brilliant cut diamond ring designed by New York jewellery designer Kindred Lubeck.
Although we will have to wait for details of the couple's big day, we can speculate about possible designers who could design Swift's dress. Here are some of the designers, regional and otherwise, that we think could be in the running.
Lebanese designers
Elie Saab
Elie Saab has a history of being a go-to for the singer. The Lebanese designer has a solid reputation for dressing big-name stars for the red carpet and brides around the world. Notably, he has also dressed the brides of two of his sons for their high-profile wedding days.
Swift relied on the Lebanese couturier to create several looks for her Eras Tour dates. To play in Tampa, for example, she wore a romantic nude look, with a crystal-strewn bodice and fabric flowers scattered across the skirt.
Looking at Saab's autumn 2025 bridal line, there is a similar gown in the collection. Described as a strapless ballgown, the look is fully embroidered, with a "delicate vine of flowers and dimensional organza leaves that bring sculptural depth to the silhouette". It is completed with an embroidered tulle veil.
Reem Acra
Lebanese-American designer Reem Acra is another of Swift's firm favourites. The designer created several of the dresses she wore during the Speak Now set of her Eras Tour, as well as the lilac tulle look seen on the Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) album cover.
The singer also wore a Reem Acra bridesmaid dress to her friend's wedding in 2016.
In the Bows and Roses bridal collection by the New York designer, there is a similar look, with a tulle skirt, a defined waist and a discreet scattering of floral embroidery around the hips. The dress is finished with lace-capped sleeves.
Reem Acra is headquartered in New York, which could make the label an attractive and handy option for the singer.
Azzi & Osta
Another Lebanese brand that Swift has been loyal to in the past is Azzi & Osta. The label dressed the singer in a form-fitting gold and silver couture look for the music video for Karma, released in May 2023.
With a drape detail at the neckline and a large side split, it was a dramatic, yet ethereal look.
In their bridal collection, the designer duo have several form-fitting looks in a similar vein, including one look from 2023 with a strapless, sculpted bodice and dress, cut away to reveal a lace panel underneath.
Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad is another name clearly held in high regard, with Swift wearing several designs by him through the years.
She wore a fitted, embellished Zuhair Murad look to the 2012 Grammy Awards, while as part of her Eras Tour, she wore a blue fringed bodysuit as one of the Midnights era looks during the European leg of the tour.
In the romantic gown realm, she also turned to the Lebanese designer to create a Speak Now dress, complete with a full skirt and intricate starburst sequins.
As part of his autumn 2025 bridal collection, Murad has a look featuring the same starburst beadwork. A more fitted design, with a full overskirt, the gown features a bodice, skirt and overskirt, all of which are covered in starburst silver and white beading.
International designers
Schiaparelli
Swift will also have the choice of many international designers.
Known for dressing for each of her eras, which correspond with her album releases, her most recent release, The Tortured Poets Department, brought with it a wardrobe of dramatic white gowns, on and off the stage.
For the 2024 Grammy Awards, she wore an off-white Schiaparelli haute couture gown, which was custom-made with a draped bustier and finished with long black opera gloves.
Vivienne Westwood
To add the The Tortured Poets Department set to her Eras tour, Swift turned to Vivienne Westwood to create several custom looks. She debuted the designs in Paris in May last year, with a gown featuring a tight, corseted bodice and draped skirts inscribed with the lyrics, "I love you, it’s ruining my life" from the single, Fortnight. The look was finished with a three-row orb detail choker in black agate.
In the past year, she has worn a number of corseted Vivienne Westwood outfits for public appearances. Notable looks include a red sequinned mini for the 2025 Grammy Awards in February and several pieces to attend Kansas City Chiefs American football games to cheer on Kelce.
Oscar de la Renta
Another strong contender is American brand Oscar de la Renta, which has dressed the singer several times. As well as creating short, beaded tour looks, Oscar de la Renta designed the quilted, applique cornflower blue gown Swift wore for the premiere of her concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The dress is very similar to several bridal looks by the same label.
If Swift does choose to get married in Oscar de la Renta, she is in good company, as this same name was chosen by human rights lawyer Amal Clooney when she married actor George Clooney in 2014.
Ralph Lauren
Swift has become synonymous with the image of the "all American" girl, so it would stand to reason that she could choose Ralph Lauren, a truly all-American brand, to design her wedding dress.
For the engagement, she wore a striped summer dress by the brand, which has dressed several celebrities for their weddings in the past. Notable Ralph Lauren brides of recent years include Priyanka Chopra, Lily Collins and Naomi Biden, granddaughter of former US president, Joe Biden.
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Details
Through Her Lens: The stories behind the photography of Eva Sereny
Forewords by Jacqueline Bisset and Charlotte Rampling, ACC Art Books
Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
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Multiply Titans 81-2 in 12.1 overs
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A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Company profile
Company name: Nestrom
Started: 2017
Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi
Based: Jordan
Sector: Technology
Initial investment: Close to $100,000
Investors: Propeller, 500 Startups, Wamda Capital, Agrimatico, Techstars and some angel investors
RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
The bio
Academics: Phd in strategic management in University of Wales
Number one caps: His best-seller caps are in shades of grey, blue, black and yellow
Reading: Is immersed in books on colours to understand more about the usage of different shades
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Cars: Loves exotic cars and currently drives a Bentley Bentayga
Holiday: Favourite travel destinations are London and St Tropez
Venom
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed
Rating: 1.5/5
ZIMBABWE V UAE, ODI SERIES
All matches at the Harare Sports Club:
1st ODI, Wednesday - Zimbabwe won by 7 wickets
2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16
UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
MAIN CARD
Bantamweight 56.4kg
Abrorbek Madiminbekov v Mehdi El Jamari
Super heavyweight 94 kg
Adnan Mohammad v Mohammed Ajaraam
Lightweight 60kg
Zakaria Eljamari v Faridoon Alik Zai
Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Mahmood Amin v Taha Marrouni
Light welterweight 64.5kg
Siyovush Gulmamadov v Nouredine Samir
Light heavyweight 81.4kg
Ilyass Habibali v Haroun Baka
Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
On the menu
First course
▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water
▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle
Second course
▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo
▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa
Third course
▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro
▶ Lamb 2 ways Braised lamb, crispy lamb chop, bulgur, physalis
Dessert
▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate
▶ Black chocolate bar Dark chocolate, dates, caramel, camel milk ice cream
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Tim Paine (captain), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
Results:
6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 2,410m | Winner: Bin Battuta, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer)
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Al Hayette, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
7.40pm: Handicap (T) | $145,000 | 1,000m | Winner: Faatinah, Jim Crowley, David Hayes
8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) | $200,000 | 1,200m | Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) | $200,000 | 1,800m | Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm: Handicap (T) | $175,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Another Batt, Connor Beasley, George Scott
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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England v South Africa schedule:
- First Test: At Lord's, England won by 219 runs
- Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
- Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
- Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8
Draw:
Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi
Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania
Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia
Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola
Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau
FIGHT CARD
Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)
Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)
Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)
Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)
Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)
Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)
Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)
Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)
Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)
Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Hotel Silence
Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
Pushkin Press
The Breadwinner
Director: Nora Twomey
Starring: Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, Laara Sadiq
Three stars
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
