Every year, the Cannes Film Festival brings together the world’s biggest cinematic names, celebrating the films everyone will soon be talking about. But let’s be real, the red carpet is basically its own main event. This year, Arab designers came ready to steal the spotlight, dressing regional and international stars alike in looks packed with drama, elegance, and all the glamour Cannes is known for. From sparkling couture gowns to bold statement silhouettes, these are the Arab-designed looks from opening night that we’re still not over.
Raya Abirached in Maison Yeya
Lebanese TV presenter Raya Abirached went all out for this year’s Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony in a dazzling silver embellished gown by Maison Yeya. The look, designed by Egyptian-French designer Yasmine Yeya, featured a white base layered with shimmering silver gems that fully embraced Cannes glamour. To elevate the look even more, she paired it with bold silver jewelry from Cartier.
Laila Ahmed Zaher in Rami Kadi
Egyptian actress Laila Ahmed Zaher tapped Lebanese-American designer Rami Kadi for a soft, feminine Cannes moment. She dazzled in a dreamy blush pink gown featuring ombré laser-cut feathers that gave the look an ethereal touch. Paired with soft glam makeup, a sleek high bun, and sparkling jewelry from Chopard, the whole look came together with an effortlessly angelic vibe.
Maika Monroe in Ashi Studio
Maika Monroe brought effortless glamour to the Cannes Film Festival in a shimmering silver sequin gown from Ashi Studio by Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi. While the sparkling fitted silhouette already did all the talking, the American actress kept things cool with minimal makeup and a bold red lip that added just the right amount of drama. Sleek, glamorous, and impossible to miss, the look perfectly captured the sculpted couture magic Ashi Studio has become famous for.
Asser Yassin in Maison Du Mec & Kenzy Abdallah in Rami Kadi
Asser Yassin looked sharp in a tailored black suit by Lebanese minimalist menswear brand Maison Du Mec, bringing clean, modern sophistication to the red carpet. Alongside him, his wife Kenzy Abdallah dazzled in a flowing nude gown by Lebanese designer Rami Kadi, featuring a striking embroidered waist detail that added a contemporary twist to the soft silhouette. Together, the stylish couple doubled the elegance, flair, and drama, serving a perfectly balanced Cannes moment of understated power and statement glamour.
Farhana Bodi in Atelier Zuhra
Indian influencer and social media personality Farhana Bodi stayed true to her signature dramatic style in a striking aquamarine gown by Atelier Zuhra. The sculptural look featured thousands of hand-applied Swarovski crystals, a mermaid-inspired finish, and a bold architectural collar that made sure all eyes were on her. Founded by Omani businesswoman Mouza Al Awfi, the couture house delivered yet another over-the-top Cannes fashion moment packed with glamour and drama.
Heidi Klum in Elie Saab
German-American model and actress Heidi Klum leaned into soft femininity at the Cannes Film Festival, dazzling in a strapless peach couture gown from Elie Saab’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The design featured a plunging neckline and a statement oversized floral detail at the center, bringing a romantic, ethereal touch to the red carpet. Effortless yet striking, the look balanced delicate elegance with high-impact couture drama.
Jennifer Azar in Nicolas Jebran
Lebanese actress Jennifer Azar kept things sleek and striking at the Cannes Film Festival in a minimal yet undeniably eye-catching look by Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran. She stepped onto the red carpet in a crisp white fitted gown with a mermaid-style tail, designed to sculpt and highlight the feminine silhouette effortlessly. Clean, elegant, and quietly powerful, the look proved that sometimes less really does steal the show.
Alice Abdel Aziz in Elio Abou Fayssal
Lebanese entrepreneur Alice Abdel Aziz brought bold energy to the Cannes Film Festival in a striking satin yellow gown by Lebanese designer Elio Abou Fayssal. The statement look featured a dramatic hood and a daring backless silhouette, elevated with colorful gemstone detailing that added just the right amount of playful sparkle. Equal parts edgy and glamorous, the ensemble was a full-on red carpet moment that refused to blend in.
Maya Aboul Hosn in Nicolas Jebran
Maya Aboul Hosn, Lebanese model, television presenter, and Miss Universe Lebanon 2023, made a striking appearance at the opening of the Cannes Film Festival in a custom creation by Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran. She stepped onto the red carpet in a bold red gown featuring a dramatic trailing silhouette that blended elegance with high-impact glamour. The look delivered pure cinematic drama, perfectly matching the energy of Cannes’ most iconic night.
Lilly Krug in Charbel Karam
German actress Lilly Krug brought timeless elegance to the Cannes Film Festival in a luxurious, feminine gown by Lebanese designer Charbel Karam. The nude-toned dress was richly embroidered with gold threads and shimmering crystals, highlighting the intricate artistry often seen in Arab couture. With its plunging neckline and voluminous multi-layered skirt, the silhouette felt both regal and effortlessly sophisticated: perfectly matching the grandeur of Cannes’ red carpet moments.
Uma Jammeh in Naja Saade
Reality television star Uma Jammeh dazzled in a breathtaking look by Lebanese designer Naja Saade. She shimmered in a crystal-studded silver-white gown that sparkled from every angle, featuring a plunging V-neckline and a soft, flowing silhouette that moved effortlessly with her every step. The dangling crystal details along the hem added a playful, jewelry-like effect, turning the whole look into a walking work of art that lit up the red carpet with pure glamour.
Ginta in Ziad Nakad
Swiss singer Ginta opted for a dramatic black ensemble that perfectly captured the elegance of the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. She shone in a form-fitting mermaid gown by Lebanese designer Ziad Nakad, featuring shimmering embellishments and interwoven sheer panels that added a bold, modern edge to the silhouette. The long flowing train brought a dose of classic red-carpet drama, while delicate jewelry from Messika and a sleek black clutch tied the whole look together with effortless polish.
Jenny Gordienko in Rami Salamoun
Ukrainian entrepreneur Jenny Gordienko delivered a glamorous, modern red carpet moment in a dazzling design by Rami Salamoun. She wore a fully crystal-studded asymmetrical one-shoulder gown, detailed with soft geometric cutouts at the waist that added a contemporary edge to the sparkle-heavy silhouette. The look came alive with a high-gloss shimmer, while her feathered bag added a playful yet luxe finishing touch that tied the whole ensemble together.
With flair, drama, and unmistakable originality, Arab designers are carving out a powerful space on international red carpets, bringing designs that feel both authentic and globally relevant. Far from just making appearances, they’re owning the moment, turning every entrance into a statement and every look into a conversation. With couture that blends craftsmanship, culture, and modern edge, they’re not just following fashion trends; they’re reshaping them and setting new ones entirely.
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