From Cannes to the Oscars: 7 Iconic Hijabi Moments That Owned the Red Carpet
When a hijab-wearing woman steps onto a major red carpet, it’s more than just a personal style choice—it’s a cultural moment. At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Rawdah Mohamed’s striking modest look once again made headlines, reminding the world that glamour and hijab are not mutually exclusive.
Hijab-wearing women are showing up in designer gowns, commanding attention, and challenging outdated expectations—on their own terms. Let’s take a look at the growing presence of modest fashion at the highest levels of style and the women helping to reshape the narrative.
1. Rawdah Mohamed: Cannes Film Festival 2025
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Rawdah Mohamed dazzled in two custom gowns that perfectly captured elegance and grace. One by Rizman Ruzaini featured a rose pink silk silhouette with a buttoned-back bodice and a dramatic flared skirt, styled with chic heels from Buttonscarves.
Another by Cheney Chan flowed with sculpted drapery, blending modern chic with timeless refinement. Rawdah’s looks show how modest fashion can shine brilliantly on the world’s most prestigious red carpets.
2. Halima Aden: Cannes Film Festival 2023
After stepping back from modeling in 2020, Halima Aden made a powerful comeback at Cannes 2023. She stunned in a midnight blue Gucci gown with a custom hijab, styled by Jason Rembert.
With simple glam and embracing the red carpet chaos, Halima showed confidence and grace. Her look proved how the hijab can be a statement of style and identity on the world’s biggest red carpets, opening doors for greater visibility in high fashion.
3. Mthayel Al Ali: Venice International Film Festival 2022
When Mthayel Al Ali made her appearance at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, she left a stunning impression.
Al Ali also attended an exclusive Armani Beauty dinner, surrounded by Hollywood’s brightest stars. This moment marked her growing influence as a hijab-wearing actress on the world stage.
4. Hala Kamil: Oscars 2017
Even though she faced last-minute travel hurdles and dress challenges, Hala Kamil’s red carpet moment at the 2017 Oscars was nothing short of inspiring. The Syrian refugee and star of the Oscar-nominated documentary Watani: My Homeland wore a striking custom Brandon Maxwell two-piece gown that perfectly matched her purple hijab.
Created just days before the event, the look symbolized strength and resilience.
5. Fatma Al Remaihi: Venice Film Festival 2024
You won’t find flamboyance in Fatma Al Remaihi’s red carpet wardrobe—but you will find authority. As the CEO of the Doha Film Institute, she brought effortless poise to the Babygirl red carpet at the 2024 Venice Film Festival in a powder blue suit with a feminine twist, swapping trousers for a flowing skirt.
Paired with silver heels, the look was polished yet understated, mirroring her role as a quiet force in Arab cinema.
6. Yuna: People’s Choice Awards 2019
Yuna stuns for Glambot at People’s Choice Awards 2019 by Cole Wallisor. #yuna #yunazarai #yunational #pca #peopleschoiceawards #glambot #redcarpet #colewallisor #fyp #foryourpage #awardshow♬ Don’t Wanna Know – Yuna
At the 2019 People’s Choice Awards, Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna made a stunning debut, rocking a dark red dual-tone sequinned suit with a black turban and pointed shoes designed by Marcell Von Berlin.
Though she didn’t take home the Most Inspiring Asian Woman award, Yuna lit up the red carpet with her effortless style and infectious energy. Fans praised her as a true icon of inspiration and style, celebrating her nomination and the pride she brought to Malaysia on this global stage.
7. Aya Mohamed: Venice Film Festival 2024
For Aya Mohamed—better known online as Milan Pyramid—the red carpet is a chance to bring digital flair to real-life fashion. She stunned on the Venice red carpet in a sleek, white gown by Salvatore Vignola.
The dress featured clean lines that highlighted her elegant silhouette. She completed the look with makeup by Charlotte Tilbury and stylish Malone Souliers heels, creating a polished and sophisticated ensemble that perfectly captured timeless glamour.
Modesty on the Red Carpet
From couture gowns to tailored classics, these women brought the hijab to some of the world’s biggest red carpets, showing that style and cultural identity go hand in hand. Their looks highlight how the hijab belongs in fashion’s most glamorous moments, adding a fresh and meaningful presence that continues to gain visibility and respect!
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