Contemporary? Check. Elegant? Check. Handcrafted? Check. Can’t stop gaping at the designs? Check.
Middle-Eastern designers have in recent years created a niche of their own in the fashion world. While Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad have become a byword for celeb fashion, they are not the only ones. Most of the young designers are based out of Beirut, long considered to be the fashion capital of the Middle East. And now, our very own Bollywood stars seem to have discovered their talent and are choosing their designs over desi creations.
From Katrina Kaif and Sonam Kapoor to Aishwarya Rai and Jacqueline Fernandez, B-town stars are flaunting the creations of the tremendously gifted Middle-Eastern designers with elan. Not to mention the JLos and Lady Gagas.
Check them out:
Ali Younes
This designer has dressed everyone from Aishwarya Rai to Jennifer Lopez. More recently, Jacqueline Fernandez and Pooja Hegde wore his designs at the Filmfare Awards earlier this year. Understated and super elegant, each of the Kuwait-based Ali Younes’s designs are meticulously handcrafted and are red carpet dreams.
Rami Kadi
From classy to brazenly quirky, and yet, unfailingly head-turners, Rami Kadi’s designs are a joy to behold. The designer was born in the US and raised in Lebanon, and has become a favourite with local and Indian celebs in no time. Aishwarya Rai particularly seems to love the label.
Ashi Studio
You cannot, simply cannot look away from how Ashi Studio combines antique gold or pearl embroidery with highly stylised structured capes, gowns or skirts. No wonder, it is a favourite brand of the likes of Sonam Kapoor and Lady Gaga among others. Launched in 2007 in Beirut by designer Mohammed Ashi, Ashi Studio has found favour with a distinct clientele worldwide.
Ziad Nakad
Intricate beading, embroidery and patchwork woven into striking silhouettes is Beirut-based designer Ziad Nakad’s forte. It sure explains why he is much sought after by celebs as well as on runways across the world.
Alfazairy
Beirut-based couture designer Alfazairy is making cascading gowns and gorgeous detailing a la mode again. Worn by Diana Penty at Filmfare this year and Middle-Eastern celebs like Myriam Fares and Rina Chibany, Alfazairy’s designs look straight out of a fairy tale. Each and every one of them.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)