The year 2020 has been one unlike any other. However, despite the many challenges in creativity and cancelation of red carpet events, there were still plenty of noteworthy sartorial moments, particularly at the hands of Arab designers.
A standout moment of the year was Lebanese soprano Majida El Roumi‘s first-ever magazine cover story, for Vogue Arabia’s June 2020 issue. The icon looked extraordinary in gowns by Lebanese couturiers Georges Hobeika and Zuhair Murad for her cover shoot.
Arguably, some of this year’s best looks came from Saudi Arabia‘s most international designer, and Vogue Arabia’s December 2020 cover star Ashi, founder of the label Ashi Studio. Several of Ashi’s incredible creations were worn by French-Italian supermodel, and fellow Vogue Arabia December cover star Cindy Bruna, for their shoot. Additionally, one of the most talked-about ensembles of the year was Beyoncé‘s black hand-made embroidered piece by Ashi Studio, worn in her Black Is King film. And who can forget the custom-made white Ashi Studio number worn by actor Billy Porter to the virtual Emmy Awards?
From Jennifer Lopez‘s showstopping sweeping black gown by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika at the Sag Awards in January to the elegant glittering gold Zuhair Murad creation worn by Egyptian icon Yousra to the Oscars in February, Arab designers were once again responsible for creating some of the very best looks at Hollywood award events. Perhaps one of the most memorable looks of the awards season is the gown by Syrian designer Reem Masri, worn by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab, that was embellished with calligraphy translating to, “we dared to dream and we will not regret dignity.” Unsurprisingly, Elie Saab‘s stunning creations were also a favorite among stars this year, especially the voluminous dress worn by Mulan star Liu Yifei, for her Hollywood red carpet debut.
As 2020 comes to a close, take a look at Vogue Arabia’s pick of the best looks by Arab designers this year, in the gallery above.
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