2023 has been a year of highs and lows, but the women of the region didn’t fail to make statements on the red carpet, no matter where they went. Over the past 12 months, Arabia’s style icons provided endless inspiration on how to always look your best. From guests at royal weddings, to celebrities setting the standard at Paris Fashion Week, there was no lack of impeccably dressed women in the Middle East. However, a select few topped trending charts time and time again with their bold ensembles. Below, Vogue Arabia recognizes the women who constantly delight and inspire us sartorially.
The best dressed Arab women of 2023
Amina Muaddi
Amina Muaddi in Valentino. Photo: Instagram.com
It doesn’t come as a surprise that as a favorite in the realm of footwear design, Amina Muaddi is always on-point when it comes to her shoe selections. Often seen championing her eponymous label, the Jordanian-Romanian designer served some serious inspiration on how to uplift any outfit with footwear. However, her overall ensembles were just as glamorous this year, if not more. From Valentino to Schiaparelli, this style star knows how to shine in everything.
Balqees Fathi
Balqees in Valentino. Photo: Instagram.com
When Balqees is not wooing her audience with melodious tunes, the Yemeni-Emirati singer can be found attending the most glamorous events in fashion, ensuring that all eyes remain on her. For Valentino’s SS24 show, she was spotted in a monochrome ensemble championing one of the most popular colors this year, fiery red. The sophisticated number was just one of many striking looks throughout 2023, from glamorous gowns to animal print jumpsuits.
Dorra Zarrouk
Dorra Zarrouk in Rami Kadi. Photo: Instagram.com
For Dorra Zarouk, stunning audiences comes naturally, whether it’s on the silver screen or via Instagram feeds. From casual everyday outfits featuring the likes of Fendi and Elisabetta Franchi, to glamorous gowns from Arab designers at events such as the Red Sea Film Festival, this regional star knows exactly how to be the belle of every ball. So, the next time you need some inspiration on fairytale fashion, just scroll through her Instagram albums.
Farida Khelfa
Farida Khelfa in Schiaparelli. Photo: Instagram.com
The legendary French-Algerian model constantly proves that age is just a number. If there’s one thing Farida Khalifa knows, it’s how to conquer fashion — after all, she has been doing it for years. Recognized as one of the most preeminent style icons from Arabia, Khalifa provided more than enough testimony for her reputation this year, with a number of fashion-forward ensembles revealing her distinct sense of style.
Jessica Kahawaty
Jessica Kahawaty in Dolce & Gabbana. Photo: Instagram.com
Jessica Kahawaty seems to excel at a number of things – from philanthropy to modeling and TV hosting – but one of her strongest suits is certainly her eye for fashion. The Lebanese-Australian beauty remains one of the Instagram’s favorite faces in the region, often seen jet-setting around the world for everything from runway shows to charity events. Whether she’s wearing heritage brands such as Brunello Cucinelli and Dolce & Gabbana or newer labels, Kahawaty adds her personal charm to everything in her closet.
Karen Wazen
Karen Wazen in Yousef Akbar. Photo: Instagram.com
Whether she’s championing street style in Coperni or channeling sophisticated minimalism in Gucci, there’s no denying that Karen Wazen is the ultimate It girl. The Lebanese influencer and designer’s wardrobe is full of must-haves, from regional labels to international favorites. To amp up the cool factor of her ensembles, Wazen loves to add on some edgy eyewear from her eponymous brand.
Mona Zaki
Mona Zaki in Zuhair Murad. Photo: Instagram.com
Mona Zaki remains one of the most beloved stars in Arabia, having conquered hearts across the region not only through her acting, but also through her penchant for jaw-dropping fashion moments. This year, the Egyptian actress made her way to Cannes Film Festival, and quickly found herself on everyone’s red carpet radar with that dreamy ocean-inspired Zuhair Murad gown.
Nadine Nassib Njeim
Nadine Nassib Njeim in Zuhair Murad. Photo: Instagram.com
As one of the most followed Lebanese actors on Instagram, Nadine Nassib Njeim regularly lights up our feeds with all-eyes-on-me ensembles. This year, the star oscillated from severe black red carpet looks from Versace, Schiaparelli and Zuhair Murad, to sparkly ensembles that would look perfect at your New Year’s Eve bash. It seems like there’s no look she can’t carry off.
Nancy Ajram
Nancy Ajram. Photo: Instagram.com
As the Queen of Arab Pop, Nancy Ajram knows a thing or two about stealing hearts, both with her talent and her envy-worthy wardrobe. While Ajram has always had a soft spot for OTT sparkles, she mixed things up in 2023 with pop hues, acid tones and powerful silhouettes. Remember this figure-flattering neon green gown?
Queen Rania of Jordan
Queen Rania in Elie Saab. Photo: Instagram.com
For years, Queen Rania has inspired the region with her grace and elegance, her sense of style informing the most discerning of individuals. This year was no different, especially as the Jordanian royal went all-out for the back-to-back weddings of her children, Princess Iman and Crown Prince Hussein. Stunning elements such as the Arabic scroll tiara uplifted her wedding ensembles, which are sure to inspire women in the region for years to come.
Razane Jammal
Razane Jammal in Dior. Photo: Instagram.com
From channeling old Hollywood glamour to stunning in Dior, there is not much that Razane Jammal hasn’t tried — and aced —when it comes to fashion. As she continues to make a name for herself with titles such as Al Thaman and The Sandman, the Lebanese actor is not slowing down on the fashion front. With a sense of personal style rooted in elegance, she is fast becoming one of the biggest style icons in the region.
Rym Saidi
Rym Saidi in Harith Hashim. Photo: Instagram.com
Tunisian model and presenter Rym Saidi is no stranger to making memorable sartorial statements. Whether she’s spotted in local designers such as Harith Hashim and Dima Ayad, or attending the shows of international names such as Etro, Saidi knows how to make an entrance. From pairing Chopard jewelry with extravagant gowns to putting together more laid-back ensembles, this Arab beauty never disappoints.
Salma Abu Deif
Salma Abu Deif in Georges Hobeika. Photo: Instagram.com
From fashion week front rows to the silver screen, Salma Abu Deif almost always leaves her audience and cameras mesmerized with her sartorial choices. The Egyptian actor’s alluring aura, paired with a distinctive sense of style, has quickly made her one of the brightest stars in Arabia. One only has to take a look at her Instagram page to discover a number of unforgettable style moments.
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in Valentino. Photo: Instagram.com
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar has had an unparalleled influence on fashion in the Middle East. Labeled as one of the most stylish royals in the world, Sheikha Moza is known for a distinguished sense of taste that sets her apart from everyone else. Her neon green gown at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein is just one of the many examples of how the sheikha is not shy about charting her own path in fashion.
Tara Emad
Tara Emad in Jean Pierre Khoury. Photo: Instagram.com
Tara Emad has been in the public eye from quite a young age, and in that time, she has cultivated a distinct sense of style — one that is appreciated across the region. Often spotted in timeless ensembles, the Egyptian-Montenegrin actor and model provides plenty of inspiration when it comes to fashion that never goes out of style. If quiet luxury is your cup of tea, then look no farther than Emad’s wardrobe.
Yasmine Sabri
Yasmine Sabri in Yousef Akbar. Photo: Instagram.com
Few have the charisma that Yasmine Sabri seems to carry, both on and off screen. An innate charm that is only been uplifted by her affinity for fashion. From a sparkling black number by Yousef Akbar to a pink Barbiecore power suit, every look from the Egyptian actress this year has been right on trend, proving her position as one of the most stylish stars in Arabia.
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