Pictures: Arab Stars and Designers at Cannes Film Festival 2024

The 2024 Cannes Film Festival has officially kicked off, with Arab representation once again having its moment on the esteemed event’s red carpet.

Yasmine Sabri, Winnie Harlow, and Dorra Zarrouk

Taking place from May 14-25, 2024, the 77th Cannes Film Festival saw plenty of Arab talent on its opening day and at the screening of The Second Act. Among the most noteworthy is Lebanese filmmaker and actor Nadine Labaki, who has been selected as one of the distinguished Palme d’Or jury members. To mark the beginning of the special occasion, Labaki ditched glamorous gowns for a sharp Versace jumpsuit, followed by a black power suit complete with a bow tie.

However, there was no lack of swoon-worthy dresses on the red carpet, designed by those who have mastered the art. Egyptian icon and Vogue Arabia’s April 2024 cover star Youssra arrived in a sparkling Tony Ward Couture gown with silver and gold embroidery, paired with jewelry by Cartier. Muted hues with dazzling embellishment were also favored by Farhana Bodi, who wore a strapless silver gown by Dubai-based Omani brand Atelier Zuhra, and Diala Makki, who sported a modest caped jumpsuit in a blush pink color by Syrian designer Rami Al Ali.

On the other end of the spectrum were traffic-stopping red gowns proving that the color really transcends trends. Part-Saudi model Shanina Shaik stunned in a crimson Zuhair Murad gown with a sweetheart neckline and an overskirt, picked from the Lebanese designer’s Fall 2024 collection. Raya Abirached and Heidi Klum also chose the color, with the Lebanese presenter wearing a strapless Georges Chakra gown with a thigh-high slit, and the German supermodel championing the region in a Saiid Kobeisy couture number. There is, indeed, no other color truly as timeless as black, and actor and activist Jane Fonda and Saudi entrepreneur Yara Alnamlah were of the same mind. While Fonda paid homage to the region in a striking Elie Saab jumpsuit, Alnamlah was a vision in a custom Rami Kadi gown with a statement gold necklace by Chaumet.