Red Carpets to Runways: All the Gold Dresses You Need To Check Out Before the Ball of Arabia

Photo: Instagram.com

This December, Vogue Arabia lights up the city of Dubai with its second edition of the Ball of Arabia. Falling on the same month as the nation’s 50th National Day, the gala is all set to pay homage to the UAE and its rich history with an all-gold theme. Co-chaired by Ingie Chalhoub, Huda and Mona Kattan, Mona Zaki and Zuhair Murad, the evening will also see our guest list walking in wearing a line-up of stunning gold ensembles by Arab’s favorite designers. Because after all, in a world where it only takes one dress to impress, what better way to own the crowd than with a timeless piece that is alluring enough so as to not need any accessories?

MARILYN-MONROE-IN-'GENTLEMAN-PREFER-BLONDES'-IN-1953-

Marilyn Monroe in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’, 1953. Photo: Instagram.com

‘The Golden Dress’ made its way through the most iconic moments in history, starting from the Marilyn Monroe’s iconic sunburst pleated gold lamé halter neck gown, and moving on to Elizabeth Taylor in a golden gown draped with the rich history of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, (a role Taylor played in 1963), and of course, Cher at the 55th Academy Awards, who stunned in an eye-catching white and gold, wholly sheer gown. Over the years, the iconic golden dress has also been reinvented by the likes of Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, Gigi Hadid and many more on numerous red carpets around the world.

Nicole Kidman at the Academy Awards, 2000. Photo: Instagram.com

More recently, a memorable moment came via Milan Fashion Week 2018, where supermodels Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Helen Christensen took over the Versace show in liquid gold cocktail party dresses, paying tribute to the one and only Gianni Versace.

There no doubt that gold is back in every shape and form, as seen in the FW 2021 couture runway presentations—we saw Schiaparelli’s fully ruffled gold wings, and Valentinos’ short sleeved sequin number, and Zuhair Murad’s embellished creation, all serving major inspiration for the festive season.

Zuhair Murad

Gold doesn’t stop at couture, and has also made its way into the ready-to-wear collections of Alberta Ferretti, who used the look in her FW 2021 collection, elevating it with fringes and embroidered golden pieces as a go-to. Likewise, Michael Kors, Burberry, and Rodarte added gold statement pieces to their lines too. While gold has evidently given life to the most significant moments in fashion, the regal color will continue to reign with its timeless hue on runways and beyond. If you plan on celebrating the Ball of Arabia with us virtually, here’s all the gold dressing inspiration you’ll need!