Yousra in Zuhair Murad at the 2020 Oscars. Photo: Instagram/@youssra
“Oscars 2020..Here I am,” wrote Yousra on Instagram earlier today after walking the 92nd Academy Awards‘ red carpet and here she is indeed. The Egyptian superstar made her Oscars debut as a jury member after being one of the 842 new inductees into The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year.
As a star of more than 50 regional television and film titles as well as a singer of renowned Arab hits, Yousra is often regarded as an icon of the Middle East. While we may not know which winners Yousra voted for in the awards, we do know her choice designer for the big night in Los Angeles was none other than Zuhair Murad. Hailed as the Lebanese couturier of the stars, Murad is often a favorite of many red carpet affairs so it only seems fitting for the pair to team up in a nod to the creative talent hailing from the region.
Group photo of the Oscars 2020 judges. Photo: Instagram/@youssra
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Yousra donned a customized ensemble that took a staggering 600 hours to craft from the Arab designer’s Spring/Summer 2020 Couture collection, an ancient Egypt-inspired presentation brimming with arm cuffs, hieroglyphs, and a palette of bejeweled tones. As one of the few personalities from the Arab world to make an appearance at the Oscars this year, Yousra embodies Middle Eastern glamor in a flowing ecru gown reminiscent of a powerful Egyptian queen. From the glittering gold bodice and draped crêpe folds to the exquisite feathered embroidery and cape-like long sleeves, Yousra’s bespoke version of the runway piece creates a “shenti” effect, according to Murad, and champions modest fashion in the best light.
“Youssra was the perfect celebrity to represent my new collection at the Oscars,” said Murad. “Not only is she is one of the most iconic figures of Egypt, but she is also beautiful and elegant and looked like a goddess on the carpet, which perfectly depicts the collection’s inspiration. It was a great coincidence to have her attend the Oscars this season.”
Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring Summer 2020 collection. Courtesy of Zuhair Murad
