Despite last-minute dress code guidelines causing chaos among celebrities and their stylists—banning sheer fabrics and voluminous silhouettes—the 2025 Cannes Film Festival still turned out to be a spectacle. The stars attended the red carpet for the opening ceremony and Partir Un Jour (Leave One Day) screening at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 13, 2025 and it’s safe to say, Arab designers owned the carpet. From sculptural pieces to crystal-soaked couture, their creations were among the most photographed and talked-about looks of the week.
Elie Saab
Seen on: Heidi Klum
The Lebanese couturier needs no introduction, but his Cannes moment reminded us why he’s still the red carpet king. Heidi Klum twirled in a voluminous pink-and-white Elie Saab gown—completely ignoring the “no extravagance” clause. It was unapologetic, glamorous, and exactly the kind of fashion rule-breaking Cannes is made for.
Zuhair Murad
Seen on: Alessandra Ambrosio
When the Brazilian Alessandra Ambrosio stepped out in a deep green, jewel-encrusted Zuhair Murad gown with sheer detailing and sweeping sleeves, all eyes followed. Murad’s signature balance of intricate embroidery and body-skimming structure proved you don’t need volume to make a statement—you just need Zuhair.
Rami Kadi
Seen on: Amina Khalil, Youssra
Kadi brought architectural edge and romantic flair in equal parts. Egyptian actress Amina Khalil stunned in a lilac sculpted piece that looked like it was poured onto her body.
The iconic Youssra went full regal in a soft ivory gown that was all grace.
Georges Chakra
Seen on: Raya Abirached
TV personality Raya Abirached shimmered under the Cannes sun in a sleek, icy silver Georges Chakra gown with Cartier jewels to match. Known for bold cuts and confident silhouettes, Chakra’s look gave red carpet armour—powerful, polished, and photo-ready from every angle.
Tamara Ralph
Seen on: Nadine Nassib Njeim, Eva Longoria
Though now based in London, Tamara Ralph’s Arab roots shone through in two of the week’s biggest style moments.
Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim wore a white heavy satin bustier with draped crepe cady skirt, embellished with a crystal mother of pearl and iris floral detail and crystal embroidery.
And Eva Longoria—marking her 20th Cannes appearance—chose a molten gold Ralph gown that hugged and shimmered like it had its own spotlight.
Atelier Zuhra
Seen on: Farhana Bodi
Always one to deliver a jaw-dropping moment, Farhana Bodi brought all-out glamour in a crystal-drenched gown by Dubai-based couture house Atelier Zuhra. With dramatic shoulders, a sheer embellished train, and intricate beadwork that caught every flash, the look was a walking chandelier moment.
