The world’s most prestigious, invitation-only film festival, AKA The Cannes Film Festival, is here, and let’s just say this year’s fashion is built different.
Held annually in May in Cannes, France, the festival, which was founded in 1946, aims to encourage and celebrate the development of the art of cinematography.
But while the attention would be on the 22 films in competition, we also have celebrities making their yearly fashion statements. From Nadine glowing in Armani, Laila Zaher dressed in Rami Kadi, to Ikram Abdi wearing Stella McCartney, the looks are coming in hot and fabulous.
In honour of the red carpet rollout and opening commencing yesterday, we have spotlighted a few of the standout SWANA talent who absolutely killed it on the red carpet for the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Scroll down for the best-dressed celebrities.
Bella Hadid in Prada
We were waiting for Bella Hadid to show up this year, and we can confirm she did more than that. Bella Hadid in custom Prada is what we didn’t know we needed, but we cannot get enough of. In her signature slicked back hair, arm in arm with her brother Anwar Hadid, in the most elegant white dress that just screams “Hollywood icon”, she had our jaws DROPPED.
Naïka in Rami Kadi
Naika has been blessing all of our feeds for a while now and her most recent appearance, at Cannes, has given us infinite more reasons to obsess. Dressed in Rami Kadi, she stunned us in a bronze strapless gown that has “Naika” written ALL OVER. Beautiful and personal, we love to see it!
Yasmine Sabri in Chopard
Opting for a mermaid silhouette, Yasmine Sabri, Egyptian actress and model, looked classically beautiful in a Michael Cinco dress elevated by stunning Chopard emeralds and diamonds. Hair on point, makeup on point, look on point; as one of the leading Arab women in cinema, she is always on point.
Leïla Bekhti in Chaumet
Algerian-French actress, Leïla Bekthi, had one of the most beautiful set of looks this Cannes Film Festival. A stand out was this look by Chaumet; with a classic black colour, the most flattering shilouette, and a subtle sparkle, Bekhti exuded a subtle but powerful confidence that left us all in awe.
Yasmina El Abd in Dior
If understated elegance was a person, it would be Yasmina El Abd. The 19-year-old Egyptian actress and singer looked gorgeous in a Dior look that kept her looking elegant, but young, and fresh. If this is her debut look at Cannes, we cannot wait to see what more she has to offer!
Noor Naem in Parure Atelier

Internet personality Noor Naem, also known as Noor Stars, walked the Cannes red carpet and lit up the internet in her beautiful Rami Kadi gown and Parure Atelier sapphire earrings and tanzanite ring. How someone can look this much like an absolute star is beyond us.
Banen Naem in Parure Atelier

Banen Naem, also known as Banen Stars, was spotted at Cannes doused in sparkles. Wearing a Rami Kadi creation she looked picture perfect. But to top it all off and finish the look… Parure Atelier’s white-gold diamond necklace with a green diamond pendant, and a pair of beautiful diamond earrings. Gorgeous!
Souheila Yacoub in Jean Paul Gaultier
Souheila Yacoub knows how to make an impact; and she did just that at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. Dressed in Jean Paul Gaultier, she looked captivating and powerful. She took traditionally masculine fashion elements and made it her own; something that when done right, is hard to forget.
Nojoud Alramaihi in Abbas Harajli
Before this look, Nojoud Alramaihi was already, arguably, one of the overall best-dressed women in the region. However, after this look there is no argument. This custom Abbas Harajli gown features subtle sparkle all over, fringe (who doesn’t love fringe?), a red ombre hem, and a fun halter neckline. All together, we have no notes for this look.
Nour Al Ghandour in Rami Kadi
Looking like a trophy, Nour Al Ghandour, was sparkling head to toe in Rami Kadi and Chopard. A corseted dress with a mermaid silhouette is exactly how to make a statement; and adding sparkles to it…beautiful. The Egyptian presenter and actress served us look after look since the start of the festival and we cannot wait to see what more she has in store.
Mila Al Zahrani in Eman Alajlian
Saudi Actress, Mila Al Zahrani, walked the Cannes red carpet dressed in Eman Alajlian and Messika Jewellery. The structure, colour, and silhouette of the dress complimented her beauty in every possible way; and the jewellery complimented the dress in every possible way. WOW, what a look.
Balqees in Roberto Cavalli
In a bronze, strapless, archive, Roberto Cavalli gown, Balqees Fathi looked exceptional at the Cannes red carpet! The Yemini-Emirati singer and actress had the whole look down; from the old hollywood-style hair to the most beautifully matched Messika Jewellery, Balqees is no stranger to elegance made personal.
Azza Slimene in Rami Kadi
Cobalt blue had been popular recently, but nobody has done it like Azza Slimene just did wearing Rami Kadi as she co-hosted the No More Plastic Gala Dinner at Cannes. Her hair completely complimented the draped sleeve and strapless neckline of this velvet dress, and the feather detail just finishes off the look to make it bold and composed.
Lyna Khoudri in Dior
Tunisian-French actress Lyna Khoudri was subtle in her look, but powerful in her presence, in a Dior by Jonathan Anderson suit. Promoting her project “In Waves” that is screening at the Cannes Critics’ Week, she showed up with confidence and beauty that we cannot deny.
Alice Abdel Aziz in Elio Abou Fayssal
Alice Abdel Aziz’s first look at the opening ceremony of the festival was magical. This green, backless, and hooded dress was one of the most interesting looks of the festival thus far. And the best part? The jewellery peaking through the back. WOW. This jewellery couture dress was made by Elio Abou Fayssal, and brought to life by Alice Abdel Aziz.
Nadine Nassib Njeim in Armani
Lebanese actress, founder of Nadine Njeim Beauty, and former Miss Lebanon, Nadine Nassib Njeim, found a way to make our jaws drop even more than last year! Wearing Armani Privé and radiant jewellery by Marli New York, she walked the carpet with confidence, putting her mark on the industry once again.
Laila Zaher in Rami Kadi
With a most elegant announcement that Laila Zaher and Hisham Gamal are expecting a baby girl, the Egyptian actress shared the news through fashion. A white gown with pink feathers at the hems by Rami Kadi, and dazzling Chopard high jewellery with pink sapphires, rubies, and diamonds to match the announcement. Zero notes.
Raya Abirached in Maison Yeya
Raya Abirached came feeling and looking good as she celebrated her birthday at the opening ceremony of the festival. The TV presenter and celebrity journalist from Lebanon gave us everything we wanted to see from the birthday girl. Jewels: Cartier, dress: Maison Yeya, styled by: Cedric Haddad, beauty: Raya.
Jennifer Azar in Nicolas Jebran
One of the most breathtaking women in the world just gave us even more reasons to obsess! With an ivory custom dress by Nicolas Jebran, and jewellery by Hassanzadeh Jewellery, the Lebanese actress, Jennifer Aazar, could not have done anything better. Elegance and beauty personified.
Ikram Abdi Omar in Stella McCartney
Ikram Abdi Omar looked utterly flawless in a crisp white gown by Stella McCartney at this opening ceremony and it’s a look that has us talking! The Somali-British model brought a statuesque, commanding presence to the look, with clean white draping feeling entirely natural on her frame. This look is a masterclass in understated glamour; no elaborate design needed, just beautiful construction and quite confidence.
Farhana Bodi in Joia de Baume & Mercier
Dubai-based actress and content creator Farhana Bodi arrived at Cannes in a custom aqua couture gown by Atelier Zuhra; a creation that took nearly a year to complete and weighs 15 kilograms! And another eye-catcher: The heritage piece by Joia De Baume & Mercier, just WOW. Farhana knows about making an unforgettable look, but this is just beyond and we love it!
Maya Aboul Hosn in Nicolas Jebran
Lebanese beauty and Miss Universe Lebanon 2023 Maya Aboul Hosn made a striking appearance in a red gown by Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran. True to the designer’s signature, sculpted silhouettes, impeccable draping, and an understanding of how to dress a woman. It is a look to remember, and not just because its Maya.
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