Rabat – Venice Film Festival has once again turned the Lido into a showcase for some of fashion’s biggest names, and this year, Arab designers are making a particularly strong impression.
Designers from across the Arab world are dressing actors and models on one of cinema’s most photographed red carpets.
German model Leonie Hanne was among the latest to spotlight Arab fashion, arriving at the screening of Succedera Questa Notte in a strapless ivory gown by Syrian designer Rami Al-Ali.
The Fall/Winter 2026 look featured a champagne-toned bodice detailed with fine metallic lines that radiated from the waist, while the skirt fell into layers of pale blush silk. Hanne finished the look with a diamond collar, a bracelet and a sleek low bun.
Al-Ali, who was born in Damascus and is based in Dubai, presented the collection as part of the official Paris haute couture schedule last year.
Lebanese couture was also represented on the Lido. American actress Geena Davis attended the premiere of The Basics of Philosophy in a black sequined gown by Elie Saab, continuing the Beirut-based house’s long association with the Venice red carpet.
The festival also offered a lesson in fashion history, with several stars turning to archival Arab designs.
Italian model Paola Turani opened the festival in a Tony Ward gown from the Lebanese designer’s Fall/Winter 2014-2015 couture collection.
The dark look featured embroidered detailing and a dramatic train, which she wore for the Ink screening and opening ceremony on September 2.
Sydney Sweeney went even further back, wearing a Georges Chakra look from the Beirut designer’s Spring 2003 couture collection.
Rather than a traditional red-carpet gown, Sweeney wore a sheer lace halter top with sand-colored silk shorts.
Stella Maxwell also reached into the archives with an Elie Saab look from Fall 2003, choosing a black column silhouette in sheer patterned fabric finished with delicate embellishment.
Elsewhere, Lithuanian model Simona Jakstaite brought a more contemporary take on Arab couture in a silver-blue gown by Aleen Sabbagh, covered in beadwork across the bodice and finished with a deep neckline.
Tunisian cinema was represented on both sides of the festival, with director Kaouther Ben Hania appearing in a gold embellished gown by Tunisian label Nee a Tunis. Ben Hania, whose Four Daughters earned an Academy Award nomination, is also serving on this year’s main competition jury, chaired by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
