8 Fashion Designers from the Arab Diaspora
Hailing from Morocco to the Middle East, these eight designers represent the bountiful talent of the Arab diaspora.
Fashion is truly a global industry. Arab culture has long been a source of inspiration in fashion, most notably in Yves Saint Laurent's Moroccan-inspired designs. Arab and Middle Eastern representation is at an all-time high, with several visionary designers defining contemporary fashion with an abundance of talent and skill.
L'OFFICIEL highlights the fashion world's most influential designers hailing from the Arab and Middle Eastern diaspora, from up-and-comers to red-carpet favorites to legends of the industry.
Zuhair Murad
Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad's haute couture house has been creating exquisite gowns and ready-to-wear looks that exalt the women wearing them. The larger-than-life couture pieces are a signature of Murad, with celebrities and supermodels like Celine Dion and Alessandra Ambrosio stunning in the dresses. He also recently designed Jennifer Lopez's bridal gown for her wedding to Ben Affleck.
Azzedine Alaïa
The designer beloved by iconic '90s supermodels (namely Naomi Campbell), Tunisian-born Azzedine Alaïa has left a legacy in his namesake label Alaïa. The brand is still a leader in women's fashion, with current Creative Director Pieter Mulier encapsulating the same bold beauty for which the late Alaīa is remembered.
Casablana founder and creative director Charaf Tajer is new on the menswear scene, but his sporty and opulent aesthetic has made the brand sought-after in luxury men's fashion. Taking inspiration from his French-Moroccan upbringing, his brand aesthetic never lacks in vibrance, spirit, or, of course, roots.
Elie Saab
A red carpet favorite, Elie Saab has been making glorious gowns for your favorite celebrities's most prestigious red carpets throughout his career. Conjure up any celebrity and any award ceremony in your mind, and there are sure to be myriad Saab haute couture pieces represented there.
Hedi Slimane
Since the early 2000s, French-Tunisian designer Hedi Slimane has helped shape the contemporary fashion look during his time as creative director at some fashion's biggest labels: Dior Homme, Saint Laurent, and Celine. The designer is known for his edgy and dark interpretations of fashion's biggest houses, as well as his signature black-and-white photography.
Madiyah Al Sharqi
Emirati designer Madiyah Al Sharqi's namesake brand is one of the Arab world's biggest emerging designers. The label encapsulates the independent and quirky modern woman, from its tie-dye print jumpsuits to its playful pink dresses.
Shaima Al Monsoori
Bahraini designer Shaima Al Monsoori's Monsoori is an up-and-coming brand adored by celebrities, models, and performers alike. Specializing in ornate gowns, Monsoori is glamorous, bold, and true couture. In recent press for the brand, Megan Thee Stallion was photographed in a yellow gown on the cover of Time, and Chloe & Halle singer Chloe Bailey wore a feathery piece in a recent performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Salim Cherfane
Salim Cherfane's independent label Jeux de Mains is bright and Beyoncé-approved. Jeux de Mains' fun prints and sharp tailoring bring modern sophistication to youthful fashion. Taking inspiration from the brand's Egyptian roots, the ever-evolving Jeux de Mains should be kept on your radar, with their cinematic ready-to-wear collections and editorials.
