The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has begun and its a global stage for cinematic excellence, but beyond the films and awards, it is also a celebration of fashion at its most extravagant.
In 2025, Arab celebrities once again proved that they are forces to be reckoned with on the red carpet, blending cultural heritage with contemporary haute couture in breathtaking ways. This year, the festival’s iconic steps were graced by some of the most influential Arab stars, each making a statement that transcended borders and redefined elegance.
Leading the charge was Egyptian actress Amina Khalil, who turned heads in a custom-made masterpiece by Lebanese designer Rami Kadi—a gown that seamlessly merged architectural precision with ethereal romance. Meanwhile, legendary actress Youssra, a perennial Cannes favorite, dazzled in another Rami Kadi creation, embodying timeless grace with a modern twist.
Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim brought drama to the red carpet in a show-stopping design by Tamara Ralph, styled by Mohieb Dahabieh, while Lebanese TV personality Raya Abirached shimmered in a look that fused Georges Chakra’s bold craftsmanship with the opulence of Cartier’s high jewelry.
As the curtains close on Cannes 2025 Day 1, the Arab stars who graced the festival have left an indelible mark on its legacy. Amina Khalil, Youssra, Nadine Nassib Njeim, and Raya Abirached didn’t just meet the high standards of red-carpet glamour—they exceeded them, proving that Middle Eastern style is not just following trends but setting them.
2025 Cannes Film Festival: The best dressed celebrities from the red carpet on day 1
Amina’s custom Rami Kadi gown, with its intricate detailing and fearless silhouette, was a love letter to Lebanese craftsmanship, while Youssra’s choice to return to the designer underscored the enduring power of Arab couturiers on the world stage. Nadine’s Tamara Ralph ensemble, styled by Mohieb Dahabieh, was a masterclass in sophistication, blending Western haute couture with a distinctly Levantine sensibility.
And Raya’s pairing of Georges Chakra’s sculptural design with Cartier’s legendary jewels was a reminder that Arab women have long been at the forefront of luxury and refinement. Beyond the sequins and silk, these appearances carried deeper significance, they were a celebration of Arab creativity, resilience, and the unshakable confidence of women who wear their heritage with pride. As the fashion world continues to look to the Middle East for inspiration, these stars have ensured that the region’s influence will only grow stronger.