It's undeniable that cinema from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia is being celebrated at this year's Cannes Film Festival. There is a first official competition title from Bangladesh, plenty of Doha Film Institute supported films and celebrities that make us proud on the juries -- such as French-born actor Tahar Rahim on the Competition jury with Spike Lee, Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania and Egyptian director Sameh Alaa on the Shorts jury, as well as Algerian director Mounia Meddour who is part of the Un Certain Regard jury.
But the red carpet looks are what Cannes is all about and there are a few designers from the Region being celebrated by stars and models and social media celebrities alike. Here are five of our favourites.
Norwegian model Frida Aasen wore an Elie Saab gown with Chopard jewellery on the red carpet for the premiere of Stillwater. The Lebanese fashion designer is always a favourite of celebrities and fashionistas at events, and his looks are simply phenomenal. Saab was the first Arab to be admitted to the fashion industry's governing body, Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and additionally to his main showroom in Beirut, he has workshops in Milan and Paris.
Indian model Nidhi Sunil chose a white creation by Maison Rabih Kairouz. The Lebanese-born designer behind the Paris fashion house established his first couture maison in Beirut in 1999. The designer is known for his structural flare and simple, minimal, modern yet heady designs made in vibrant colours. Minimalistic in look and shade for this Greek goddess gown! His celebrity clients include Céline Dion, Ciara and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Indian-born, South African-raised and Dubai-based Farhana Bodi is an Instagram star and one of the influencers photographed on the red carpet. She picked an Atelier Zuhra creation in bright yellow, the colour of the season. Atelier Zuhra is the vision of Omani-born Mousa Al Awfi, who launched the couture house in Dubai in 2015. The maison is run by CEO Rayan Al-Sulaimani who is Al Awfi's daughter and the brand has many celebrity fans including actress Eva Longoria, Bollywood stars Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone as well as Arab VIPs Buthaina Al-Raisi and Mariam Hussein.
Moldovan-born, Dubai-based model Elvira Jain chose a a creamy white ruffle ball gown with dramatic pearl yoke neckline and imposing train from Amato Couture for the opening ceremony of the festival. Dubai-based designer Furne One, who is the vision behind Amato is known for his outstanding designs which make a woman feel glamorous and spellbinding. His celebrity clients include Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Nicki Minaj, just to name a few.
German model Lorena Rae may be out of a job as one of Victoria Secret's iconic Angels, now that the brand has rethought its approach to marketing as well as their selling strategy. However, she's still the perfect vision of style and glamour in this Elie Saab feathered short gown, with a long tulle and crystal studded train, accessorised with the perfect Alevì silver cage-strap sandals.
