Updated 19 March 2026
Arab News
Follow

Looking back: Arab designers on show at the Oscars

Looking back: Arab designers on show at the Oscars

Arab designers dressed stars from across the world at the 98th Academy Awards and the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party this week. 

  • Saja Kilani  

    The Canadian-Jordanian actress, who is of Palestinian descent, is one of the stars of “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which was nominated for Best Foreign Feature. She selected this long black custom-made gown with high neckline created by Saudi designer Ziyad Buainain for the red carpet. Buainain called Kilani “a dream to work with” and wrote on Instagram that “it was truly a privilege to create something for her for such a special occasion.”

  • Grace Van Patten 

    The US actress, best known for her work in “Tell Me Lies,” went to the Vanity Fair party in an archival couture dress from Lebanese designer Georges Chakra’s 2003 Fall/Winter collection. The label described it as “a black velvet column gown defined by a cinched waist and an asymmetrical neckline framed by a silk reverse. At the back, a translucent panel delicately embroidered with black crystals reveals the lower back, with a tulle train embroidered at the hem.” 

  • Yovana Ventura 

    The US model of Dominican heritage wore this sculpted black asymmetrical floor-length gown with transparent panel created by Lebanese designer Tony Ward to the Elton John Foundation’s annual Academy Awards viewing party in Hollywood on Oscars night. 

  • Sofia Vergara 

    The Colombian-American star attended the Vanity Fair Oscar party in a custom creation from Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad — a white embellished gown with crisscross straps and a front keyhole, with intricate geometric beadwork and flowing panels. 

  • Beca Michie 

    The beauty influencer hit the red carpet in an archival ivory gown from Georges Chakra Couture’s Spring/Summer 2005 collection, which features an asymmetrical neckline in “sheer draped tulle with sculpted satin panels,” according to the label’s Instagram. “A lattice embroidered corset gives way to a finely pleated silk skirt that falls into a fluid, sweeping train.” 

  • Minnie Driver 

    The British-American actress — a former Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominee for “Good Will Hunting” — wore this elegant floor-length red gown to the Vanity Fair Oscar party. The dress is the creation of the acclaimed Lebanese designer Elie Saab.