The two royal Arab weddings in the first half of the year have provided inspiration for the modern brides in the region for their own special day.
Rajwa Al-Saif, the new Jordanian princess, stunned the world in an understated and surprisingly modern Elie Saab wedding dress with an asymmetrical neckline, full-length sleeves and a train featuring laser-cut flowers. The flowers were likely a tribute to Jordan’s national flower – the black iris. The symbolic bloom which grows mostly south of Amman, between the ancient cities of Karak and Madaba.
At the UAE royal wedding, Sheikha Mahra, daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai donned an Ezra Couture gown which took team of 50 over seven days to design.
So what does the wedding fashion look like for 2023/2024? Let’s look at some of the famous Arab designers and their latest bridal couture.
ELIE SAAB
For a touch of royalty, there is inspiration aplenty in Elie Saab’s 2023 Bridal collection which summons the Grecian pursuit of harmonious beauty to celebrate a bridal femininity that is majestic in its contours and pristine in its appeal. By invoking intuitive aesthetics and idyllic proportions, the collection gives breath and movement to an ‘echo of Polyhymnia’.
Glimmering beads and crystals dance with soft lace panels to rhythms of light embroideries and vibrant textures that glisten with the allure of virtuous white marble sculptures. Sumptuously draped mikado enfolds natural forms with floral buttoned bursts, while Chantilly lace blossoms across sweetheart necklines and translucent sleeves into elegantly revealing open-back ballgowns.
ZUHAIR MURAD
For Fall 2023, the renowned Lebanese fashion designer Zuhair Murad has released a bridal collection inspired by the magical world of fairies.
The bridal collection is filled with the wildness of movement in princess-like silhouettes and enchanting pieces “where the lines between imagination and reality fade”, as the designer himself described it.
His Fall 2023 Bridal collection uses petals in embroidered silk tulles, along with organza, revealing the shoulders, and exalted corsets that emphasise the necklines and waists. The collection also highlights a translucent palette, mixing mild shades of ecru and white to reflect the romantic beauty of the bride on her magical day.
RAMI AL ALI
The Dubai-based designer launched his latest collection at the New York Bridal Week. Rami who counts Beyoncé, Youssra and Nawal Al Kuwaitia as clients showcased his couture bridal line to great accolades. Called the White 5, this 12-piece collection has some of the fashion house’s prominent design codes, traditional, princess-style gowns and voluminous skirts which complement structured bodices and elaborate architectural detailing.
Delicate fabrics such as guipure, lace, tulle, organza, and mikado take centre-stage in a timeless colour palette of chic shades of white, with subtle dashes of silver that catch the light with every movement. Handcrafted embroideries and delicate beadwork further elevate the designs.
