Arab Designers Steal the Spotlight at the Jordanian Royal Wedding
By Salma Heram / Arab America Contributing Writer
The wedding of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan to now Princess Rajwa al Saif was one of the most highly anticipated events in the Arab world. Occurring early this month, the wedding was attended by dignitaries, leaders, and royals worldwide. Attendees rose to the occasion with gorgeous outfits, many of which fittingly wore popular Arab designers. Read on as we detail some of the Arab designers featured at the wedding.
Elie Saab
The Lebanese designer Elie Saab was featured a number of times throughout the Jordanian royal wedding, most notably on the bride herself. As she walked down the aisle with her brother-in-law, Prince Hashim bin Abdullah, Princess Rajwa al Saif wore a dazzling snow-white long-sleeved gown, with an asymmetrical wrap neckline and ruched bodice. Her gown featured a gorgeous detachable train, covered in white petals that complimented her equally long veil.
Queen Rania of Jordan matched her new daughter-in-law with a custom Elie Saab dress at the evening reception and banquet dinner after the wedding ceremony. Part of the Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 collection, the dress featured a cape and ornate peal embroidery, beautifully complimenting her tiara that evening.
Even Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, joined in on the Elie Saab party with a high-necked blush pink dress with flowy bell sleeves and beautiful lacework.
Reem Acra
It’s clear that Lebanese designers stole the show at the Jordanian royal wedding, as Reem Acra was the second most popular designer among the wedding attendees after Elie Saab.
First Lady of the United States Jill Biden attended the ceremony in a light mauve satin dress, with simple pearl beading along the neckline. The FLOTUS seems to have taken a more sustainable approach, as this particular gown is the same one she received President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee of South Korea in at the U.S. State Dinner.
Princess Beatrice of England also wore Reem Acra at the evening reception, donning a blush pink ruffled satin-pique gown with gold embellishments and bell sleeves.
Marmar Halim
The First Lady of Egypt, Entissar Amer, stood out in a simple yet stunning deep blue gown by Egyptian designer Marmar Halim. According to the designer, the dress is inspired by the Nile River, featuring its same deep blue hue and utilizing silver and diamond embellishments to resemble the river’s powerful waves. The First Lady chose a turban-style hijab that perfectly complimented her gown.
Maram Borhan
Aya El-Sisi, daughter of Egyptian President Abdelfattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar Amer, followed in her mother’s foodsteps by wearing a designer from her own country. She donned a champagne-colored flowy gown with tons of pleating and tied motifs reminiscent of Ancient Egyptian fashion.
Nour Mohtaseb
It is only fitting that a Jordanian designer be featured at the Jordanian royal wedding, and designer Nour Mohtaseb rose to the occasion. Jordan social activist Farrah Matalka wore a champagne, tulle gown with flowy, split sleeves, complete with silver and gold beading and embellishments and a cut reminiscent of a Morrocan kaftan.
Jordanian actress Rana Sultan, wife of Bisher Khasawneh, Prime Minister of Jordan donned a gold gown with ruching and silver and diamond embellishments, along with an asymmetric cut, out neckline complemented by a trailing cape.
Ashi Studio
Princess Iman bint Abdullah of Jordan chose Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi for her look at her brother’s wedding, perhaps paying homage to her new sister-in-law’s home country. Her stone-colored gown flared split sleeves and a textured, rope-like bodice that matched its high neckline, resembling a pearl necklace.
Overall
Arab designers certainly rose to the occasion at one of the most anticipated events of the Arab world this summer, decorating the bride and attendees alike at the Jordanian royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Crown Princess Rajwa al Saif of Saudi Arabia. What a spectacular show of the artistry and talent of the Arab world.
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