Oscars fashion round up: Arab designs and standout looks on the red carpet

Updated 2 min 25 sec ago

Arab News AFP

March 03, 2026 08:11

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DUBAI/ LOS ANGELES: After a long season of red carpet events, Hollywood's top stars brought their best fashion yet to the Oscars on Sunday.

A handful of designers represented the Middle East, with Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, Lebanon’s Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad, and Egyptian-helmed label Marmar Halim dressing attendees.

Ashi, the founder of Paris-based fashion house Ashi Studio, dressed US actress Meg Ryan, as well as French Algerian author and YouTube star Lena Mahfouf. US actress and director Anna Kendrick opted for a Fall/Winter 2024 ready-to-wear look by Ashi Studio at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, held after the Academy Awards.

French Algerian author and YouTube star Lena Mahfouf. (Getty Images)

At the ceremony, Danish actress Connie Nielsen and English star Annabelle Wallis opted for looks by Elie Saab, with Nielsen sporting a soft pink gown from his Spring/Summer 2026 couture collection and vintage Joseph Saidian and Sons jewelry.

Annabelle Wallis opted for a look by Elie Saab. (Getty Images)

Co-countryman Zuhair Murad dressed TV host Kelly Ripa and actress Keleigh Teller in bright orange and pale blue, respectively. Ripa’s gown hailed from the fashion house’s ready-to-wear Resort 2026 collection, while Teller showed off a look with floral beaded details from Murad’s ready-to-wear Fall 2024 collection.

Zuhair Murad dressed TV host Kelly Ripa and actress Keleigh Teller in bright orange and pale blue, respectively. (Getty Images)

US actress Ryan Michelle Bathe showed off a gown by Dubai-based Egyptian-led label Marmar Halim

While some A-listers matched their looks to their roles (hello, cast of “Wicked”), others went for classic old school Hollywood glamour.

Ariana Grande has worn an array of Glinda-coded pink gowns since kicking off a long press tour for the hit musical and then for awards season. But the nominee for best supporting actress saved the best for last, floating down the red carpet in a sculptural pale Schiaparelli peplum gown. The strapless bodice flounced at the waist and laced up the back. The dress then cascaded to the floor in a glimmering cloud of tulle.

Ariana Grande in a sculptural pale Schiaparelli peplum gown. (Getty Images)

Co-star Cynthia Erivo, a nominee for best actress, went for her Elphaba moment in a majestic dark green velvet Louis Vuitton gown with a high pointed collar, a wide neckline, a full skirt and her signature long nails.

Cynthia Erivo, a nominee for best actress, went for her Elphaba moment in a majestic dark green velvet Louis Vuitton gown. (Getty Images)

Jeff Goldblum -- who plays the Wizard -- wore a cream double breasted Prada jacket, dark pants, floral shirt and a purple floral brooch.

For mere mortals, wearing white is a challenge. For Hollywood stars, it screams old-school glamour.

Elle Fanning (“A Complete Unknown”) wore a lacy white Givenchy gown with a prominent black bow at the waist -- and a vintage Cartier diamond necklace. Her blonde tresses were swept into a sleek up-do.

Lupita Nyong'o, who voiced Roz in the animated feature “The Wild Robot,” rocked a white Chanel gown with pearl-encrusted straps, a silvery bodice overlay and a sweet bow at the waist.

The red carpet sparkled with glittering confections.

Demi Moore may not have won the best actress Oscar for her gripping turn in body horror flick “The Substance,” but she was dressed for the moment, wearing a body-skimming silver Armani gown with a plunging neckline and full train. And past best actress winner Emma Stone shimmered in a sequined nude Louis Vuitton gown, her pixie cut slicked back.

Amid a flurry of nude, shimmering gowns, a few stars stood out for wearing bold hues fit for royalty.

Zoe Saldana, who won the best supporting actress Oscar for her work in “Emilia Perez,” reigned supreme in a burgundy tiered Saint Laurent bubble gown. (Getty Images)

Zoe Saldana, who won the best supporting actress Oscar for her work in “Emilia Perez,” reigned supreme in a burgundy tiered Saint Laurent bubble gown with sheer black opera gloves. And Colman Domingo, who often wins the red carpet for Hollywood's men, wore a custom Valentino belted red jacket with black lapels and a sparkling brooch over black trousers.