KARACHI: The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) kicked off its fourth edition in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district. This UNESCO World Heritage site, transformed into the festival’s Cultural Square, provided an impressive backdrop for a celebration of cinema and fashion. This year’s theme, The New Home of Film, resonated not only through the 120 films on display but also in the diverse and, at times, inconsistent style choices on the red carpet (which, ironically, featured no notable red outfits).
Fashion Highlights
The first look to truly captivate attention was from Egyptian actress Mona Zaki, who dazzled in an Oscar de la Renta gown styled by Cedric Haddad. The strapless silver dress, fitted at the top and flaring out into a dramatic mermaid silhouette, was adorned with cascading peach feathers at the hem, adding a soft, romantic touch to the metallic fabric. It was a look that immediately caught the eye, recalling the timeless elegance of iconic fashion moments.
Kareena Kapoor Khan followed with one of the evening’s most dramatic looks, wearing a purple velvet Oscar de la Renta gown. Styled by Rhea and Sanya Kapoor, the dress featured a figure-hugging silhouette with 3D orchid appliqués, while a purple fascinator with a delicate net over her eyes added an element of mystery. The bold veil set her look apart, reminding everyone why she remains a fashion icon.
Nour AlGhandour exuded romance in her Geyanna Youness gown. The black strapless bodice provided the perfect canvas for sculptural cream roses cascading down to the hem, paired with black opera gloves. The look had a vintage charm with modern flair, turning heads wherever she went.
Sara Sampaio’s Zuhair Murad gown, featuring black and silver crystal beadwork and cascading tassels, was a nod to gothic architecture, blending drama and elegance into a striking look.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, walking hand in hand with Michael Douglas, made a subtle but memorable statement in a custom Marmar Halim gown. The draped blue silk dress, featuring a pleated capelet and sweetheart neckline, embodied enduring star power through its understated elegance.
Misses and Almost There
While some stars shone brightly, others struggled to live up to expectations. Michelle Yeoh’s Balenciaga gown, with sharp cuts and defined lines, leaned toward a witchy aesthetic without taking full advantage of the dramatic potential. The black dress felt a bit repetitive, and a bold color like emerald or crimson could have elevated the look.
Eva Longoria’s gold lamé gown by Marmar Halim, though ethereal in motion, lacked the immediate impact expected on such a grand stage. It whispered “wow” rather than shouting it, making it feel a tad underwhelming for an opening ceremony.
Cynthia Erivo, known for her bold fashion choices, wore a vibrant Carolina Herrera gown that, though striking, felt a bit too familiar. The green hue, which paid homage to her Wicked character, didn’t flatter her skin tone, and the overall look lacked the punch one might have expected from her.
Fashion Fails
Georgina Rodríguez, in an embellished green Alaïa dress, underwhelmed given the event’s prestige. While the sheer fabric was on trend, the gown lacked the sophistication the occasion called for. The beige shoes clashed with the rich green tones of the dress, leaving the look feeling somewhat off.
Will Smith’s Valentino suit, though promising in bold print and vibrant blue, had an outdated silhouette that gave off a “grandfather at a wedding” vibe. A more tailored fit could have made it a standout.
Aamir Khan made a cultural statement with his traditional black sherwani and intricately embroidered shawl, paired with unexpected black combat boots. While the modern touch might not have worked in theory, in practice, it was a refreshing twist.
Some others, like Wissam Breidy in a velvet blue Tom Ford suit and Michele Morrone in a pinstriped suit, showed that menswear can be both stylish and tasteful without being over the top.
