Palestinian-American supermodel Bella Hadid turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival with her striking fashion choice: a red and white dress made entirely of traditional Palestinian keffiyehs. The midi dress, designed by New York-based label Michael and Hushi, featured an asymmetrical hemline and spaghetti straps. The designers faced technical challenges in working with the keffiyeh fabric, but the result was a stunning garment that showcased Hadid’s heritage and style.
Hadid’s accessories complemented the dress perfectly. She paired it with red Gucci mules, an oversized white eyelet scrunchy, and simple jewelry. The keffiyeh, originally a traditional Middle Eastern scarf, gained prominence among Palestinians after being adopted by leader Yasser Arafat in the 1960s. Its distinct pattern symbolizes the Mediterranean Sea, trade routes, and olive leaves, representing resilience and strength.
In recent years, Cannes has become a platform for fashion statements with political undertones. Last year, Iranian model Mahlagha Jaberi wore a halter dress with a noose neck to protest the Iranian government’s treatment of its citizens. Hadid’s keffiyeh dress, while not explicitly political, carries a deep personal significance, reflecting her Palestinian roots and cultural identity.
Hadid’s fashion choices at Cannes have consistently been captivating, but this particular outfit stood out for its meaningful symbolism. By incorporating the keffiyeh into her wardrobe, she not only made a fashion statement but also used her platform to raise awareness about Palestinian heritage and culture.
