Hats off to the Moroccan designer topping off Gigi Hadid’s look

Updated 10 April 2019
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Hats off to the Moroccan designer topping off Gigi Hadid’s look

DUBAI: Model Gigi Hadid stepped out in New York this week wearing an avant-garde Panama hat by Moroccan headwear designer Youssef Lahlou.

The US-Palestinian model walked the streets of New York with her younger sister Bella in tow and she showed off a striking wide-brimmed hat, complete with a coiled snake.

Born in Casablanca, the New York-based milliner creates deliciously dark headwear that is currently available on Yousseflahlou.com.

Vogue Arabia reported that the Panama Boa hat worn by Hadid is meticulously handcrafted and boasts a leather snake with silver accents. According to the fashion label, vegan leather and a Swarovski crystal are also used in the hats that are created at the designer’s New York-based atelier.




Gigi Hadid stepped out in New York wearing a hat by Moroccan designer Youssef Lahlou. Getty Images

“The snake charmers in Morocco are a big inspiration for the… hat with a hand stitched embossed snake’s body and 24k or silver custom-made snake jewelry painted in black,” the website says of Gigi’s headgear.

Hadid used the headpiece as a quirky accessory, which she paired with a wide-legged pantsuit and semi-sheer, glittery blouse.

The Marc Jacobs suit featured checkered print and stylist Mimi Cuttrell — who regularly dresses the likes of Bella Hadid, Priyanka Chopra and Ariana Grande — finished off the look with a yellow snakeskin box clutch.


K-Pop star Jennie creates history while wearing Georges Hobeika

Updated 22 December 2025
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K-Pop star Jennie creates history while wearing Georges Hobeika

  • K-pop superstar wins top honors at Melon Music Awards
  • Hobeika celebrated 30-year anniversary in October 2025

DUBAI: Jennie, the K-pop superstar best known as a member of global sensation Blackpink, delivered a landmark moment at the recent Melon Music Awards in Seoul — both musically and sartorially.

The singer arrived in Guro-gu wearing a dramatic couture creation by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika, instantly commanding attention on the red carpet. The event, which celebrates South Korea’s top musical talent, drew major stars including G-Dragon, Zico and EXO.

Jennie emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home the Record of the Year (Daesang) award — a historic first for a solo artist at the awards. The win caps off a major year for the performer, following the March release of her debut solo album, “Ruby.”

For the occasion, the “Mantra” singer chose a ballgown from Hobeika’s Fall 2025 Couture collection.

The look featured a structured white corset bodice with a lace-up back, embellished with crystal accents along the straps, flowing into an oversized black tulle skirt worn low on the waist. The voluminous silhouette gave the gown a sculptural, almost theatrical presence.

Jennie kept her styling restrained, allowing the couture piece to take centerstage. She accessorized with a single statement ring set with an emerald-green stone, while her hair was pulled into a loose low ponytail, secured with a silver flower pendant.

Beyond her chart-topping success, Jennie has steadily built her fashion credentials. A longtime Chanel ambassador, she has also fronted campaigns for brands including Jean Paul Gaultier and Beats.

Meanwhile, in October this year, Hobeika celebrated 30 years since launching his namesake brand. The couturier and his son, Jad Hobeika, the brand’s creative director, took to Instagram to reflect on their journey.

To mark the occasion, the house released a short documentary in which Jad opens up about working alongside his father and continuing the brand’s legacy.

“Working with Georges, there’s definitely, you know, he created fashion like no one else in the Middle East,” Jad said in the video.

Founded in Beirut in 1995, Maison Georges Hobeika is one of Lebanon’s established fashion houses and a regular participant in the Paris Haute Couture calendar.

The brand is known for its couture and ready-to-wear collections featuring detailed craftsmanship and refined designs.