DUBAI: Sonam Kapoor can’t get enough of Saudi Arabia. Shortly after the Bollywood star jetted to the Kingdom for the inaugural MDL Beast music festival, Kapoor was photographed wearing a design plucked from the Fall 2019 archives of Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi of Ashi Studio in Mumbai for a charity auction on Sunday.
For the charitable event, which was hosted at Indian socialite Isha Ambani’s Mumbai residence, Kapoor chose a black embellished point d’esprit gown with a high neck and long sleeves. The sheer frock boasted black feather detailing that jutted out from the neck and cuffs, as well as a voluminous mid-length train at the back.
Find out more about why Bollywood can’t get enough of fashion from the Arab world here.
The “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” actress accessorized the striking gown with a pair of black, pointed-toe pumps and sheer black stockings. As for her hair, Kapoor opted for a sleek, face-framing chignon that was parted neatly down the middle. Makeup was kept equally as classic. The Bollywood sensation completed her look with soft, smoked-out eyes, a dusting of terracotta powder along the hollows of the cheeks and a swipe of flesh-toned lipstick.
It’s not the first time the 34-year-old has donned a creation by the Saudi couturier. Memorably, Kapoor turned heads wearing a bright yellow, off-the-shoulder custom Ashi Studio couture dress that evoked major Disney princess vibes during the 2019 Cannes International Film Festival.
And who can forget the elegant cream-colored dress she wore with a matching cape slung over her shoulders from the Beirut-based label’s Spring 2018 collection at the 2017 Dubai International Film Festival?
Kapoor isn’t the only Bollywood star to favor looks from Middle Eastern designers for international red carpet events. A number of Indian A-listers have turned up to award ceremonies and red carpets wearing head-turning gowns from Arab design talent, whether from seasoned names like Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad or emerging talents such as Rami Al-Ali.
The reason why Bollywood stars can’t get enough of fashion from the Arab world is because, according to Ami Patel, a celebrity stylist in India who spoke to Arab News, “Middle Eastern designers understand the Indian body type and silhouette very well and know exactly what celebrities want and cater to them.”
