Gigi Hadid dons traditional Indian sari at star-studded event in Mumbai

In this picture taken on April 1, 2023, US model Gigi Hadid poses for pictures during the inauguration of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) at the Jio World Centre (JWC) in Mumbai. (Photo courtesy: AFP)
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Updated 02 April 2023
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Gigi Hadid dons traditional Indian sari at star-studded event in Mumbai

  • The event was also attended by British actor Tom Holland, Emmy-winning US actress Zendaya and Spanish star Penelope Cruz
  • The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center in Mumbai, housed within the Jio Global Center in Bandra-Kurla Complex, aims to preserve and promote Indian arts

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Gigi Hadid attended the opening weekend celebrations of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center in Mumbai on Saturday in decadent traditional Indian attire by luxury label Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla.

The model showed off the label’s gold hued Chikankari sari and posed on the red carpet on night two of the opening event. The sari comes courtesy of designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, each a powerhouse in the world of Indian fashion in their own right.




In this picture taken on April 1, 2023, US model Gigi Hadid poses for pictures during the inauguration of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) at the Jio World Centre (JWC) in Mumbai. (Photo courtesy: AFP)

“This was a dream!” Hadid captioned a short clip of herself wearing the sari on Instagram Stories.  

Meanwhile, the model showed off a colorful ensemble by couturier Rahul Mishra — the first Indian designer to stage a runway show on the official Paris Haute Couture Week calendar — on the red carpet the night before. 

“Thank you Rahul Mishra and the artisans for your talent and time to make this incredibly intricate and special piece. It is an honor to wear your work and celebrate Indian craftsmanship,” the catwalk star wrote on Instagram. 

The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center in Mumbai, housed within the Jio Global Center in Bandra-Kurla Complex, aims to preserve and promote Indian arts. 

Hadid walked the star-studded pink carpet alongside the likes of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor and Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani.

 

 

The event was also attended by British actor Tom Holland, Emmy-winning US actress Zendaya and Spanish star Penelope Cruz. 




In this picture taken on April 1, 2023, Hollywood actor Tom Holland poses for pictures during the inauguration of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) at the Jio World Centre (JWC) in Mumbai. (Photo courtesy: AFP)

Cruz showed off a pink, feathered gown by Tamara Ralph, while Zendaya stunned in a Rahul Mishra sari alongside celebrity stylist Law Roach, who just announced his retirement. 

The center is focused on showcasing Indian art, culture, fashion, performance arts and more. 

“The NMACC is envisioned as a platform to spotlight Indian arts and culture at its best, both for the audience and the artists,” reads a message from its founder Nita M. Ambani on the center’s website. “A truly inclusive centre for performers and visitors, for dreamers and creators, for one and all. With world-class infrastructure and robust programming, our aim is to make the arts accessible to everyone,” she added. 


Georges Chakra presents new couture collection in Paris

Updated 28 January 2026
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Georges Chakra presents new couture collection in Paris

  • Chakra introduces ‘new Parisienne attitude’
  • Top Arab designers also have shows in city

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Georges Chakra has presented his Spring/Summer 2026 couture collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, offering a contemporary interpretation of the house’s established design codes through refined silhouettes and detailed craftsmanship.

Drawing on the heritage of the maison, the collection revisited classic elements of elegance while introducing what the designer described in an Instagram post as a “new Parisienne attitude.”

Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette, moving between pale blue, blush, lavender and gold across the runway.

The show featured a range of sculpted looks, with structured bodices balanced by feathered appliques, floral embroidery and layers of sheer tulle.

Strapless gowns with petal-like embellishments appeared alongside column dresses finished with subtle shimmer, while ruffled sleeves, organza capes and sheer overlays created volume and movement.

White gowns formed a central part of the collection, ranging from minimal silhouettes with clean lines to more elaborate designs incorporating veils, hats and lattice-style embroidery.

Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette. (Getty Images)

Sequins, hand-applied florals and intricate beading appeared throughout the collection. The show concluded with a bridal look featuring sheer embroidery and floral detailing.

After beginning his career in Beirut, where he initially worked at his home studio following his graduation from an institution in Canada, Chakra founded his fashion house in 1985.

He later expanded his atelier to Paris, debuting on the Haute Couture Week calendar in 2002, and has since built an international reputation for couture and eveningwear, dressing a wide range of regional and global figures for major red-carpet appearances.

His designs have been worn by celebrities including Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyonce, Cara Delevingne, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren, Molly Sims and Andra Day.

Chakra was among several Arab designers featured during Paris Haute Couture Week this season.

Georges Hobeika and Tony Ward had already presented their Spring/Summer 2026 couture collections earlier in the week, while Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Ashi Studio and Rami Al-Ali are scheduled to show later on the official calendar.