Bella Hadid, model and fragrance designer, made a political fashion statement at the Cannes Film Festival by wearing a vintage red-and-white dress reminiscent of the keffiyeh scarf, a symbol of solidarity with Palestine. The dress featured a checkered pattern and fringe, although it more closely resembled a shemagh than a traditional keffiyeh. Hadid completed her look with red Gucci mules, gold hoop earrings, rimless sunglasses, and a slick ponytail accented with a white hair tie, opting for minimal makeup to let her outfit stand out. She gave a shoutout to the designers of the dress, Michael Sears and Hushi Mortezaie, online, acknowledging the meaning behind her outfit by writing “Free Palestine forever” alongside the Palestinian flag emoji.
Hadid’s support for Palestinian liberation predates the current conflict with Israel, and she has been outspoken about her views on the violence in Gaza. Since the beginning of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, she has spoken in support of Palestinians and expressed sympathy for victims of violence on both sides of the conflict. Last October, after a Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and sparked further violence, Hadid took to Instagram to share her belief that no child or people should be separated from their families, regardless of nationality. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, was born in Nazareth during the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 and has described how his family was forced to flee their home, seeking refuge in Syria before ultimately immigrating to the United States.
The keffiyeh scarf has long been recognized as a symbol of Palestinian heritage and has been used as a symbol of resistance and unity. Hadid’s decision to wear a dress inspired by the keffiyeh at the Cannes Film Festival was a deliberate choice to show her support for the Palestinian cause and bring attention to the ongoing conflict in the region. By wearing the keffiyeh-print dress, Hadid made a statement that transcended fashion and resonated with those who have been affected by the violence and oppression in Palestine. Her fashion choice sparked conversation online, with many praising her for using her platform to raise awareness of the situation in Gaza.
As a prominent figure in the fashion industry, Bella Hadid’s choice to wear the keffiyeh-print dress at Cannes sparked discussion about the intersection of fashion and politics. By using her outfit to make a statement in support of Palestine, Hadid brought attention to the ongoing conflict in the region and encouraged others to engage in conversations about the issues at hand. The dress served as a visual representation of Hadid’s stance on the situation in Gaza and highlighted the power of fashion as a form of expression and activism. By sharing her outfit on social media and acknowledging the designers who created it, Hadid amplified her message of solidarity with Palestine and inspired others to join her in advocating for peace and justice in the region.
Bella Hadid’s decision to wear a keffiyeh-print dress at the Cannes Film Festival not only showcased her Palestinian heritage but also sparked important conversations about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. By using her platform to speak out in support of Palestine, Hadid brought attention to the plight of those affected by the violence and oppression in the region. Her fashion statement served as a powerful reminder of the significance of symbols like the keffiyeh and their role in representing solidarity and resistance. At a time when tensions in the Middle East are high, Hadid’s choice to wear the keffiyeh-print dress was a bold and impactful way to show her support for the Palestinian cause and advocate for peace and justice in the region.
