Bella Hadid recently made a statement at the Cannes Film Festival by honoring her Palestinian heritage through fashion. The model was seen on the streets of Cannes wearing a red and white dress made of keffiyehs, a traditional Middle Eastern scarf. The unique midi dress was created by design duo Michael and Hushi, who are also responsible for Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic keffiyeh halter top in Sex and the City. The dress featured a spaghetti strap design with an asymmetrical hemline, which designer Hushidar Mortezaie described as a technically difficult feat due to the challenging nature of working with keffiyeh fabric.
Styled by Molly Dickson, Bella Hadid complemented her look with accessories that matched her outfit, including red Gucci mules and an oversized white eyelet scrunchy. She also added small rectangular sunglasses and hoop earrings to complete her ensemble. The keffiyeh scarf holds significant cultural symbolism, representing ties to Palestinian heritage with its pattern that includes nods to the Mediterranean Sea, trade routes, and olive leaves symbolizing resilience and strength. While traditionally a garment worn by men, the keffiyeh has grown to become a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian community.
Cannes has become a platform where personal and political statements intersect with fashion. Iranian model Mahlagha Jaberi made a statement last year at the festival by wearing a halter dress with a noose neck designed by Jila Saber to protest wrongful executions in Iran. Despite facing restrictions on political statements at the festival, Jaberi’s dress with its powerful message was well understood. Similarly, Bella Hadid’s choice to wear a keffiyeh dress at Cannes reflects a personal and cultural significance that resonates beyond the world of fashion. The model’s bold decision to showcase her heritage through her outfit made a powerful statement at the prestigious event.
Throughout her career, Bella Hadid has captivated audiences with her stunning fashion choices, and her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival was no exception. While the event is known for its glamorous red carpet looks, Hadid’s decision to wear a keffiyeh dress with personal significance stood out among the crowd. By embracing her Palestinian heritage and using fashion as a form of expression, Hadid showcased the importance of cultural representation within the industry. Her choice to wear the keffiyeh dress not only made a fashion statement but also served as a symbol of solidarity and pride for her community.
As a symbol of Palestinian culture, the keffiyeh scarf holds deep meaning for many individuals who wear it as a form of expression and solidarity. Bella Hadid’s decision to incorporate this traditional garment into her Cannes ensemble highlighted the importance of honoring one’s heritage through fashion. By showcasing a design that pays homage to Palestinian culture, Hadid used her platform to bring attention to important issues and celebrate her roots. In a world where personal expression and activism are increasingly intertwined with style and fashion, Hadid’s bold choice to wear the keffiyeh dress at Cannes serves as a poignant reminder of the power of clothing to convey messages of identity, culture, and solidarity.
