Forbes Middle East Unveils The Region’s Most Renowned Fashion Icons

Forbes Middle East has revealed its new Fashion 50, encompassing the designers, stylists, and business leaders gracing global catwalks and proving instrumental in supporting the industry and nurturing emerging talents.

The Middle East’s 40 Fashion Innovators spotlights fashion designers who have significantly elevated the region’s presence on the global fashion stage. These designers have garnered international acclaim, gracing prestigious red carpets and celebrating Arab heritage through their work. Special attention was given to those who champion slow fashion and upcycling techniques. Designers were assessed based on their global recognition, dedication to showcasing Arab culture, and adherence to sustainable fashion.

Lebanese designers dominate the list with 22 entries, followed by Egyptians with six,and Saudis with three. Lebanon and the U.A.E. are home to the most fashion brands, with 15 and 14 houses respectively.

Among the stylish cohort is global icon Elie Saab, whose sprawling luxury brand has expanded beyond haute couture, offering ready-to-wear collections, fragrances, and interiors., In January, Saab signed an MoU with the General Entertainment Authority to curate the Riyadh Season Fall Collection 2025. Also featured is Nadine Kanso, Founder of Bil Arabi, which partnered with LVMH’s French shoemaker Berluti in February for a capsule collection featuring a logo fusing Arabic calligraphy with Berluti’s logo.

The Fashion 50 also highlights 5 Middle East Stylists Making Waves and 5 Fashion Business Leaders, including personal and celebrity stylist Cedric Haddad, and Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of the Dubai Design District (d3).

Click here to view The Middle East’s Fashion 50 lists for 2024.