Arab Designs take Center Stage at the American Music Awards 2022

The American Music Awards played host to a glittering showcase of Arab fashion this week as the likes of Carrie Underwood, Kelly Rowland, Becky G and Lauren Jauregui showed off gowns from Middle Eastern designers.  

Country singer Underwood opted for a multi-hued dress by Lebanese Italian designer Tony Ward. With a plunging scooped neckline and playful fringed beading, the gown hailed from the designer’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection.

 US singer and actress Rowland took things in a wilder direction with a leopard print sculptural gown by Lebanon’s Nicolas Jebran. The Rowland added black latex gloves for a dose of drama. 

Meanwhile, US singer Becky G showed off an asymmetrical mini dress by Bahraini label Monsoori with a larger-than-life train and voluminous material draped on one shoulder.  

For her part, US singer Lauren Jauregui, a member of Fifth Harmony, flaunted a floor-length number by designer Norma Kamali, who is partly of Lebanese descent. The heavily embroidered gown hailed from the designers Resort 2023 collection and featured tulip sleeves and a flared skirt.  

Superstar singer and songwriter Taylor Swift won all six trophies she was contending for at Sunday night’s awards ceremony, including the artist of the year prize. 

The new American Music Awards accolades lifted Swift’s lifetime total to 40, breaking her own record for most wins at the world’s largest fan-voted awards ceremony, Reuters reported.  

The “Anti-Hero” singer said fan support in recent years had encouraged her to write more music, which made her happier. 

“I have the fans to thank essentially for my happiness,” Swift said to a cheering crowd at the ceremony in Los Angeles. 

Other honors for Swift on Sunday included favorite pop album, country album and video for her re-recording of 2012 record “Red.” The singer has been remaking albums from her past because of a dispute with her former record label. 

For artist of the year, Swift triumphed over formidable names including Beyonce, Harry Styles, The Weeknd, Drake, Adele and Bad Bunny, who had gone into the night with a leading eight nominations.  

Pop singer Pink opened the AMAs show dancing and singing on roller skates to her upbeat song “Never Gonna Not Dance Again.” Later in the ceremony, she performed “Hopelessly Devoted to You” in a tribute to Olivia Newton-John, the “Grease” singer who died in August. 

Musician Lionel Richie, known for “All Night Long” and other 1980s hits, was celebrated with the AMA’s icon award. Stevie Wonder and Charlie Puth performed a medley of Richie songs on dueling pianos. 

It has been another big week for Arab designers, with a number of celebrities opting for Middle Eastern looks for the 2022 Governors Awards in Los Angeles.

Actress Jessica Chastain showed off a red hot Zuhair Murad look, while Elizabeth banks chose a sleek gown by Elie Saab.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Kelly Rowland wore a leopard print sculptural gown by Lebanon’s Nicolas Jebran. (AFP)

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BAHRAIN / LEBANON

Zuhair Murad – Fashion Designer, International Arab Label

Zuhair Murad. Couture, Ready-to-Wear, Bridal and Accessories.

The House of Zuhair Murad – designs, manufactures, distributes and retails coveted high fashion clothing. The brand is present in over 100 points of sales spread over the globe.

Inception and growth of boutiques:

Lebanon:

  • 1997 – First Atelier opened in Beirut
  • 2006 – First Boutique in Downtown Beirut
  • 2010 – Relocated Corporate Office and Design Studio, Beirut
  • 2013- Inaugrates Bridal Boutique, Beirut

International:

  • 2001 – First Parisian ‘Maison de Couture’ in Paris
  • 2016 – First store within a store, Kuwait
  • 2017 – Shop in a shop, Vakko-Zorlu Center, Istanbul
  • 2018- First Boutique in UAE, Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall

Launches:

  • 2001 – First Couture collection present in Haute Couture Week in Paris
  • 2005 – First Ready-to-Wear (RTW) evening collection
  • 2011 – Launches RTW Bridal collection

Honours:

  • 2012 – Elected as Guest Member on the Supervisory Board of the ‘French Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode’

www.zuhairmurad.com

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pix: www.zuhairmurad.com

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LEBANON