Rani Zakhem is back on the runway with a special collection for Ramadan
In the past few years, Arab designer Rani Zakhem has moved away from the international spotlight and focused more on creating custom designs for private clients, including Lebanon’s First Lady, Neemat Aoun. This week, the Lebanese designer returned to the runway in Kuwait City to showcase his exclusive Ramadan collection.
Zakhem wanted to show in Kuwait because he admires how Kuwaiti women are stylish, cultured, and well-traveled. His designs have caught the attention of Arab celebrities like Angham, Najwa Karam, and Balqees, as well as Hollywood stars like Queen Latifah, Kaley Cuoco, Betty White, and Mariah Carey. About the Ramadan collection, Zakhem says, “It’s a mix of Ramadan silk kaftans, evening gowns, and a beautiful fishtail bridal gown with an overskirt at the end. The kaftans come in bright colors that capture the spirit of spring, while also matching the mood of Ramadan and Mother’s Day.”
The collection includes exclusive Ramadan Kaftans made from luxurious silk in vibrant colors, with beautiful hand embroidery in lurex threads, paillettes, bugle beads, and Swarovski crystals featuring oriental and arabesque designs. These kaftans blend traditional Arab style with modern Western elegance, offering luxury women’s fashion. Zakhem shares, “I enjoy using bright colors that are pleasing to the eye and create excitement, and they work really well with the complexion of Arab women. While I do love black and white, I also have a passion for color, especially because I grew up in Nairobi, where I was surrounded by it.”
His use of color isn’t what sets him apart from other designers; it’s the fact that the House of Rani Zakhem has always embraced women of all body types. “I noticed there was a gap in the market when I was a kid, but no one was addressing it. Early in my career, I was an avant-garde designer offering ready-to-wear collections in a full size range, bringing more inclusivity to women while still keeping the luxury feel of couture,” he says.
The Ramadan collection features several stunning couture gowns and dresses made from beautiful fabrics with detailed embroidery in soft pastel colors that feel like spring. For example, there’s a mint green taffeta ballgown with a raspberry sash, and a baby pink duchess silk gown with embroidered pastel flowers. These are elegant and feminine. There’s also a black corseted ballgown with embroidered butterflies that’s fun and youthful, but still classy.
For women who don’t need formal dresses, there’s a lemon-lime colored crepe dress with pearl-embroidered necklines, perfect for an elegant night out. There’s also a knee-length two-piece outfit in shiny Mikado fabric, perfect for dinners, graduations, or business events.
FashioNet, led by Shamayel Al Qaoud and fashion consultant Roula Hasbani, organized the Aura of Senses event, which showcased Middle Eastern fashion, culture, glamour, art, and style. The last runway show Zakhem did was in July 2018 for the fall-winter 2018-19 season. “This show felt amazing, exciting, and full of energy,” he says. “Runway shows are like second nature to me, like a fun ride in the park.”
Published: 28th January 2025
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