HM Queen Rania

Iman
Arab representation at the Met Gala has only gotten bigger and better over the years, with many regional names making Best Dressed lists. Embracing the theme each year with their own unique takes, the Middle East’s much-loved have left a mark on “fashion’s biggest night out”, which makes their appearances that much more anticipated.
In 1997, part-Lebanese actor Salma Hayek attended her first Met Gala which paid tribute to the late Gianni Versace. For the occasion, she dressed in a custom black Atelier Versace dress which featured a mix of fabrics and a daring thigh-high slit. Many more red carpets later, Hayek served up another noteworthy look in 2019, dressed in a black and gold Gucci gown and a star crown for the theme ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’. The same year saw a number of standout moments from Arabs, such as Gigi Hadid‘s dramatic all-white outfit by Michael Kors (worn with a makeup look to match), and Imaan Hammam‘s bright pink number by Peter Dundas, complemented with two-tone frosted eyeshadow.
Among the most memorable and rare appearances made at the Met Gala were ones by HM Queen Rania of Jordan, and Amal Clooney. In 2016, Queen Rania was the only royal at the event, and chose to eschew the theme ‘Manus X Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology’ to go for a graceful Valentino gown. Later in 2018, Clooney walked the carpet for the second and last time, making a statement in navy trousers attached to a sweeping train and a floral corset by Richard Quinn.

Below, take a look at the best Met Gala looks of all time, courtesy of Arab stars
Salma Hayek in Atelier Versace in 1997. Photo: Instagram.com
Queen Rania in Valentino in 2016. Photo: Instagram.com
Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn in 2018. Photo: Instagram.com
Bella Hadid in Chrome Hearts in 2018. Photo: Instagram.com
Imaan Hammam in Zac Posen in 2018. Photo: Instagram.com
Gigi Hadid in Versace in 2108. Photo: Instagram.com
Imaan Hammam in Peter Dundas in 2019. Photo: Instagram.com
Salma Hayek in Gucci in 2019. Photo: Instagram.com
Gigi Hadid in Michael Kors in 2019. Photo: Instagram.com
Iman in Harris Reed in 2021. Photo: Instagram.com
Read Next: Pictures: 23 of the Best Dressed Celebrity Couples Seen on the Met Gala Red Carpet

Photo: Instagram.com/queenrania
Over the years, Queen Rania of Jordan has become an icon across the globe not just for her efforts in humanitarian fields, but also for her impeccable style. The royal also seems to have nailed the art of balancing her wardrobe between much-loved international labels (think Ralph & Russo, Ermanno Scervino and Givenchy) and Middle Eastern brands, from Hama Fashion and L’afshar to Bouguessa, Bambah and Reemami. What ties all her picks together? An eye for elegance, and her latest ensemble serves as proof.

On November 8, Her Majesty stepped out in Jordan, joining Princess Taghrid  at the Amman Citadel, where the latter has been focusing on a project under the Princess Taghrid Institute for Development and Training. For her public appearance, Queen Rania went with a look that never fails her—a white shirt and blouse set. Her Zimmermann separates stood out for their intricate detailing: the button-down shirt featured a tie-up around the neck and balloon sleeves that created a unique silhouette, and her matching skirt came with deep pockets, and was cinched in place with a creamy white belt. The royal completed her denim-on-denim ensemble with a pair of metal and lambskin sunglasses by Chanel.
Often making a strong case for modest dressing, Queen Rania knows a thing or two about elevating her outfits with playful accessories. This time around, Her Majesty complemented her all-white Zimmermann look with the Chloe crossbody bracelet Nile bag in brown leather, and added a pop of colour to her look via ivory Dior pumps, accentuated with hints of powder blue, olive green and deep purple. The overall effect: yet another winning look that’s as bookmark-worthy as it is approachable.
Read Next: 12 Times Queen Rania and King Abdullah II Made Us Believe in Love Again

Photo: Instagram/@queenrania
Much adored for her humanitarian work as her impeccable sense of style, Queen Rania champions modest fashion like nobody else. A huge supporter of both established and young Arabic brands, her status as a style icon is laced with elegance and exquisite taste. Follow the pictorial journey through time below for a look at some of her most iconic looks to date.

A royal wedding
Queen Rania and King Abdullah II of Jordan on their wedding day in 1993. Photo: Instagram/@ido.962
For her wedding to Prince Abdullah, set in Zahran Palace in Amman, Jordan, in June 1993, Queen Rania wore a custom dress designed by British designer, Bruce Oldfield. With an opulent white headpiece with matching veil, the dress featured intricate gold embroidered detailing and inspired many a bride for years to come.
Diamonds are a woman’s best friend
Photo: Instagram/@queenrania
For the coronation of King Abdullah II, Queen Rania wore an intricate gold Elie Saab gown with a beautiful diamond tiara, which she chose to re-wear for her husband’s ten year anniversary on the throne, demonstrating her timeless sense of style.
Haute in haute couture
Queen Rania at Fashion for Relief in Cannes. Photo: Instagram/@queenrania
Queen Rania at the Fashion for Relief event at Cannes, wearing a delicate white Givenchy haute couture dress with lace detailing offset by simple jewelry and a ladylike box clutch.
Also Read: 12 Times Queen Rania and King Abdullah II Made Us Believe in Love Again
Tasteful turquoise
“With His Majesty at the Great Arab Revolt centennial celebration earlier today.” Photo: Instagram/@queenrania
Queen Rania arrived at the Great Arab Revolt Centennial, wearing a deep teal dress with gold embroidery, accessorized perfectly with turquoise drop earrings, a cream quilted clutch, and black heels.
Championing local creatives
Queen Rania in Hama Fashion at Jordan’s 70th Independence Day. Photo: Instagram/@queenrania
A huge supporter of Arab brands, Queen Rania wore a gown by Jordanian-Palestinian label, Hama Fashion, to celebrate Jordan’s 70th Independence Day. Primarily solid in color, the bottom portion featured a striking peek of a star print.
Showcasing Jordanian handicraft internationally
Queen Rania on an official visit to the Netherlands. Photo: Instagram/@queenrania
On 20th March 2018, on an official visit to the Netherlands, Queen Rania wore a traditional Jordanian handmade crafted by the women of the Basmet Al-Khair Charitable society.
All that shines
The Jordanian Royals at the Statesman-Award ceremony in Washington DC. Photo: @queenrania
Shimmering in an Ermanno Scervino wool suit embellished with glitter from the FW 19-20 collection, Queen Rania was a picture of contemporary elegance at an awards ceremony in New York last November, pairing the classic Prince of Wales check motif with a crystal belt and black Bottega Veneta clutch.
Desert hues
Photo: Instagram/@queenrania
A lesson in keeping—and looking—cool in the blistering desert heat, Her Highness dons a monochromatic palette of warm beige tones with matching accessories to boot.
Signature staple
Photo: Instagram/@queenrania
Time and tested through the years, Queen Rania’s signature silhouette of a pencil skirt and collared shirt is proof all you need are a few strong wardrobe staples to have a constant supply of effortlessly put-together looks. Plus, who can say no to a matching set like this striped two-piece from Italian designer Sara Battaglia?
Picture-perfect pastels
Queen Rania before welcoming the Swedish Royals on their visit to Jordan in 2018. Photo: Rex
A sartorial embodiment of springtime blooms, Queen Rania steps out in a baby pink Ralph & Russo ensemble complete with soft pleats and a high-neck bow for a picture-perfect moment of ladylike grace.
Read Next: 5 Valuable Life Lessons According to Queen Rania