Jessica Kahawaty

Photo: Dazl Production
It’s no secret that wearing the same outfit as another attendee at an event is not ideal, much less so when it’s the Vogue Ball of Arabia with coveted spots on the best-dressed list. However, despite our presenter Abla Fahita‘s best efforts to ensure co-host Jessica Kahawaty does not steal the spotlight from her on stage, the two showed up in strikingly similar ensembles to Jumeirah Mina A’Salam on December 15. On a call with Kahawaty ahead of the evening, the witty Egyptian asked her to “stay away from anything shiny,” opt for dull hues, and even go barefooted, but the two-time Ball of Arabia host, known for her impeccable sense of style, was clearly not one to back down.

As it turned out, both emcees tapped Georges Hobeika for a sparkling and dreamy white creation in line with the Ball of Arabia dress code, and the Lebanese couturier certainly delivered. Speaking to Vogue Arabia ahead of her appearance, Kahawaty shared that the custom look had been inspired by Cher’s iconic naked dress. As Fahita joined the Lebanese model and philanthropist on stage, she quipped, “By the way, nice dress. I didn’t know they also made it in your size.”

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It took the Georges Hobeika atelier three full days of embroidery and 300 hours of work to create both jumpsuits, which came with sheer silk tulle adorned with silver Swarovski sparkles, and feathers, while the sleeves featured Charleston fringes dazzling with crystal droplets. Repartee aside, Fahita and Kawahaty made for the perfect duo to co-host the 2022 Ball of Arabia, bringing equal parts style and sass to the special celebration. As for the question of ‘who wore it better?’ We’ll let you decide…

Photo: Instagram.com/jessicakahawaty
With the festive season fast approaching, Jessica Kahawaty has joined the leading best-dressed names in the region with her latest look. The Lebanese model and entrepreneur recently stepped out for an event hosted by Ralph Lauren in Dubai, fully embracing the holiday theme for the occasion with a special creation from the American brand.
Her strapless dress of choice brought together the fail-safe color pairing most associated with the season: red and black, while the form-hugging silhouette made it seem as if Kahawaty was wrapped like a gift. And since no present is complete without a bow, the highlight of the gown—picked from the Ralph Lauren Holiday 2022 collection—was an oversized red bow at the back. Going into two long floor-sweeping panels, the detail was equal parts joyful and glamorous, which is precisely where Kahawaty finds her sartorial sense.
Photo: Instagram.com/jessicakahawaty
The founder and CEO of Mama Rita paired the statement dress with minimal accessories including dainty butterfly-shaped earrings and a black and gold handbag embroidered with the fashion house’s initials, RL. Kawahaty also kept her glam pared back with her hair side parted and slicked into a chic low bun, and makeup featuring neutral hues.
Considering this is only the first look sported by Kahawaty this festive season, expect her to offer more holiday dressing inspiration in the weeks to come.
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Photo: Instagram.com/jessicakahawaty
Jessica Kahawaty recently made a case for the rare but sumptuous combination of white and gold for the month of Ramadan. Attending an event in Dubai, the Lebanese model and philanthropist took to the occasion in a twinning ensemble with her mother, chef Rita Kahawaty.
Photo: Instagram.com/jessicakahawaty
The mother-daughter duo was seen dressed in dazzling kaftans from fellow Lebanese Dima Ayad‘s namesake label, in complementing metallic shades. While Jessica’s piece of choice came with a panel of gold sequins on top of the white kaftan, her mother’s featured the same, but in silver. The sequins extended to the arms of both breezy numbers, before making way for sheer flute sleeves in white. Jessica completed her look with a matte gold choker, earrings, rings, and a bracelet by Bulgari, with a handbag and platform sandals in the same color. As for Rita, she too accessorized her kaftan with a matching dainty necklace and drop earrings from the Italian jeweler, and went for a metallic silver clutch.

Jessica also served up beauty inspiration with her glam for the day. Although wearing your hair down with a kaftan adds to the elegance of the piece, also consider tying it up in a high ponytail as the 33-year-old did for a sleeker finish. Not only did Jessica Kahawaty’s hairstyle balance out the voluminous kaftan, it also allowed its details—and her jewelry—to shine. For her makeup, Jessica kept it minimal with subtle winged liner, a pinky nude pout, and glowy skin topped off with subtle gold highlighter ideal for both iftar evenings and suhoor nights.
How Jessica Kahawaty and mom Rita Kahawaty nail mother-daughter dressing
If you follow the Kahawatys on Instagram, you may already be aware that this Ramadan outing wasn’t the first time Jessica Kahawaty has twinned with her mother. By the looks of it, the two women love matching their looks, and have been seen in everything from coordinated hats to headscarves over the years. Below is a brief look at some of the sweetest pictures of the duo in matching ensembles.

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