Taller Marmo

Photo: Louie Banks
Algerian-French beauty Farida Khelfa is many things: a model, a filmmaker, and, it goes without saying, a style icon in her own right. And this season, the multi-hyphenate is lending her face to Taller Marmo, the Dubai-based label that has grown to be loved across the globe by fashion enthusiasts.
For the label’s exclusive high summer 2023 line—dedicated to the Middle Eastern woman—a glowing Khelfa beams for the camera dressed in a series of covetable creations, ranging from sorbet greens and creamy whites, to pop pinks and royal blues. “I like the way [designers Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea] use fabrics and colors,” she tells Vogue Arabia in an exclusive chat. “The dresses are very comfortable and can be worn in both, the daytime or evening, in cold or warm weather.” In fact, come summer, you’re likely to see Farida in a host of looks from the upcoming line. “I will wear the whole collection!” she shares, “I really enjoy colors now, especially when the sun is out.”
Photo: Louie Banks
Comprising of a whopping nine capsules, Taller Marmo’s high summer 2023 collection was made to satisfy every need for the season. “This year, the collection is the biggest ever done,” the designers explain, revealing that the nine lines have been made in collaboration with Taller Marmo key retail partners including Net-a-Porter, BrownsFashion, MatchesFashion, MyTheresa, Bloomingdale’s Middle East, Harvey Nichols Dubai, Ounass, Etoile La Boutique and Harrods. How do they differ from one another? “With Net-a-Porter, the focus was on creating different looks for the modern woman from sets in earthy tones, to bright and bold kaftans. With MatchesFashion it was all about femininity and lightness using floral fil-coupe textiles and pastel colors. With BrownsFashion, [the approach] was edgy and modern using pastel-neon colors and experimental textiles. With MyTheresa, we wanted to create something elegant, sexy and sumptuous. With Harrods it was all about mixing iconic and new styles in metallic and citrus hues. With Bloomingdale’s Middle East and Harvey Nichols Dubai we wanted it to be very ladylike, and we started with colors we’ve never used before, like lilac and mint. And finally for Etoile La Boutique, we played with idea of sunrise and sunset, working with gold and sunkissed hues.”
Photo: Louie Banks
The result is a final high summer collection that celebrates all aspects of womanhood, while still coming together to tell a bold story. To make the dream come true, the designers worked with a wide palette, and an equally vast range of fabrics—think shiny metallics versus matte textures, asymmetrical silhouettes versus symmetrical styles, fluid crepe cady versus crisp couture-quality fil coupe and jacquard textiles, and sleek fringes versus vaporous feathers. And given the 360 degree appeal of the line, no one but Farida Khelfa would do for the duo when it came to shooting the clothing. “We wanted to work with her as she is the ultimate muse!” the designers gush when asked about their muse for the season. “Were truly honored of having her starring the new campaign. She embodies the modern diva, able to incarnate a spirit and a look that hinted at rebelliousness while representing high octane glamour. We had so much fun on set and there was a perfect chemistry between her and Louie Banks, the photographer. She is a supermodel so her self-awareness made everything so cool and easy.”
Photo: Louie Banks
As we wait for the collection to hit stores, Vogue Arabia sits down with Farida Khelfa for an exclusive chat about everything, from her experience with Taller Marmo, to her summer style.

Tell us about your experience shooting for Taller Marmo. What was the best part about it?It was a very tight schedule on Sunday, during couture week. We worked all day as [Riccardo and Yago] had to go back to Milan the same day. The shoot was in Paris and went extremely well. I loved working with Louie Banks, the photographer—he’s really fast, I like that!
Photo: Louie Banks
What is your relationship with Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea like? How do they inspire you?We met during the shoot, but it seemed like we knew each other for a long time. I like duets in fashion, they work well in the industry. They seem to care for each other and have a strong idea of the brand should be. They’re very focused.
If you could have left the shoot with one Taller Marmo outfit, which one would it have been?My anis (light green) dress! I love this color, and the fact that it could be a gandoura like the ones we have in Algeria. I used to wear those as soon as I was home when I was younger and lived with my parents.
Photo: Louie Banks
What’s one thing about Middle Easten women’s style that you think is extremely admirable?They love fashion in the right way. They have their own style and stick to it, and are always on top of fashion.
Lastly, what are three style tips you’d like to share with every woman who looks up to you?Dare it! Don’t be shy, even if you have it wrong.  It’s the only way to find your own style.Red lips are always a good option.If you’re not comfortable with your outfit, try a tuxedo. That often works.
Photo: Louie Banks

Balqees Fathi in SemSem. Photo: Hala Aljahwary via Instagram.com/balqeesfathi
Solid-colored kaftans can be just as noteworthy as embellished and printed ones, and Balqees Fathi‘s recent outfits proved just that. While in Saudi Arabia, the Emirati-Yemeni singer served up not one, but two looks in different saturated hues that were all about pared-back elegance.
Photo: Hala Aljahwary via Instagram.com/balqeesfathi
The first came in the ever-classic and bold shade of bright red, which the star effortlessly wore in the form of a floor-grazing kaftan by SemSem. The head-turning number—picked from the brand founded by Egyptian designer Abeer Al Otaiba—featured crystal buttons down the center for a hint of glam, and caped sleeves that lent to the flowiness of the piece. For the occasion, Fathi’s makeup was done using products from her own brand, Bex Beauty, and took on a monochrome look with a brown smoky eye and creamy nude pout.
Fathi in Taller Marmo. Photo: Hala Aljahwary via Instagram.com/balqeesfathi
In the same week, the singer also attended a suhoor event in Riyadh, this time embracing a lush green shade for her kaftan from Dubai-based label Taller Marmo. Made with drapy crepe, the piece featured long silk tassels lining its entire hem, as well as the satin tie wrapped around the kaftan’s high neck. Once again wearing her hair down in her signature sleek and straight style, Fathi’s makeup look was switched to feature peachy bronze tones. Both looks were curated by celebrity stylist Cedric Haddad, and paired with dazzling jewelry from Marli, with which Fathi recently collaborated.
Photo: Hala Aljahwary via Instagram.com/balqeesfathi
Read Next: Tara Emad’s Fringed Top and Trouser Look is a Refreshing Alternative to the Kaftan for Ramadan

Photo: Instagram.com/taraemad
Kaftans may be the forever fail-safe outfit for Ramadan events, but those who want a look that is equal parts unique, traditional, and contemporary must take a page out of Tara Emad‘s book. The Egyptian actor was recently in Dubai to attend a suhoor hosted by Cartier, and for the occasion, chose an inspiring outfit from Taller Marmo.
Photo: Instagram.com/taraemad
The Suits star wore a white V-neck kaftan top lined with long fringes at both, the sleeves and the hem, which also came with the matching loose fit trousers. Emad completed her monochrome outfit with metallic silver accessories from Jimmy Choo: a small clutch, and strappy square-toed heels which perfectly balanced out the oversized look. Her enviable long hair was not worn down in her signature natural waves this time, but instead, pulled back in a sleek ponytail with polished waves for an elegant aesthetic. The actor kept the rest of her look minimal as called for by the late evening suhoor, and went for a dainty necklace and hoop earrings, while her makeup featured a hint of a smoky eye and glowy skin.

The suhoor marked the first public event for Emad since the launch of the highly-awaited Arabic remake of Suits, in which she plays the role of Laila (originally Rachel played by Meghan Markle). Clips of the actor from the event saw her posing in front of the lantern-lined walls, and twirling to show off her flowy outfit and its tassels.
Read Next: Tara Emad Embraces Low-Key Red Carpet Style in a Colorful Chanel Dress at the Suits Premiere

Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
The month of Ramadan is right around the corner and online luxury fashion retailer, Net-a-Porter, already has your wardrobe sorted. In honor of the sacred month that is rooted in unity and appreciation, Net-a-Porter has brought together the most covetable international and local brands in a wide-scale celebration of modest fashion. Uniting global names with local talent, the fashion retailer has curated a Ramadan Collection that defines traditional modest attire in utmost luxurious fashion.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Net-a-Porter’s new collection works to satisfy soaring demand for modest apparel in the Middle East, especially around the Holy Month. According to the luxury retailer, searches for maxi and midi dresses increase by a whopping 80% during the Ramadan period alone. Listening to the needs of their local customers, Net-a-Porter has joined Taller Marmo, SemSem, Johanna Ortiz, Reem Acra, Halpern, Louisa Parris, Carolina Herrera, Jenny Packham, Rasario, Alex Perry and more, to craft the ultimate wardrobe for divine demure dressing.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
The Ramadan collection radiates with exciting variety, inspired by a beautiful amalgamation of international and local taste. From the regal elegance crafted locally by SemSem and Halpern, to the understated luxury channeled by global icons Carolina Herrera and Rasario, Net-a-Porter will have you dazzling with modest allure in each and every intimate iftar of the year.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
This collection celebrates the Holy Month of Ramadan with female empowerment and global collaboration at its core. SemSem’s creative director, Abeer al Otaiba, talks through her inspiration for the exclusives on Net-a-Porter, mentioning: “This season, I felt called to focus on the unwavering strength of women. Ramadan is a special time of reflection and self-awareness – an opportunity to hit refresh, embrace our surroundings and give back to others. It is my hope that this collection encourages women to own their strength and approach each day with confidence.”
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
The delectable garments make their grand debut in a campaign shot against the historic Arabian landscape of the UAE’s “garden city” – Al Ain.  Nisreen Shocair, CEO of Yoox Net-a-Porter, Middle East accentuates the symbolic significance of the collection and campaign: “Ramadan is a special month for me and this Ramadan collection and campaign feel very close to home.  The collaborative process of working with these amazing local and global designers and shooting the campaign in Al Ain perfectly captures the aesthetic and mood of the collection: beautiful, soothing, grounding yet inspiring; and that’s how we see our customers celebrating Ramadan this year with Net-a-Porter Arabi.”
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Net-a-Porter has become no stranger when it comes to reflecting the fashion-focused needs of the local market. As they move towards greater specialization in personalized merchandising, their new shopping experience is specifically designed for the Middle East, offering customers dual-language searching in their respective local currencies. Supporting regional talent is also at the heart of the luxury retailer, not only in this revolutionary Ramadan collection but also in their commitment to mentoring emerging local designers as a part of their didactic Vanguard Program.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Traditional Ramadan lanterns are lighting up the runway, as Net-a-Porter makes way for a world of chic modesty and redefines fashion through the lens of unity and empowerment.
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Read Next: Exclusive: Dolce & Gabbana Unveils a Joy-Sparking Collection Ahead of Ramadan