Arab designers continue to shape the global red carpet, bringing their signature craftsmanship to Hollywood’s biggest occasions. At the 2026 Academy Museum Gala, Lebanese designer Elie Saab dressed three stars in distinct creations. Sofía Vergara, Kerry Washington, and Gabrielle Union each offered a different interpretation of his celebrated couture aesthetic. Meanwhile, fellow Lebanese designer Georges Chakra brought his own signature craftsmanship to the red carpet, dressing Anna Kendrick in a custom black architectural gown and Carla Gugino in a structured black evening dress.
Held in Los Angeles on October 17, the sixth annual gala celebrated cinema while supporting the Academy Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs. However, the evening also delivered a memorable fashion moment for Arab couture. Elie Saab and Georges Chakra’s designs demonstrated how intricate embellishment, thoughtful silhouettes, and refined details can transform formal dressing.
Sofía Vergara Embraces Romantic Couture
Arriving in a champagne-colored mermaid gown from Elie Saab’s Spring 2025 Haute Couture collection, Sofía Vergara turned heads. The figure-hugging silhouette highlighted her signature red-carpet style, while floral appliqués introduced a romantic dimension.
Purple flowers and green vine embroidery traveled across the gown, creating the impression of a garden in bloom. These intricate details added depth to the champagne fabric without overpowering its elegant shape. Moreover, the design balanced dramatic couture craftsmanship with a silhouette that felt familiar to Vergara.
The look celebrated Elie Saab’s ability to combine traditional femininity with elaborate decorative techniques. Rather than relying solely on sparkle, the gown allowed its floral artistry to command attention.
Kerry Washington Brings Silver-Screen Glamour
A shimmering silver-gray gown from Elie Saab’s Fall 2026 collection marked a different approach for Kerry Washington. Intricate embroidery and sequins gave the floor-length design a luminous finish. Meanwhile, its halter neckline and peplum bodice introduced structure.
Gray velvet bows at the neckline and waist softened the gown’s elaborate surface. These unexpected accents added a vintage touch, creating a balance between classic Hollywood glamour and contemporary couture. Washington completed the look with a crystal clutch and sparkling Boucheron jewelry.
Her ensemble showcased another side of the Lebanese designer’s vision. While Vergara embraced floral romance, Washington leaned into metallic brilliance and architectural detailing. Together, their looks highlighted the range of Elie Saab’s red-carpet vocabulary.
Gabrielle Union Shines in Champagne Gold
Completing the trio, Gabrielle Union wore a champagne-gold gown from Elie Saab’s Spring 2026 Haute Couture collection. Its warm metallic shade created a striking, sophisticated effect.
Unlike Washington’s intricate silver ensemble, Union’s look allowed its color and embellishment to take center stage. The gown offered a polished interpretation of evening glamour, while Tiffany & Co. jewelry provided the finishing touch.
Her appearance reinforced the versatility of Elie Saab’s designs across different silhouettes and color palettes. Each creation carried the designer’s recognizable attention to detail while expressing a distinct personality.
Anna Kendrick Embraces Architectural Drama
Bringing a sculptural edge to the red carpet, Anna Kendrick wore a custom black couture gown by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra. The design featured intricate guipure lace, feather-shaped laser-cut embellishments, and sculptural panels that added volume around the hips. A sweeping pleated black tulle train completed the dramatic silhouette. Meanwhile, pink gemstone earrings introduced a subtle contrast against the all-black ensemble. The look showcased Chakra’s ability to combine intricate craftsmanship with bold, architectural shapes.
Carla Gugino Keeps It Classically Elegant
In a structured evening gown by Georges Chakra, Carla Gugino offered a more understated interpretation of black couture. The off-the-shoulder design came from the designer’s Spring 2025 Couture collection. Alternating satin bands and intricate openwork lace created delicate sheer details throughout the gown. Rather than making transparency the main attraction, the design used it to enhance the dress’s structure and texture. Gugino’s look highlighted another side of Lebanese couture, where precise construction and thoughtful detailing create lasting elegance.
A Global Stage for Arab Couture
These five appearances offered more than a showcase of beautiful gowns. They highlighted the continuing presence of Arab designers within international celebrity fashion.
Elie Saab, who built his fashion house in Lebanon, has become synonymous with elaborate eveningwear and couture craftsmanship. His work continues to attract celebrities seeking statement-making designs for major occasions.
Georges Chakra, the Beirut-born couturier renowned for his architectural and high-fashion sensibility, has carved out a unique space in luxury fashion with his mastery of geometric structure and bold textures. His striking creations regularly captivate celebrities looking to infuse the red carpet with a dramatic, avant-garde edge.
At the Academy Museum Gala, Vergara, Washington, and Union presented three distinct expressions of his aesthetic. Floral embroidery, shimmering silver embellishment, and champagne-gold elegance each brought something different to the red carpet.
Ultimately, their appearances reaffirmed Arab couture’s place within the global fashion conversation. And as Hollywood continues to embrace designers from across the world, Georges Chakra and Elie Saab’s creations remain a compelling expression of Lebanese craftsmanship and contemporary luxury.
