Rami Al Ali: The First Syrian Designer in Paris Fashion Program

## A Milestone for Arab Representation in Fashion

Syrian designer Rami Al Ali achieved a remarkable milestone recently, becoming the first fashion designer from Syria to be included in the official Paris Haute Couture Week calendar. This marks a significant moment for Arab representation in the luxury fashion sector.

After years of showcasing his exquisite evening gowns on the sidelines of Couture Week, Al Ali received an official invitation from France’s Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode for this year’s event.

### The Collection: Guardian of Light

Al Ali presented a stunning collection featuring flowing, pleated dresses in soft pastel hues. His designs showcased an extensive use of silk, rolled crepe fabric, intricate embroidery, and delicate beading, encapsulating his hopeful vision for the future of his war-torn homeland.

![Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.](https://r.fashionunited.com/CvO-Qjb9i_aX9Sb821TCsAGcRKffJ0pLWRF_wzLIwgw/resize:fill:1164:0:0/gravity:ce/quality:70/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYXNoaW9udW5pdGVkLmNvbS9pbWcvdXBsb2FkLzIwMjUvMDcvMTEvcmFtaS1hbC1hbGktaGMtYXRtLWYyNS0wMDMtNDZsang2bXgtMjAyNS0wNy0xMS5qcGVn “Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.” title=”Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.” load-strategy=”on-visible”>

“We named the collection ‘Guardian of Light’; it reflects a time filled with hope and promise,” Al Ali shared with AFP before the show.

### Emotions and Achievements

The end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last December has led to a transitional phase in Syria, offering a glimmer of hope after nearly 14 years of civil strife. Al Ali, originally from Deir ez-Zor, has spent over two decades building his brand in Dubai and found himself emotionally moved after showcasing his work.

Feeling a mix of nerves and happiness, he described this moment as a culmination of years, during which he has dressed celebrities including Beyoncé and Helen Mirren.

![Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.](https://r.fashionunited.com/mIByOMecy6oeSjEGVPet59D7IQ2P5punCeWimTkIy0M/resize:fill:1164:0:0/gravity:ce/quality:70/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYXNoaW9udW5pdGVkLmNvbS9pbWcvdXBsb2FkLzIwMjUvMDcvMTEvcmFtaS1hbC1hbGktaGMtYXRtLWYyNS0wMTUtcHFxdjdtOGQtMjAyNS0wNy0xMS5qcGVn “Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.” title=”Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.” load-strategy=”on-visible”>

### A Shift in Expression

Amidst decades of conflict, Al Ali aspires for artists to shine a light on Syria’s rich artistic heritage and design culture.

“I believe we now have greater freedom to express ourselves creatively as well as politically and socially. Our voices are louder and braver,” he stated.

Haute Couture Week, which differs from the ready-to-wear Paris Fashion Week, focuses on unique, handcrafted creations tailored for high-profile events.

![Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.](https://r.fashionunited.com/yJ8Zn-ZXTFC3sd-bFUjoyjPqjlxMiGEPY3HgCSD6cxI/resize:fill:1164:0:0/gravity:ce/quality:70/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYXNoaW9udW5pdGVkLmNvbS9pbWcvdXBsb2FkLzIwMjUvMDcvMTEvcmFtaS1hbC1hbGktaGMtYXRtLWYyNS0wMjEtbjJscGhma3gtMjAyNS0wNy0xMS5qcGVn “Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.” title=”Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.” load-strategy=”on-visible”>

### Expansion of Diversity

This year’s lineup also featured Lebanese designers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad, alongside Imane Ayissi of Cameroon, who is the first sub-Saharan African designer included in the calendar.

Ashi Studio from Saudi Arabia was also among the showcased brands. Ayissi celebrated the growing diversity within the Paris fashion scene, emphasizing the significance of change.

“It demonstrates that progress is being made, and the landscape is evolving,” Ayissi remarked following his show, which prominently featured African textiles.

![Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.](https://r.fashionunited.com/m0rEPDjqEUrK4bkuyy3nPpUWpURHGFXpS-NrgWYqy1M/resize:fill:1164:0:0/gravity:ce/quality:70/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYXNoaW9udW5pdGVkLmNvbS9pbWcvdXBsb2FkLzIwMjUvMDcvMTEvcmFtaS1hbC1hbGktaGMtYXRtLWYyNS0wMTktcXh6dzVncWctMjAyNS0wNy0xMS5qcGVn “Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.” title=”Rami Al Ali HCW FW25.” load-strategy=”on-visible”>