Bella Hadid, a model, recently represented her Palestinian heritage by wearing a vintage Michael and Hushi dress made from keffiyeh fabric at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024. The keffiyeh is a traditional Arab headscarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity and identity. The catwalker had previously worn a keffiyeh during a pro-Palestine rally in NYC in 2021. The pattern on the keffiyeh is believed to represent various aspects of Palestinian life, with different elements symbolizing things like the Mediterranean Sea and local trade routes.
Bella Hadid confirmed the origin of her outfit on her Instagram Story, stating “#michaelandhushi @hushi5 Archival 2001 kiffeyeh dress Free Palestine forever.” She was styled by Molly Dickson for the event, pairing the bold dress with red Gucci mules, a white scrunchie, rimless sunglasses, and gold hoop earrings. The 27-year-old model’s father, Mohamed Anwar Hadid, comes from a Palestinian Muslim family, influencing Bella’s strong stance on Palestinian rights. The Michael and Hushi collection inspired by Palestine and Iran was met with some criticism and controversy.
Michael and Hushi’s 2001 collection, which included Palestinian and Iranian influences, was featured in a British Vogue article titled “Generation Terrorists.” The collection also drew criticism while gaining popularity and making its way into the fashion world. Notably, Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, wore a black-and-white keffiyeh top from Michael and Hushi on an episode of “Sex and the City.” This highlighted the influence and presence of the brand in the fashion industry, reaching a wider audience through popular television shows and magazines.
Bella Hadid’s choice to wear a keffiyeh-inspired dress during the Cannes Film Festival was met with admiration and recognition for her unwavering support of her Palestinian roots. The model’s fashion statement not only showcases her cultural heritage but also serves as a bold form of protest against ongoing conflicts in the region, such as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Bella has been vocal about her stance on Palestinian rights and continues to use her platform to bring attention to these important issues, aligning herself with causes that are close to her heart.
Bella Hadid’s outfit at the Cannes Film Festival paid homage to her Palestinian heritage with a vintage Michael and Hushi dress made from keffiyeh fabric, a symbol of Palestinian identity. Styled by Molly Dickson, the model paired the statement piece with red Gucci mules, a white scrunchie, rimless sunglasses, and gold hoop earrings. Bella’s father, Mohamed Anwar Hadid, has Palestinian roots, influencing her strong advocacy for Palestinian rights. The Michael and Hushi brand has faced criticism and controversy over its Palestinian and Iranian-inspired collections, leading to a wider discussion on cultural representation in the fashion industry.
Bella Hadid’s choice to wear a keffiyeh-inspired dress during the Cannes Film Festival brought attention to Palestinian culture and solidarity. The model’s outfit, paired with accessories and styled by Molly Dickson, was a bold statement supporting her heritage and raising awareness of ongoing conflicts in the region. Through her fashion choices and advocacy work, Bella continues to use her platform to stand up for important causes and bring attention to issues close to her heart. The influence of Michael and Hushi’s collections, despite facing criticism, is evident in popular culture and television, making an impact in the fashion world.
