The 5th edition of The EMIGALA Fashion & Beauty Awards dazzled Dubai on April 22 and 23, transforming the rooftop terrace of Jumeirah Emirates Towers into a vibrant celebration of fashion, beauty, and cultural excellence, set against the futuristic backdrop of the Museum of the Future.
The festivities began on April 22 with a thoughtful opening ceremony and an engaging panel discussion. Icons of the industry — including Fausto Puglisi, Heart Evangelista, Rami Kadi, Nicolas Mouawad, Hala Al Turk, and Tima Abid — led an insightful dialogue on the evolving landscape of fashion and beauty across regions and generations. The evening ended on an elegant note with a gathering at Mi Amie, offering a more intimate networking experience for attendees.
The glamour soared to new heights on April 23 during the star-studded Red Carpet event, broadcast live across 10 television networks. Hosted by Janeen Mansour, Mayssa Assaf, and Saim Ali, the red carpet dazzled with unforgettable fashion moments. Highlights included Marina Ruy Barbosa in a rare archival Georges Chakra gown, Yara Bou Monsef stunning in Antoine El Kareh, and Heart Evangelista gracing the evening in a custom creation by Michael Leyva.
The Awards Ceremony, hosted by digital storyteller Yara Bou Monsef, celebrated visionary talents shaping the fashion and beauty industries. Dr. Michel Daher, Founder and President of The EMIGALA, opened the evening with a heartfelt address, followed by a musical tribute to Elvis Presley performed by Gilbert Simon and Emirati pianist Ahmed Al Hashemi.
Major Award Highlights Included:
Rami Kadi — Arab Couture Designer of the Year
Fausto Puglisi for Roberto Cavalli — Fashion Legacy Award
Heart Evangelista — Global Fashion Influencer of the Year
Pritika Swarup — Global Beauty Influencer of the Year
Ralph Lauren — Innovative Brand of the Year
Armani Beauty — Fragrance Brand of the Year
Dipesh Depala — Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year
Lancôme — Beauty Legacy Award
Lady Madonna — Lifetime Achievement Award
Marina Ruy Barbosa — Global Fashion Icon of the Year
Manuel Arnaut — Fashion Journalist of the Year
Salma Ben Omar — Caftan Designer of the Year
Tima Abid — Fashion Innovator Award
Emerging stars Twins Hadban and Yusur Al Khalidi were honored as the Stars of the Night, while Bassma Bousil, Nicolas Mouawad, Hala Al Turk, and Arash received the prestigious Artist in Fashion Award. Ola Farahat was named Arab Fashion Influencer of the Year, and Laila Aziz took home Creative Designer of the Year honors.
The celebrations concluded with an exclusive after-party at La Cantine du Faubourg, where industry leaders and honorees came together for a memorable evening of music, camaraderie, and celebration.
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