Supermodel Bella Hadid made waves at the Cannes Film Festival with a powerful political statement through her fashion choices. Hadid donned a vintage dress inspired by the iconic keffiyeh scarf, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, profoundly impacting one of the world’s most glamorous stages.
The striking red and white chequered dress featured a distinctive fringe, echoing the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh. Hadid completed her ensemble with red Gucci mules, gold hoop earrings, and rectangular sunglasses, skillfully balancing high fashion with a meaningful message.
On Instagram, Hadid emphasized the significance of her outfit. “Free Palestine forever,” she wrote, accompanied by the Palestinian flag emoji. She credited designers Michael Sears and Hushi Mortezaie of Michael and Hushi for the original 2001 creation.
Hadid’s advocacy for Palestine is well-known. Since the recent escalation of violence in Gaza, she has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, born in Nazareth, shared his family’s displacement story during the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, profoundly influencing Bella’s activism.
The keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern headscarf, has become a powerful symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance. Its distinctive pattern has ancient roots and varied interpretations, representing fishermen’s nets, olive leaves, and trade routes. Despite its association with Palestine, the keffiyeh is also part of other Arab cultures.
Recently, incidents involving the keffiyeh have highlighted its political weight. Three students in Vermont were shot, and one, Hisham Awartani, was paralyzed. A Canadian politician was expelled for wearing a keffiyeh. These events underscore the tensions and misconceptions surrounding the scarf.
Hadid’s appearance in a keffiyeh-inspired dress at Cannes is more than a fashion statement; it’s a declaration of solidarity and a call for awareness. By wearing the dress, she brings global attention to the Palestinian struggle, using her platform to advocate for justice. Her bold choice reflects a growing trend of celebrities leveraging their visibility to highlight important social and political issues, fostering a global dialogue on peace and justice.
