The Medieval (But Make It MENA) Edit
Jul 12, 2025
Fashion is cyclical, but some things are just timeless. While the West looked to Tudors and corsets, the Arab world had already perfected the art of regal dressing centuries earlier. From Abbasid courts to Andalusian gardens, fashion wasn't ornamental, it was architectural. Kaftans with sweeping sleeves, golden embroidery as dense as scripture, leather flats molded for movement, musk oils that didn't just scent the body, but mingled with it, skin and scent indistinguishable.
At the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, we've hit a snag in the fashion road. The trend wheel is imploding, taste fatigue is rampant, and the desire for something timeless and established is more prevalent than ever. People want the kind of clothing that speaks in undyed cotton, rich velvety hues, hand-stitched hems, and calligraphy-etched jewellery; something that feels human, in its design and execution.
Bardcore is booming on YouTube, Chappell Roan is serving Joan of Arc in armour, and your algorithm is thirsting for knit bonnets and bloomer-style shorts. But this isn't some micro-trend debauchery wreaking havoc on your for-you page, it's medieval, and it's sticking around. Because if men's opinions are going medieval, why shouldn't fashion?
In this edition of SceneStyled, we're going back to basics, the 11th-century-Fatimid-dynasty-kind of basics. Think: silk kaftans as statement outerwear, chainmail-inspired bags, gold filigree earrings, leather soles for modern ground, and perfume oil pens perfect for that medieval pouch of yours. Because time isn't real. But taste? Taste endures. Moroccan Touch | Jouri Kaftan
This 100% silk velvet kaftan is the epitome of opulence. Rich in texture, deep in hue, and finished with a braided sfifa neckline, this is the perfect piece for wandering bare foot through your palatial garden. Azza Fahmy | Gold Blessings Chain Ring
Azza Fahmy knows how to re-embellish history. In this 18kt gold ring, inscribed with 'مودة' (Endearment), 'رحمة' (Mercy), 'بركة' (Blessings), intricacy leads and handcraft take the spotlight. Azza Fahmy | Crescent Chandelier Earrings
Crafted in Filigree wirework, these earrings incorporate centuries of symbolism in the swaying crescent moon and stars. Finished with an inscription with 'مودة', they encapsulate the simple intricacy of medieval jewellery. Shahira Lasheen | Ateeq Collection Long White Crepe Dress
This sculpted black bustier and flowing slitted skirt cut a striking silhouette. Complete with hand-crafted buttons and intricate embroidery, it's a piece that speaks with a soft power, rooted in heritage and human artistry. Akaoui | Antique Finish Filigree Ring
Intricate handcraft finds its proudest celebration in this Filigree ring. Made with traditional Italian craftsmanship, this piece is rooted in tradition and timelessness. Dôen | Ischia Dress
Medieval dress gets an unwrapping in this Ischia dress. Lightweight and highly versatile, with a functional centre tie and an adjustable waist tie on a smocked bodice, this dress exudes the pragmatism medieval fashion is rooted in. Double-puffed sleeves, a scoop neckline, and ankle-grazing A-line skirt cultivate a fairytale-esque silhouette, or layer with a sweeping kaftan for the full medieval effect. Okhtein | Mini Dome Embossed Bag
Every medieval muse needs her pouch, and this mini dome embossed bag from Okhtein is close enough. Maya Fragrances | Base Perfume Oil
This base perfume oil from Maya Fragrances follows the same philosophy as its medieval perfume predecessors: less is more. Amber, musk, and sandalwood make up this intoxicating concoction, which works with your body chemistry and intertwines with your natural scent. In medieval times, even sweat smelt like luxury. Dima Ayad | Knitted Metallic V Neck
A decadent take on the classic kaftan, this metallic kaftan from Dima Ayad appears like liquid gold in motion in the sunlight. Structured but also fluid, it's illusive and deceptive: the perfect piece for myth-making . Ettika | Gold Mesh Shoulder Bag
Chainmail has always remained in fashion. While it shimmers down red carpets as translucent mini-dresses, this mesh shoulder bag offers a more utilitarian twist on medieval armour-core. It's one of the few pieces you could actually take into battle.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
24 minutes ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's Ambassador to Lebanon Offers Condolences to Fairouz on the Death Ziad Rahbani
Rana Atef On Tuesday, Egypt's Ambassador to Beirut, Alaa Moussa, offered his condolences to the legendary singer Fairouz following the death of her son. In response to the Egyptian ambassador's condolences, Fairouz softly replied, 'I love Egypt.' Fairouz sat silently with her daughter, Rima, beside her. Her face revealed the deep sorrow and pain of losing her son. "أنا بحب #مصر " هكذا قالت السيدة العظيمه #فيروز للسفير المصرى فى #لبنان علاء موسى و هو يقدم لها واجب التعازى فى اليوم الثاني لتلقيها عزاء نجلها #زياد_الرحباني فى #كنيسة_سيدة_الرقاد بكفيا. و لجارة القمر نقول و #مصر بتحبك و بتدعيلك بالصبر و القوة و لزياد بالرحمة . #وداعا_زياد_رحبانى — Lamees elhadidi (@lameesh) July 29, 2025 Mourners greeted her from a distance, and she returned their greetings quietly with a gentle wave of her hand. Rima occasionally engaged her in hushed conversation. A large number of politicians, state dignitaries, and artists have been arriving at the mourning hall to pay their respects to Fairouz over the loss of her son, the composer and musician Ziad Rahbani. Rahbani, the renowned Lebanese composer and playwright, passed away last Saturday at the age of 69, leaving behind a vast artistic legacy and a rich career that resonated throughout the Arab world. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Lebanon, and Fairuz, bid iconic composer Ziad Rahbani farewell
Hundreds of people in Lebanon paid tribute Monday to iconic composer, pianist and playwright Ziad Rahbani, who died over the weekend. His mother, Fairuz, one of the Arab world's most esteemed singers, made a rare public appearance. Rahbani, also known as a political provocateur, died Saturday at age 69. The cause of death was not immediately known. His passing shocked much of the Arab world, which appreciated his satire, unapologetic political critique and avante-garde, jazz-inspired compositions that mirrored the chaos and contradictions of Lebanon throughout its civil war from 1975 until 1990. He also composed some of his mother's most famous songs. فيروز في وداع ابنها زياد Fayrouz bids farewell to her son Ziad — Annahar النهار (@Annahar) July 28, 2025 The Rahbani family was a cornerstone in Lebanon's golden era of music theater that today is steeped in idealism and nostalgia in a troubled country. Top Lebanese political officials and artists paid tribute after the death was announced. Rahbani, a leftist Greek Orthodox, often mocked Lebanon's sectarian divisions in his work. Hundreds of people holding roses and photos gathered by Khoury Hospital near Beirut's busy Hamra district, solemnly singing some of his most famous songs and applauding as a vehicle carrying his body left its garage. Reem Haidar, who grew up during the civil war, said Rahbani's songs and their messages were what she and others associated with at a time when there was 'no nation to belong to.' The vehicle made its way to a church in the mountainous town of Bikfaya before burial in the family cemetery. Fairuz, 90, had spent many years away from the public eye. Wearing black sunglasses and a black veil, she greeted visitors who came to pay respects. She had not been seen publicly since photos surfaced of her meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited her residence in 2020 to award her France's highest medal of honor. In recent years, Rahbani also appeared less in the public eye, yet his influence never waned. Younger generations rediscovered his plays online and sampled his music in protest movements. He continued to compose and write, speaking often of his frustration with Lebanon's political stagnation and decaying public life. Rahbani is survived by his mother and his sister Reema and brother Hali. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
8 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Lebanon bids iconic composer Ziad Rahbani farewell
Hundreds of people in Lebanon paid tribute Monday to iconic composer, pianist and playwright Ziad Rahbani, who died over the weekend. His mother, Fairuz, one of the Arab world's most esteemed singers, made a rare public appearance. Rahbani, also known as a political provocateur, died Saturday at age 69. The cause of death was not immediately known. His passing shocked much of the Arab world, which appreciated his satire, unapologetic political critique and avante-garde, jazz-inspired compositions that mirrored the chaos and contradictions of Lebanon throughout its civil war from 1975 until 1990. He also composed some of his mother's most famous songs. The Rahbani family was a cornerstone in Lebanon's golden era of music theater that today is steeped in idealism and nostalgia in a troubled country. Top Lebanese political officials and artists paid tribute after the death was announced. Rahbani, a leftist Greek Orthodox, often mocked Lebanon's sectarian divisions in his work. Hundreds of people holding roses and photos gathered by Khoury Hospital near Beirut's busy Hamra district, solemnly singing some of his most famous songs and applauding as a vehicle carrying his body left its garage. Reem Haidar, who grew up during the civil war, said Rahbani's songs and their messages were what she and others associated with at a time when there was 'no nation to belong to.' The vehicle made its way to a church in the mountainous town of Bikfaya before burial in the family cemetery. Fairuz, 90, had spent many years away from the public eye. Wearing black sunglasses and a black veil, she greeted visitors who came to pay respects. She had not been seen publicly since photos surfaced of her meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited her residence in 2020 to award her France's highest medal of honor. In recent years, Rahbani also appeared less in the public eye, yet his influence never waned. Younger generations rediscovered his plays online and sampled his music in protest movements. He continued to compose and write, speaking often of his frustration with Lebanon's political stagnation and decaying public life. Rahbani is survived by his mother and his sister Reema and brother Hali. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
