Why Ava DuVernay Wore A Lebanese Designer’s Dress To The Oscars- updates

From the moment she stepped onto the red carpet at this year’s Oscars, Ava DuVernay was making a statement – one that was so subtle you might not have even realised.

The American director, who was nominated for Best Documentary Feature for her film 13th, was dressed in an elegant lacy gown by a Lebanon-based fashion house.

On Twitter, DuVernay described her sartorial choice as “a small sign of solidarity”.

“I chose to wear a gown by a designer from a majority Muslim country. Thanks to @AshiStudio of Lebanon,” she wrote.

A small sign of solidarity. I chose to wear a gown by a designer from a majority Muslim country. Thanks to @AshiStudio of Lebanon. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/CbEkK7rCpG

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 27, 2017

Ashi Studio was launched by Saudi-born designer Mohammed Ashi in Beirut 10 years ago. Celebrity fans include Lady Gaga, Zendaya, Sarah Jessica Parker and Demi Lovato.

By choosing to wear Ashi’s design, DuVernay appeared to be protesting US President Donald Trump’s travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries and refugees earlier this month.

While the ban was lifted by a federal judge, Trump is said to be working on a revised travel ban, targeting the same nations.

Many of DuVernay’s fans took to Twitter to praise her outfit choice.

DuVernay was not the only celebrity that wore a Lebanese designer’s Dress . More than ever, Lebanese designers are designing glamorous gowns for Hollywood’s elite.

Meryl Streep ditches Chanel for Elie Saab

Freida Pinto in Elie Saab

Elizabeth Banks in Elie Saab

Lea Michele in Elie Saab

Ginnifer Goodwin in Zuhair Murad

Petra Nemcova in Georges Chakra

5. Tony Ward

Leona Lewis in Tony Ward

Molly Sims in Tony Ward

One Lebanese female artist  who wanted to remain unnamed commented on the success of Lebanese designers by saying: “We are so tough on them here  in Lebanon ..if they can make it here they can make it anywhere in the world “

Emirates women/Arab America YL