Get Ready With Balqees for Versace Spring/Summer 2025
The Italian fashion brand took over Milan’s Castello Sforzesco for a spectacular showcase on Friday evening – and, of course, the famed Emirati-Yemeni singer was seated front row
Versace is always one of the most anticipated shows of Milan Fashion Week – and perhaps the entirety of Fashion Month – and it’s safe to say for the house’s Spring/Summer 25 showcase it was one for the books.
Taking over the Castello Sforzesco, a historical landmark in the Italian fashion capital built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, the then Duke of Milan, the who’s who of fashion descended upon the medieval building to see the latest unveiling by creative director Donatella Versace.
Of course, no Versace show is complete without its roster of A-listers sitting front row including Emirati-Yemeni singer Balqees Fathi, who wore a stunning pre-Spring black embellished Versace gown and black platform shoes.
The award-winning Emirati-Yemeni singer paid a visit to the atelier prior to the show, selecting her look and the finishing touches.
“I picked this dress from the pre-Spring collection. I tried them all yesterday, but my stylist, Cedric Haddad, and I felt this was the best fit. The team at Versace are excellent, they tailored it in record time and sent it over to me,” she says.
Balqees revealed to Bazaar Arabia that while she doesn’t mind opting for a classic look from time to time, she prefers a modern and bold aesthetic.
“Style is a big part of my daily life, not just for work but for my personal life too,” she says. “I carefully pick which pieces I’m going to wear on a daily basis, but I always make sure they’re bold and match my personality. I hate routine – I love a fresh, modern look and I always find this energy in Versace’s style.”
“I’ve always had a very special relationship with Versace. It all started in 2022 when I had a custom-made beautiful dress that I wore to the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia,” she says.
“To me, that was a turning point in my career and fashion appearances, because this was literally a momentum to have a dress that was under the guidance of Donatella Versace, the greatest Donatella Versace. The relationship actually started ever since then and I have always been their loyal customer forever.”
Watch: Get Ready With Balqees for Versace Spring/Summer 2025
Watch: Harper’s Bazaar Arabia shares all the highlights from Versace’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection below.
Balqees was seated front row at the show along with the likes of Normani, Heart Evangelista and Leonie Hanne.
Gigi Hadid made her return to the catwalk, while models Vittoria Ceretti and Mona Tougaard brought the collection to life on the runway.
Photographer and Director: Sofi Adams. Cinematographer and Editor: Sahim Ahmed. Stylist: Cedric Haddad. Hair: Ilham Mestour. Digital Editor: Laura Kell. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Arabic Editor: Rodayna Nasser. Interview: Liv Morris.