A Dior haute couture gown, showcased during Paris Fashion Week for spring and summer 2026, exemplifies the evolving landscape of fashion photography, according to Syrian-French photographer Ammar Abd Rabbo.
Abd Rabbo, reflecting on three decades of covering global fashion weeks, notes a significant shift in the profession. He recalls an era where photographers specialized in their work, a contrast to the current ubiquity of camera-equipped mobile phones. The change, he suggests, impacts the nature of fashion week coverage and the value placed on photographic work.
The experiences of Arab photographers at international fashion weeks are marked by both creative opportunities and unique challenges. These challenges, Abd Rabbo explains, involve navigating the demands of a fast-paced industry, building relationships, and showcasing diverse Arab talent on the international stage. Previously, photographers primarily documented shows for newspapers and magazines, with a delay of days between the event and publication, and with publications compensating photographers for publishing rights.
The presence of Arab celebrities at Paris Haute Couture Week for autumn and winter 2025-2026 further highlighted the region’s growing influence in the fashion world. Tunisian actress Dorra Zarrouk, for example, attended multiple shows, showcasing a variety of styles, including a black velvet one-shoulder dress with silver embroidery at a Stéphane Rolland presentation, paired with a high ponytail. At a Georges Hobeika demonstrate, Zarrouk opted for a three-piece suit – a short jacket, knee-length skirt, and a pale pink floral jacket.
The changing dynamics of fashion week photography were too explored in a recent CNN segment where reporter Eleni Giokos asked designers for their candid opinions on her outfit and how it could be improved, illustrating a more interactive and immediate relationship between designers, media, and the public.
