Supermodel Bella Hadid Makes a Statement with Palestinian Keffiyeh Print
In a powerful move, US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid took to Instagram to shed light on the symbolism behind the keffiyeh print and showcase designers who have championed the Palestinian cause over the years.
During the Cannes Film Festival on May 23, Hadid, the daughter of real estate mogul Mohamed Hadid and US Dutch model Yolanda Hadid, made a bold fashion statement by donning a red-and-white dress inspired by the keffiyeh. The dress was crafted by US designers Michael Sears and Hushi Mortezaie back in 2001.
Sharing pictures of the dress with her 61.1 million Instagram followers, Hadid described the ensemble as “a beautiful way to represent the history, labor of love, resilience, and most importantly the art of historic Palestinian embroidery.”
She went on to elaborate on the significance of the patterns found in the Palestinian keffiyeh, highlighting the various themes they symbolize.
According to Hadid, the olive leaves symbolize “strength, resilience, and perseverance.”
She further explained that the fishnet pattern in the keffiyeh represents the relationship between Palestinian fishermen and the sea, signifying abundance and grace. The sea, for many Palestinians in the West Bank, represents freedom despite restricted access due to military occupation.
Hadid emphasized that the sea waves in the pattern reflect the resilience and strength of those enduring decades of oppression and occupation.
While some have argued that the sea waves actually represent olive leaves, Hadid clarified that after consulting with fabric manufacturer Judeh Hirbawi, the pattern indeed signifies sea waves.
The bold lines in the keffiyeh, according to Hadid, symbolize the trade routes passing through Palestine, shaping the rich history and culture of the communities.
In a heartfelt message, Hadid expressed her deep connection to her Palestinian heritage, stating, “Palestine on my mind, in my blood, and on my heart. Always… even in the face of adversity, wearing our culture fills me with pride as a Palestinian, and I want the world to continue seeing Palestine wherever we go.”