Karen Wazen Collection has unveiled an official collaboration with the highly anticipated film El Sett, starring acclaimed Egyptian actress Mona Zaki, as a tribute to the life and enduring legacy of Umm Kulthum, one of the Arab world’s most iconic cultural figures.
The partnership marks a significant moment where fashion and cinema converge to celebrate Arab heritage and cultural excellence.
As part of the collaboration, Karen Wazen Collection has reimagined Umm Kulthum’s legendary cat-eye sunglasses with a contemporary aesthetic, creating a capsule collection that honors the singer’s timeless style while introducing modern interpretations. The collection presents customers with the opportunity to embody the sophistication and powerful presence that defined Umm Kulthum’s iconic look.
Kawkab El Sharq
Umm Kulthum, often regarded as the Kawkab El Sharq, remains one of the most influential singers and cultural icons in Arab history.
Her distinctive style – marked by her signature large, dark cat-eye sunglasses – became inseparable from her larger-than-life persona and continues to inspire designers and artists decades after her passing.
The sunglasses were more than a fashion accessory; they represented her authority, mystique, and uncompromising artistic vision.
Karen Wazen Collection
The announcement of the Karen Wazen Collection collaboration coincided with the Dubai premiere of El Sett, which took place on December 21-22, 2025.
The film, directed to chronicle Umm Kulthum’s extraordinary life, positions itself as a cultural celebration rather than a conventional biopic. Mona Zaki’s portrayal of the legendary singer adds another layer of prestige to the project, as the actress brings her acclaimed dramatic range to the role.
Karen Wazen, the designer behind the collection, is recognised for her work in creating contemporary eyewear that balances artistic vision with wearability. The reimagined Umm Kulthum sunglasses reflect her design philosophy – honoring heritage while pushing toward innovation.
Each pair in the collection captures the essence of the original silhouettes while incorporating modern materials and craftsmanship standards expected by today’s consumers.
The collaboration extends beyond mere product placement. It represents a broader movement within the fashion industry to celebrate and monetize Arab cultural narratives and icons.
This approach contrasts with historical patterns in which Arab cultural influences were often absorbed into Western fashion narratives without proper attribution or credit to their origins.
To support the launch, Karen Wazen Collection is offering customers the opportunity to join a waitlist for the exclusive collection through the brand’s website and selected retail partners.
This strategy creates anticipation and allows the brand to gauge demand before full-scale production, a common approach for limited-edition designer collaborations.
The partnership also underscores the growing intersection between cinema and fashion in the Arab region. As more high-budget films emerge from the Arab world, opportunities for cross-industry collaborations become increasingly prevalent, benefiting both sectors through shared audiences and cultural relevance.
Mona Zaki herself has become the face of this cultural moment. Just days before the film’s premiere, Vogue Arabia featured Zaki on the cover of its December 2025 issue, amplifying the film’s reach among fashion and entertainment audiences. This editorial placement reinforces the connection between cinematic storytelling and fashion expression.
The Karen Wazen Collection-El Sett collaboration arrives at a critical juncture for Arab cinema and design. As audiences worldwide increasingly seek authentic cultural narratives and locally-rooted creative products, initiatives like this demonstrate the commercial and artistic viability of celebrating Arab heritage through contemporary mediums.
The collection positions itself as more than fashion – it is a statement of cultural pride and a commitment to keeping Umm Kulthum’s legacy alive for new generations.
