Controversy over Paris Hilton's Dubai dress

Controversy has swirled around the glamorous floor-length green jalabiya that Paris Hilton wore at a press meet Wednesday evening after it emerged that the outfit was designed by Emirati designer Zahra Karmostaji and not by Sarah Belhasa, vice-president, Belhasa group and owner of fashion boutique Studio 8.

In fact, it's the same attire which won Zahra the Best Evening Dress Award at the Miami Fashion Week last year. Most publications, including XPRESS, had reported that the jalabiya, an Emirati dress, was designed by Sarah after Paris Hilton sashayed in the dress before the cameras saying it was by Sarah Belhasa.

Zahra, of course, is not amused and is now seeking an apology from Sarah.

“They didn't invite me. As if it that wasn't bad enough, they didn't give credit to what is solely my creation. It's my dress not Sarah Belhasa's, who is just a boutique owner, who stocks my collections besides those of many others. She must apologise to me. I lent this jalabiya to Sarah just a few days back. It's the same dress which won me an award at the Miami Fashion Week,'' a very livid Zahra told XPRESS on Thursday morning. “I am very upset. I want Studio 8 to clarify things by making a formal announcement in this regard. I am not going to settle for anything less than that,'' she added.

Sarah Belhasa said that the dress was by Zahra, adding that she never staked claim over it. “Paris took my name because her stylists picked the outfit from my boutique. I really wanted Zahra to take credit for it, but I couldn't have possibly gone on stage and said this. Also, I assumed that people would know because I am not a fashion designer in the first place. It's misunderstanding alright, but it's not something I should apologise for. Why should I apologise?. I did not do any wrong. And anyway, I am far too preoccupied to get involved in any controversy. I don't have time for such things,'' said Sarah.

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