night of cars and stars - a first in dubai catwalk history
Last night, the public of Dubai had the rare opportunity to spend a night of glitz and glamour in the company of the most glamorous celebrities of the Arab World at the GM Style event at the Madinat Arena.
Screen superstars Yosra, Milad Yousef and Sulaf Fawakherji rubbed shoulders with the biggest names from music including Rola Saad, Waad and Yuri Mrakadi.
These were just a few of the names on the celebrity list, which also included actor Tamer Hagras, singer Karl Wolf and UAE rapper Kaz Money. Rachel Hunter, one of the world’s most famous supermodels, joined the glamorous list of regional celebrities for this parade of cars and stars.
The collection of cars, accompanying the celebrities was no less stunning: from the breath taking EFIJY concept showcar, to the futuristic Saab Aero X and Chevrolet Camaro and Volt concepts, to the HUMMER Open Top and luxurious custom Middle East Cadillac Escalade from the “soon-to-be-launched” Escalade Personalization Program – each model presented by GM on the catwalk was worthy of stardom.
GM Style Dubai, a unique event that combined a bevy of A-list celebrities alongside some of the most sensational vehicles General Motors has produced in its 100 years of design innovation, took place in front of a packed house.
The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of Dubai Financial Centre and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Autism Centre.
The celebrities donated their time in support of this worthy cause, which received proceedings from ticket sales. As a responsible company with great respect for its local community, GM handpicked the Dubai Autism Centre as its cause célébre because of the valuable work it does for less-fortunate children in the emirate.
As the night progressed, guests were treated to the sight of A-list celebrities patrolling the catwalk alongside some of GM’s most breathtaking vehicles.
Rachel Hunter, a global supermodel known for her grace, modeled alongside the entrancing lines of the Saab Aero-X concept, a stunning blend of elegant curves and futuristic aviation-inspired design with an environmental conscience.
Yosra, the grand dame of Egyptian cinema reigned over the catwalk, escorted by the custom Middle East Cadillac Escalade, revealed for the first time ever during the GM Style Event night.
Meanwhile, Basil Shaaban, the Middle East’s most prominent motor racer, appeared with the new 2008 Corvette Z06, a supercar capable of world-beating track performance.
Egyptian screen superstar Tamer Hagras was chosen to showcase Chevrolet CSV CR8, the world’s first production “track-day” car.
Other cars and stars included Saudi songstress Waed with the dashing all new Cadillac CTS, Kuwaiti explorer Zed Alrefai with the rugged, Hummer Open Top, and the new face of motorsports in the region, Chevrolet Motorsports’ own Marwa Al Eifa, with the Chevrolet Aveo5.
Looking on from the audience were notable GM executives and design leaders, including Maureen Kempston-Darkes, GM Group Vice-president and President, GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East (LAAM); Edward T. Welburn, GM Vice-president, Global Design; Terry Johnsson, President, GM Middle East Operations; Carlos Barba, General Director of Design, GM-LAAM, and Richard Ferlazzo, Chief Designer, GM Holden. Welburn even took a stint on the catwalk, appearing with the stunning Chevrolet Camaro Coupé, which is soon to go into production.
As an evening of fashion, celebrity and high automotive style, Dubai has never before seen anything like GM Style. When beautiful cars mixed with some of the most glamorous stars from the worlds of fashion, entertainment and sport, the city had an occasion to remember.
