Business or Reality TV? A Look into Love is Blind, Habibi
by Laila Musleh
We’re living in a reality TV renaissance. Last summer was dominated by Love Island, USA, but as that craze began to settle, our screens shifted and we quickly became hooked on Love is Blind, Habibi. Beyond the relationships, plot twists and comedic factors, the cast’s clothing truly deserves a round of applause. From Dounia’s statement pieces, often creating a moment of confusion, to Nour’s meticulously curated looks, the cast’s wardrobe deserves a moment in the spotlight, amidst all the chaos.
Needless to say, the series’ premise is unique, particularly within the Arab world. From couples forming connections without ever meeting face-to face, speaking only through the walls of a pod, to meeting under the commitment of marriage, Love is Blind, Habibi is unlike anything the region has seen before.
Focusing on the fashion, distinct patterns existed among the girls, with business-casual becoming a signature look dominating the screen. This recurring style could be seen as a reflection of the girl’s commitment to the mission of the series—they were there on business, approaching the process with focus and purpose, and their outfits subtly reinforcing this mindset.
In the first episode, Nour entered her first pod in an all-black ensemble with a cropped blazer and matching shorts, only accessorized with a gold belt chain. Meanwhile, Hajar opted for a soft, rose-toned blazer with gold heart-shaped buttons, paired with a matching skirt. Safa wore a red high-neck pencil-skirt dress. In the third episode, Hajar came back on in a white blazer with layered shoulders, paired with matching green trousers accented with white details.
As the cast progressed in their pursuits of love, family introductions and time spent as couples, suits remained a recurring theme. When first visiting (blah)’s home, Dounia wore an all-black suit, with a sleeveless blazer, paired with tailored trousers and a white shirt layered underneath, bringing in a touch of modesty.
The blazer anchored many of the girls’ standout looks. In episode 8, while the girl’s were wedding-dress shopping, Asma and Dounia were business-inspired. Asma draped a champagne-colored blazer over her shoulders, pairing with white trousers and black cropped shirts. Meanwhile, Dounia took on a more casual approach, pairing classic demic with a white button-up.
Throughout the series, each girl showcased her distinct style, leaving no confusion between the girls’ differences. We didn’t just witness their personalities shift through the dynamics of their relationships and the unfolding drama, we also had an inside look into their lives and identities through their clothing.
Nour stands out as a prime example. Her wardrobe oscillated between a city-socialite to red-carpet galore. For her union with Khatab, she arrived in a long white dress, cinched at the waist. Similarly, Hajar choose white for one her final pod dates with Simo, wearing a structured off the shoulder blazer style dress with voluminous sleeves. There’s an old superstition about seeing the white dresses before the wedding, a jinx that maybe explains why these two couples did’t quite pan out.
Dounia, on the other hand, was unapologetic. In the third episode, she wore a deceptively simple outfit, a black tank top under a white sweater and gray sweatpants. What could have been a forgettable lounging look, turned into a statement with her inclusion of a gray buret. The vision behind this look may be a mystery, but it reflected Doubia’s authenticity, which was proven in her reactions and conversations throughout the series.
And then there was Simo– whether it was his stubbornness or many moments of questionable logic, he broke our hearts. In the final episodes of the series, Simo sat with Karma, who’s look stole the spotlight off of him. She wore a flowy blue, white and black maxi skirt, paired with a matching tank top, a look that clearly embodied her romantic nature.
The bachelorette party was the most memorable of all. Each girl embraced her cultural heritage in her traditional dress. While the cast shares a connection through their Arab identity, this scene celebrated the diversity within the community. Dounia wore a gold kaftan ornamented with embroidery, while nour had a modern take on the abaya.
These are just a few of the many standout pieces gracing our screens throughout the series. While reality TV often defines its characters through their behaviors and storylines, the wardrobes speak volumes about their personality. If anything, adding another layer to the plot.
The fashion within the series–and many like it– shapes how we relate to, root for and sometimes, judge the reality TV stars.