The allure of high fashion swept away Sofia as it played host to a dazzling evening of beauty and elegance. The globally renowned Lebanese designer, Walid Atallah, presented his spectacular Royale Fashion Show on June 27, an exclusive event organized by Palms Royale Sofia, the luxury entertainment complex located within the Grand Hotel Millennium.
The evening became a defining moment of the season, showcasing the distinctive glamour of Middle Eastern fashion. The show was opened by the visionary entrepreneurs and siblings Milo Borissov and Rossi McKee.
“This is the first event we’re organizing with such a focus, and our goal is to turn it into a tradition—promoting Bulgaria as a leading destination for luxury tourism in Eastern Europe,” said Mr. Borissov, founder of the global Palms World brand, of which Palms Royale Sofia is a key part.
Rossi McKee, entrepreneur and co-owner of several international ventures, including Palms Royale Sofia, added: “We are committed to turning Sofia into a true meeting place of cultures—a space where music, glamour, and creativity flourish,” highlighting the country’s diverse cultural potential.
The audience was treated to a breathtaking display of Walid Atallah’s latest creations—an exquisite collection of evening and bridal gowns marked by refined silhouettes, hand-crafted detailing, and signature glamour. The first segment of the show featured gowns perfect for upscale soirées and red-carpet moments. The second half, elevated by a live performance from the enchanting singer Amel Gharbi, revealed stunning designs for cocktail parties, galas, and high-society gatherings. The grand finale brought the audience to awe with a lineup of enchanting bridal gowns.
Walid Atallah’s bridal collection marries timeless elegance with a modern touch. Flowing silhouettes crafted from luxurious fabrics were adorned with delicate crystals and stones, subtle embellishments that accentuated each piece’s grace without overwhelming the design.
The magical fashion moments were set to a live performance by Arab music icon Nawal Al Zoghbi, adding to the night’s enchantment. Taking the stage hand-in-hand with the singer, Atallah shared:
“For me, fashion is an art form that speaks a universal language—the language of beauty.”
He praised Sofia’s cultural vibrancy and revealed his plans for future collaborations in the region. He also commended Palms Royale Sofia for delivering a world-class event in a venue that perfectly matched the energy and sophistication of the evening.
The event drew an elite crowd, including luminaries from Bulgaria’s high society and leading celebrities from the Middle East—among them, actress Rania Youssef, celebrated actress Hala Sedki, the actress and model Mariam Hussein Aouidat, the influencers Maitha Mohamad from the UAE, the renowned TV host Bosy Shalaby, the journalist Rabei Huneidi, the TV presenter Hiba Haideri, the journalist and influencer Rahaf Altawil and others. Their presence brought an added sparkle to the evening, sharing real-time updates with millions of followers across social media.
The team at Palms Royale Sofia expressed their pride in hosting such a prestigious event, noting that the Royale Fashion Show is part of their ongoing mission to position the complex as a premier destination for world-class cultural and social events. They emphasized that initiatives like this not only enrich Sofia’s cultural landscape but also enhance its appeal as a hub for international artists and designers.
Set across 6,000 square meters of refined elegance, Palms Royale Sofia boasts interiors adorned with marble, velvet, and crystal. The complex includes a 2,000-square-meter gaming area and two gourmet restaurants—offering Asian and Mediterranean cuisine—making it a top choice for hosting premieres, private events, and high-profile gatherings.