The Aussie behind Bianca Censori’s controversial Grammys look

Bianca Censori sparked debate around the world after she stepped onto the Grammys red carpet without clothes on.

Bianca Censori stunned the world when she stepped onto the Grammys red carpet on Sunday night almost entirely nude.

While many seem to believe Kanye West is solely responsible for the bizarre looks Censori dresses herself in, it turns out that’s not quite the case.

West hasn’t been the sole influence behind his wife’s style for months: fellow Aussie model turned clothing designer Gadir Rajab has taken over — for now.

Fans may have been shocked to learn that Bianca’s controversial style is the work of a professional — and not, as many believed, a game of dress-up for Kanye.

Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Picture: Getty.

And Vogue photographer Glauber Bassi claimed Gadir would likely have found styling Bianca tough for that exact reason.

“Kanye’s influence in fashion is undeniable,” Bassi told The U.S. Sun.

“This means working with Bianca would be challenging for Gadir because of his and Kanye’s distinct artistic visions.

“It would only be possible if Bianca balanced collaborations with both men. “She would have to avoid any conflicts.”

According to The Cut, the 32-year-old has Lebanese, French, and Indian heritage.

His parents moved to Australia during the Lebanese Civil War, according to Paper, and Gadir was born in Melbourne in 1992.

At 18 and towering at 6-foot-2, he moved to New York City to work as a model for three years. Gadir transitioned to photography, which he had enjoyed since high school.

“I definitely get bored of [modelling]. I much prefer to be taking the photos,” he told Schon Magazine in 2013.

“I love short models as they have bigger personalities. Height is not an issue,” he said. Bianca is said to be 5-foot-4.

In 2019, he shifted careers again: Though still working as a photographer, he began working on his fashion line, Raga Malak, with his best friend Raquelle Saba.

The first Spring/Summer 2023 collection launched in October 2022 and included plunging dresses, barely-there bikinis, and tightly corsetted tops.

Vogue photographer Bassi explained how Gadir may have transitioned into styling easily.

“Mastering photography is different and requires study and practice,” he said.

“When it comes to styling, he may have found it more natural since models understand clothes, fabrics, and trends.

“He would have first-hand experience of what works visually, and his contacts are also a significant advantage.”

Gadir’s line, Raga Malek, immediately reflected his upbringing.

“Growing up Middle Eastern, your family usually strays you from doing certain things, like listening to certain music or wearing particular clothing,” he told Paper magazine in 2022.

He explained that those things were haram or forbidden, and his clothing designs resisted that, which meant showing plenty of skin.

His aesthetic also explores his identity as an immigrant, and he has declared it’s “too Arab in the West, too Western in the East.”

Initial reports claimed the pair had been escorted from the ceremony after their red carpet appearance. Picture: Getty.

“Our clothing celebrates Arabic writing, which has been displayed in a more threatening light in the West due to ongoing conflict,” he said.

“The clothing is more revealing, which for some is policed against wearing at the fear of being scrutinised as ‘too western.’”

Though his name may not be as well-known as Jeremy Scott’s or Riccardo Tisci’s, celebrities certainly know Gadir.

Raga Malak’s been worn by Paris Hilton, Madonna’s daughter Lourdes Leon, Doja Cat, Grimes, Ice Spice, and Noah Cyrus, among others.

Bianca Censori (seen here with Gadir Rajab). Picture: Instagram

Bianca isn’t even his first styling client: He’s worked with countless publications, styling big names like Kylie Minogue, Troye Sivan, Addison Rae, Bhad Bhabie, and Iris Law.

Gadir considers fashion industry powerhouse Mert Alas, who is also friends with Madonna, one of his closest friends.

Gadir is also friends with Stella Maxwell, who famously dated Miley Cyrus.

“For Bianca, Gadir’s style is appealing because it highlights her unique personality,” Vogue snapper Bassi explained.

“But her style under Gadir’s influence has become exaggerated and overly revealing.

“While it grabs attention and sets trends, it can also polarise.

“Her style is not to everyone’s taste.”

Originally published as The Aussie behind Bianca Censori’s controversial Grammys look