Strut Like an Egyptian: International Runways Meet Egyptian History
image via pashion magazine
Egypt’s glamor knows no limits: on the runway, high-end couture meets ancient Egypt, where long capes drip with gold, dresses pleat with emerald jewels, and warm tones accentuate the designs.
A perfect harmony of art and culture – international luxury brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Balmain, Tom Ford, and Zuhair Murad, have incorporated elements and themes of Egypt’s history and culture into their designs, flaunting glitz and glamor in stunning Egyptian collections.
Here is a small lookbook into some of the Egyptian collections by luxury brands from the newest to oldest in their Spring-Summer (SS) and Fall-Winter (FW) collections.
Zuhair Murad: SS 2020 Collection
The Lebanese designer, Zuhair Murad, paid homage to ancient Egypt in the SS 2020 collection by incorporating elements such as the shapes of hieroglyphics, tomb paintings, scarabs, and eagles as well as integrating the warm-toned colors of the sand and the vibrant colors in the jewels.
Chanel: Pre Fall 2019 Collection
Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld presented an ancient-Egyptian inspired collection in the pre Fall collection that was showcased at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2019. Ancient Egyptian symbols, such as scarabs, lotus flowers, and ankhs appeared in prints and the eye make up paid homage to the Eye of Horus.
Balmain: SS 2019 Collection
The Balmain SS 2019 collection drew inspiration from Egypt evident in the hieroglyphics-patterned white and black tops, as well as the geometric-glass dress that features a stylized image of a pharaoh on the front.
Elie Saab: SS 2017 Collection
Lebanese designer Elie Saab drew inspiration in the SS 2017 collection from the disco-themed inspired dresses from Egyptian culture.
Givenchy: FW 2016 Collection
Givenchy’s 2016 FW collection presented unique designs that had Egyptian motifs.
Valentino: SS 2014 Collection
The Valentino 2014 collection was heavily inspired by the “power and elegance” of ancient Egypt. The designs of the robes, dresses, coats, and panel skirts paid homage to the history of ancient Egypt.
Roberto Cavalli: FW 2007 Collection
Roberto Cavalli’s 2007 collection was heavily influenced by ancient Egypt, evident in the gold details that accentuate the unique pieces.
Oscar de la Renta: SS 2008 Collection
The Oscar de la Renta collection has ancient Egyptian inspired motifs. The long sequined dress gown with jewels around the neck mirrors the culture of Egypt.
Christian Dior: SS 2004 Collection
Christian Dior Haute Couture collection flaunted the pharaonic civilization and ancient Egypt’s history.
Farah Rafik is a graduate from the American University in Cairo (AUC) with a dual degree in Multimedia Journalism and Political Science. After being an active participant in Model United Nation (MUN) conferences both locally and internationally, Farah discovered her love for writing. When she isn’t writing about Arts & Culture for Egyptian Streets, she is busy watching films and shows to review. Writing isn’t completed without a coffee or an iced matcha latte in hand—that she regularly spills. She occasionally challenges herself in reading challenges on Goodreads, and can easily read a book a day.
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