Latest news with #FatenHamama
CairoScene
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
10 Iconic Faten Hamama Fashion Moments
On and off screen, Hamama's fashion was architectural: every pleat considered, every fabric an assertion of grace. May 29, 2025 Known as The Lady of the Arabic Screen, Faten Hamama authored an era. Across five decades, from her breakout in Yom Sa'id (1939) at just seven years old, to her powerful return in Ard El-Ahlam (1993), Hamama not only held a mirror to Egypt's social evolution, she did it in velvet gowns and flawless midi dresses. She was the sartorial conscience of Arab cinema — always composed, rarely loud, and never not in control. Hamama starred in over 90 films, but it's Sira' Fi Al-Wadi (1954), The Nightingale's Prayer (1959), and Imbratoriyat Meem (1972) that crystallised her as a force — politically resonant, emotionally vast, and visually enduring. On and off screen, her fashion was architectural: every pleat considered, every fabric an assertion of grace without submission. So, to mark her birthday week, we crack open the archives and pull 10 of her most quietly revolutionary looks — from Nasser-era Cairo to post-war Paris, from the screen to the street, where her impact lives on in moodboards and memory. The 60s Midi Dress A-line but assertive, Hamama's '60s midi balanced mod energy with maternal elegance. Not quite Jackie O, not quite Dalida — something uniquely hers. The White Suit Clean. Commanding. Clinical in the best way. A summer suit so crisp it could file paperwork. Minimal accessories, max presence — this was Arab femme authority long before the phrase existed. The Fur Coat Papped with Omar Sharif, this coat was less 'wife of a global star' and more 'I'm the reason the lens turned in the first place.' Paired with ballet flats: nonchalance turned statement. The Summer Fit Bandana, scarf, and white shirt — the holy trinity of vacation chic. If old postcards had influencers, she'd be one. The Casual Look Capri trousers, long-sleeved top, a toddler in tow. Domesticity but elevated, like she invented quiet luxury before Instagram did. The Wedding Look (From Sayedet El Kasr, 1958) Not her actual wedding, but the cinematic one that mattered. Gown, tiara, and enough poise to turn a script into a coronation. The Polka Dot Dress Sling straps, delicate bows, and polka dots in monochrome — like a flirty telegram from a more stylish decade. The Empire Gown Puff sleeves, square neckline, and a Regency silhouette that'd make Bridgerton blush. Feminine but not faint. The Black Dress Gold accents against noir fabric. Modest in cut, lethal in effect. Proof that elegance doesn't whisper — it asserts. The Velvet Gown & Fur Coat She did what every Instagram moodboard's been trying to do for a decade. Velvet, fur, and a face that could stop a film reel mid-spin.
Identity
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
Born Under the Gemini Sign: Celebs Who Own the Spotlight and Our Hearts
Gemini season is here, and whether you're into horoscopes or just here for the fun of it, there's no denying it: Geminis have a way of leaving a mark. Not always polished, not always quiet, but always unforgettable. They speak, they provoke, they shift and shapeshift. And when they create, they take over. This season, we're spotlighting four names from Egypt and the world who carry that undeniable Gemini spirit: rebellious, restless, and endlessly expressive. That's the kind of energy you don't just watch, you feel. And if you're wondering how these four wildly different names ended up under the same spotlight, that's exactly the point. That's Gemini. Unpredictable, versatile, never fitting into one mold. Male or female, loud or quiet. They don't match, they contrast. And somehow, that's where the magic is. Faten Hamama — 27th of May The face of an era. The voice of a generation. The woman who played every kind of woman perfectly. Faten Hamama wasn't just a screen icon but also a cultural blueprint. Calm on the surface, sharp underneath, like most Geminis. She moved through decades, genres, and roles. That's not a coincidence. That's classic Mercury magic. Kanye West — 8th of June He doesn't ride the wave but creates it . Loud, unpredictable, and unapologetically complex. Kanye's not here to be understood, he's here to shake the table. Every reinvention is a statement, every outburst a headline. He's polarizing but never invisible. That's Gemini in full volume: not designed to please, just impossible to ignore. Asmaa Galal doesn't just act , she embodies. One look, one line, and she's already shifted the mood. There's something raw and magnetic about her screen presence, equal parts softness and fire. Never quite settling, always exploring. That unpredictability? That edge? It's straight from the Gemini playbook. Mohamed Salah plays like someone who was never told to stay in his lane. He is focused, sharp, and constantly evolving. He's redefined what it means to be a football star from the Arab world. But beyond the goals and glory, there's a quiet duality: humble off the field, electric on it. That contrast? That balance? That's Gemini. Never one thing. Never just one story. Angelina Jolie — 4th of June Soft-spoken and fierce-hearted. It's the contradiction that makes her. From cult classic roles to global activism, Jolie has always existed in duality and never apologized for it. She's not afraid of being too much, too bold, and definitely too herself. Like most Geminis, she lives many lives and makes them all look effortless. Geminis do not always fit the frame, but they actually break it. They're not the calmest or easiest, but when a Gemini walks in the room, everything changes. These four celebs, Egyptian and international, proudly carry the chaos, curiosity, and charisma of their sign. Happy Gemini season. Let the duality live out loud. Tag your Gemini friends and wish them a happy birthday.
The National
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Faten: An Arabic name with playful and profound meanings
Faten has many faces. A word rooted in classical Arabic and featured prominently in scripture and poetry, faten touches on both the spiritual and the physical. Today, it is commonly used as an adjective to describe someone with irresistible allure. It can mean charming, captivating, enchanting, spellbinding, and even seductive. Like many Arabic words, these meanings stem from three root letters: fa, ta, and noon, from which numerous derivatives emerge. Fatan and its associated verb fatana are charged with tension. Often translated as 'temptation' or 'trial,' – the verb means 'to tempt' or 'to test' – the words are frequently invoked as warnings to avoid situations that might lead one astray. Meanwhile, fitnah and its related forms also mean civil strife or chaos. It appears nearly 60 times in the Quran, according to Islamic scholars, underscoring the gravity of actions that sow social discord or trigger crises of faith. Though often reserved for hefty situations or conversations, Faten has also long been a popular name for women, tracing back to the early 20th century. The most well-known bearer is undoubtedly Faten Hamama, the revered Egyptian actress from the golden age of Arabic cinema, whose beauty and vulnerable performances earned her the enduring nickname 'Lady of the Arabic Screen.' Meanwhile, Faten Helw, also from Egypt, is a prominent female lion tamer working in the region. Considering faten's heady meanings, it's perhaps no surprise that related words appear in dramatic romantic ballads. In 1956 song Fatoony by Egyptian crooner Abdel Halim Hafez, the title suggests the kind of debilitating bewitchment that leads to heartbreak. Hafez bares it all in the opening declaration: 'They left me to keep my promise, and left me alone in despair.' In 2021 song Al Fateena by popular Iraqi singer Majd Al Mohandis, the title refers to 'an enchantress who is dear to my heart. She is my good morning, and goodness itself.' Playful and profound, faten is an Arabic word to keep you on your toes.
CairoScene
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Egyptian Actresses Who Rocked the Fringe Before It Was a Thing
Before the micro-bangs discourse took over TikTok and French-girl fringes became a Pinterest staple, Egyptian actresses were already setting the standard. Bangs have been through it all— blunt, wispy, micro, curtain, baby-doll soft, or full and dramatic. Before they became a trend cycled in and out of fashion by Parisian it-girls, Old Hollywood icons, and Tumblr-era cool kids, Egyptian actresses had already perfected the art of the fringe— cutting and shaping it (pun intended) long before it was a passing fad. For decades, these leading ladies set the standard for who-wore-what, shaping trends long before social media made it a sport. From Samia Gamal's feathery, side-swept bangs in the '50s to Sherihan's perfectly tousled '80s fringe, these actresses were setting trends in each of their eras. Some, like Soaad Hosny and Laila Elwi, embraced playful, face-framing layers, while others, like Faten Hamama and Dalida, opted for short, sculpted bangs that accentuated their features. Whether it was Madiha Kamel's voluminous, rockstar-esque '80s bangs or Naglaa Fathi's effortless '70s waves with a soft fringe, each style added to their on-screen personas, defining eras of fashion and film. From structured micro bangs to breezy, undone layers, this Styled Archive includes all the Egyptian icons who made the fringe a timeless statement. Shadia in 'Enta Habibi' | 1957 A textbook case of baby bangs before they were called baby bangs. Shadia's ultra-short fringe is chopped high on her forehead. The contrast? Perfectly coiffed, glossy curls cascading down, like a fusion of sweetness and sharpness. Soaad Hosny in a candid photograph | 1960s Shwikar in 'Iktilny Min Fadlak' | 1965 Shwikar's bangs graze just past her eyebrows— soft, flicked slightly to the sides for a face-framing effect. Her voluminous mid-length layers bring a retro romance to the look, finished with a signature 1960s outward curl. Dalida in 'Segara W Kas' | 1955 Dalida's nurse look is a scene-stealer— those sharp, sculpted micro-bangs paired with the perfectly pinned-up waves make her feel more like a film-noir villainess than a nurse. The look is severe in the best way, emphasizing her bold brows and dramatic eye makeup. Samia Gamal in 'El Ragol El Thani' | 1959 Samia Gamal's take on wispy bangs is all drama: ultra-short, perfectly arched to reveal her expressive brows, and paired with sculptural waves that add to her striking beauty. Faten Hamama in 'Bein Al Atlal' | 1959 The fringe is wispy, parted slightly in the middle, blending seamlessly into the gentle waves that frame her face. It's a perfect mirror of Faten Hamama's on-screen persona; elegant with a touch of vulnerability. Youssra on vacation | 1970s Her bangs are feathered, light, and easy, effortlessly swept into the golden-hour breeze. They barely skim past her lashes, adding to the carefree, sunlit glamour of 1970s beach style. Magda in a photoshoot | 1950s A polished take on vintage volume, Magda's hair is all about controlled waves, with bangs that fall just between a full fringe and a curtain bang. They blend into her soft curls, giving an air of refined femininity, with an unmistakable Egyptian screen siren flair. Madiha Kamel in a photoshoot | 1980s The '80s came with unapologetic volume, and Madiha Kamel fully embraced it. Her bangs are layered and teased to match the sheer height of her hair, adding a boldness that only enhances her already magnetic presence. Lebleba photographed by Van Leo | 1960s Lebleba's hair is a class in volume. The bangs are slightly curled under, framing her forehead without overwhelming her delicate features. The layers have a buoyancy to them, adding to the overall sense of movement. Nadia Lutfi in 'Matloob Armala' | 1965 Nadia Lutfi's platinum blonde moment shows how pairing delicate, barely-there bangs with a voluminous blowout should be done. The fringe is ultra-fine, wispy to the point of disappearing into the rest of the style, which only makes the entire look feel lighter, airier, and more effortless. Laila Elwi in Cairo | 1990s The '90s layers hit differently, and Laila Elwi's feathered bangs are proof. Swept slightly to the side with an effortless curve, they blend seamlessly into the face-framing layers that cascade down. Naglaa Fathi on the cover of 'Al Maw'ed' | 1984 Naglaa Fathi's signature look was all about movement. Her bangs are cut in soft, uneven layers, blending into the feathered layers that sweep outwards. It's that effortless 'undone but done' look that defined beauty in the '80s, like she just shook out her hair and it fell into place. Nagwa Fouad in 'Al-Ghagreya' | 1960 Nagwa Fouad's voluminous curls frame her face with that signature '60s bombshell effect. Her bangs are soft and wispy, blending into the layers rather than creating a stark contrast. It's the kind of fringe that looks effortless, like she just tousled her hair and walked onto the set of a film. Sherihan on the cover of 'Al Chabaka' | 1986 Sherihan's fringe is pure drama, much like her performances; thick, full, and cut straight across but long enough to skim her lashes. Paired with the straight hair that spills over her shoulders, the look is bold yet feminine, playful yet commanding. Maali Zayed in a photoshoot | 1990s Lutfi's hair is styled in a full-bodied, rounded fringe, cut straight across in a way that it sits just above her eyebrows, slightly curved inwards, adding a youthful, playful touch to her look. It's balanced with the shoulder-length cut, creating a silhouette that frames the face with a chic structure. Gehan Nasr in a photoshoot | 1990s Ultra-feminine and soft, Gehan Nasr's bangs are parted just slightly in the middle, blending into her signature voluminous waves. The look feels like a cross between a princess and a '90s supermodel; romantic but totally effortless. Nelly Karim playing the piano | 1999 This is a true 'late-90s' fringe moment— wispy, slightly uneven, and naturally falling into her face. It's not overly styled or structured, just subtly enhancing her features.
CairoScene
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
The Period Drama Edit: Dressing Like a Cinematic Fever Dream
The Period Drama Edit Fashion doesn't just borrow from history—it pilfers, plunders, and pillages. What's old is never really old; it just gets refitted, restructured, and thrown back down the runway with a new attitude. The proof? Period dramas. The minute a cinematic corset is tightened, a ruffled collar adjusted, or a velvet cape thrown over trembling shoulders, we eat it up. From the empire-waist gowns of Pride & Prejudice to the sheer, slinky bias cuts of Atonement, film and television have turned historical fashion into something almost mythic. It's the kind of glamour that lingers—something felt, remembered, reincarnated. The Arab world has been dressing for drama long before costume designers got involved. In the 1940s and '50s, Cairo and Beirut had their own leading ladies, golden age screen sirens draped in silk and scandal. Think Faten Hamama, Hind Rostom and Sabah donning cinched-waist suits and impeccably draped gowns. And before that? The Ottoman elite wrote their own script, with luxurious embroidered kaftans, silk organza wraps, and corset-like bodices that defined aristocratic dressing. Most recently Egyptian period dramas like Grand Hotel and Layali Eugenie brought old-world elegance back into structured suits, the sumptuous silks, and meticulous detailing—these weren't just costumes, they were cultural timestamps. wig and today Turkish-British designer Dilara Findikoglu turns Rococo grandeur into something rebellious—corsets spliced open, lace tangled with punk. Even now, waist-cinchers, opera gloves, and high-necked Victorian blouses are everywhere—not relics, just reinventions. Because if period dramas have taught us anything, it's this: time isn't real, but good tailoring is eternal. This is the #SceneStyled Period Drama edit… Shahira Lasheen | Huda in Al Qahira 20 A study in quiet opulence. The Huda dress moves like a whisper, its straight-cut silhouette gliding over the body without interruption—no harsh seams, no unnecessary structure, just effortless draping. Laser-cut Egyptian cotton is meticulously reassembled, each 2cm strip embroidered into an intricate, layered formation. Golden and silver lurex threads flicker in the light, while woolen embroidery adds depth to the texture, turning the fabric into a living tapestry of light and shadow. Nour Ibrahim | Brown Three-Piece Suit Tailoring, but make it cinematic. This three-piece suit is pure 1970s bravado—flared trousers, padded shoulders, and lapels that could cut glass—but the execution is timeless. The setting does half the talking: gilded mirrors, low-lit chandeliers, a touch of Grand Hotel grandeur. This is Egyptian cinema's golden age reimagined—vintage glamour through a modern, razor-sharp lens. Dilara Findikoglu | Look 36 - Question of Time If Marie Antoinette lived in 2024, this is what she'd wear. A hauntingly exquisite interpretation of Rococo fashion, this sculptural silhouette is almost alchemical in its construction. Findikoglu fuses epoxy resin, silicone, and PVA into fabric, creating a rigid yet impossibly delicate structure—part relic, part rebellion. It's the kind of piece that transcends fashion and flirts with fantasy, a gown that exists in the space between history and hallucination. Georges Hobeika | Haute Couture Spring 2025 collection This floor-sweeping masterpiece feels plucked from a palace, a gown fit for 18th-century European aristocracy or a North African royal court. Opulent gold embroidery, intricate floral motifs, and a flowing silhouette whisper of Maghreb and Levantine caftans, while the structured front opening and sumptuous fabric carry the weight of Algerian and Ottoman court fashion. It's history, it's high fashion, and it's cinematic grandeur in motion. Dôen | Ischia Dress Regency-core, but barefoot. The Ischia dress is pure Pride and Prejudice meets Little Women—a cinched corset bodice, delicate puff sleeves, and the kind of effortless romance that feels equally at home in Jane Austen's countryside or on the Instagram feed of a modern-day cottagecore queen. The breezy cotton fabric and off-the-shoulder cut add a touch of pastoral daydreaming—made for sunlit strolls by the sea, preferably with a book in hand. The Seamstress of Bloomsbury | Mabel 3/4 Waterfall Dress in Navy Polka Cue the Casablanca soundtrack. This polka-dot tea dress is 40s nostalgia at its finest—a midi-length silhouette with a draped waist, padded shoulders, and a timeless navy hue that feels like it just stepped out of a black-and-white film reel. Feminine, structured, and just the right amount of drama, it's the kind of dress that wouldn't look out of place on Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca or a leading lady in Layali Eugenie. Tamara Ralph | Tweed Dress & Tweed Set Dior's New Look walks into a film noir. This is 40s and 50s tailoring, but dialed up to couture-level drama. Houndstooth fabric, a sculpted peplum waist, and razor-sharp bodices command attention, a perfect collision of mid-century Parisian elegance and old Hollywood femme fatale energy. And the veiled headpieces? The gloves? A lesson in how to time-travel through fashion without ever feeling like costume. American Duchess | Colette Edwardian Button Boots Downton Abbey meets turn-of-the-century rebellion. These soft ivory lace-up boots channel the early 1900s, when hems flirted with ankles and scandal lurked beneath layers of lace. High-cut, delicately structured, unapologetically romantic, they belong as much to Edwardian ballrooms as to a modern vintage wardrobe. Pair with a sweeping gown or a razor-sharp walking dress—either way, they whisper elegance. Wonderland by Lillian | Yellow Marie Antoinette Dress - Rococo 18th Century Ball Gown Decadence in a dress. This Rococo fever dream—billowing skirts, intricate floral embroidery, whisper-light lace—is pure Marie Antoinette at Versailles, made for candlelit gossip and clandestine court intrigue. The pastel palette softens its opulence, turning 18th-century excess into wearable art. Salma Osman | Draped Organza Gown with Glass Beading 1930s silver screen meets Grecian goddess. This fluid organza gown, sculpted at the waist and shimmering with glass beading, is a bias-cut dream, conjuring Jean Harlow in silk, lounging in soft-focus lighting. The drape is effortless, the movement liquid—pure cinematic glamour. Maison Lesley | La Prairie Collection Somewhere between Victorian mourning and Renaissance royalty. Embroidered black fabric, deep red florals, and a dramatic waist drape make this a moody masterpiece, dripping in historical opulence. It's dark romance in couture form—gothic yet regal, tragic yet extravagant. Murmur | Hold-Up Mesh Stockings These sheer black stockings are a 1920s-50s pin-up fantasy, straight out of a Parisian cabaret or film noir set. High-cut seams, delicate garter straps—this is retro seduction reimagined, balancing vintage allure with razor-sharp modernity. Hillhouse Home | The Scarlett Nap Dress A romantic take on everyday wear, this floral-printed dress draws from regency-era softness, but with a hint of countryside charm. The square neckline and puffed sleeves nod to early 19th-century silhouettes, reminiscent of Jane Austen's heroines. The lightweight fabric and breezy cut make it perfect for a modern-day afternoon spent lounging in an English garden. Saiid Kobeisy | Couture Spring/Summer 2025 This look channels the grandeur of the 18th century with its structured bodice and dramatic A-line skirt. Dark and light beading weave together in intricate formations, echoing the movement of light on satin. This intricate beading and rich embroidery give it a baroque-level of opulence. The sweeping ivory fabric shimmers with a quiet glow, evoking the lavish ballgowns of European courts. House of Foxy | 1940s Chevron Beret - Red What Katie Did | Claret Crane Neck Scarf Like something that belongs in a 1950s jazz club, this scarf is in a deep claret hue, decorated with delicate crane motifs. It feels like something a sultry lounge singer would knot around her neck before stepping up to the mic. Kojak Studio | Look 18 in What Comes Next The structured bodice cinches the waist, while delicate, handcrafted porcelain flowers bloom around the neckline, adding an almost surreal dimension. The contrast of sharp tailoring and soft, organic embellishments makes this look both ethereal and powerful– and very much Kojak Studio. Revival | White Sheer 1940s Style Tilt Hat A delicate, structured hat that feels like it belongs in a 1940s wedding or a garden party in The Philadelphia Story, its sheer layers and soft bow detailing make it both elegant and playful. It feels like a piece that a classic Hollywood starlet would wear while sipping a drink on a summer afternoon. Voriagh | Mila Dress Ceramic Off White with Nuanced Embroideries The fitted linen corset, ruffled sleeves, and apron-style detailing draw directly from European folk fashion, reminiscent of traditional Bavarian and cottagecore aesthetics. It's the kind of dress that feels handmade, from head to toe. Little Women Atelier | Gretel Corset Dr With its loose silhouette and intricate embroidery, this dress carries the soul of Eastern European folklore. The detailed stitching and relaxed cut feel inspired by Hungarian and Slavic traditional wear—something a 19th-century poet might wear while wandering through the countryside. Hamda Al Fahim x Amwaj Jewellery | Velvet Canyon & Diamond Collier This gown is a modern interpretation of centuries-old fashion, drawing parallels to historical corsetry and glamour while acknowledging its updated, streamlined aesthetic. The rich brown tones also nod towards classic luxury.
