It’s not everyday international and Egyptian stars strut their stuff down the same red carpet, especially when this carpet is rolled out in the heart of Cairo. It was a rare chance to see – and scrutinize – the best and worst dressed celebs, from the elegant to the haughty, the simple to the extravagant.
There is a photo of Susan Sarandon and Omar Sharif standing together sharing a quiet laugh from the opening ceremony of the 32nd International Cairo Film Festival. Two legends captured in one great image.
Sharif cut a fine figure in a black suit, yet his eyes were on Sarandon as he smiled.
Sarandon was dressed as she always is with impeccable style and elegance: Her chocolate brown off the shoulder gown was modest, understated and appropriate to both the occasion and her age.
With a pleated bodice and asymmetrical, twisted ruffles flowing down, she was quintessentially Sarandon: demure, refined. During the acceptance speech for her Lifetime Achievement Award at the opening ceremony, she spoke a few passionate words on Barack Obama’s victory.
A favorite couple, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell proved once again that age is but a number; that love can still flourish after a partnership of 30 years. Hawn donned a gold satin plunging v-neck dress, with thick straps that were delicately beaded, as the skirt of the dress fanned out from the hip down. Paired with a fur shrug and gold cuff, Hawn lived up to her name of “Goldie. Although Russell was in a beautifully fitting black suit which he paired with a silver silk tie, his eyes too were on Hawn as she charged the crowd with her signature smile.
Egyptian actress Samira Ahmed also dazzled in gold, sporting a silk gold jacket with a soft collar that cascaded over the lapels of her jacket. Paired with a gold and diamond necklace and a few delicate rings, Ahmed was referencing the old glamour and elegance of Egypt’s silver screen sirens as she accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award.
Julia Ormond sported a gold cuff bracelet composed of multiple crescent shaped links, perhaps paying homage to the Egyptian taste of ethnic jewellery. Ormond wore a black asymmetrical off the shoulder dress to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award, whereas Alicia Silverstone opted for a strapless teal dress with a ribbed pleated bodice that also lightly flared out, with a cut that flowed straight down; perfectly complimenting her blonde hair.
Yet none looked as stunning as Turkish star Songül Öden of the summer hit series Gümüs (a.k.a Noor), who stole the show in a red satin ball gown number. With a large skirt and again, a pleated bodice, it seems the stars have set a trend for this season’s evening wear: delicate pleating and the richest of satins.
Öden and heartthrob co-star Kivanç Tatlitug garnered thunderous applause as they sauntered down the red carpet.
Egyptian and Arab stars rose to the occasion proving that glamour and fashion trends are taken most seriously here too. Razan dressed how she knows best: adorable and sexy; her short strapless brown number was heavily sequined and paired with killer stilettos.
Mais Hamdan’s jewelry collared number in fuschia was original, eliminating the need to over accessorize, wholly suitable to her age and disposition.
Nelly Karim sparkled in a gold ensemble of a cloudy chiffon top that floated over her pants, a unique trend that might launch others.
Ghada Adel too was beautiful in a dress that was composed of both layers of chiffon over a satin body, and sequined lightly. Reminiscent of demure brides and bridal couture, Adel stood out against darker, more somber colors.
So did Dalia El-Beheiry, who stunned the crowd in a rather classy ensemble: opera gloves and a dress cut on a very classic mermaid tail. With a band of sequined embroidery on the top half of her dress, it was a fusion of classic tailoring with the contemporary tendency to add sequins.
Disappointments that night were Abeer Sabry’s white and red ensemble that was a little too fussy around the chest, as was Youssra’s number that washed her out a little too much. Athar El-Hakim’s shimmering, unflattering layered dress was also one of the night’s disappointments.
Overall, the stars shone brightly that night and give us hope for seeing more beautiful items during the closing ceremony.
