Time Period: 1950 Egypt, also known as the Golden Age of Egypt
Topic Brief: I want to focus on the Golden Age of Egypt and examine how fashion regressed over time with the inclusion of religion. I want to understand the styles and extent of liberation through the means of garments for women as well as how it was portrayed on the silver screen.
My Egyptian Grandmother, Sadika (left), during the 1950’s
I chose this image because I wanted to examine how normal women dressed during the Golden Age of Egypt. The other images I selected were of celebrities and thus only offered a narrow lense into what the everyday woman wore. I am also intrigued by the hairstyles and use of accessories in the image of both women, with their similar hair color and predominantly black clothing.
Laila Fawzy, Egyptian Actress
Laila Fawzy, was an Egyptian actress and model. She was one of the pioneers of Egyptian cinema and starred in over 85 films throughout her career. In 1940 she was crowned Miss Egypt. I chose this image because it illustrated Egypt in a time before conservatism and religion dictated female fashion and became a tool of oppression,
Mariam Fakkharadine, Miss Egypt in the 50’s
She was an Egyptian film and television actress. She was nicknamed the “Beauty of the Screen” . Before pursuing a career in acting, she won the title of Most Beautiful Face in a pageant. I chose this image because again, it shows women before a time of oppression. Furthermore, it highlighted and celebrated diversity as she was half-Egyptian and half-Hungarian.
