Fashion designer Mai Galal revealed the behind-the-scenes preparations that went into designing the Pharaonic costumes worn by the artists participating in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opening ceremony.
The experience was exceptional by all standards, she said, combining a meticulous artistic vision with authentic Egyptian identity.
Exceptional effort, exceptional design
Galal said, “When producer Mohamed al-Saadi contacted me and designer Khaled Azzam to handle the opening ceremony, we began assembling a team of prominent fashion designers, as the nature of the event required a diverse range of performances and artistic presentations.”
“The design of the Pharaonic costumes was entrusted to the renowned Lebanese designer Fouad Sarkis. After discussing the idea with him, he was very enthusiastic and began developing his vision, sketching, and preparing the necessary studies on ancient Pharaonic costumes. He was meticulous about the accuracy of the details, as any small mistake could affect the overall image presented to the world,” she explained.
Galal noted that the entire production was executed by Egyptian hands, saying, “All the costumes were made in Egyptian workshops by skilled Egyptian tailors, because we were keen for everything presented to the world to bear a purely Egyptian imprint.”
She also explained that the choreography was overseen by Mohamed Khafagy and Yasmine Abdel-Wahab, while Fouad Sarkis meticulously designed the accessories.
Galal emphasized that a modern touch was added to the Pharaonic style through colors and patterns inspired by ancient temples and murals, with the fabrics being dyed and printed by hand to suit the spirit of the event.
She also revealed that the designs worn by the orchestra members participating in the event were created by the Egyptian fashion brand Concrete.
Reviving the Pharaonic spirit
The designs were characterized by simplicity and elegance, imbued with a distinctly Pharaonic spirit.
The outfits were adorned with bracelets bearing the symbolic lotus flower, representing beauty and purity in ancient Egyptian civilization.
Galal concluded by emphasizing that every detail of the show conveyed a message of pride in Egyptian heritage. She noted that the final designs, from the costumes to the accessories, resulted in a dazzling spectacle that truly represented the timeless spirit of Egyptian civilization before the eyes of the world.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
