Salma Abu Deif

All eyes have been on the streets of Paris as sartorial enthusiasts from around the world flocked to Paris Fashion Week. While the runway certainly presented some unforgettable collections, a lot of our major style inspiration came from the Arab tastemakers as they flitted around corners on their way to fashion shows or lounged in bistros.
The much-awaited Loewe FW23 show under Jonathan Anderson had many Arab faces in attendance with Rania Fawaz supporting an oversized knit dress in lavender and furry sage green boots reflecting the playful identity of the brand. Saudi influencer Hala Abdallah was spotted at the show in denim-on-denim with a white Loewe puzzle edge bag in her hand. Later, Abdallah opted for a burgundy ensemble at Stella McCartney with delicately designed jewelry from her personal brand Ofa.
Karen Wazen was understandably busy this season as she attended multiple shows in Paris – from Lebanese couturier Elie Saab to Isabel Marant, Dior, and Coperni. Valentino FW23 also saw a number of Arab stars in attendance – Salma Abu Deif was spotted in a shimmering mini-dress while Emirati singer Balqees adorned herself in a modest animal print jumpsuit.
Scroll down to discover what your favorite Arab style stars wore to Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023.
Imaan Hammam in Loewe. Photo: instagram.com
Karen Wazen in Coperni. Photo: instagram.com
Rania Fawaz in Loewe. Photo: instagram.com
Nojoud Alrumaihi in Hermès. Photo: Instagram.com
Zeynab El Helw in Givenchy. Photo: Instagram.com
Hala Abdallah in Stella McCartney. Photo: Instagram.com
Nada Baeshen. Photo: Instagram.com
Balqees in Valentino. Photo: instagram.com
Salma Abu Deif in Valentino. Photo: instagram.com
Dima Sheikhly in Elie Saab. Photo: instagram.com
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Photo: Dazl Production
Known for her inclination to fun and edgy pieces, Salma Abu Deif brought her cool girl style to the 2022 Vogue Ball of Arabia celebrating the divas and Golden Age of Arab entertainment. The Egyptian actor joined the best-dressed attendees of the evening including Razane Jammal, Cyrine Abdelnour, Dorra Zarrouk, and more, wearing a dazzling look from Valentino.
As the regional ambassador for the Italian fashion house, Abu Deif has stepped out in some of the most coveted pieces from the brand helmed by Pierpaolo Piccioli, and her latest pick was no exception. The glittering golden bronze gown was aptly picked from Valentino‘s 2022 Party Collection and came with striking cutouts on the bodice, and a floor-grazing hem. The actor complemented the dress with a shimmering teal smokey eye, and a bold red manicure.
The star-studded Ball of Arabia was held at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam on December 15, celebrating the careers of three iconic women who paved the way for young talent: Egyptian actor Nabila Ebeed, Tunisian singer Latifa, and Lebanese model and Miss Universe Georgina Rizk. The glamorous evening brought together some of the most stylish and renowned individuals from the region, and culminated with an incredible performance by three-time Grammy nominee and Brit award nominee Leona Lewis.

Photo: Shahira Zaki. Courtesy of Elma
There’s a new celebrity-founded inclusive swimwear brand to love and covet, and it was born right here in the Middle East. Egyptian actor and model Salma Abu Deif has channeled her passion for women’s empowerment and self-love into Elma, a brand described as a “safe space” by Abu Deif. “More than a brand, it aims to nourish, educate, and help women be more accepting and content in their own skin and bodies,” she shares with Vogue Arabia. “Elma speaks for every woman, and aims to better understand their needs and what women truly want.”

Three years in the making, Elma was launched this summer by Abu Deif on Instagram with a locally shot series of photos that showcase the different pieces in the inaugural drop. “The swimsuit styles are based on what the market responds to, as well as my personal taste,” says Abu Deif. “Our first collection is us testing the waters in the Egyptian and MENA region markets, and we’re all ears to see how our consumers respond.” Seen in the launch campaign are bikinis, one-pieces, lounge sets, maxi dresses and more, ranging from monochrome numbers in bold hues to multicolor prints. “Our pattern is inspired by stretch marks, and the E in Elma’s logo is inspired by the curves of the body,” says the 29-year-old. “Each style has a different story in terms of design and experimentation, as well as color. The creative process was a conversation with our designer, who brought Elma’s vision to life. We talked about how stretch marks are a constant struggle for all women, including myself, to embrace. We also discuss the art of celebrating natural beauty and everything in between, which is what we’re all about.”
Photo: Shahira Zaki. Courtesy of Elma
Elma aims to do away with the notion of the ideal beach body by adopting the slogan, “Your second skin” and celebrating natural beauty. Driven by Abu Deif’s goal to form a sisterhood, Elma is on its way to being a community-oriented swimwear brand unlike any other. “Right now, everyone is still getting to know Elma,” she says. “In the next couple of weeks, it’ll become more clear what Elma is truly about.” Modest swimwear and a winter collection are on the horizon for the brand, and so are a “few cool projects”, according to Abu Deif. “Until then, we’re just excited to see how Elma will grow from here on out.”
Photo: Shahira Zaki. Courtesy of Elma
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Photo: Instagram.com/salmaabudeif
Egyptian actor and model Salma Abu Deif recently turned heads with her first-ever red carpet appearance at Cannes Film Festival. One of the Arab world’s rising stars who made her screen debut in the series Halawet El Donia as Alia in 2017, Abu Deif started with a career in modeling, and later chose the cinema industry. The transition was natural, as deep down Abu Deif always wanted to be an actor. Being a fan of movies such as The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption, and inspired by icons such as Yehia El-Fakharany, Ahmed Mazhar, and Ahmed Ramzy, the actor is now making waves for her starring role in Sheikh Jackson by Amr Salama. She made her international debut at the Toronto International Film Festival and went on to be selected as the Egyptian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film.
For her Cannes debut, The UN Aid Ambassador walked the red carpet in a black Pinko dress and Chopard jewels paired with a red lip, and sleek hair.
Photo: Instagram.com/salmaabudeif
Vogue Arabia caught up with the star to discuss her red carpet experience.
1. What do you like the most about the Cannes Film Festival?
Cannes is full of history, of amazing films, and everyone is sharing the same passion for filmmaking and cinema.
2. How would you describe your Cannes journey in these words?
Exciting, historic, thrilling!
3. What are your travel essentials?
If I have to choose three essentials, they would be sunblock, a book, and a sanitizer!
4. Your favorite spots to eat?
I love small French cafés and choosing one while walking in the little streets or in the Croisette.
5. How did you prepare for the red carpet?
I prepared it with my team, stylist Yasmin Eissa, and Nuno, my manager never left my side for a second. And a lot of skin care—for me, it’s very important.
Photo: Instagram.com/salmaabudeif
6. How did you choose your dress for the red carpet?
I chose it based on what I am feeling inside. I wanted to wear something classic and elegant.
7. What does the Cannes Film Festival mean to you and your career?
It’s a leap in my career to participate as an Arab woman and to represent my country. It widened my eyes and my passion for films, to hopefully participate in the following years with my own movie.
8. Which is your favorite Palme d’Or film of all time?
I have a few, but Pulp Fiction and Parasite are my favorites.
9. What is your favorite French word?
Amour!
Photo: Instagram.com/salmaabudeif
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Before making her first-ever red carpet appearance at Cannes Film Festival, Salma Abu Deif gave Vogue Arabia an exclusive sneak peek behind her look. The Egyptian actor opted for a bold black dress by Pinko, paired with glittering Chopard jewelry, while her beauty look featured sleek hair and a bright red pout.
Watch the video above as Abu Deif shows us how she got ready for the big day.
Production: Koral Communication

Photo: Instagram.com/salmaabudeif
How does one get ready to take a virtual front-row seat at a couture show? For Salma Abu Deif, the solution was to balance casual and glammed up in one striking ensemble. Ahead of the Valentino Spring/Summer 2022 couture show in Paris, the Egyptian actor took to Instagram to share her look for the day, picked a head-to-toe look from the Italian fashion house’s repertoire.

The newly-minted 29-year-old could be seen lounging in a vacation-worthy number from Valentino‘s Resort 2022 collection. The oversized cotton-poplin shirt dress featured rainbow-colored chevron stripes and a breezy A-line silhouette. Putting her own spin on the piece, Abu Deif wore the shirt dress with its collars wide open and unbuttoned at the legs to show off her statement patent leather platform pumps, which came in a deep red shade. She completed the look with a VLogo shoulder bag in bubblegum pink, matching one of the stripes in her dress.
What might also have prompted a number of loving comments from fellow actors Hend Sabri, Mila Al Zahrani, and more were Abu Deif’s bare-faced look and effortless hairstyle. The former Vogue Arabia cover star chose to go makeup-free for the day, choosing to highlight fresh skin also by throwing her natural hair up in a messy ponytail and letting a few stray curls frame her face.

The actor is one of the few from the region to be named a Valentino ambassador and frequently stars in the house’s campaigns targeting the Middle East. Since starting her acting career at the age of 20, Abu Deif has also established her place in the fashion world with her ‘cool girl’ style and by working with brands including Chaumet.
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Salma Abu Deif wears sweater, skirt, Valentino; Rockstud Alcove box bag, boots, earrings, Valentino Garavani. Photographed by Amina Zaher for Vogue Arabia September 2021
When creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli staged his Valentino Act Collection at Milan’s Piccolo Teatro, he dubbed it “a sort of a punk act.” Indeed, reopening the iconic theater temporarily for a show after it was closed to the public due to the pandemic was a bold move, and the collection certainly called for one.
Cape, dress, polo neck, Valentino; Roman Stud bag, Rockstud Alcove shoes, earrings, Valentino Garavani. Photographed by Amina Zaher for Vogue Arabia September 2021
For the Italian fashion house’s FW21 line, the designer set aside his usual fluorescent color palette to embrace black and white with only hints of color, and brutally shortened silhouettes as if slashed with scissors. Think pleated skirts of new proportions, capes evolved from peacoats and jackets, and evening dresses held together with ribbons.
Cape, sweater, shirt, polo neck, skirt, Valentino; Stud Sign bag, earrings, Valentino Garavani. Photographed by Amina Zaher for Vogue Arabia September 2021
Cape, sweater, shirt, polo neck, skirt, Valentino; Stud Sign bag, earrings, Valentino Garavani. Photographed by Amina Zaher for Vogue Arabia September 2021
The use of overlapping nets, lace, and intensely worked surfaces enables the skin to be momentarily uncovered and veiled. As a nod to Valentino’s punk and romantic aesthetic, an increased number of studs featured on the toe of pumps, on Valentino Garavani Rockstud bags, and in the form of accumulations of rubber petals on the Atelier Valentino Garavani boots.
Dress, Valentino; Stud Sign bag, shoes, earrings, Valentino Garavani. Photographed by Amina Zaher for Vogue Arabia September 2021
Sweater, shirt, polo neck, skirt, Valentino; Rockstud Alcove shoes, earrings, Valentino Garavani. Photographed by Amina Zaher for Vogue Arabia September 2021
To embody this spirit of the collection, Vogue Arabia and Valentino enlisted Salma Abu Deif, who is known for her remarkable style and passion for acting. The Egyptian actor was filmed in key looks from the Valentino Act Collection at the Cinema Radio, Cairo’s very own historic theater not unlike the Piccolo Teatro di Milano.
Dress, Valentino; Stud Sign bag, shoes, earrings, Valentino Garavani. Photographed by Amina Zaher for Vogue Arabia September 2021
Dress, Valentino; Stud Sign bag, Valentino Garavani. Photographed by Amina Zaher for Vogue Arabia September 2021
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Video Director/DOP: Muhammad Gamal El-dinAD/Steady cam: Mahmoud SalamaGaffer: Mahmoud TotiPost-production: Hue StudioStyle: Yasmine EissaHair: Ahmed MounirMakeup: Sally RashidSet design: Noor SautéFabrics: Salem Alta ModaSenior fashion market editor: Amine JreissatiProduction: Danica Zivkovic, Nirvana Bebars at DigitentPhotography assistant: Malak El ArabyStyle assistant: Mohamed AshrafProduction assistants: Ramy Tarek, Omar AllamModel: Salma Abu DeifWith special thanks to Al Ismaelia, Downtown Cairo, and Dakhli West El Balad for Cinema Radio

With holiday mode officially in full swing, celebrities are giving us serious summer-style inspiration. On the lookout for a neon swimsuit? A dress for a sunset session? A baseball cap or bucket hat? A quick scroll will reveal who is wearing what and where.

Take for example fashion-conscious Egyptian actor Salma Abu Deif, who has been making the most of her summer days in style. Her fashion choices include a stunning royal blue dress with cut-out details, a print mini with bolero sleeves, and a timeless black floor-length gown with a thigh-high slit.

Print, bold colors and maxi dresses are go-to options this summer, whether you’re heading out for a brunch or a sunset party by the beach. Look to Lama Jouni’s body-con midi dress, Zimmermann’s chiffon mini (perfect for a day picnic), and Alexandre Vauthier’s metallic flecked gown (for an elegant dinner with friends) – dresses that combine versatility and longtime appeal. Paired with the right accessories, you’re all set to look your very best this summer.
Scroll through to see 10 of our dresses inspired by Salma Abu Deif’s summer style…
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“If my bag was a movie, it would be Pretty Woman,” says Salma Abu Deif of her Valentino Garavani Roman Stud bag. “It is a classic movie. I think all girls love Pretty Woman.” For the Egyptian actor, model, and all-round fashionista on-the-go, a stylish yet functional handbag is a must. So, it only makes sense that Abu Deif sits down for a fun session of In The Bag with the It accessory casually dangling off her wrist.
“I always like to carry small bags that fit as many things as possible. I don’t need a bag that doesn’t fit all my things,” the 28-year-old shares before emptying the contents of the bag in front of her. Serving its purpose, Abu Deif’s bag is filled to the brim with all the essentials of a working woman with refined taste. Besides her phone, AirPods, and two more things that now count as daily necessities – a face mask and hand sanitizer – the actor’s bag holds her Valentino sunglasses. “I do like sunglasses, I buy a lot of them,” she divulges. “But, I rather collect more than I wear.” Those who keep up with Abu Deif will be familiar with her covetable style, including the figure-hugging, floor-grazing dresses she wears to star-studded events. For the video, Abu Deif is dressed in a more relaxed and chic full-Valentino SS21 look, consisting of a white oversized button-up half-tucked into a bubblegum pink mini skirt, paired with Valentino Garavani Roman Stud flats.
The Valentino Garavani Roman Stud bag. Courtesy of Valentino

The Roman Stud bag cuts a striking figure, with soft nappa leather in a quilted finish, embellished with macro Rockstuds (Studs) that command attention. When launched in 2010, the Rockstud took the street-style scene by storm and was later reinvented for the SS21 season when creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli blew up the motif in size. The larger pyramid-shaped studs are Piccioli’s reinterpretation of the Rockstud family, and dubbed Roman Stud as a tribute to Roman palazzos known for their signature architectural element of bugnato. Available in shades of black, green, red, pink, and ivory, the arm candy combines the bourgeois classic leather design and the punk subculture symbolized by the studs to define the new Valentino community’s “romantic, punk, and non-conformist attitude.”
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A still from the artistic dance of Alaïa’s Editions SS21 wardrobe performed by Hajiba Fahmy. Photo: Courtesy of Alaïa

The house of fashion maestro Azzedine Alaïa has just revealed its SS21 Editions series of cult pieces, in honor of the late Tunisian designer. Embracing nostalgia, the collection has been recreated from the archives between 1981-2017, and was presented through an artistic dance performance.
Maison Alaïa‘s latest wardrobe was introduced by Godmother of the Editions: supermodel Naomi Campbell who was joined by fellow model Karlie Kloss on the brand’s Instagram page, as they discussed the timeless silhouettes that have been reimagined for the new collection. The artistic performance was then shared across the Maison’s Instagram and YouTube platforms.

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A visual masterpiece, the dance presentation of the collection, which is the first ever in Alaïa’s history, was performed by French-Moroccan talent Hajiba Fahmy. Described by the Maison as a “force of nature”, Fahmy is a creative star in her own right. For the past five years she has been working with Béyonce, joining the singer on her world tours, including her famous Coachella performance. The dancer and choreographer wore an elegant Alaïa creation as she performed the dance.
Screening in Dubai of Alaïa’s Editions SS21 wardrobe including a special display of three Editions looks. Photo: Courtesy of Alaïa

Live streamed from the cultural arts center La Gaité Lyrique in Paris, the powerful performance highlighted women at the heart of the iconic label, and literally shone a spotlight on the intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship of the SS21 Editions wardrobe.
Alaia corset handbag

The performance was screened at the Nasab Rooftop in Dubai to a host of special guests, including UAE-based influencer Rania Fawaz, Egyptian actor Salma Abu Deif and Lebanese-Iranian fashion journalist Diala Makki. As part of the event, a special display of three Editions looks were showcased on mannequins. Guests were also given an exclusive first look at the new Corset handbags, which are inspired by the iconic Alaïa belt silhouette.
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