Souad ‘The Cinderella’ Hosny's Most Loved Looks Throughout the Years

Polka dots, flowing bouffant dresses, sequins and bob haircuts. When you are growing up in an Egyptian household, it's inevitable that a moment of classic movie marathon–one too many of which starred Soad Hosny– has occurred at one point or another. Perhaps it was her flamboyant attitude in ‘Amira Hobi Ana’ which shaped your earliest memories of her. Or, it could be her alluring presence and hypnotising belly-dancing that ignited our collective infatuation with the Cinderella of Egyptian cinema. Irrespective of the rationale behind our obsession with Soad Hosny, what remains undisputed is her effortless avant-garde style and remarkable ability to seamlessly embody different roles on the screen. Transcending mere celebrity status, Hosny cemented herself as so much more than a revered actress and fashion icon.

Constantly, Soad Hosny sought new creative challenges, toying with her own peripheries and refusing to be confined by the boundaries of any singular character. From the swinging ‘60s to the present day, the late Egyptian superstar continues to shape the fashion lexicon of generations of young Arab women.

In tribute to her enduring influence, je ne sais quoi fashion sensibility and the inedible mark she left on all of us through cinema and beyond, we have compiled a comprehensive list showcasing some of her most beloved ensembles throughout the years. 

El Kawakeb Magazine 

1969 

Caught in her element, supporting a sultry mini blue dress with her fluffy bob haircut and her infectious smile, Soad Hosny struck a nonchalant pose for the shutters fully capturing her carefree persona.

Tehran International Film Festival 

1973 

Donned in a bedazzling golden dress adorned with intricate jewelled shoulder pads and a voluptuous bustier, Hosny’s alluring look at the Tehran International Film Festival literally screams ‘Versace Versace Versace’.

Be’r El Herman

1969 

For her role as a schizophrenic seductress in Be’r El Herman, Hosny wore a strikingly red sequined soiree dress, complemented by her voluminous hairdo and a full glossy glam (glittery eyeshadow and classic red lipstick included).

Al Mashbouh 

1981 

To embody her role as a thief alongside Adel Emam in the classic 80s film ‘Al Mashbouh’, the OG hipster queen paired flowing denim bell bottoms with a fitted red blouse and a torso-length chain. However, this time the late  Egyptian star forged her signature bouncy bob cut for wild curls.

Amira Hobi Ana 

1974 

Living rent-free in our brains, whether it is El Donia Rabe’a or not, Hosny captivated the hearts of many with her signature little red dress and flamboyant dancing moves.

Soad Hosny & Ali Badrakhan’s Wedding 

1970 

At her wedding to the Egyptian screenwriter and director Ali Badrakhan, the late Egyptian superstar opted for a simple, knee-length, glimmering white dress a la the Cinderella she was.

Al Motawahsha 

1979 

For her role as Baheya in the 70s classic romance/drama ‘Al Motawahsha’, Hosny wore a delicate overlay organza wedding dress adorned with infinite layers of lace and silver embellishments cascading whimsically from the corseted bodice all the way down to the end of the train.

Alexandria International Film Festival 

1991 

Captured alongside the late actor Ahmed Zaki, the Cinderella of Egyptian cinema graced the Alexandria International Film Festival –where she won the best actress award for her role in ‘El Ra’ay W El Nesa’ –in a full tulle diamond white dress with puffy shoulders encrusted with tiny crystals.. 

El Maw’ed Magazine 

1969 

In a cheeky little pink polka dots dress exuding Barbiecore aesthetics, Soad Hosny perched on the barricade of a balcony for the El Maw’ed Magazine’s Summer on the rooftop edition. 

Khali Balak Mn Zouzou 

1972 

A sleek updo, smouldering eyeliner and glittery crimson red jacket. Perhaps a rockstar is what Zouzou really was all along. 

Tehran International Film Festival 

1972 

True to her penchant for making an entrance, the late Soad Hosny stole the spotlight at the Tehran International Film Festival with her heavily embellished custom-made silk dress inspired by the Ancient Egyptian heritage. She completed the look with an intricately handcrafted headpiece, sharp eyeliner, classic red lips and glossy blue eyeshadow. 

Hekayat Hwa W Heya 

1985  

Had someone claimed this was the Queen of Narnia, we really wouldn’t have argued..

Saghira Al Hob 

1966

With pink hair ribbons, tiny pigtails, and an adorable little white dress with puffy short sleeves, Hosny looked like a fairy little princess from Disney world in the classic romance comedy ‘Saghira Al Hob’. To only say she stole our hearts will be an understatement.