Love assiut robes, but aren’t sure how to style them? How they should fit? What type of belt would look best? Here is a collection of videos direct from the source, Egypt. These dancers illustrate different approaches to head, hip and jewelry embellishments. In all cases, the performers accent their hips with belt and usually either partially or fully cover their hair. Just remember, when you buy a new modern assiut robe, it will come in a very boxy square cut. As these dancers clearly illustrate, the preferred Egyptian fit is tailored to a slightly loose but body-skimming cut.
This clip features Nabeweya Mustafa wearing a densely patterned assiut robe with a large diagram of what appears to be the continent of Africa across her torso accented with Egyptian cartouche and stylized star motifs. She’s casually tied an unadorned scarf around her hips, and casually wrapped a paillette edged veil over her shoulders. Unfortunately, the sound is quite distorted, so be sure to turn your volume down.
Lyda Borelli was an Italian silent screen film actress who appeared in 14 movies between 1913 and 1920. Scholars of film history consider her first Italian film star, earning the title diva. Before she appeared on the silver screen, Lyda began as a child actor on stage, and during the first decade of the 20th century, she joined the ranks of the Salome’s, then a worldwide phenomenon. She performed hundreds of shows, through out her country and in Italy her name became synonymous with the role. By 1911, when the fad for Salome had passed and performers were moving in different directions and taking on new roles, Lyda continued to tour Italy with her show before she hung up her brass charger and began working in the new medium of film.
The super-glamourous author/dancer Princess Farhana featured me in a write up about “The Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut!” entitled “
about the Costume: The turquoise and blue rhinestone costume was fun to design and build, and I wanted to take a few moments to discuss this particular bra. The base was purchased at Target for under $20. I bought the two colored assiut panels direct from Egypt from a vendor on eBay, total cost with shipping was $100. The blue bi-cone Swarovski crystals were purchased from Rhinestone Guy. The tummy drape is two necklaces from Shiny Sparkly Things. Other materials that went into this bra includes: thread, hooks and eyes, grosgrain ribbon and buckram interfacing. The total for materials and supplies of the bra and belt are approximately, $140. Not bad for such a bright and blingy costume.
There is nothing like a tasty treat on one of the USA’s most important holidays, Thanksgiving. So, to celebrate, I’ve begun to put up the videos from our party, Assiut Fest, held back in August. We had an incredible lineup of dancers and a great turn out. This is a performance from that show by the lovely Bay Area rising star Basinah performing to classic music in a retro fusion costume that appears in Cloth of Egypt. Video was shot by Mark Scott and edited by Jerry Case. Thanks to everyone who came to the event, supported the production of the book, bought me coffee, or just gave me a shoulder to cry upon! You, my friends, family, and fans, are what I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving!
