Thursday May 15th, 2025
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Egyptian Actress Menna Shalaby’s Red Carpet Looks Throughout the Years

She’s walked carpets in structured metallics, soft mint drapes, and pleated sea-green ruffles — never trying too hard.

Mariam Elmiesiry

Egyptian Actress Menna Shalaby’s Red Carpet Looks Throughout the Years

Menna Shalaby arrived on the scene in the early 2000s with a kind of rawness that felt new — no polish, no pretense. Directors like Radwan El-Kashef and Mohamed Khan saw it instantly, casting her as women on the edge of change: defiant daughters, conflicted lovers, women whose strength came in quiet, blistering doses. El Saher (2001), Baheb El-Cima (2004), and Banat West El Balad (2005) showed her range early. Hena Maysara (2007), After the Battle (2012), and Nesr El-Saeed (2018) confirmed her staying power. She’s built a career on choosing roles that feel lived-in, never posed. And her style, much like her performances, carries that same ease — nothing too theatrical, but always unforgettable.

There’s something refreshingly unbothered about the way she shows up. One minute it’s a crisp three-piece suit at Cannes, another an ombré gown that shifts from silver to coral like a desert sunset. She’s walked carpets in structured metallics, soft mint drapes, and pleated sea-green ruffles — never trying too hard.

Premiere of Heya Fawda, 4th Dubai International Film Festival (2007)

A sculptural black gown with a dramatic skin-tone illusion bodice, the kind of look that played with perception and precision. The off-shoulder cut softened the geometry, but it was the corseted silhouette that anchored this early red carpet triumph.

Opening of the Middle East International Film Festival, Abu Dhabi (2009)

Silver sequins met sunset ombré in a column gown that fell like molten fabric. Menna balanced high-glam sparkle with desert palette ease, a visual bridge between shimmer and sand.

Photocall for Baad el Mawkeaa, Cannes Film Festival (2012)

Swapping out gowns for a crisp ivory three-piece suit, satin tie included, Menna arrived with tailored defiance. It was a bold rejection of Cannes convention, clean, corporate, but distinctly feminine in its ease.

Premiere of Baad el Mawkeaa with Yousry Nasrallah, Cannes (2012)

A draped white gown with cold shoulders and Grecian softness, paired with a subtle braided crown. It was restrained, but never dull, a look that whispered rather than roared, letting posture and presence do the talking.

Opening Ceremony, El Gouna Film Festival (2020)

This was Menna in full glam; a silver-and-gold beaded gown that shimmered from every angle. The sharp shoulders and high shine gave it power, but her minimalist styling made sure it stayed statuesque, not showy.

Closing of Gouna Film Festival’s 5th Edition (2021)

She chose a sea-foam green gown with a halter neckline, pleated bodice, and a ruffled cascade skirt. A perfect case of texture meeting tone, equal parts controlled and romantic.

Al Alamein Festival (2023)

A flowing mint gown with delicate ruching and a thigh-high slit. Paired with emerald drop earrings and a gold clutch, the look was luminous, statuesque, and just sensual enough to feel effortless.

Closing of the 7th Gouna Film Festival (2024)

A gold bodice meets a belted skirt in a bold fully embroidered gownt. Fringe bangs, soft waves, and a confident pose rounded out the look, classic glamour with a wink of rebellion.