Shwikar was so much more than her bubbly on-screen persona; a fashionista to be exact.
Shwikar, an Egyptian icon of Circassian and Turkish heritage, was a leading actress and singer during the Golden Age of Egyptian Cinema in the 1960s. Known primarily for her comedic roles, she gained fame alongside her co-star and ex-husband, Fouad El-Mohandes. Together, they became a popular comedic duo, starring in films like ‘Ana Wa Howa Wa Heya,’ ‘Akhtar Ragol Fil Alam,’ ‘Sayedaty Al-Gamila,’ ‘Motarda Gharamey,’ and ‘Al-Ataba Gazaz’. After their 20-year marriage ended, Shwikar continued her acting career, showing her range by taking on roles in various genres, including ‘El'Ersh’ and ‘Al-Shahat’.
Shwikar was also recognized for her bold and elegant fashion sense, often choosing glamorous gowns, sparkling jewellery, and stylish hats. Her fashion choices reflected her confident personality, and she became a style icon for many Egyptians, earning her the nickname, Egypt’s Fair Lady.
In ‘Motarda Gharameya’ | 1968
In this scene, the Egyptian actress transforms into characters from various cultures—Japan, France, the United States, Spain, and, finally, Egypt. From frills to fur to feathers, the accessories make Shwikar’s looks pop, while her multicultural roots allow her to embody each character with ease.
‘Akher Sa’aa’ Magazine Cover | 1960
Shwikar graces the cover of the Egyptian magazine ‘Akher Sa’aa’ in its 1960 edition. Dressed in a green and floral dress, with tousled hair and a coral lip, she epitomises femininity.
‘El Kawakeb’ Magazine Cover | 1961
For the 1961 issue of ‘El Kawakeb’ magazine, Shwikar shows her daring side. She poses with a cigarette in her mouth, wearing a form-fitting rose dress with floral accents on the sleeves and a vintage leather-strap watch.
In her home | 1969
Shwikar stuns in a vibrant multicolor outfit: a bright yellow strapless top paired with cherry-red capri pants. She’s captured pouring tea from a dainty, duck-inspired tea set—no doubt the centre of many fashionable tea parties.
Photoshoot | 1960
In this joyful photoshoot, Shwikar wears a baby-blue coordinated set, offset by a giant red bag for a pop of colour.
Reading a magazine with Fouad El-Mohandes | 1973
Photographed with her then-husband Fouad El-Mohandes, Shwikar exudes grace in a short, striped halter-top dress, paired with large circular earrings and an updo held together with a thick scarf.
With actor Yehia El-Fakharany | 2015
Even as she aged, Shwikar maintained her fashionable edge. Pictured with fellow actor Yehia El-Fakharany, she wears a long, embellished white gown with gold motifs and matching earrings.
In an ad for Qismah lipstick | 1967
“All the cinema and TV stars prefer Qismah lipstick!” claims the ad featuring Shwikar as the star. She applies the lipstick while wearing a stunning blue outfit with white and embroidered accents at the neckline and hem.
Poster from Lebanese Magazine ‘Al Chabaka’ | 1978
In this magazine feature, Shwikar embraces a summer vibe with burnt-orange hues, a wide-brimmed hat, floral patterns, a plunging neckline, and bouncy curls.
Backstage of an unreleased play ‘El Negma El Fanana’ | 1982
Captured backstage of the unreleased play ‘El Negma El Fanana’ with Fouad El-Mohandes, Shwikar dazzles in a voluminous, layered polka-dot dress with thin spaghetti straps.
