Today, November 4, marks the anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, an archaeological moment that sparked a fascination with ancient Egypt that went far beyond history books. From interiors and jewellery to architecture and fashion, Egyptomania took over the world, leaving its mark on some of fashion’s biggest names.
And while the boy king’s treasures may have been discovered over a century ago, their influence is still making its way onto the runway. From pharaonic silhouettes and golden scarabs to hieroglyphs and the iconic Eye of Horus, here’s a look at some of the global fashion designers who brought ancient Egypt into their collections.
Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2004 by John Galliano
Galliano turned the runway into an ancient Egyptian fantasy for Dior’s Spring/Summer 2004 collection. Following an extensive trip across Egypt, including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings, the designer took inspiration straight from the country’s rich history and visual heritage.
The result? A dramatic runway filled with supermodels transformed into modern-day pharaohs, queens, mummies, and ancient deities. With elaborate headpieces, gold details, and statement silhouettes, Galliano gave ancient Egyptian glamour a full haute couture moment.
Topshop Unique Spring/Summer 2012
Topshop Unique gave ancient Egyptian inspiration a cool streetwear makeover for its Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Inspired by ancient Egypt, the film Cleopatra, and Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic portrayal of the queen, the collection featured the Eye of Horus, coiled cobras, scarabs, suns, stars, and hieroglyphic prints.
These motifs appeared across oversized hoodies, dresses, trench coats, and leather jackets, with gold and black details giving the whole collection a bold 90s-inspired edge.
Givenchy Fall/Winter 2016 by Riccardo Tisci
For Givenchy’s Fall/Winter 2016 Ready-to-Wear collection, Riccardo Tisci looked to ancient Egyptian symbolism, bringing some of its most recognisable motifs into a contemporary fashion setting.
The collection featured references to the Eye of Horus, falcon wings, mosaics, and the Rosetta Stone, translated into intricate prints and striking details. It was a darker, more modern take on Egyptomania, proving that ancient Egyptian symbols can look just as powerful on a contemporary runway.
Chanel Métiers d’Art 2018/2019 by Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld took Egyptomania somewhere unexpected with Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2019 Métiers d’Art collection. Presented at the Temple of Dendur at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, the show brought together ancient Egyptian royalty and the bold spirit of 1980s New York street culture.
Scarabs, hieroglyphs, Tutankhamun-inspired details, and the Eye of Horus met colourful Memphis Group-inspired prints and graffiti by artist Cyril Kongo. The result was a playful clash of eras that turned ancient Egyptian references into a distinctly modern Chanel moment.
Zuhair Murad Spring/Summer 2020 Couture
Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad turned to the queens and goddesses of ancient Egypt for his Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture collection, paying tribute to figures like Nefertiti, Nefertari, Isis, and Berenice. Presented during Paris Couture Week, the collection brought pharaonic glamour to the runway through shimmering gold gowns, hieroglyphic-inspired embellishments, scarab details, and statement collars.
Even the bridal look got the royal treatment, featuring a bejewelled headdress, dramatic cape, and a modern take on an ancient Egyptian dress.
Balmain Resort 2023 by Olivier Rousteing
Olivier Rousteing brought his own interpretation of Egyptian maximalism to Balmain’s Resort 2023 collection, released in November 2022. Drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian icons, the collection featured references to Tutankhamun, Cleopatra, and scarabs, alongside striking blue and gold colourways.
But there was more to the collection than historical references. Rousteing also incorporated bandage-inspired motifs that reflected his personal recovery journey, alongside sculptural oyster-inspired shapes honouring the house’s founder, Pierre Balmain.
More than a century after Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered, ancient Egypt continues to inspire the world in ways that go far beyond archaeology. From iconic symbols and royal silhouettes to intricate details and bold interpretations, these collections prove that Egypt’s influence on global fashion is far from fading.
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