Each year, the El Gouna Film Festival becomes more than just a celebration of cinema — it’s a masterclass in style, storytelling, and self-expression. Fashion on this red carpet has evolved into a visual language of its own, where color speaks volumes long before a word is said.
From the ethereal whites of 2020 to the fiery reds, the shadowy blacks, and the dazzling metallics that followed, every year tells a different story — of mood, movement, and meaning. This journey down memory lane captures how each hue has defined an era, a moment, and a feeling in the world of Arab glamour.
2020: The Reign of White & Cream
In 2020, the El Gouna Film Festival red carpet shimmered under a wave of soft neutrals — from icy whites to buttery creams. The color of purity and elegance became the year’s unofficial dress code, giving the carpet a minimalist yet radiant feel.
Salma Abu Deif
Salma Abu Deif set the tone for timeless glamour in a sleek, one-shoulder satin gown. The high neckline draped elegantly into a long train, giving the look a statuesque grace that caught the light with every move. Paired with diamond jewelry and a metallic clutch, Salma’s ensemble was the definition of modern old-Hollywood charm — effortless, minimal, and unforgettable.
Dorra Zarrouk
Dorra went for structure and contrast in a gown that mixed classic white with intricate black embroidery. The asymmetrical, layered bodice gave the look a couture edge, while the form-fitting skirt balanced it with simplicity. It was bold yet refined — a masterclass in making monochrome feel fresh and powerful.
Huda El Mufti
Huda El Mufti brought the cool-girl twist that only she can pull off — a satin shirt gown with a sweeping train, layered over a fiery red mini skirt. The look blurred the line between drama and playfulness, proving that white on the red carpet doesn’t have to mean safe. With slicked-back hair, silver heels, and her signature confidence, she completely owned it.
Amina Khalil
Amina Khalil stunned in a structured cream gown featuring a deep V-neckline and an architectural, peplum-style bodice that flowed into a soft, floor-length skirt. The mix of geometric detailing and fluid draping gave her look a modern yet timeless edge. With her sleek low bun and minimal accessories, she embodied refined sophistication.
Passant Shawky
Passant Shawky opted for a more youthful, carefree vibe in a strapless white high-low dress. The cascading ruffles and airy silhouette brought movement and lightness to the red carpet, while her metallic heels and loose waves balanced the playful design with effortless glamour.
Reem Moustafa
Reem Moustafa turned heads in a sleek, spaghetti-strap cream gown that flowed effortlessly to the floor. The simplicity of her silhouette allowed her golden tan and loose waves to stand out, while a metallic round clutch added a modern, sun-kissed touch — perfectly in tune with El Gouna’s coastal glam energy.
Lekaa Elkhamissi
Lekaa Elkhamissi, on the other hand, brought architectural drama to the same color palette. Her structured white gown featured bold geometric shoulders and a sculpted waist accentuated with a metallic gold belt — merging futuristic couture with timeless grace. The look was elevated further with her statement earrings and a slick updo, proving that white doesn’t have to mean simple.
2021: Red & Burgundy Take Over
In 2021, the El Gouna Film Festival carpet burned bright with red and burgundy— a color that spoke of confidence, glamour, and cinematic drama. From deep scarlets to fiery crimsons, red dominated the year as stars embraced boldness after months of global stillness.
Mona Zaki
Mona Zaki embodied timeless sophistication in a structured, pleated red gown that perfectly balanced strength and grace. The dress featured a square neckline and flowing cape-style sleeves that added movement and a hint of old-Hollywood allure. Paired with her soft waves, golden star-shaped earrings, and a subtle glowy makeup look, Mona reminded everyone why she remains one of Egypt’s most elegant red carpet icons.
Maya Diab
Maya Diab turned heads in a dramatic off-shoulder red velvet gown paired with matching latex gloves and thigh-high boots. Her oversized pink-lined hat added a couture-level punch, blending avant-garde fashion with pure red-carpet drama. Every detail screamed confidence, making her look one of the most unforgettable moments of the festival.
Tara Emad
Tara Emad embraced fluidity and femininity in a pleated burgundy gown featuring a bold cutout and a voluminous floral neck detail. The sheer fabric caught the light beautifully as she moved, bringing grace and texture to the carpet. It was the perfect mix of sophistication and playful edge.
Mayan El Sayed
Mayan El Sayed delivered a sleek yet powerful look in a strapless, deep burgundy sequin gown with a thigh-high slit. The shimmering finish and clean silhouette gave her a timeless Hollywood allure—proof that simplicity, when done right, can still command attention.
Enjy Kiwan
Enjy lit up the red carpet in a fiery red draped gown with a bare back and gold chain straps, blending elegance with edge. Her soft bun and gold accessories kept the look polished and glamorous.
Karen Wazen
Karen owned the night in a deep red gown with a plunging neckline, cape sleeves, and a thigh-high slit. The voluminous fabric and her sleek styling gave off pure red carpet royalty.
2023: Full On Black
Hassan Malek & Ahmed Ghozzi
Hassan Malek kept it sharp and minimal in an all-black outfit. He paired tailored trousers with a simple black tee and layered a long black coat over it. A silver chain around his neck added a clean touch of flair.
Beside him, Ahmed Ghozzi went classic with a timeless black tuxedo. The satin lapels, crisp white shirt, and bowtie gave his look a polished, formal finish. Together, they showed the sleek versatility of black.
Saba Mubarak
Saba Mubarak wore a long-sleeved, floor-length black gown that balanced simplicity with drama. The center slit down the chest added boldness to the otherwise minimalist design.
She styled it with a striking choker necklace and a sleek updo, letting her strong, statuesque presence speak for itself. A perfect mix of elegance and edge.
Razan Al Maghrabi
Razan Al Maghrabi turned heads in a sculpted black gown with bold cut-out shoulders and a halter neckline. The dress hugged her curves and gave off a confident, glamorous vibe.
Her long, wavy blonde hair and statement jewelry — including emerald accents — added softness and luxury. A metallic clutch completed the look with a modern twist.
Asmaa Galal
Asmaa Galal embodied timeless elegance in a sculpted black gown that flowed with understated sophistication. The halter neckline was adorned with a soft rose detail, adding a romantic edge to the sleek silhouette. Her minimal accessories and slick ponytail let the dress speak for itself — pure red carpet perfection.
Yousra
Yousra went bold with structure and strength, wearing a sharply tailored black suit cinched at the waist with an oversized belt. The look balanced power and grace, and her choice of pointed heels and statement clutch added a touch of modern glamour. A masterclass in how to turn simplicity into a statement.
Passant Shawky & Mohamed Farrag
The duo proved that black and white never go out of style. Passant stunned in a two-tone gown — a ruched black bodice cascading into a voluminous white satin skirt. Standing beside her, Mohamed Farrag matched her sophistication in an all-black suit with a subtle turtleneck twist, giving off sleek cinematic energy. Together, they redefined couple goals on the red carpet.
2024: Silver & Gold Shimmer
Hend Sabry
Hend Sabry brought timeless glamour in a silver beaded gown that merged sophistication with subtle drama. The strapless dress, embroidered with intricate, scalloped patterns, hugged her figure perfectly while the soft satin drape added a royal touch. Her minimal jewelry and sleek updo let the gown’s shimmer do all the talking — a lesson in understated luxury.
Arwa Gouda
Arwa Gouda lit up the red carpet in a sculpted metallic gown that sparkled like liquid light. The structured bodice, adorned with crystals, flowed into a feathered hem, creating a dramatic yet refined silhouette. Paired with a diamond necklace and a confident smile, her look captured pure red-carpet magic — radiant, bold, and unforgettable.
Amina Khalil
Amina Khalil opted for a modern twist on shimmer, wearing a layered fringe gown that played with texture and movement. The ombré effect, fading from champagne to gold, shimmered beautifully under the lights. With feathered shoulder accents and soft glam makeup, her look balanced playfulness and grace — a statement of fresh, youthful sparkle.
May Elghety
May dazzled in a pleated metallic gold gown that perfectly hugged her silhouette. The asymmetrical bodice and structured corset top gave the look a modern, sculptural edge, while the thigh-high slit and soft pleats added fluidity. Her gold clutch and diamond jewelry elevated the glam, and the dewy makeup completed this goddess-like appearance — bold yet elegant, a definite showstopper of shimmer.
Menna Shalaby
Menna opted for a more romantic shimmer with a strapless gown drenched in bronze sequins and delicate beading. The sweetheart neckline softened the look, and a thin metallic belt cinched the waist to give it shape. With her soft curls and minimal accessories, she gave off a vintage Hollywood vibe — a more understated, but equally powerful, take on 2024’s glittering trend.
Basma
Basma took shimmer to the extreme with a bold silver fringe dress that turned every step into a spectacle. The choker neckline and asymmetrical shoulder detail added drama, while the strands of silver chains gave the look movement and edge. This was a fearless, high-fashion moment — edgy, powerful, and impossible to ignore.
After years of radiant extremes — calm whites, fiery reds, dramatic blacks, and glittering golds — the question now is: what’s next?
Our guess? Soft pastels with a twist — think lavender haze, sky blue, or champagne blush. Shades that whisper elegance while feeling fresh and full of hope. They’re calm yet confident, subtle yet statement-making — the perfect reflection of a world embracing optimism again.
But that’s just our take. What about you — which color do you think will steal the show at El Gouna 2025?
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