Today is Nelly Karim’s birthday. To celebrate the Vogue Arabia star who has featured in the June and November issues, the fashion desk notes the style lessons learned from the Egyptian actor’s best red carpet turns this year. With her penchant for local designers and rule-breaking sartorial tendencies, the actor’s style vibe riffs on elegance yet with a rebellious edge. Karim knows to flawlessly balance her wardrobe choices with a striking red lip or intense feline flick to boot.
In the November issue of Vogue Arabia in a shoot with Yousra and Dorra Zarrouk, Karim reflects, “I don’t focus on being at the top of my game. Loving what I do is real success.”. Clearly, the star applies the same mantra to her wardrobe – after all, girls just want to have fun. Read on for the fashion take-homes from Nelly Karim’s red carpet style in 2017.
#1. Support Local Talent
The look: For the 2017 El Gouna Film Festival at the sea resort town of El Gouna, Karim opted to support fellow Egyptian designers by sporting homegrown brands. She chose a white, corset-style Mohanad Kojak dress, which she elevated with a metallic clutch by Fashion Prize alumni, Okhtein.
Go-to brands: Okhtein, Azza Fahmy, Marmar Halim, and Temraza.
#2. Eyeliner is Always a Good Idea
The look: Karim’s signature beauty look when hitting the red carpet is a thick, stroke of jet-black Egyptian-inspired eyeliner (naturally) to further draw attention to her ocean-colored eyes. Here, she proves that an obsidian gaze looks best when offset with dazzling fine jewelry.
Go-to brands: Guerlain L’Art du Trait, Kiko Milano Ultimate Pen Longwear Eyeliner, and Dolce & Gabbana Crayon Intense Eyeliner.
#3. Statement Necklaces Are a Must
The look: Karim clearly has a penchant for eye-catching necklaces. It’s no wonder than that L’azurde appointed the actor as the star of its latest campaign. Whether she’s sporting the ubiquitous ’90’s go-to choker, or a dazzling diamond bauble, Karim knows that her décolleté is one of her strongest features (she usually opts for a strapless dress), and isn’t afraid to further emphasize it.
Go-to brands: L’azurde, Dima Jewellery, Cartier, and Chopard.
#4. Break Rules Sometimes
The look: Karim stepped out on the closing ceremony red carpet of the 39th edition of the Cairo Film Festival wearing tailored black trousers and a matching vest designed by herself. A black blazer was slung over her shoulders, and she accessorized with a high-shine necklace that resembled a men’s tie, proving that red carpet dressing isn’t restricted to just gowns.
Go-to brands: Saint Laurent, Balmain, and Alexander McQueen.
