Kaftan, Valentino; Earrings, Dima Jewelry; Bangles, YAZ. Photo: Bory
This March, Salma Abu Deif took over TV screens in the region with Al Maddah, a series that stood out for its paranormal twist, and showed the Egyptian actor and model walk a path she never has before. Moody, dark and mysterious, the posters of Al Maddah showed a smoldering Salma dressed in layers of black, staring intently into the camera—and the show, once it released, delivered on what it seemed to promise: a haunting watch that will be spoken about for seasons to come.
Taking inspiration from Abu Deif’s much-loved show, stylist Yasmin Kenawi created three Valentino looks for the star that channel her on-screen avatar Amina’s spirit. Against the earthy backdrop of Egyptian sands and pyramids, Salma Abu Deif, poses for the camera in a deep brown kaftan and layers of chunky gold cuffs, before spotlighting another facet of Amina in ebony pieces and silver baubles. Below, take a closer look at her latest ensembles and find out more about her journey for Al Maddah.
Kaftan, Valentino; Earrings, Dima Jewelry; Bangles, YAZ. Photo: Bory
Tell us about Al Maddah, the show that inspired your new Valentino looks, and the character you played in it.
Al Maddah is a special project to my heart, because it was my first time doing a role in a different dialect. The role was complex, where I had to play an innocent, pure girl who was possessed by the Jinn, and I played the character from a different angle — I did a whole analysis of her character, and the history story for her demons too, not only for Amina. Doing it was a huge challenge and so much fun. The Valentino looks were inspired from Upper Egypt Qenna, where Amina was born and raised. Wearing the Malas (the traditional clothes of the region) was a very beautiful experience, and made me understand Amina—and get into her skin—better. After the huge success of Al Maddah, the stylist Yasmine Kenawi fell in love with Amina and the show, and was inspired to create these looks with Valentino. PS: For the first time ever, I kept the costumes after I was done with the role.
Top, Valentino; Skirt, Valentino; Jewelry, Azza Fahmy. Photo: Bory
What makes your role in Al Maddah so special to you? How similar is her character to your actual personality?
This was my first time visiting Qenna, and I had the best time of my life. The people are the kindest and most generous. They hosted us with their heart. The city is so beautiful and it’s by the Nile, very peaceful. The energy is so calming. Being there made me understand my character more, and embody it in a better way, understanding what Amina’s daily life and routine would look like until Qenna become a huge part of Amina, it became in her blood. I truly can’t wait to go back again and spend more time with the people there.
I mentioned earlier this year that my roles chose me to teach me something. They came to me as if the universe sent them to me, to teach me something about life. The similarity I found between Amina and me through long shooting hours was how she evolved along the episodes, how she became stronger, and how her tragedy made her change into a stronger person who doesn’t give up until she fixes her life and her heart.
Top, Valentino; Pants, Valentino; Jewelry, Azza Fahmy. Photo: Bory
What is one quality of Amina that you wish you had? And what’s one strength of your own that you wish you could pass on to her?
One quality I wish I had: she kept her innocence and her heart safe no matter what the circumstances. I wish I could pass my resilience onto her.
How do you usually prepare for a role?
First, meeting with the director, knowing more about his vision. Then, I start analyzing and learn more about my character and my script and try to take on their habits as my habits. I get into my bubble during that time, putting any distractions aside.
Kaftan, Valentino; Earrings, Dima Jewelry; Bangles, YAZ. Photo: Bory
Your association with Valentino is very special. What draws you towards the brand?
Okay, I’m not saying this because I have been working with them for about two years now, but I think I manifested working with Maison Valentino. Since I was a kid, I have been always been obsessed with their identity and the feminine power they give to women.
As an Egyptian actor, how important is it for you to represent the different layers of Egyptian women on camera?
Acting is story telling, and it’s very important for every actor to choose what they want to say through the characters they are playing. And my means and my purpose of acting is to help the whole world know more about how strong and smart Arab women are. My purpose is to bring about a cultural revolution for all Arab women.
Top, Valentino; Pants, Valentino; Jewelry, Azza Fahmy. Photo: Bory
What is your personal style like, and which of your on-screen characters is it most similar to?
My personal clothes, I would say are comfortable and speak of my personality, because I don’t want to define my taste with one style. I would say none of them are similar to my personal style.
How much does fashion really impact your life? What are some fashion staples you can’t live without?
I started by working in fashion, so I will always be grateful to how I started because it built my career up to this moment. And fashion has always been impacting me since I was a kid. Observing it opened my eyes to different kinds or art. The staples I can’t live without: Sneakers, sunglasses and jumpers to go on set with.
Top, Valentino; Skirt, Valentino; Jewelry, Azza Fahmy. Photo: Bory
What has been your most challenging role to date and why?
I would say my recent ones. Amina in Al Maddah had me speaking in different dialects to hit it right, and Hend in Resalet Al Imam, for which I played a historic role in a different era by speaking in the original Arabic dialect.
What’s coming up in the future for you? What projects can we expect to see you in?
I have two TV shows to be aired in Shahid, and a movie to be screened in Saudi. And another two projects are in the mix. Stay tuned!
Style: Yasmine Kenawi
Assistant photographer: Mahmoud Refaat
Creative director: Mina Tahir
Assistant stylist: Farida Hammouda
Makeup: Reham Khalifa
Hair: Agnieszka Hoscilo
Location: House of Cheops
