Queen Rania of Jordan arrived at the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, an architectural colossus known as the 'fourth pyramid' for its striking design and proximity to the Giza necropolis, wearing a red dress that was more than a color choice. The dress subtly reflected the celebration of history that night. At an event where the statues of Ramses II and the treasures of Tutankhamun took center stage, the queen chose a custom-made gown that drew on elements of ancient Egyptian dress: pleats around the hips recalling the male shenti and a fitted silhouette inspired by the female kalasiris. It was a symbolic harmony between visitor and host. The historical nod, subtle yet never costume-like, was a brilliant touch.
A refined look
Rania, who last week attended the opening of the second ordinary session of the Hashemite Parliament in a stunning blue dress, completed this look with a white leather bag featuring a Knot intrecciato design by Bottega Veneta and white patent leather Hot Chick 100 heels by Christian Louboutin. She wore her hair down in soft waves with a center part, her signature hairstyle that softens the geometric structure of the dress.
The dress: tradition reinterpreted
The custom-made piece by Dolce & Gabbana is a red midi design with long sleeves and a fitted cut that shapes the waist through pleats and a structured drape. This draping technique evokes the shenti (or shendyt), the men’s kilt of ancient Egypt known for its wrapping and folds, while also drawing on the logic of the kalasiris, the tubular women’s tunic that could be worn with straps, over one shoulder, or with pleats, to give the look a feminine touch and turn it into an evening gown. The balance lies in the craftsmanship: at first glance it looks modern; on closer inspection, it is archaeology applied to dressmaking.
A museum, a state event
The appearance of the Jordanian queen was not an isolated moment. The GEM opened its doors with a ceremony designed to highlight the pharaonic legacy and its global reach. The inauguration, held on November 1, 2025, brought together top leaders and dignitaries, including King Felipe VI, Queen Mary of Denmark, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Albert of Monaco. The event featured a stunning production with drones, live music, and performances inspired by the aesthetics of ancient Egypt, all set against the backdrop of the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure in the majestic city of Giza. The museum project itself, conceived as the largest institution dedicated to a single civilization, represents a national commitment to cultural diplomacy, blending spectacle with heritage.
Fashion as cultural diplomacy
In that setting, Rania’s dress worked as a piece of soft power, a respectful nod to the host culture without slipping into theatrical literalism. At an event where the full treasure of Tutankhamun and colossal pieces like the statue of Ramses II were displayed for the first time, the aesthetic choices of public figures carried diplomatic weight. It was no coincidence that many guests chose looks balancing solemnity and visibility. At a ceremony of this scale, the carpet, if one can even call it that, served as a map of international styles in dialogue with the monumental architecture of the complex.
Rania, well versed in blending tradition and modernity, delivered a clear message in Giza: respect for history, aesthetic sensibility, and mastery of the art of representation. In a museum that promises to redefine how the world views the pharaonic legacy, her dress was a perfect choice that captured the spirit of the evening.