Styled Archives: ‘Saint’ Dalida’s Most Memorable Moments

Born in 1933 in Shoubra, Egypt, Yolanda Cristina Gigliotti, known as Dalida, was destined for stardom. Growing up immersed in the rich multicultural milieu of 20th-century Cairo as the daughter of a respected first violinist at the Cairo Opera House, Dalida's early years were surrounded by the ethereal harmonies and tunes that filled her home.

Dalida's beauty was evident from a young age. In 1954, she won the title of Miss Egypt, catching the eye of French film director Marco de Gastyne. Their meeting launched Dalida's career, and she flew to Paris that same year. In France, she quickly found success as a renowned movie star and discovered a voice that would define multiple eras of music.

Dalida's breakout hit, "Bambino," released in 1956, spent a record-setting 46 consecutive weeks in the top 10 charts across Europe, cementing her stardom. Her later hits solidified her status as an Arab icon. Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, Dalida's recordings of Arabic songs in the 1970s remain deeply cherished, especially "Helwa Ya Baladi". She was also wildly popular for songs like "Salma Ya Salama" and the heartfelt "Ahsan Nas," a love letter to her country of birth.

Her international success and presence within the fashion capital of the world, Paris, granted her access to the crème de la crème of couture. Whether photographed candidly in cafes, elegantly posed with fellow celebrities, or dazzling audiences on stage, her wardrobe set trends that inspired up-and-coming stars.

For this week’s Styled Archives, we’re celebrating the ‘Saint’ of the Arab world, Dalida.