Egypt – the word summons forth images of omnipotent pharaohs, Tutankhamen’s treasures, pyramids and mummies, defying the inexorable passage of time. One of the greatest cultures of antiquity left us masterpieces of art that are difficult to surpass. Egyptian art influenced Greek sculptors who in turn inspired their Roman counterparts. And even today the genius of Egyptian art speaks eloquently to a modern audience.

Cultural icons of our own era – Princess Diana, Muhammad Ali, Gloria Steinem, the Grateful Dead and Bill Walton – have traveled to Egypt to behold the remnants of her former greatness. People unable to distinguish a Vermeer from a van Gogh have no difficulty recognizing a work of ancient Egyptian art. Why? It’s because of a level of artistic accomplishment rarely rivaled in human history.

Exotic Egyptian theme and ornamentations in fashion was inspired first by items brought from the east by Napoleon’s expeditions. Egyptian patterns first appeared from gifts Napoleon gave to his Empress Josephine after his visits to Egypt. Empress Josephine was an icon and fashion leader of her time. Soon everyone copied the items. Egyptian decorations on simple classical silhouettes in a limited palette of yellow, blue, white, red, green, brown and black bring back the facility for line and color of Egyptian artists. The resulting effect is simultaneously vibrant and, in a way, stiflingly formal allowing a woman to wear these clothes to a wide range of occasions.