Styled Archives: When Mena Stars Put Their Spin on the Crossbody Bag
From Chanel shoulder bags to Hermès Kellys, we’re looking back at the bags Arab stars carried from the 2000s to the 2010s.
A good crossbody bag is basically a girl's personal assistant. It keeps your essentials close, leaves your hands free for a coffee, a phone call or an overly animated conversation, and somehow manages to pull an entire outfit together. The best ones do even more, adding a little edge to denim, a pop of colour to an otherwise simple look, or a designer touch to everyday dressing. Frankly, there is a reason we keep coming back to them.
From canvas carryalls and checkered leather bags to studded statement pieces and fringed bohemian finds, the crossbody has proved its place in the wardrobes of Arab celebrities across the years. Spotted in movie looks, music-video outfits, and candid street-style moments, these bags show just how versatile an everyday essential can be.
Menna Shalaby | 2005
Menna Shalaby keeps things casual in a white graphic tank reading “WOMAN” and dark blue jeans, with a beige canvas crossbody bag bringing a utilitarian touch to the look. Complete with front pockets and a relaxed shape, the bag feels made for everyday wear, giving the outfit a laid-back, early-2000s practicality.
Laila Eloui | 2004
Laila Eloui pairs a dark, monochromatic button-down and matching trousers with a tan-trimmed, checkered crossbody bag. Its contrasting canvas strap and gold-tone hardware break up the darker palette, while the patterned finish adds a classic designer-inspired touch to an otherwise understated outfit.
Nour | 2005
On the set of 'Sayed El Atefy', Nour wears a bright yellow long-sleeved top with a colourful knit scarf and classic blue jeans, capturing the playful layering of mid-2000s Egyptian film style. Her bag completes the casual look, adding another everyday accessory to an outfit built around colour and texture.
Yasmine Abdelaziz | 2010
Yasmine Abdelaziz goes all out with a silver sequinned top, cropped black jacket, electric-blue mini skirt, and over-the-knee boots. Her structured black crossbody, covered in shiny silver pyramid studs, fits right into the outfit's rock-inspired styling, adding another hit of metallic detail to an already statement-heavy look.
Yosra El Lozy | 2011
Yosra El Lozy layers a teal top, a beige pointelle-knit cardigan, and a dark tartan scarf over dark-wash jeans for a cosy, casual look. Her slouchy brown leather crossbody, finished with a prominent silver-tone zip pocket, adds a relaxed, slightly rugged touch to the mix, proving that an everyday bag can be both practical and full of character.
Sherine | 2012
Sherine embraces early-2010s colour-blocking in a pink-and-purple asymmetrical peplum top, a multicoloured striped belt, and fitted light-wash jeans. Her mint-green patent bag, complete with a chain strap and long tassel, picks up the outfit's vibrant palette, making a strong case for an accessory that can hold its own against a colourful look.
Nancy Ajram | 2013
During the filming of 'Omel Aaqla', Nancy Ajram pairs an olive-green halter-neck dress with a black belt, oversized sunglasses, and a quilted Chanel bag. Its gold chain strap and colourful embellishments add texture to her polished music-video look, giving the classic black bag a statement-making finish.
Haifa Wehbe | 2017
Haifa Wehbe takes a bohemian approach to crossbody dressing with an oversized black leather bag featuring long fringe, intricate embroidery, and a wide studded strap. Paired with a tan ribbed tank, flared jeans, gold hoops, and platform wedges, the bag brings a vintage rock-and-roll edge to her 1970s-inspired look.
