Cleopatra: a pop icon who never died

Twenty-one years after its release, Alain Chabat's "Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra" returns to theaters in a restored 4K version with never-before-seen scenes. The character of Cleopatra, played by the young Monica Bellucci, is once again a sensation. This is hardly surprising, given that Cleopatra is one of the oldest icons in human history, and rightly so. 

Cleopatra in pop culture

The figure of Cleopatra, the legendary Queen of Egypt, has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Known for her beauty, intelligence and political acumen, the Queen of the Nile left her mark not only on human history, but also on the world of fashion and popular culture. Thanks to her distinctive personal style and luxurious lifestyle, Cleopatra became a fashion icon of antiquity, and her influence is still evident today.

Cleopatra's style

Cleopatra's style has been a source of inspiration for stylists and designers the world over. On the catwalks, Egyptian influences are visible in the garments' shapes, patterns and colors. In December 2018, New York's Metropolitan Museum hosted Chanel's "Métiers d'Art" collection, inspired by the pharaoh's style. Zuhair Murad also paid his own tribute to him in his Spring-Summer 2020 haute couture show. Fortuny's Delphos, born in 1907, was inspired by the pleating technique used on Hellenistic garments of antiquity. This technique, with its simple yet distinctive patterns, was patented in 1909 and has survived to the present day. Even Paco Rabanne's headdresses with metal parts and jewels recall Cleopatra's love of jewelry, which she used not only as a symbol of her wealth, but also as a means of enhancing her beauty and accentuating her regal appearance.

Cleopatra in movies and television

Whether misleading or not, perhaps the images of the monarch that have remained longest in popular culture come from cinema and television. Cinema has the ability to change our perspective on historical events. Just as it's impossible for us to dissociate the figure of Marie-Antoinette from that of Sofia Coppola, the idea of another Cleopatra than Elizabeth Taylor is almost inconceivable to all mortals. Elizabeth Taylor's iconic performance in the 1963 film "Cleopatra", with its elaborate costumes and extravagant jewelry, remains a benchmark for fashion designers and stylists. The jewelry worn by the actress in the film was created by Bulgari. The massive bracelets worn by Cleopatra are perhaps the precursors of today's jewelry aesthetic. Marilyn Monroe herself starred in the 1953 film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" in a stunning gold lamé gown reminiscent of that worn by Cleopatra, at least in 1960s Hollywood. With 65 costume changes, the film nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox with an investment of $44 million, one of the largest in cinema history. The use of metallic fabrics, Greek draperies and oversized breastplate necklaces made Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra a fashion icon that still resonates today.

The combination of beauty, power and leadership, and historical connections has made Cleopatra an iconic symbol that transcends borders and eras. Her image continues to be recognized and admired, and her story continues to fascinate people the world over.