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Fabulous Full Figures, Part 1: Leyla Lanty - Page 2© Shira I especially like this style of costume because it presents a smooth line, with the emphasis on the vertical, which is beneficial for me because I am just under 5 feet 4 inches tall. This one caught my attention because of the use of colors and gold beading as well as the sumptuous sleeves. I keep on wearing it because of the many compliments I receive on how good I look in it every time!
The photo of Leyla modeling her dress below was taken by Marcia Morris Conklin, a dear friend of hers. Leyla herself made this one, after discovering the wonderful material in a fabric store. She bought enough to create this baladi dress modeled after ones made in the Middle East. The crocheted shawl with the matching orange paillettes used for a belt was made by Fatima of Sacramento. Here's what Leyla has to say about this one: I made this dress when I was 50 pounds heavier than seen in this photo and it looked wonderful then. This is another of my costumes which always brings many compliments each time I wear it. The CatSuit In the photo below, Leyla models her black "catsuit" with fuschia, turquoise, gold beading and cutouts. Photo taken by Carl Sermon of Reel Sound and Light Theatrical Production Company. When I asked Leyla to tell me about this costume, here's what she said: About 5 years ago, in Cairo, I had this one made for me by Amira al Kattan the owner and designer at Pharonics of Egypt. I was at her shop looking at her ready-made displays and fell in love with this one. It is custom-fitted to my body right down to the bra cups! I love it because it's just a bit outrageous and because it is both revealing and covering at the same time. It evokes either enthusiastic compliments or stunned (or is it disgusted?) silence from those who've seen me in it. It's a cabaret style, used for modern nightclub Danse Orientale. When I saw the costume, I was not at all sure that such a style would be good for me. However, Amira, the designer, assured me it would. From previous experience with her designs, I trusted her "eye" for design and sure enough, she was right. I love wearing it because it evokes such strong responses and because I know it looks good on me. The Hagallah Dress One day when Leyla was performing at an outdoor show, an anonymous audience member shot a whole roll of film of Leyla and each of the other performers. When the show was over, he gave the film to the dancers! Here are the photos he took of her performing in her hagallah dress.
The copyright of the article Fabulous Full Figures, Part 1: Leyla Lanty - Page 2 in Middle Eastern Dance is owned by Shira. Permission to republish Fabulous Full Figures, Part 1: Leyla Lanty - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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