CAIRO: Italian luxury lifestyle brand Stefano Ricci celebrated its 50th anniversary with a memorable fashion show at the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor.

The show took place on Sunday with the impressive location as its backdrop.

Ricci and his family welcomed invited guests from all over the world to the event. He said: “It was my dream to have a show at this place and tonight the dream came true.”

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, a long-time friend of the entrepreneur, opened the evening singing Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” opera.

Soprano Susanna Regacci, also from Italy, gave a similarly impressive performance.

Head of the Egyptian Association for Tourism and Archaeological Development Ayman Abu Zeid told Arab News: “The Egyptian civilization is one of the first civilizations that was interested in fashion in history, and the idea of the Temple of Hatshepsut hosting such a major global fashion event is considered a great move to support the tourism movement in Egypt, and Luxor in particular.

“These events contribute to indirect marketing of Luxor by visiting global stars and artists, as they present a testimony that is truer and stronger than any other certificate.

“Such events open the doors for marketing for more and more future events in the heart of ancient Egyptian temples in Luxor.”

Tour guide Mohamed Al-Muniri told Arab News: “Everyone is happy with this global event, and it came at an important time — the beginning of the winter tourism season.

“It was a unique event which saw guests from different countries, all of whom attended the event in a cheerful atmosphere, and that will create a good impression of Luxor. I hope that it will have a great impact on Egypt's tourism.”

Head of the tourism and hotels division in South Sinai Ahmed Al-Sheikh said: “The celebration featured 500 of the world’s richest guests at a dinner party, carried by 50 private planes.

“This is considered priceless global advertising but, despite that, no channel covered this huge event.”