Salinas
Costume Designs

           In the 1930s, the cosmopolitan port city of Alexandria, Egypt, blossomed into an international destination for writers, artists, and intellectuals. At the heart of this thriving cultural scene stood the Alexandria Atelier, founded in 1935—a gathering place where creative minds met to exchange ideas and push the boundaries of art and literature.

​

          Amid this atmosphere of innovation, a young artist immersed himself fully. Nights were filled with lively debates that carried on until dawn—conversations on philosophy, aesthetics, and modern expression. Inspired by this energy, he embraced every opportunity to experiment: exploring new painting techniques, writing prose and poetry, contributing to local newspapers and magazines, and reviewing exhibitions, theater, and books.

 

         When the Alexandria Atelier staged a theatrical season of French comedies and musical productions, Salinas brought his vision to the stage, designing both costumes and sets with remarkable flair.

 

         Today, the Estate is proud to present a rare discovery: a portfolio of these original designs, preserved for decades and unseen until now. These works not only capture the youthful spirit of an artist at the height of curiosity and creativity but also offer collectors a tangible connection to Alexandria’s golden age of artistic innovation.