By Hend Seif El Din
Having been a huge fan of their incredible work for quite some time now, I was really looking forward to meeting them…and what a delight that turned out to be!
While both–Sabry and Marouf–come from diverse, non-jewelry related backgrounds, with Sabry originally hailing from an advertising and PR background and Marouf an Architect, I found it quite remarkable, and bold, that they decided to venture into the world of fashion. It started out with Sabry [Freelancing in fashion design] and soon after following his love for fashion accessories hands on in Khan El Khalili.
Lucky for us, it didn’t take too long for him to realize that this is exactly what he needed to be doing. It was–in fact–his true calling. Sabry partnered up with Marouf and officially launched their brand – one that is rooted in both culture and futurism. Bringing architecture to the body, the duo have set out to create ‘Intimate architecture’ inspired by our Ancient Egyptian forefathers and redefining a new paradigm in the regional fashion retail markets. . I couldn’t help but wonder, however, how they managed to keep their full-time jobs and design as well? “We realized that we needed to focus, and dedicate time and effort if we really wanted to make it, so we quit our jobs and started building the brand, Sabry Marouf,” explained Marouf.
Their latest collection, entitled ISIS, which they showed at Cairo 
Fashion Nights, was launched in collaboration with audio/visual Bosaina El Kahhal as their muse and model, made headlines; their fan base vastly grew! So…why Bosaina? “She’s a real performer, and we didn’t think any one else could wear our pieces the way she did, and we were right,” explained Sabry. To be honest, she was covered in Sabry Marouf pieces and she looked absolutely stunning!
Inspired by Pharaonic history and philosophy, their latest collaboration with Bridal designer extraordinaire, Yasmine Yeya, was the perfect project for them to take on. “We had four weeks to come up with a design and to make it happen. Four weeks! “ Judging from Sabry’s face, it was quite the demanding challenge, but according to the dynamic duo “it was well worth it.” “Working with Rasha, [the bride] and Yasmine was a pleasure! It was a lot of fun and we were all in sync. The dress turned out beautifully.” For those of you who haven’t seen the dress, it was a piece of art! Other than Yasmine’s signature layering and perfect choice of fabrics, Sabry and Marouf brought the bride’s vision to life with the 18 carat gold-plated brass feathers sown and shaped into her bustier, as well as the very avant-garde Pharaonic 
headpiece, which added the final touch to the entire look.
So what’s next for this dynamic duo? Well one thing I promised I’d keep a surprise, but another I can share, and I’m very excited about it! Sabry & Marouf are taking the brand to the UAE! “Dubai is the fashion hub of the Middle East,” said Marouf, and “when we showcased our work at Fashion Forward, the feedback was phenomenal! So, we’re really excited about that.” But not to worry Egyptian fans–again, me being one of you–that doesn’t mean that we won’t be seeing them around Cairo. I’m glad to announce that they’ll manage–somehow–to be here and there, so yes lovely ladies, you’ll still get to strut around in your favorite Sabry & Marouf pieces and get yourself a few new ones!
