Flair Magazine For quite a while a great number of successful women in Egypt have been paving their way up the ladder. For our 10th anniversary issue, FLAIR is proud to shed light on these inspiring women that have been breaking the mould with their massive success in Egypt and beyond.
Eklego Design: Dina El Khachab
The influence of Egypt’s design dynamism can be seen throughout the country’s urban centres and especially in Cairo, where internationally oriented leaders in the industry bring the world of design and architecture home to Egypt. To discuss these trends and more we chatted with an established leader in Egypt’s design community, Dina El Khachab, principal architect and managing partner of Eklego Design.
How have approaches to design and architecture in Egypt changed since you started Eklego?
Over the last 15 years I have seen a lot of changes in design and architecture in Egypt, still not even close to enough but it’s definitely been very positive. A lot of people have begun to appreciate design and to understand the difference between a well designed and a not so well designed space with regards to how they feel about the space and the functionality of the space.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from almost anything and everything, a textured fabric, a walk in the city, a pattern, a philosophical discussion. When I go for long runs or long swims this is when I feel most able to think and create.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on a few very interesting projects; a very exciting office space in downtown Cairo; a boutique hotel; a couple of sales centres for up and coming developers; some very exciting restaurants and a handful of unique residences.
To know more about Dina El Khachab and her near future plans, order now our 10th anniversary issue (link to kotobi).
Azza Fahmy: Fatma & Amina Ghali
With steady success since the 80s, Jewellery Designer Azza Fahmy’s fame for beautifully and meticulously designed unique pieces has spread near and far, and now her pieces can be spotted on women from all around the globe. The jewellery icon and Creative Director of her company has entrusted her two talented daughters, Fatma and Amina Ghali, to join her in her journey. Fatma Ghali serves as the Managing Director of Azza Fahmy, while Amina Ghali is the Head Designer of the brand. We caught up with the two women who have taken on the massive task of preserving the success and tradition of the Azza Fahmy brand.
AMINA GHALI
Where do you draw your inspiration?
Everywhere, and everything can be inspiring, from nature, exhibitions, sculptural pieces, lyrics is a song to rug on a floor. However, our core inspiration comes from culture as we celebrate global heritage and civilizations, combining it with world trends from nature and talismans to architectural forms.
How does it feel to be recognized as one of “Britain’s Hot 100 jewellery talents“ at a relatively young age?
Super cool, I felt very gratified to be amongst so many talented jewellers and people within my field. It felt like I was amongst my tribe.
Favorite collection you designed and what makes it special for you?
I would definitely say the Wonders of Nature collection; it was a breakthrough in terms of design aesthetics and technical challenges. The collection displays expressions of the different phases that I’ve been going through in my life.
FATMA GHALI
What is the biggest obstacle that faces you at your work?
I would definitely say that it is finding the right partners for our growth plans; people who have the same vision as we do.
How do you achieve a work/life balance while managing a big business such as “Azza Fahmy”?
Realizing that work is part of my life, and who I am, because it’s a family business and I grew up in it. I always have to make sure that I am not giving less in my personal life, constantly being aware of that is not an easy job, especially since I became a mother.
What advice would you give to young female entrepreneurs and managers?
Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s only part of the process and it’s important that young entrepreneurs consider their mistakes as learning experiences and stepping-stones towards success.
Mix & Match: Shahira Fahmy & Rola Hussein
With its natural fabrics, easy flowing cuts, and designs full of personality, Mix And Match have been a hit in the Egyptian market for over 35 years and counting. Dressing generations of women of all ages, sizes, and styles, we spoke with the co-founders of the successful brand that boasts products proudly made in Egypt.
What was the idea behind Mix and Match when it was launched?
Mix And Match was launched 35 years ago when there was a big need for ready to wear women’s fashion. There was a ban on importing foreign brands and there were hardly any factories in Egypt providing for that. Our concept was to provide separates where the clients mixed and matched according to their size and height. Our aim was to provide for the university girls all over Egypt and not just Cairo, like Alexandria, Tanta, Mansoura etc, with affordable clothes and all from natural noble materials rather than the synthetic fabrics that were so popular at the time.
Who is the quintessential “Maxie” woman?
She is a woman with lots of character, daring, strong, curious, and independent. A woman with strong roots that keep her grounded and wings that gives her freedom to wander and explore.
How do you adapt international trends for the Egyptian market?
We only use international trends as a broad outline for our collection, taking only what works for our image in terms of colors, style and textile. In that sense, we never follow. We create our own identity based on the knowledge and experience we have gained throughout the years. We think that a total understanding of our clients and what they like to wear and feel is a key factor to our success.
To know more about these successful Women with FLAIR and their near promising future plans, order now our online 10th Anniversary issue here.
