Jayda Hany is a Cairo creative whose brand presents the fine balance between art and technology. Since 2015 she has been expanding her brands reach—an Architectural Engineer, who brings a unique element to her designs and is constantly pushing boundaries. Flair Magazine asked the founder about her newest collection and the last five years of the Jayda Hany label.
How would you describe the Jayda Hany brand?
As a brand, Jayda Hany stands for breaking free from the standard norms dictated by others. It strives to create a sense of individuality and honoring the consumer’s intelligence by providing them with transparency in regards to product components, which entails the brand to focus on structure as part of the design as well as the practicality of the products. Moreover, Jayda Hany relies on using local resources, craftsmanship and fair trade to create a global brand.
Do you have a specific woman in mind when designing?
I always cater to showing the bold side of any woman in general through my designs. I believe it exists in all of us regardless and this is what I love about being a footwear and an accessories designer. I believe that shoes and bags define the persona you want to embody. They are the highlighted addition to any outfit.
How do you decide on colors for your shoes & bags?
When it comes to deciding on colors for my collections I always like to have a balanced combination of classics and trends. Most of my work is a mixture of textured blacks and nudes. I also include trendy colors such as scarlet red, biker red, blue-grey, royal blue and green.
How has your work evolved over the years?
My work has evolved on so many different levels over the years. Concerning production, I first started off with my debut collection “Connector” which is a 3D printed bespoke collection. Since I moved to Cairo, I have developed the knowledge of production in bulk which includes thinking outside the sketchbook, production practicality & quality control. In terms of product variety, not only does Jayda Hany have all categories of footwear including boots, sneakers, high heels, flat and slipper but it also includes different types of bags as well; backpacks, waist bags and palmettes. The way I see my brand is that it is not only a footwear brand. I see it as a high-end footwear and leather good brand, so I am constantly expanding my product range.
What advice do you have for young women who might be thinking about striking out on their own with a small business or creative venture?
I would advise them to just go ahead and start on their creative venture and take ownership by believing in their vision because every milestone they set will be so rewarding beyond their imagination. I would also advise them to keep an open mind to the different opportunities that will present themselves and might stir them a little in a different direction than the original plan they have in mind. Coincidences happen almost all the time when it comes to creative disciplines and in most cases, they work out for the best.
What fashion trend are you most looking forward to for winter 2020?
I am looking forward to the new knee and thigh-high boot trends for winter 2020, I think it is about time we go up the leg once more. And of course, the seasonal Pantone color trend report is always a must to review.
Who do you hope to see wearing your shoes in 2020?
The list is endless but Queen Rania is definitely on top of my list.
Can you tell us anything about your newest collection?
My newest collection, Eclect, is a merge of Egyptian heritage and contemporary industrial architecture. The dome-style architecture in the heart of Old Cairo is the core of this collection. It is emphasized by the heel part of the shoes; the heel is an abstraction of the conventional dome and its perforations present in countless buildings in Cairo. The shoes come in two different heel heights Steeletto 100 which is 10 cm and Dome 70 in 7 cm. Eclect’s colors are the essential red, black, and nude to match the versatility of the modern-day woman. The collection combines several eclectic features of culture, structural design and durable functionality in a new fashion, hence the name Eclect; The mixture of diverse tastes and styles in a piece. It is a blend of old and new resulting in a variation of classic high heels and handbags that scream industrial chic.