Nadine Mustafa ‘Italian Soul, Egyptian Made,’ that’s how Ahmed Hamdy self-describes his brand.
This designer empowers men to rest assured, have confidence, and stand out from the mass with immaculate pieces suited to their taste, breaking away from the time when everyone was expected to fit in. Ahmed Hamdy, who’s been renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, fit, and production, felt that clothes should complement the wearer’s form, personality, and tastes while keeping high design and durability.
We met with him in the coziest atmosphere over coffee to get to know the well-established designer behind the infamous brand talking about his enticing journey, his future aspirations, and his expanding stance on fashion and trends.
When did you first start designing?
I started this journey of mine in 2014 back when I was attending New York Fashion Week. I was captivated by all the designers and the creative process behind the scenes up till the final moment of the show. Luckily, I met with a lot of wonderful designers and started to interact actively, asking about how they started all of this. I came to know that they all had an academic background of some sort studying fashion design. Fast-forward, I jumped started to take initiatives towards studying as well and decided to head back to Egypt and take my first step into this field.
Did you study fashion design?
Indeed! I enrolled in the Italian Fashion Academy in 2014 for a year and a half, where Stephania – the owner – was the torch of guidance for menswear. I got to understand the notion behind this craft, how to assemble a proper mood board, sketching, color coordinating and everything about the patron, not to mention, many more. My second station was in Italy, where I enrolled in a course specializing in Jacketing. I felt I had the immense urge to learn more about it in the sense of choosing the materials, filling, lining, cut to have the perfect execution.
What inspired you to take on this field?
Upon my high school graduation, I wanted to be independent. I decided to do sales work, to begin with, doing retail for some time working with an international brand in 2005. Back when it was not common to see international brands in Egypt. It was through hard work that made me go from sales to a team leader in a short period; only to become a visual merchandiser then a brand manager and the rest is history. I did my MBA to have a strong knowledge base of marketing which came to great use later. However, I had to work as a lawyer for a while with my degree amidst the times of the revolution, yet after six years, I knew it wasn’t for me and fashion was what I wanted to do for a living.
When did you make your first suit?
There is a significant difference between designing and tailoring, to begin with. When I was attending fashion school, I created a black velvet tuxedo in which a gold embroidery was implemented in the reverse (the French name for Lapels, which means a turning back of the fabric direction). This became my signature in most of my designs.
How would you describe your brand identity?
If I must put it into words, it’ll be “Italian Soul, Egyptian Made”. When modern fit meets luxurious lifestyle.
What will be the trendiest cut in 2022?
The ‘Slim Fit’ cut is no longer in the scene for this year. We are directing towards a looser cut or as I like to call a ‘modern fit’. That’s when it comes to suits; however, the trendy cut of the Fall/Winter 2022 season is all about the oversize shape, especially for casual wear.
Can you walk us through the process of designing any collection of yours?
To be set for a good start, I like to consider the color palette trending for the year and season as well. Paint firms and color experts share their recommendations for the hue that best embodies the current epoch every year. Their color scheme of the year selections is frequently influenced by global modern media, fashion, tech, and innovative designs. Accordingly, I start negotiating on which out of the fifteen colors of the palette to use as well as the nature of the seasonal trends to outline my collection. Then, it comes down to choosing the fabrics and the patterns to tailor every piece to the right persona in mind. I find enthusiasm in investing myself into considering the minute details that could make or break any collection. The production process takes up to five months; thus, everything must be impeccably executed to meet success.
Where can we find your designs?
I have three stores operating as we speak, and there is an expansion plan to a couple more located in New Cairo and October city.
Tell us more about your most recent collection?
The Fall/Winter 2022 ‘Lifestyle’ collection has been released just recently. It was a wonderful opportunity to have collaborated with the star, Sherif Mounir who’s the face model of this very collection. It is based on the notion of an elevated lifestyle of the business suit mode as well as the casual cheque. This collection has a ‘Stand Out’ line which was a successful collaboration with Nile Ritz Carlton to present the concept of the suit in a tuxedo form or a less formal cheque one, which met a great success and is almost sold out as we speak.
What was the inspiration behind it?
This collection and my entire design notion are major, if not all, inspired by the 1920 era. And since fashion is inevitably linked to history in every aspect, an authentic designer must learn that history. Cairo was named the most beautiful and clean city in the world in 1925, despite competition from European cities such as Vienna, Paris, and London. Egypt’s allure remained outstanding at the day. This beauty was reflected in the way people dressed, even if it was considered basic at that time; the 70s came up with all the daring style with the vivid flashy cuts and colors. I am truly intrigued by the classy concept of the elegant vibes of the twenties in the wide lapels, mixed with the confidence and the colors of the seventies all in combination with the ‘now’ modern cut. So, you might say I am inspired by many eras and elements.
What are your tips on dressing well on a budget?
One might consider the event, to begin with. Are you dressing for a formal event or a casual one? Then, it’s preferable to consider wearing two tons of color to be simple and put together. If you are comfortable with experimenting, you can add a color or two as a touch in your outfit to stand out more. It all comes down to balancing these tones altogether and creating harmony between the fabrics.
What do you think is the most common style mistake men make?
I am not a big fan of the ‘no sock’ look. I think it’s out of style now. Nowadays, you can look fancy whilst wearing loafers with socks. Another thing, you don’t have to wear the slim suit, the modern looser fit looks good on all body types and complements the silhouette more.
Your favorite fabric to work with?
I love to work with wool and cashmere. There is an exquisite array of fabrics to work with; however, these two are my absolute favorites. I love the light lining of the Super S30 in addition to the rich wool blends. The light practicality and luxury of these fabrics are a great duo. Not to mention, the linen in Summer; nothing speaks louder than a breezy neutral fabric in the heat.
How would you describe your style?
I love wearing suits most of the time, it reflects how I carry myself. Ahmed Hamdy’s designs truly represent my passion for luxurious and smart wear, hence, it’s why I like to be seen wearing my designs most of the time.
A celebrity or a person you were inspired?
King Farouk, no doubt. I admired his style in every sense. His watch ‘Patek Philippe’ was a pillar in fashion at that time. Commissioned in 1945 and built-in 18-carat gold, his, was one of the first Patek Philippe eternal chronograph pieces ever created. The dinner attire was a killer; the red rose in the bespoke suit, everything.
