Latest news with #SceneStyled
CairoScene
18-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
This French-Tunisian Label is Rooted in Consciousness and Culture
'In Tunisia, they call us the 'chez nous là-bas,' which means 'at home over there,' I thought, why not embrace this identity?' What does it mean to feel at home, even when you're far away? For many in the diaspora, it's a question of identity, rooted in the traditions and memories that travel with them. For Camélia Barbachi, it was this sense of belonging that inspired the creation of Chez Nous, a slow fashion label that bridges her French-Tunisian heritage with a commitment to ethical production. Growing up in France, Barbachi remained connected to her North African roots. 'I was super excited for summer in Tunisia, where I would explore in more depth my grandma's traditional garments and jewellery,' Barbachi tells Scene Styled. Yet, fashion wasn't initially her way of expressing this connection. It wasn't until the global shakeup of 2020 that Barbachi found herself drawn to creating something that resonated with her background and values. "I had just spent an academic year investigating the impact of fast fashion, and I felt the ethical fashion offer was lacking creativity but also inclusivity," she says. 'I just thought to myself 'maybe that's something I can bring to the table,'' Barbachi notes This realisation was the catalyst for Chez Nous, a brand that seeks to bring people together through fashion that is both ethical and deeply personal. The name, she explains, came naturally. 'In Tunisia, they call us the 'chez nous là-bas,' which means 'at home over there,' referring to Tunisians from the diaspora. I thought, why not embrace this identity?' Launching a slow fashion brand from scratch, especially as a young graduate, came with its fair share of challenges. Financing was a significant hurdle, particularly because Barbachi insisted on the highest ethical standards for every part of the production process. "When you decide to do things ethically, everything is expensive: from fabrics to manufacturing to packaging," she explains. To overcome these obstacles, she turned to crowdfunding, successfully gathering over 250 pre-orders in just one month. With her first collection funded, Barbachi was able to focus on what truly mattered: quality over quantity. This philosophy continues to guide the brand today, ensuring that each piece is meticulously crafted, with the strictest standards for sustainability and ethical production. Chez Nous' garments are produced in Tunisia and France, where Barbachi works with ethical workshops that guarantee fair wages and working conditions. 'It was important to me that the brand's values were reflected in the entire production process,' she says. This sense of responsibility extends to every aspect of the business, from fabric sourcing to packaging, and is a key element of the brand's growing reputation. From traditional North African wear to the rich colours and patterns inspired by Tunisian architecture, Chez Nous is a celebration of cultural identity. "I've always been very proud of my Tunisian heritage," she tells SceneStyled. "My brand is an outlet for me to pay tribute to that and celebrate my identity through art." One of Barbachi's personal favourite pieces is the "Anwar" overshirt, inspired by the traditional Tunisian 'dengri'. "It's an ode to the immigrants who worked hard so that my generation could have a better life," she says. As the world begins to grapple with the environmental and social consequences of fast fashion, slow fashion is increasingly gaining momentum. Barbachi sees a promising future for the movement. "As people become more aware, I think the demand for ethical, high-quality, and timeless pieces will grow," she says. At Copenhagen Fashion Week, where she recently participated, brands were required to meet stringent sustainability criteria - a positive sign for the industry's future. 'It made me quite optimistic about what's to come.' For Chez Nous, the goal is to lead by example, offering consumers an alternative to fast fashion by promoting clothing that's not just stylish, but meaningful. "We aim to inspire a new generation to embrace slow fashion as a lifestyle, not just a trend," Barbachi tells SceneStyled. Three years after its founding, Chez Nous continues to grow, with Barbachi navigating the notoriously difficult fashion industry as a newcomer. Her dedication to sustainability and ethical practices earned her a nomination for the "Designer for the Planet" category at Milan Fashion Week, a significant milestone for the brand. "That was definitely an important milestone," she says. Ultimately, Chez Nous is a message of connection; to our roots, to each other, and to the world around us. As Barbachi tells SceneStyled, "It's about creating a sense of home, wherever you are, through clothing that embodies culture, consciousness, and authenticity."
CairoScene
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
The Scene Styled Rock ‘n' Roll Edit
Leather jackets, ripped denim, and chains for days, this is your guide to in-your-face grunge glamour… What does it mean to look like rock 'n' roll? It's not about following trends but about defying them – it's rebellion, attitude, and grit woven into every stitch. This week's SceneStyled Rock 'n' Roll Edit pulls together the key elements to channel that raw, defiant energy. Leather jackets with tough, lived-in appeal, ripped jeans that look like they've survived a few mosh pits, and studded accessories that clash with the polished as if to say, 'rules were meant to be broken.' It's a wardrobe for the bold, for those who know that music and style are two sides of the same revolution. Ready to rock? Keep scrolling. Maram | The Aqua Harmony Slit T-Shirt Maram's Cycle 11 collection did not shy away from excess, and the Aqua Harmony t-shirt is no exception. A psychedelic dream, this piece will turn heads amongst even the 'rockest' of concerts. Rasha Pasha | The Royal Rock Collection 'It's like if Tina Turner married Khedive Ismail,' Rasha Pasha tells SceneStyled. Bringing the best of both worlds together, the Egyptian designer's Royal Rock collection does not shy away from making a statement on Cairo's streets. Nabi | Meraki Belt 'Nabi is for a modern hot girl, who is anything but basic,' designer Hana Gad tells SceneStyled. Merging western-style cowboy belts with a touch of Egyptian influence, Egyptian label Nabi's Meraki Belt is grunge…but heritage-driven. FTL | Oracle Pants High-profile client meeting at 5 and a pre-game at 5:49? Egyptian label FTL's Oracle Pants know what you're up to…and they're all for it. Arc Pulse | Minimalist Bumper Case Actually giving a damn about your phone screen cracking is so 2017 - the real 'baddhies' know that it's all about fashion over function. Dior | Vernis Nail Polish For a decked-out Rock n Roll fit, you simply cannot go without some statement red nail polish. Kuckian | Deleterious Causing a ruckus? Starting a fire? Oh how very deleterious of you. Kuckian's signature black lipstick is not for the demure, but that's not you. Huda Beauty | Pretty Grunge Eyeshadow Palette Nothing says grunge quite like some glittering purple eyeliner - and Huda Beauty has the fix. Vivienne Westwood | Side Panther Skirt In an alternate universe in which the UK had a Princess of Wales who didn't want the crown, we'd be willing to bet the Paps would catch her in this. Alexander McQueen | Double Breasted Waist Coat Business in the front, party in the back, Alexander McQueen's double breasted waist coat is all about contrast; blacks and reds; rock n roll. New Rock | Ankle Boot Black Imperfect The streets are your stage, and this is how you stomp them. New Rock's 'imperfect' - though wholly perfect - ankle boots will have you walking sky high, making sure everyone can see you. Andertons | Rock N Roll Relics Lightning Custom Medium Aged in Cadillac Green Sparkle Can't be a rock edit without something to actually rock out with. In glittering emerald, this vintage electric guitar will be making all sorts of noise. Vera Wang | Rock Princess Eau de Toilette While the bottle does look quite intimidating; its notes are as sweet as can be, with peach, jasmine, and vanilla. Be Indie | The Jacquard Set Canadian tuxedo, but just a little edgy. Versatile and comfortable, this set from Be Indie effortlessly swings from daytime to after-hours. Rigash | The Brown Leather Set Now, we couldn't do this without some leather, could we? For their FW25 collection, Egyptian label Rigash went all out with leather, and we're obsessed with this set in particular. Viva Vox | Viva Vox Skirt Florals for a Rock 'n' Roll edit?! We know what you're thinking, but hear us out. Paired with a leather jacket, spiked boots, and black lips, this will be a 'lewk' you won't be allowed to forget. Emergency Room Beirut | Golden (R)age Collection For their latest collection, Lebanese collective and design house Emergency Room Beirut triggered all the sirens. Reminiscent of wild '70s vegas nights, this collection is for those not afraid of standing out. Vivienne Westwood | New Diamante Heart Pendant Necklace A signature of the eponymous English fashion house, the heart pendant is a rebellious Vivienne Westwood classic for a reason, and it would border on blasphemy not to include it. Hadia Ghaleb | Nebula Sunglasses in Black A little out of this world, Dubai-based Egyptian entrepreneur Hadia Ghaleb's sunglasses collection, which debuted in 2024, is all about non-conformist silhouettes. Hérmes | Limited Edition Birkin Rock 25 Black Volupto Palladium Hardware Sure it might be USD 75,000, but it's pretty to just look at. Amongst the hottest Birkin bags you could come across, the Limited Edition Rock 25 earns its spot on this edit for obvious reasons. Christian Louboutin | Paloma Spiked Leather Clutch Can't truly be Rock 'n' Roll without a few (or a lot) of spikes on your person. Christian Louboutin? Understood the assignment. Azalea Wang | Sedna Buckle Knee Boots in Black A 'belts' and whistles kinda gal? Azalea Wang's Sedna Buckle Knee Boots let everyone know you're armed and ready; lest they, how do we put this, 'try a b****'.
CairoScene
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Zina Louhaichy Honours Moroccan Heritage In a Bold New Visual Project
Zina Louhaichy Honours Moroccan Heritage In a Bold New Visual Project As a Moroccan woman born and raised in NYC, artist and designer Zina Louhaichy has always existed at a cultural crossroads, belonging to both and neither at the same time. Her latest body of work isn't merely an exploration of heritage - it's a reclamation of identity, and a visual love letter to all the women who came before her. In BLADI (بلادي) - Arabic for 'my homeland' - Louhaichy embarks on an intimate journey through self-portraiture. Inspired by early 20th century Moroccan postcards, many of which were shot through a colonial lens, the project reclaims those once-exoticised images by placing the narrative - and the camera - in Louhaichy's own hands. 'Some of these women I've only met through photographs,' Louhaichy tells SceneStyled. 'But they all live in my blood.' In the photographs, Louhaichy dresses in heirloom pieces that connect her to her family's past: her father's Qur'an, a takchita reminiscent of her great-grandmother's wardrobe, and jewellery rich with ancestral memory. She wears her identity on her sleeve - and on her hands: the Moroccan star inked in henna on one, and the iconic Yankees logo on the other. This is a merging of worlds, of culture, and of eras, fused together on the camera lens. The result is not only visually striking, but evocative: a celebration of Moroccan womanhood rendered with a genuine authenticity, creativity, and deep reverence. The project continues with Diaspora Passport (جواز سفر الشتات), a conceptual expansion of BLADI which finds definition in that liminal space between Morocco and New York. Creating a fictional passport, Louhaichy reimagines bureaucratic instruments of identity not as restrictive labels but as vehicles of empowerment. Here, the passport becomes a symbol of movement and belonging unbound by national borders and monolithic identities. 'Home for me exists in a Yankees symbol,' Louhaichy shares. 'In Casablanca at sunrise when the streets are quiet and the call to prayer echoes through the city. It's sitting with my Meema for hours, working on my Darija, exhausted from messing up too many times but persevering anyway.' Maximalist and vibrant, the visual language of the project is unapologetically assured. Wearing a custom Yankee brim, redesigned in Moroccan red and green by Opiyel, and the Noire Lace Bele top from her eponymous label Louhaichy (لوحيشي), a confident Zina carves out her identity in clear, bold lines. On the back of her one hand, a henna 'passport stamp' reads "المغرب" ('Morocco'), adorned with Amazigh symbols. On the other hand, stamps of both the US and Morocco mark the emotional cartography of her soul. In this body of work, Zina Louhaichy transcends the borders that once fragmented her sense of self, forging a space where heritage and hybridity coexist. It's a powerful act of healing - one that redefines home not as a place but a feeling, a symbol, an expression, and ultimately, a portrait.
CairoScene
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Spanish Brand Flabelus Finds Its Footing in Cairo
After hosting a quiet dinner in Downtown Cairo's Mazeej, Flabelus is beginning to find its footing in the region. Apr 17, 2025 Flabelus doesn't overexplain itself. Founded in Spain in 2020, the footwear label has built its language through velvet Mary Janes, structured espadrilles, and silhouettes that feel borrowed from a bookshelf rather than a trend cycle. Each pair is named after a literary character. Each one feels like it belongs to someone with taste and time. This year, that language reached Cairo. The brand hosted a dinner at Mazeej - intimate, precise, and curated with the right crowd in mind. The shoes sat alongside conversation, surrounded by people who read context as fluently as they do form. In a video interview with SceneStyled, Pilar Oraá, the brand's PR and communications lead, spoke about the brand's evolving relationship with the Middle East and how Flabelus is looking to be part of the region's long-term creative ecosystem.
CairoScene
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Amina Galal Is Making Fashion On Her Own Terms
Amina Galal Is Making Fashion On Her Own Terms Amina Galal debuts Volume Two of her collection 'In Our Alleys' at Maison 69 on April 16th. In an industry that demands constant innovation, one Cairo-based designer is stepping off the hamster wheel and into the alleys. For Amina Galal, fashion isn't a breathless sprint through fleeting trends, but a slow, deliberate unfolding of stories. In a radical rewriting of the traditional fashion calendar, Galal has found a structure which works for her and the pieces she is determined to save from the digital vacuum. It's not just a designing choice, it's a manifesto on reclaiming stories, space, and time. No seasons. No rush. Amina Galal works in volumes. Two a year. Same collection, new layer. It's a fashion format that reads more like a novel than a lookbook. More literary than commercial. More rooted than reactive. 'As an emerging designer, I believe it's our responsibility to question the existing norms and find ways to improve the industry,' Galal shares. 'The volume approach is my way of contributing to a more sustainable and meaningful fashion landscape, where the art of creation isn't rushed, but instead savored and understood over time.' Her latest collection, 'In Our Alleys', is a slow, textured unfolding of Egypt's forgotten corners and the people who inhabit them. In its second volume, the palette darkens, lines sharpen, and the story breathes into life. 'Every detail, from fabric selection to construction, is a testament to the heritage and history I'm portraying,' Amina Galal tells SceneStyled. Yet this volume doesn't linger in the past. It is rooted in tradition but refracted through a futuristic lens, and the sun-bleached nostalgia of volume one is propelled into a hyper-modern realm. Time-honoured silhouettes frame contemporary motifs, traditional prints are sliced with clean lines, and contradictions become conversation. Here, duality is a design language, and Amina Galal speaks in clear terms. 'It's about building connections between past and present, between people, and between cultures. My brand seeks to correct these misinterpretations of our culture by presenting a different narrative, one rooted in positive, meaningful cultural expression.' Take the brand's logo: the green fibula. Religion may have given green a bad rep, but green in Arabic culture represents prosperity, hope, and peace. Projected onto the fibula - an ancient fastening tool used by women - it becomes a symbol of connection: between garments, histories, and women across eras. 'Just as the fibula connected garments and told the stories of women across time, my brand seeks to connect people through design while telling stories that reflect our authentic shared heritage and values,' Amina Adds. 'It's a reminder of the richness of our culture, and my goal is to modernize that, making it relevant and meaningful to contemporary audiences.' If she had to distill the collection in three words? 'Resilient, layered, authentic'. This isn't token craft. It's not heritage for the Instagram feed. Everything is built with intention - and with people. Each piece carries the fingerprints of the local artisan who hand crafted it, the words of the people who inspired it, and the cultural anecdotes that informed it. It is a living, breathing collaboration with a community of local artisans. 'The most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the excitement and encouragement from the artisans and craftsmen I work with,' Amina reveals. 'Their enthusiasm for embarking on this journey with me has been incredibly uplifting.' It comes of no surprise, then, that after a successful soft launch at Paris Fashion Week, Galal returned to her roots. Not because she had to but because Cairo is home - in all its chaos, artistry, and authenticity. This isn't just a brand. It's a reclamation. Of space, of narrative, of rhythm. And it's only the beginning. Volume Two of 'In Our Alleys' is now available at Maison 69.
