After Dubai Fashion Week made its much-awaited debut two weeks ago, a mere month after officially joining the international Fashion Month circuit, it appears that neighboring countries are also trying to follow in its footsteps by organizing their very own celebration of all things fashion and design.
This week, Egyptian officials announced that the North African country will be hosting its own Fashion Week next month, titled ”Past, Present & Future.” With the intent of showcasing the country’s up-and-coming and confirmed textile talents by putting them at the center of their native country’s stage, organizers of Egypt Fashion Week (EFW) have invited renowned institutions and prestigious partners to highlight Egypt’s rich heritage and centuries-old civilization, all while placing its intricate culture at the forefront of the week-long event.
Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Planning & Economic Development and the Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt’s first fashion week is set to be co-produced by Creative Headz, an industry leading company with 15 years of experience organizing fashion shows, including MQ Vienna Fashion Week and Thai Silk Fashion Week. Amongst some of the parties that will be involved in this mighty first include Launchmetrics, an official partner of New-York and Paris fashion weeks, who will also be taking part in this debut event.
“Inspired by the rising number of emerging designers and growth of the local fashion industry, we knew the time had come to show the world our pool of creative talents and local cotton and textile industry. The EFW program goes far beyond fashion shows and exhibitions and aims to connect the local, African, and Middle Eastern markets through design, craftsmanship, education, sustainability, production, and retail. We are very proud and grateful to have won over so many distinguished speakers and major worldwide media partners and attendance to ensure that all eyes will be on Egyptian fashion,” shared Susan Sabet, co-founder of the Egyptian Fashion & Design Council in a statement.
Echoing on Sabet’s statement, Paul Antaki, co-founder & President of the Egyptian Fashion & Design Council, added: “The Fashion industry in Egypt goes as far back as its civilization, so it is about time to revive it and present it to the world in its modern image nurtured by the many existing talents and emerging ones. The EFDC (Egyptian Fashion and Design Council) worked hard for the past four years to make a great success out of this event. We aim to make all Egyptians proud of their locally manufactured products inspired by the past the present and the future.”
A congregation of Egypt’s most innovative minds in fashion and design are set to participate in the inaugural edition of EFW, with an aim to project the country’s unique cultural identity into the future. The event will feature a diverse range of creatives, craftsmen, and prominent figures who have contributed to shaping Egypt’s contemporary DNA up until now. Their vision and direction will combine 5000 years of inspiration, craftsmanship, and resources with today’s know-how and fast-paced technology-driven trends, aiming at birthing a powerhouse that will put Egypt on the map as a major player in the fashion industry worldwide.
In addition to runways and presentations, the fashion-filled event will also host a series of panel talks by local, regional, and international leaders in various fields such as design, education, craftsmanship, production, retail, sustainability, women’s empowerment, and finance. The activities will kick off with an opening night on May 12 at the Egyptian Museum, featuring a fashion show curated by renowned American stylist Julie Matos, followed by a grand gala dinner.
The next two days will be held at the Museum of Agriculture, the second most important agricultural museum in the world, which has just completed a five-year renovation and which will be opening its doors just in time for this event. On the museum grounds, EFW will also host runway shows and exhibitions showcasing the works of Egyptian fashion, accessory, and jewelry designers.
Local and international fashion schools, including The Azza Fahmy Design Studio, Fashion & Design Center, Cairo Design District, FAD Dubai, Mod’Art, and Creative Space Beirut, will present their creations in the Cotton Museum with guests having the sheer opportunity to view designer exhibitions curated by the Saudi Fashion Commission, Lagos Fashion Week, Jordan Fashion Week, and GTEX.
