Ahmed Al-Saedi’s journey was inspired by observing his mother and sister tirelessly creating garments on a sewing machine. Their dedication, coupled with their femininity and warmth, initially sparked the creative flame within the Egyptian designer. He dreamed of immersing himself in the realm of fashion, and so he did. In 2012, he launched his namesake ready-to-wear and couture label, Saedi.
Initially, Al-Saedi began by assisting his mother in designing outfits for his sisters and her friends. This humble beginning blossomed into a profound desire to make women feel good through his designs. Speaking to MILLE, Al-Saedi explains he wants to “alter someone’s life for the better and leave an enduring impression on their souls.”
After learning the in’s and out’s of sewing, pattern-making, and cutting from his mother, the couturier decided to study fine arts and fashion while concurrently pursuing an engineering degree. He took his first step into the fashion industry by establishing his initial brand, formerly known as PLUSH Maison Haute Couture in Cairo. Eventually, he transitioned to using his own name, growing his brand as Maison Saedi.
In addition to bespoke dresses, the womenswear label also produces two collections annually, spanning ready-to-wear and haute couture. Driven solely by his creative instincts, Al-Saedi consistently produces outcomes that feature a fusion of unconventional fabrics, blending the rigid with the delicate. He designs for the “soft warrior woman,” using geometrically pleasing silhouettes and cuts. His goal is to create art pieces rather than mere commercial designs.
Moreover, at the core of the brand is sustainability. Conscious of the environmental footprint of his creations, the designer adheres to sustainability measures with every collection. This includes a zero waste approach, recycling and reconstructing any waste fabrics. The brand also supports local Egyptian fabrics, predominantly cotton and linen, in their attire line, thereby uplifting local markets. Notably, one of their previous collections, titled Terra, was dedicated to environmental awareness, serving as a poignant reminder to protect our planet.
For Saedi’s latest collection, Solennelle, the designer delves into the pressure of individuality, particularly within the creative industry. An homage to authenticity, the offering celebrates the beauty inherent in the chaos of discovering one’s unique identity. With a predominantly neutral color palette infused with occasional bursts of burgundy and gold, the collection embodies the designer’s commitment to creating not just garments, but artworks. Featuring a diverse range of geometric silhouettes, fabric manipulations, and dramatic elements, Saedi emerges from the streets of Cairo as one to definitely watch.
