Egyptian designer showing off collection at 1st fashion week-Xinhua

A model presents her creations during the first edition of Egyptian Fashion Week in Cairo, Egypt, May 13, 2023.. (Photo by Fared Kotb/Xinhua)

CAIRO, May 14 (Xinhua) — More than 70 Egyptian designers showcased their collections on and off the runway in the first edition of Egyptian Fashion Week, a four-day event that started on Friday.

The event, organized by the Egyptian Council of Fashion and Design (EFDC) under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, was held in a number of Egyptian museums. , big malls and shops.

“By organizing this event, we are interested in developing and guiding Egyptian designers, artisans and manufacturers to meet international standards and showcase them in the local and international fashion arena,” Marie-Louis Bishara, chairman of the Egyptian Apparel Export Council and co-founder of the EFDC, told xinhua.

The first issue of Egyptian Fashion Week combines a celebration of Egyptian civilization, a synopsis of the present and a vision of the future, he says.

Models present their creations during the first edition of Egypt Fashion Week in Cairo, Egypt, May 13, 2023. (Photo by Fared Kotb/Xinhua)

“Through this event, we convey the message that Egypt is ready to export fully designed and manufactured products of high quality to the global market,” he added.

EFDC said in a statement that the event draws design inspiration from Egyptian culture and recognizes agriculture as the basis on which the ancient Egyptians built the civilization that has inspired the world throughout history.

“But we don’t want to think about our past and the wealth of achievements and innovations, but instead look to and show the world our present, the collective of creatives, artisans and industrial leaders who have forged the DNA of contemporary Egypt,” according to the statement.

In addition, the fashion event aims to forge close ties with international fashion boards, industry leaders and global media outlets to promote Egypt’s fashion and design industry, according to the organisers.

A model presents her creations during the first edition of Egyptian Fashion Week in Cairo, Egypt, May 13, 2023. (Photo by Fared Kotb/Xinhua)

“I’m actually here to study. When people come to a country, they usually come with messages, but I came here to study,” Aden Roberts, Accademia Costume and Moda Italy’s director of international education, told Xinhua.

He said he was interested in learning about the point of view of Egyptian design, textiles, crafts and artisans, adding that he also wanted to see how goods were made and produced in the country.

“I have the opportunity and privilege to understand other cultures and local people’s fashion sense,” he said.

Meanwhile, a well-known Egyptian fashion designer, Shahira Fahmy, who attended the event said she was proud to display Egypt’s cultural heritage by simulating traditional clothing in a modern style.

“This week is very important because it is held in the same way as international fashion weeks in New York, Paris and London, with more than 70 Egyptian designers present and presenting their creative ideas. industry in the coming years,” he told Xinhua.

Visitors attend a clothing and accessories exhibition during the first edition of Egyptian Fashion Week in Cairo, Egypt, May 13, 2023. (Photo by Fared Kotb/Xinhua)