Pashion Magazine in cooperation with Fairmont Nile City launched one of the biggest fashion events of the year on 31 October in aid of the ‘I the Egyptian' charity organization. The event had fashion Egyptian designers like Amina K, Dina Hassan Saeed, Heba al-Awadi, Rym Magdel, and Horreya: Designs for Freedom. Amina K stood out with her eyecatching spread--her colorful patterns hung not only at her booth but folded in the children's room--versions of her funky Egyptian styles for 4-year-olds. Another popular shopper's stop was Dina Hassan Saeed with her Nana's Closet collection, an eclectic range of eveningwear with mixed fabrics, ruffles and shiny belts. Saeed's black and gold collection may have stood out, but so did the price tags. Rym Magdel stayed true to her unique patchy colorful style for the second year in a row. Set against muted Akhmeem fabrics, her creative designs never fail her close-knit group of loyal clientele. The event was the first for many new designers like Zeina Sallam and her new bag collection, Zanzibag. Much talk surrounded her ethnic fabrics imported from Zanzibar, and her pouches were a personal favorite. Jewelry also occupied a huge space within the fashion fest. Karma jewelry was a star with gold and silver designs. Lina Chawky pleasantly surprised most visitors with her leather and silver wrist charms. Lingerie had its share as well and the Pink Powder Room stood out with its colorful booth and lingerie featuring a "hand of Fatima" design. Focus was on the winter collection of night gowns and pyjamas--"guaranteed" to provide warmth and comfort. Famous boutiques were also present at the fashion fair: Loolies, Hip, Helene, 69, Enrica D and many others. Loolies stood out with its premium location right at the entrance and its new and elegant fall/winter collection--a collection deemed over-priced by many. For Helene, the prices were completely out of control, and a cocktail dress marked LE 850 turned out to be LE 8500--an annoying but increasingly common habit in clothing boutiques in Cairo. Some furniture, home accessories and linens stores also featured at the "bazaar"--Moroccan Konnooz and Aya Akel's bed linens and towels. Overall, the fashion day was a great opportunity for people to meet, shop til they drop and give for a noble cause--a great idea that I hope the Fairmont and Pashion Magazine will continue to promote.
