Ever spent endless hours and two pay checks' worth of money on that one stunning outfit for an important dinner only to find some one else wearing the exact same dress? Well, Soho, the newest boutique in Zamalek, could be your solution to avoid such disappointment. Tucked away in a thin alley off 26th July Street in Zamalek, Alia Abaza and Rihan Fahmy's new boutique offers an alternative to high-end, costly apparel found at upscale shopping venues such as Beymen or the ever conventional Karen Miller. Soho, offers designer wear that is affordable for those who find Fendi and Prada hefty but are still looking for that one strikingly stylish garment, the special item that is cached in your closet. One year ago, Abaza and Fahmy came together with a determination to turn their dream to reality. "I have dreamt of this boutique for almost 10 years, said Abaza as she passionately recalled the journey. Abaza, a 27-year old advertising graduate, is a former designer for Egypt's Concrete. "It was mostly casual wear and I wanted more freedom. Through running her own business, Abaza wishes to expand the collection to include "bits and pieces of her own designs. As I walked through the glass doors of Soho I was filled with the airy coolness that emanates from the high ceilings that characterize Zamalek buildings. The interiors of Soho are a mix of white and bright pink, decorating a two-storey small boutique with floor to ceiling mirror paneling and a comfortable, girly feel to it all. Avoiding the clutter that marks most of the retail stores that have recently opened in Cairo's shopping hub CityStars, Soho strives for simplicity and individuality. Each item of its winter collection, which includes a number of brand names, hangs with a few others on the numerous rails, making it easy to browse through the various pieces. A collection of evening gowns ranging in value from LE 3,000 to LE 5,000 hangs in a separate closet with glass panels. The beautiful selection of sequined gowns is perfect for any Egyptian wedding or formal function. The collection currently on display includes work by French designers Manoush and Lynn, American designer Meghan Fabulous, Italy's NPL and accessories by Greek jewelry designer Dimitriadas. In line with the latest fashion trends, rabbit vests at Soho combine class and hip fashion into an elegant piece perfect for a five-star business dinner or classy night out with friends. Classic silk blouses have made it back to runways this season. You have a choice between navy blue, burgundy and some of the lighter colors, all at LE 990. Tunics have been everyone's favorite item for the past couple of seasons. Soho offers a wide range of tunics; paired with your favorite tights or flashy leggings, it's a look you're most definite to pull off. A uni-tone wool tunic is for LE 3,450 while a sequined one goes for around LE 2,500. The accessories collection includes leather purses by French luxury design house Chloe, starting at LE 13,000. Clutches also include works by Lebanese designer Raeda; they're lavish and elegant in both leather and python skin. Greek accessories include a delicate selection of rings, bracelets and necklaces, gold-plated and made of Swarovski crystals and pearls. The prices range between LE 650 and LE 1,500. There's one thing about Soho you should keep in mind, their sizes go only up to an American size 8 which was once deemed the average size of European women, equivalent to a UK size 10. So if you're a UK size 12-plus, it is probably not the place for you. But otherwise, Soho offers the perfect treats at a relatively-affordable price. It s sure to bring out the fashion goddess in you. Soho: Off Aziz Othman Street, Zamalek, beside Mezza Luna restaurant.
