Given Egypt's international fame for its high-quality cotton, it seems natural that the local fashion industry would be a flourishing one. Think again. The local obsession with imported fashion in recent years hasn't helped home-grown fashion labels, but a few smart businesspeople and local designers have managed to successfully tap into the potential of the country's most famous commodity. Their companies are producing ever-more fashionable, affordable and chic designs for local consumption and international export. We applaud them for their efforts to take back the local fashion market– they've put the “Egyptian” back into Egyptian cotton, and it's never looked better. And Company While mostly known for their heavenly bedding (the most luxurious of high-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and duvet covers ever), And Company (also referred to as & Co.) offers a nice selection of simple, high-quality garments in Zamalek and Maadi. Think deliciously soft trousers, tank tops, casual t-shirts and tunics in classic pastel colors and black, brown and white. We adore the flattering yoga trousers, which can be stylishly worn outside of the yoga studio. While these clothes aren't cheap– prices start at about LE150 – they are made of the finest cotton and will last for a very long time. And Company: 3A Bahgat Ali Street, Zamalek. Telephone: 02-2736-3689 Concrete Offering classic and casual menswear as well as a kids' collection, Concrete is one of Egypt's most successful local brands. Concrete's acquisition by Arafa Holding took it from a small local business to a regional fashion powerhouse with numerous outlets around Cairo as well as across the region. With prices at the higher end, a shopping excursion to Concrete won't save you money but could net you some enviable wardrobe staples that will last for years. We love their classic menswear; look no further for a well-cut suit in quality fabric or the perfect button-down shirt. Kids' clothes are adorable, too– think bright colors, fun patterns and comfortable cuts. Concrete: Galleria Shopping Center, Grand Hyatt Cairo, Corniche El Nil, 4th Floor. Telephone: 02-2531-0425 Dalydress Despite the dowdy name, Dalydress actually offers the stylish shopper a respectable range of sweaters, tops, oxford-style shirts and accessories. We especially like the flowing, silky tunic-style tops in appealing prints for a classy yet relaxed outing outfit. The classic sweaters come in a variety of colors and necklines, and the oxford shirts are simple enough to jazz up with accessories. Some very nice scarves, casual jewelry and surprisingly stylish handbags are also on offer. The organization of the shop by color is helpful —go straight for your preferred hue and look through the various styles to find exactly what you're looking for. While not as cheap as we would like, with tops starting at around LE 200, we feel that the quality and style-quota of the garments is high. Dalydress is definitely worth a look, especially for those basic, durable pieces that are hard to find elsewhere. Dalydress: 19 Baghdad Street, El Korba, Heliopolis, Cairo. Telephone: 02-2415-7755 Fabulous This local fashion chain has been largely ignored by chic Cairenes. We can't really blame them; the shop's kitschy sign isn't exactly an invitation to style and some of their stock is simply a fashion nightmare. Despite these drawbacks, Fabulous does actually offer some very wearable options and deserves a second look. The shop has a great selection of basic tops, maxi dresses, lycra skirts and leggings in every color and in relaxed cotton. Prices are ridiculously low, starting at around LE 25 for a basic tank top or LE 50 for a cute, empire-waist stretch shirt in basic black. Stock at the shop's various branches is not created equal and is better on some days than others — be sure to check regularly for the best finds. Fabulous: Ring Road, Landmark: inside Maadi City Centre, Maadi, Cairo. Telephone: 02-2520-4389. Mix and Match Mix and Match is a women's brand with branches around Cairo, offering great seasonal collections designed by brand owner Madame Shahira. The shop targets mature women with a slightly hippy edge, with sizes ranging all the way up to plus-size options. The shop's designs feature pieces in wool, silk and luxurious Egyptian cotton with subtle Oriental detailing. Mix and Match clothes are well-made in great materials, some of which are reasonably priced (clothing starts at about LE 200). For great casual wear and grown-up work pieces; Mix and Match is a great brand to check out. Mix and Match: 55 Gameat El Dowal El Arabia Street, Mohandiseen, Cairo, Egypt. Telephone: 02-2749-1969 Mobaco Everyone knows Mobaco for its Camel icon polo shirts. Indeed, this local brand is ace when it comes to branding and image. What many people don't know about Mobaco is that they offer so much more than polo shirts. The brand's menswear and women's wear collections are varied, high-quality and of international style standards. We adore their sweaters and their excellent selection of dark-wash jeans. With prices beginning at around LE150 for a top and LE300 for jeans, Mobaco's selection is not to be missed. Mobaco: El Obour Buildings, Salah Salem Street, Heliopolis, Cairo. Telephone: 02-2404-2655. On Safari This brand is not all about Safari clothes; the name is just another ill-advised branding choice. Looking past that; On Safari does offer some potentially interesting finds at ideal prices. On a good day at On Safari you could potentially walk away with a nice top or two, and maybe a key accessory or a surprisingly chic scarf. Don't get your hopes up too high — low expectations are key to any shopping venture— and you just might find a good piece at On Safari. With prices starting at a reasonable LE150, it's worth a look. On Safari: 10 Michel Lutfalla Street, Zamalek. Telephone: 02-2731-1909 This article was contributed to Daily News Egypt by Cairo 360 http://www.cairo360.com/
