It's hard to miss this new store as one walks in Zamalek by the Faculty of Fine Arts. Bright and inviting, the storefront is currently decorated for the Christmas season with tinsel and foliage, two large plastic armchairs and a side table resting inside the window display. L'oiseau du Nil is the moniker of this new concept store. In English, it means “birds of the Nile,” appropriate considering the store owners Mervat Hassan and Rasha El Gammal have set about to create the first concept store that solely stocks goods produced and designed here in Egypt. The collection in store is quite charming. Comprising home accessories, jewelry, furniture and art work, it's a wonderful spot to while away an hour or so admiring a great blend of tastes and goods. “The concept was to open a venue for Egyptian talent to offer beautiful things of commercial [value],” says El Gammal. “We wanted our designers all to be birds of the Nile.” “We're also playing with the concept of the store, for instance, we're hoping to be able to create one week pop up art exhibits; we don't mind removing all the goods in the store to create a gallery space for a week to show an Egyptian artist. As a concept store, art can always be a part of it.” L'oiseau du Nil has a range of designers that include Malaika Linens, leather home accessories by new designer Eman Taha, who designs under the brand name of Nejma, Nuniz by Nadia Zarkani and Vika, who have beautiful clutches and handbags stocked in store, jewelry by Dina El Maghawry and garden pots for indoor and outdoor use by designer Tamara Zaky. Interestingly enough, there are just as many products and items created by charity organizations that produce items to support their various causes. Beautiful stationery by Nafeza, an organization that uses recycled paper to create items such as magazine holders, folders, frames and notebooks are fairly priced and make as good gifts or items to treat one's self. Most popular and continuously selling out says El Gammal are the quilts, cushions and carpets produced by APE, the Association for the Protection of the Environment that recycle materials such as cotton textiles to produce colorful rugs great for children's' rooms and beach homes, suggests El Gammal. “We're always reordering from them because people come in and buy so many. We love having their products in store and also, helping to promote a great cause that does such great work.” The store carries kaftans embroidered beautifully, and items such as sunglasses by the young brand Amina K. Although the store is focused on Egyptian goods, it cannot be labeled as another kitsch ethnic store; the products are original in their use of color and various materials, but best of all, the designs are fresh and contemporary, suitable for any home. L'oiseau du Nil has real gems for anyone shopping around for Christmas gifts this season, and they offer gift wrapping services done in store upon purchase. L'oiseau du Nil 23A Ismail Mohamed St., Zamalek, Cairo Tel: (02) 2735 1458 or 019 555 7754
