Enough with the Evil Eye!

  What I’m about to post is a personal request to all the Egyptian Designers out there. I think I speak for my self and many others when I say ENOUGH with the “Evil Eye/khamsa we khemesa hand or whatever you call it/Arabic Calligraphy” Combined ethnic fashion statement you’re trying to make, please. It’s already been established with great designers such as Azza Fahmy and Amina K. but I couldn’t help but notice that a lot of designers (not all of them) these days  building a whole collection based the same exact influence over and over and over again. To the point that I could match that same print I’m wearing with my handbag, jewelry, curtains and probably my furniture. I’m not saying be more westernized so that you would be acceptable im saying you are designers for god’s sake so innovate!

 I believe designers of the Middle Eastern region have the best of both worlds seriously, You have the great history, art, literature, & culture of the Arab world and you have great designers and inspirations flowing in everyday from the western world, if you could only make use of both then the sky is the limit for you. It just doesn’t make sense to me when a designer takes a western silhouette and decorates it with  some evil eye and ethnic touches just to make it look more easternized. Why don’t you just come up with your own silhouettes, even if it wont be acceptable at first, it’s a piece of art that should be timeless and speaks of your talent, come on look at the likes of McQueen, If he was living here we’d probably have locked him up in a mental hospital a long time ago.

 Seriously open your wardrobe and look how many pieces that you own and actually have bought from a high street retail store have Arabic influence to it, just as an example the harem pants or even the Palestinian scarf.  Honestly I myself am fond of the Moroccan history and traditional wear  and havent seen many people here pay any attention to it so why not?! And you now what it doesn’t have to be of any influence, why can’t its be the result of pure insanity or talent.

 Just regardless of whatever you choose to draw your inspiration from just make sure that it defines you as a designer and an artist. I beg you please look around you, away from the catwalks, away from the big retail stores, or what trends people are buying these days….and create something new, elevate the Egyptian fashion scene.  Whatever you do ENOUGH WITH THE EVIL EYE!