Egypt will soon join the growing list of international fashion weeks and is preparing to host its first edition on May 12-15, 2023.
The official Egyptian fashion week is organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture, which unveiled plans for the event at a press conference in the capital, Cairo.
The fashion week is themed ‘Past, Present and Future’, aiming to celebrate the country’s historical culture, its current industry and its vision for the future.
While much will revolve around its own past built by the ancient Egyptians, the ultimate aim of the event is to showcase Egypt’s indigenous design industry to a global audience, while also highlighting the country’s cotton and textile sectors and promoting its resources.
“The past, because of course our designers should be inspired by our culture, by our heritage. We should use whatever materials we have that have been used for thousands of years,” said Susan Sabet, co-founder of the event, at the press conference. “The present, because we live in the present and we are very aware of what is in going on in the world. And the future, because we know where it’s going and where we’re going to be in a few years.”
Fashion Week’s opening night will be held at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and will showcase the work of prominent Egyptian fashion designers.
Egypt wants to support its local industry
This emphasis on home ties is something that is being seen across the world as the global economy forces the fashion industry to turn inward to support local efforts.
This aspect was also highlighted by the founder, Paul Antaki, who said: “We believe it is time to tell the people that here in Egypt you can dress with Egyptian products, fabrics, styles and designers without imports can.”
Applications to attend the event are now open, with Egypt-based applicants needing to demonstrate the type of collection or event they wish to host.
Choices include a solo runway show for established or emerging designers with a maximum of 30 designs, a collective runway show with four to six pieces, or a ready-to-wear, accessories or jewelery exhibition.
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk.