As the season of sun, flowers and colored eggs begins, Malak el-Ezzawy launches her new Spring/Summer collection — 50 dresses that encompass the essence of freshness, elegance and glee. Egypt Independent looks into the fashionista's latest designs.
In her posh atelier in Dokki, Ezzawy sits on her desk putting the final touches on her log while assistants are running around arranging the dresses on the racks and dressing up mannequins. "The printed fabrics are imported but the plain ones are locally made," explains Ezzawy. The fabrics used are chiffon, tulle, and lace; the length varies between long dresses with trains to short above the knee gowns. Tulle has been widely used recently on the runways, especially in bridal collections — short bridal and evening gowns with long tulle trains were of the fad of last season and apparently continues to reign on the fashion scene for this spring and summer.
The collection is wide-ranging and suitable for all occasions. If you are looking for a sequined and heavily beaded piece you will find it alongside plain, simple ones. Like all of Ezzawy's collections, the dresses cover all tastes, from fitted figure hugging evening dresses to flowy, poofy tutu-like gowns. A Spanish touch is obvious in the collection, especially in the layered skirts inspired by the flamenco dresses.
"I decided to use tulle this season for the first time," explains Ezzawy. Tulle is a flowing and fun fabric and has been used abundantly by many Egyptian and international designers for evening and bridal gowns. The signature piece of this season's collection is a florescent green all-tulle gown with a draped corset and a layered skirt.
Although fluorescent colors disappeared this season from most international runways, Ezzawy decided to keep the vibrant feel for her latest creations — colors like and apple green, electric blue and fuchsia dominate the collection. Muted colors like off-white & beige and pastels are also present in addition to red and black. A pale blue, short dress with a braided fuchsia belt caught my attention. “This is a new style I am trying this season,” says Ezzawy, looking at the dress. The pastel-colored dress has long fuchsia tassels hanging from the front and the back of the dress.
For this season, Ezzawy also keeps the printed dresses she is known for. The majority are long, flowing chiffon with pale greens and blues mixed together. Prints do not appeal to this reviewer as they are not always flattering, but they do suit certain people.
Ezzawy's designs made their first appearance on the cover of the What Women Want magazine with personalities Donia Samir Ghanem, Basma, Yousra and Lebleba all in Malak el-Ezzawy's creations. The fuchsia dress sported by Ghanem is by far the gem of the collection; it is a long, strapless gown with a tight bustier and a fitted peplum skirt, ruffled around the waist and a train.
Although she has matured a lot in the last year, Ezzawy has a consistency that is hard to find with other designers; whether you like her designs or not, you would know an Ezzawy gown when you see it. The collection will be available in her Dokki show room soon, but if you wish to get a sneak peek, check Malak's Boudoir.
