Egypt’s current social and political environment combined with its rich cultural heritage have given room for a lot of creativity to grow in the last few months. Boho Sharky by rising designer Reham Essam is the product of such intense combo.
After finishing her fashion studies in London, young designer Reham Essam came home with a head full of creativity and a heart full of hope. Within a year, she was already working on her first collection. “This is my second collection; it is inspired by the Egyptian heritage, the tarboush, old coins, the old flag and many items from our wealthy past,” explains Essam.
The collection includes 12 pieces: a tarboush dress (the signature piece of the collection), kaftans, bags, pouches and scarves. “What matters for me now is the quality not the quantity,” explains the young fashionista.
Like many other emerging designers, Essam chose an oriental identity for her designs; what differentiates her from the rest is her bohemian and gypsy touch that she adds to the sedate nature of oriental art. “I wanted to create a product that is not available in high street fashion,” adds the young designer.
Essam explains that her designs are not for everyone and that she mainly targets bold and funky women, in all age segments, who dare to stand out and aren’t afraid of experimenting with their looks. “I target the artists and the freethinkers,” says Essam.
“I used crepe, satin, cotton and gabardine for my new collection; the fabrics are imported but craftsmanship is 100% Egyptian. Working for a bigger cause was also on the designer’s mind and she decided to work with an NGO which helps the unprivileged by giving them work in tailoring and embroidery.
For her jewelry line, Essam chose a different take on things: sterling silver with threads and cloth, an interesting and new combination. “All the jewelry pieces and handmade,” says Essam proudly.
The Boho Sharky collection is available online on style-treasure. You can also find items in Lalloushi boutique in Zamalek, Dar Gallery in Maadi and Loft 59 in Alexandria. The Boho Sharky collection is reasonable priced; “the most expensive item in my collection is the tarboush dress for LE600,” concludes the young artist.
