Interview with the Young Egyptian Fashion Designer, Nada Akram
As we’re saying that everyone should consider shifting to designers and boutiques besides retailers, we interviewed one of the most successful Egyptian Fashion Designers, Nada Akram.
Nada started her fashion design business 8 years ago and today, we can say she’s a real influencer where she has a huge client base.
What are the latest trends when it comes to fashion design?
International trends this season are all about ruffles and bright colors and also, the over-sized tops from last season. However, I don’t believe in trends, I think you should create your own after all.
Why should shoppers consider boutiques and designers rather than retailers?
I think people have to consider boutiques because they are different and unique. Everyone can wear the same as what you are wearing if you buy only from retailers, so, if someone wants to be different and unique, then they have to consider boutiques.
Do you target a specific age group in your designs?
I don’t intentionally target any specific age groups, but most of my clients are between the early 20s and late 30s.
Which design do you consider your biggest hit?
The Souad Hosny t-shirt. It has been best-selling for 4 years in a row now.
And why do you think it’s a hit?
I believe because it looks different and you can never find anything similar in a retail store. It gives the identity of being Egyptian, besides the fact that everyone loves her. I’m personally surprised people are still asking for it, for me it’s getting a bit boring. (laughs)
Which direction do you usually consider in any of your designs?
I usually consider going middle-eastern and looking for the Egyptian identity yet keeping them trendy. I always try to turn vintage into funky like the T-shirt that has the royal stamp of King Farouk, and this is Princess Fawzeya on another T-shirt. So it’s basically about out culture and identity with a twist that turns it into something funky.
What’s a common mistake do most shoppers do when buying from designers or boutiques?
Trying to bargain (laughs). People think that because its Egyptian then this means you have the right to bargain although they can never do this in a retail store. You can never tell them at a retailer’s that you’ll take it for less. Another mistake is being doubtful about the Egyptian quality although I can assure it’s the best.
What’s different this season?
This season, I’m introducing a Hijab collection for summer because I have a 30% client base of Hijabi ladies so I’m considering them in summer. It’s usually easy for them to find stuff in winter but in summer they hate to layer up so this is one thing. Another thing is that I’m considering introducing more than one collection this season as it’s my 8th year anniversary.
And can you give us a sneak peak of what’s coming in the fall and winter collections?
It’s too soon to reveal the winter collection but it will be sweatshirts because they were a great hit last year. We also have the Fruit Collection for the late summer or early fall seasons.
Do you have any plans for expanding your presence outside Egypt?
Yes, I’m definitely considering expanding and I’ve been already going to Dubai for the past 3 years in a big exhibition and I’m already selling my designs on an online shopping platform over there...
And what’s different about the Non-Egyptian Market?
People abroad do appreciate the designs very much especially Egyptians living abroad. They’re like missing everything coming from Egypt.
And how about Non Egyptians?
They value the Egyptian cotton and the designs with a Pharaonic touch as Nefertiti for example. They do value the designs very much and they buy them although they don’t know the characters. It happened in Dubai that a British woman who got the Souad Hosni t-shirt and I asked her do you know who the character is, she said no but it looks cool.
Nada has always something unique and different to offer and this is the key behind her success. You can get to visit her boutique at Galleria 40, Sheikh Zayed.