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CairoScene
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
The Desert Muse Edit with Moroccan Stylist Khaoula Chiga
From pleated silhouettes to windswept headscarves, Chiga—aka Zif Hayati—serves up a dreamy Desert Muse edit grounded in heritage, movement, and mood. If you've ever paused mid-scroll on a perfectly styled Moroccan scarf, chances are it was Zif Hayati . Behind the drape is 26-year-old stylist and image director Khaoula Chiga. A name that translates to The Scarf of My Life, Zif Hayati is Chiga's nod to the traditional headscarf worn at home or after the hammam. 'I started content creation to make Zif Hayati more visible in the fashion industry,' she says, 'and to challenge the idea that it's only meant for home wear.' Though her degree is in chemical analysis, fashion came first. 'My mom started studying fashion design when she was pregnant with me. I became her first model—whenever she learned something new, she'd try it on me,' she laughs. Today, she works from that same atelier, styling and sewing with a vision that blends heritage and contemporary fashion. 'We have such rich heritage, and it deserves international recognition.' Her references range from Moroccan classics to Mirror Palais and Jacquemus. 'If I didn't dress modestly, I'd probably live in Mirror Palais,' she says. Now, she's building Zifelle , her upcoming modestwear label: 'It's everything I've ever wanted to create in one place.' Look One | Sands of Time 'The flowy linen set mirrors the shifting sands, while the deep red leather bag and garnet necklace add richness inspired by Moroccan craftsmanship,' she tells SceneStyled. 'The golden makeup ties it all together.' Na-kd | Linen Wide Leg Pant Na-kd | One Shoulder Linen Blend Top Zila Russi | Terez Dark Red Leather Maayaz | Dahlia II Garnet Necklace Kiko | Golden Oasis Chic Lips Beauty Kit Look Two | Kasbah Nights 'Luxury is in each detail,' she explains. 'The Moroccan jewellery speaks to my style— it's where my love for heritage meets my obsession with clean, contemporary design.' 1309 Studios | Odelia Green Okhtein | Malleable Clutch in Gold Mekouar Joaillier | Pendants d'Oreilles 'Granada' Jimmy Choo | Zyra 50 Dior | Oud Ispahan Look Three | Dune Reveries 'This one feels like the desert's softness and sunlit warmth,' she says. 'Earthy tones, airy fabrics, and subtle handcrafted details– this look is timeless desert grace.' Zimmermann | Acacia Maxi Dress Kenzaklay | Green Zelij Set Dolce Vita | Kesha Sandals in Bone Leather Beauty of Joseon | Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Longchamp | Le Pliage Filet XS Mesh Bag in Ecru Look Four | Palmshade Serenity 'This look reflects who I am. It feels like home to me—sunset tones, soft light, and that quiet beauty I grew up watching at the end of every day.' Mirror Palais | The Sunset Gown Zyne | Tory 45 in Orange Moonglaze | Sheers in Gilded Jacquemus | Le Bisou Perle Ivory Jennifer Fisher | Samira Huggies Look Five | Sirocco Soul 'The desert is never silent; it's the sound of the wind carrying stories of distant lands and endless horizons,' Chiga contemplates. 'Just like the breeze, these pieces flow with energy.' Bottega Veneta | Angle Cat Eye Sunglasses Hermès | Poivre Samarcande Eau de Toilette Bottega Veneta | Viscose and Linen Dress Chloé | Woody Mule in Vintage Khaki Chloé | The Chloé Peonies Square Scarf in Silk Twill
CairoScene
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Melkyana's New Swimwear Drop Is All Va-Va-Voom and Zero Apologies
Melkyana's Summer 2025 drop hybrid swimwear with Italian shiny fabrics, structural cuts, and handmade detailing made to stand out in water. 'Paroles, paroles…' The iconic Dalida song is about romantic disillusionment. But for Egyptian designer Malak Nahass, founder of Melkyana, a UAE-based swimwear label, it's about something else: society's noise. 'That's what the collection seeks to outshine,' Nahas tells SceneStyled. Founded in 2022 by Malak Nahass, Melkyana (- my own ملكي أنا) has become known for its versatile hybrid swimwear, designed to transition effortlessly from beachwear to city attire. Signature pieces include the "tassel bikini," inspired by the Egyptian belly dancer's costume. In the new summer 2025 collection, the palette alone speaks volumes: champagne and flame red, unapologetically bold, lit from within. 'These colours assert dominance,' Nahass tells Scene Styled. 'They stand out.' The fabrics are Italian carvico, leather-like in their texture and unlike anything the eye expects. They glisten under sunlight, cling where needed, and fall away where freedom is essential. They cinch the waist without restricting movement. If Melkyana's first two collections were sisters in dialogue, refining the hybrid silhouette that defines the brand, this one feels like the confident third. 'The fabric is playful but strong,' Nahass says. 'It feels different to the eye, and different on the skin.' Each piece, 60% of it handmade, is a masterclass in detail: twist elements, sculptural seams. But for Malak Nahas, Melkyana has never really been about just swimwear. 'The Western world still has a very backward idea of Arab women,' she says. 'They don't see who we are now.' With this collection, she confronts that perceived blindness, offering up pieces that are sensual, sharp, and deeply modern. 'The magic of Melkyana lies in its in-between. It hits the sweet spot of covered and uncovered.' Nahas doesn't believe in styling rules, only instincts. 'Feel yourself when you throw it on,' she says, and you understand instantly that these garments are less about what they look like, and more about what they feel like. Confidence, clarity, a refusal to shrink. 'Layer them with an oversized shirt, wear them alone into the sea, what matters is how they move with you, not around you.' As the brand continues to grow, Melkyana's future is firmly in sight. 'We want to be in more retail stores soon,' she says. With Paroles Paroles, Nahass rejects and outdresses the noise.
CairoScene
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Alia Abaza's SS'25 Collection Explores Minimalism & Texture
Alia Abaza's SS'25 Collection Explores Minimalism & Texture The Egyptian label Alia Abaza returns with a Spring Summer 2025 collection that speaks in textures rather than prints, and in silhouettes rather than spectacle. Egyptian label Alia Abaza returns drops a new Spring/Summer 2025 collection that speaks in textures rather than prints, and in silhouettes rather than spectacle. Rooted in artisanal technique and softened by a muted colour palette, 'the collection speaks to my love for nature and summer. A Mediterranean summer,' Abaza tells Scene Styled. Without relying on overt motifs or maximalist flourishes, this drop is driven by contrast: soft fringe and woven crochet against sharp tailoring; semi-sheer knits juxtaposed with structured bodices; silhouettes that feel fluid yet composed. The Muse Inspired by Alia's trips to Greece and Italy - where she fell in love with the structure and shape of local accessories - the collection is dominated by soft, sandy neutrals: ecru, ivory, buttercream, and eggshell, occasionally shifting into deeper tones. Navy, rust, and charcoal pinstripes peek through in select pieces, but never disrupt the overall softness. The result is a palette that mirrors coastal daylight - sun-bleached, clean, and grounded. The Mood 'I often find myself drawn to textures. They add a sophisticated element to any garment.' There's a noticeable shift away from loud patterning. What dominates instead is surface: raw hems, raffia-style textures, cross-woven panels, and subtle pleating techniques form the visual language of this collection. The collection heroes summer velvets infused with lace, and hand-stitched pearl silk. The Collection in Three Words 'Warm, soft and effortlessly elegant.' Key Pieces & Silhouettes 'The accessories are prominent elements of the collection. We've introduced our signature tote bags in this collection as well,' Alia Abaza tells Scene Styled. The bags fully complement the boxy and flowing silhouettes of the garments. A series of cream-toned two-pieces anchors the collection - from fitted skirts with layered fringe to sculptural crop tops. These are offset by more directional looks: a double-slit lace maxi dress with asymmetrical draping; a fringed shirt-jacket pairing that feels like a reimagined power suit; and a striped linen co-ord punctuated by oversized pockets and minimalist embroidery. Where To Wear It Though relaxed in silhouette, these pieces carry an architectural quality. They're made for hot city days, post-beach evenings, gallery openings, or quiet dinner parties. Easy to layer, effortless to pair, they ask little of their wearer beyond movement and presence. How To Style It ZYNE – Livia Sandals Bil Arabi – Oula in 18k Gold, Diamond & Flat Stone Letter Earrings Bouguessa – Maya Shorts in White/Black Pinstripe Jude Benhalim – Thalia Necklace The Verdict This is Alia Abaza's work at its most distilled: tactile, elemental, and self-assured. A collection grounded in texture, elevated through construction, and designed with quiet conviction.
CairoScene
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
How Kuwaiti Brand Marzook Won Over Beyoncé, Ariana Grande & More
What began as a small project designing for friends has now made its way to the arms of global icons. Marzook, the Kuwaiti luxury accessories brand, began humbly in 2012, with siblings Fahad and Shouq AlMarzook designing accessories for friends. It didn't take long for their creations to move beyond their inner circle and into the hands of global icons like Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Kylie Jenner, Cara Delevingne, Sofia Richie, and Priyanka Chopra. But Marzook's story is not just about unconventional, whimsical bags worn by celebrities— it's about the artistry laced into every creation. 'To me, fashion is a form of art—an expression of individuality, culture, and emotion,' Shouq AlMarzook, the co-founder and CEO of Marzook, tells SceneStyled. Marzook's collections are anything but static. Every collection tells a tale inspired from an eclectic mix of influences, like art, design, societal themes and pop culture. 'We often draw inspiration from surrealism and other artistic movements,' AlMarzook says. Take the Pharmaceutical collection, a commentary on modern consumerism, or their Art Deco pieces that marry nostalgia with innovation. 'Our designs are also inspired by our observations of the world—society's obsessions, emotions, and shifting cultural landscapes.' Recent collections, like the playful SS'25, humorously explore jealousy and fashion culture, turning negative emotions into psychedelic statements. Other works delve into feminist modernity, individuality in a digital age, and reimagining iconic art through a modern lens. Collections like FW'18's Pink Noise merge classic elements with futuristic aesthetics, while SS'18 takes inspiration from masterpieces such as 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. 'While we share a common vision for the brand, Fahad and I have different perspectives. He often brings a more avant-garde, unique yet forward thinking touch.' 'A piece that holds a special place in my heart is the hand-beaded fan bag from our 'Linen Luxe' collection.' For AlMarzook, it embodies the essence of the brand- luxurious and artisanal with its intricate beading, all while being versatile enough to be worn in various settings with its capitoné Italian linen. 'We believe in the beauty of contrasts,' she explains. The brand's unconventional shapes are crafted from materials sourced from the region, and assembled in Kuwait, grounding their avant-garde designs in cultural heritage. This ethos has also led to collaborations with Middle Eastern artists and architects like Nugamshi and Neda Debs. Their design philosophy has always been about longevity, both in style and craftsmanship. Marzook pieces are made with durable materials that echo the precision of Kuwaiti artistry— resin wrapped in shimmering Swarovski crystals, brass accents, gold and silver-plated hardware, and luxurious Nappa leather. One of the defining motifs of Marzook's pieces is the circle, appearing in various forms throughout their collections—representing unity, eternity, and wholeness. 'In our designs, the circle serves as both a literal element and a symbol of timelessness,' she explains. Marzook's rise to global recognition began with Amal Clooney sporting one of their designs. Her endorsement, followed by Beyoncé's, was the moment that catapulted Marzook into the spotlight. 'To see these icons wear our pieces was a reaffirmation of our hard work.' As more global icons embraced their designs, Marzook was firmly placed on the global fashion map. 'I'd love to see regional power houses like Queen Rania or Sheikha Moza wearing Marzook—women whose bold and regal style aligns with our ethos.'
CairoScene
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
SPOTLIGHT: Saudi Bags Label Dania Shinkar Delivers Playful Luxury
Dania Shinkar's bags don't just hold your essentials - they also hold attention. The Brand Sculptural, playful, and precise, Dania Shinkar's bags sit somewhere between accessory and object. With Saudi roots, Italian production, and an Irish HQ, the label is geographically unbound - but its identity is distinct. The Design Language Bold curves, clever details, and a measured dose of drama define the collection. The Mini Gaga and Mila bags, with their spherical handles, could easily pass as modern sculpture. The Dana bag plays with perspective, using a double-frame illusion to trick the eye - a quiet design sleight of hand that happens to be Shinkar's personal favourite. The Mila, slouchy and jewelled, has all the presence of a protagonist. Dania Shinkar in Three Words 'Contemporary, nostalgic, and sustainable,' says Dania Shinkar, founder and creative director. The Founder Shinkar holds both a BA and MA from the London College of Fashion. Her interest in design was sparked early, watching her mother dress for special occasions. 'I was fascinated by how she paired her accessories and curated every detail of her look,' she says. That early instinct matured into a design philosophy rooted in experimentation. 'There are no rules in fashion' is the lesson she carried from London, and it shows. Her work leans into texture, form, and silhouette - unafraid of unexpected embellishments or vintage references. The Muse Saudi culture is central to Shinkar's design lens. She draws inspiration from Jeddah's Al Balad district, the coral reefs of the Red Sea, and antique jewellery. 'Architecture informs my shapes, while art influences my use of colour,' she tells SceneStyled. Her bags may echo heritage, but their execution is unmistakably contemporary - thanks to the precision of Italian artisans, whom she calls the 'undisputed masters of leather goods.' 'I love revisiting classic silhouettes and giving them new context,' she adds. Her reimaginings of the '90s baguette and hobo bag offer a quiet nod to nostalgia, made current through detail and structure. The Craft Shinkar's work is detail-driven, right down to her choice of materials. She combines silky satin and structured Italian leather with crystal embellishments and vintage-inspired hardware. Everything is intentional: the curved handles, the metal closures, the colour palette that moves from caramel neutrals to pastel blush to deep, metallic red. Even her sustainability practices feel specific. She uses ethically sourced leather and eco-conscious acetate, repurposing leftover scraps into sleek cardholders. The Process 'Playful luxury' is how she frames her work - serious craftsmanship with room for joy. Ideas come quickly. 'Sometimes I see a design so clearly, I have to sketch it on the spot,' she says. From there, it's about refining proportions, prototyping with 3D paper models, and iterating until the final product holds. 'I'm always thinking about the person who'll carry it - how it feels in their hands, how it fits into their life.' If she had to imagine her bags on anyone, it would be Carrie Bradshaw. And if you're styling one? 'Let the bag lead,' she says. Whether worn against head-to-toe neutrals or thrown over something oversized and undone, the goal is to give it room to speak. The Verdict Dania Shinkar's bags don't shout - but they don't need to. With a language of their own, they balance nostalgia and modernity, fun and form. They look just as at home at a gallery opening as they do on a brunch banquette - or simply sitting still on a side table, catching the light.
