I have had a very romantic view of Egypt in my head since elementary school days. I pictured it the way you read about it—a little mysterious, dripping in history, full of Agatha Christie plots and Cleopatra energy. I romanticized hidden treasures, feats of architecture, candlelit dinners under the stars, and the golden, shimmery Nile.
The reality? It is absolutely all of that, plus the chaotic, hilarious reality of trying to shoot a clothing collection out of the back of an old Mercedes limo while trying not to get kicked by a camel.
Shop the look: Monaco Dress
We recently got back from shooting our Spring collection in Egypt, and it was extraordinary. Getting to explore this incredible country through the lens of discovery --learning from both Egyptian models we shot with and guided tours in between shoots--brought a completely new, vibrant energy to the clothes. The dusty, sun-baked color palette of the desert, the lush green palms, the sharp geometric lines of the ancient architecture, and the intricate hieroglyphics-- our inspo boards came to life better than we imagined.
We split our time there between two major photoshoots. For the first, we leaned into the absolute classics: the breathtaking, surreal backdrop of the pyramids, the serene desert, palm-lined farmlands. It felt like stepping back in time. We also made our way out to the Fayoum Oasis, where we found the most stunning lakeside spot dotted with weathered wooden boats right on the water. I loved the contrast to dry desert sand, and the photos we got there are some of my favorites we've ever taken.
Shop the looks: Ilio Dress / Orinda Tank / Parma Skirt
Shop the looks: Sheridan Dress / Bari Top / Woodstock Short
Shop the looks: Marigold Set / White Set
For the second shoot, we had incredible Luxor as a backdrop-- it is basically one big museum on its own. We sailed down the Nile on a traditional felucca sailboat at sunset and lucked out to be able to rent a vintage Mercedes limo as our makeshift basecamp and wardrobe trailer. We played tourist at probably my favorite site we visited, Karnak temple-- the massive columns here are genuinely one of the coolest things I've ever seen.
Launching early May: Chatham Top
Shop the looks: Morro Top / Verona Skirt
Launching early May: Monaco Tank / Verona Skirt
I had no clue what the food was like in Egypt and it was delish! I'd describe it as Persian meets African and it was so interesting. Lentil soup was a fave.
I’m so excited to finally share these photos with you all. The backdrop of Egypt brought these fabrics to life in a way I couldn’t have fully imagined when we were designing them.
Keep an eye out for the new pieces dropping soon (and maybe a few more behind-the-scenes outtakes of me trying to negotiate with a camel)!
Where we stayed, ate, and shopped
If you are planning your own trip to Egypt, my number one piece of advice is to book guides and drivers. The logistics can be overwhelming, and having locals to help navigate the sites and bring history to life is the only way to truly get the most out of it.
Other tips:
- Bring lots of cash in small bills for tipping, paying to use the bathroom and big bills for paying. Most guides, drivers and services wanted cash payment.
- Bring TP for bathroom breaks...
- Smoking is still allowed inside and almost everyone smokes!
- If you are a snacker like me, bring lots with you. There aren't a lot of snack options for long car rides and travel days.
Launching early May: Seychelles Top / Savannah Skirt
This is hardly a guide because we barely scratched the surface, but here is our highlight reel of our trip.
Where to Stay
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Al Moudira (Luxor): I cannot overstate how amazing this hotel is. It is located on the West Bank of the Nile and feels like you have stumbled into a private, wildly opulent oasis. The architecture is stunning- terracotta domes, Moorish arches, and trickling fountains in every courtyard. It's full of hand-painted floor tiles, antique furniture, lush gardens full of lemon and palm trees. It is moody, atmospheric, and absolutely perfect. They grow almost all of their food on site, so it is extra delish.
Shop the look: Crete Dress
What to Do
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Karnak Temple (Luxor): This was absolutely my favorite site of the entire trip. It is the famous temple with the massive, towering columns (specifically in the Great Hypostyle Hall). Standing among them and looking at the intricate hieroglyphics and ancient geometry is awe-inspiring.
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Valley of the Kings (Luxor): The architecture in the Valley is breathtaking, particularly the massive Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut with its clean, geometric lines.
Shop the look: Charleston Tank
Launching early May: Cairo Skirt / Scarf
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Embrace the tourist sights: Yes, they are crowded. Yes, vendors prod you at each entrance to buy something (ignore, move on, and it isn't as annoying as the internet makes it seem). Yes, you still absolutely have to do them. Seeing the ancient sights here is non-negotiable and truly spectacular.
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Take a Felucca at sunset: Being out on the Nile on one of these traditional wooden sailboats right as the sun goes down is a core memory. There's nothing like it.
Launching early May: Puglia Top / Verona Skirt
Shop the look: Santander Skirt
Launching early May: Puglia Dress / Barcelona Top
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Drive to Saqqara: Beyond the Great Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara (another vast, ancient burial ground and pyramids) was worth it.
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The GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum): You need to go full circle: visit the actual tomb of King Tutankhamun in Luxor, then go to the museum to see every single treasure found inside, including the golden mask.
Where to Eat
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Khufu’s (Giza): We ate here during our photoshoot and it was, hands down, the best meal of the entire trip. It literally sits right in the shadow of the Great Pyramids with an uninterrupted view. (Fun fact: It actually just took the #1 spot on the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants list... if those lists are worth anything, who knows)
Shop the look: Puglia Dress
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Mazeej Rooftop (Cairo): Fun vibes, good view in a cute boutique hotel.
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Kazoku (New Cairo): One model we worked with recommended this spot to us in New Cairo, and she did not steer us wrong. Great cocktails, and delicious Japanese food.
Where to Shop
(Because obviously, we couldn't leave without doing some market research).
- Malaika Linens: They do the most stunning, high-quality Egyptian cotton and linen with beautiful, intricate hand-embroidery.
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Hedeya Masreya Concept Store: A beautifully curated spot for local Egyptian crafts and design.
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Madu: An absolute must-stop for incredible lifestyle and home pieces.
- Anut: Possibly one of the best stores in the world. A must go.
