The oldest brand in the listicle that follows is only roughly three years old, and one of them was cofounded by two 18-year-olds. And they’re following what we believe is an emerging trend in the world of Egyptian fashion brands; having a social impact. Being profitable and having the usual competitive edges don’t seem to be enough for businesses any more.
1. Scarabaeus Sacer
Focusing on environmental sustainability as well as mental health awareness, Scarabaeus Sacer joined the race to social impact. Established in November 2018, it received admiration for its purpose-driven apparel. With a name derived from the Latin name for ancient Egypt’s Scarab beetle, Scarabaeus identifies itself as an “ethical streetwear brand” that specializes in sustainable clothing for both men and women.
Their apparel was approved by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS); the internationally-recognized standard for organic textiles. Scarabaeus addresses a variety of social issues through its organic and recyclable fashion lines. Founders — husband and wife, Nour Kassem and Ali el Nawawi — are keen on bringing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to light and into our wardrobes through its designs and initiatives.
Here are some of their collections that embody what they want to be all about.
The ‘Mind, Body & Soul’ Collection
Their pilot collection, ‘Mind, Body, and Soul’ kickstarted their social impact journey; centering on mental health and wellbeing. Through visual designs seeking to normalize our mental and emotional burdens, this collection aims to diminish the stigma surrounding them and strives to shift how we think about and consider them.
Scarabaeus Sacer designs from the “Mind, Body & Soul” collection. Photo via: Scarabeus Sacer.
‘Clandestino’ Collection
Attempting to weaken another social barrier, ‘Clandestino’ focused on people marginalized because of how different they are from most of us. Whether it’s because of their appearances, behaviors, or beliefs, Scarabaeus launched this collection to empower them. Their goal was to try and enable them to fight off stigmas imposed on them because of who they are.
Scarabaeus Sacer designs from the “Clandestino” collection. Photo via Scarabaeus Sacer.
Visual Impairment and the ‘Dialogue in the Dark’
They also partnered with Egypt’s Al Nour Wal Amal Association for their project, ‘Dialogue in the Dark’. This on-ground exhibition enabled visitors to experience a day in the life of the visually impaired; be it by crossing a street or visiting cafes in dark rooms.
Scarabaeus elaborated that they wanted to induce social inclusivity and empathy within them the exhibition’s visitors through this project. However, the collaboration didn’t end there. Scarabaeus donated 50% of its revenues from the collaboration’s apparel, ‘Enslaved’ and ‘Lost at Sea’, to Al Nour Wal Amal Association.
“Enslaved”(left) & “Lost at Sea” (right). Photo via Scarabaeus Sacer.
The designs, that you can see above, were an attempt at expressing discrimination, racism, social injustice, and inclusivity in novel ways. Scarabaeus also held awareness events and talks around these hefty subjects during the campaign.
2. Enjay Wears
Enjay Wears is all about striving to create ethical fashion. After launching its debut formal collection in 2019, Enjay used its remnants to create their ‘Life Pants’. But that was just the start.
Formal collection (left & right) and Life Pants (middle) by Enjay Wears. Photo via Enjay Wears.
An Eco-Friendly Brand In the Making
Their second collection was 100% created through recycling as well. It included bucket hats and turtleneck sweaters using remainders from the atelier of fashion icon, Amina Khalil.
Recyclable turtlenecks & bucket hats by Enjay Wears. Photo via Enjay Wears.
Enjay, Amina Khalil, and Omni’s Clutches’ Zero-Waste Collaboration
Enjay’s latest collection with Omni’s clutches and Amina Khalil was a unique contribution to recycled fashion. Operating on a zero-waste policy, their Safari Jackets were 100% made through recycling. They were crafted from excess materials, beads, buttons, and fabrics from both Omni and Amina’s ateliers. Known for their refined hand-embroidery and bead assortment, Omni’s patterns were seen for the first time on another brand.
Safari Jackets design by Enjay Wears in collaboration with Amina K & Omni’s clutches. Photo via Enjay Wears.
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3. Sivik
Last on the list is a fashion brand that took a Gen Z-centered approach to sustainable fashion. 18-year-old founders Rahma Sherif and Abdelrahman Mostafa launched only around two weeks ago. Their newborn is named Sivik because its vision is to promote civic responsibility towards one’s actions, life, and community. Although the idea originally stemmed from its founders’ love for fashion, it quickly turned into a business with a purpose.
Sivik designs raising awareness about ocean pollution. Photo via Sivik.
Their first environmental-cause-driven collection aimed to shed light on ocean pollution through its 100% recyclable cotton hoodies. They employed a blend of Spongebob characters and renaissance paintings to promote it. They’re also prepared to come in and collect your plastic waste if you buy from them!
Younger Generations Setting an Example
While Sivik has just set foot in the fashion arena, it’s currently looking to collaborate with several charitable organizations. But to kick things off and be proactive, they’ve already collected plastic waste from their first three customers and donated them to these organizations.
Their future endeavors also include volunteer initiatives and events to help clean the Nile and support Egyptian villages in need of access to clean water.
With climate change on the rise, Egypt’s fashion scene looks promising and packed with interesting ideas. Regardless of where their business journey takes them, we’ll always be in favor of brands that take the environmentally devastating global fashion scene to a better place.
Read more: ‘How This Single Mom Started Her Fashion Empire on Instagram‘
