Nada Akram; a fashionable spring

Political events are known to have their influences on the social lives of people so just as there is an Arab Spring, there is also an Arab spring in fashionable circles.
Across the Middle East new young designers are emerging every day. And nowadays the DIY culture is invading the minds and hearts of young Arabs, creating a generation of hipster designers, but only the strong survive the fierce competition.
Nada Akram is definitely one of those survivors. She started her line as a DIY project, making clothes for herself and T-shirts for her friends. But she started dreaming big, worked and studied hard to make this dream true, and now here she is, the queen of young Egyptian designers. With a fast selling ready-to-wear line and breathtaking designs, which can only be seen on the greatest Egyptian actresses and fashionistas, Nada is set on the road to the future.

Tell us about yourself.
I am a simple girl who loves fashion and loves seeing her designs making other girls fashionable, happy and special.

Why did you decide to start your own business? And how did you manage to do this?
I tried working as an employee after graduation but I knew since the first day that I wasn’t born to do this. I wanted to have my own business and I knew it would have to do something with fashion.

What did you major in? Did you study fashion or was it just a hobby?
I studied international business in the Canadian University. For me fashion designing was always a hobby. I used to design my own outfits when I was in college. After graduation I decided to study Fashion so I took a diploma, and started working on my first collection, creating my own line.

Do you remember your first collection? What was it like?
It was a very small collection- all blazers and T-shirts. It was like a trial.

How do you choose the patterns and themes for your new collections?
After studying all the mood and color boards, I decided not to follow any rules and instead create my own fashion rules in every collection. I, of course have some pieces that match with what is trending during the season, but most of the collection reflects my own signature and taste.

Many of your designs feature old Egyptian actresses and divas. Do you think it has become your trademark?
Yes, and I am so happy with that but adding to anything vintage on a T-shirt could be my trademark as well. I am proud to be the one to start this trend. I just love creating modern designs using vintage inspired artwork.

On a normal day, what would you like to wear?
Jeans and one of my T-shirts.
What was your most forward looking collection?
My previous Spring/Summer collection. It was my first time to through a launching party.

How do you see the fashion and art scene in Egypt compared to the rest of the world?
We may have just started, but we are moving on the right track. I am happy that the Egyptian fashion scene is finally starting to grow back again.

You dress a lot of Arab celebrities. Whom did you enjoy working with the most?
Yasmin Raies — she is my favorite as she is really bold and open to try new things

What are your biggest accomplishments so far?
Making it to the Dubai Fashion Forward Bazaar, and being the only Egyptian ready-to-wear designer. I want to have my designs all around the world, labeled with (Made in Egypt) tags.

What is your biggest inspiration when it comes to your work?
Egyptian culture and anything that is Vintage will always be my number one inspiration.

What is your advice to young entrepreneurs or designers?
Be yourself, have your own signature and taste; never copy any other designer and study. Having a fashion line is not about buying some fabric and going to someone to tailor them for you. Love what you do and always stay original.

If you had to choose one of your pieces as your favorite, what would it be?
This will have to be my Borkoa’a T-shirt. It is hand-painted and one of my best selling designs. This specific design has been copied so many times, but this proves the big buzz it has created.

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