Local Heroes: Sabry Marouf On Creating Sustainable Accessories In The Form of Wearable Art

After completing a year-long mentorship program with MATCHESFASHION up-and-coming regional designers Ahmed Sabry and Daki Marouf share the stories behind their brand and discuss how their respective cultures have influenced their aesthetic

Based out of their east London studio, Ahmed Sabry and Daki Marouf are the duo behind the brand, creating wearable yet sustainable art inspired by ancient Egyptian motifs, in the form of handbags and fine jewellery. Bazaar spent some time chatting with the two designers…

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): How would you summarise your brand’s mission statement?

We create modern-day, luxury artefacts that challenge the established conventions of fashion accessories. Our goal is to preserve our cultural heritage, while also having a positive impact on social and environmental agendas relevant to us.

HBA: How has your heritage impacted both your approach and aesthetic?

Our roots play a leading role in what we do; we love the idea of a cultural renaissance. Our ancient Egyptian ancestors sustained one of the longest civilisations based on their local values while living in complete harmony with the environment and its resources. We believe we can still do that today – and it looks like it’s the only way forward.

HBA: Do you have mentors?

We have several mentors. Having guidance from someone who’s ‘been there and done that’can be very valuable and helps us keep ourselves in check.

HBA: How about a motto?

‘Knowledge is power’ would be our motto at the moment.

HBA: What have you learned that you can pass on toother regional designers?

We have learned to be patient, consistent and to use our own voices.We have also learned that the world is changing rapidly and that we, as a brand, must become the change that we wish to see. This will mean different things to each designer, but it is something that we should all be considering right now.

Sabry Marouf is avaliable on MATCHESFASHION

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia June 2020 issue