The Cairo Look Book is a brand new street style blog that’s all about showcasing Cairo fashion through everyday Cairenes who are dressed to impress.
The team – made up of trendspotting co-founders Esraa ElKhodary and Lenah Hassaballah – scouts Cairo’s fashionistas in their natural habitats, whether it’s at their local hair dresser, a café, an event or partying it up at Cairo’s nightclubs. The idea is to feature rising trends in Cairo and put a spotlight on girls who wear it right!
“We were inspired by fashion bloggers like The Satorialist and Facehunter, and we realized that we don’t have anything like that in Egypt,” said ElKhodary. “We aspire to reach what they have reached and put Egyptian fashion on the map.”
ElKhodary mentioned the idea to Hassaballah, and sparks and ideas flew. They decided to get the ball rolling right then and there.
“I told Esraa that this would definitely be a hit,” said Hassaballah. “We could tell that girls in Cairo were stepping it up with their wardrobes lately and weren’t afraid to try new things, so we wanted to create a platform where we could show them off!”
The reason why it works so well, they said, is because their skills compliment each other perfectly. ElKhodary is a tech/social media wiz and Hassaballah is your trusty photographer who has no problem approaching complete strangers and directing a whole photo shoot in the street.
“At the beginning it was kind of weird approaching total strangers at cafés and parties, and it would just be so embarrassing especially when we got turned down!” said Hassaballah. “But after doing it a few times, it kind of gets really fun and slightly addictive.”
“Every time I go out with my friends now, I catch myself looking around to see if there are any fashion savvy girls around,” said ElKhodary. “And then I think about how I’ll approach her and what I would say for at least 30 minutes, sometimes even discussing it with my friends!”
One of the things that makes the Cairo Look Book so exciting is its focus on real people – you can find your or your friend’s picture on the site, complete with a description of why your outfit is a hit.
“We always ask permission before we take the picture,” said Hassaballah. “Most girls get excited and we do really fun shoots and poses.”
“The key is the confidence,” said ElKhodary. “Of course we look at the outfit first, but both usually compliment each other. If you’re wearing an amazing outfit, you know it and it shows in your walk and attitude. That’s when we approach.”
You can find the Cairo Look Book on Facebook and Instagram and also check out their website at cairolookbook.com.
WE SAID THIS: Ladies, the next time you head out, put your best shoe forward because you might end up on the Cairo Look Book!