Entering The World of Black Sheep

Fashion is a statement and is constantly on the diversified search of something new and unique. This summer the world of accessories brought back the usage of the thread in to their pieces, putting a twist on the whole ‘frienship bracelet’ we all used to make in high school. Black Sheep designer Zeina Hosni fit perfectly in to the trend with her rough designs and bright colors that are the perfect addition to any tanned skin & summer outfit. 

I sat down with her to gain some insight on where this journey started and to find out how much of a Black Sheep is dug in her. 

Tell us about Black Sheep Accessories, the name, the brand and why it all started?

I am not really into jewelry per se, but i’ve always loaded up my arms with bracelets that vary in materials and styles. I pick them up anywhere, and just shove them on. Recently, I have gotten into the DIY approach to almost everything, including making my own bracelets. Timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as I began to notice that prices of even the simplest little bracelet began to skyrocket. And for what? A piece of string with a little metal charm on it? Also, I was bored of pretty much all the styles I had seen. So I began to create my own bracelets, and after having a few requests from friends, I decided to produce a collection. Using a wide variety of materials like rusty chains, hardware screws and nautical rope, I put together a collection under the name Black Sheep. You’ll find that the term ‘Black Sheep’ has a relatively negative connotation, but I look at it in another way. ‘Black Sheep’ is an attitude, a way of seeing things, a way of doing things. Its someone going against the grain, not necessarily in a purposefully rebellious manner, but just because that is what that person wants to do.   

Do you consider yourself a Black Sheep in one way or another? 

I do, but again, not in a “i’m a rebel” sort of way. I have always gone about things my own way, and on my own terms and it has made me happy.  

Your designs have a lot of thread and rough metals in there, tell us about the materials and what significance they have in your brand portrayal?

Well, aside from getting super bored of bracelets that are either beaded or threaded with the ‘kaf’ symbol or the peace sign… I just wanted to try and be a little different. Incorporating repurposed metal hardware gave my pieces a sort of edginess that I really liked. Jewelry and accessories don’t need to be shiny, smooth gold or silver pieces, it is whatever you make it and I chose to make it rough and industrial.

What makes you different to all the other accessories out there? 

I find the current mold of accessories in the Middle East to be a little restricting, though I recognize the fact that my accessories may not be for everyone. I have been called ‘different’ because of my experimentation with materials and styles, so I will keep doing that for as long as I can, I’m not afraid to fail. 

Did you ever think that this would actually turn in to a business? Or was that plan all along? 

It definitely was not a planned thing. I originally started making these patriotic plexiglass bracelets after the bombing of a church in Alexandria just before the start of the Egyptian Revolution. This current collection has been an entirely different experience, and because I am totally new to this (in the sense that I don’t have a background in fashion or jewelry design), it has been a learning experience all the way. I am literally learning how to do everything from scratch, including run a business. 

Tell us about your first piece, the Nisr, Cross & Helal, why did you start with that?

Like I said earlier, I began making bracelets in January of 2011 after a bomb blast outside a church in Alexandria killed several innocent people. I was enraged by the disregard for human life, and how Egypt had become increasingly religiously intolerant.  I designed a small eagle with a cross and crescent on its chest, then had them made from plexiglass in several different colours. I also created a small intertwined cross and crescent out of plexiglass. People could show their patriotism on their wrist, in whatever colour combination they wanted. I was immensely satisfied with people’s reactions to the bracelets, they wanted to wear them because they were as affected as I was by the events taking place in Egypt.

What do you think of the revolution? Fail or Success? And where do you feel you fit in to it all?  

I am not going to get into this because I’d be strolling into minefield. People viciously attack others for their own personal beliefs, which I believe is wrong because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, I will say that I believe Egypt is going through a very difficult time and it is our responsibility as Egyptians to do whatever we can to help our country move forward. It is easy to look at the state of the nation and feel grief and despair, its not easy to turn those feelings into actions and do something positive and productive. 

Where can we find your products? and what is the future for Black Sheep?

Black Sheep is available at Horreya in the First Mall in Giza, Asfour El Nil in Zamalek and Dolly’s in Dandy Mall.  The future for Black Sheep hopefully includes a strong following locally, I plan on getting into small leather goods but for the time being I am working on accessories. I hope to sell regionally, but I am content with establishing a base at home for now. 

What is your favorite piece?

Aside from patriotic bracelets, my favorite piece is the hex-nut bracelet. It’s very simple, but it has got a ittle bit of edge to it.

Is this your 9 to 5 or is there something else that comes first?  

This is officially my 9-5 now. I am really focusing on the brand, plans to move it forward and expand are in the works. I am really enjoying trying to make something out of it. Carpe Diem.