Q&A: Rafik Zaki, Up and Coming Egyptian Designer
Known as one of Egypt’s talented designers, Rafik Zaki focuses on dresses that can suit any occasion, dressed down or dressed up. Simple or extravagant, he’s got the dress for you.
Check out who he is, his inspiration and what he has planned next.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started designing.
I studied in a French school and went to MSA university and graduated with a BA in Marketing and International Business. In 2009, I traveled to Milan, Italy to study pattern making for a year. I came back to Egypt at the end of 2010, got an apartment in Heliopolis and turned it into an atelier and showroom. After I came back, I trained myself well for six months then began on working on my first collection, which came out in 2011. In 2012, I release my second collection and now I have been creating more custom made orders.
Who are your biggest design inspirations?
I can get inspired easily from anything around me, but generally I observe others work. It’s important, I watch international designers and local designers – the mix of ideas is a good inspiration and anything related to art as well.
What is it like being a designer here in Egypt where the industry is still relatively young?
I think the fashion industry began to have its own voice here in Egypt, which is a good sign for a progress. I hope one day wewill have Cairo fashion week. It’s a dream, but I see lots of youth now in Egypt excited about fashion, and they are giving it all the energy.
What do you look for in a model?
A model for dresses must be tall, not too skinny, must have a squared face, sharp features and well-toned legs.
How hands on do you get? Sewing, pattern-making, the like? Where do you source your fabric from – here in Egypt or abroad?
Having the talent of imagination wasn’t enough to complete the work, that’s why I studied pattern making in Milan for a year. So I draw the design, then I do the pattern for it depending on which size and then cut the fabrics along with the pattern. As for the sewing, I have an employee who works with me – he does that! I buy the fabrics from Egypt from several famous shops that have local and imported fabrics.
Who do you most want to see wearing one of your designs?
I want to see Rihanna wearing one of my designs. She understands fashion well. Also Italian fashion editor Giovanna Battaglia.
In five years from now I want to be selling my dresses in different countries in Europe and the Middle East. And I want to be the best in Egypt.
I’ll begin working on bridal dresses soon.
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