Egypt & the Fashion Industry

For many, the mention of Egypt usually conjures up romantic images of camels and golden sand, weather-worn pyramids and Pharaohs, ancient mummies and hieroglyphics.

Few people around the world associate Egypt with a vibrant textile industry; nevertheless, Egypt is one of the world’s major players.

The Egyptian textile industry dates back as far as the pharaohs and, today, accounts for 25% of the total Egyptian industry and 30% of the nation’s jobs.

Second largest industry in the country, the apparel industry produces over 300 million garments a year and more than 300,000 tons of cloth.

If you have ever bought nice bed sheets, then you have probably heard of Egyptian cotton. The phrase alone, 100% Egyptian cotton, can be equated with a solid guarantee of high quality.

What makes Egypt competitive? Until now labor, raw materials, and input costs have been relatively low. Egypt had also signed numerous free trade agreements with the US, the EU, and some Arab countries. Moreover, the government offered assorted incentives.

Nevertheless, the textile industry is not without problems, which have recently been exasperated by the current unrest with curfews and shipping delays.

Although this turmoil will pass, no one knows how the Egyptian textile industry will be defined.
My guess, it may require some time to rebuild, but the industry will continue to churn out those luxurious sheets...and more!

Textiles and finely woven cotton are the mainstays of the Egyptian economy.

Photo Courtesy Scott Chan.

Category › editorial , Egypt

Uomo Moda & the Unrest in Egypt: Day 12

Over the past twelve days of unrest, I have been very preoccupied with the critical situation in Egypt.

As you know, I am managing editor of Uomo Moda—the first and only all-menswear magazine in Egypt—what I consider “my baby.” Nevertheless, more precious than my baby are my collaborators in the country.

After several days of silence from the onset, I made several calls in vain to my colleagues. Emails were returned too.

Finally I reached them and learned that all my colleagues are fine. Despite regulary calls to them, I wish that I could be there with them.

Egypt has been a pillar of stability in the region, and I am confident that it will maintain that position in the future. Unknown to many, it also plays a significant role in the textile industry (see article).

Well, I don’t know when we will succeed in publishing the next issue of Uomo Moda, possibly this summer. In the meanwhile, however, I express my solidarity with the Egyptian people and my hope for a peaceful, democratic Egypt!

As they say in Arabic, “Insh Allah!”

Photo Copyright Men’s Fashion by Francesco.

Category › Egypt , Uomo Moda