Egypt- Fair Trade and Allaga empower local tribes

(MENAFN- Daily News Egypt) In the heart of Sinai, a woman holds a piece of ordinary black cloth. But by the time she is done with it, it will be covered with the gold motifs her mother and her mother's mother before her taught her.

Artisans are undoubtedly one of Egypt's key resources, especially as many of them master what has become known as moribund crafts that only a few practice. With the current fashion evolution the country is witnessing, going back to these simple handmade products seems only the right way to connect Egyptian culture to modern fashion appeal.

Fair Trade Egypt and Allaga are two organisations with one goal € empowering and highlighting local artisans. The two entities came together for the first time to celebrate a one-of-a-kind tribal summer.

Fair Trade's Maadi showroom was transformed into an oasis of handmade crafts, local musicians and models dressed in what seemed like a clash between the customary tribal garments and modern trendy apparels walking-around.

Fair Trade is an international enterprise that aims to develop local communities through disadvantaged artisans and individuals. Allaga, which could be translated into "Fancy", seeks a complete local fashion cycle; in other words it strives for garments that are designed by Egyptians, from local fabrics with the help of local artisans.

When studying international trends and markets, the two entities came across the tribal concept, which is the main trend for the current season. Even though the boho and tribal style is often associated with Native Americans worldwide, the two organisations aimed to change the faulty assumption by highlighting Egypt's very own tribes.

"We work with 2,300 artisans in 13 governorates all over Egypt, from North Sinai to Marsa Matruh, Siwa, Assiut, etc," said Yara Elshennawy, Fair Trade Egypt's marketing coordinator.

According to Elshennawy, Fair Trade Egypt is a member of an international social enterprise that started in Egypt in the early '90s.x