Sabry Marouf

Based between Cairo and London, Ahmed Sabry and Daki Marouf launched their jewelry and leather accessories brand Sabry Marouf in 2012. Today the Egyptian designers’ luxurious pieces that pay tribute to their shared cultural and historical heritage have found high profile fans in actor Elisa Sednaoui and in Vogue Italia, who in 2018 dubbed the Armana bag from their core collection the season’s “The Must-Have Bag.” Having both graduated from London College of Fashion with Master's degrees with two years working with metalworkers, smiths and leather-workshops in Cairo’s historic crafts district of Khan el Khalili together, Marouf and Sabry combine artisanal tradition with the latest technology in manufacturing to create one-of-a-kind designs that play with shape and form.

Inspired by ancient Egypt, their collections fuse the rich history of their home country with a modern expression and a sense of timelessness. It was important for both designers to create designs that remain relevant for many years to come, “like treasures from a royal tomb,” as described in their brand manifesto. The result of their efforts can be seen in their collection of art-object handbags that offer both functionality and style. Treated to resemble natural minerals, the bags’ distinct and striking aesthetic frees Sabry and Marouf of rigid and established design conventions, and their use of materials like wood, plexiglass and precious stones lend their creations a distinct sculptural quality. The recipient of the prestigious Fashion Trust Arabia prize in 2019 in the accessories category (which awarded winners a mentorship with online retailer MatchesFashion), Sabry Marouf was also endorsed by Vogue Talents in 2016 as an emerging designer and invited to show their work as part of Vogue Talent's 10th anniversary celebration in 2019.