The same designer who found that her brightly-coloured bracelets with her custom-made plastic eagle pendants of a cross and a moon sold out is releasing a new collection based on a completely different, yet similarly personal inspiration.
“I was stuck in three-hour traffic,” says designer Zeina Hosni “when the bombings happened in Alexandria,” referring to the bombing of the Two Saints Church on New Year’s Eve, 2010/2011.
“I was so furious at what was going on,” she adds.
“I drew a design of an eagle with a moon and a cross in it. And later I took it to a plexiglass manufacturer and asked him if he could make the design,” said the 26-year-old.
And that’s how these popular, youthful expressions of patriotism-on-the-wrist were born. Her first set of bracelets sold out. Now, she occasionally sees people wearing them around town, she says happily.
Hosni has never liked wearing jewellery, although she says, she loves to cover her arms, especially during summer, from her wrist to her elbow with bracelets. Dissatisfied with either the outrageous pricing or with lack of creativity in the stores, she would sometimes fashion her own.
Her next collection is inspired by something just as personal and integral part of her life: her love of horses. “It just seems like the most natural thing to do” she says.
An equestrian, she is competing on an international level with her two power-horses. She's a “show-jumper,” to use her words. In total Hosni has five horses, but three are taking it easy; enjoying the retired life.
Hosni will reveal her new collection at the pop-up venue, 18.213 in Maadi, which will be catered by La Poire. Her bracelets are affordable, ranging from LE35 for the patriotic collection - which she will have on hand in the pop-up venue - to a maximum of LE150.
Her new bracelet line, under the label Black Sheep, combines rope braiding with different metal elements and beads.
Currently, Zeina Hosni says she’s in “bracelet-mode,” however, she has made sketches for other pieces, like rings and necklaces.
Programme:
30 April and 1 May, 12:00noon – 8:00pm
18 Street 213, Maadi, Cairo
Short link: