She is involved in strengthening the relationship between Europe and her homeland Egypt. Zeinab is passionate about sustainable development and promoting Egypt on the international scene as she attends high-profile events in Paris, Cannes and beyond.
Zeinab, tell us more about your recent visit to Paris with Hermès…
Hermès invited me to the Maison’s warehouse. We went to Hermès Horizon for custom made bags and where they use remaining leftovers of the Hermès leathers to create unique creations. I was impressed with their imagination and potential to make luxurious pieces out of leftovers. Every piece had its own character and there were never two pieces that looked the same. It’s aesthetically beautiful and utilitarian. They made me live the process with them until it came to life. I saw the French craftworkers as they were working for long hours and I saw the effort. People don’t usually know the amount of work put in to get an end product.
My presence in the warehouse really showed me the value of everything they did. It’s made with passion and love. I really am invested in sustainable development and reusing materials to preserve the environment. It’s our duty to reduce, reuse and recycle, and to preserve our resources.
And how was their yearly event Saut Hermès like?
Being at the Hermès event where people come from all over the world was dreamy. I could see the organization skills and the discipline that was impressive. The choices they made and the standards they set were incredible. They’re very selective and I was one of the only people from the Middle East to receive an invite. They have an eye for detail, they had craftsmen showing us how they create saddles and the traditional Hermès methods. Everyone just loved it!
So how did your relationship with Hermès and French labels first start?
I love Hermès, the French culture and the relationship between Egypt and France. French people like Egyptian culture and they are interested in the stories of the Pharaohs. At the same time, as an Egyptian I have a lot of love for the French culture, for Paris as a city and the Cannes Film Festival. Being in France, I feel like Hermès is a heritage that reflects the French culture as it remains to grow and maintain its personality. It is unique in the eyes of the entire world.
You have also invited friends who happen to be from the French luxury industry…
Indeed, I invited my French friends that I consider members of my family. My children were so happy to be with them on a cruise along the Nile river from Luxor to Aswan, seeing very monuments in Egypt such as the Karnak and Hatshepsut temples. My French friends were so invested in learning about the Egyptian culture and the development from sports to medicine. My kids also tried to speak French to them the whole way. We would wake up at 5 am before sunrise to get on track with our program. Their presence was a huge addition.
How did you feel about the recent fashion events that were hosted in Egypt ?
It just confirms my thoughts about the relationship between France and Egypt in terms of cultural exchange. There was a grandiose Dior event last year, the first day was at the Grand Egyptian Museum which is one of the most important museums in the world. It was a huge addition to have Dior there before the museum officially opened its doors.
And How was the Dior fashion show which you attended in Egypt?
The fashion show being by the pyramids, the lights, the music seemed was out of a fairytale. It was as if we took a time machine back in history. We loved the scenery with the Pharaohs; a runway show were French and Egyptian arts were interwoven.
Stefano Ricci also had a fashion show in Egypt…
Yes in the temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor and he was celebrating his fiftieth anniversary.
Does that mean Egyptians have a thing for luxury?
Of course. Ancient Egyptian artifacts always attracts luxury brands. Even Chanel had a line inspired by Egypt, it was a very special collection for its Métiers d’Art show.
With Cannes Film Festival around the corner, why is it important to represent your country there as an Egyptian businesswoman?
Last year, I attended a Pierre Cardin event that was exquisite. It was filled with artistic pieces and it was culturally rich. I also invited French photographer Jean Daniel Lorieux to Egypt, he was the photographer of Jacques Chirac and he took photos of my family and I under the pyramids.
The Cannes Film Festival is always an addition to any one that is part of the film industry, it allows them to be part of an international platform. I attended the opening last year, I saw American celebrities, they were so approachable and they speak from the heart.
Tell us more about your current activities…
Right now and during the holly month of Ramadan, my association We Love Egypt is giving daily prizes for individuals with special needs to improve their abilities and encourage them to be actively part of our society.
Finally, what upcoming projects do you have lined up between France and Egypt?
I also want to create a big Egyptian event in Paris to invite Parisians and to receive people from all over the world. It needs to be intertwined with French culture, like collaborating with French officials to show the good relationship between both countries.
