The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Geziret El
Arab is this reviewer’s favourite shopping street in Mohandiseen with an
abundance of clothing and shoe shops all lined up, including Chess. Although the
dresses and skirts on display in the shop’s window are alluring, inside is in
fact quite a disappointment.

Upon
entering Chess, this reviewer was immediately ambushed by the overly attentive staff.
The shop’s space is not that big and its racks are rather sloppily filled with
clothes. Chess caries a variety of women’s clothing from evening dresses and skirts
to bikinis and shoes. In the first section of the shop you can find short and
long dresses, shirts and blouses, all of which are in really busy and colourful
designs. If you’re looking for a leopard-print shirt with purple lining and diamantes
spelling out ‘Gorgeous’ on your back, then look no further.

Chess
also carries an extensive collection of what this reviewer believes to be
imitation Burberry. The shirts start at 295LE and can actually go up to 325LE.
If you ask us, that’s already pretty expensive for a synthetic shirt, especially
if it’s a fake one too. Chess still carries a lot of navy inspired clothing and
floral prints, as well as fluorescing shirts (250LE) that are a little
blinding. In general, the shop’s clothes seem to be a few seasons old in terms
of trends and designs.  

The
section carrying party dresses is a little more exciting. Though some dresses
are of questionable taste, there are several reasonable and feasible options,
especially the cocktail dresses. Prices start at 400LE for a dress and reach 900LE,
which is not that bad when compared to other party dress suppliers in Cairo. A different section carries more casual
dresses for around 300LE, but their designs and fabrics are very disappointing.

At the
end of the shop is a small shoe and bikini section. All the shoes are high
heeled with limited designs but in some funky colours, such as bright pink and
neon yellow. Almost all shoes are priced at 365LE, but their quality was not
that impressive. The bikini department is quite exciting with tons of different
designs for 375LE per bikini.

Chess
also stocks jeans and linen trousers for between 400LE and 500LE. Many of the cuts are high-waisted and
imitation Burberry. This reviewer liked the white linen trousers, which are
perfect in this hot summer weather.

If you
are looking for a party dress or a bikini, then check out Chess. Other than
that, the shop’s outdated designs and questionable quality of clothing make it
a poor contender on Geziret El Arab’s list of clothing boutiques.