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

Recently, chic
boutiques have started blossoming up everywhere in Cairo, carrying select clothing items from
local fashion designers, boutique labels and even world-renowned designers. While many boutiques carry exclusive names and the latest
styles; not all of them have something unique to offer.

Open since this
March, Lalloushi is yet another boutique trying to leave an impression on Cairo’s fashion scene. Located
on Mohamed Mozhar Street
in Zamalek next to Follie Follie, the boutique is somewhat difficult to find
with no shop sign present. As the shop
itself is nearly walled off and you have to be buzzed in after being checked
out by a camera, it makes sense that the boutique was nearly empty during our
visit.

The mod entrance,
composed of a boardwalk platform and a zen-like rock display, lead you to the
glass storefront. Once inside, the store’s layout and design are both squeaky
clean, well-lit, and with each item displayed properly and attractively.

Italian fashion brands,
including both Space and AnnaRita N, fill the majority of the store.
Embellished tank tops composed of thick rung cotton were priced from 800LE to 1200LE;
quite a hefty price for a minor summertime piece.

Highlights
include Space’s tailored blue and white pin-striped poplin shirt (1180LE),
which at first glance looked quite traditional apart from its baby gold
buttons. The shirt’s backing was made of a sheer, pastel flowered material;
giving the traditional top a funky, feminine edge.

While most of the
store’s collections hail from international turf, Amina K’s spring 2010 collection
was one of the more reasonably priced selections on display. The washed-out,
red linen tube dress (around 380LE) caught our eye; suitable for the beach or under
a sweater for a weekend coffee date. Hip, boho-inspired vests also stood out, with
bold coloured stripes, prints similar to that of ethnic Egyptian dress.  

A decent
selection of fashion accessories, including drop-waist belts and tiered
necklaces by Perihan Madkour were available. A small selection of swimsuits was
also on display: cute and playful, the designs included cartoon animal
characters and were priced at 400LE; decently priced quality swimsuits are a
rare find.

Lalloushi’s staff
was quiet and not too pushy, which was definitely appreciated. The store’s
selections were interesting and worth checking out if dropping a few thousand pounds on a frock dress sounds like fun.