DFA in Conversation with Dalia and Nada Fekry, founders and creative directors of Vivid Handbags.
Graphics & Article by Rania Abdalla
Photos/Bags by Vivid Handbags
Photos/Bags by Vivid Handbags
Vivid: A Cairo Brand's Journey from Interior Design to Handbags
From the heart of Cairo, Egypt's vibrant capital, comes Vivid, a daring brand intent on leaving its unique imprint on the world of handbags. Sisters Dalia and Nada, fueled by a lifelong journey immersed in art and propelled by their creative aspirations, are the imaginative pair steering this brand. Despite their backgrounds in interior design, the duo have applied their skills and artistic passion to craft one-of-a-kind handbags that reflect their love for art and culture.
From childhood, Dalia and Nada were immersed in the artistic world, active creators who dedicated themselves to crafting handmade projects. This passion was fostered by their parents, particularly their father, their first mentor. He instilled in them an appreciation for fine arts and the intricate beauty of handcrafted items. Their family environment served as their initial creative workshop, where they began honing their artistic skills.
The sisters' childhood art fascination did not wane over time but instead shaped their academic pursuits and professional ambitions. They chose to study interior design, seeing it as a fitting avenue to express their artistic yearnings while also shaping the physical spaces in which people live, work, and play. Their educational experiences only deepened their love for the art of design, further fueling their shared dream of creating a brand of their own.
The birth of Vivid is deeply ingrained in these influences and an ambition to revolutionize the traditional outlook on design. For Dalia and Nada, their handbags are more than just fashion accessories — they are tangible manifestations of art. The brand mirrors their commitment to the artistic process, with each bag encapsulating a narrative, an emotion, or a chapter of their journey.
In Dalia and Nada's words, their creations are not just 'products,' they are 'masterpieces,' - objects of art that reflect their creative journey, artistic heritage, and their lifelong commitment to the aesthetic and the handmade. Through Vivid, they hope to bring this vision to the world, transforming spaces and telling stories through their designs.
Vivid: Handbags as Art and Heritage
From functional furnishings to vibrant handbags, Vivid’s portfolio is diverse, reflecting the brand's adaptability and innovative spirit. Dalia and Nada ventured into creating bags as they perceived them as a canvas allowing for the application of various materials and techniques. From using different fabrics and leather to wood, hand-painted elements to carefully stitched designs, the sisters explored a range of creative possibilities. In doing so, they transformed the humble bag into a wearable work of art.
Their designs, bursting with color and vibrancy, are reflective not just of their artistic ethos, but also of their deep admiration for Egyptian culture and folk art. There's a narrative behind each bag, a story from their homeland, subtly told through design elements and artistry. By integrating elements of their cultural heritage into their designs, they aim to offer a distinctive product that serves not only a functional purpose but also stands as a unique piece of artistry, capturing the attention and imagination of the beholder.
Vivid: Crafting a Philosophy of Color, Energy, and Design
The choice of the name Vivid for their brand is no coincidence. It perfectly encapsulates the sisters' creative philosophy - energetic, colorful, and attention-grabbing. Much like the definition of the word itself, their handcrafted bags radiate with life and vigor. They embody the energy that goes into their creation and resonate with the bold hues and intricate designs that characterize Dalia and Nada's unique aesthetic.
Every creation from Vivid is a testament to the brand's dedication to creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural homage. Dalia and Nada have succeeded in curating a unique brand identity that merges their love for art, culture, and design into tangible, functional masterpieces. With Vivid, the duo continues to tell a story of their journey, their heritage, and their unwavering passion for design, one vibrant creation at a time.
Sustainable Creation: Vivid's Unique Approach to Conscious Design
Beyond their vibrant aesthetics and innovative design, Vivid's creations stand out for their commitment to sustainability. The brand’s dedication to utilizing recycled and upcycled fabrics is a defining characteristic, demonstrating Dalia and Nada's commitment to conscious consumption. Nothing goes to waste in the sisters' studio; every leftover piece of fabric, every old design or patch, finds new life in a fresh creation. This practice lends to the uniqueness of their bags, with each piece being a one-of-a-kind work of art, crafted with sustainability in mind.
The distinct nature of Vivid's offerings sets them apart in an era dominated by mass production. Their model is decidedly different: they create upon request, taking orders and then meticulously crafting each piece over a period of 10-15 working days. This ensures that every bag receives the attention it deserves, staying true to the brand’s ethos of authenticity, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
Egypt in Every Stitch: Vivid's Bags as Narratives of Heritage
At the core of Vivid's brand values is a deep reverence for their native Egyptian culture. The sisters undertake comprehensive research, delving into historical narratives, exploring local traditions, and drawing inspiration from their surroundings. From visiting historical sites to strolling down bustling local streets, their design process is steeped in a journey of cultural exploration.
Traditional Egyptian motifs, like the khamsa symbol or the imagery of a pigeon, find their way into Vivid's bags, subtly narrating tales of the countryside. The designs are not merely aesthetic embellishments but serve as a storytelling medium, encapsulating cultural stories and historical anecdotes. Every bag becomes a talking point, a piece of wearable history that piques the interest of the onlooker and starts a conversation about Egypt's rich cultural heritage.
By artfully weaving these narratives into their designs, Dalia and Nada aim to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding of their culture. Their intention is not just to design bags but to engage their consumers in an enriching cultural experience. Each Vivid creation, therefore, is more than a bag. It's a cultural artifact that offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Egyptian heritage.
Vivid's Handbags: A Journey Through Egypt's Iconic Motifs
The summer collection from Vivid, brimming with effervescent hues, encourages thoughts of beach days, sunlit waters, and the zest of outdoor activities. The bags, crafted in vibrant colors, evoke a sense of energetic travel and serve as an eye-catching accessory against a monochrome outfit, becoming the focal point of the wearer's ensemble.
Among the standout designs is the 'Tivoli Cat Egypt Bag.' This piece integrates motifs of the Lotus, an ancient symbol deeply tied to Egyptian culture. The bag is rendered in hues of gold, silver, green, and blue, each color resonating with Egyptian cultural significance. Gold, a symbol of power for the ancient Egyptians, is paired with black to offer a stark, compelling contrast in the design.
The Lotus, often found blooming on thes Nile, represented life and abundance. The ancient Egyptians cherished it as the flower of life. Further connecting the bag to Egypt's rich cultural tapestry, the Nile itself was known as God Hapi, considered the personification of natural fertility.
The 'Sacred Bird Bag' draws from another intriguing aspect of Egyptian mythology. Ancient Egyptians revered the ibis, the god of writing, so much so that burial sites dedicated to these birds have been found in Menya. The bag celebrates this symbol of power and strength, honoring an element of ancient culture that prized the ibis akin to human beings.
Another fascinating piece in their collection is the 'Wadjet Bag.' Named after the goddess of serpents, the Nile Delta, and the protector of Egyptian kings, Wadjet is a symbol of strength and protection. Her name translates to "the Green One," which inspires the color choice for the bag. In ancient times, the image of Wadjet, in the form of a cobra, adorned crowns to offer protection, which Vivid incorporated into their design narrative.
Finally, the 'Eyes on You Bag' features the Eye of Ra, an ancient symbol representing the sun god. The eye motif mirrors the rays of the sun, tying the design to Egyptian culture and mythology while also infusing it with the energizing spirit of summer.
In an era where fashion often oscillates between fleeting trends and mass production, Vivid's handbags serve as refreshing reminders of the timeless beauty rooted in cultural heritage. Dalia and Nada have masterfully curated a collection that does more than just accessorize; it narrates, educates, and connects wearers to the rich tapestry of Egyptian history. Each bag, steeped in mythological motifs and vibrant hues, isn't merely a statement piece but a testament to the sisters' commitment to preserving and promoting their culture. Through Vivid, the timeless tales of Egypt find new audiences, ensuring that ancient narratives continue to inspire, resonate, and be celebrated in contemporary fashion.
Don't miss out on the latest from Vivid - make sure to follow it on IG @Vivid_Egy.