In a time when squared shoulders and mid-length skirts were seen around every corner in the city, refined tailoring and thought-through embroidery were a valuable currency, understood and acquired by the common public.
Ahead of each high-society occasion, tailors would bid their farewell to rest and operate based on catnaps. Their packed schedules would be organised based on a client’s request to walk into the ballroom wearing the most intricate draping, while another would remove an inch after another to further highlight her narrow hips.
Nonetheless, one of Cairo’s most well-known socialites would always remain unmoved. Gamila Hassanien was never seen unprepared. Known by the nickname Mula, Hassanien was always keen to respond to each invitation with a one-of-a-kind gown.
Her significant sense of fashion was never governed by the decade’s popular trends, but rather, by her eye for good fabrics and skilful sewing. Her appreciation for handcrafts extended from couture to impact even her understanding of daily luxury. Her timeless ensembles remain faithful to glamour, sophistication, and elegance until the present day.
With that said, Hassanien’s wedding dress was by far her greatest source of pride. The modest gown is the perfect representation of the 1940s’ most memorable trends. The statement shoulders, the V neckline, and embroidered stripes of sequin all add to the timeless allure of this white vision, especially when combined with her floral hair accessories and dangling pair of earrings.
Decades later, Mula’s wedding portrait remained the centre of attention with a great deal of admiring gazes and comments as it welcomed her granddaughter’s guests, while occupying a centre-stage location at Moushira Ramadan’s residence. With current trends digging into the wealth of previous decades, Ramadan quickly realised that her fashion-forward ancestor has never lost a bit of her charm and capability to draw in each and every visitor.
Without a moment of doubt, Ramadan decided to bring back her grandmother under the spotlight by launching a fashion brand inspired by the glamourous lady. As the mastermind behind each and every one of her memorable ensembles, Mula’s aesthetic has always remained unwavering.
Inspired by Hassanien’s distinctive flair for glitz, Ramadan joined forces with local fashion designer Mohamed Samy to study the fascinating photos of Mula and create a brand powered by the lady’s unquestionable charm. Named after the notorious fashion icon, Mula is a contemporary label tailored for those who aim to effortlessly standout and dive against the crashing waves of fashion trends.
Each piece of garment capitalises on the marvellous impact of timeless elegance. Powered by the 1940s appreciation for tailoring, the brand embraces the refined art as a core characteristic.
Ramadan and Samy celebrated the brand’s debut collection with a runway show at the Cairo Marriot Hotel, where a number of the country’s most celebrated figures of women empowerment were present. The front row featured a diversity of radio hosts, TV presenters, artists, and designers.
As for the collection, it included three different minor stories; practical casual, playful cocktail ensembles, and black-tie gowns. The colour pallet promised a light-hearted spring and summer season with different shades of beige and turquoise. On the other hand, the designer maintained a nonchalant aesthetic with wafting fabrics—such as linen and chiffon—for the casual looks. Subsequently, the cocktail outfits included many embellished coordinated looks, making illuminated trousers the ultimate must-have for the current season.
