A Week In The Life of Egyptian Fashion Designer Aleiy Al Zayan

Some days he’s the divo. Some days the director. Most days, he’s both, in head-to-toe linen and four tabs deep into a new idea.

Farida El Shafie

Jun 27, 2025

Aleiy Al Zayan designs like someone who knows the difference between drama and noise. A scenography graduate, he cut his teeth building sets that knew how to hold a story — and he's been dressing characters, real or imagined, ever since. As head designer at Egyptian brand BE-INDIE, Aleiy has helped shape it into something Cairo didn’t know it needed: fashion that thinks, broods a little, and occasionally flirts.

His background is as layered as his silhouettes. One week he’s styling a music video, the next he’s coaxing a staircase into just the right state of disarray for a shoot. At BE-INDIE, he’s collaborated with studios like Form and Rizo, consulted on editorials, and dressed talents like Naïka for the Unzipped Festival. Independently, he’s modelled for photographers, worked with UK artist Cktrl, taken on styling projects with local brands like Almah — and a few hush-hush names best left to the group chat. All of it delivered with precision and never posturing of course.

Aleiy’s work isn’t trying to escape Cairo; it’s in conversation with it — its heat, its noise, its brilliance. Some days he’s the divo. Some days the director. Most days, he’s both, in head-to-toe linen and four tabs deep into a new idea.

This week on Scene Styled Selects, we handed the mic to Aleiy Al Zayan — designer, set whisperer, occasional stylist, and full-time Cairo divo — for a glimpse into what a week of fashion, fabric, and perfectly-timed exits actually look like.

A Typical Monday at the Office

“I love a serious look - clean and precise. But I’m just as serious about colour. I added a cheeky little ring as a reminder: just because you’re in a smart fit doesn’t mean you have to take yourself too seriously. You’re a colour clown, remember.”

The Row | Soft Loafer in Black Leather

Bottega Veneta | Andiamo Intrecciato leather clutch
Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela - MM212 T6(GR)
Marine Serre | Off-White & Navy Regenerated Striped Poplin Button Up Shirt
Collina Strada | Grape Stripe Alien RIng

Just Another Casual Tuesday

“The 3D-printed shoes from Body Amplification Devices are the star of this look - and my latest obsession. I actually own this pair and I can’t take them off.”

BAD Square Toe Mules | Body Amplification Devices

Acne Studios | Camera Camera Shoulder Bag in Black

Fyr Jewelry

“I like a party look to be straight to the point - just a top and jeans - but with the perfect fit and heavy on the accessories: stacked rings, necklaces, ear cuffs. I love FYR’s selection; everything blends in seamlessly.”

Sharp Love Choker
Tribute Ring
Reign Ring
Mother Necklace
Blaze Earcuff
Pulse Earring
Acne Studios | Logo Tank Top in Optic White

Be Indie | Barrel Jeans in Indie Blue

Ottolinger | Twisted Sunglasses in Black
Jaded London | XL Stud Belt

A Summer Weekend Wedding

“I love a summer linen shirt moment with a suit. Adding a touch of heritage through the cufflinks satisfies my obsession with colour and pattern - especially when paired with this scarf.”

Saint Laurent | Yves Jacket in Wool Chiné

Saint Laurent | High Waisted Pants in Wool Chiné

Hermés | Grand Apparat Silk Twilly

Thom Sweeney | Linen Shirt

Azza Fahmy | Protection Cufflinks

Prada | Brushed Leather Oxford Shoes

Beach-yyy

“I don’t want to overthink a beach look - whether it’s a party at Kiki’s or just sipping watermelon juice with the besties. Easy silhouettes, fun colours, slides, and I’m out the door. In summer, I like the statement piece to be either my shades or my bag.”

Sacai | Raffia New Shopper Bag Small / Multi
Bode | Floral Pinwheel Shorts
Nude Project | Romantica Shirt in Green