Egyptian Fashion Influencer Gannah Anwar Curates Her Vintage Finds

Gannah Anwar began her fashion journey as a ready-to-wear designer major at Cairo's German International University, later continuing her studies at Central Saint Martins in London. Her style took an unexpected turn after interning as a haute couture design assistant at Dior in Paris. During that time, Anwar's admiration for couture, femininity, and vintage fashion deepened, drawing inspiration from her grandmother and mother’s appreciation for high-quality, long-lasting pieces. 

This transformation is now evident in her carefully curated Instagram feed, as well as her more organic “get ready with me” content on TikTok. 

Her formal training began early, with a styling course at Bosaina El Kahal’s Fashion Studio during her teenage years, which heavily influenced her approach to fashion. Anwar also earned Youth Out (now Shababco)’s scholarship for young designers, securing internships at Kojak Studios and participating in a three-day intensive course with the Egyptian jewellery label Azza Fahmy. After starting out by reaching out to local labels, she now represents global fashion houses and styles, creating content for brands like Okhtein. Today, she collaborates with international names such as Maje, Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, Steve Madden, and Armani Beauty.

“I’m extremely inspired by Egyptian folklore and personal culture,” Anwar explains. “As a designer, I love deconstruction and reimagining traditional forms.” 

Anwar describes her style as a fusion of “minimal colours, maximalist silhouettes” and “masculine and feminine shapes,” with a strong affinity for patterns, boxy pants, pleated dresses, and statement pieces. Though she favours neutral tones, she occasionally opts for bold, monochromatic looks. Her lifelong passion for design was sparked by the inspiring examples set by her grandmother, aunt, and mother. In her twenties, Anwar’s mother often designed and sewed her own clothes, while her aunt embroidered her own delicates.

“You’ll often catch me stealing my dad’s belts or blazers and pairing them with kitten heels or mules,” she says.

For this Scene Selects, Anwar shares her rare vintage finds and the unique ways she styles them.

Anwar’s Current Collection:

Vintage Dior Navy Oblique Mini Saddle

Gucci Abbey Monogram Vintage Bag

Fendi Zucci/Zucchino Belted East West Bag

90s Jewellery 

This collection includes some of Anwar’s very first vintage finds, which are the ‘Gucci Abbey Monogram Vintage Bag’ and ‘Fendi Zucca/Zucchino Belted East West Bag’.“I saved for months to buy the Gucci bag from my own money, and it was a ragged, distressed mess, but I still treated it like it was a Birkin.” 

Chanel Just Mademoiselle Bag

How Anwar Styles It: Elsa Peretti Small Bone Cuff in Sterling Silver

Saint Laurent SL 557 Black Sunglasses  

Maison Margiela Tabi Leather Mules  

Jennifer Behr Ellis Earrings in Silver

“Even if you're wearing a complete H&M outfit, for example, pairing it with a Miu Miu bag can instantly elevate the look,” Anwar reveals. “I don’t invest in clothes, instead, I invest in bags.”

Chanel Pearl Embellished Button Detail Blouse & Chanel Earrings

How Anwar Styles It: ‘the top’

Coperni Tailored Bermuda Shorts

Jil Sander Black Heeled Mules

Hermes Kelly Cut Nata Gold Hardware Clutch  

“I really invest in jewellery. It really elevates any look, even something as basic as black sweatpants and a cropped tee, turning it into such a statement,” Anwar says. She recommends lots of chunky rings, chunky gold earrings and layered gold necklaces. “Jewellery is the last thing you want to be cheap with; the secret to style is statement jewellery.”

Gucci Beige/White GG Canvas and Leather Travel Bag

How Anwar Styles It: Rita Love Lidia Earcuffs  

Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina Mules

Maison Margiela Beige Tailored Wide-Leg Trousers  

Rick Owens Porterville Milk Mini Rib Jersey  

Another bag investment, Anwar styles this Gucci bag in her signature style, with multiple, big earrings, feminine mules and classic, sophisticated pieces. Her look seamlessly intertwines  timeless elegance with feminine charm, showcasing her belief that accessories and jewellery elevate any simple look. 

Chanel Mules

How Anwar Styles It: Helsa Poplin Lace Back Shirt

Helsa Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt in White

The Row Bindle 3 Leather Tote Bag

Tom Wood Chunky Hoop Earrings in Silver

Mega Jewelry Pinky Stack

Bottega Veneta Cone Wraparound Sunglasses

“I’ve been embracing a more feminine style lately, opting for ballerinas, mules, and slippers over sneakers, and favouring long dresses and pieces that embody classiness,” she unveils.   

Cartier Baignoire de Cartier Mini Watch

How Anwar Styles It: Bottega Sweetheart-Neck Draped Twill Maxi Dress

Alaia Fishnet Ballet Flats in Black with Jewel

Tom Ford Pilot Horn Opticals

Cartier Tank Allongee Watch

Bottega Veneta Sardine with Chain  

Mega Jewellery Twisted Ridged Ring, Statement Gold Rings & Earrings  

“The future of trends is leather Bottega bags, instead of monogram bags,” Anwar forecasts, featuring one of these bags in her curations.

Anwar’s Reseller Recommendations:  

Vintage Paris, Le Marais, Paris

La Pin Boutique, Le Marais, Paris

The Closet, Town Centre Jumeirah, Dubai

The Luxury Closet, API Trio Tower, Dubai

Olya Brands, Maadi, Egypt

“Le Marais has endless vintage shop options to shop from,” she reveals, also recommending Paris’ Sunday Markets for hidden gems. She also recommends three vintage resellers she frequently shops from. “My dream is to thrift shop in Tokyo.”