Egyptian Label Nabi Crafts Western Accessories With Arabic Elements

Under The Spotlight: The fashion-forward accessories of Nabi, the brainchild of Egyptian co-founders and co-creative directors, Hana Gad and Amina El Sabi. Founded in May 2024, these pieces are laced with a distinctly Arabic touch.

The Setting: Cairo, Egypt. 

The Frame: Trendy, culturally-infused accessories, such as Western belts, thin, sparkly scarves and gem-encrusted belly chains, where a bohemian, Y2K spirit intertingles with Arabic design elements. 

Nabi in One Sentence:  “Funky and bold, with a touch of vintage flair and unique cultural influences,” Hana Gad shares.

Beyond the Old West, From Function to Fashion

Western belts have evolved well past their traditional, functional origins in the Old West, and their surge of popularity worldwide as a stylish addition in the early 2000s.  “Recently, designers have embraced Western belts with a variety of materials, styles, and global influences,” Amina El Sabi says. “As an Egyptian brand, Nabi contributes to this evolution by fusing modern designs with Arabic art elements.” 

And it’s not just their belts. The Gem Chain, for example, is reminiscent of an 80s belly dancer’s accessories, channeling Latin actress Salma Hayek’s oriental style in the 1996 film ‘From Dusk till Dawn’. 

Who is Nabi for? “The modern hot girl, that’s anything but basic,” Gad reveals playfully. “The Nabi girl appreciates statement pieces that scream confidence and individuality, with a style that combines contemporary aesthetics with nostalgic charm.” 

Capitalizing on a Global, Y2K Trend 

Businesswomen first and foremost, Gad and El Sabi recognized the growing popularity of the Y2K trend of Western belts and retro accessories on a global scale, and brought it to Egypt in a homegrown manner. “Our aim was to not only participate in this trend, but also enrich it with our rich cultural perspective,” El Sabi unveils.

The Muse: “It started with us just wanting to be girls together,” Gad tells SceneStyled. “Our inspiration stemmed from our mutual passion for accessories and our desire to create something together out of our girlhood, love for playing dress up and excessively layering accessories.” 

The Stars of the Show: “The Kensho belt is rooted in our heritage, integrating Arabic motifs in the form of geometry and art, and traditional craftsmanship techniques, made in the heart of Cairo,” El Sabi adds. For SceneStyled, we’re drawn to the Sierra Belt, because what says Y2K more than a heart-shaped Western belt?