STYLED SPOTLIGHT: Egyptian Ready-to-Wear Sister Brands Najlah & Leil
Najlah and Leil share one mission, but with two distinct aesthetics.
Under the Spotlight: Womenswear sister brands Najlah and Leil.
The Setting: Cairo, Egypt.
The Frame: Founded in 2020, Najlah focuses on flirty, backless tops, form-fitting dresses, and barely-there bikinis—ideal for the beach, summer evenings, or parties. “As I matured both as a designer and as an individual, I felt compelled to expand my product lines,” Menah Hassan, creative director of Najlah and Leil tells Scene Styled.
Leil, launched in 2023, is the natural evolution of that journey. It offers a more elevated take on body-positive fashion, specialising in edgier, sexier pieces like leather corset tops, pleated skirts, and linen bottoms, which pair seamlessly with Najlah’s tops. “Leil is Najlah’s hotter older sister,” Menah adds.
The Brands in One Sentence:
Najlah: “Playful, youthful—perfect for daytime outings or casual evenings.”
Leil: “Sophisticated, elevated—ideal for special occasions and nights out.”
What Do Both Have in Common? Sexy, adjustable, and feminine.
The Context: Neither Menah nor Abdelrahman had formal fashion training before starting their brands. Instead, Najlah and Leil grew out of Menah’s personal frustrations as a young woman in her early 20s, struggling to find stylish, flattering options for social occasions. “I was determined to create the types of pieces I was searching for and couldn’t find elsewhere,” she explains. The focus isn’t just on inclusive sizing anymore. “We’ve also introduced a wider range of modest clothing options,” Abdelrahman reveals, signalling a shift from their signature backless tops.
The Muse: “As someone who had personally struggled with body image and weight fluctuations, I wanted to create a brand that offered free-sizing rather than traditional sizing,” Menah shares. “We noticed many customers faced inconsistencies with sizing across different brands as well.”
Najlah is named after the siblings’ mother, who plays a pivotal role behind the scenes. “Our mother has been the driving force from the very beginning. Despite having no fashion background, she taught herself everything about fabrics, patterns, and production processes,” Menah reveals, noting that their mother helps source materials and refine the silhouettes.
The Designs Through Abdelrahman Hassan’s Lens: “This intentional division allows us to offer complete outfit solutions, so customers can easily mix and match pieces from both lines.”
The Stars of the Show:
Najlah: The Bailey Midi Dress in Red
The Bailey Midi Dress is a standout with its bold, vibrant hue and daring, backless design. The lace-up detailing enhances the figure-hugging silhouette, making a statement on its own.
Leil: Gina Leather Corset Top in Black
This black leather corset top exudes edgy sexiness. Its structured design hugs and accentuates the bodice, while the sleek leather gives it a rebellious vibe. The lace-up front adds a distinctive touch that’s hard to ignore.
In the Words of Menah Hassan… “While Najlah and Leil have different styles, they both share a commitment to promoting body positivity through adjustable sizing and celebrating diverse body types.”
