Designs that Capture the Spirit of Egypt
Don Tanani
Portrait of Don Tanani, by Ämr Ezzeldin
Mother-daughter duo, Alia and Tamara El Tanani are the interior geniuses behind Don Tanani, which is taking the industry by storm. Their meticulously crafted collections, inspired by the glory and grandeur of Ancient Egypt, are simply mesmerizing. Don Tanani’s goal is to advance the Egyptian design industry by creating chances for creative, research-based design that is made in Egypt. By giving designers or creative geniuses the chance to envision, create, completely implement and present innovative ideas to the market, these ladies seek to advance Egyptian design. DIVAZ sat down with the power duo to discuss how they turned their big dreams into a reality.
Talk to us about your background.
Alia El Tanani: I was born and raised in Cairo, and I’ve spent most of my life here. My mother was American and my father was Egyptian, which gave me a unique perspective. While I was deeply rooted in Egyptian culture, I was also exposed to an entirely different worldview through my mother. This contrast made me even more committed to Egypt and its rich heritage.
A huge part of my upbringing was our family’s land in Al Dakahlia. It wasn’t just a place we visited; it was, and still is, an essential part of my life. I spent nearly every weekend there as a child, surrounded by nature, learning firsthand about farm life and the craftsmanship that comes with it. That experience shaped the way I see materials, textures, and the beauty of raw, natural resources. To this day, the land remains a constant in my life, deeply influencing my approach to design, sustainability and the value of heritage.
Would you say your work reflects your cultural heritage? If so, how?
AT: Our goal is to bring Egypt’s creative voice to the world––one that is bold, confident and deeply rooted in history. As Egyptians and as part of the Arab world, we have a wealth of artistic heritage that deserves to be celebrated on a global scale. At Don Tanani, we’re not just preserving Egyptian craftsmanship, we’re evolving it. After more than 30 years in this industry, we have an in-depth understanding of materials, production and market dynamics. This knowledge allows us to create designs that feel contemporary while still carrying the essence of our heritage.
Tamara El Tanani: Egypt has a design legacy spanning over 5,000 years, and Pharaonic civilization was remarkably advanced in its craftsmanship. However, we don’t just look back, we imagine what could have been. When we first collaborated with our designer, Lina Al Orabi, we asked her to envision a world where Ancient Egyptian design had continued evolving without external influence. What would that aesthetic look like today? That’s the philosophy behind our work––not simply recreating the past, but using it as inspiration to create something fresh and forward-thinking.
Courtesy of Don Tanani
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on this journey?
TT: The biggest challenge was stepping into an industry that has obstacles at every stage, from concept to execution. In the beginning, not everyone saw the vision the way we did, and we had to work with limited resources while still running our existing business. It was a huge risk, but we believed in what we were creating. Another challenge was transforming our designs from creative concepts into real, functional pieces that people would want in their homes. Designing something beautiful is one thing; making it practical and desirable is another.
What moment stands out as a deeply personal victory that made you feel proud of yourself and your work? TT: Our first real win was when we made our first sale. But it wasn’t just any sale, it was to a renowned designer––someone with a strong creative vision who truly understood and believed in what we were doing. That moment made everything feel real.
AT: Another defining moment was when we shipped our first collection to the United States. I remember sitting at the factory door with my son, inspecting every single piece before it was packed. Seeing our designs leave Egypt and enter an international market was incredibly rewarding.
Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to your younger selves?
TT: I would tell myself to stay persistent and not get discouraged. Working within a family business while carving out your own creative path is challenging, but if you’re determined, it’s worth it.
AT: Consistency is everything. You can’t give up too easily––there will always be obstacles, but if you truly believe in your vision, you have to keep pushing forward.
Who is your Diva?
AT: My first diva is Egypt––our culture, our history and our artistic legacy inspire me every day. My second is my husband––his support, his challenges, and his belief in us have been pivotal in our journey.
TT: My diva is anyone who builds something from the ground up through sheer determination. Ralph Lauren, for example, started from nothing and created an empire through persistence and vision. That kind of dedication is what inspires me.
