Rebel-lious Cairene Designs
REBEL CAIRO
Dara and her mother by Aly Soliman
RebelCairo, a brand founded on creativity, storytelling; and a love for intricate design, has flourished under the guidance of its founder, Dara Hassanein. With a passion for blending cultures, craftsmanship, and personal experiences, the brand continues to evolve in exciting ways. Hassanein, deeply influenced by her Egyptian, Moroccan, and Turkish heritage, draws inspiration from the rich history of these cultures while embracing global influences. Through this interview, we gain insight into her background, creative process and vision for the future.
Talk to us about your background. How have your cultural experiences shaped your identity, not just as a designer, but as a person?
I’m Egyptian, with family roots in Morocco and Turkey. These cultures have instilled in me an appreciation for detail, history, storytelling and craftsmanship. They’ve provided me with an endless source of inspiration and a curiosity to explore other cultures.
Talk to us about your studies; how have they influenced your creative approach?
My studies in Applied Arts and Sciences, covering product, graphic and media design, were essential
in shaping my creative path. Although I majored in graphic design, I gained insights from all disciplines, expanding my perspective. Photography and content creation helped us build a dynamic brand story and an emotional connection with our audience, which is still central to what we do today.
What would you say are the main influences that have factored into shaping your aesthetic?
I didn’t plan on working in fashion, but I was always drawn to art. I learned to draw from my grandmother and later, alongside my mother, designed competition leotards as an artistic swimmer. These early experiences laid the foundation for RebelCairo. My mother continues to be my creative partner, and our designs still revolve around storytelling, prints, colors and embroidery. My love for water and summer also deeply influences the brand.
Photographed by Aly Soliman
How would you describe your aesthetic in your own words?
Happy, free, fluid, dreamy and nostalgic.
Would you say your work reflects your cultural heritage? If so, in what way?
We collaborate with local artisans skilled in Egyptian crafts, such as embroidery and weaving. All our textiles, like Egyptian cotton and linen, are locally sourced, reflecting the country’s rich cultural history. However, our designs also incorporate influences from other cultures, eras, and personal experiences, resulting in a global aesthetic.
Who is your Diva?
The women in my family have shaped me. They’re strong, confident and resourceful. My artistic swimming coaches instilled discipline, hard work and consistency. My style icons are my mother and Leandra Medine.
