Reem Hamed Honors Heritage With Every Step
RAMLA
Portrait of Reem Hamed, Courtesy of the Designer
Egyptian designer Reem Hamed founded Ramla, a locally grown footwear brand, in 2017 at just 25 years old. With a mission to revive a lost culture and empower women artisans, Hamed’s journey began while studying architecture and interior design in Florence. After gaining experience in various fields, she got inspired by the leather footwear industry and decided to create a brand made entirely in Egypt. Merging her passion for architecture with modern design, she founded her own timeless, sustainable, minimalist footwear brand, Ramla, which most recently won a prize at the 6th edition of Fashion Trust Arabia in the accessories category. DIVAZ spoke to Hamed to learn about her vibrant vision, significant inspirations and poignant motivations.
Talk to us about your background. How have your cultural experiences shaped your identity?
I was raised in a home where my parents put great emphasis on the power of education and pride in our heritage as Egyptians. My father would take me to historical sites, like Al-Muizz Street and Khan Khalili, sparking my curiosity about Egypt’s history. My mother taught us to appreciate the Arabic language and the beauty of handcrafted work. RAMLA aims to revive Egyptian craftsmanship and empower women artisans to value their work and culture, just as my parents taught me.
Talk to us about your studies and the reason you picked this line of work.
I’ve always dreamed of living in Florence and immersing myself in its culture. I initially studied Architecture and Art in Cairo, and I later moved to Florence to specialize in Interior Design. Florence, with its history, museums, and art, deeply influenced my creative journey. After receiving a scholarship to pursue a master's in Luxury Business at Polimoda, I gained first hand experience in Italy’s leather industry, which inspired me to create a footwear brand that reflected Egypt’s craftsmanship.
How would you describe your aesthetic in your own words?
My aesthetic blends minimalism with timeless elegance, celebrating simplicity and craftsmanship. My designs draw inspiration from art, architecture and nature, combining modern lines with traditional elements to create unique pieces. RAMLA is a slow fashion brand focusing on quality and Egyptian craftsmanship, working with women artisans to create awareness of the value of handmade work. RAMLA reflects my cultural heritage by drawing from Egypt’s history, art and architecture. We use traditional Egyptian motifs alongside minimalist designs to tell our culture’s story. Every piece is handmade, with techniques passed down through generations, connecting our work to our roots.
Who is your Diva?
My mother is my diva. Her appreciation for craftsmanship, the Arabic language and handmade work profoundly shaped my aesthetic and work ethic. My father’s passion for Egyptian history and architecture has also influenced my design approach, grounding my work in tradition while embracing modernity.
