House Babylon unveiled its FW 2024 Alexandria Collection, a deeply personal and emotive tribute to the city of Alexandria. For the brand’s founder, this collection is a sincere exploration of childhood memories and the enduring fascination of a city rich in history.
The collection, based on the founder’s early years in Alexandria before leaving Egypt at a young age, reflects the essence of a city in which the past and modern coexist perfectly.
Drawing inspiration from Alexandria’s iconic sights and vibrant culture, the collection pays homage to the city’s architectural treasures, bustling fish markets, and classic Mediterranean charm.
“This collection is especially close to my heart, shaped by the memories of growing up in Alexandria, a city that once felt like home,” says the designer. “As a young girl, I spent my days immersed in the sights and sounds of the city, from the lively fish markets where my father and I would choose the freshest catch to the iconic Stanley Bridge, where we’d watch young men dive into the waters below.”
The collection’s earthy tones, vivid designs, and easy silhouettes capture Alexandria’s textures, colors, and personality. Each work depicts the narrative of a city that has influenced poets, scholars, and visionaries for years.
“The bustling marina, lined with fishing boats, and the historic Trianon Café, where I longed to work just to wear the crisp tuxedos of the waitresses, are memories I’ll always hold dear,” says the business’s creator. “My father would reassure me, ‘One day, when you are older, you can work here.'”
The Alexandria Collection also recognizes the city’s historical significance, highlighting personalities such as Hypatia and Cavafy. “While the Alexandria I knew may feel distant, eroded by time and change, its essence remains.”
“This collection is my way of preserving the spirit of the city: the culture, the memories, and the magic of a place that will always be part of me.”
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS
Loungewear
Tencel Cotton Sets provide light and airy short-sleeve and shorts combinations with contrast piping and a polished finish.
Velour Knit Cotton Sets feature comfortable, midweight velour long-sleeve tops coupled with pants or shorts, ideal for cool evenings.
Brushed Cotton Piqué Sets include soft sweatshirts and trousers made for warmth and maximum comfort.
Accessories
T-shirts made of heavyweight cotton contain colorful graphics commemorating Alexandria’s past, including one honoring the mathematician and astronomer Hypatia.
Socks and Bucket Hats feature colorful motifs inspired by Alexandria’s Greco-Roman Museum and are 100% cotton.
Canvas Tote Bags are sturdy and useful for regular usage, while Natural Leather Slippers provide handcrafted leather footwear for indoor and outdoor relaxation.
Each piece is handcrafted in Egypt with painstaking attention to detail, demonstrating House Babylon’s dedication to sustainability and high quality.
The Alexandria Collection is available on www.housebabylon.com and Maison 69, located at Garden 8 in Cairo.
