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The Synergy of Design and Fashion: Coastal Crochets as Modern Sanctuary

ELLE takes fashion beyond the runway to Egypt's Hot Spots

The Lemon Tree & Co Hacienda White. Collage: Astrid Doil
The Lemon Tree & Co Hacienda White. Collage: Astrid Doil

As creative components invariably influence and complement each other, ELLE showcases exceptional fashion, accessories, and interiors, fostering a synergy in design.

Bohème beach vibes set the stage for The Lemon Tree & Co., one of Egypt’s most creative groups in hospitality. The big news these days is that they are extending the North Coast season.

THE LEMON TREE & CO: THE SOUL-STIRRING STORY

Once upon a decade, a magic seed was planted in the midst of Egypt’s chaos. It was the beginning of something new. The Lemon Tree & Co. Zamalek Restaurant and Bar rose tall with a magnificent Nile view. Many thought that it was a franchise obtained from abroad. The group took pride in starting their very own fully Egyptian brand in the fine hospitality world. Already in 2014 they introduced their  first summer venue in the North Coast – The Beach Bar by The Lemon Tree & Co. was known best for its soothing Mediterranean ambiance, extensive seasonal menu and uplifting music, all whilst overlooking a striking beach view.

The Lemon Tree & Co. Hacienda White. Image courtesy TLT

Making summer even more exciting, they opened The Lemon Tree & Co. Marassi. Renowned  for its spectacular events and sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine, this venue quickly became the most favored nightlife experience on the North Coast, where guests enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere and endless sensory delights.

Rituals by Lemeontree
Rituals by The Lemon Tree& Co. Image courtesy TLT

RITUALS RESTAURANT & BEACH CLUB 

In 2018, TLT launched Rituals Restaurant & Beach Club Rituals Restaurant & Beach Club in Zoya, Ghazala Bay, embracing a concept of wilderness, playfulness, and originality. This bohemian-inspired private oasis combines sea, sand, and sun with a variety of magnificent activities throughout the day. It has become the perfect destination for vibrant beach parties on weekends and ultimate relaxation during weekdays.

Beach Bohème at Rituals by The Lemon Tree & Co. Image courtesy TLT
Natural contrasts at Rituals by The Lemon Tree & Co. Image courtesy TLT
Rituals by The Lemon Tree & Co. Image courtesy TLT

THE LEMON TREE & CO. HACIENDA WHITE

Grounded in nature and inspired by art, The Lemon Tree & Co. opened at Hacienda White on the North Coast in 2019. Embracing the simplicity and beauty of the Mediterranean through an all-white raw interior, handcrafted accents, and a direct sea view.

The Lemon Tree & Co. Hacienda White. Image courtesy TLT

LE SIDI, A TLT SIGNATURE HOTEL

Complementing the restaurants with the perfect accommodation, the Lemon Tree & Co. founded Le Sidi, a small luxury boutique hotel, in 2019. Le Sidi takes you on a locally-inspired journey on the beautiful ivory sands of Hacienda Bay. Inspired by Mediterranean and North African cultures, its goal is to enrich the North Coast by connecting with Egyptian roots. ‘Sidi’ was a significant title used in the 14th and 15th centuries to honor connoisseurs in the Middle East—those who contributed to the creation and development of new civilizations across the region.

From that point, TLT’s journey expanded to encompass nightlife, the launch of new restaurants, boutiques, and hotels, and steady growth both regionally and globally.

THE LEMON TREE & CO.’S LATEST EXPANSION: THE TLT ATHENS RIVIERA

The opening of Hotel Villa Coconut on Egypt’s North Coast and in El Gouna, along with The Lemon Tree & Co. at the Athenian Riviera in Greece, marks their latest coastal projects, among many others. This impressive creative group is spreading contemporary Egyptian vibes far and wide. The Athenian Riviera has taken center stage, with The Lemon Tree Co. Athens establishing a vibrant international rhythm for its summer days and nights.

The latest project: The Lemontree & Co. Athens Riviera. Image courtesy TLT

Great news: The Lemon Tree Hacienda White and Rituals by Zoya are extending their seasons until mid-September, while Le Sidi will remain open until October 1st.

THE CROCHET CRAZE EMPHASIZES FASHION 

Complementing the nature and serenity trends in hospitality, crochet and woven raffia also stand out in fashion for their aesthetically pleasing details. Beach cover-ups over crochet bikinis maintain the bohemian vibe, setting the stage for moments to cherish.

LUDOVIC DE SAINT SERNIN

The eponymous label Ludovic de Saint Sernin has grown over the past years from a pathbreaker to one of the most visible and vocal representatives of the new wave in androgynous styles and culture at large.

Image courtesy Ludovic de Saint Sernin

ALBERTA FERRETTI

The beauty of Alberta Ferretti’s Mediterranean looks lies in their effortless, naturally inspired dressing, which embodies sun-seeking bohemian vibes.

Image courtesy Alberta Ferretti

STELLA MCCARTNEY 

Stella McCartney’s Spring/Summer 2024 show featured a sustainable innovation with Keel Labs’ seaweed-based yarn. The start-up’s seaweed-based yarn made its global debut on the runway in the form of a crochet knit dress. This experimental approach to sustainability reaffirms Stella McCartney’s position as a leading advocate for global high fashion sustainability.

Image courtesy Stella McCartney

GABRIELA HEARST 

As one of the leading ambassadors of sustainable high fashion, Gabriela Hearst was announced as a honoree of the 2024 Time Earth Awards in March 2024. This recognition celebrates individuals who are shaping the future of the planet through their work on climate justice, awareness, and activism. Gabriela Hearst is also renowned for her exceptional craftsmanship and cultural influences in her designs.

Image courtesy Gabriela Hearst
Image courtesy Gabriela Hearst

CALCATERRA 

Volume and sleek lines are the chromosomes of the Calcaterra brand created by Daniele Calcaterra. Daniele is underlining his lean and clean silhouettes with a crochet tank dress with long fringes layered over wide-leg jeans, adding a touch of bohemian flair.

Image courtesy Calcaterra

TALLER MARMO

Where a focus on craftsmanship and jet-set style intertwines, Taller Marmo stands out with handmade designs from the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, crafted in Italy. The summer version of the iconic Claudia dress is a short shift dress made from fine linen with a round neck. The long sleeves and hem are fully trimmed with playful and fresh hand-tied tonal fringes, all inspired by the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean.

Image courtesy Taller Marmo

LORO PIANA 

The epitome of slow luxury is embodied in Loro Piana’s exquisite fabrics. With their relentless quest for quality and application for the highest standards, Loro Piana is synonymous with contemporary luxury Bohème.

Loro Piana: Crochet cotton beanie. Shop here.

MIU MIU

Founded in 1992, Miu Miu is the most uninhibited expression of Miuccia Prada’s creativity. The brand embodies a spirit of freedom and a perpetual sense of youthfulness as a state of mind.

Miu Miu: Woven fabric headband. Shop here.

PRADA

Prada challenges preconceived aesthetic patterns. It is an expression of society: whenever society changes, Prada evolves accordingly. What’s simple and classic is distorted and reconsidered in the tireless search for new perspectives. A state-of-the-art laboratory grounded in the values of instinct and cultural inclination.

Prada: Crochet bandana. Shop here.

Prada: Crochet mules. Shop here.

CELINE 

Hedi Slimane is embracing the Celine summer spirit, and we’re eager to join in. This season, the Plein Soleil (meaning ‘full sun’ in French) capsule collection transports us on a journey that merges coastal allure with urban sophistication for the perfect holiday getaway.

Celine: Triomphe bucket hat. Shop here.

Celine: Triomphe baja in crochet wool. Shop here.

Celine: Lumpia sandal in crochet macramé. Shop here.

ETRO

Delivering bohemian vibes to every coast, Etro was also taking over The Lounge at The Address Beach Resort Bahrain, celebrating the recent opening of its new boutique at Marassi Galleria Mall in Bahrain.

Etro: Crochet cotton top. Shop here.

ANNA KOSTOROVA

Surrounded by the breath-taking ocean in her studio, Anna Kosturova designs her innovative, vintage-inspired pieces that are known for their effortless, bohemian aesthetic, and complement the gypsy jet-setter lifestyle.

Anna Kostrova: Crochet cotton bikini top. Shop here.

Anna Kostrova: Crochet cotton bikini bottoms. Shop here.

MAGDA BUTRYM

Magda Butrym has created her own take on femininity, shaping a unique identity for women around the globe. She redefines craftsmanship, creating the contemporary vision of romanticism in fashion.

Magda Butrym: Crochet ballet flats. Shop here.

REFORM 

Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem are the co-founders of Reform, a sustainable lifestyle brand based in Cairo that has gained international acclaim. Inspired by the wave of change following the 2011 Egyptian revolution, they were driven to take a stand and make a meaningful impact. Their strong sense of responsibility toward their community and environment fueled their determination to address some of Egypt’s major challenges through innovative solutions. Handmade in Egypt, produced to revive an old craft and empower local communities.

Reform: Mini Afro basket. Shop here.

THE ROW

Focusing on exceptional fabrics, impeccable details, and precise tailoring, The Row combines a timeless perspective with subtle attitudes that form an irreverent classic signature. The Row’s collections also explore the strength of simplistic shapes that speak to discretion and are based on uncompromising quality.

The Row: Emilie bag in raffia. Shop here.

MEDITERRANEAN DESIGN AS MODERN SANCTUARY

The earthy design style pairs warm neutrals with relaxing Mediterranean hues and rustic materials. Mindful moments, a journey for heart and soul. Every corner whispers a story of coastal charm and effortless style.

VINCENT VAN DUYSEN FOR ZARA HOME

Consider an environment that moves seamlessly between rest and revival, private sanctum and social center, indoors and out. The intuitive melding of space and function creates a frictionless daily existence and fosters a lightness of being. When one’s surroundings are unrestricted, so too is the spirit. Vincent Van Duysen embodies this essence in the Collection 03 for Zara Home.

Vincent van Duysen Zara Home Collection 03. Image courtesy Zara Home
Contemporary daybed at Vincent van Duysen Zara Home. Image courtesy Zara Home

KILIIM

Kiliim aims to revive and sustain ancestral Egyptian crafts and their artisan communities by creating modern living pieces that tell time-honored stories. The brand partners with almost 40 artisans, providing them and their families with stable incomes that are 50% higher than the industry average, in environments and conditions compliant with World Fair Trade Organization guidelines. As Kiliim grows, they aim to expand their network of artisans and explore more crafts from all around Egypt.

Image courtesy Kiliim

Kiliim: Black drift rug. Shop here.

INCA & CO

The story of Cairo-based Inca & Co. begins in 2015, when the three founders decided to enrich people’s lives with a lifestyle and home furnishings brand that empowers the next generation of homeowners and designers. With that in mind, Inca & Co. truly believes in sharing the freedom and strength that come with being a global nomad, and they vow to infuse their fabrics and furniture with the spirit of all the places, cultures, and tales of this world. Their mission is to have you roaming the globe and its unconventional destinations through the comfort of your own space.

Inca & Co.: Lecci floor lamp. Shop here.Inca & Co.: Marseille chandelier. Shop here.

Inca & Co.: Giardino chandelier. Shop here.

HANDPICK EGYPT

Carefully handcrafted, Handpick Egypt is finding the beauty in nature for a modern bohemian effect.

Handpicked: Boho sun jute. Shop here.Handpicked: Jute pearl macramé. Shop here.

HANDMADE EGYPT

Situated in Sheikh Zayed City’s Park Street, Handmade Egypt is specialized in macramé. From baskets to furniture, the brand focuses on Egypt’s contemporary bohemian lifestyle.

Handmade Egypt: Black drift rug. Shop here.

TRIBU

As a specialist in the art of leisure, Tribu brings the elegance and comfort of indoor furniture outside. Also available at Art of Form in Egypt, it truly reflects Egyptian and Mediterranean styles. Monsieur Tricot is a collection of knitted and hand-crocheted lighting elements that will transform your outdoor space and garden into a magical place. The hanging and floor lamps, designed by Belgian designer Ilia Eckhardt, combine traditional techniques with high-performing materials and modern technology. The new Suro collection by French designer Christophe Delcourt continues Tribu’s mission. The mastery of materials and curves truly characterizes Christophe Delcourt’s Suro collection, which embodies the symbiosis of solid teak seating and braided Trizo rope weaving. Tribu invites you to embark on the same journey they undertook, from the South of Europe to the North of Africa.

Tribu: Monsieur Tricot hand-crocheted lamps. Shop here.

Tribu: Suro with robe weaving details by Christophe Delcourt. Shop here.

ANJAYA

The contemporary Egyptian design house Anjaya focuses on nature-inspired aesthetics. Natural wood in modern shapes and organic silhouettes for loungers and sofas are the brand’s key aspects. The made-to-order approach is sustainable and makes Egyptian furniture stand out. The name Anjaya is of Sanskrit origin and means positivity with a high regard for nature.

Image courtsey Anjaya
Image courtsey Anjaya

THE LEMON TREE & CO. ONE NINETY: PRESERVING ENDLESS SUMMER VIBES

Returning to the shores of the megacity, The Lemon Tree One Ninety is reminiscing about the essence of coastal beauty in New Cairo, setting the stage for sun-soaked summer memories.

The Lemon Tree & Co. One Ninety in New Cairo. Image courtesy TLT
A culinary symphony amidst the rhythmic waves at TLT One Ninety. Image courtesy TLT

Discover more about Egypt’s hotspots in design here.

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