RUBI GIRL GOES TO EGYPT!
Land of the Pharaohs! Cradle of the Nile! The dawn of civilization! “Umm Al-Dunya” meaning mother of the world! These are all justified phrases used to describe Egypt. Egypt’s rich history and stunning art proves that pure genius manifested centuries ago! An Egyptian named Imhotep was the first engineer, architect and physician in history. Ancient Egypt’s contribution in mathematics, astronomy and medicine still contributes to today’s modern thought. THANKS EGYPT!
Papyrus and Paper Today
The Egyptians invented papyrus but it was the Chinese that invented the pulp paper making process!
Lately political uprisings have made Egypt a hot topic on world news. The nation’s uprisings have set a trend for other Arab nations. This is unsurprising because Egypt has been a trendsetter since ancient times.
Egypt’s cultural history can be classified in these two categories: Ancient Egypt and Modern Egypt
Ancient Egypt Modern Egypt
Even during ancient times, they were passionate about fashion. They wore linen, cotton and silk garments. The upper class and royalty adorned themselves in jewelry. Modern Egypt is cosmopolitan. Due to a strong cultural identity and rich history, modern Egypt reflects a unique combination of antiquity and modernity that is evident in today’s fashion.
Egyptian Inspired Modern Day Style
Egyptian Inspired Modern Day Style
Egyptian Inspired Modern Day Style
Egyptian Inspired Modern Day Style
Egyptian Inspired Modern Day Style
A popular Pharaonic trend is the “cat eyes” Some say it was a certain breed of cat called Egyptian Mau that inspired the trend.
Egyptian Mau and Ancient Egyptian Art
The Cat Eye Look Is Bold and Timeless!
Ancient Egyptians used black kohl to create the look. Various versions of cat-eyed makeup are still trending to this day.
Modern day cat-eyed makeup
We all know Cleopatra the most legendary Diva of all time!
Cleopatra, "The Original Diva" and The Legendary Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra!
Cleopatra and other ancient royalties inspire “CLEO” Egypt’s first modern lifestyle magazine. “It is tailored to fit the modern, independent, progressive Egyptian who strives for the best in life.” http://www.cleoegypt.com/about.html
CLEO Egyptian Modern Magazine
“CLEO” Egypt’s Modern Lifestyle Magazine
Craving to see more of Egyptian culture and their current fashion, I figured a trip to Egypt was overdue. So I cracked open my chump change wallet and purchased a $2.50 ticket on Metro Air F Line from Jamaica, Queens New York, to Egypt! 🙂 Weeell okay, I landed in Astoria, New York’s Little Egypt located on Steinway between 28th Ave and Astoria Boulevard.
Little Egypt on Steinway between 28th Ave and Astoria Boulevard.
Although called “Little Egypt”, it seemed more like a little North Africa. My previous travels prove, New York truly is a melting pot! So of course there weren’t only Egyptian stores in Little Egypt. Moroccan and Egyptian restaurants, grocers, fashion stores, and hookah cafes were the majority. However, there were also pizza shops, a Turkish store, and Greek restaurants. I felt like I had walked into a New York slice of North African heaven.
LITTLE EGYPT'S STORES
LITTLE EGYPT'S STORES
LITTLE EGYPT'S STORES
Little Egypt Street Style
I love the zebra print hijab the Moroccan lady in the burgundy pants is wearing!
There are many Hookah Cafés in Little Egypt
Eastern Nights Hookah Cafe
Eastern Nights Café is one of the most popular hookah Cafés in Little Egypt
Here is our hookah Instructor for today! GET READY TO GET YOUR SMOKE ON!!
OUR HOOKAH INSTRUCTOR FOR TODAY
STEP 1: INHALE STEP 2: HOLD STEP3: RELEASE
That heavenly feeling I felt was confirmed when I stepped into Mombar Southern Egyptian Cuisine restaurant for lunch. Mombar’s atmosphere is warm, inviting and friendly.
MOMBAR
MOMBAR DECOR
MOMBAR DECOR
While lounging on embroidered pillows and waiting for my meal, I conversed with the store’s owner Moustafa, his brother Ali, and the waiter Nasseif about life and politics.
Moustafa, Chef and Owner of "Mombar" Southern Egyptian Cuisine
Some say savvy food lovers have befriended Moustafa and Ali because they’re Little Egypt’s culinary giants!
Nasseif, the waiter, recommended the salmon and vegetables stuffed in a light dough crust. Embarrassingly, the food was so good, I really reeaally wanted to lick the plate! But alas, my momma taught me manners!
MOMBAR FOOD
Check out this CNN broadcast to for more info on Little Egypt and Mombar Restaurant
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/BUSINESS/04/12/little.egypt.new.york/index.html
After lunch, I went to Islam Fashion store. The owners are Egyptian
ISLAM FASHION STORE
There I purchased my mother a beautiful scarf and broach for her birthday this month. Yup she’s a Leo!
She’s supposedly turning 25 this year 😀 😀 😀
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMIE!
Here are some of the items in Islam Fashion Store
ITEMS IN ISLAM FASHION
ITEMS IN ISLAM FASHION
While soaking in Little Egypt’s sights, I came across Alaa and Noura.
NOURA AND ALAA
Alaa donned a floral hijab over a long sleeve knit dress and jeans. Noura wore a casual peach tee and jeans. They told me that here in the States and Egypt young girls are very creative with their hijabs. Some wear several different hijabs to create a colorful, vibrant layered effect. Others match their hijabs to their shoes or shoelaces.
Creative Hijab Styles
Hijabs are the head coverings Muslim women wear.
Click this link to see how women are styling it up in Egypt
http://muxlim.com/videos/miss_chief/bbc-women-in-black-changing-styles-in-modern-egypt/
Watch this video highlighting Hijabs styles. There are some stunning designs!
There are many hijab tutorials on youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKFsWcSxrv4&feature=related
If you’re not Muslim you can apply some of these techniques to create a unique head wrap, scarf design around your neck, sarong wrap, and belt. Never hesitate to get creative; the possibilities are endless!
HIJAB INSPIRED LOOKS
You can also layer in textures with your scarf look by adding in braided fabric, beads and woven strands. You can layer traditional ethnic prints with modern ones to create a unique look! Check out this blog http://shangrineon.wordpress.com/
The hijabs tutorials on You Tube really got me thinking! Being that I am a West African Liberian girl ( Michael Jackson made that song “Liberian Girl” about me ! :D) I decided to layer polka dots and paisley prints with bold African prints, and wrap my head using some hijab techniques.
HERE ARE THE RESULTS! EVERYONE SAY THANKS TO TASHA FOR TAKING MY PICS 😀
Tenneh AKA Rubi Girl
Here I layered a sheer paisley fabric with a bold African print.
Tenneh AKA Rubi Girl Polka and African Print
I layered a polka dot fabric with a bold African print
Tenneh AKA Rubi Girl Polka In Kente
I paired Kente cloth with one of my favorite necklace
Okay my fellow travel buddies, I have to go for now but our fashion journey in Egypt is far from over! Stay tuned for the sequel “RUBI GIRL IS STILL IN EGYPT” !
Also, in that blog I will debut the Poncho Dress from “RUBI GIRL GOES TO MEXICO”!!
PONCHO DRESS Designed by Tenneh From Mexico Blog
BYE FOR NOW, WE’LL MEET AGAIN IN EGYPT NEXT TIME!! HAVE A GREAT WEEK 😀
House of Rubi 