Handmade Silk Scarves To Elevate Your Style

With Covid19 restrictions slowly easing off, hopefully we’ll be able to enjoy the occasional gathering, and the wedding season will pick up again. In the meantime, Eid is at our doorstep… If you haven’t shopped for your outfit yet, or aren’t thinking of going all out with an entire outfit, then Yassmine’s line of colorful accent pieces might be just right for you. Let me introduce you a NSCAD graduate in fashion design, who has a knack for making beautiful semi-formal luxurious pieces that can bring back to life what you may already own. A beautiful luxurious hand-painted silk top, skirt, vest, or scarf might just be the item to tip your outfit off the scale, without breaking the bank. This is the kind of shopping I can comfortably stand behind: small scale, handcrafted, locally made, sustainable, focussed, and timeless.

It’s perfect for the minimalist, a capsule wardrobe, and for those who have grown to appreciate the beauty of simplicity the last few weeks. This being said, if you just love color, and are on the lookout for a hijab or a custom piece that will elevate your style to the next level, then YHWasfy has you covered too! Let’s meet the lady behind the brand, and if you like what you see, go ahead and contact her on Instagram or Facebook to get your hands on your own unique piece of textile art!

Y.H.Wasfy stands for Yassmine Hossam Wasfy, the person behind the design and production of a luxury fashion brand that’s all about prints and hand-painted luxury fabrics like habotai silk. She believes in the energy of color and wants to reflect women’s femininity and strong spirit through unique colour combinations. Her aim is to offer affordable semi-formal luxury fabrics that modern women would love to wear. She strives for a style that shies away from complexity, dull colours and discomfort, and veers closer to the fun free spirit of the modern woman.

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What’s the story behind YHWasfy?

I have been interested in fashion since childhood. I started drawing fashion garments and playing with watercolour combinations at the age of 7. I studied textiles and fashion at the Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design University (NSCADU), in Atlantic Canada. I fell in love with the heat-set technique of hand-painting and decided to create my graduation project based on it.  I love the technique because it provides good printing quality, which is as precise as digital printing, but looks free hand. I believe that this effect gives the garment more energy and character.  I based my brand on my graduation project collection, which was very well received by the audience at the NSCAD fashion gala runway.

You primarily work with silk, and you paint it by hand. Why? Do you use other fibres?

I love natural habotai silk and the way it drapes and shines, I paint it with dyes by hand because I believe in the uniqueness of handmade crafts. I also print, dye and paint other fabrics like organza, linen and chiffon, with different techniques depending on the material.

What is habotai silk? Why do you predilect it, and how do you choose which fabrics to use?

Habotai silk is a very beautiful lightweight silk that is relatively affordable compared to other forms of silk. It’s also the fabric of choice for handpainters, because it takes the paint really well, and allows for the vibrancy of the colors to show. It’s also ideal for summer and formal wear.

What propelled you to want to study fashion design and to start your own hand painted silk scarf business in North America?

Fashion has been my passion ever since childhood. I think the market in North America, Canada in particular, where I’m based, is open for new ideas and concepts. There’s no limit to what you can do and create as long as you have studied the market and know your audience. 

So who is your customer?

My niche customer is someone who is looking for unique pieces, definitely a woman who is confident and loves colorful fashion and also believes in the energy of color.

You make party dresses and custom silk pieces. What attracts you to these types of designs?

My brand is mainly offering women semi-formal and cocktail dresses. What attracts me to this type of design is that it still has a lot if room for innovation. I’ve found many girls and women asking for brighter colours, more fun and less complicated party dresses. What my brand is providing is a very chic formal and party line with a unique and whimsical touch. 

What do you mean by formal but whimsical? Could you elaborate?

I make garments that are formal in terms of where my customer can wear them. For example at a wedding, a party, a launching event… At the same time it’s not the strict haute couture formal, nor the Swarovski satin dress. It’s still simple, trendy, and fun, partly because it’s comfortable to wear, unlike most formal wear.

You seem to predilect quality over quantity, by making each piece by hand with high quality natural materials. This must be a very slow process, and possibly not as lucrative as faster approaches. What is your thought process behind this?

Yes, it’s definitely a slower process, but it’s focussed on the uniqueness of quality handmade items. I predominantly use non-toxic dyes, and sometimes natural dyes, which add to the beauty of designs and steer clear of the fast and commercial fashion concept. 

Do you make all your own dresses and scarves, or do you hire people to do some of the work?

I’m still a start-up. I established a small studio in my house where I design and make the garments myself. I might consider getting a bigger studio with helpers, to make a relatively bigger production line.

There seems to be a boom in modest fashion, but instead of joining one of the many companies that cater to the Muslimah consumer, you have started your own line, why?

Yes, it’s true, there’s definitely more room now in the fashion industry trends for modest fashion. As a Muslim modest fashion is one of my considerations when I design my collections, in addition to maintaining a continuous scarf line that is popular among hijabi women. I consider modesty in my designs partly because I personally believe it adds to the elegance of semi-formal wear, and partly because I see a growing demand for a bit more modest semi-formal wear generally. I decided to start my own line because I believe I have something unique to offer, so I didn’t want to delay my concepts by designing for other companies. Nevertheless, I do also offer freelance fashion design services.

Talking about your own unique concepts, I noticed you are looking at pastels, large flower patterns, and even feather and bird inspirations. Although this does have some echo from the wider fashion trends happening now, it does slightly diverge from them. Where do you get your inspiration?

I initially got my inspiration from the folk arts. My first collection was inspired by the fact that I noticed the recurrence of birds in folk art from around the world. The pictures here make up my first collection, for my graduation runway project, and they form the basis of my brand.

What does your business have to offer that others don’t?

I think YHWasfy offers affordable semi-formal wear that is not only meticulously handcrafted, but is also colorful, fun, creative, and offers a uniqueness that many women appreciate and wish to celebrate when choosing to express themselves through fashion.

Are you specifically talking about accent pieces? Like a colorful blouse, a vest, a scarf? Is this why you concentrate on smaller unique pieces, rather than complete ensembles?

I think accent pieces are great because they allow women to style and wear the pieces any way they like. This helps them add their personality to their outfit, so they can look unique, in a more cost-effective way. For example, if I want to make a skirt that I had years ago pop, and become modern again, I can update it by combining it with a trendy blouse. It’s less costly than buying an entirely new ensemble, and carries all sorts of other benefits.

Your scarves are colorful and almost dream-like. What artistic concepts do you adhere to?

I base all my scarf collections on different concepts. It may be a rare type of flower, sea corals, a cultural artifact, or anything that interests and inspires me! I am also particularly interested in a variety of cultures and folkloric arts.

I’ve noticed that! Your work seems to stem from a deep love and appreciation for colorful nature, from the sea to the sky. Can we expect more muted, archetypal, uniform pieces in the future, or are you most comfortable exploring the colorful side of fashion?

Yes, my brand is based on the energy of colorful pieces and unique color combinations that I mostly dye myself. However, I would love to explore the muted color palette, but combine them with other more energetic colors. I love colors! I think that a woman who isn’t afraid to wear color is a more confident woman, and confidence looks beautiful!

Are you looking at dressing celebrities for special occasions, or are you more interested in the wearability and versatility of your pieces?

I’m dreaming of dressing celebrities of course, and I think it would be a big step for me. However, I believe that all women, with all their differences, are A list starts! My brand celebrates women and their happiness.

Do you do custom requests as well?

Yes, I do! We can customize anything as long as it fits within our brand’s concept. 

What is your brand’s concept?

I can’t design something that is very far from what I make. For example, someone contacted me asking me to make a replica of a style she saw in a magazine. The dress was all made of beads and strass and had nothing to do with the idea of painted or printed fabrics. It wasn’t what I design by a long shot. There was no intersection whatsoever. What I always try to do is to meet the customer’s wants with my vision and style as a designer. There must be overlap.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

I am very excited about my debut and people’s reviews and feedback on my line! In five years I see my garments on more runways internationally. 

Thank you for you time, and I wish you all the best!

Thank you!

To contact Yassmine for a custom order, or to look at her pieces, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages, where you may message her and set up an appointment.

Up and Coming Jewler in Our Midst

How We Met

It was about two years ago that I attended our first annual Multicultural Bazar at our Premier Fitness and Recreation Center, which fell around Ramadan. This meant that Muslims from the region would surely be there to sell and purchase Ramadan and Eid decorations, gifts, and to support local craftspeople and vendors. I love attending such events because I’m always eager to see what local talents we have, what goods and services are available in my vicinity, and who I might be able to support. I attend local craft shows, regular markets, and mosque-held bazars as much as I can, but this was the first one specifically emphasizing multicultural talents and businesses. Being around Ramadan, I was sure to find a high concentration of Muslim owned goods and services for sale, and it would surely be a focal meeting spot for many Muslim friends and neighbors to see each other and wish each other well. So attendance was a no brainer. This particular year I found the usual clothing and hijab sellers, a few paint and graphic artists, a few seamstresses specializing in different types of garments (women or kids), and some home crafters making everything from soap, to knit and crocheted items, to keychains and charms. There’s usually one vendor that captures my attention out of the dozens of tables, sometimes it’s a soap maker (like the one I featured years ago, and has now moved on to making crochet dolls), another time it might be a baker, and so on. But sometimes I leave not having found anything that really inspires me. This particular year, I thought, might be one of those years when I don’t find anything inspiring. But, alas, as I was on my way out, I came across ARJewelry!

As I was heading out of the bazar, having almost completed my rounds, and purchased the token items to stuff my kids’ Eid bags with, I had almost resigned myself. I had not found anything that truly captured my imagination, but I was determined to finish my tour of the tables. I turned the corner and was forcing myself to complete my round diligently, as the true treasure seeker that I am. Just as I was about to leave the venue… there it was: Amal Ragab’s table, shimmering in pure silver and brass magnificence! I cautiously approached, expecting exorbitant prices, and as I scanned the various original pieces, the friendly face at the other end of the table started telling me about the maker (her mom: Amal Ragab), and how she sourced all her materials locally as much as possible, how she made everything herself, and how she was more concerned with making beautiful things accessible to the average consumer, than making huge profits. I was listening, and scanning, becoming more and more intrigued.

I picked up a pair of earrings, a necklace, a few rings, and finally decided I’d start asking for prices. These were really nice! They reminded me of the jewelry I used to admire in my hometown of gorgeous Locarno (in southern Switzerland) in the windows of Good’s Jewelers (the craft now passed down to the youngest son Beni). It has that rustic feeling of massive Giacometti sculptures, but in more delicate, bite-sized, wearable patterns. It had the same vibe, but Amal’s pieces are not as chunky, they’re a lot more delicate, and have a definite feminine touch that both Good’s jewelry and Giacometti lack. I had already spent most of my cash on little gifts for my kids, as this was my last table before exiting the bazar, and so I had to choose only one item, but I left feeling like I had just discovered the most delightful hidden treasure! I picked up a business card, and went on my way.

I’ve gone back to ARjewler’s over and over, and I’ve now purchased complete sets for myself and others as gifts. Her work is beautiful, well made, her service is impeccable, and her prices extraordinary. If you are thinking of buying something original, beautiful, inspiring, well made, ethically sourced, and that will last you for years to come, but you don’t want to break the bank doing so, then take a look at ARjewelry’s gorgeous pieces. She is now also casting pieces out of gold, on top of her silver, brass, and gold-plated brass pieces. She can customize your piece with the semi-precious stones of your choice as well. I tend to go for pearls, which she caters to, but she also has a wide array of other stunning stones that you might enjoy.

I asked Amal if she’d agree to answer a few questions for this piece, and she graciously agreed. Below you’ll find out more about Amal, what inspires her work, and what her business is about. I hope you enjoy it, and that you’ll take a few minutes to browse her Instagram , or her Facebook accounts, as you think about what to buy for yourself or a loved one this Eid!

Who is behind ARJewelry ?

ARJewelry is an avant-garde jewelry designer named Amal Ragab, who makes silver, brass, gold, and gold-plated hammered jewelry with semi-precious stones and pearls, mixing a variety of methods and styles. Amal Ragab is the owner, and craftsperson behind ARJewelry, and she crafts each piece individually. She draws inspiration from ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures and artifacts, and aims at catering to women who appreciate beautiful jewelry, without having to pay exorbitant prices for it.

Salam Amal. Can you tell me what’s the story behind ARJewelry?

I always had a passion for unique shapes of jewelry and accessories. I rarely found what I could picture in my mind, except perhaps in Italy, so I would ask jewellers to custom make my designs for me for my personal use. I got motivated to learn jewelry making while my daughter was studying at Art College. I started off by making the jewelry for her fashion show, during her fashion design studies. She really encouraged me to continue making jewelry after the success of her runway show, and it took off from there. I felt that the market here in North America was ripe for different jewelry designs. I think there still is much room for more designers to provide unique designs at relatively affordable prices.

Your jewelry has a very particular style at the intersection of ultra modern and ancient tradition. It avails itself of elegance and nature, while simultaneously exuding an air of daring sophistication. What is your inspiration?

I get inspired by organic and irregular shapes, along with jewelry from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. 

What do you think Muslim women look for in a piece of jewelry?

I think they are mostly attracted to semi precious stones as they believe in their energy. Organic shapes that look like flowers are also popular among Muslim women.

How do you decide what you’ll make next?

I work by piece and I start my next piece when I get inspired by something. 

I know you also do custom orders, as I’ve commissioned a few pieces from you myself. Is there a limit to what you’ll take on?

I think that the jewelry that I make is limited to hammered, folded, and beading jewelry. That’s what I stick to.

How would you describe your technique?

First I design the concept that I have in mind, then I choose the metal that I want to work with, then I cut it and file it, and use the technique I require to get the effect I’m looking for. Sometimes it’s fire, sometimes I hammer, or fold, and any combination of these. There are many different ways to handle the metal to get a variety of textures. At this point I also choose the kind of stone that I will be using. I always use stones that have some significance, such as agate, amazonite, or pearls. This year I’m starting a new technique of metalsmithing that allows me to texturize metal with fire.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

I hope to build a unique brand that caters to customers who absolutely love unique designs! I hope that this originality will gain me reknown in North America and internationally.

I think that’s a real possibility! What’s your favorite aspect of your business? How do you balance between what customers want and what you’re inspired to create?

I love that I’m doing what I love. So I’d say my favorite aspect would really be the creative side of the business. As for the balance between my own creativity and my customers’ needs, I always try to meet my customers’ wishes. I try to accomodate the metals they prefer, say if they want gold-plated, gold, or silver, or if they want a particular shape. I’ll change the stones to they type they prefer. I am always accommodating to these types of request. But I try to stick to hammered and folded geometric shapes. I’ve had people ask me if I’d do calligraphy, for example, because it’s trendy, but I always say no, because that’s not my style, it’s not my specialty. I prefer to stick to the esthetic that I have developed.

Thank you very much for taking the time for this interview. I really love your designs, and I wish you all the best.

Thank you!