Company:
Vela Scarves
Year:
2025
Project:
Print Design
Overview
Om Al Dunya is an Egyptian heritage hijab and collaborative artist design created for VELA's Baladi By You collection, rooted in Egyptian visual culture and personal identity. Inspired by traditional khayamiya textiles, the print reinterprets intricate geometric patterning through a bold, contemporary lens.
The phrase Om Al Dunya (mother of the world) is written throughout the design in Arabic, anchoring the piece in both language and place. The result is a scarf that feels expressive, cultural, and unapologetically vibrant.
The scarf was designed on traditional modal, as well as a modified silk square version.
Problem
Translating culturally rich references into modern fashion can easily become either overly traditional or disconnected from their origins. Designs often lose their depth in the process, reduced to surface-level aesthetics. The challenge was to create a piece that honors my Egyptian heritage while still feeling fresh, wearable, and aligned with VELA’s contemporary identity.
Solution
My ultimate design inspirations were the women of my family. I wanted a hijab that felt like them: bold, fresh, and expressive. “Om Al Donya” is a title Egypt holds with pride. Including it in the design felt like embedding a love letter to Egypt within the fabric itself that asserts love, belonging, and pride.
