Spring 2023 Inspiration

 

The Siwa Oasis is a 50-mile stretch of palm trees and grasslands found deep in Egypt’s northern Sahara Desert, between the Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea. Here, a closer look at how Siwa inspired this collection. 

 

Did local fashion inspire the collection?

I love the way young people wear traditional dress. Many of them add their own style and creativity in a way that is incredibly inspiring. And, of course, the beadwork and embroidery was impeccable.

 

 An image of embroidery examples on a bulletin board.




How about local architecture and design?

 

It wasn’t so much the architecture as the colors and local handiwork that inspired the collection.

 

A picture of a man standing in a blue-tiled doorway.



Can you tell us more about this season's floral prints?

 

The wild foliage was the most inspiring – low palm trees, brush and grasses – the natural beauty is truly unparalleled.

A picture of a desert next to a water oasis. Featuring a building and palm trees.

 


I’ve already noted the colors of the buildings and manmade elements, but the natural colors are just as dramatic.

 

A picture of a desert at sunset.



Can you talk a bit more about your work with Threads of Hope?

Threads of Hope is a social enterprise that trains and employs marginalized Egyptian women and refugees in very fine embroidery and threadwork.

 

An image of Adam Lippes designing and sewing clothing.

 


It was founded by two friends of mine who own Malaika Linens and employ these women to create incredible sheets and tablecloths.

 

An image of Adam Lippes standing with a founder of Threads of Hope.

 


I was blown away by the incredibly fine embroidery in sophisticated color palettes.

 

 An image of a woman doing embroidery.

 

 

View Adam's Travel Guide and Photo Story to learn more about his trip.

Discover the Spring 2023 collection.