Fustany talked to the brain & beauty behind Hip Boutique, Rania Shahin. One of the best Boutiques not just in Egypt but also in the Middle East region, stocking only the hottest & hippest brands.

Fustany: Hip was one of the first Boutiques offering luxury brands in Egypt. How was the reaction?

Rania Shahin: Luxury brand Boutiques actually existed in Cairo, but the ones we have been hearing about 20 years ago. I introduced the luxury upbeat brands, that are worn by models and celebrities, in addition to contemprory brands that are stocked in the coolest stores around the world.

Fustany: What was the reason behind the creation of Hip? And what are the pros and cons for the fashion buyer business?

Rania Shahin: I love buying, and that's probably the reason behind Hip! I have been working since I graduated and at one point in my life, I decided to combine my passion for work and fashion in one place "Hip".
Buying is the most hectic procedure of the business; travelling and the research. The pros; you are always surrounded by beautiful items and picks. It's very rewarding when you see something nice you bought on someone.

Fustany: With Hip's third and grand opening in First Mall, how was it different than the other branches? And give us a glimpse of upcoming events.

Rania Shahin: The first mall branch is different, as it has a different selection of brands! It’s the window to what the concept of Hip is all about. As for upcoming events; the opening of Hip's 4th branch in 6th of October soon.

Fustany: What do you think of the Middle Eastern fashion scene?

Rania Shahin: I think fashion is very important for most of the Middle Eastern women. Talking about Cairo, my clients are very sofisticaticated and know what they want, which makes it easier for me. This way I don’t have to buy something I don’t like.

Fustany: We know you were rewarded one of the Top Buyers two years ago. Tell us more about that.

Rania Shahin: As you said this was 2 years ago, and last year in my opinion things were even bigger and better for me. I was not rewarded, but was on all the fashion week covers with the top VIP and was invited to an 80 people party at Downing Street in London, hosted by Sarah Brown the Prime Minister's wife. I was very proud once I arrived and saw the guests invited.

Fustany: All the brands at Hip are selectively picked; top fashion designers and young designers with great talent. How does the selection process go?

Rania Shahin: At Hip you will find classic timeless brands and cool contemprory brands. My expansion came into more affordable brands, that really needs a lot of research to find.

I also keep on introducing the best of the top brands every season. Last season it was Peter Pilloto and at London Fashion Week, he was the Award Winning Designer.  When I picked Zac Posen, it was the year where he was also the Award Winning Designer at New York Fashion Week and same year, Afshin Feiz was in Paris. As for last year, Yigal Azourel was the Award Winning Designer in New York Fashion Week and we have had his brand stocked at Hip for three years. I think I see earlier where they are heading.