HIP BOUTIQUE: Ever since Cairo-based fashion boutique HIP flung open its fabulous doors three years ago, it’s become a one stop for the city’s cutting edge fashion-cognoscenti, its silver screen starlets and its sexiest society stars. Owned by Rania Shahin, HIP Boutique features an exciting and eclectic mix of cutting edge and classic design – from global street-born designers to timeless catwalk legends. Pieces by the fresh and funky likes of Balmain, Afshin Feiz, Rocksanda Illinic, Yigal Azourel, Lanvin, Zagliani, Maurico Percoraro, Allesandro del aqua jostle daringly for space alongside Matthew Williamson, Azzaro, Derek lam, Philip lim and Zac Posen.

But that’s exactly what makes HIP so unique. For her exclusive clientele, Rania travels the world looking for the different and the dazzling, so that the sassy cosy store feels like your own personal wonderland closet… one that’s brimming with unique pieces by over 25 different designers, and a plethora of styles and sartorial moods. There are even a few choice accessories thrown in for good measure, including fine gold jewellery designed by Carolina Buccii and a number of lush local collections. HIP’s picture-perfect pieces have also become something of a media staple, regularly featured in the region’s top lifestyle magazines, TV shows and fashion websites. Thanks to its startling success, HIP Boutique now boasts three tantalising stores across Egypt. The flagship boutique which takes pride of place within lifestyle store Elements in Cairo’s upscale Mohandessin district, a second branch by the Mediterranean at one of Egypt’s most exclusive North Coast resorts, as well as a stunning space in Cairo’s dazzling designer shopping centre – The First Mall Four Seasons .