With Dina Said’s Romantic Army Photo Shoot

By: Maha ElNabawi

“Hey, can I borrow those boots for my spring look book shoot tomorrow?” Egyptian designer, Dina Said of Nana’s Closet, asks me in regards to the brown distressed military boots I’m wearing one afternoon in Zamalek.  I look down affectionately at my Steve Madden boots, a pair of shoes that have truly seen it all; from the wintered streets of New York City, to the tear-gassed demonstrations in Tahrir Sq., Cairo.

“Sure! But I’m coming and doing PASHION behind the scenes!” I excitedly reply (a tad too excitedly).

Dina agrees and goes on describing her most recent collection, “My theme is The Romantic Army and I want to pair each look with military boots to show the functionality of the outfits.”

While the military theme has been evolving for the past several years, Dina Said expresses that her “Romantic Army” spring collection promises to add a feminine and fresh take on the theme.

The next day, I meet Dina and model/friend, Tanya El Kashef, at Amuse Lifestyle Concept Store in Zamalek, Cairo where the shoot will be held. I enter the stark white side office of the store, armed with my boots and ready to lend a directional hand. Dina introduces me to Vivienne Abdel Messih, Managing Partner of Amuse Lifestyle Concept Store, who greets us with a welcoming smile and freshly made Nespresso. Brilliant! We do a quick walk through the 500 sq meter store, which holds a stunning collection of contemporary wear, fashion accessories, home accessories, gift-ware, and an art gallery.

We scout out wall space and back drops for the shoot, do some test shots and put Tanya into make-up. Dina, a true master of her trade, begins applying make up on her model; just another skill she’s picked up along the way. She starts by applying a light layer of Yves Saint Laurent’s Top Secrets Flash Radiance Skincare Brush, claiming, “It helps keep the rest of the make up evenly on the face.” She then applies shimmering earth tones, of brown, gold and a touch of green Bare Minerals Eye Shadow, and Bobbie Brown’s Shimmer Brick Bronzer. She keeps the make up natural, yet dream like; the green shadow around Tanya’s eyes adds a whimsical effect.

Dina ties Tanya’s hair in a loose low braid, and crowns her with a chain and leather linked headband, romanticizing the look. After only an hour in hair and make up, we’re ready to shoot! I look around for the photographer, but soon notice Dina’s is strapped with Canon SLR Camera. Why is it that talented people often seem to be skilled in more than one art form?

Said has me hooked from the first look where she pairs a perfectly tailored khaki brushed silk military jacket overtop a layered chiffon maxi dress in various light shades of taupe and nude. The layers and structure are complimented by the color contrast of nudes, pale taupe, and army green; encapsulating her theme.

The shoot continues on seamlessly and Said’s masculine-feminine twists impress me with each presented look. Other highlights include the army-green silk slouchy trousers with roped belt, paired along a cut out gillet with multi-colored embellishments. The twist of femininity seen through the nude colored tulle hoodie that lay beneath the gillet. When you take a closer look at the vest, you can see Said’s meticulous craftsmanship through the chunky tube like embellishments, giving them a lovely layered effect.

Dina’s attention to detail and tailored construction continues to impress me with her army green silk jumper and draped chiffon bodice, brought together with a metal and rope belt. The jumper masters day-to-night functionality, as it can be easily paired with flat boots or heels for a more feminine look.

Overall Dina Said and her Romantic Army are a stunning success and have truly evolved the military theme with her touch of functionality, utility, and just enough femininity.

Nana’s Closet Romantic Army Spring Line available at Amuse Lifestyle and Concept Store: 15 Ismail Mohamed St, Borg Jeddah, Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt +(202) 2737 2344