POWER DRESSING

From accounting to runway, Egyptian entrepreneur Sara Onsi has taken an unconventional path to success in the fashion industry. After reconnecting with her purpose, the risk-taker is now designing for inclusivity and empowerment

- JAMILA GANDHI

While it is a common dream for young girls to live out their fantasy wedding in their perfect wedding gown, few take the opportunity to treat every day as a grand fashion show. For bridal and fashion designer Sara Onsi, life is about embracing the power of self-expression and creating a tapestry of diverse stories and journeys through her avant-garde designs, irrespective of the occasion. “We strive to ensure that the SARA ONSI woman feels confident and empowered in her sartorial choices,” says the founder and creative director of her namesake brand.

The 35-year-old Egyptian couturier has been inspired by the beauty of human connections for her upcoming debut of the Prêt-à-Porter collection, due in September 2023. From high couture to elegant event dresses, this collection will showcase a range of meticulously crafted pieces, starting at a price point of $600. “Inclusivity is at the forefront of the collection. We want to address critical gaps in the market, particularly in terms of larger sizing and modest choices,” she explains.

Combining aesthetics with functionality, Onsi’s designs offer bold and fresh manipulations that redefine fashion. In the seven years since its inception, the brand has already made waves on the global stage. With 15 collections spanning couture, Prêt-à-Porter, and bridal couture, Onsi has showcased her designs at the four major global fashion weeks; London, Milan, New York, and Paris. Her creations have graced red carpets and adorned the wardrobes of over 50 celebrities, including renowned names such as Yousra, Amina Khalil, Dorra, Fagun Thakrar, Hend Sabry, Lady Victoria Hervey, Nelly Karim, Mahira Abdel Aziz, and Mona Zaki.