The Art of Dressing Joyfully with Hania
Colourful, creative, and unapologetically herself, Hania brings joy into everything she touches, from the way she dresses to the bags she designs. In this edition of The Studio H Series, we interviewed the founder behind one of Cairo's most vibrant bag brands to talk personal style, treasured pieces, creative inspiration, and the power of colour.
You & Your Style
Who is your fashion icon?
Anne Hathaway. I've always admired her effortless elegance and the way she balances sophistication with personality.
What are five pieces you always come back to in your wardrobe?
My wardrobe staples are the pieces that feel most like me: sparkly/diamond jewellery, a comfortable pink hoodie, pearl earrings, my Chanel black ballerinas, and of course, my Hania Isk bag.
Is there a piece in your closet that holds a strong memory?
Absolutely. My Hermès orange bag was the very first gift my husband gave me, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.
How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Colourful, patterned, and elegant.
What's the best styling advice you've ever heard?
To simply be myself. There is no right or wrong style, what matters is wearing what makes you feel good.
Who is your favourite fashion influencer?
Honestly, I draw more inspiration from Pinterest than from influencers. I love discovering unexpected combinations and creative styling ideas there.
If you could raid one celebrity's closet, whose would it be?
Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. A wardrobe full of pink is a dream!
What's your favourite shoe?
My pink Chanel ballerinas.
What are your favourite colour combinations to style?
Yellow and pink. It's a combination that instantly lifts my mood.
What's your go-to outfit for a casual day out?
Anything oversized, comfortable, and effortless.
What's your favourite piece in your wardrobe right now?
My shirts and giggles button up. It's practical, fun, and perfect for running errands while still looking put together.
What's the most treasured item in your closet?
A watch my husband gifted me during our honeymoon. It's incredibly sentimental and one of my most cherished possessions.
What fashion trend are you loving right now?
Oversized shirts with lace details. They feel fresh, feminine, and playful.
What trend would you love to see make a comeback?
Checkered sets. They're classic, fun, and endlessly versatile.
What trend are you happy to leave behind?
Leather pants.
What's your favourite way to accessorise an outfit?
Jewellery. It has the power to completely transform a look.
What's a fashion rule you love to break?
Mixing different patterns together. Fashion should be fun, not restrictive.
What's your favourite season for fashion?
Summer. It's the perfect time to experiment with colours and embrace bold combinations.
What's your favourite way to style a basic white tee?
With statement jewellery. Sometimes that's all you need.
What's your favourite fashion era?
The 2000s. I love use of feathers in fashion.
How do you keep your style unique and true to yourself?
By wearing what I genuinely love instead of following what others recommend.
How do you view fashion and getting dressed?
Fashion is a source of creativity and positivity. Colours and patterns have a unique way of bringing happiness and energy into everyday life.
Taste & Inspiration
Who or what inspires the way you move through the world?
My mom. She's been my biggest inspiration in both fashion and life.
Is there a designer whose work you genuinely love?
Alya Ayad, who designed my wedding dress. I deeply admire her vision and attention to detail.
What are some of your favourite local Egyptian brands right now?
Rebel Cairo, Nuniz, and Hania Isk.
How does colour factor into how you dress and create?
Colour is everything. It carries emotion, personality, and so many subtle details that people often don't notice at first glance.
Your Brand
Tell us about your bag brand. Where did the idea come from?
It all started when I came across a the material of the bags and instantly fell in love with it. That spark eventually grew into a brand.
What feeling do you want someone to have when they pick up one of your bags for the first time?
Happiness and creativity. I want every bag to feel like an experience rather than just an accessory.
How does your personal style feed into what you design?
Completely. Every bag has a story behind it, and in many ways, every piece reflects a part of who I am.
What's the hardest part of building a brand that leads with colour and boldness?
Balancing creativity while building genuine connections with people. It's important that the story behind the designs resonates just as strongly as the colours themselves.
Where do you see the brand going in the future?
I hope to expand internationally, explore new materials, and continue learning more about colour and design along the way.
Studio H
What is your favourite Studio H piece, and how would you style it?
The Bloom Blazer is my favourite, and I would style it with floral-print pants.
What does Studio H feel like to you in three words?
Unique, vibrant, and made with love.
If you were pairing a Studio H piece with one of your bags, what would you choose?
I would pair the Love Bomb Blazer with my love bag. They share the same joyful spirit and complementary colour palette, making them a natural match.