Entrepreneurs in Egypt are creating sustainable and ethical fashion solutions. Norhan El Sakkout founder of Saqhoute believes fashion should focus on producing quality products. Her products are priced higher than fast fashion products but her designs are versatile and long-lasting. El Sakkout believes in paying a fair wage to the people who produce her clothes. Although the minimum wage is common for workers in Egypt, El Sakkout prefers to pay above-market rates. El Sakkout tries to source locally produced natural fabrics, but she is not always successful. As a result, she often relies on using blended fabrics, which is also important for supporting local craftsmanship.

Similarly, Josline El Kholy, co-founder of Jozee Boutique, an ethical fashion brand, believes companies are ultimately responsible for informing their customers about products. El Kholy, who founded the brand with her husband, Ezzeldine Moukhtar, works with men and women across Egypt to produce bespoke embroidery on their clothing. She believes in partnering with employees. Employees work at their own pace, in their own homes. It’s more like a collaboration instead of an employer-employee relationship.

Fast fashion is plagued by ethical issues, including the treatment of garment factory workers. Its effect on the environment — from the disposal of cheap apparel to the pollution of natural resources — is also a growing cause for concern.