Youssria Moustafa: A Model On

Scarabaeus Sacer is an ethical sustainable streetwear fashion brand that advocates for social & environmental issues. Their clothes are made out of 100% organic Egyptian cotton, are GOTS certified, with no plastic used in their supply chain, and packaging that is made from recycled materials. With advocacy at its core, the brand uses bold & vibrant designs to bring a mental health angle to social issues people shy away from looking at.

Clandestino is the current collection the brand has released that raises awareness for how people tend to discriminate, judge and criticize “the other”. Shedding light on the ‘clandestino’ that defines the person without papers or an identity, the person on the fringes of society. The collection aims to promote empathy, understanding and acceptance of ALL people.

Their most recent campaign, called Awaken the Streets, is raising awareness for mental health and the struggles everyone goes through. It’s a movement that will take the individual on a journey to the unexpected and to the undiscovered. Each week features a person or a group of people that struggle to live their truth. To overcome obstacles and put-downs, to pursue what they love. Sacer is also featuring real people from the community who are joining the campaign to talk about their own mental health struggles or are mental

health professionals that are talking about the importance of seeking help when needed. They want everyone to be a part of the movement!

Scarabaeus Sacer advocates for the disenfranchised, the hidden, the “other”....and isn’t that all of us sometimes? This is how fashion is used as a tool for social transformation. It’s time to get inspired. It’s time to start the conversation.

Fashion for Healing.

Written by Aya Aboshady

Photographer: AHMED ASHKOR Makeup Artist: ABDALLA REFAEI Fashion Designer: INAS ALI Headpiece and Bouquet Designer: NOUR ALI PR: DALIAH GALAL - CAROUSEL MEDIA & PR

The modeling industry is on the rise in Egypt, with so many new and talented faces taking over the scene day by day. One of those faces is Youssria Mostafa, a 24-year-old model who’s been in the business for three years now after chasing after her dream of becoming a professional model ever since she was a 16-yearold. We chatted with her about the field and how the modeling industry is flourishing right now, how she’s trying to make a name for herself, her most significant collaborations, and her future plans!

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO PURSUE A MODELING CAREER?

I was only sixteen years old when I started discovering my passion and love for modeling, dressing up and posing in front of the camera. I realized then and as I grew up that it’s one of the things I would love to continue doing and pursue as a career.

HOW DID YOU START? TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PROJECTS IN EGYPT AND ABROAD!

Wady El Rayan photoshoot was totally outstanding. The dress was made in less than 24 hours and all the shots were taken in exactly 18 minutes, all thanks to the brilliant idea of photographer Ahmed Ashkor whom I’d like to really thank from the bottom of my heart.

WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS IN THE FIELD?

I have to say Ashley Graham; she’s an American plus size model. She was the one who inspired me and gave me the confidence to start modeling in my early beginnings as a plus size model in Egypt.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

I’m currently working and gaining more experience in the modeling field and my plan is to have my own self-titled fashion brand one day.

I started in Egypt as a plus size model for small local brands before I decided to make the move to Dubai. When I got there, I started losing weight drastically and later decided to take on the modeling career professionally. That’s when I started building my portfolio and reaching out to agencies.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE MODELING CAREER RECENTLY TAKING OFF IN EGYPT WITH MANY MODELING AGENCIES OPENING UP?

Actually, modeling in Egypt is a lot harder than anybody would like to think. It’s really challenging due to the fierce competition between models, photographers, and even art directors. You have to be extremely professional and very aware of all the new fashion trends. Now with all these modeling agencies opening up, having the confidence and being on top of the game is very crucial to stand out among all the new faces. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUNG EGYPTIAN AND ARAB GIRLS WHO WISH TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER?

Confidence is key; you have to love yourself and love your body. Also, being up to date with all the international fashion trends is the essence of this field. If you have the chance to learn more about modeling, go for it. Take classes and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE WAY BODY IMAGE IS BEING PERCEIVED IN EGYPT AND THE MIDDLE EAST?

Well, I think people in Egypt and the Middle East have recently become more open to the idea of a modeling career, and the fact that there are many influencers in different sizes and shapes who promote a healthy body image, made a lot of people feel much more comfortable in their own skin.