Modern meets classic in Egypt
Exhibitors put contemporary spin on traditional forms at Furnex show
By Susan Pantaleo -- Furniture Today, June 30, 2008
CAIRO, Egypt — Long known for intricate marquetry, carvings, inlays and ormolu work, Egyptian furniture makers are now applying those skills in a more delicate manner, enabling their furniture to be compatible with today's modern and classic settings.
A walk through the Furnex International Furniture & Home Furnishing Trade Fair, held here this month, dispels any notions about Egyptian furniture being heavy and traditional. A wide variety of styles was presented, including a more modern approach to design. Many Egyptian companies are working with designers from Europe to create product that will be more appealing to the U.S. market.
Trends in Egypt are moving in the direction of interesting and exotic material combinations that give classic forms a fresh feel. For example, architect Wael Abou-Shal, who designs for Shadishal, is using a new engineered ebony veneer and combining it with traditional silver leafing. The use of walnut was prominent here, as well as combinations of multiple wood grains used to create eye-catching marquetry and inlaid patterns.
Metallic and matte finishes on wood are the most current finish options offered at the fashion-forward companies.
This marked the fifth round of the Furnex show, which is attracting buyers from all over the world. More than 200 exhibitors displayed residential and contract furniture, kitchen cabinets, lighting, flooring and textiles. Amenities such as free translators and communication facilities in the international buyers' lounge made the show user friendly. With 40% of Egyptian furniture being exported, the organizer's goal is to make buyers from around the globe feel at home.
This year's addition of the Design World display provided a space where prominent Egyptian and international designers could present the latest trends using furnishings selected from exhibitors. The theme was “The Home,” where the idea of a borderless living space was introduced. Vignettes represented free-flowing lifestyle areas that created a harmonious merging of interior and exterior elements.
Currently, Egyptian producers are primarily exporting furniture to European and neighboring countries, but many hope to expand their presence in North America. Supporters like U.S. sourcing agent Fakhry Boutros are on a mission to connect Egyptian and American companies. His vigorous, behind-the-scenes networking with furniture and accessory manufacturers, designers and buyers encourages cooperation and interest in global opportunities.
Reaching out
The Egyptian Furniture Export Council is an independent organization that works with producers and the government to promote Egyptian furniture exports. According to Ahmed Aly Helmy, who is chairman of the council as well as producer Meuble El Chark, “Over 4000 years ago, Egypt was the first in the world to make furniture. Now we are ready to take that leadership position again.”
“Beauty has no borders,” added Helmy, and with that in mind he works vigorously to collaborate with other countries. The council is involved in sustaining and testing quality, improving technology and marketing products to the international community. The importance of training is particularly emphasized.
A new program sponsored by the group will send 15 Egyptian engineers to Italy to study and return with new knowledge. According to Helmy, while Egyptian quality is already at a very high level, companies are still growing and adjusting to foreign tastes and demands.
Deep roots
Discoveries by American Egyptologist George Reisner in 1925 document the first-known chair from the tomb of Queen Hetephres, wife of Egypt's 4th Dynasty King Sneferu (2600 BC). At first glance, the tomb appeared empty, and Reisner commented, “I regret Queen Hetepheres is not receiving.”
Remarkably, archeologists were able to reconstruct the chair from the powder of wood, gold and inlays on the tomb floor. With a tradition of craftsmanship that runs this deep, producers see great potential for the industry to establish a stronger foothold in foreign markets such as the United States.
Next year, for the first time, the Furnex show will expand its exhibitor base to include international exhibitors in a new exhibition center that is now under construction.
The attitude is one of welcoming the international community with full confidence in the ability of Egypt to play a more prominent role.
