The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Over the last few years, designer shops in Cairo have multiplied ten-fold, attracting international brands from across the world. Even with the current economic climate, award-winning designer, Michael Kors, has brought his collection all the way from New York to Cairo, opening his first store in Heliopolis’ City Stars.

The sparkling shop front on the third floor proudly shows off the latest couture handbag collection, teasing shoppers into splurging on therenowned designer label. The inside of the shop is just like the window displays; plush, organised and pristine. The shop assistants are not only smartly dressed, but polite and patient too, managing to reel off prices for the products, which lacked labels, off the top of their heads.

This branch stocks a large selection of handbags, both large and small, as well as a small shoe collection and various accessories including wallets, iPhone and iPad cases and covers. Although it seems well-stocked, this shop does not provide bags for men, and doesn’t stock Kors’ womens clothing line. To our surprise, the prices weren’t as extortionate as a lot of imported products, largely staying true to their retailing price in other countries. 

Michael Kors’ products come in an array of colours from chic and casual black, navy, tan and cream to the more vibrant reds, pinks and even glossy gold.

The most eye-catching bags were from the ‘Grayson’ studded satchel range, costing from 4650LE to 4990LE, depending on the size. A matching studded purse would set you back 1790LE. Glitzy golden ‘Grayson logo’ bowling bags, covered with an MK logo print were priced at 3250LE, but were also available in more subtle colours. ‘Hamilton’ tote bags with the MK padlock were retailing at 3850LE for a large and 3450LE for the smaller size, whilst a medium-sized, rectangular, ‘Jet Set Saffiano Travel Tote’ was priced at 3250LE. Softer ‘Monogram’ totes with a circular, hanging MK pendant cost 2290LE and smart-casual clutch bags were 2400LE.

Smaller purses, designed to match several handbags, were available in shiny gold, navy, tan and more for 830LE. Soft iPhone sleeves retail at 600LE and come in a rainbow of colours; subtle navy’s and browns, bright yellow and orange, and a snakeskin effect. We also spotted some soft iPad covers, as well as smart, hard cases (1530LE).

The shoe collection was a little on the thin side, but was nicely varied, with a selection of summer flip-flops, wedges, high heels and heavier, black leather, knee high boots (3470LE) and MK print wellies. Tasteful, leather T-Bar sandals were priced at 1360LE, while summery rubber ‘Sondra jellies’ cost 640LE and very casual rubber and foam beach flip flops were on the cheaper end of the spectrum at 430LE. Classic moccasins sporting the MK logo on a small golden padlock were available in black, tan and navy and priced at 1470LE. Formal, pointed heels with a gold heel were 1850LE whilst cork wedge heels cost 2250LE.

Of course, Michael Kors is also famous for his wrist-watch collection, of which there is a large selection in store for both men and women, displayed in glass table-top cabinets, costing upwards of 1000LE.

The Michael Kors shop is spotless, displaying the latest collection of handbags and accessories which any fahsion concious Cairene will, more likely than not, fall in love with. The prices are high but as with most designers, it’s largely the label – and the quality – you’re paying for.