The Body-Positivity movement is slowly but surely sweeping through the fashion scene in Egypt and while it still has some way to go, brands and labels catering to plus-sized Egyptian women are beginning to emerge.

Launched in May 2019, Caracal is one such brand that aims to cater for an evident lack of contemporary, creative clothing for what is an often ignored segment of fashion lovers.

“There are brands that offer bigger sizes but the design itself is made for smaller sizes so it doesn’t fit the curves of different body shapes,” founder, Nouran Medhat, told CairoScene.

Caracal delivers exquisitely–made garments inspired by the cultural influences from across the world that also put quality at the forefront.

‘We are conscious about the quality of each piece and are advocates for fair labour policies and rights,” Medhat added. “So we offer limited pieces in small collections that encourage make our consumers feel unique, stylish and confident.”

But beyond being an ethical fashion brand that is filling a gap in the market and, subsequently, also being a brand making a brave statement, Caracal – which is named after a rare wild African cat breed – also benefits from Medhat’s artistic inclinations and her love of the craft.

“I have always been fascinated and interested in fabrics,” she explains. “I started drawing and designing dresses when I was a child and my passion has developed into a reality since then.”

Medhat believes so much in Caracal, that she is essentially a one-woman-show, taking on everything from designing and tailoring, to delivering and receiving customer feedback. But she credits one thing in particular to the founding of the brand, which she was able to form while working in tailoring and designing haute couture clothes.

“I listened to what they needed and wanted in the perfect outfit; which was for clothes to simply fit well. I tried to compliment good fit with designs that embraces, enhance and accentuate the beauty of curves.”

Check out more of the pieces below.