In a remarkable fusion of tradition and technology, “Eternal Elegance,” an AI-designed dress, was unveiled at the historic Karnak Temple. The project was Led by Essraa Nawar, an academic librarian and associate dean at Chapman University in California. Nawar sought to redefine fashion while honouring her ancient Egyptian heritage. Nawar, passionate about breaking stereotypes surrounding veiled Egyptian Muslim women, used this opportunity to challenge narratives about their style and empowerment.
Reclaiming Identity Through Fashion
For Nawar, the project wasn’t just about a dress—it was about reclaiming identity. “Eternal Elegance” was designed by feeding AI with authentic details about Egyptian fashion, allowing the dress to reflect not just Nawar’s personal hijabi style but the timeless elegance of ancient Egypt. Rather than drawing inspiration from external muses, the dress celebrated genuine Egyptian identity.
A Global Collaboration in Ethical Fashion
Her journey with “Eternal Elegance” began when she encountered a Facebook post by AI designer and prompt engineer Ehab Tawfik. The post featured AI-generated designs inspired by Egypt’s ancient heritage. Intrigued by the ethical and cultural integrity of Tawfik’s work, Nawar collaborated with him and Egyptian couturier Thouraya Couture to bring this project to life. The self-funded initiative connected Nawar in California, Tawfik in Kuwait, and Thouraya Couture in Egypt, blending technology and craftsmanship in an extraordinary cross-border collaboration. Through AI, the design was authentic and avoided cultural appropriation, embodying the ethical use of AI in fashion.
Breaking Boundaries
Nawar is no stranger to breaking boundaries. As a leading figure in academic librarianship, she champions the importance of representation, particularly for women in administrative roles, where respect and visibility are often lacking. “As a librarian academic, I believe what women want is more representation in administrative roles and respect in the field,” she says. Her advocacy for women goes beyond her profession, as she stresses the importance of seeing women as more than their societal roles. “A woman isn’t just a mother, a sister, or a daughter. They are much more than that. They are not defined by role or job,” Nawar asserts, reminding women to embrace their full identities.
Nawar’s approach to life is unapologetically disruptive. “If you have it in your bones, go do it,” she advises. Her career is a testament to that philosophy. Nawar sees disruption as a key to success, believing that breaking away from norms is often the only way to make meaningful progress. Her advice is clear: be disruptive and challenge the status quo.
As she continues to challenge the narrative surrounding veiled women, Essraa Nawar proves that AI, fashion, and tradition can coexist in a way that empowers women and preserves cultural heritage. As she explains, “AI possesses incredible capabilities, yet it will never replace humans. We are responsible for providing AI with precise information to prevent biases and stereotypes about our identity.” Through “Eternal Elegance,” Essraa Nawar has redefined what it means to be stylish, empowered, and authentically Egyptian.