SELECTS: Inside Egyptian Model Zayn Elhwary's Thrifted Universe

Back in Alexandria, Zayn Elhwary would stop at the same shop window every day on his way home from school. Inside the clothing store, fashion films played across large screens. “I used to watch them every single day after class, and I was totally obsessed. I would think that one day I would be there - and hopefully be even better. That obsession never really faded.” He spent years trying to work out how to enter the industry before Egypt-based modelling agency UNN discovered him on Instagram. He has worked as a freelance model ever since.

“There was a skating spot near my house, and I was obsessed with how the skaters looked. Their style influenced me a lot, and eventually, little by little, I developed my own through fashion.” Elhwary does not necessarily define his style according to a single mould. “Every piece of clothing becomes valuable because of the memories and experiences I lived through while wearing it. My wardrobe is essentially a collection of my life stories; each outfit reminds me of a past chapter.”

That principle explains why almost nothing in the four looks below arrived new. There are JNCO jorts bought from an online thrift shop, loafers and shoes found at a second-hand store, a long-sleeved shirt given to him by a close friend, and two pairs of trousers he cut and sewed himself. Nothing gets thrown away, including his previous selves. “Every style I have ever tried represents a stage in my journey. If I somehow managed to go back, I would wear them all again because they are all part of my story.”

Elhwary is also inspired by the work of stylist Khaled Farid, who dressed him in the first clothes that ever felt right on his body. “The first time I worked with him, I felt like I had finally found clothes that were actually made for me.” He wears and admires Egyptian labels such as Held Dina and Okhtein because, as he puts it, “they all have a story behind them.”

For this edition of Styled Selects, Elhwary opens his wardrobe to show us the pieces he has purchased, thrifted, received as gifts and, sometimes, made himself.

Look One

"My wardrobe is basically a collection of stories, and every outfit reminds me of a different chapter of my life."

Barrserb | Cut T-Shirt
JNCO | Jorts (via shrimp_thrift)
Rick Owens | Geobasket Mega Race
Ed Hardy | Cap

Look Two

"There was a skateboarding spot near where I grew up, and I was obsessed with the way skaters dressed. Little by little I built my own identity through fashion."Thrifted | Scarf
Cottonil | White Basic T-Shirt
Glitch Goods | Jorts
Thrifted | Loafers

Look Three

"Modelling gave me the chance to explore the styles that truly suit me, even if I can't wear them every day."Bershka | Long-Sleeve 
Self-made | Jorts
Timberland | Lyonsdale Black Glitter

Look Four

"I always find myself reaching for tailored trousers. Whenever I wear them, they feel like they were made specifically for me."Undercover | Zip Bomber Jacket
Self-made | Pants