From Heritage to High Fashion : The Designer Reimagining Egypt’s “Telli” for the Modern World

Telli (also spelled Talli or Telley) is a traditional form of Egyptian embroidery, distinguished by its use of shimmering metallic threads, typically silver or gold. Historically, these threads were made from real metal wire wound around silk or cotton, giving the embroidery its signature lustre. It is a meticulous braiding and knotting technique, worked on small handheld looms to create intricate bands of patterns that are then stitched onto garments. Its geographic heartland is Upper Egypt (Sa’id), particularly the city of Sohag. Bab Masr speaks with one designer determined to give handicraft a new lease on life.