Cairo – Maii Abdo:
The “Om El Donia” exhibition, hosted by the Egyptian Chinese University, provided an opportunity to engage with Professor Dr. Amr Hassouna, Head of the Fashion Department at the university and Professor at the Faculty of Applied Arts, Helwan University.
Dr. Hassouna is recognized as a pioneering academic figure in fashion design in Egypt and the Arab world, whose career encompasses more than three decades of teaching, research, and professional practice.
Educational Framework and Pedagogical Vision
Dr. Hassouna emphasizes that the primary objective of fashion education is the development of designers equipped with the competencies necessary to succeed within both local and international markets.
He stresses that the process extends beyond technical training, focusing instead on cultivating creativity, analytical thinking, and design innovation.
The curriculum, as he explains, is structured to guide students through the entire lifecycle of a product: beginning with the study of raw materials, progressing through spinning, weaving, finishing, dyeing, printing, and decorative applications. This comprehensive approach enables students not only to master technical processes but also to conceptualize and realize designs that are aesthetically significant and commercially viable.
In his view, fashion education must also incorporate art history, aesthetics, market research, and sustainability studies. The integration of these disciplines ensures that graduates develop a holistic perspective, combining theoretical knowledge with artistic sensibility and technological proficiency.
Integrating Heritage and InnovationCentral to Dr. Hassouna’s philosophy is the integration of Egypt’s cultural heritage with contemporary technological practices.
He notes that students are trained to preserve traditional crafts—including hand-printing, Khayamiya, and Khoshkhashani embroidery—while simultaneously adopting advanced digital tools in design and production. This dual focus, he asserts, allows emerging designers to establish distinctive creative identities while remaining competitive in global markets.
Academic and Professional Contributions
With over 34 years of academic service at Helwan University, Dr. Hassouna has also held visiting professorships at institutions such as the Higher Institute of Cinema, the French Fashion Institute, Badr University, Galala University, the German International University, and Ahram Canadian University. His administrative experience includes leading academic departments and serving as Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs at the International Technological University.
Beyond academia, his professional contributions are extensive. He has designed costumes for television and film productions, created official attire for the opening of the 1998 Handball World Championship in Egypt, and collaborated with major institutions, including InterContinental Hotels and Mobinil. His earlier career as an independent designer, particularly in bridal and evening wear, further reflects the breadth of his expertise.
Challenges and the Imperative of Specialization
Discussing the challenges faced in the early stages of his career, Dr. Hassouna recalled the limited societal awareness of fashion design as an academic discipline. Over time, however, the expansion of the fashion industry and the increasing demand for innovation have contributed to a growing recognition of the field’s academic value. He argues that specialization remains the most effective pathway for preparing a new generation of Egyptian designers capable of competing internationally.
The insights provided by Dr. Amr Hassouna underscore the evolving landscape of fashion education in Egypt.
His academic and professional trajectory illustrates the significance of combining cultural heritage, technological advancement, and specialized education in shaping future designers. His contributions affirm the role of academia in advancing Egypt’s position within the global fashion industry.
