The Goddess Behind the Brand
The story of Anut, a Cairo-based home goods brand, begins with Nut, the ancient Egyptian goddess of the sky. Often depicted as a naked woman covered in stars and arched in a protective stance, Nut symbolizes the celestial and the eternal. The brand, founded by Goya Gallagher and creatively directed by Cruz Maria Wyndham, takes inspiration from Nut and traditional Egyptian crafts, creating products such as embroidered linen tablecloths, wicker place mats, and ceramic candle holders. Anut’s mission goes beyond aesthetics; it is deeply rooted in empowering local artisans, especially women, by providing training, support, and even microloans to help them build their own businesses. The brand also collaborates with rising Egyptian talents, such as poet and photographer Mahmoud Khattab and designer Omar Chakil, to create unique and culturally meaningful pieces.
The Creators and Their Vision
Goya Gallagher, a 54-year-old entrepreneur who divides her time between Cairo and London, first fell in love with Egypt in 1992 during a vacation and never left. Her connection to the country is evident in Anut’s launch, which officially took place this month after the brand opened its boutique in Cairo’s Zamalek neighborhood in November. Gallagher’s vision for Anut is not just to sell home goods but to celebrate Egyptian craftsmanship and provide a platform for creative voices. Cruz Maria Wyndham, the brand’s creative director, shares this vision, and together, they are committed to reimagining traditional Egyptian crafts for the modern world.
A Night of Celebration: The Launch Party
To mark Anut’s official launch, Gallagher hosted a decadent costume party at the Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo. The theme of the event was “offerings,” inspired by ancient Egyptian rituals and Gallagher’s deep gratitude to the country she now calls home. The guest list included roughly 200 people, ranging from Egyptian environmentalists, Egyptologists, and artists to Gallagher’s friends from Cairo and London. The party was a grand celebration of culture, creativity, and collaboration, with every detail meticulously curated to reflect Anut’s ethos.
Bringing the Past to Life: Decor, Food, and Music
The décor for the event was conceived by Laila Gohar, an Egyptian-born, New York-based artist and designer, who worked closely with Cruz Maria Wyndham. Gohar’s installations included fountains made of plaster, one filled with pomegranate seeds and the other with husk cherries, and a five-foot-high totem of green glass bubbles representing fermentation. The food, prepared by Zooba, a popular Egyptian restaurant group, featured traditional dishes like freekeh salad, pickled turnips, and koshary, alongside desserts such as baklava and kunafa. The drinks, crafted by mixologists, included the Anut Elixir and the Vine Offering, both inspired by local flavors. After dinner, the party transitioned into a dance floor, with New York-based DJ Jade Croo spinning hits ranging from classic Egyptian tracks to international crowd-pleasers.
A Celebration of Culture and Craftsmanship
The event was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Egypt and the importance of preserving and celebrating it. Guests were invited to dress in “Theatrical Ancient Egypt” attire, sparking creativity and adding to the festive atmosphere. Amy Mowafi, founder of Cairo Scene magazine, wore a towering rhinestone crown, while Gallagher opted for a Cleopatra-style headpiece designed by Egyptian jeweler Ghazala. The party was not just a launch but a tribute to Egypt’s artisans, historians, and creative minds.
The Legacy of the Night
The success of the event resonated deeply with attendees, who were inspired by the fusion of ancient traditions and modern creativity. Guests like Nevin Elgendy, a leadership coach and Gohar’s mother, expressed their pride in seeing historic Cairo spaces like the Egyptian Museum being celebrated and repurposed for such events. Anut’s launch party served as a reminder of the importance of preserving Egypt’s cultural legacy while embracing innovation and collaboration. The brand’s commitment to empowering artisans and showcasing Egyptian craftsmanship ensures that its impact will extend far beyond this one night, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of design and culture.
