Badr Badawi: A visionary journey from lens to lace

HOUSTON - In the streets of Cairo, where history and modernity intertwine, Badr Badawi embarked on a journey that would see him transform from a budding photographer to a celebrated fashion designer.

The backstory:

Born and raised in Egypt, Badawi's initial foray into the creative world was through the lens of a camera, capturing the vibrant essence of his surroundings for various magazines. 

His keen eye for detail and composition laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career in fashion.

As Badawi's career unfolded, he found himself increasingly drawn to the world of fashion. Collaborations with creative minds in the industry sparked a newfound interest, leading him to swap his camera for pencil and paper. 

With each sketch, he began to envision dresses that were not just garments, but expressions of art and individuality.

The pivotal moment in Badawi's journey came during a work trip to the quaint English town of Malton in 2014. It was here that he met a mentor who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue his dream of creating a bridal brand. 

Inspired by the charm and elegance of Malton, Badawi founded "Malton Couture," a name that would soon become synonymous with sophistication and style.

‘I never copy anyone’

What they're saying:

Badawi prides himself on creating unique designs for each one of his clients.

"You have to know what exactly she wants so she can be happy. A lot of designers do an amazing job, but they don't know what their clients want. You have to know what kind of style they want; the body, not everybody is going to have the same dress," Badawi said. "I never copy anyone. I want to do my own thing. I'm going to try. Some clients, I do three dresses until she's happy. It's not about the money, it's about the name. The name is everything. That's why I'm working so hard on my name," Badawi continued.

Badawi had lived in New York but ultimately decided to relocate to Houston because of the city's welcoming spirit.

"I came to Houston, and they gave me so much love from the first time I came. The people are nicer. Life is slower. Houston has the space to grow, it feels like home now," Badawi said.

Badawi said life hasn't been easy, but all the sacrifices he's had to make, he'd do it again. 

"Nothing comes easy in this life. You have to hustle, you have to work hard, you have to not sleep," Badawi said.

Dig deeper:

Reflecting on his journey, Badawi recalls the humble beginnings of his career. 

At the age of 19, he started a small boutique, retailing high-end designers' custom pieces. Over the years, he discovered his love for design and finally decided to create his own brand. 

Malton Couture was born—a testament to Badawi's vision, creativity, and dedication to his craft.

Today, Badr Badawi stands as a visionary in the world of fashion, seamlessly blending his roots in photography with his passion for design. His journey from lens to lace is a story of transformation, inspiration, and the pursuit of excellence. 

As Malton Couture continues to expand, Badawi remains committed to providing brides with a unique experience, ensuring that their special day is nothing short of extraordinary.

What's next:

Badawi has a bridal and evening gown location at 2813 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098 and the recently opened Quinceañera By Malton Couture located 2720 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77098.

What you can do:

You can listen to this story and all the other episodes of ‘El Jangueo’ (the Hangout) with Jonathan Mejia via Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeart. 

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