Kamal Jahid

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How I fought racism with style

By Kamal Jahid

Growing up in Morocco, I came to be a pretty stylish guy. At university, I was known for wearing ties in eccentric colors and dressing in smart suits.

But when I started to travel, I sacrificed “smart” for “practical”, like many of us do.

Unfortunately, there was a consequence to this that I hadn’t expected.

I came to Poland with an open mind and heart, and discovered a new country that I fell in love with. But while I met lots of nice people, I also had some not-so-nice encounters.

Some people would ask me, “Why are you in Poland? Do you sell kebabs?” And they weren’t actually looking for a kebab restaurant….

And don’t get me started on the “terrorist” comments.

If you’ve ever experienced racism, you know how it can make you feel: small and like you’ll never be accepted, no matter how much you want to be. Maybe it’s even made you afraid for your safety.

I tried to push past those negative feelings to understand why this was happening to me. I’m a friendly person, I’m polite and well-educated. And the people of Poland seemed to be friendly, too. So what was going wrong? Was there something that was making me look threatening?

As it often does, my mind turned to fashion. I thought about how I’d stopped wearing smart suits and started wearing slouchy, sloppy clothes. In an ideal world, we should be able to dress however we want. But the sad reality is that the saying “Clothes don’t make the man” isn’t always true. Clothes are usually what people first notice about you, and if what you’re wearing gives an impression that they don’t like, they may not look any further.

I went to a store and got myself a nice, affordable suit that fit well, and started wearing that. Suddenly, things shifted. People went from asking if I sold kebabs or was a terrorist to, “Are you an ambassador’s son?” or even “Are you the prince of Morocco?”

It was astonishing.

Again, in an ideal world, none of this would have been necessary. But the reality that impressions matter didn’t bring me down. Instead, I realized that fashion and style are even more powerful than I’d thought.

Back home in Morocco, I’d loved wearing a good suit, but now I realized that in places where I was seen as a foreigner, that suit could speak for me. It could show people the image I wanted to project: that I’m a kind, educated, interesting person who you don’t have to see as a threat.

A man in sweats might be seen as a suspicious character, someone you don’t want in your town. A man in a suit is respectable. A man in a stylish suit is intriguing.

This lesson has stayed with me and is one of the reasons I founded Meqnes. I want to make style and elegance accessible to everyone. Our accessories combine the traditions of my homeland of Morocco, classic style, and a modern twist that will help you get noticed – in a good way – no matter where you are.

Meqnes is about love and acceptance. No matter where you’re from, what you look like, what you believe, or who you love, we celebrate you and we design our products to inspire confidence and send a message to the world: The person you see has a sense of elegance, appreciates the fine things in life, and is worth getting to know.

Looks shouldn’t be important, but they are. If you ever find yourself in a situation where people are judging you for how you dress, show them your true self through your style.

Filed Under: Blog

I’ve been featured in a profile on Forbes

By Kamal Jahid

kamal jahid forbes

Something really exciting has happened: I’ve been featured in a profile on Forbes!

I’m so proud and humbled to be on Forbes, telling my story of Meqnes.

This is not only a personal and professional accomplishment; it’s a sign that one of my biggest hopes could come true. I wanted to fight racism and prejudice with Meqnes. I know that in a world that’s increasingly divided, not all people would look favorably on designs inspired by Moroccan culture.

It turns out that Meqnes’ diverse origins, with co-founders from Morocco and the United States, with materials gathered from

Italy, north Africa, and Asia, with a headquarters in Warsaw, may just reflect a larger worldview that I hoped to see. Knowing that we have clients from around the world who are passionate about what we create means so much to me.

And now, knowing that Forbes thinks we’re worth talking about means that message can be magnified, and at the same time, it feels even more justified.

If you’d like to read the profile, you can find it here:

Kamal Jahid in Forbes magazine

I hope you enjoy it, and I’d love your feedback.

Humble beginnings

13 years ago, while preparing for my 6-month trip to Poland for an AIESEC internship, my father gave me exactly 280€ and asked me to “fight” for my dreams. “It’s time to leave the cocoon and become something beautiful,” he said.

I had no idea of what was waiting for me on the other side: It was the very first time I’d travel by myself, the first time I’d board a plane, the first time I’d leave my country… the very first time I’d decide to forge my own path…

What came next is a story of ups and downs, homesickness, freedom, racism, success, depression, glory, loneliness…

… a story of feeling unstoppable, powerful yet vulnerable.

Fast-forward to today. I woke up to a Forbes article featuring my story. And it simply feels unreal.

I couldn’t be prouder.

I’d like to thank everyone who supported me and my brands for all these years. I won’t be tagging anyone, but you know who you are.

There are no words that can express my gratitude for having amazing friends, family and partners. You have been there for me through thick and thin, supporting me even when I had nothing; I truly appreciate that.

Even now, I don’t know how I got here, but I DO know that this is just the beginning. So let’s get to work.

Feel free to let me know what you think about the article or how Meqnes can continue to grow moving forward.

My warmest, deepest thanks to everyone who’s supported me and the Meqnes brand. This exciting news is just the beginning.

Gratefully,
Kamal

Filed Under: Blog, Business

The Rebranding of MEQNES

By Kamal Jahid

MEQNES

This article originally appeared on Meqnes.com

Dear Friends, Family and Partners.

From the day we began creating and selling our bags, Meqnes has been about craftsmanship and elegance, about functionality and sleek, unique style.

We’ve been honored by how many people have fallen in love with our vision. The idea that our bags are turning heads in airports and train stations around the world never stops inspiring us.

This is what is at the heart of Meqnes.

But like many people, as time goes on, we find ourselves wanting to focus on the little things.

We’ve made the bags — what about what’s inside of them?

What if we could elevate small, functional objects like wallets, keyrings, belts, and desk pads to sleek, sophisticated accessories that add a notable touch of style to a person’s look?

What if these ordinary things could be an opportunity to get people talking?

Made of snake embossed Italian leather, available in ___ unforgettable colors, able to be personalized with elegant gold embossed lettering, our card holders, keyrings, belts, and desk pads transform mundane gestures like finding your credit card, unlocking your door, getting dressed in the morning, and getting down to business, into stylish moments.

Of course, this elegance goes beyond appearance. We’re in love with fine craftsmanship, the same that goes into creating our bags.

We use only quality 100% leather imported from Italy and lovingly worked in our headquarters in Warsaw, Poland, home to skilled leatherworkers for generations.

With their combination of style and quality, our Meqnes card holders, keyrings, belts, and desk pads add elegance to the ordinary.

Our love of vintage bags and men’s accessories will always be at the heart of Meqnes. Our vintage collection is where we started and will always be a hallmark of our company.

But we’re excited about this new direction and new adventure. We hope you’ll fall in love with these small, finer things in life the same way we have. Let’s go back to basics – with a little style for good measure.

Kindest regards,

Kamal and the Meqnes team

READ MORE:

  • Ditch your big stuffed wallet and slide into the sophistication of a card holder
  • The Story of Meqnes
  • 5 reason why people love our Meqnes Face Masks

Filed Under: Blog, Business, Meqnes

Life Will Taste Better After The Coronavirus Pandemic

By Kamal Jahid

Life will taste better

There are so many awful parts to what’s going on right now: Empty streets, empty shelves and a flicker of an almost impossible future.

The thing is…

Life is about moments.

Not just the “next big moment” that we seek and for which we strive. More importantly, it’s about the moments we’ve shared with our friends and loved ones, the places we’ve visited, the food we’ve eaten, the terrible hangovers we’ve endured, and the depressions we’ve survived.

Today, while looking at old photos, nostalgia got the better of me. I grew sentimental. And the truth is, I love nostalgia. Traveling around and meeting new people is, after all, nothing but accumulating stories for future nostalgias.

… And that’s beautiful.

One of the most emotionally devastating yet empowering moments in television was when Mad Men’s Don Draper said:

“Nostalgia – its delicate, but potent. In Greek nostalgia literally means ‘the pain from an old wound. It’s a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone. … It goes backwards, and forwards… it takes us to a place where we ache to go again.“

The point is: life will taste better.

We will emerge from this with a new appreciation for life, with a drive to tackle all of the ideas and projects that once upon a time were kept from realization only by our own internal limitations.

All the memories and stories we will create with this new lease on life, all of that…

… will make life taste better.

Stay strong. Stay healthy.

We got this!

Love,

KJ.

PS. @CocaCola, feel free to get in touch with me to use the #LifeWillTasteBetter for your post-apocalyptic ad campaign. I am ready to negotiate (and ya know, I’m running out of toilet paper…)

Filed Under: Blog, Personal Growth

The Top 7 Bags And Leather Accessories Every Man Should Have!

By Kamal Jahid

top leather bags for men

You may think of a bag or case as just something that helps you get your stuff from here to there.

But looking good is about more than how you take care of yourself or what you wear; it’s also about what you carry along with you.

Here are seven of the most common kinds of men’s bags – and what you need to know to take yours from simple, to stylish:

1. The backpack

In some ways, backpacks are the ultimate men’s bag.

They distribute weight well, and let you have your hands free. But they aren’t always very stylish. And if you’re wearing a suit or going out to a formal or sophisticated event, they’re almost always a resounding “NO”.

Still, if you won’t set aside your backpack when you’re dressed up, there are some sleeker models out there. Start by choosing a neutral color like black, brown, or slate gray. Upgrade from the usual backpack materials and opt for leather.

This will elevate your backpack game.

2. The messenger bag

Messenger bags are less efficient at distributing weight than backpacks, but they often look more sophisticated, especially if you get them in a muted color that subtly complements what you’re wearing. Sticking with neutrals is always a way to elevate your bag sophistication level, so think black, tan, brown, dark green or blue, gray.

Another thing to keep in mind with messenger bags is the shoulder strap. Make sure it’s comfortable – ideally, the model you choose should have one that’s reinforced with a padded or leather section that sits on your shoulder.

3. The briefcase

The briefcase is the iconic business accessory. There are two basic kinds. The ones made of soft materials are actually what the term “briefcase” refers to, while the hard, square variety are actually attaché cases.

Either way, if you choose and carry it right, a briefcase or attaché case can make you look professional and put-together. As I’ve suggested for the other cases on this list, choose a neutral color.

If you can, try to get one made of actual leather, especially full grain leather, which is more water-resistant and generally better quality.

If your case has metal parts – for example, the lock or buckles on an attaché case – think about the accessories you usually wear. If you have a silver watch or belt buckle, try to have silver on your case, too, instead of gold or copper.

This will make your overall look more uniform and streamlined.

4. The suitcase

There are all kinds of trips and all kinds of suitcases, so it may seem hard to choose the right one.

But don’t get overwhelmed.

Remember that to be a stylish traveler, you need to focus on two main things: functionality and appearance, in that order. After all, you could have a gorgeous-looking bag but if it’s falling apart or too heavy, you’re probably not going to look or feel very confident as you lug it along.

One of the first things you should consider when you’re buying a suitcase is making sure it gives you as much space as possible, and its frame is lightweight; why have your suitcase responsible for a lot of the weight of your bag? Another thing to keep in mind is how you’re going to carry it.

Many men’s fashion guides consider wheeled bags a travesty, but they do have their advantages, especially if your bag is full of heavy documents. And anyway, if you’re ever confronted by naysayers, refer them to the movie “Up in the Air,” where men’s style icon George Clooney himself travels with a sleek, wheeled carry-on.

Whatever you choose to do regarding wheels, when it comes to your luggage’s overall look, try for a stylish, neutral color, and never sacrifice when it comes to quality. A sturdy, reliable bag will keep your stuff safe and give you peace of mind.

Never buy a suitcase that looks frayed, pilled, or whose zippers seem hard to open or close. If you have a wheeled model, make sure the slide of the handle bar is made of actual, sturdy metal, not flimsy plastic that will snap off.

Lastly, if your bag is checked, opt for luggage tags. You can find classy leather or faux-leather ones just about anywhere.

5. The Dopp kit (aka toiletry bag)

Whether you call it a Dopp kit (the old name-brand of its inventor), or simply a toiletry bag, if you’re traveling, nothing beats this soft little zippered bag for holding your toiletries, razor, and so on.

They’ll be safe from leaking onto your clothes, not to mention easy to find. If you really want to be stylish, a leather Dopp kit is the way to go. Make sure it has a waterproof lining, and, ideally, that it matches the rest of your luggage.

For example, if your suitcase or weekender is brown, your Dopp kit should be, too.

6. The garment bag

Garment bags are the ultimate way to travel with a suit.

But they can also be heavy and cumbersome. Luckily, there’s hope – there are roll-up models. These are much easier to handle or to stick inside your checked bag. Another garment bag pro-tip: If you’re flying somewhere, check with your airline to see if you can hang yours in a designated spot in the cabin.

Sometimes this won’t even count as one of your allowed carry-ons. If you can’t or don’t want to invest in one, here are some tips for traveling with a suit and keeping it looking good, sans garment bag.

7. The weekender

It probably won’t surprise you that, as the co-founder of Meqnes, the weekender is my favorite kind of bag.

Named for its function – it’s a smallish bag that gives you enough space to fit everything you need for the perfect weekend away from home – the ideal weekender bag will have tons of room, but still be compact enough to be easily carried around and used as a carry-on bag.

A weekender should be spacious, sturdy, easy to hold onto (with soft handles and a comfortable shoulder strap). It should also be stylish. The Meqnes weekender bag covers all of these. Made of wholegrain leather, it’s water resistant and weatherproofed.

All bags should be reliable and Meqnes is no exception; we’re so confident in our craftsmanship that we offer a lifetime guarantee for any workmanship-related issues.

As for style, the Meqnes weekender is inspired by old-school travel bags and modern-day sophistication. Its high-quality, vegetable-stained leather will gain a unique patina over the course of your travels, like a personal map you carry with you.

You can also make your mark by personalizing the lining color and adding a nameplate. Whatever look you go with, your Meqnes bag will turn heads. I always marvel at how many conversations I’ve had about this bag.

A bag should fit your needs and lifestyle – and fit your stuff inside it. But it should also be so much more.

Pick the right one and your stylishness will only be more noticeable, boosting your confidence wherever you go, making the load you carry that much lighter.

SHOP MEQNES NOW ››

Filed Under: Meqnes, Style

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Blog: My Last articles

  • How I fought racism with style
  • I’ve been featured in a profile on Forbes
  • The Rebranding of MEQNES
  • Life Will Taste Better After The Coronavirus Pandemic
  • The Top 7 Bags And Leather Accessories Every Man Should Have!

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