Anne Austin
Apr 9, 20221 min
Okhtein, which translates to "Sisters" in Arabic, is an Egyptian brand founded by the Abdelraouf sisters, Aya and Mounaz.
The creative duo established the brand in 2013 to fill a void in the Egyptian luxury market by promoting Egyptian artistry's refinement both at home and on the international stage. Okhtein produces locally to honor this and each item has a "unique provenance with deep cultural associations."
Aya and Mounaz, who were born and raised in Cairo, were drawn to fashion at a young age. Their grandmother was influential in shaping their fashion tastes and perceptions. The sisters would rummage through clothes their grandmother had saved from the 1960s and 1970s, which made a fashionable impression.
The sisters employ a philanthropic approach to their work in order to incorporate more handmade embroidery and straw into their leatherwork. The two formed a partnership with a number of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that assist skilled female workers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the country.
After winning the DDFC/Vogue Arabia Fashion Prize in 2016, the brand has continued to expand its range in the lifestyle space, attracting a star-studded celebrity following that includes Gigi Hadid, Beyonce, and Madonna among its VIP clients.
See more photos from some of the brand’s campaigns:
Photo credits: @mouslamrabat / @okhtein