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