Okhtein

Egyptian siblings Aya and Mounaz Abdelraouf launched their luxury label in 2013. Aptly named Okhtein, which translates to “sisters” in Arabic, the brand showcases luxury accessories and draws international attention to the inherent refinement of Egyptian artisanal crafts.

Born and raised in Cairo, the Abdelraouf sisters were fascinated with fashion from a young age. Aya studied communication and media arts along with digital arts and design at the American University of Cairo; while Mounaz studied marketing and art at the same institution.

Okhtein stands out for its local manufacturing process and deep, cultural associations. The Abdelraouf sisters felt compelled to take a philanthropic approach to their work, with a desire to incorporate more handmade embroidery and straw into their leatherwork. This led to successful collaborations with an array of local NGOs that work to provide assistance to skilled female workers who have faced considerable financial hardship.

Okhtein is committed to upholding the cultural value of Egyptian craftsmanship and giving back to those in need while promoting innovative designs on an international scale.