Okhtein, Egypt’s Luxury Bag Brand With a Star-Studded Clientele
By: Salma Heram / Arab America Contributing Writer
Backstory
“It all started in Old Cairo” is what Mounaz and Aya Abdel Raouf told Vogue Arabia when asked about the backstory of their luxury bag brand, Okhtein. Sisters and best friends turned co-founders, Aya and Mounaz set out in 2013 to start a passion project that gradually rose to international grandeur. Catering to both celebrities and everyday people with a good eye for ornate designs. While the first year was spent researching, sourcing leather and brass materials, creating designs, looking for space, and collecting funds, Okhtein–which means ‘two sisters’ in Arabic— was officially launched in 2014.
While neither sister studied fashion, they were immersed in the arts and fascinated with the fashion industry. At the American University in Cairo, Aya studied communication and media arts along with digital arts and design. While Mounaz studied marketing and art. Additionally, Mounaz is a skilled painter, having exhibited her work in both Egypt and Paris. As such, the sisters found themselves immersed in the world of art and design.
Aside from their immense talents, the sisters’ childhood fascination with fashion fueled them. As they recount, they used to decorate their plain bags with crystals and change the patchwork, and would even design their own clothes. So, it seems fate would have it that their childhood wonder with fashion would pair perfectly with their adult interest and skills. Yielding a powerhouse duo behind the global brand. From humble beginnings as a self-funded business with a small clientele, Okhtein’s designs now sell out within days of release.
Balancing Modernity with Heritage
One of the most unique things about Okhtein and their designs is their ability to perfectly balance modern designs with cultural motifs. Not only do their pieces often carry Arabic names that draw a sense of nostalgia to their Egyptian and other Arab clients. Their designs also feature patterns and artwork found across Egypt. Furthermore, they commit to exclusively using high-quality materials, including genuine leather, artisanal brass hardware, hand embroidery, and 18K gold plating. One of their most popular pieces, the Palmette Hexagon Minaudière, is inspired by the Fatimid Dynasty architecture found in Old Cairo and Al-Fustat. Available in seven colors, this design allows the wearer to flaunt a gorgeous evening clutch or crossbody bag while keeping in touch with Egyptian culture.
Another piece, the Felucca Striped Clutch, draws inspiration from pharaonic sailboats, featuring curved, ridged bodies and intricate metal decorative accents. Named after Egyptian sailboats, the Felucca Striped Clutch is another elegant option for evening outings. Their Bangle Clutch is available in three colors. It is inspired by Ancient Egyptian jewelry, as the gold bangle was revered as “a symbol of status and protection”. Serving as a beautiful piece of wearable art, mixing mediums of leather and brass with jewelry. Another piece easily associated with the brand is their Mini Dome Embossed Clutch. Inspired by Islamic plant ornaments and Old Cairo’s characteristic mosque domes.
In their newest seasonal collection, the High Summer ‘23 Collection, Okhtein seems to be further embracing Egyptian craftsmanship and heritage. Their Freska Tote pays homage to a popular beach day waffle snack on Egyptian beaches. Reflecting its wafery, ridged texture through Spanish raffia palm fibers. Additionally, their Shabaka Bucket Bag, combines raffia and fishnet, or shabaka in Arabic, material to create a perfect bag for beach-goers. Finally, their Moga Clutch, which means beach wave in Arabic, takes its name literally. Featuring a wavy silhouette and a pairing of contrasting materials –raffia, woven fabric, and metallic leather. As such, they truly have a piece for every occasion, from a casual outing to a relaxing day at the beach to an elegant evening.
Celebrity Clientele
As they continue to grow, Okhtein caters to more and more celebrities and famous personalities. Becoming a frequent appearance on global runways and red carpets. Palestinian-American model Gigi Hadid has been a loyal client of theirs for years, from as early as 2017. When American superstar Beyoncé wore their Dome Belt Bag in bold orange in 2017, their business skyrocketed. She continues to be a committed client of theirs.
Other Western celebrities that have fallen in love with their intricate pieces include Bella Hadid, Kylie and Kris Jenner, Halle Berry, Halsey, Joey King, Bella Thorne, Winnie Harlow, Cardi B, Rihanna, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Lea Michelle. Of course, Okhtein is also popular among the stars of the Arab world, including Queen Rania of Jordan, Egyptian actors Mona Zaki, Hend Sabri, Tara Emad, and Asmaa Galal, as well as Egyptian-Moroccan model Imaan Hammam. Most recently, Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna mentioned the brand in her newest song “Mama Eh”, where she sings “My bag is a gift from Okhtein” in Arabic.
Breaking Barriers and Giving Back
In an interview with AB Talks, Mounaz, and Aya were clear about the goals and mission of their brand. When they created Okhtein, they set out to break global stereotypes of what being an Arab woman should entail. “It’s not just about making bags; it’s about what’s beyond it,” Mounaz says, “It’s the faith of achieving something that no one believed is achievable; till this day people have their doubts.” Explaining the immense hardships they endured in both their work and personal lives. The sisters truly believe that their success and strong relationships are compensation and a gift from God for all they’ve been through. In turn, they hold a strong philosophy to give back to their community, working with skilled local Egyptian artisans to continue their families’ legacies.
They’ve also collaborated with organizations like the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation. Allowing proceeds from their Puffed Leather Oak Bag in Red to be donated to the Foundation in 2022. Taking it a step further, they collaborated with Naila Marei Studio to create a unique, custom-painted Puffed Leather Oak Bag in Red. It was auctioned at the “Dinner From The Heart,” and the proceeds were donated to the Foundation. All in all, Okhtein seems to be doing it all, from merging modernity with cultural heritage and ancient inspiration. To catering to celebrities to giving back to those in need. Indeed, Aya and Mounaz Abdel Raouf are incredible, powerful okhtein.
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