The 10 Year Anniversary Issue: Dissecting a Decade of Okhtein

When Aya and Mounaz Abdel Raouf first dreamt up Okhtein in 2013 after noticing a gap in the homegrown luxury market, they couldn't have imagined that a decade later, their Egyptian brand would become an international luxury staple. As Okhtein celebrates its 10th anniversary, we’re reflecting on a decade of success.

The Beginning: 2013

Okhtein’s genesis came about on a whim. Aya, an avid designer, and Mounaz, a Cairo-based artist who had contributed artwork to other fashion brands, decided to "start our own thing," as Mounaz Abdel Raouf shares with SceneStyled. Finding inspiration in the Islamic architecture of Old Cairo, the sisters got to work.

Aya and Mounaz Abdel Raouf, 2020.

Okhtein came to life in 2014, debuting with a collection inspired by their muse. At its helm were the Dome bag, named after the domes of Old Cairo, and the Palmette, inspired by Fatimid aesthetics. These two staples would become Okhtein’s crown jewels.

Kris Jenner holding the Palmette Minaudiere, 2017.

Quickfire Success

Within its first year, the luxury label earned its spot in the wardrobes of A-listers, an unprecedented feat for an Egyptian brand at that time. Emma Watson was the first celebrity spotted wearing Okhtein’s Palmette backpack, marking a significant milestone. Over the next two years, Okhtein’s Palmette Minaudière became a favorite among celebrities like Emma Roberts, Gigi Hadid, Kris Jenner, and Jessica Hakwaty. As the brand’s international impact grew, more A-list celebrities, including Beyoncé, Cardi B, Kourtney Kardashian, and Halsey, joined the ranks of Okhtein owners.

Emma Watson wearing the Palmette backpack, 2015.

Jessica Hakwaty holding the Palmette Minaudiere at Paris fashion week, 2016

Emma Roberts holding the Palmette brass Minaudière, 2016.

Beyoncé wearing the Okhtein Dome belt bag, 2017.

Growth and Expansion: 2017 Onward

In 2017, Okhtein opened its inaugural flagship store in Zamalek, Cairo, unveiling their Spring 2017 collection, which introduced new and revamped versions of their signature lines. The following years saw collections dedicated to their homeland, drawing inspiration from Egyptian muses often overlooked by other luxury labels.

One notable collection was inspired by the women of Assiut, Egypt, whose embroidery techniques were immortalised in Okhtein’s Rodhawk line. Beyoncé herself was spotted holding a Rodhawk bag, standing in front of a bust of Queen Nefertiti alongside Jay-Z. Okhtein also debuted the Akim bags, paying tribute to strong African women of history.

Portrait of a woman in Assuit, the inspiration behind Okhtein’s Assuit embroidery line.

Portrait of a Nubian woman, the inspiration behind Okhtein’s ‘Akim’ line.

The Akima Backpack
The Okhtein Rodhawk

Global Recognition

Okhtein's rapid rise continued, and it soon became available at top luxury stores worldwide. Royalty, too, coveted the brand, with Queen Rania of Jordan carrying an Okhtein Mint Studded bag to the graduation of her daughter, Princess Salma Bint Abdullah.

Collection after collection, Okhtein introduced both classic reiterations and new designs, expanding their range.

Winnie Harlow wearing Okhtein’s Felucca bag, 2019.

Kourtney Kardashian holding Okhtein’s Palmette Minaudière, 2019.

Diversification: 2020 and Beyond

In 2020, Okhtein launched its inaugural eyewear collection, "Into the Rod," marking its first foray into non-handheld accessories.

‘Into the Rod’ Debut eyewear collection, 2020.

‘Into the Rod’ Debut eyewear collection, 2020.

New Horizons

By 2021, Okhtein’s growth attracted Valentino's Chairman, Rachid Mohamed Rachid. His Mediterranean-focused investment fund, Bidayat, acquired a major stake in the luxury Egyptian label, providing additional funding and operational support.

Aya, Mounaz, and Mohammed Abdel Raouf, 2021.

Okhtein ventured into new territories through collaborations with regional and international labels. Among these was a notable collaboration with Balmain, creating a unique bustier for Balmain’s runway show at Paris Fashion Week 2022. Another philanthropic collaboration with the Magdi Yacoub Association saw Okhtein create a special edition of their Puffed Leather Oak bag, donating 30% of all purchases to the association.

Okhtein collaboration with Balmain | Paris Fashion Week 2022.

Brass to Fine Jewellery

In Fall 2023, Okhtein launched its inaugural jewellery line, heavily drawing from Egyptian heritage, paving the way for further growth.

From Cairo to the World

With flagship stores in Downtown Cairo, Sheikh Zayed, and the North Coast in Egypt, as well as an established presence at major luxury retailers like Selfridges and Harrods, and dedicated stores in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates and Riyadh’s Level Shoes, Okhtein is a true success story. The sisters' dream has turned into a global phenomenon, with Okhtein bags becoming some of the most coveted in Egypt and beyond.

With a decade of success behind them, the future looks bright for Okhtein. One can only wonder where they will be in 2034.