Old Cairo inspired these sisters to create handbags worn by Beyoncé and Gigi Hadid

From Ancient Alleys to Global Runways: The Okhtein Story

Goldlaner.com – The narrow, winding streets of Old Cairo serve as a living museum, filled with architectural marvels that have witnessed centuries of history. For Egyptian sisters Aya and Mounaz Abdelraouf, this historic district became a profound source of creative fuel. During a visit more than ten years ago, the siblings experienced a sense of temporal displacement. As Aya Abdelraouf later described, the atmosphere made them feel as though they were inhabiting a completely different era, where the modern world seemed to have paused entirely.

A Legacy of Brass and Heritage

Beyond the visual beauty of the city, the sisters were deeply moved by the local artisans. They observed skilled craftsmen who had inherited their techniques through generations, producing intricate lamps, jewelry, and tableware from brass. This dedication to traditional methods sparked the creation of Okhtein, a luxury label whose name translates to “two sisters” in Arabic. The brand seamlessly merges Egypt’s rich heritage with contemporary handbag design.

In many of their most recognizable pieces, the primary structure is constructed from engraved or textured brass, often combined with premium leather. Mounaz Abdelraouf emphasized the significance of this material choice:

“Brass is always the main element. That’s why our bags are like collectibles,”

One of the most distinctive features of their designs is the palmette motif, a fan-shaped leaf pattern derived from palm trees. This symbol was originally spotted by the sisters on a wall situated behind the Gothic-style facade of the Madrasa of Ibn Qalawun, a religious institution and tomb from the thirteenth century. Aya Abdelraouf explained the cultural weight of this symbol:

“Historically, palmette motifs ‘were used as stoppers (signifying a pause or used as a divider) in poetry and in the Quran,”

Global Recognition and Cultural Depth

Okhtein has successfully captured the attention of international fashion enthusiasts, with high-profile figures such as Beyoncé, Gigi Hadid, and Emma Watson frequently seen carrying the brand’s creations. The designers strive to showcase the complex layers of Egyptian identity rather than relying on clichés. Aya Abdelraouf noted that their approach avoids obvious stereotypes:

“It’s not a pyramid-shaped bag staring you in the face,”

Mounaz Abdelraouf further clarified this perspective, highlighting the diverse nature of the nation:

“Egypt is not just (ancient) Egypt,”

She continued by listing the various cultural identities that coexist within the country, describing it as simultaneously