North-African sister duo, Aya and Mounaz Abdelrauof launched OKHTEIN in 2013 proposing to design statement pieces that were both stylish and built-to-last.
A line moving in two directions, creating a strong dynamic form that reflects the personalities of the two sisters is the brand’s prominent headliner. While Mounaz draws her inspirations from history and jewelry, Aya describes her aesthetic as more subtle and minimal. The Egyptian sisters explain that while they have different aesthetics, their desire was to combine these together to create one story. And not just any story, but a wearable one from head-to-toe. While carried and worn, the story comes alive, and the multi-disciplinary collaboration of history, art, fashion, design, and even architecture becomes beautifully evident to all those in observance of an OKHTEIN piece.
Continuing to tell their story, the duo explains that the brand name means sisters in Arabic and that is not the only thing they captured from their ancient Egyptian heritage. In fact, the brand is rich in multi-cultural revival with its use of brass and gold metals and its meticulous attention to detail. Named after Egyptian goddesses and Nubian folktale characters such as ‘Minat’ and ‘Akim’, respectively, the brand’s use of these names is symbolic storytelling, as well as, a celebration of African female independence, fierceness, and perseverance.
From its classic collection to its recent SS20 collection, the brand continues to remain strong while moving in different directions. Adding a little fun in the sun glam, OKHTEIN’s SS20 collection is intended to be worn on endless summer nights. ‘A modern take of Studio 54, but by the beach’ as the brand describes it.
Already housing a loyal, client base including Beyoncé, the brand continues to add celebrities such as Joey King, Olivia Palermo, Demi Moore, Cardi B, Rihanna and more to its ‘carriable art’ roaster.
Now, all eyes are on the brand as the sisters continue to build their empire by recently announcing the launch of their new wearable adventure: OKHTEIN eyewear.
Watch the space @OKHTEIN.
Written by: Sandy Aziz
SS’20 OKHTEIN Campaign Credits:
Photographed by Prod Antzoulis
Styled and Modeled by Pam Nasr
Creative & Art Direction by Pam Nasr & Prod Antzoulis
Hair by Isaac Poleon
Makeup by Sally Nasr
Lighting 8th Street Studios
Photo Assistant Mary Lileonova
Stylist Assistant Claudia De Beer
Lighting Assistant Jaypee Manuel Hardin
Graphic Designer Dina El Sawi
Photo Retoucher Parry Bons