Aya and Mounaz Abdul Raouf photographed for the March 2017 issue of Vogue Arabia.
Forbes Middle East has unveiled its 30 Under 30 list, and the results might surprise you.
The prestigious power list ranks the region’s most influential Arab youth across various and diverse fields, including fashion, culture, science, arts, music, business, and sports. Topping the list is none other than Egyptian sisters Aya and Mounaz Abdul Raouf, who founded the highly-successful accessories label Okhtein in 2014. The former DDFC/Vogue Fashion Prize winners have went on to cut the ribbon on their debut bricks-and-mortar store in their hometown of Cairo, and have had their clutches and handbags picked up by international e-retailers such as Farfetch, The Modist, and Moda Operandi. Since winning the Fashion Prize in 2016, Okhtein has seen its designs worn by a host of A-listers, including Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, and Winnie Harlow.
The sister act was followed by another Fashion Prize winner, Lebanese fine jewelry designer Ralph Masri, who came in at second place on the prestigious list of Arab powerhouses. The Central Saint Martins graduate, who launched his eponymous label in 2014, is known for his sophisticated, statement pieces. His geometric designs have been worn by the likes of HM Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Gigi Hadid, and Nicki Minaj. Meanwhile, the Beirut-born designer won the Swarovski award as a first-year student.
Other talent featured include Emirati-Yemeni hitmaker Balqees Fathi at number 11 and Saudi Arabian singer Basma Alotaibi, who held the 12th position.
The ranking by Forbes was determined via a questionnaire sent out to the pool of Arab talent who nominated themselves.
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