Photographed by Mous Lamrabat
Egyptian label Okhtein has announced its partnership with investment company Bidayat to fuel its international growth. Bidayat, founded by Valentino board chairman and Egypt’s former minister of trade and industry, Rachid Mohamed Rachid, will provide funding, know-how, operational support, and access to a global network of industry experts for the luxury brand. Bidayat acts as a catalyst for creatives and entrepreneurs in fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle from MENA and Europe, helping to transform their ideas into globally recognized brands.
The Abdel Raouf siblings. Photographed by Amina Zaher
“As a growing brand from MENA, we are extremely excited to collaborate with a partner that shares common values and understands the unique opportunities and challenges entrepreneurs from the region face,” said Mounaz and Aya Abdel Raouf, founding sisters and designers of Okhtein. “Having a hands-on partner like Bidayat will help us unlock our full creative and commercial potential,” added Okhtein’s CEO, business partner, and Mounaz and Aya Abdel Raouf’s brother Mohamed Abdel Raouf.
Beyoncé wearing Okhtein. Instagram: @beyonce
Okhtein is well on its way to achieving this goal. Founded in a small workshop in 2014, the label has since come a long way with this investment, already making itself a name globally through its collections and celebrity following, including Beyoncé, Emma Watson, Cardi B, and Gigi Hadid. Bagging the DDFC/Vogue Fashion Prize in 2016, their contemporary handbags and accessories line fuses centuries-old Egyptian craftsmanship with timeless designs. In 2019, Mounaz and Aya Abdel Raouf were included in Forbes Middle East’s ’30 Under 30′ edition, a recognition of their impact on the region and beyond. Okhtein opened its flagship store in the contemporary district of Cairo in October 2020, and has a continued focus on new product development, expanding its retail presence globally, and enhancing its digital and e-commerce footprint.
Read Next: These 100 Saudi Brands Will Be Mentored By the Biggest Fashion Powerhouses in the World
