8 regional brands making a mark by taking ethical, slow strides in fashion, cultivating peace of mind in luxury.
Okhtein
Okhtein – Arabic for “two sisters” – is a brand built upon a story of sisterhood and heritage. Egyptian founders Mounaz and Aya Abdel Raouf produce well-crafted handbags, richly adorned with traditional motifs, and showcases the timeless beauty of Egyptian artistry. At the heart of its philosophy lies a commitment for slow fashion, sustainability and ethical craftsmanship by employing local artisans. Okhtein prioritises the use of eco-conscious materials – a dedication to sustainable production aligns seamlessly with their mission to slow down the pace of fashion, encouraging consumers to value artistry and longevity over fleeting trends. @okhtein
Sandra Mansour
Sandra Mansour, whose ethereal, artistically driven collections blend intricate embroidery with sustainable practices, offers women garments that are both romantic and resilient. The Beirut-based brand embraces the essence of slow fashion with each collection built on the foundation of artistic vision and durability. The brand focuses on intricate, handmade detailing such as hand embroidery and delicate thread work that encourages a shift away from fast, disposable fashion. @sandramansour
BLSSD
BLSSD, the street-luxe label founded by Lama Riachi in 2015, known for its minimalist designs with an urban edge is the antidote to throwaway culture. Rooted in the principles of conscious and slow fashion, the brand goes beyond and channels a “pret a gratitude” mindset, often donating proceeds to charitable causes and sparking conversations on conscious consumption. @___blssd___
Reborn Society
Founded in 2019, REBORN blends comfort with purpose. Founded by
Zeynab El-helw, the eco-positive brand offers an array of styles from denim to activewear that puts a focus on sustainability while embodying a sense of streetwear style and prides itself as being socially conscious through design, with each sale supporting United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) mission to aid refugees worldwide. @rebornsociety______
Etika Jewels
Etika Jewels, founded by Basma Chaieri in 2021, offers ethically sourced, lab-grown diamond jewellery, that speaks to both modern elegance and conscious consumerism. Beyond aesthetics, the UAE-based brand merges modern design with a passion for conflict-free jewellery, offering consumers beautiful, mindful, and affordable alternatives to traditional diamonds.
Mona AlShebil
Saudi-born label Mona AlShebil delivers modern, minimalist elegance rooted in Saudi heritage. Founded in 2020, her brand embodies contemporary sophistication and timelessness, putting great emphasis on quality all while embracing sustainable and ethical production and craftsmanship methods.
Azzi & Osta
Renowned for its couture craftsmanship, Azzi & Osta combines structured fabrics with fluid, artistic silhouettes to tell a narrative of freedom and self-expression. The Lebanese fashion house epitomises slow fashion and sustainability through its meticulous approach to design, production, and materials. Azzi & Osta focuses on small-scale, limited-run production focusing on creating bespoke pieces of technical mastery and artistic flair – an approach to reduce overproduction.
Yasmina Q
For the cool and conscious, Yasmina Q creates luxurious knitwear from sustainably sourced yarns from Italy and crafted by skilled communities across Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the UK. The brand celebrates minimalist designs, with longevity and refinement in mind, ensuring each creation is made through a zero-waste principle.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
February’s – The Tranquility Issue – Download Now
Images: Supplied
