The Designer

Norhan El Sakkout is the Founder & Creative Director of the slow women’s ready-to-wear brand Saqhoute. Coming from a family of architects, creatives & academics in Arabic Literature and appreciators of Islamic Arts and Architecture she grew up in an environment highly celebrating Egyptian culture and heritage in all its forms.

Being surrounded by love for our history, handicrafts, and a strong connection to the Egyptian identity, she could only grow to appreciate it strongly, be deeply inspired by it, and get excited about reviving it while telling its story in forms of garments that reflect who are between our past and present. At Saqhoute, she tells stories of our Egyptian heritage through historically inspired designs and intricate hand embroidery. 

With a background in fine arts, design & entrepreneurship she grew up learning to balance her right and left brain to satisfy who she is. Along this journey, she has come to feel strongly about sustainable development, positive impact and growing our creative economy while protecting what makes us Egyptians special.

Accordingly, she decided to further her knowledge of local heritage and design by pursuing her MA in Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Fashion focusing on Egyptian handicrafts at Goldsmiths, University of London. During her time in London, she worked with renowned Singaporean designer Ashley Isham in London Fashion Week  AW 16/17.  Norhan holds a Finance & Fine Arts degree from the American University in Cairo.