Mohra Tantawy crowned Miss Universe Egypt 2023

Mohra Tantawy is a 21-year-old runway model. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 27 September 2023
Follow

Mohra Tantawy crowned Miss Universe Egypt 2023

  • Winner qualifies for Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador on Nov. 18
  • Finalists included Salma Eltoukhy, Doaa Meera Tarek, Aya Abdelrazik and Amera Othman

DUBAI: Mohra Tantawy, the 21-year-old runway model, was crowned Miss Universe Egypt 2023 on Monday.

The rising star now has the opportunity to represent Egypt at Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador on Nov. 18.

Tantawy competing with other finalists Salma Eltoukhy, Doaa Meera Tarek, Aya Abdelrazik and Amera Othman.

The competition’s categories were a personal interview, swimwear round backed by Egyptian brand Hadia Ghaleb, evening gown round, and the final question.

During the final question and answer segment, Tantawy was asked: “What do you think is the biggest reason why poverty still exists in many countries in the world?”

Her winning answer was: “I believe the main reason why poverty still exists in many countries is the lack of resources such as education or the lack of economic opportunities, and if I were to be Miss Universe Egypt, I would work with both local and international organizations to create (a) micro-funding environment and to empower these people that are stuck in the unfortunate circumstance of poverty, and just empower them to break out of the cycle.”

The competition was organized by Dubai-based Yugen Group, the same entity behind this year’s Miss Universe Bahrain pageant.

Josh Yugen, owner and national director of Miss Universe Egypt, said in a statement: “On behalf of Miss Universe Egypt organization, we are very honored to crown our new Miss Universe Egypt 2023 with our utmost goal of celebrating a platform that gives a voice to the empowerment of young women, to highlight their incredible and innovative contribution to our society and to inspire other women to break stereotypes not only in Egypt but all throughout the world.”

“Our new queen is quintessentially graced with passion, cocooned with courage and armored with pursuit of love, sisterhood and kindness,” he added.

Miss Universe Egypt was held in Cairo and live-streamed globally on the pageant’s YouTube channel.

The jury members included Egyptian actress Mai Omar, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Arci Munoz, and Filipino-Italian model Celeste Cortesi.

The event was hosted by Evlin Khalifa, who was crowned Miss Universe Bahrain in 2022.


Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

Updated 21 January 2026
Follow

Saudi label KML unveils new collection in Paris

DUBAI: Siblings Razan and Ahmed Hassan presented their Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday, continuing the rapid rise of their KML label.

The duo has gained international recognition since launching the brand in 2022, most recently being named semifinalists for the LVMH Prize — a prestigious annual award for emerging designers.

Creative director Ahmed’s minimalist designs and sharp tailoring mean KML — owned by his sister, Razan — has built its identity around reimagining traditional Saudi garments through a contemporary lens. Jackets are paired with shawl-like elements, large leather belts recall those historically worn by Bedouin men, and skirts nod to silhouettes once worn by men in the Eastern Province, Jazan and the Hijaz.

The collection leans on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions. (Getty Images)

The approach is reflected in the new collection, which features a restrained palette of black, white and muted earth tones, leaning on wrap constructions, asymmetry and elongated proportions.

Flowing skirts, structured wrap tops and robe-like coats dominate the lineup, with some looks referencing classical draping while others lean toward utilitarian dressing, defined by sharp shoulders, cinched waists and clean, architectural lines.

In a previous interview with Arab News, Ahmed said their grandmother was a huge influence on their lives as he and his sister grew up in Riyadh. He fondly recalled both her progressive nature and inimitable style. As a young boy, Ahmed would often accompany her to fabric shops so she could get her designs stitched by a local tailor. The experience left an impression, though fashion was not an obvious initial career path.

Ahmed studied architecture and became an intern at Zaha Hadid Architects, where he developed an appreciation for structure and form. Razan, meanwhile, pursued law at Prince Sultan University and she went on to practice full-time.

“One summer, we both realized we weren’t doing what we truly wanted to do, so I decided to go to the UK to study creative writing, and Ahmed went to Central Saint Martins (in London) for a few courses,” Razan explained.

That was the catalyst for KML. In August 2023, they launched their debut capsule collection and towards the end of that year they applied to the Saudi 100 Brands program. The Fashion Commission recognized their potential, helping KML launch collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh and Milan.