Egyptian Model Mai Yackout Collaborates With UAE-Based Label Nóra

Dubai-based fashion brand Nòra has partnered with Egyptian model and content creator Mai Yackout to launch a new collection built on modest fashion. This new collection, designed and directed by Yakout herself, offers a thoughtful mix of confidence, femininity and individuality that feels as personal as it is fashion-forward. 

A Cairo and Dubai-based model and content creator, Yackout is becoming a familiar face in the Middle Eastern fashion scene with her unique take on modesty, having worked with the likes of Dior Beauty, Sephora and That Concept Store. Through her work, Yackout has helped in carving out a space for hijabi models, challenging norms and advocating for greater diversity within the industry.

After a chance encounter during a shoot with a friend, Nóra’s founder reached out to Yackout on social media, intrigued by an outfit Yakout had designed herself - and from there, a friendship was built and the collaboration took off. Sharing similar aesthetics with a focus on statement yet effortless fashion, the collaboration with Yackout aligns with Nóra’s vision of empowering women as well, offering clothes that feel not only stylish and current, but also thoughtful and intentional. 

The Muse: 

“This collection draws from the 90s and is inspired by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy,” Yackout begins. “A lot of the pieces are inspired by what she wears, and how it’s always quiet, effortless everyday looks that can be elevated.” This translates into no noise, no-fuss style or excessive cuts - instead, you get clean cuts, and a chic, put-together look that’s simple yet refined. 

Some of the pieces have an inspiration focal point and are named after an iconic stylish figure. Yackout is influenced by the likes of Ava Gardner and her glamorous style, and Paulina Porizkova and her 1980s fashion. These pieces are meant to be layered, accessorised and paired with endless options, with their polished tailoring, minimalistic silhouettes and everyday wearability.

More deeply, Yackout finds inspiration from a turning point in her personal life. “My fashion design journey started when I didn’t particularly love wearing the headscarf,” she says. “My style didn’t feel like me, and I didn’t even know how to describe it.” This gradually led Yakout to experiment by wearing hoods instead of the headscarf, and eventually, she started designing her own clothes, exploring styles that resonated with her identity.

The Collection Dissected: 

This collection offers a balanced mix of elegance, comfort and style versatility. Each piece is carefully designed to fit different aspects of a modern lifestyle, from professional attire to relaxed, casual wear. “This collection is not just for hijabis or modest women, but also women who want to experiment with their style.” The pieces are unified by a focus on sophisticated, timeless aesthetics with contemporary touches like fluid silhouettes and veil hoods that add individuality.

“This collection involved recreating and retailoring my old designs, which made the process even more meaningful,” Yackout tells Scene Styled, revealing that she also recreated the first top she ever made, which is the Carolyn top. 

Yakout recounted a story about one of the pieces that came together by pure chance. “I had purchased fabric that wasn't sufficient for either a top or a dress on its own. So, I put the two together, and it became a versatile piece that can be worn as a dress for non-hijabis, as a top on its own, or both together.”

The Collection in Three Words: “Authentic, chic, bold,” Yackout says. 

The Message: “It’s about being included in the fashion industry,” the creative director and designer unveils. 

“You can continue to explore and define your personal style without worrying about others’ opinions on what it means to dress ‘correctly’,” she reveals. “It's possible to embrace modesty while remaining comfortable, and to resist the pressure to conform to what others have to say about it.”

Where To Wear It:

Picture yourself at a chic rooftop brunch spot in the city, surrounded by the skyline and the buzz of weekend energy. The sunlight glimmers off glass buildings as you and your friends indulge in artfully plated dishes and sip on refreshing mimosas. This collection’s pieces strike the perfect balance between casual, elegance and metropolitan style, perfect for a relaxed and sophisticated brunch. 

How to Style It: 

Given the versatility of this collection, you could mix and match these pieces with staple accessories, such as minimalist jewellery, classic handbags, and neutral or bold footwear, depending on the event. Each outfit's adaptability allows it to transition from day to night, and occasion to occasion with ease. 

Okhtein - Asymmetrical Pouch

Gucci | Interlocking G oval sunglasses

Gianvito Rossi | Freeda leather ankle boots

Suarez Arabia | Orion Ring

Liberté Jewels | Audace Earrings

Ettika | Cuffed Up Cuff

The Collection’s Stand-Out Pieces

Yackout Picks: “My favourite is the Paulina Top, which is a modern reinterpretation of Paulina Porizkova’s iconic 1988 look, featuring a structured silhouette with a draped addition,” she explains. This piece captures the essence of her bold black top using the same fabric, but with a modern twist in its style. The strong, tailored base pays homage to the original design’s powerful lines, while the draped attachment in matching fabric introduces a sense of fluidity and grace. The result? A harmonious piece built on sharp structure and soft movement.

Scene Styled Picks: The Ava Gardner Dress stands out the most, with its adaptability for both modest and non-modest women. What sets this dress apart is its versatility. One side has an extended scarf-like panel that can be slung over one shoulder or even tied around the waist to create different looks. But, when worn with the veil hood,  scarf draped over the shoulder and long sleeves option, the dress takes on a more elevated feel. 

Alternatively, the no-sleeves option and wrapping the scarf around the waist creates a cinched effect, accentuating the figure while maintaining a casual, bohemian vibe. The rich brown colour is versatile, suitable for both daytime outings and evening events, making this dress a staple for any wardrobe.

The Verdict

The collaboration between Mai Yackout and NÓRA marks a step forward in the world of modest fashion. This collection embodies the principles of authenticity and individuality, allowing women to express their fashionable side while remaining true to their personal values. It’s also hijabi-inclusive, but not non-hijabi-exclusive