Egyptian Model Mariam Dokhan Styles a Pharaonic Day Out in Cairo

“I’ve never really tied myself to a specific style. For me fashion is about rebranding myself because putting myself in a box limits who I can be.”

Just last week, you might have caught Mariam Dokhan on your screen during the Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Ceremony – one of the models adorned in pharaonic costume, embodying Egypt’s ancient legacy for a global audience. For Mariam, the moment was deeply personal. “People who know me know how much I have Egypt in my roots. I love Egypt, and I waited for this moment for so long,” she says. The shoot, she recalls, “was a very monumental day for me and for Egypt.”

Standing in the new Opera House, draped in pharaonic-inspired attire, kohl lining her eyes, she felt completely transformed. “I felt the spirit in me – like I’m presenting my heritage and my grandfathers and their forefathers.” Months later, when the project finally aired, she watched it with her family. “They were all screaming,” she laughs. “My family never really supported modeling, but after this moment, they were so proud. It changed everything.”

Over her seven years in modeling, Mariam’s style has evolved as fluidly as her journey. She doesn’t chase a single aesthetic – instead, she treats fashion as an ongoing dialogue with herself. “I’ve always loved experimenting,” she says. “My social media is more than just posting outfits or photos – it’s a form of self-expression and visual storytelling.”

Lately, she finds herself drawn to romantic, feminine silhouettes – “ruffles, flow, shapes, maxi skirts,” she muses. Even so, sustainability remains central to her choices. “I try to avoid fast fashion as much as possible,” she says, proudly noting that most of her wardrobe is thrifted or long-loved. She hunts for treasures in Cairo’s vintage haunts – Al Wekala, Zamalek thrift stores, the Cairo Flea Market – always guided by instinct. “I wear what feels right at that moment,” she says. “It’s about how I feel – that’s what reflects best who I am.”

Look One | Morning Tour at the Pyramids

“For the pyramids, my grandmother's scarf is the main character. full of patterns, details, and colors that really give the outfit personality. I paired it with my go to white maxi skirt for comfort and a simple white tube top, keeping the focus on the scarf while staying relaxed and chic.”

Grandma’s Scarf
Bershka | Rustic White Midi Skirt
Stradivarius | Polyamide Bandeau Top
ThriftinChic | Criss Cross Lace Up Kitten Heel Boots
Karen Wazen | Navy Blue Vicky Sunglasses

Look Two | Day at the Grand Egyptian Museum

“I went for a full black look because honestly, black never goes wrong. I loved how the bold, structured silhouette and the asymmetrical cut of the top reflected the museum’s architectural sharpness and depth. The layering adds extra personality, making the outfit feel powerful.”

Monroethelabel | Black Mika Top
Tunjii | Black Ripple Skirt
Thriftinchic | Silver Metallic Snakeskin Bag
Pixi | The Fremont 01-5599 Boot
Souq Diana Thrifted Accessories

Look Three | Felukah Ride at Sunset

“For the felucca ride, I had to go for this headpiece I’ve been obsessed with, it just takes the whole outfit to another level.”

Rebel Cairo x 6901 | Fresca Hand-crochet Head Piece
Zara | White Polyamide Top With Thin Straps Top
Alcamileon Studios | Medium Wash Embossed Jorts
Thrift In Chic | “Red Wing” pecos 9801 Cowboy Boots
Wekala Thrifted Sunglasses
Souq Diana Thrifted Bangle
Stradivarius | Set of 2 Cord and Bead Necklace

Look Four | Concert at the Opera House

"I love how softly the fabric drapes and the silhouette and color really matches the atmosphere of the place. I wanted something that felt timeless and graceful but still true to my style, simple, confident, and a little dramatic."

Nora Label | Dark Red Amira Jacket & Dress Set in Naia™ Satin
Judebenhalim | Maroon Nebula Earrings
Okhtein | Embossed Pochette With Lock Golden Bag
Steve Madden | Jypsey-gold Leather Heels