Our Story

In 1988, Nevin Altmann began a journey to the Siwa Oasis, accompanied by her baby daughter Tamara.
Among the many beauties Nevin discovered there were handcrafted pieces and intricate embroideries created by the women of Siwa a tradition passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Realising that these crafts were slowly disappearing under the weight of modern mass production, Nevin became determined to revive and preserve this ancient art form.

She began with traditional costumes and head covers, gradually expanding her work to include everyday items such as cushions, bags, and shawls creating a unique blend of modern design and time-honoured craftsmanship. As her production grew alongside the number of women joining her, Nevin made it her personal mission never to turn away a woman seeking work, cultivating an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and dignity.

Over the years, Nevin not only showcased the beauty of Siwan embroidery in shops and galleries across Egypt, but also expanded her craft to include traditional art from Nubia, Sinai, the Nile Valley, and beyond.

Twenty-three years after Nevin’s first journey to Siwa, her daughter Tamara now grown  opened a shop in her mother’s name. What began as a tribute soon became a thriving evolution of the brand. Tamara built a new identity for Nevin Altmann, shaping its visual language, expanding collections, and creating a space where tradition could meet contemporary design with clarity and purpose. Through her vision, the brand transformed into a modern expression of Egyptian heritage, honouring its roots while carrying it forward into a new era.

Together, Nevin and Tamara have woven a living story of craftsmanship, culture, and continuity one that preserves the beauty of Egypt’s artisanal traditions and keeps them alive for generations to come.