Ounass shines a spotlight on the key collections of Fall/Winter ’23 alongside the region’s tastemakers, creatives and artists that dare to pave their own path, and encapsulate the power of individual style. This week, we sit down with sister duo Stephanie and Nafsika Skourti, who talk us through the joy of dressing up, designing for the women that inspire them and the key styles to covet from their Fall/Winter ’23 collection.

Tell us about yourselves.

We’re half Greek half Palestinian, and grew up in Jordan. We’ve been raised very close and feel blessed to have each other not only as sisters, but as business partners. We joined forces to start Nafsika Skourti together with a vision to build a brand that expresses our creative point of view and to create pieces that truly resonate with the women that inspire us.

How did you first discover your passion for fashion and style, and what inspired you to launch your brand?

Stephanie: We grew up in a creative environment, our mother paints and we have these beautiful large paintings in our home full of colour. Early childhood memories are of us going through her jewellery collection which is all very statement and vintage, and playing dress up with her clothes. Our mother has great personal style - I remember her wearing amazing DKNY oversized t-shirts during the day and would glam up at night with a lot of interesting black and great accessories. Nafsika has been creatively inclined from a young age, it was clear. Nafsika: The universe brought us together after I showcased my graduate collection at Paris Fashion Week. Steph had just quit her job at Goldman Sachs and just like that we started, with no real plan but a strong belief in our hearts.

Who is the woman you design for, and how has she evolved with the brand?

Stephanie: The community around our brand grew as the brand grew. We actually interact with the woman we design for - she's not some abstract profile we dreamed up. She is multi-faceted, modern, and is someone who loves expressing herself through fashion.

Tell us about your selections from the Fall/Winter ’23 collections.

Nafsika: For the first look I wore our classic naughty trousers (always a conversation starter) paired with the eden leo top. I also chose the two-tone dress from the collection, I love the wine rose colourway and how structured the silhouette is. I really enjoy developing corsets. Lastly I went for a day-to-night dress, the leo cotton. I always pack this piece when I go on vacation as it’s super versatile. I styled it with a pair of floral Magda Butrym sandals. For the video I wore the opera jumpsuit with cream sleeves, which feels so put together. Stephanie: For the first look, I wore the opera top with empire waist trousers, styled with a great choker from Alessandra Rich. This outfit is so glam without trying hard. I also went with the long-sleeved trophy gown with shoulder pads, which are perfect for petite shoulders. Up next was the Edith dress paired with simple earrings from Oscar De La Renta. I love the column silhouette, the black and yellow and embroidery detailing on the bustier. The American Beauty set is a favourite: Denim on denim is such a statement.

What makes you feel most authentic and truly reflect your personal identity when it comes to Style?

Nafsika: I love mixing contrasting elements. A great colour combo will put me in a good mood. Taking a piece out of its original context and restyling it is something I enjoy. Magic only happens when you’re channeling your authentic self and the specific mood you’re in that moment. You feel very sure and you don’t care for anyone's opinion but your own. Your style should be your own personal dictatorship and not a democracy.

What Fall trends are you looking to incorporate into your wardrobe?

Nafsika: Mixing textures, drop waist everything, and really sharp corsetry. I think we are entering a daring renaissance and there are so many interesting iterations of it this season - from jersey ruched bodycon to nipped-in structured waists, to more masculine interpretations.

If you had to choose one piece to represent your brand from FW ‘23, what would it be?

Nafsika: The Eden Bloom. This dress is just magic. It really embodies the collection with its bold colour combination and 3D crystal embroidery. It has that fashion vintage element I seek, it has the feminine. Best of all it is so comfortable and you can change into flats with it at 3am and still look great. Stephanie: The American Beauty set. I love it when we marry modern textile work with more streetwear styles. I think our interpretation of denim is super fresh. This is the perfect example of an elevated casual style that really showcases embroidery beyond sequins and paillettes. I’ll be wearing and re-wearing mine till the end of the year. Super happy Ounass picked it up.

If you could create a capsule closet, what would it include?

Nafsika: First, I think about the vibe I want for that season. Is there a trend or a look that's really speaking to me. I think about it like a casting director: I need a lead actor, supporting actors, and character actors. A leading actor tends to be something that will carry you through a season like a shoe or a jacket, they are statement pieces and very stylised. I think a skirt is a good anchor point. Then you need items that support the main character. Think tank tops, a good pair of jeans. These are arguably the VIP items in your closet as they bring it all together. Then the ‘character’ items are your styling elements: lilac socks, vintage wrap-around sunglasses, a crystal mini bag. In summary: one part statement, one part basic, one part random.

What emerging designers or regional brands on Ounass do you believe are making an impact in the fashion industry?

Stephanie: To be honest, the impact I’m seeing is not from any brand - regional or emerging. What is standing out to me these days is how the MENA woman, her needs, her taste, is seeping into all major brand offerings. I am seeing more amazing modest styles from big and small brands - this is indicative that the industry is listening and catering to our part of the world. This is power.

What does Dreaming of Reality mean to you?

Stephanie: Manifesting and visualizing a reality that is within you - if you only apply yourself.