Fashion lovers, rejoice. Karen Wazen, the Dubai-based designer and one of the Arab world’s most influential style icons, is officially setting her sights on Egypt. In a major move, she’s partnering with Baraka Group, one of the country’s most respected names in fashion and eyewear retail, to launch her eyewear brand across the nation.
Meet the Karen Wazen Experience
After making waves across the region, from Beirut to Dubai, Karen’s next chapter is happening in Egypt. The collaboration with Baraka Group will officially kick off in early 2026, introducing dedicated Karen Wazen boutiques across the country. The plan is to open one new store every quarter over the next four years, reaching 15 to 16 stores nationwide.
The two brands already have a strong relationship. Karen Wazen’s eyewear line has been available in Egypt through a distribution agreement, and the results speak for themselves. The brand has seen impressive growth in the local market, recording 50% to 80% year-on-year (YoY) sales increases, and is now aiming to surpass 100% YoY growth with this new expansion. To date, more than 12,500 pairs of Karen Wazen eyewear have been sold in Egypt — a clear sign of how loved the brand already is.
“Egypt Holds a Very Special Place in My Heart”
Karen described the launch as a personal milestone, saying:
“We’re so excited to begin this new chapter with Baraka Group, a partner we truly trust and value. As two family-owned businesses, we share a similar ethos and set of values that make this collaboration feel especially meaningful. Egypt holds a very special place in my heart; its culture, energy, and people have always inspired me. Launching Karen Wazen stores in Egypt is not just an expansion; it’s a homecoming of sorts, a way to connect more closely with a community that has shown us so much love and support from the very beginning.”
For Karen, this step isn’t just about business growth — it’s about connecting more deeply with the fans who have supported her from day one.
Baraka Group’s Take on the Collaboration
For Baraka Group, this partnership marks a major milestone in its retail journey. With decades of experience and a strong footprint in fashion and optics, the company continues to shape Egypt’s evolving retail scene.
CEO Ahmed Ragab shared his thoughts on the collaboration, saying:
“Partnering with Karen Wazen to launch Karen Wazen stores in Egypt marks a major milestone in our retail journey. Since the beginning of our collaboration, we have witnessed the remarkable impact and genuine connection Karen Wazen has built with younger generations. We are proud to partner with a family that shares our values and continues to drive positive change in the Middle Eastern fashion industry, a vision that has successfully expanded onto the international fashion scene.”
The Karen Wazen Effect
Since launching her eyewear label in 2020, Karen Wazen has evolved from influencer to entrepreneur. Her namesake brand reflects her personal style and fashion philosophy — contemporary, elegant, and confident.
Today, Karen Wazen Eyewear is sold at over 20 leading global retailers and e-commerce platforms and features more than 14 collections. Her designs have been worn by celebrities worldwide, solidifying her brand as an extension of individuality and self-expression.
About Baraka Group
Founded in 1979 as a wholesale optics business, Baraka Group has since evolved into a diversified company operating across multiple industries, including optics and fashion. The group now operates over 45 stores in Egypt and proudly retails more than five brands.
Its achievements have been recognized internationally, earning nine global awards, including Best Retail Collaboration (Dubai, 2021), Global Rising Star Award (London, 2020), and Middle East Retailer of the Year (Dubai, 2018).
A Fresh Chapter for Egyptian Fashion
This partnership goes beyond expansion. It’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the growing connection between regional fashion leaders and Egyptian consumers.
With Baraka’s expertise and Karen’s distinctive vision, Egypt’s fashion scene is entering a new era of innovation and style.
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