10 Palestinian-Owned Fashion Brands and Designers to Support
In a time when every choice can be a statement, let’s choose to enhance our support for Palestinian-owned fashion brands and designers. Under this occupation, Palestinians are struggling to hold on to their traditions as a testament to their existence. The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) attempts to erase every trace of their vibrant culture and lively spirit. Still, we can defy that by backing those who bring a touch of Palestine to runways, wardrobes, canvases, homes, and handmade crafts worldwide.
In Palestinian fashion, one captivating aspect is the integration of traditional embroidery, known as “Tatreez.” Tatreez is a centuries-old Palestinian embroidery art that involves stitching patterns, often telling stories of Palestinian heritage, culture, and daily life. These beautiful embroidered pieces are not only a nod to the rich Palestinian history but also a way for designers to infuse their creations with a sense of identity and cultural pride.
Lina’s Thobe
Lina Barkawi is not a designer by trade, but an innovator who unintentionally sparked a two-year passion project with her very first thobe creation. What began as a meticulous sewing and stitching venture unfolded into a symbol beyond the countless hours invested. For Lina, this traditional Palestinian garment became a magnificent piece to celebrate her heritage and illuminate an endangered art form.
In her venture, Lina isn’t merely threading a needle; she’s crafting a story that honors her heritage. Today, she’s committed to empowering a community, extending an invitation for others to embark on their own thobe designing journeys.
Reemami
A Palestinian-born designer, Reema Al Banna is the imaginative mind steering the contemporary women’s fashion brand, Reemami, and has swiftly captured attention in the UAE for her unique and modern designs. Her journey commenced with a clear goal: to meet the demand for fresh and modern women’s clothing, seamlessly fusing Western and Eastern styles.
Deeply rooted in her Palestinian heritage, the designer acknowledges how it shapes her conservative styles. She also shares a desire to infuse joy and lively colors into her designs, aiming to uplift the overall mood. Reema’s brand caters to the young and the young at heart, liberating the values of joy, optimism, positivity, and creativity. Reemami isn’t solely about style; it’s a socially responsible brand. It mirrors the ethos of its founder, reflecting a commitment to a greater purpose.
Natalie Tahhan
Natalie, a Palestinian fashion designer, has intertwined her passion for fashion with a deep connection to her roots. Drawing inspiration from the time-honored embroidery traditions of her ancestors, Natalie has breathed new life into these age-old patterns. Her contemporary reinterpretation of these traditional designs has garnered a dedicated following both locally and internationally.
In her own words, Natalie expressed, “Being inspired by the cultural history of Palestine was a simple way for me to celebrate my heritage and culture. I wanted to showcase the beauty of Palestine through the medium of fashion.”
Palestinian Culture Center (PCC)
The Palestinian Culture Center (PCC) was established in 1960 by a group of committed ladies, among which was the late Siham Abu Ghazaleh, who had been helping out at the Kuwait branch of the General Union of Palestinian Women, with a focus on embroidery and traditional dressmaking as a means to maintain Palestine’s rich cultural legacy, empower marginalized Palestinian women abroad and at home, along with assisting refugee women and their families in achieving their own financial independence.
The Center also supports numerous endeavors of sending money to and assisting organizations and associations in Palestine.
Tatreez & Tea
Tatreez & Tea is a brand with a purpose. Celebrating Palestinian embroidery, this online platform, based in the United States, promotes cultural heritage through a diverse range of products. From clothing to accessories and home decor, Tatreez & Tea is not just about preserving traditional craftsmanship; it’s a conduit for positive change, supporting local artisans and driving educational initiatives.
Tatreez tells a story that brings together all Palestinians in their love for their homeland the honor of their heritage, and their dedication to preserving their ancient culture.
Anat International
A streetwear brand that produces garments that are hand embroidered and sewn in Gaza by both men and women for men and women. They are timeless pieces that people from all over the world appreciate for both their beauty and cultural significance.
Anat International is breaking barriers in the world of embroidery by celebrating and encouraging men to take up the needle and thread. The brand challenges societal norms, recognizing that men, just like women, can skillfully contribute to the art of embroidery.
This inclusive approach stemmed from a personal experience where a man faced ridicule for wanting to assist his wife in fulfilling embroidery orders. Questioning the stereotype that embroidery is exclusively a woman’s craft, Anat delves into the historical context, highlighting how male Palestinian political prisoners embraced embroidery in Israeli prisons. Despite the challenges faced by prisoners, this space became a hub for learning the craft.
Anat International aims to extend this inclusivity beyond prison walls, advocating for men to proudly engage in this artistic pursuit. By involving all genders, Anat is ensuring that this cultural heritage thrives globally.
Nadine Khalili Jewelry
Nadine, A jewelry designer in Ramallah, Palestine, is recognized for her exquisite handmade jewelry crafted from precious metals, gems, and beads. She is particularly celebrated for her skill in employing traditional wire wrapping techniques. She creates all her jewelry using hand tools.
Meera Adnan
An intersectional feminist and designer, Meera has created a Palestinian contemporary clothing and accessories label from Gaza City. This Palestinian brand is dedicated to reclaiming narratives influenced by religious, political, and local references.
Her primary goal is to establish a platform for Palestinian creativity, envisioning a vibrant future for Palestine. Meera’s collection also incorporates traditional styles of older generation Palestinian women and has also maintained a forward-looking attitude, capturing the evolving culture of Gaza’s new generation.
Darzah®
A non-profit organization, Darzah®, is on a quest to make a difference. Darzah is an ethical fashion brand creating authentic, handmade Palestinian products.
They aim to create lasting job opportunities for women. They collaborate with skilled shoe and bag makers in Al-Khalil/Hebron to design the products, and their artisans hand-embroider each piece with a beautiful tatreez motif.
Nöl Collective
Yasmeen Mjalli, the founder and creative director, is responsible for thoughtful, hand-made pieces. Her initiatives are rooted in history adopting traditional production including Palestinian hand embroidery, majdalawi weaving from Gaza, and natural dyeing using local plants, insects, and roots.
This is done through collaborations with local family-owned businesses and women’s cooperatives.
Each designer and initiative carries the torch of Palestinian creativity. These designers and brands all have one thing in common, they are keeping their Palestinian heritage alive through their creative pieces. Our choices matter, and in supporting these talents, we call for a future where Palestinian culture thrives, unrestricted by occupation and Palestinian traditions shine throughout generations to come.
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