In the midst of the ongoing atrocity in Gaza and broader Palestine, where the resilience of the people is tested daily, there exists a vibrant community of designers whose creativity transcends the adversities they face. The power of art and design to inspire, provoke thought, and bring about change is undeniable. In this article, we shine a spotlight on 11 Palestinian designers whose talent and innovation deserve recognition and support. By celebrating their work, we hope to amplify their voices and contribute to the larger conversation surrounding the struggles and triumphs of the Palestinian people.
Noora Khalifeh-Dar Noora
Dar Noora embodies the tangible fulfillment of a young Palestinian artist's dream, seamlessly intertwining her love for traditional cross-stitch with her second passion, modern fashion. The products blend contemporary styles, infused with a myriad of influences drawn from Noora Khalifeh's personal journey in Jerusalem and the traditional Palestinian art of "Tatreez." Each piece from Dar Noora presents a distinctive and innovative interpretation of this classic method, offering a fresh and unique perspective.
Shukri Lawrence and Omar Braika-Trashy Clothing
Established by Omar Braika, Trashy Clothing is a Palestinian ready-to-wear fashion label that stands out for its bold fusion of satire, kitsch, and wit. The primary aim of the label is to confront challenging political realities by articulating design statements rooted in anti-colonial resistance and a spirited artistic militancy. In the midst of the enduring occupation, Trashy Clothing strategically weaponizes joy through fashionable humor, actively resisting colonial efforts of cultural erasure. Positioned as an "anti-luxury luxury fashion label," Trashy Clothing challenges prevailing Western geographies, power structures, and aesthetic norms that often dominate the contemporary fashion industry.
the brand actively crafts and presents collections that delve into the realms of gender, ethnicity, and race. Fashion serves as the medium through which the brand challenges established norms and ideologies. While centering on the Middle East, the collections draw inspiration from Arab music icons and popular culture, seamlessly weaving references to workwear, clubwear, and eveningwear. In doing so, their collections transcend borders, embodying a transnational essence that resonates beyond regional boundaries.
NATALIE TAHHAN
Founded in 2015, namesake fashion brand Natalie Tahhan stands as a pioneer, introducing global fashion know-how to Jerusalem with its collection of opulent high-end women's clothing. Tailored for the refined and sophisticated woman, the brand places emphasis on individuality, excellence, and style. They blend traditional aspects like detailed hand-sewn embroidery with modern trends, crafting distinctive pieces that exude elegance and innovation.
Meera Adnan
Hailing from Gaza City, MEERA ADNAN is a Palestinian brand specializing in contemporary clothing and accessories. The brand's creative endeavors center around reclaiming narratives, drawing inspiration from religious, political, and local references. This blend forms a captivating visual monologue that resonates with romance and nostalgia. The brand was founded by Meera, was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. She returned to her roots to study accounting before furthering her education in international business in the UK. Having traversed between the UK, Germany, and Turkey, she eventually returned home and introduced her eponymous label in late 2019.
HAZAR JAWABRA
Reviving traditional manufacturing with a contemporary twist, Palestinian designer Hazar Jawabra has discovered the power of knitwear as a medium to articulate her emotions, beliefs, and sentiments. From her deep-rooted passion for history to her reservations about certain facets of contemporary society. Jawabra channels her expressions through the "language of an infinite game of textures," engaging in an introspective exercise, the young artist crafts knitted collections that are vibrant and rich in color, always allowing intuition to lead the way in her creative process.
Yasmeen Mjalli-NOL Collective
Yasmine Mjalli is the founder of NOL Collective. At the core of Nöl Collective lies an ethical and sustainable production process, the lifeblood of every garment. Mjalli characterizes her initiative as hyper-local and intersectional, drawing significance from the individuals involved in crafting each piece and the land that breathes life into them. To her, the families and workshops of Nöl Collective are nothing short of revolutionaries, challenging a global industry that often prioritizes production and profit over the well-being of people and the planet.
Jamal Taslaq
Born in 1970 in Nablus, the acclaimed high fashion designer Jamal Taslaq grew up in an environment where the blending and coexistence of various cultures and religions were ingrained in local traditions. At the tender age of 10, he embarked on a journey into the world of high fashion. Accompanied by his mother, he explored an atelier near his childhood home, captivated by the enchantment of creation. Witnessing ordinary fabrics transform into wedding dresses and ceremonial attire, he was mesmerized by the magic of the process. What particularly fascinated him were the meticulous craftsmanship and intricate handmade embroidery that adorned the fabrics, enhancing the natural contours of the female body with grace and elegance.
Reema Al Banna-Reemami
Reema Al Banna, the talented designer and proprietor of the award-winning fashion line Reemami, is gearing up for the launch of her 9th collection. Season after season, Reema consistently introduces fresh and innovative designs. Her love for exploring new cuts, volumes, and patterns sets Reemami apart as an eclectic, bold, and playful fashion brand. Reema's journey began as a graphic designer before her passion for haute couture led her to enroll in a two-year fashion course at the prestigious French Fashion University in Dubai, ESMOD. In 2009, she turned her dream into reality by launching her label, Reemami.
Catering to the young and young at heart, Reemami's ethos revolves around fun, optimism, positivity, and creativity. Shaped by Reema's passion for creativity, each item in the collection is treated as a piece of art, with unexpected cuts and details defining the brand's identity. Reema's profound enthusiasm for experimenting with new cuts and creating distinct volumes gives her line its distinctive and signature style.
Afnan-Balady Stitch
Balady Stitch is a curated collection of meticulously crafted hand-made embroidery accessories, home decor, and everyday gifts, proudly originating from Gaza, Palestine. Notably, each item is given a name, often honoring and drawing inspiration from the women who played a pivotal role in the creation or served as an inspiration for the project.
Shireen Salman
Born in Jerusalem in 1986, Shireen Salman inherited a passion for design, with a lineage that includes a great-grandfather who was a jeweler, passing down the craft through her family. Her father continues the tradition with an antiquity shop today. Early on, Shireen's fascination with drawing paved the way for her artistic journey. She honed her skills by crafting furniture and designing the cover of the school magazine during her academic years. After graduating from Al Ahliyya University in Amman with a degree in interior design, she returned to Jerusalem with a mission to contribute actively to design in Palestine.
Starting in interior design offices, Shireen discovered her love for crafts, leading her to design lampshades and ceramic tables. Rooted in Palestinian pride and heritage, Shireen's work incorporates elements native to Palestine. Her philosophy revolves around taking traditional concepts and presenting them in a modern light while ensuring the production of high-quality products. The craftiness of olive wood and ceramics serves not only as inspiration but also finds its way into the final products she creates.
Shaden Atiyah-QUINA
The idea for Quina originated with Shaden Atiyah and her spouse Rani Daas. The idea was to make a wearable work of art out of a sustainable wooden unisex bag. The Arabic term for the eucalyptus tree, Quina, served as the basis for the brand name. The eucalyptus tree, which has deep roots and is always green, stands for flexibility and durability. It also inspires optimism for a new generation that will hold fast to its identity while remaining independent in its productivity across all fields.
Follow us on:
Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!