Championing a slower, ethical approach, these MENA labels are making their mark on the industry.
In this day and age of consumerism, the term ‘sustainable fashion’ may come across as an oxymoron. Consumption and production are at a near peak, yet a growing number of MENA brands are championing a slower approach focused on ethical design, environmentally friendly materials, and social responsibility.
Whether utilising deadstock fabrics or completely transforming waste into wearable art, these MENA labels are making their mark on the industry.
Folklore the Label | Kuwait
Producing in limited quantities, the Kuwaiti label has garnered international acclaim, occupying shelves at Harvey Nichols, Printemps, Sacks, and more around the world. Through working with a community of artisans, Folklore the Label is able to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. The Kuwaiti accessories label also utilises leftover leather and fabric from earlier collections, cutting on waste.
Emergency Room Beirut | Lebanon
Emergency Room Beirut was born in 2018 from a coalescence of sustainability and social justice. Its one-of-a-kind pieces are conceived from a patchwork of materials, colours, prints and textures, utilising upcycled materials from old bed sheets, curtains to furniture fabric. The label’s name is a reference to a ‘sick’ industry which they aim to aid in recovery.
Kasbah Kosmic | Algeria
An independent slow-fashion label based in Brussels with Algerian origins, Kasbah Kosmic utilises second-hand and deadstock fabrics to create psychedelic garments featuring myriad cultural symbols.
Almah | Egypt
Armed with scissors, sewing machines, and a team of talented designers, Almah is reshaping Egypt's sustainable fashion industry through its ethos of recycling without compromising style, using vintage fabrics from decades past often destined for destruction.
The Giving Moment | United Arab Emirates
Born in Dubai, The Giving Moment produces sustainable athleisure wear, employing a careful production process that minimises its carbon footprint. With every purchase, TGM donates four dollars to myriad charities and humanitarian aid. As of March 2024, TGM has raised over one million dollars.
Yasmina Q | Saudi Arabia
Operating on a pre-order basis to limit production waste, the eponymous Saudi label is all about ‘thoughtfully crafted womenswear,’ achieving so through upcycled and deadstock materials, and a small women-led production team.
Reform Studio | Egypt
Reviving the weaving industry in Egypt, Reform Studio avoids machinery in its production, instead empowering communities of local artisans - chief amongst them being women - who hand-weave discarded plastic bags, giving them a new lease on life.
Nöl Collective | Palestine
Championing slow fashion that embraces heritage, Palestine’s Nöl Collective partners with family-run sewing businesses across Palestine, utilising traditional fabrics and embroidery techniques, preserving both the environment, and its peoples’ identities.
