With global corporations appearing reluctant to take clear-cut stances on ongoing humanitarian crises, keeping track of which pockets your money falls into or which tragedy it might inadvertently sponsor is far from simple. In fact, the theory behind ethical buying happens to, unfortunately, be much easier to preach rather than practice.
Indeed, there are only a handful of ways to ensure that your purchase power aligns with your values and morals— especially in the fashion industry. Supporting local talent is widely viewed as one surefire way to keep track of where your money is going. Fortunately, our region is anything but short of up-and-coming designers, with each country in the Middle East and North Africa able to proudly showcase a wealth of talent in the field of fashion.
The rich range of brands that hail from our side of the globe all happen to share a common thread of authenticity and cultural resonance, repeatedly infusing their garments with statements that beam beyond the realm of streetwear and haute-couture. Weaving narratives of resilience and identity through every seam and stitch of their pieces, purchasing a piece from these local labels usually equates to supporting an array of messages that often go unheard all while knowing that no dollar spent ends up endorsing the wrong cause or materializing the dreams of the wrong person.
Below, a selection of brands from the region to keep under your radar and shop ahead of the new year.
ISSAPALAGLORIA
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Despite having only a few hundred followers on their official Instagram page, ISSAPALAGLORIA has still managed to catch the eye of a number of celebrities, including Algerian rapper TIF and Leicester-based singer and songwriter Sainté. While it is uncertain how they managed to have such reach considering their modest social media presence, the bold design of their t-shirts could probably explain the label’s growing popularity.
The brainchild of French-Moroccan stylist Chady La Creative, the newly founded label carries an ultra-recognizable calligraphy on the front, in Arabic, which reads “I never doubt myself,” while the back is covered with three inscriptions of the term “Al Hamdoulilah” in a thick upper-case lettering. While the brand’s first design stands out as a symbol of empowerment and self-affirmation in times where levels of islamophobia only seem to be on the rise, ISSAPALAGLORIA’s inaugural drop makes a bold statement not just in fashion but also in the realm of cultural expression, which only makes us excited to see what the brand will have to offer next.
The Front Row Studios
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Brought to you by Egyptian digital creator-turned-designer, Malak Hany, The Front Row Studios is the latest label generating noise in Cairo. Coming at the crossroads between Y2K aesthetics, streetwear, and local craftsmanship through tops, skirts, leather jackets, and street-sweeping dresses, the cool yet elegant brand is on a mission to become the “ultimate destination for strong, fun, and effortlessly sexy women.” Introducing a refreshing blend of boldness and sophistication to the region’s sartorial scene, the eclectic selection of “statement pieces and timeless must-haves,” as the brand aptly puts it, is one to bump to the top of your Christmas wish list ASAP.
Suez
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Representing both Iraq and Egypt, while always placing the entire region at the forefront of their ethos and products, London-based Suez is the brand turning traditional garments into edgy accessories. Founded by Serag El Meleigy, the brand first made a name for itself following the release of hand-sewn bucket hats made out of keffiyehs. Describing itself as a space that reinterprets Arab culture and heritage, Suez has since extended its offering by releasing tees, caps, and tote bags that are all inspired by our region’s identity. What’s more, the conscious label has also dropped its first set of jackets and trousers, which are stylishly cut out of the same iconic scarf used for their buckets hats.
Atlal From Galbi
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Exploring Algerian culture through clothing is the mission set by Lilia Yasmine, founder of Atlal From Galbi. The brand launched in 2019 mixes traditional with the more contemporary to birth a new understanding of daily style. Unapologetically North African from start to finish, Atlal From Galbi weaves a captivating narrative that speaks to Yasmine’s peers, namely third-culture kids who navigate the intersection of multiple cultural influences all at once.
Late For Work
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Following its runway debut at the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week this year, Late For Work is a Casablanca-born brand founded by Youssef Drissi that offers a new take on corporate wear that is both audacious and innovative. Blending avant-garde designs with classic tailoring, each piece tries to redefine workplace fashion with a daring flair. Arguably one of the most interesting voices in the couture scene in Morocco, Late For Work is the brand reimagining a future where professionalism is not confined to a rigid dress code— a vision that we at Mille can only sympathize with.
Freedom of Space
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Launched in 2018 in Istanbul, Freedom of Space is a streetwear label that centers its philosophy on the empowerment of self-made freedom and personal space, emphasizing the importance of forging your own path. Drawing inspiration from the early ‘90s hip-hop culture, 2000’s skateboarding scene, and a reinterpretation of classic silhouettes of clothing, the brand’s offerings include oversized hoodies, sweatshirts, tees, wide-leg jeans, cargo pants, and denim jackets. Genderless, and aligning with the brand’s commitment to zero waste of fabric and sustainable methods of production, Freedom of Space’s collections authentically capture contemporary youth culture while bringing a wholesome and forward-thinking presence to the streetwear scene.
