Interview with Egyptian Eco-Fashion Designer Nadia Nour

Since her launch in 2008, Egyptian fashion designer Nadia Nour has been wowing fashionistas with her elegantly glamorous and individual fashion range which also happen to be environmentally-friendly.

Graduating with a degree in Fashion and Philosophy, it’s seems that Nadia Nour was destined to create an ethical fashion range that gracefully combines her love for fashion with concerns for the planet. With a focus on organic cotton, silks and vintage fabrics, Nadia has also shown her commitment to her home city by producing locally in New York City’s Garment District.

She insists that you can still wear high-end fashion, show off your personal style and reduce your carbon footprint. I spoke to Nadia about what inspires her work, her top tips for eco-shoppers and how her Arab heritage shapes her work.

What inspired you to create an environmentally-friendly clothing range?
As I learned about the fashion industry’s negative impact on the environment, I realized that I did not want to be part of the problem. By producing locally in NYC, I am reducing emissions caused by transportation as well as helping to sustain the local economy and maintain manufacturing jobs through my support of the NY Garment District.

My organic fabrics are dyed with all natural ingredients which helps to keep toxic dyes from being flushed into our water supply. My organic cottons are also grown without the use of pesticides which is not only healthier for people and the planet, but also makes for a softer and more durable fabric.

Although you use natural and organic materials and dyes, your range of clothing is very sophisticated and glamourous. Was this a conscious decision?
Definitely, my goal is to design clothes that are beautiful and that are also organic. Women do not have to sacrifice style to be green.

What do you think is going to be the next big thing in Eco-Fashion?
I think we will continue to see an expanding variety of organic fabrics and collections.

Does your Arab heritage influence your work?
Yes, I am inspired by the rich colors and beautiful geometric designs found throughout the Arab world. The idea of world traveling and cross-cultural influence inspires much of work.

What eco designers do you admire?
Karim Rashid is inspiring in his approach to lifestyle design and his environmentally-conscious methods.

Any advice or top tips to offer the fashion conscious eco warrior?
Read your labels and do your homework. I think the organic fashion movement should follow the example of the organic food movement. People educated themselves about the ingredients and manufacturing of their food and as awareness was raised, demand was created for organic food. Companies responded and today almost every grocery store in the US has an organic section.

Although you use natural and organic materials and dye, your range of clothing is very sophisticated, feminine glamour. Was this a conscious decision?

Definitely, my goal is to design clothes that are beautiful and that are also organic. Women do not have to sacrifice style to be green.

What do you think is going to be the next big thing in Eco-fashion?

I think we will continue to see an expanding variety of organic fabrics and collections.

Finally, what can we expect from Nadia Nour in the future?
I am developing initial plans for expanding my line to include accessories and jewellery.

Stay tuned for more on Nadia Nour’s range of eco accessories and jewellery to go with her certified organic, lovely and sustainable clothing.

For More on Eco-Fashion:

“Thirsty for Change” Fashion Show Raises Awareness About Israeli Water Conservation
Zolaykha Sherzad Resurrects Traditional Afghan Crafts Via Modern Fashion Design
Yael Uriely Shows Us That Good Things Come in Upcycled Shapes, Colors and Sizes

Author: Arwa Aburawa

Arwa is a Muslim freelance writer who is interested in everything climate change related and how Islam can inspire more people to care for their planet and take active steps to save it while we can. She is endlessly suspicious of all politicians and their ceaseless meetings, especially as they make normal people believe that they are not part of the solution when they are the ONLY solution. Her Indian auntie is her model eco-warrier, and when Arwa is not busy helping out in the neighborhood alleyway garden, swap shopping or attempting fusion vegetarian dishes- with mixed success, she’d like to add- she can be found sipping on foraged nettle tea.

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