Latest news with #EgyptianCotton
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
How Egyptian designer Emily Mikhaiel is reinventing ethical fashion
By the time Emily Mikhaiel launched Nazeerah, her Egyptian-American fashion label rooted in regenerative farming and circular design, she'd already flirted with composting toilets, kelp farms and aquaponics. 'If I'd known how hard it was going to be, no, I wouldn't have started,' she tells The National, half-laughing, half-serious. A decade in the making, Nazeerah is not just a brand. It is a manifesto of support for Egyptian cotton farmers and not harming people or the planet. Entirely made from sustainably grown Egyptian cotton at the end of their lifespan, Nazeerah pieces will compost down to nothing, and 'return to the soil, where it started,' Mikhaiel explains. The brand's origin story is deeply personal. As a child growing up in the US, Mikhaiel made her first trip to her father's homeland Egypt at the age of 10. 'It was a complete culture shock,' she recalls. 'It wasn't like the Aladdin movie,' she adds, smiling. A family sailing trip from Cairo to upper Egypt, however, left an indelible mark, kick-starting a yearning to learn more about her father's roots and upbringing. She went on to study international relations, environmental policy and law, but it was a course in sustainable business that connected the dots. 'I kept asking myself, wouldn't it be amazing to set a precedent showing things could be done in a better way?' Her early experiments were eclectic. 'I wrote my thesis on composting toilets, but in the US, the red tape was a nightmare,' she says. There were dalliances with kelp farming ('you need a boat, and to scuba dive'); soil regeneration; and carbon sequestration. Then came the breakthrough: a rediscovery of family history. Her grandfather was a cotton broker, she learnt, while her father, picked cotton after school. Her grandmother, Nazeerah, was the local seamstress, crafting garments for the community from local cotton. 'She sewed women and children's clothing made from the cotton that was grown in the surrounding area and produced at the factories,' she explains. The idea of being the link between different elements was exactly what Mikhaiel was searching for. Bringing together sustainable farming, hand weaving and ethical practices, she named the company Nazeerah in her grandmother's honour. Egyptian cotton, famed for its extra-long fibres and exquisite softness, is a byword for luxury. It's why top-tier hotels wrap guests in the smooth, lightweight sheets. But the cotton economy in Egypt has been under pressure for decades, from both environmental degradation and global competition. Since the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1970s, the Nile no longer floods the fields with nutrient-rich silt. Instead, farmers now have to rely on costly chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Mikhaiel found a group working to reverse that trend, training farmers in chemical-free techniques, from composting to beneficial insect cultivation. 'I got extremely lucky by finding an organisation that's working with farmers here in Egypt and teaching them regenerative farming,' she says. From there, the vision took shape. She sought out weavers in upper Egypt who still work on handlooms and then faced down the real challenge: producing women's ready-to-wear that is entirely biodegradable. It meant upending the entire manufacturing process. 'I can't design and then select the fabric and the trims. I have to select the fabric, source the trims and then design from there,' she explains. Cotton thread replaced polyester versions, nylon shoulder pads were swapped for ones made from repurposed baby blankets, while plastic buttons were replaced for locally sourced horn. Even conventional elastic was ditched for a version made with natural latex and organic cotton, while garment bags were reimagined in recyclable paper. The biggest struggle, she realised, was persuading factories to get on board. '99.99% of all clothing is sewn with polyester thread or a poly cotton combination,' she explains, making factories unsure of how other threads will fare in the machinery. 'They're worried that cotton thread will break too easily.' One factory even reused leftover polyester from another brand by mistake. Today, the only non-compostable element left is the zip tape. 'We couldn't find an alternative,' she admits. 'But aside from that, every single part will break down naturally. It has been a huge undertaking to get to this point, but I'm really excited that we're here.' This journey would not have been possible without enlisting textile veteran Mahmoud El-Gazzar to bring local manufacturing expertise. 'He has a lot of experience,' she explains. 'He knows all the factories in Egypt and most of the suppliers, so we were able to get going.' Nazeerah is currently sold online, with a focus on the US market. The typical client? 'She's eco-conscious, she's busy, and she wants to know the story behind her clothes. Whether it's for health, sustainability or ethics – she wants to trust what she's putting on her skin.' Now, expansion is on the horizon. A new warehouse in Egypt will support shipping across the Gulf and Europe. 'There's demand,' Mikhaiel says. 'But so few brands here are doing natural, organic fabrics at this level.' For Mikhaiel, it's about more than just clothes. It's about changing the narrative – of fashion, of sustainability, and of Egypt's place in the global creative economy. She's often the only woman in the room, and, as she puts it candidly, 'probably only sitting at the table because I was born in the US.' Yet here she is, crafting a new kind of clothing – one that honours her past, respects the planet and knows exactly what it's made of.
Forbes
24-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Ethical Fashion Brand Kotn Opens First European Store In London
Canadian-based clothing and homeware brand Kotn is opening a new store in London, its first location outside Canada and the U.S. Known for its high-quality apparel and home goods, Kotn has made a name for itself as a sustainable brand that puts community at the heart of everything it does — all communities: from cotton farmers in Egypt to the schools it funds with every order and the consumers hosted in its retail spaces. With this new location, the brand seeks to become a third space for cultural gatherings and community-building in Shoreditch, one of the most vibrant areas of London, honoring its guiding values around culture and connection. To mark the store's opening, Kotn is hosting a series of events on May 30 and 31st that celebrate the brand's cultural roots, while forging connections and fostering the sense of community that is so close to the brand. It has designed a gathering experience inspired by traditional Arabic gathering spaces, where a curated group of London creatives and tastemakers from music, fashion, art and media are brought together and immersed in an intimate, warm, Cairo-inspired space. In addition, Kotn is organizing a block party with food, drinks and music that is open to all but will also welcome a series of influencers and other personalities close to the brand. While the first event is designed to create a really well-crafted, immersive experience that honors the brand's cultural heritage, the second aims to be a neighborhood event rather than a proper brand activation, aiming to echo the blend of cultures London —and the Shoreditch district specifically — and Kotn bring to the community. Rather than a marketing tactic, these activations are designed to give consumers a taste of what the brand genuinely stands for and the authentic community-building it forges. ' Our approach has always been about doing things that excite us and feel good, and through that, finding others who feel the same. That's how genuine communities are formed — through shared interests, values, and a shared vision of the world we want to help shape. It's that natural alignment, rather than a calculated strategy, that makes community such a central part of who we are as a brand,' shares Rami Helali, Kotn' co-founder and CEO. The sense of gathering physical retail can unlock is one that is making its return but is actually the essence of the channel, something that Helali believes since beginning to grow the brand's offline presence in 2017. Few brands approach culture and community so organically. But for Helali, community is a natural way of life that's inherent to the Arabic culture, so thinking of how to engage with consumers in a way that is enjoyable, authentic and genuine comes naturally. It is what has always influenced the brand's approach towards physical retail: stores aren't just locations where products are displayed and purchased, but embody third spaces for individuals to interact with Kotn beyond its products. Events are often held at its stores, with brands or individuals welcome to use the retail space as a venue for cultural gatherings. For example, Indian-Canadian poet Rupi Kaur hosted an open-mic at Kotn's Lower East Side location last year to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her now bestselling poetry book 'Milk and Honey'. In that sense, Kotn stores are not just retail locations but spaces for cultural expression and warm gatherings. This hosting mindset has inspired the brand's next milestone: the launch of its first hospitality concept, Beit Kotn (which means House of Kotn), also in London. In addition to the retail space, the brand will open a hotel on the floors above comprising a few rooms. With a collection of homeware, opening a hotel that features the brand's collections is a great way for individuals to discover and interact with products differently. But that's not the main reason why Helali decided to venture into hospitality: 'Hospitality has always been on our minds — even from day one. Our brand has always been about more than just physical products. It's about the values of the Middle East: warmth, generosity, community, and intention. So hospitality felt like a natural evolution.' Here again, the minds behind the brand are approaching new ventures in a way that feels completely organic. While we see many fashion brands going into hospitality retail to attract consumers and create new types of interactions, many are executed with a clear marketing angle and designed with social media reach in mind. Kotn's interest in opening its first hospitality concept goes far beyond that and doesn't need much explaining given the brand's constant focus on being a cultural bridge and source of gathering for its community. 'It's not just about the design or the products in the space, but how it's integrated into the community. We want guests to feel connected — to local businesses, creative leaders, restaurants — and to the rhythm of the neighborhood. Hospitality is a way for us to bring people into our world, rooted in quality, connection, and culture,' Helali says. Kotn's new store opening and expansion into hospitality marks a new chapter for the brand. Choosing London as its first European store was no coincidence: like Kotn, the city is a melting pot of cultures, home to vibrant communities, which deeply resonates with the brand's mission to foster conversations, connections and cultural dialog. Kotn's approach to physical retail is one that can inspire many peers, not just as a marketing tool but as a guiding principle for every brand touchpoint and interaction with consumers. By redefining retail as a cultural space rooted in neighborhood life and communities, the brand is reminding us what retail is truly about: cultivating human connection.
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I gave my council house bathroom a mega makeover with Dunelm and Amazon bargains – now people think it looks ‘beautiful'
A SAVVY mum has given her council house bathroom a mega makeover whilst staying on a budget. So if your pad could do with transforming but you haven't got loads of extra cash to splash, then you've come to the right place. 2 A mother has given her council house bathroom a total transformation, without breaking the bank Credit: TikTok/@maryamhomemaker 2 Maryam was able to add style to her space using bargains from Amazon, Ikea and Dunelm - and now people think it looks 'beautiful' Credit: TikTok/@maryamhomemaker Maryam, a DIY enthusiast and mother-of-four who lives in London, recently took to social media to proudly show off her council house bathroom transformation. The mother, who normally posts interior content online and calls herself a 'homemaker', gave a before and after tour of her bathroom, leaving many totally stunned. What was once in desperate need of some TLC, with ripped paint, mess on the floor and dated grey tiles, has since been given an impressive transformation. Maryam confirmed that she used bargain buys from the high-street to keep costs down and now, her bathroom is one of dreams. Since the update, the grey floor tiles are nowhere to be seen and the plain white walls have been given an refresh with panelling and a fresh lick of paint. Maryam explained that she was able to turn her 'council house into a home' thanks to watching YouTube videos. She also acknowledged that she had to get permission from the council to transform the bathroom. Maryam later confirmed that she nabbed her sink storage from Ikea and her bathroom lights from Dunelm. Not only this, but for her DIY panelling, she stocked up on panels from Homebase. To glam up the space, she bought shelves from Amazon and used Dulux paint in the shade Egyptian Cotton on the walls. I used cheap Temu tiles to get a herringbone bathroom while saving for a reno - they're good as new 4 months later As well as this, Maryam confessed that rather than splashing the cash on a posh shower, she opted for a more affordable one from B&Q. DIY fans beam The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @maryamhomemaker, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 122,000 views. Eight Easy DIY Tips & Tricks The ultimate guide for homeowners and renters: DIY expert's lazy painting hack will make decorating your home much easier Save time and money with this easy DIY tiling hack to transform a room in under an hour Avoid these five mistakes in your next DIY project Transform your kitchen with this renter-friendly DIY hack Noisy neighbours? Here's how to soundproof a room DIY expert shared her favourite strategy for painting around glass without tape If you want to give your kitchen a fresh look, here's how to paint your kitchen cabinets Five tricks to spruce up every room in your home for less than £5 Not only this, but it's also racked up 5,078 likes and 76 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by the bathroom renovation and many flocked to the comments to describe it as 'beautiful' and 'amazing'. Feels so warm and homely. Amazing job TikTok user One person said: 'Ooh, it's stunning.' Another added: 'Looks beautiful.' Most popular DIY jobs homeowners love to do Paint walls New carpet Paint fence Paint ceilings Wallpapering Paint skirting boards New light fitting Re-grout/replace bathroom tiles Hang curtains/blinds Paint/oil interior doors Paint a shed Paint stairs New plug sockets New hard flooring New front door Update kitchen sink Replace kitchen worktops Hang shelves Change/update doorknobs Paint/upcycle garden furniture A third commented: 'It looks amazing. Great work. Love this!' At the same time, another DIY fan beamed: 'Feels so warm and homely. Amazing job.' Meanwhile, someone else wrote: 'Probably a sign to do my bathroom.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I gave my council house bathroom a mega makeover with Dunelm and Amazon bargains – now people think it looks ‘beautiful'
A SAVVY mum has given her council house bathroom a mega makeover whilst staying on a budget. So if your pad could do with transforming but you haven't got loads of extra cash to splash, then you've come to the right place. 2 A mother has given her council house bathroom a total transformation, without breaking the bank Credit: TikTok/@maryamhomemaker 2 Maryam was able to add style to her space using bargains from Amazon, Ikea and Dunelm - and now people think it looks 'beautiful' Credit: TikTok/@maryamhomemaker Maryam, a The mother, who normally posts interior content online and calls herself a 'homemaker', gave a before and after tour of her What was once in desperate need of some TLC, with ripped paint, mess on the floor and dated grey tiles, has since been given an Maryam confirmed that she used bargain buys from the high-street to keep costs down and now, her Read more DIY stories Since the update, the grey floor tiles are nowhere to be seen and the plain white walls have been given an refresh with Maryam explained that she was able to turn her ' She also acknowledged that she had to get permission from the council to transform the Maryam later confirmed that she nabbed her sink storage from Ikea and her bathroom lights from Dunelm. Most read in Fabulous Not only this, but for her To glam up the space, she bought shelves from Amazon and used Dulux paint in the shade Egyptian Cotton on the walls. I used cheap Temu tiles to get a herringbone bathroom while saving for a reno - they're good as new 4 months later As well as this, Maryam confessed that rather than splashing the cash on a posh shower, she opted for a more affordable one from B&Q. DIY fans beam The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Eight Easy DIY Tips & Tricks The ultimate guide for homeowners and renters: DIY expert's Save time and money with this easy DIY tiling hack to transform a room in under an hour Avoid these five mistakes in your next DIY project Transform your kitchen with this Noisy neighbours? Here's DIY expert shared her favourite strategy for painting around glass without tape If you want to give your kitchen a fresh look, here's Five tricks to Not only this, but it's also racked up 5,078 likes and 76 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by the Feels so warm and homely. Amazing job TikTok user One person said: 'Ooh, it's stunning.' Another added: 'Looks beautiful.' Most popular DIY jobs homeowners love to do Paint walls New carpet Paint fence Paint ceilings Wallpapering Paint skirting boards New light fitting Re-grout/replace bathroom tiles Hang curtains/blinds Paint/oil interior doors Paint a shed Paint stairs New plug sockets New hard flooring New front door Update kitchen sink Replace kitchen worktops Hang shelves Change/update doorknobs Paint/upcycle garden furniture A third commented: 'It looks amazing. Great work. Love this!' At the same time, another Meanwhile, someone else wrote: 'Probably a sign to do my Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
I was embarrassed to have people in my ‘tacky' council house kitchen – so I got it replaced without forking out myself
Read on for more budget-friendly tips for transforming a council house HOUSE THAT I was embarrassed to have people in my 'tacky' council house kitchen – so I got it replaced without forking out myself Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN who was left feeling 'embarrassed' by her council house kitchen has shared how it was replaced without having to pay for it herself. Naomi Wells, from the UK, took to social media to show off her kitchen transformation, paid for by the council. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Naomi was left embarrassed by her rundown council house kitchen Credit: tiktok@naomilouisewells24/ 2 But she managed to get it replaced without forking out for it herself Credit: tiktok@naomilouisewells24/ In the clip, Naomi revealed that her kitchen was replaced a year ago and she was still loving it as she showed before and after pictures of the room. "Before and after of my council kitchen makeover, fitted by the council," she said. When Naomi first moved in she said the kitchen was 'old and tired looking.' The paintwork was peeling off, the countertops were chipped and many of the cupboard doors were broken. The previous kitchen was painted in white but it had been so long ago it looked grubby. The countertops were a dull grey colour and the door handles were a 90s, cheap plastic. While the replacement of the kitchen was predominantly paid for by the council, Naomi did invest in her own tiles, sockets and door handles so it would suit her aesthetic. The doors of the cupboards had been replaced with a fresher white look and the countertops were updated to have a dark marble-effect style. Naomi replaced the bulky white plug sockets with sleek silver ones and used more modern tiles for the backsplash in the kitchen and finished it off with black door handles for a modern look. The window above her sink had been so rundown it was letting a draught in, but after it was resealed and tiled it looked much more pleasing to the eye. Council Lounge Makeover with B&Q buy On the other side of the kitchen her boiler was on full display and the paint along the wall had been peeling off. She said: "I used to be so embarrassed of people coming into my home and seeing it like this." But after giving it a revamp with her new tiles and Dulux's Egyptian Cotton paint, it made the space look much bigger. Many of the electrical wires were placed on the exterior of the wall and cased in plastic trunking, which Naomi said looked 'so tacky'. How to do your council house up on the cheap Take inspiration from pricier shops and head to B&M, Home Bargains for interior decorations. Head to YouTube for easy to follow tutorials on how to decorate rather than paying for professionals. For a quick glow-up for your floors or anywhere with tiles, opt for stick-on vinyl to save on costs. A lick of paint does wonders to make a room feel brand-new. Switch out kitchen cupboard knobs for modern ones instead of buying brand-new cupboards. Thankfully, the council redid the electrics and put them inside the walls for a cleaner look. Now Naomi was finally happy with her kitchen and added: "So grateful the council agreed to replace the old kitchen." The clip soon went viral on her TikTok account @naomilouisewells24 with over 96k views and 1,300 likes. People were quick to take to the comments and congratulated Naomi on her new kitchen. One person wrote: "Looks lovely!! Can I ask what you used to cover the boiler pipes. Mine is the same." Another commented: 'You have made your home look lovely now, I'm also in a council property. I had to get gloss off a bedroom ceiling when I first moved in." "You have made it look lovely and homely," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Wow that looks so much better!" "Looks so good,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'After 23 years I've just been approved for a new kitchen as my previous one looks like something out of the 90s." Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@ and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
