Independent Palestinian fashion brand Nöl Collective was on the absolute brink of closing its doors for good before a last-minute collaboration with pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo changed everything.
In an exclusive interview with Vogue Arabia, founder Yasmeen Mjalli opened up about the immense hurdles the brand faces while operating in Palestine.
The Breaking Point: Operations nearly ground to a permanent halt after Israeli customs officials destroyed a critical fabric shipment meant for the label.
Exhaustion and Defeat: Describing the toll of constant systemic obstacles, Mjalli admitted, “I was genuinely like, maybe we should stop, maybe this is our last effort. I was just so tired.”
The tide turned when Rodrigo commissioned a custom, handmade dress featuring intricate tatreez embroidery in a daisy chain motif for her festival appearances.
More Than Fashion: Mjalli described the partnership as “divine intervention,” noting that the international spotlight helped signal resilience and solidarity.
A Message of Resilience: Reflecting on the tumultuous journey, Mjalli shared a powerful takeaway: “Obstacles are always going to be there, but if you can adapt you will be rewarded. I rise and I rise and I rise.”
