3. Circular Open Source Fashion

Inspiration: Palestinian Thoub and Tatreez

How people dress represents a huge amount of history and culture. Clothing is more than just fabric—it's a form of storytelling, a walking museum if you’re willing to pay attention. The stories, symbols, and experiences of entire communities can be traced through their attire, and this idea is deeply rooted in my inspiration for Circular Fashion Week.

"A distinct feature of Palestinian culture is the esteemed tatreez, or Palestinian embroidery. A centuries-old folk art, Palestinian embroidery is a key symbol of identity and culture. Palestinian women begin learning embroidery at a very young age and stitch various patterns, colours, and designs on their thobes (gowns), as well as their headdresses. Each region throughout Palestine specialises in a distinct form of embroidery, fabric, and headdress. In this way, each woman became a walking embodiment of her land."

— Middle East Eye

The Palestinian thoub is a prime example of this storytelling through fashion. Its iconic Tatreez embroidery is much more than decorative art—it’s a narrative woven into fabric. This ancient cross-stitch embroidery, which originated in Palestine over 3,000 years ago, has been passed down through generations. Each stitch holds significance, with motifs reflecting important life events, from weddings to pregnancies, and often speaking of a deep connection to the land.

For rural women, embroidery wasn’t just a pastime; it was a part of their daily routine and a source of pride. Their clothing became a reflection of their identity and social status, with each village in Palestine having its own unique set of motifs. These motifs carried specific meanings and were a form of cultural expression, passed on from one generation to the next. Before the occupation, Bethlehem’s fashion scene thrived as a vibrant hub of trade and color. On Saturdays, village women dressed in richly embroidered garments would fill the streets, creating a dazzling display of traditional Palestinian attire. These women weren’t just wearing clothes—they were wearing their stories, their history, their connection to the land. Every stitch, every motif was a symbol of resilience, pride, and belonging. Today, I draw inspiration from this heritage—its colors, its patterns, and the narratives embedded in the fabric—for my work in Circular Fashion Week. I want to honor this tradition while also reimagining how we can blend cultural preservation with sustainability and forward-thinking fashion design.