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Crafting Conscious Style: Honoring Moroccan Female Designers at DOORS NYC Showcase



The creative energy of Moroccan female designers takes center stage as Doors NYC proudly presents a showcase honoring the visionary work of three remarkable Moroccan female designers: Nadia Chellaoui, Kenza Klay, and L2R the Label. Set against the backdrop of New York City on January 27, this event celebrates the fusion of artistry, sustainability, and cultural heritage embodied in their designs. From Nadia Chellaoui's exquisite bags, each intricately embroidered with memories and inspirations, to Kenza Klay's visionary statement earrings reflecting Moroccan architecture, and L2R the Label's unwavering commitment to zero waste fashion, each brand offers a unique perspective on style and sustainability. This showcase invites guests to immerse themselves in a world where creativity knows no bounds, where innovation meets tradition, and where the spirit of Moroccan design shines brightly in the fashion scene.


Nadia Chellaoui's design process unfolds as a meticulous artistic journey, where her creations are born from the translation of her own artwork. Beginning with the embroidery of faces she has drawn, each piece becomes a living canvas for artistic expression, whether on fabric or leather. This initial step sets the stage for a harmonious interplay between leather and embroidery, where every detail contributes to the overall aesthetic. Whether crafted by machine or by the skilled hands of women cooperatives from remote regions of the kingdom, the embroidery adds a human dimension, celebrating the fusion of materials and the appreciation of handmade craft. Her distinctive designs have been featured in popular TV series, "Emily in Paris," where her unique fusion of artistry and craftsmanship captivated audiences worldwide.


In contrast, Kenza Klay's design process emerges from intuition and past knowledge. Ideas often materialize during moments of rest, prompting her to keep a sketchbook at her bedside table. The testing phase begins as the idea takes shape, evolving through experimentation and research into wearable designs. Kenza envisions the personas of specific female characters, contemplating their thoughts, movements, and speech, ultimately culminating in a cohesive collection of statement earrings that reflect her unique vision.


Meanwhile, L2R the Label embarks on their design journey by primarily sourcing fabrics that align with their established mood board. With materials sourced in bulk from deadstock or donations, the brand adapts to the nature of each fabric, crafting patterns and prototypes that optimize its potential. Each piece undergoes a meticulous manufacturing process, involving the expertise of three teams of artisans and ateliers, from garment design to manufacturing and embroideries. This collaborative effort ensures that every creation embodies the brand's commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainable fashion practices.


L2R the Label highlights their sustainability efforts with the statement, "Firstly, we use only ethically sourced remnants, leftover textiles and garments, and luxury scrap fabric in all our creations." They elaborate on their commitment to waste reduction, "We also rescue all scraps coming from our own manufacturing by regenerating them and avoiding all waste, to do everything possible to close the fashion loop." Furthermore, they emphasize the longevity of their pieces, stating, "Moreover, sustainability entails creating pieces that will withstand the test of time, thanks to a wise choice of fabric, cuts, designs, and quality handcrafting." Finally, they stress the social aspect of sustainability, stating, "Last but not least, sustainability for us is intersectional to ethics and social emancipation. Our business model is built on supporting local artisans and workers and ensuring women's emancipation and empowerment."



Nadia Chellaoui is deeply committed to sustainability in her creations, emphasizing the use of eco-friendly materials like recycled leathers and eco-exemplary textiles. Her FW24-25 collection embodies this dedication, having a distinctive elegance crafted entirely in velvet. For Chellaoui, sustainability in fashion is about more than just style—it's about creating pieces that transcend seasons while being mindful of their environmental impact.


Kenza Klay articulates her sustainable practices, affirming, "All my designs are slow made by hand in small batches with a zero waste approach." She explains, "Any leftover clay is reused for other collections and designs so that nothing goes to waste." Additionally, she underscores her focus on eco-friendly packaging, noting, "I also prioritize sustainability through eco-friendly packaging by using recycled kraft paper and linen pouches to protect the designs."


The showcase featuring Nadia Chellaoui, Kenza Klay, and L2R the Label isn't just about celebrating Moroccan female designers—it's a nod to the blending of artistry, sustainability, and cultural heritage in fashion. Each designer brings something unique to the table: from Chellaoui's intricate embroidery to Klay's intuitive design process and L2R the Label's zero waste approach. They're all committed to using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste, showing a real dedication to the environment and ethical practices. Their work highlights how creativity, teamwork, and mindful design can make a positive impact on the fashion industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.


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