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Designer's Brand Saved by Olivia Rodrigo's Dress Order
8 Sep
Summary
- Palestinian designer Yasmeen Mjalli's brand Nöl Collective faced closure.
- Israeli customs destroyed a crucial wool shipment, delaying production.
- Strangers hand-delivered the final dress to California for the festival.
Palestinian fashion designer Yasmeen Mjalli revealed her brand, Nöl Collective, nearly ceased operations before singer Olivia Rodrigo's dress order provided a crucial lifeline. Founded in 2020, the brand experienced significant hardships operating in the West Bank, including difficulties importing necessary materials.
One major setback occurred when Israeli customs seized and destroyed a shipment of handwoven wool intended for the brand's autumn collection. Further attempts to source alternative fabric were complicated by army-imposed road closures around Ramallah. Mjalli expressed exhaustion, considering shutting down the business entirely.
Despite these immense challenges, Mjalli managed to create a dress for Olivia Rodrigo with less than a week's notice, securing raw silk in Ramallah. The final hurdle involved delivery, as no local couriers could ship the dress to California in time for the Daisy Chain Fields festival. Miraculously, two strangers volunteered to transport the dress in their luggage, ensuring its timely arrival for Rodrigo to wear on August 29.
The Daisy Chain Fields festival supports nonprofit organizations focused on empowering women and girls.
