In a world increasingly concerned with sustainable practices, a new apparel startup based in Portland is weaving together a rich cultural heritage with a commitment to environmental stewardship. The brand, named Nazeerah after the co-founder’s grandmother, draws on a deep legacy of Egyptian cotton farming and aims to revolutionize the industry with eco-friendly practices.
Emily Mikhaiel, who grew up in California, was first introduced to her family’s Egyptian roots at the age of ten. Her grandmother, Nazeerah, was a seamstress in her village, while her grandfather played a pivotal role in empowering local cotton farmers by facilitating sales to nearby factories. These early influences inspired Mikhaiel, who holds a juris doctor in environmental law, to create a brand that champions both sustainability and her Egyptian heritage.
Mikhaiel highlights the difficulties facing Egyptian cotton farmers today. Traditionally, Egypt’s agricultural bounty was nourished by the annual flooding of the Nile, which deposited nutrient-rich silt. However, since the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1970, this natural process has been disrupted. Farmers have increasingly turned to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, contributing to environmental degradation.
“The conventional growing process is detrimental not only to the workers and consumers but also to the planet,” Mikhaiel explains. Moreover, the economic competition from cheaper cotton imports, particularly from China, has forced many Egyptian farmers to switch to other crops like sugarcane.
To combat these challenges, Nazeerah collaborates with family farms that employ biodynamic and regenerative farming techniques. These farms enhance biodiversity by using natural compost and non-invasive pest control, nurturing the land for future generations. The materials are sourced from the Middle East, with garments manufactured in Egypt, reinforcing a strong regional connection.
Mikhaiel’s partner, Mahmoud El-Gazzarr, serves as the brand’s bridge to Egypt’s cotton industry. Based in Cairo, El-Gazzarr brings extensive experience from his work with major brands like Wrangler and Tommy Hilfiger. His relationships with local farmers and factories are integral to maintaining the startup’s supply chain and ethical vision.
Unlike many fashion brands, Nazeerah prides itself on maintaining direct connections with every link in its supply chain—from farmers to mills, to manufacturers and dyers. “It’s rare for brands to have such transparency and connection,” Mikhaiel notes.
Currently focusing on online sales, Nazeerah plans to expand into retail, bringing their minimalist, sustainably made apparel to a wider audience.
In blending traditional Egyptian cotton craftsmanship with modern sustainable practices, Nazeerah is not only preserving a familial legacy but also setting a new standard for ethical fashion in the region. This venture underscores the potential for heritage-informed innovation to foster positive environmental and social change in the global apparel industry.
