Designer of the month: Nesrine, a name to remember

Designer of the month: Nesrine, a name to remember

5 min read  —  Jul 03, 2018

by maft Team

Nesrine Makhlouf, a brilliant young Tunisian creator who stood out from all the rest thanks to her unique creations using the wax fabric.

She was the first designer to ever use wax in Tunisia.

She is a true example of a fighter, a real hustler, a person who dreamt, believed and achieved.

We met Nesrine and we had a very interesting and inspiring conversation.

This is her story.

Tell us about Yourself 

Nesrine Makhlouf, I am a young creator/fashion designer, Graphic designer, and photographer I was also involved in some workshops for children (painting/ photography/illustrations…)

Tell us a little bit of the story behind the creation of your brand :

'2015 was definitely my year, a year that changed my whole life, it was my turning point.'

All I wanted was to travel, to experience traveling for the first time, to discover a new culture, and to meet new people. But it wasn’t that easy. I wanted to finish my studies abroad but my family was totally against it. So I had to find a solution, a way to convince them I decided to challenge myself and study hard! got really high grades/scores! my family was so proud of me that they actually gave me permission “the green light” to travel. But there was one little problem, they can’t really afford it. But If I got a scholarship to study abroad or an internship, they won’t mind if I travel. I felt like a winner though. Many obstacles were in the way of making my dream. I had some struggles. But when you focus on what you want, you’ll eventually get it right?

While I was working in some workshops, it was suggested to me, to go on a work trip, to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. I was super excited, but for me, it was too good to be true. Before this suggestion, I’m already influenced by the Black African culture, The African women (its curves and figure), the dancing, and the music!

A trip like that sounded really interesting. But for that trip to be realized, I had to pay for the plane ticket. So I did everything to collect the money so I can buy the ticket, I tried many different jobs for two weeks. And in just two weeks I collected the money needed, and I was ready for my trip, I was ready to have a NEW experience.

Why are you influenced by the African Style?

Ouagadougou was a very inspirational and happy place, There were colors everywhere, mosaics on walls, everyone was wearing wax, men and women, there weren’t any color “rules”. People were free to wear whatever colors they want even the most bizarre ones. I had a crazy unforgettable experience, I loved the country and its culture: the colors, the people, the purity of Africa … and That, changed something in me, I wasn’t the same person anymore.

After coming back to Tunisia, I struggled with a severe cultural shock! I locked myself home for two months. I just wasn’t ready to come back to reality, because the trip was like a dream for me.

In those two months, I started sketching, designing clothes, and imagining what they would be like if they were made of wax. In one month I made about 150 sketches and I knew that this must be the moment of creation and inspiration. A friend actually suggested that I should create my own brand. I thought she was crazy, she was talking nonsense. But actually, after a lot of thinking, I said why not, I have what it takes so why not!

But of course, it wasn’t that easy, I was studying and also working on weekends, plus it takes a lot of money to create a clothing line.

Why Nesrine?

I started doing a lot of research, I decided to create my graphic chart and tried to create a logo, it is a portrait of mine sketched by a friend. It took me a while to find a name for the brand I want to create, I was indecisive. But then I decided That simply “ Nesrine” is a name that represents me and my brand.

A while later I created my first dress with wax ( that I got from Burkina Faso), I had a photoshoot wearing that only dress and the day after I created a Facebook page. I uploaded the pictures of that only creation and I waited for people’s reactions. Fortunately, the feedback was really positive, a lot of people liked the idea, encouraged me to do more, and to continue. And that was really motivating, it was a push of hope.

So a little while later, I borrowed some money from a friend, I managed to buy the wax fabric from Burkina Faso (imported), I created 4 dresses, I posted them on the Facebook page. And in one day, I sold two dresses.

I continued the move forward slowly, little by little, I started creating little events, trying to get my creations out there. I had the opportunity to present my creations in a concept store, they were all sold out in just 10 days . after a while I was on the cover of “ L’instant M” magazine where I talked about my story.

My goal was really to insert the wax “culture” in Tunisian women’s everyday style. I wanted the wax to be something that women mix with casual pieces.

My creations are unique, I never make the same creation twice, I might create the same design but not with the same fabric. I always tend to create high-wasted skirts/ trousers, to enhance any woman’s waste, to give it more definition, and to emphasize the curves.

I also created Kimonos for summer and winter.

You can find my creations in “Ekcci” concept store and in my Atelier every Friday and Saturday.

What advice would you give to people/young creators who want to create their own brands :

You need to be determined and take risks and push yourself to the limit, there are going to be some ups and downs, but you need to stay focused on what you want to achieve. Believe in yourself and your abilities to create.

Follow Nesrine On Instagram (@made.in.ifriqiya) And Facebook 

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