04: Journeys in the Lands of Others
Designer Statement
This collection emerged from the study of the Silk Road, the fabled network of trade routes that extended from East Asia and Southeast Asia through Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, the Levant and Southern Europe for over two millennia. We tend to think that our ability to connect to other people around the world is a new phenomenon brought on by globalization, cheap flights and the internet. But what I realized through my research is that our connection as humans from different cultures goes back much further. These trade routes were more than that, they were places of cultural, political and religious exchange.
We have always been curious about other cultures.
As I designed the collection, I had an imaginary trader in mind. He never had a face or a name, and he morphed as I made him travel from China, through India, Iran, and into the Levant. I wanted to think about all the elements he came across. Although I have brought in design elements from the Levant, South East Asia and China, I didn’t want any pieces to be identifiable with one place. I wanted the collection to morph, as my traveler did.
You will notice a blue eye on two pieces and blue beads on the shirts and brooches, these are there to protect my traveler as he makes his way through the world. I wanted to create something that looked like a contemporary understanding of my Silk Road traveler. I wanted to imagine my traveler today, as someone comfortable making journeys into the lands of others, whether the journey is walking to a concert 10 minutes from home in North London, having dinner with new friends in Al Serkal on a business trip to Dubai or taking the time to walk from Shimokitazawa to Daikanyamachō in Tokyo.
Fabrics
All fabrics are 100% Italian cotton and 100% Italian Wool.
Sustainability
All the fabrics were part of unsold stock at failing factories in Europe and were in danger of being thrown out and ending in landfills. Through a sourcing deal with a Lebanese importer we were able to save them.
As with every collection, construction of every garment is designed to minimize leftover or wasted fabric.
All Nour Hage collections are produced in a small factory in the hills above Beirut where Syrian and Lebanese tailors work ethical hours and are paid fair wages.
The Shoot Model James Tounkara
Photographer Virginie Khateeb
SPECIAL THANKS • Nasri Atallah.