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New Portland-Based Apparel Brand Nazeerah Promotes Sustainable Cotton Farming with Egyptian Heritage

Highlights:

Nazeerah, a new apparel startup based in Portland, focuses on sustainable, regenerative cotton farming.

Founded by Emily Mikhaiel, the brand honors her Egyptian ancestry, linking her family’s legacy in cotton farming to modern sustainability efforts.

Nazeerah partners with biodynamic farmers in Egypt, utilizing natural fertilizers and pest control methods to preserve land biodiversity.

Key Background:

Nazeerah, a Portland-based women’s apparel brand, is carving a niche in the sustainable fashion market by combining modern eco-conscious practices with a rich family heritage in cotton farming. The brand, co-founded by Emily Mikhaiel, focuses on sustainably sourced Egyptian cotton, aligning with Mikhaiel’s deep connection to her ancestry and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Mikhaiel’s journey began when she first visited Egypt at the age of 10, where she learned about her grandmother, Nazeerah, a local seamstress, and her grandfather, who helped market cotton from their village. This connection to Egypt’s cotton industry, coupled with her background in environmental law, inspired Mikhaiel to launch Nazeerah, a brand that supports regenerative cotton farming practices in her homeland.

Egypt’s cotton industry has suffered in recent decades, partly due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which altered traditional farming practices. The dam’s disruption of the Nile’s natural flooding cycle has forced farmers to rely on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, degrading the land over time. Nazeerah addresses these challenges by working with farmers who employ biodynamic and regenerative methods, using natural compost and non-invasive pest control to preserve soil health and biodiversity.

The brand’s clothes are manufactured in Egypt, with a focus on creating minimalist pieces that are 98% biodegradable. Nazeerah’s debut collection features blazers, t-shirts, and denim jackets, with prices ranging from $48 to $248. While the brand currently offers womenswear, Mikhaiel envisions expanding into menswear and creating a fully biodegradable product line in the future.

Despite logistical challenges, such as shipping delays caused by geopolitical unrest, Nazeerah remains committed to its mission. Mikhaiel, alongside co-founder Mahmoud El-Gazzarr, who brings extensive experience in Egyptian apparel manufacturing, is determined to make a positive impact on both the environment and the workers in Egypt’s cotton industry. Nazeerah’s direct connections with cotton farmers, mills, and manufacturers set it apart, ensuring the brand’s commitment to transparency and sustainability at every stage of production.