Nakba Key | Refashioned Denim Vest

One of the most profoundly impactful films I've recently experienced is Mahdi Fleifel’s "A World Not Ours." This documentary offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of three generations of a family navigating existence within a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, yearning for the day they can return to their ancestral homes. Delving into the complexities of their situation, the film evokes both tender warmth and visceral anguish, shedding light on the enduring struggle endured by indigenous Palestinians across generations.

At the heart of this narrative lies the symbolic significance of the Key—a poignant emblem of the Nakba, the cataclysmic event of 1948 when over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced from their homes. Carrying their house keys, these refugees held onto hope, anticipating a brief absence before returning to unlock their doors. Passed down through the years, these keys serve as tangible reminders of their displaced heritage and steadfast insistence on the "right of return."

The right of return, enshrined in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 of December 11, 1948, stands as a beacon of international recognition for the Palestinian people's enduring quest for justice and restoration. Without the realization of this fundamental right, true resolution to the conflict remains elusive, underscoring the necessity of honoring the ancestral bonds and aspirations of the Palestinian community.

It takes 2,000 gallons of water to make a pair of jeans, clean water that’s usually redirected from impoverished communities. Sadly, 80% of these fast fashion denim pieces eventually end up in landfills, which is completely unnecessary considering denim is one of the easiest materials to recycle and reuse.

Here's my small attempt at sustainability: Each piece in the collection is a thrifted fast fashion item, repaired, reworked, two-toned tie dyed - all for another lease on life. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, fully handmade by me.

SIZE: