Today we’d like to introduce you to Niloofar Faghihi.
Hi Niloofar, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since childhood, I’ve always felt a creative spark within me, a calling to create and express myself. As I grew, this passion found a unique path through fashion, which became a medium for me to explore and understand the world.
Fashion was not just about clothing; it was a tool that allowed me to travel to different countries Asia, Europe, and America expanding my horizons and deepening my understanding of diverse cultures.
Through these experiences, I realized that fashion started as a physical expression but evolved into something far deeper. It became a reflection of our innermost desires to be seen, to be loved, and to connect with others. Each culture and nationality I encountered taught me that beneath our differences, we all share a common longing for connection and understanding.
It was at this point that I realized there was a need for a different approach in this industry one that balanced impact with fashion. I started my own brand with the vision of creating a community that celebrates both style and substance, proving that we can be fashionable while making a positive difference.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The fashion industry comes with deep emotional and professional challenges. Whether you’re studying or working in it, there’s a constant pressure to stand out, to conform to certain beauty standards, and to find your place in a highly competitive space. Fashion is personal. your creativity is tied to your identity and putting that into the world makes you vulnerable. There’s often a silent struggle to stay true to your vision while still being accepted by an industry that sometimes values appearance over substance.
Another challenge is the highly competitive nature of the industry. Everyone is trying to stand out, which can lead to feelings of insecurity or imposter syndrome. The desire for validation, whether through recognition or success, can sometimes overshadow personal growth or satisfaction. And when your work carries a deeper purpose as mine does with Nillary, it becomes even more complex. You’re not just trying to be seen for your creativity; you’re also trying to amplify a message.
In my case, that message is about conscious creation, ethical responsibility, and caring for communities in third-world countries. Nillary was born from a desire to do more than just design,it’s about using fashion as a tool for change. That means facing the added challenge of speaking out about issues that often get ignored in this industry: how materials are sourced, how workers are treated, and how fashion can be a force for healing, not just aesthetics. Balancing meaningful design with a message that calls for transformation is both my greatest challenge and my greatest motivation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m truly grateful to be starting Nillary, a brand rooted in purpose, connection, and consciousness. After working with fast fashion brands in New York and L.A, and gaining experience in major fashion houses, I realized how much is lost in the process especially the human and environmental impact.
Nillary is for both men and women, and it’s about creating a community where fashion means something deeper. My goal is to support the people who make our clothes not just to survive, but to thrive and to remind us that every piece we wear has a story behind it.
Sustainability is a core part of the brand. I only use natural materials with no polyester or harsh chemicals. And through our recycling program, customers can bring in clean, unwanted clothes (from any brand) and receive credit toward new pieces. This helps reduce waste and keeps garments from ending up in landfills, giving them new life and purpose.
What are your plans for the future?
For the future of Nillary, I want to grow the brand in a way that really cares about people, the planet, and community. I’m focused on making it more sustainable like expanding our recycling program and finding creative ways to reuse old clothes so they don’t end up in landfills.
But Nillary is about more than just sustainability. I truly believe that when we dress well, we should feel good too. Fashion shouldn’t just look nice it should be made with care and respect for everyone involved. That includes the people who make the clothes, the artists, the models, and everyone who brings the pieces to life. In this industry, people’s well-being is often ignored, and I want to help change that.
My dream is to build stronger connections between the people who create the clothes and the people who wear them. As Nillary grows, I hope it becomes a space that encourages thoughtful, conscious fashion choices and shows that beauty, care, and humanity can all live together in the same space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nillary.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nillary_/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niloofar-faghihi-b8616736/
Image Credits
CREDITS:
-Mark Elzey
– Edgar Tescum
-Workers at a ready-made-garment factory in Bangladesh. (image courtesy of Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights)
