Meriem Lebdiri’s life story reads like a novel. A young woman who against all odds proved that where there is a will there is always a way. Originally Algerian, Lebdiri grew up in Germany and despite being doubted by many is now an award-winning fashion designer, teacher, ambassador for world peace programs and a member of the jury for two German federal government awards – impossible really is nothing.
We are very proud to interview this strong and inspiring woman who empowers everyone who comes across her story to believe in themselves, spread love and stay positive no matter what.
What triggered your passion for design?
I have been interested in art and painting since I was a child. I’ve been drawing since I can remember. When I started wearing a hijab in my teens and was desperate for fashion that reflected my identity – that was around 1999 – I only had two choices: the 90’s fashion of wrap skirts and crop tops or the imported covered fashion, which I couldn’t relate to at all. So I started drawing fashion. My mother found my drawings and offered to help me realise some of them; wrap skirts that covered the legs and wrap-over blouses that still covered the stomach. A whole new world opened up to me and I knew immediately I wanted to make fashion forever!
Please tell us about your career journey, as one of Germany’s leaders in fashion?
When I was 19, I applied to fashion school. Many advised me not to go this route. I was told, “A woman like you can’t be a fashion designer.” At fashion school, a teacher said to me: “Your designs are way too covered, maybe you should emigrate.” At first, such words hurt me , but the dream was far too big for me to give up. After graduating, I founded my first fashion label MIZAAN, with which I received an award from the federal government in 2018. It all happened pretty quickly and I presented my collections around the world including Frankfurt, London, Washington, Dubai, Istanbul and Jakarta, among other places. In the summer of 2021, I founded my second label, which is named after me. It is a sustainable luxury brand that works with the Made to Order concept, produces locally and supports social projects. It’s a fresh start where I try to take with me only the beautiful aspects and experiences of the last 16 years in the fashion business. The brand has only been on the market for a year and I’m excited to see where the journey is going.
You are an Algerian with a German nationality; how has the diversity helped shape your character as a fashion designer?
Growing up between both cultures shaped me a lot. I can identify well with both cultures but it was initially quite difficult to make friends. I have felt misunderstood in many situations like when I got some comments in fashion school about why my designs always needed to be modest. Today I know that it was precisely these situations that drove me to keep going. As a fashion designer and entrepreneur you need a lot of perseverance and you have to keep a cool head even in stressful situations.
How did growing up in Germany help your aesthetics and daily inspirations?
I like to be inspired by both cultures. Flowing fabrics and strong colours inspire me from Algerian culture while my German side loves straight lines and subtle tones. My designs are somewhere in between. I often see my collections as a bridge between cultures.
What were the challenges to overcome at the beginning of the company’s creation?
Initially, the biggest challenge was finding investors who believed in the new style. On the one hand they were too modern for the then modest fashion industry, which was just in its infancy. And they were too considered for the European market, which was not yet ready to open up to new styles. It took almost 6 years until the first investors got into the company.
It’s different with my new brand MERIEM LEBDIRI. Many loyal customers and friends from the MIZAAN time have longed for the launch of the first ML collection but I want to take my time. I don’t want to rush things. I want to build my new brand slowly and healthily.
How would you describe your brand?
My designs are limited made-to-order pieces that are made in Germany and other European countries. I love experimenting with flowing fabrics and avant-garde cuts. In my current ALGIERS Collection, for example, I have combined bright colours and wide silhouettes with fringed details. I was inspired by the beaches, mountains and stalactite caves of Algeria. The fringes follow every movement of the wearer and are intended to symbolise the dynamism of the city. The fashions at the ALGIERS Campaign are strong, independent women who want what they want in life – just like the wearer / customer of my brand.
Can you tell us a bit about your projects and inspirations?
I love dressing strong women who achieve great things. Last year I dressed Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson for her film premiere and I dressed the German-Egyptian actress Tua El-Fawwal at the Frankfurt Fashion Week. And at the end of October I shot the entire ALGIERS Collection, where Mandarina, a young German musician, was the face of the campaign. The collection will be available online at www.meriemlebdiri.com at the end of November.
Strong women like Lydia, Tua and Mandarina inspire me a lot in my work as a designer and I already have the next red carpet outfit in mind for each of them.
How have your experiences influenced your work as a designer?
At first I always thought that I had to adjust my designs. Sometimes to the European market, sometimes to the modest fashion market. But I’ve always been most successful when I’ve stayed true to my vision: to create fashion that doesn’t fit into any category and has its place somewhere between the cultures in which I grew up.
What inspired you to go into the Modest fashion business?
The funny thing is: when I started making fashion, this term didn’t even exist. In 2014 I was contacted from the USA and invited to the first Washington D.C. Modest Fashion Show. attend Fashion Week. A few months later I was nominated in London as one of the Top 10 Modest Fashion Designers. And things took off quickly.
What message would you like to convey to our readers and women in general?
When a woman speaks her dreams and goals out loud, she is often ridiculed and often talked out of her dream. Despite everything, following our dreams takes a lot of strength and discipline. And I am sure that every woman has these two qualities. If we don’t give room to prejudice and believe in ourselves, we can create great things.
Please can you give some context on the slogan of your brand: “Redefining Luxury with a purpose”
The biggest purpose in my vision is sustainability. Not just in the choice of fabric. I want to sustainably bend my physical and mental resources as a human being. The same goes for my employees, who are almost all women. The next aspect of purpose I want to expand is a network of NGO projects that I want to support. My brand should not be “another luxury brand”, but leave a meaningful impact on the earth. Even if I’m not there anymore.
How do you balance modest dressing while keeping up with trends?
I get asked that very often. But it happens naturally. My designs reflect what I am, what I feel.
Have you noticed any changes in the Modest fashion industry in the last few years and if so, what would they be?
The western fashion market is finally open and ready for upcoming modest fashion brands. We see lots of collaborations with familiar and new faces from the modest fashion scene.
Today modest fashion is a huge trend, with many renowned designers launching their collections. What would you say the biggest misconception about modest dressing is?
That is just for Muslim women. Many women like the idea of wearing lots of luxurious fabric. Others just enjoy experimenting with new silhouettes. Modest dressing has no religion. It’s for everyone.
Text by Suna Ahmed.
