Our Story

The Patterns and Their Past

The motifs you see on runways and streetwear started centuries ago—from Persia to Palestine to the Maghreb. Here are the origins behind the designs we celebrate.

18th Century · Persia & Kashmir

Before It Was Called Paisley

Original Name: Boteh (بته)

The teardrop pattern modern fashion calls 'paisley' originated as the Persian Boteh—a sacred symbol of eternal life and renewal. Master weavers in Isfahan and Kashmir spent months hand-weaving shawls with this motif.

In the 19th century, Scottish textile mills industrialized the design, renamed it after the town of Paisley, and built a global industry. We use the original name and honor the original artisans.

Textile History Archive

Centuries of Craft · Historic Palestine

Tatreez: Thread as History

Original Name: Tatreez (تطريز)

Palestinian embroidery is a visual language. For generations, every town and village had its own distinct stitches, motifs, and colors. A woman's thob told the story of her family, her home, and her travels.

When communities were displaced, these garments became portable proof of heritage. Each stitch is a reminder of where we come from.

The Palestinian Museum Archive

Ancient Traditions · North Africa & South Asia

Henna: Ancient Blessings

Original Name: Ḥinnā (حناء) / Mehndi (مہندی)

Used for millennia across North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, henna is deeply tied to celebrations, weddings, and rites of passage. The geometric patterns were painted as blessings (baraka) and protection.

We bring these archival motifs to streetwear to celebrate their timeless beauty with the respect and craft they deserve.

Ethnobotanical & Art History Archives