Image – Courtesy of NOMAD
Inclusive fashion has become a growing topic of discussion in recent times. With more brands making steps to adapt to individual needs, NOMAD is now leading the conversation for this in the UAE, catering to neurodiverse individuals and those recovering from surgery. Founded in 2021 by Nesa Rassouli (who is a neurodivergent individual herself), the brand has now refocused its mission to create Neuroinclusive Outfits Mindfully Adapted for Diversity (NOMAD). NOMAD has always maintained sustainability at the forefront of their operations, with smaller collections to minimize waste and by using natural fibres and materials not only for their fabric and trims but also the tags and finishes. NOMAD’s future product lines will include comfortable waistbands, the use of elastic, non-scratchy labelling, and soft hand feel fabrics, based on the feedback received.
The Luxe Scoop sat down with Nesa to learn more about NOMAD’s story, the design process, the brands journey towards inclusivity and more.
Can you share with us the inspiration behind founding NOMAD and how your personal experiences have influenced the brand’s mission?
The founding of NOMAD was inspired by the loss of my father five years ago, igniting a desire to build a legacy and create something my family could be proud of. This personal journey led to the establishment of NOMAD with a mission rooted in sustainability and inclusivity. Sustainability is central to our ethos, driving every aspect of our business to leave a positive impact on the environment. Furthermore, my own experience living with ADHD has shaped our commitment to ensuring that all our clothes are as comfortable as possible, particularly for people with neurodivergence. NOMAD aims to transcend mere fashion, becoming a symbol of resilience, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity, while providing stylish and comfortable apparel.
How does NOMAD differentiate itself in the fashion industry, particularly in terms of its focus on inclusivity and adaptability?
We consider ourselves a lifestyle brand, so rather than following the fashion trends, we do our best to keep a pulse on our customers wants and needs. We regularly collect feedback and data from our customers experience with their products to explore where we can better serve them and understand what they would like to see more of, rather than following industry trends on what will be popular next season.
Could you elaborate on how NOMAD’s clothing lines cater to the needs of individuals from the neurodiverse community and those undergoing different types of surgery?
Through our design process, we always ensured that the products are as comfortable as possible, taking into consideration fits, elasticated waist bands, adjustable tie-up straps and soft hand feel. While this was a natural process for us to ensure our customers would be comfortable in their clothing, with the feedback we received we realized that our products have naturally been designed with a keen understanding of the diverse needs of individuals from the neurodiverse community and those undergoing various types of surgery. For individuals with neurodivergence, such as ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorders, comfort and functionality are paramount. Therefore, moving forward, we will be taking further steps to ensure that our clothing is crafted with soft, breathable fabrics and thoughtful design details to minimize sensory discomfort and provide ease of movement. Additionally, we will prioritize seamless construction and tagless designs to minimize potential irritants as well as easy closures, adjustable sizing, and strategically placed seams to accommodate medical devices, bandages, or post-operative discomfort. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their unique needs, feels supported and comfortable in NOMAD apparel.
Sustainability is a core value for NOMAD. How does the brand integrate sustainability into its design and manufacturing processes?
we prioritize sustainable materials, opting for eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and recycled polyester. Our sourcing practices emphasize working with suppliers who adhere to fair labor practices and prioritize ethical treatment of workers, ensuring they present all relevant certifications such as GRS and SEDEX. Additionally, our commitment to longevity means designing timeless pieces that transcend trends, encouraging a culture of mindful consumption and reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion. By integrating sustainability into every step of our supply chain, NOMAD strives to lead the way towards a more ethical and environmentally conscious fashion industry.
Could you discuss the feedback you’ve received from customers regarding NOMAD’s clothing, particularly in relation to its suitability for pre and post-surgery wear and sensory issues?
Our primary feedback highlights the exceptional comfort and soft hand feel of our clothing, with customers commending its suitability for both pre and post-surgery wear. Our main feedback is their satisfaction with the softness of our fabrics and the ease of movement provided by our designs, emphasizing how our apparel seamlessly transitions through different stages of recovery.
In what ways does NOMAD ensure that its clothing lines remain both stylish and functional for a diverse range of individuals?
We focus on creating timeless pieces in seasonless colours that would appeal to a wide demographic in terms of taste and style or colour preferences, but our priority upon design our pieces is always comfort. That being said, in the initial design stages, we create our vision of what we want the overall look and feel of the collection to be, then piece by piece we go into how we can ensure the garment has maximum comfort, from elasticated waistbands, to breathable fabric, non-scratchy buttons and so much more.
How does NOMAD approach the design and selection of fabrics to prioritize comfort and versatility in its clothing?
We begin by sourcing high-quality materials known for their softness, breathability, and durability, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester. Each fabric undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets our standards for comfort and functionality. Additionally, our design process incorporates techniques to enhance the comfort and versatility of our garments, either using elasticated waistbands, adjustable straps and/or stretch fabrics that allow for ease of movement.
As the founder of NOMAD, what challenges have you encountered in promoting inclusivity in the fashion industry, and how has the brand addressed these challenges?
Observing a gap where mainstream brands overlooked diverse needs, NOMAD prioritized inclusivity internally and externally by diversifying representation and collaborating with individuals and campaigns were within that demographic. Utilizing social media and digital platforms, we worked on engaging directly with the communities of the campaign and individuals to spark conversations. Despite hurdles, we continue to persist in our mission, recognizing our role as a brand in shaping a more inclusive future for fashion.
Can you provide examples of how NOMAD fosters a sense of autonomy and empowerment through its clothing offerings?
our commitment to sustainability ensures that customers can feel empowered knowing that their fashion choices contribute to positive environmental impact, allowing them to align their values with their purchasing decisions. Overall, NOMAD’s clothing offerings are designed to empower individuals to embrace their individuality, express themselves confidently by wearing products that do not follow fashion trends, and instead are timeless wardrobe essentials that they can wear year round.
Looking ahead, what are NOMAD’s goals for the future in terms of expanding its reach and impact within the fashion industry and promoting inclusivity on a larger scale?
Our key objective is to continue growing our presence both online and offline, reaching new markets and communities worldwide. We aim to collaborate with like-minded partners and influencers to amplify our message of inclusivity and sustainability, engaging with diverse audiences and fostering meaningful connections. Additionally, we’re committed to expanding our size range and offering more adaptive clothing options to ensure that everyone, regardless of their body type or mobility needs, can find clothing that fits and empowers them.
NOMAD’s collections can be found on www.fromnomad.com
