Interview: Zeynab El-helw Launches New Collection To Support Refugees

Established in 2019, REBORN created an eco-positive brand that ties in with our everyday comfortable lifestyles while remaining trendy, fresh, and has an urban street style vibe. REBORN is a socially conscious brand focusing on sustainable and fashionable clothing.

The collection is produced from 100% high-quality certified organic cotton and has partnered with UNHCR to support refugees worldwide. With every item sold from the Reborn collection, 3USD is donated directly to UNHCR.

We met Zeynab El-helw, founder of Reborn, to tell us more about the new collection, and asked her few questions: 

What sparked your interest in fashion?

I majored in fashion. I have an honours degree from Central Saint Martins University of the Arts London University Costume Theatre design.

I've been passionate about fashion since forever.  I grew up customising my own clothes cutting up and changing them and loved to play with different styles. I also loved wearing my mother's and twin brothers' clothes and preferred boyish clothes a lot more!! I then went pursued a modelling career and studied art/fashion then went on to work in a luxury fashion house.

I worked at Dior for 5 years where I was in charge of marketing before transitioning to going full-time for social media and launch my own e-commerce platform and brands. 

Tell us more about the new collection.

It was important to me to offer a sustainable brand using 100% organic cotton and recyclable materials which are timeless. I wanted to offer a comfy collection. The reborn collection is a network, a society of positive people coming together and supporting one another. It's easy to wear and perfect for everyday occasions.

The collection offers women, men, and kids feel-good designs and gives back to the world. With every product sold a donation is given back to help refugees as we partnered with UNHCHR

What made you take fashion more seriously, is it your career now?

Yes, it’s my full-time career. I love working in it. I’ve spent more than ten years in this industry, travelling to fashion weeks, working in the corporate head office for marketing in Dior, learning strategies, and travelling the GCC and MENA region to discover everything.

How has your work evolved since you began your own label?

It has become more challenging yet exciting at the same time. I have been so excited to launch my own line, it took a while as I wanted to make sure it reflects my feelings and relates to others as much. 

Is there any type of clothing that you avoid wearing?

No, I love embracing everything testing my limits but I always know the comfortable type of clothing I come back to which is my comfort zone, my safe zone. 

What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your company?

It takes time, patience, and perseverance. Nothing happens overnight and that’s ok! You will be faced with challenges and hurdles but taking everything day by day building stepping stones along the way is the best way to handle situations mentally and physically. It has been quite a journey and it’s just the beginning!