Olivia Rodrigo gave Palestinian designer Yasmeen Mjalli a reason to keep going. Mjalli said her fashion brand nearly shut down before Rodrigo’s commission. The singer ordered a dress for her Daisy Chain Fields Festival. Mjalli described the opportunity as “divine intervention.”
Palestinian designer Yasmeen Mjalli says Olivia Rodrigo helped Nöl Collective.
Mjalli founded Nöl Collective in 2020. The Palestinian brand works with women’s cooperatives and individual embroiderers. Its designs preserve traditional Palestinian craftsmanship through contemporary clothing. However, operating from the West Bank has created major challenges.
Mjalli said a shipment of handwoven wool was held by Israeli customs. She said authorities eventually destroyed the materials. She then tried sourcing replacement fabric in Jerusalem. However, road closures prevented her from reaching the city.
“I was genuinely like, maybe we should stop, maybe this is our last effort,” Mjalli told Vogue Arabia. She said she was “just so tired” after facing repeated obstacles. The situation nearly became the brand’s breaking point.
Then Rodrigo commissioned Nöl Collective to create a dress. Mjalli described the commission as “divine intervention.” The project gave her a reason to continue despite the challenges.
Mjalli had less than a week to complete Rodrigo’s dress. She found raw silk in pink with help from her colleague Majdy. Artisans in Bethlehem then helped construct the garment. Several embroiderers completed the final details.
Shipping the finished dress created another major challenge. No local courier could deliver it to California quickly enough. Two strangers eventually carried the dress in their luggage. They personally delivered it to Los Angeles.
Rodrigo wore the baby-pink dress at her inaugural Daisy Chain Fields Music Festival. The event took place in Irvine, California, on August 29. The festival supports organizations advocating for women and girls.
For Mjalli, Rodrigo’s appearance created a global moment for Nöl Collective. The designer said the exposure felt like a win for the brand. She also emphasized the significance of continuing Palestinian craftsmanship.
“Fashion is political no matter where you are,” Mjalli said. “We’re still here; we have not been forgotten.” The commission allowed Nöl Collective to keep moving forward.
