ADISH SS21 -Majdalawi weaving

For SS21, we have created a collection that draws its inspiration from yet another traditional Palestinian craft - Majdalawi weaving - in partnership with a hand-weaving workshop in Gaza.

Originating from the Palestinian village of Al-Majdal Asqalan, Majdalawi fabric was one of the most ancient and recognisable fabrics from the Middle East, along with Damask Silk and Egyptian Cotton. Majdalawi weaving, as the technique is known, was traditionally woven by a male weaver on a single treadle loom, often using black and indigo cotton threads combined with fuchsia and turquoise silk threads. While the village was taken by Israel in the 1950s and is now known as Ashkelon, the craft of Majdalawi ceases to be practiced there. This method of weaving now continues only thanks to a cultural preservation project run only by the Atfaluna Crafts organisation in Gaza City.

As you know, ADISH is a Tel-Aviv based company. As an Israeli company, logistically it's almost impossible to work with a company from Gaza due to Israel's military blockade of Gaza. As the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip is entirely closed, the fabric from Gaza travels through Egypt, Jordan, and the West bank before it arrives at ADISH's studio in Tel Aviv - which, under different circumstances, would only be a one hour drive from the Gaza Strip.

During the COVID19 pandemic crisis, the workshop had to shut down for a few months, lay off some of the weavers, and navigate a lack of raw materials. However, it was important for us to keep the production alive despite the difficulties and to launch this collection with this unique fabric.

Beginning with the striped Majdalawi fabric, and inspired by its traditional colours and visual aesthetic, we developed a collection that incorporates all of the traditional crafts that ADISH has worked with to date. The collection includes items featuring the Majdalawi fabric, embellished with handmade traditional Palestinian embroidery, Bedouin woven elements from the Negev, and hand-cut woodblock printing from India.

We're excited to be able to share the tradition of Majdalawi weaving, honoured to be able to work in collaboration with Gaza-based Palestinians, and feel it is important to do what we can to help insure that this endangered technique survives and flourishes into our joint future together.