February 2022 Covergirl: Fashion Pirate Zeynab El-Helw
Tell us a little about yourself, what’s your story?
My name is Zeynab. I am half-Turkish, half-Egyptian. I was born and raised in London and have lived in Dubai for the past 12 years. I am a Dubai-based influencer and mother of two as well as the Creative Director and Founder of a trending sustainable clothing line called Reborn. I graduated from Central Saint Martins School of Fashion, and, before getting to where I am today, I was fortunate to work for five years in a luxury corporate fashion house, Dior Couture, which helped me understand the hard work, dedication, forecasting, and planning essentials that are initially needed before launching any type of business. I eventually left Dior and set up an online blog, an e-commerce platform, and went through a few different paths before reaching where I am today.
What inspired you to go into your field of work?
I have always been very interested in fashion, particularly streetwear and creating pieces that people would reach out to in a rush or when they are unsure of what to wear. I got tired of borrowing my husband’s and brother’s clothing and wanted to find a gender-fluid brand that could cross over and target different personalities: the laid-back, the daring, the modest, the confident and allow people to style the pieces in their own way.
When and why did you decide to launch Reborn Society?
It is a collection very close to my heart. I started it in 2019, before the pandemic hit, and had several different ideas and directions in which to create an eco-positive brand using 100% organic cotton that could also tie in with our everyday lives and desires while remaining fun and fresh for a wide audience. Gratefully, everything fell into place, and I am now able to bring this to life and develop further.
Reborn Vibe:
Bringing you a fresh take on urban street wear right to your doorstep. Think positive, think comfort, think happy, relaxed vibes. Think chill, think stress free. Think long-term flavor. Think any season. Think hype. Think the first pick from your shelf. Think a staple set. Think a tomboyish twist. Think a good mindset. We wanted to create a brand that reflects and enhances your own positive energy. We wanted to wave off your cool, dynamic vibes with a fresh-faced energy that rebounds off of each other and uplifts a mood. We wanted to bring you a collection that is easily accessible to your daily lifestyle, keeping you looking relaxed and confident. We wanted to cater to YOUR comfort and needs as a woman, YOU as a man and YOU as a kid.
About Reborn:
Established in 2019, REBORN is an eco-positive brand that ties in with our everyday comfortable lifestyles while remaining trendy, fresh, and having an urban street-style vibe. REBORN is a socially-conscious brand that focuses on sustainable yet fashionable clothing. The collection is produced from 100 percent high-quality certified-organic cotton and has partnered with UNHCR to support refugees worldwide.
Reborn is a socially-responsible brand that aims to provide awareness for and support refugees across the world. Reborn's collaboration with UNHCR supports and empowers refugees, whether children & orphans, vulnerable families, the elderly, or single mothers.
Together, we will help displaced people gain access to their most basic needs and help them towards better, safer futures. Believe in humanity and let's make a difference together.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since beginning your career?
To rely, believe, and have trust in yourself. Never rely on the support of anyone else to lift you. You need to learn to lift yourself. Your goals are only understood and achievable by yourself. Therefore, patience, hard work, and confidence in yourself are vital. In addition, you need to give yourself a chance to let things fall into place, as life is unpredictable.
What is your next big goal, either in your personal or professional life?
To grow the brand internationally. I feel that there is a lot of potential and want to focus on it to the best of my ability. It is officially my third ‘baby’. □
