Celebrating migration and the search for a better life, Libyan ready-to-wear brand, BORN IN EXILE launched its latest SS’21 collection titled I’MMIGRANT.
It is the force of change, facilitating cultural exchange and inspiring new perspectives. This tale has been weaved into I’MMIGRANT, a re-telling of the journeys that people have taken and a reminder that people have all, in some way, descended from a history of migration. The collection takes inspiration from the sea and the transition of culture and traditions that came about via ports of hope throughout history. Immigration has been a key driver in influencing culture on both sides of the Mediterranean and this collection looks at how clothing and fabrics transform throughout this journey and the impact they have on arrival. The collection consists of 26 ready-to-wear pieces from denim, errda, silk tulle and cotton.
Representing the changes that these elements go through in the migration process. It is embroidered on a range of jackets, shirts, pants and shorts. The collection also includes two shoe designs. By working with the traditional Libyan “errda,” a woven fabric made entirely from silk, silver and gold threads, the collection explores perceptions of migration through this cloth. The clothing of migrants can be a source of pride, enforcing an identity, but can also be transformed by new contexts. This is reflected in the traditional embroidered patterns and pearl embellishments on tie dye bleached denim.
A Tale of I’MMIGRANT
I’MMIGRANT reinterprets visual elements typically portrayed in the media, such as the orange life jacket-not as a symbol of helplessness but one of choice, hope and agency and this is shown in the iconic use of orange in the collection. The editorial is simple yet loud.
Models styled in I’MMIGRANT collection from head to toe, against a backdrop of concrete, patterned tiles and remnants of a boat to represent experience of a migrating journey. Some of the images were shot in the desert, with a vibrant horizon ahead of the diverse looking models, giving the feeling of hope and a journey ahead that’s yet to unfold.
About the Designer and the Brand
Libyan designer, Ibrahim Shebani, adopted his born in exile identity since his family’s exile in the 1970s, bringing it to life through his designs. After the Libyan uprising in 2011, Shebani was inspired to inaugurate Born in Exile, essentially to show the world the undiscovered beauty of Libya; his eternal muse. He sees the future in the innovation and creativity of fashion and he rides on the back of his heritage to present a modern twist on the cultural traditions of Libya and turn them into trendy, wearable everyday
collectible pieces.
Born in Exile is a luxury ready-to-wear brand proudly produced and manufactured in Tunisia, the designer’s current adopted home. The brand was founded in late 2017 and it debuted its first Fall/Winter collection in 2019.