Zaineb El Kadiri is a dedicated stylist. The Franco-Moroccan creator is voracious in projects aimed at highlighting the refinement of Africa. Journey.
“I am an African woman of Moroccan origin,” describes stylist Zaineb El Kadiri right away. For her, it was unthinkable not to be present at this immense event as it is in total harmony with her mindset.
Zaineb El Kadiri also fights to promote African talents. “FIMA symbolizes sharing and uniqueness,” she insists. “When I think of Alphadi, I believe it is still possible to believe in one’s dreams.” This is what she has done and continues to do. The stylist grew up in a large family, alongside 2 brothers and 6 sisters. “All passionate about fashion,” the thirty-something mentions, having learned sewing from her mother. “When Mom traveled, she brought back fabrics, especially silk, which she distributed to each of us,” she recalls. “My sisters and I then established a kind of competition: the best creation. It was our parents who had to judge us. I still remember drawing sketches of outfits and going to the neighborhood tailor with my fabric under my arm.
” A born artist, Zaineb El Kadiri naturally chose to study international business specialized in Haute Couture ready-to-wear.
In 2004, at the age of 21, she decided to immerse herself in the world of wedding dresses while continuing to work with local artisans.
In 2010, she launched her own brand, LUXURY BY K., before flying to Morocco in 2012. Her husband Ayoub had to set up a business there, and Zaineb wanted her four children to know their roots. In the kingdom, the designer quickly began to make a name for herself. Her style, which combines tradition and modernity, as well as her boubous, are popular, not to mention her dynamism and freshness.
But Zaineb El Kadiri, who has not forgotten where she came from, also feels the need to invest in African youth. “Together, we will show the beauty of our art,” she emphasizes.
Over the years, she has organized a series of events: Les Ambassadeurs du Caftan in 2014, Fashion Luxury in 2016, where designers such as Adama Ndiaye (Senegal) and Céline Koby (Ivory Coast) were invited, as well as Afrifata or African Fashion Talents in 2018, which notably brought together former Miss France Flora Coquerel and the great Alphadi.
The latter even chaired the jury at this event, also supported by Nawel Debbouze, the younger sister of the famous comedian Jamel Debbouze. And it’s not over yet, as Zaineb El Kadiri has two more projects in mind: to set up a platform for exchanges and sales dedicated to young creators who have participated in her shows, as well as an establishment combining training, management, and coworking. “I hope I will be the first to build them for free,” dreams the stylist, before revealing that her father described her as the “Maraa ow nass” of the family.
