Meet Niloofar Faghihi | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Niloofar Faghihi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Niloofar, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process really started with observing the disconnect between the beauty of fashion and the need for more meaningful, responsible practices in the industry.

After studying in Asia and Europe and now working in New York for labels like Anne Fontaine, Calvin Klein, Converse, and Kenneth Cole as well as collaborating with some fast fashion brands and doing some projects in LA, I began to see an opportunity to create something different. I wanted to redefine how we approach fashion by combining aesthetics with sustainability in a way that feels seamless and inspiring.

For me, fashion can be something with purpose, leaving a positive impact while respecting our planet, our Mother Earth, and proving it’s possible to create beauty without causing harm.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work with Nillary revolves around sustainability and purpose.

I personally believe that the word ‘fashion’ can often bring about a misunderstanding, as it’s typically associated with mere appearance and beauty but fashion is so much more. It’s a tool for expression, a way to tell stories, and drive change. Fashion should not just focus on aesthetics—it must reflect values and respect for our planet and the people behind it.

At Nillary, we use 100% organic cotton and recycled materials in new designs. We offer a program where customers can trade in their old clothes for credits, preventing them from ending up in landfills. The reality is that Americans throw away 81 pounds of clothing per person each year, contributing to an enormous waste problem. Rather than letting clothes sit in landfills, we recycle them into new materials like yarns and textiles, offering customers the chance to refresh their wardrobe sustainably.

The journey hasn’t been easy. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that patience is key. Life’s process brings clarity, and I’ve come to understand that rushing ideas or decisions often leads you astray. There’s always something better waiting for you, and the journey itself is just as valuable as the destination. Enjoying the process and being patient with your growth is essential. The human mind often narrows our understanding, limiting our perception of the bigger picture awaiting us as individuals. This brings to my mind the wisdom from Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” It reminds us to look beyond our limited perspective and embrace faith in the greater plan.

I also would like to add that sustainability in fashion presents many challenges, such as balancing creativity, affordability, and eco-responsibility.

Another important fact in this industry is that behind every piece of clothing, whether hand-crafted or machine-made, there’s a real person. I also believe in the importance of empowering underserved communities by ensuring fair wages and working conditions. For me, fashion must always serve a greater purpose—helping to make the world better, not just more beautiful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to take them somewhere completely different from the fast-paced city life of New York and LA. I’d choose a peaceful island, maybe somewhere like the Maldives or Bali, where we could truly disconnect and reconnect with ourselves and nature.

For me, nature is like a charger for the soul. I see myself as being deeply connected to it, like a battery that needs recharging. I believe that when we’re surrounded by nature, we can truly center ourselves. So, our days would be about nourishing our bodies with healthy, organic food, doing daily meditation and yoga by the ocean, and enjoying activities like scuba diving. It’s all about being present and tuning in to the natural world, which I feel is the best teacher.

The whole trip would be a balance of relaxation and fun. We’d enjoy great food, laugh, and have deep conversations, but also take the time to recharge. And by the end of the week, I know we’d both feel so much more grounded and clear, ready to head back to the city, but with fresh energy and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my mom—not just because she’s my mom, but because of the incredible role she plays in my life.

She’s more than a mother; she’s like my sister, best friend, advisor, and therapist—all in one. She’s always real with me, pointing out both the positive and the negative with honesty and love. Even though I left my country when I was 17 and haven’t lived with her since, it feels even more magical that she’s still so present in my life, supporting me from afar.

She’s a biologist, but also a painter with a deep passion for art, and that creativity and analytical mind have shaped so much of who I am.

Sometimes I wonder what I’ve done to deserve her in this lifetime, and I’m endlessly grateful to have her by my side, even when we’re miles apart.

Website: https://www.nillary.com

Instagram: Nillary_

Linkedin: Niloofar Faghihi

Image Credits
Photographer: Edgar Tescum

Instagram: Tescums

All the photos are credited to Edgar Tescum. Each photo has been named such as, Nillary collection and Niloofar Faghihi for the designer’s name.