Heritage Series 04: Hanan Sharifa

Written by Lauren Bryant

Brooklyn-based designer, Hanan Sharifa seamlessly blends her Moroccan-American heritage to create clothing that transcends identifiable origins. From concepts of global interconnectedness to untold narratives of resistance and resilience, Hanan shares the inspirations, barriers, and meaning behind her brand of the same name. 

What is it like to be a Moroccan-American designer in today’s world?

It’s challenging. I’m an independent designer without formal training in design or business, whose parents were the first to break free from generational poverty, and I’m pro Palestine. 

People are reluctant to sell, buy, or wear my garments because my logo is in Arabic, perhaps for fear of being politically incorrect or a lack of awareness that the text is just my name. But, also, at times, it stems from Islamophobia.

In what ways does your dual heritage shape your designs, especially when blending influences from two distinct cultures?

Moroccan art, music and design resonate with me for their romanticism and dramatic flair. My Western influences also manifest in a playful and bold approach, reflected in my choice of flirtatious, revealing clothes for social outings.

But, recently my designs have become more versatile and modest. I envision the wearers of my creations belonging to a hybrid cultural landscape, evoking the essence of Morocco while infused with an American sci-fi aesthetic through the cuts and silhouettes. This blend invites a new cultural narrative where traditions intertwine with futuristic imaginings, speaking to the interconnectedness of global cultures today.

Your Interlinked and Tender collections stand out for their use of Arabic script on mesh fabric, especially the bikinis. What inspired this creative direction?

Designing intimate and swim sets with my brand name in Arabic is not just a creative choice but a reflection of my identity and journey as a designer, and a way for me to honour my heritage. When I contemplate where I am today and the person I’ve become, I see it as a manifestation of the dreams of my ancestors.

I’ve also been reflecting on the weight of the intergenerational trauma carried by the women who came before me—feeling a sense of guilt for not adhering to traditional expectations of being married with children and living close to family. But, I remind myself that I’m breaking new ground as the first woman in many generations to live independently and pursue art as a livelihood.

Every piece I create is not just a product; it’s a reimagination of my culture. A deliberate blending of tradition and contemporary expression, where each garment speaks of resilience, a reclaiming of power and a celebration of life.

You’ve already achieved so much as a designer. What do you hope for your legacy to be? 

My goal is to redefine this idea of constantly buying new outfits and following fleeting trends, and to instead inject a new perspective where self-expression and sustainability are prioritized over relentless consumerism. 

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