NOKSHI: The Art of Storytelling in Thread
- Maimuna Fardous
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
Rooted in the tradition of Nakshi Kantha—a historic Bengali craft of quilting with recycled fabrics—NOKSHI reimagines this art form to confront the impact of fast fashion on Bangladesh’s textile industry. Founded by Bangladeshi-American Sabrin Sultana, NOKSHI blends her passion for fashion with a mission to create meaningful change. NOKSHI prioritizes ethical production, with all items made in-house at a facility in Dhaka where workers earn three times the average wage of garment workers in Bangladesh. The brand emphasizes sustainability by sourcing unique recycled fabrics for each new collection, making every item one-of-a-kind. With a strong commitment to authenticity, NOKSHI ensures that both people and the planet are treated with care throughout every step of the production process.
Getting the thread through the needle wasn’t easy for Sultana. After dealing with lies and unethical practices that led workers to strike, she cut ties with her initial manufacturer. As a self-funded entrepreneur, she had to raise money to launch her own factory. She hustled through pop-ups and side gigs until embarking on a research trip to Bangladesh in December 2024. There, she connected with manufacturers aligned with her vision: sustainable fashion and empowering women in the industry. Sultana’s determination was unwavered. Today, NOKSHI has over 50,000 likes on TikTok and Sultana is still working to push boundaries in fashion and create meaningful change.
Next time you want an effortless but timeless piece that truly speaks to you, check out NOKSHI. It’s tempting to grab something trendy off the rack or in your cart—but remember, every purchase shapes the industry, where many companies still hide the real cost behind the clothes.
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