For our Q1 newsletter we asked Angela Ahmadi, the founder of KINGNOORLA, how she got her start and what continues to motivate the creativity behind her brand. Here’s what Angela had to say.
Q: What is KINGNOORLA and how did it get started? What does the name refer to?
King Noor LA is a contemporary street-wear brand. From a very early age, I always knew that I wanted to create something of my own. I majored in Apparel Manufacturing Management at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, and soon after, took my first trip to Kabul in the summer of 2010. This trip inspired me to dive deeper into my culture and allowed me to let my creativity loose. Seeing that there weren’t others doing anything like this, I used it to my advantage to not only create a brand but a movement that continues to shine a positive light towards Afghanistan. “Noor” meaning light and “King” embodying an entity of high-power, King Noor ultimately stands for providing inspiration and power to Afghanistan by shining a positive light on the country and it’s people.
Q: You try to shine a positive light on Afghanistan. How does KINGNOORLA allow you to do that?
King Noor LA allows me to be optimistic and refuses to let the negativity of the political climate to overpower the positivity I see in my beautifully rich country. It is the place where I aspire to inspire my audience through creativity.
Q: What are some collaborations that you have done?
Organizations: ZamZam Water, Afghan Health Initiative, Afghan-American Conference
Musicians: OMEED, HaseebtheFew, Qais Essar, Kabul Dreams, Ariana Delawari & more
Artists: Sulyman Sadat and Zuhair Hussaini
Film/Media/Entertainers: Ali Baluch, Anies Omari, Qias Omar
Q: Where do art and politics intersect for you and how do you fashion to showcase that intersection?
My aim with King Noor LA was never to get into the political side of things but more so the activism involved in creating change. The intersection of arts and activism are defined by the focus of creating designs that truly speak to our audience. I believe that there has been a huge void in the Afghan community worldwide, in which we tend to not show the appreciation and celebration of diversity, peace, and love through the power of art and design. In order to dismantle this void, through King Noor LA I have created conversational pieces that advocates female empowerment, a unification and respect of diversity, and an overall advocation of positivity and love.
Q: Why is it important for our diaspora to support a brand like KINGNOORLA?
It’s important for our diaspora to support a brand like King Noor LA because we are more than just a clothing brand, King Noor LA is a movement. A movement of peace, love and unity through art and creativity. Through this movement, I truly believe we empower our diaspora in ways that allows them to share a message with the outside world. The brand gives off an empowering communal vibe and has the power to bring people together. It allows us to have a greater connection and conversation with one another, while sharing our mutual love and passion towards our homeland.
Q: What do you think our community (Afghan Americans) needs to improve?
Our community at large needs to improve the way they empower the youth. We really need to put in the effort it takes to shed light on issues our community faces and inspire an action of change within.
Q: Where can people buy KINGNOORLA merch?
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