Palestinian brand you should know: One World
The following was originally published in Palestine in America’s 2021 Fashion Edition. Order a print copy, download the digital version or subscribe today!
One World is a clothing brand that focuses on those who are oppressed and those in need. My vision for One World is to have people see the world through the eyes of those who are oppressed. The hope for the brand is to build awareness and spread love back to the world. Making clothing is our way of spreading awareness to those in need. One World’s mission is to be the voice for those who can’t be heard, while still donating to organizations that help those in need.
Meet the Founder
Anas Abushamt is the creator of One World, a clothing brand centered on social justice issues.
What does being Palestinian mean to you?
If I had a choice at birth of what nationality I wanted to be knowing everyone’s history I would still choose to be Palestinian. Being Palestinian has shaped me into the man I am today. It has opened my eyes to see the world differently and view everyone’s oppression like my own. Knowing we’re not the only people going through it. To me, being Palestinian means walking around with a chip on my shoulder knowing I always have something to fight for.
Where in Palestine are you from?
I am from Tulkarm.
When it comes to Palestinian fashion, what are three things you think of?
When I invention Palestinian fashion the first thing that comes to mind is the flag and how other brands and myself incorporate it within the designs. The next thing would be the kaffiyeh and how it represents the Palestinian struggle. Lastly, I would say the map of Palestine and how all three of those designs format a beautiful picture for what Palestine represents.
What made you interested in fashion and/or the history of Palestine?
When starting One World the purpose was always to be the voice for those who couldn’t be heard. One way in doing that was expressing those voices through the fashion industry.
What does Palestinian fashion mean to you?
Whether it’s One World or any other brand, Palestinian fashion keeps us connected to our roots. Reminding ourselves that every time we put a shirt on that has the Palestinian flag or using the kaffiyeh as a mask, were no longer just wearing a piece of fabric anymore; we are wearing a purpose and a meaning.
What is your most proud moment in your field of expertise?
One of my proudest moments that has come from One World was to be able to build a well in Kismayo, Somalia and offer accessible and clean water for the people living there.
In your opinion, what are the most important ways to keep our history alive through Palestinian fashion?
The most important way to keep our history alive is making shirts that people are proud of wearing and supporting. When building a brand like One World or any other brand, it is important to make your supporters trust that when they purchase something from your store they are part of that change. Sticking to designs that make them feel connected to home even when we’re thousands of miles away.
What do you hope everyone learns through Palestinian fashion?
Living in a city like Waukegan, Ill., where the ethnic groups are majority Hispanic, African American, and white, most people have never heard of Palestine. I hope that everyone would learn about the Palestinian people and our struggles. When creating my first design back in 2018 I wanted to start with focusing on Palestine. After releasing the first shirt, people began to talk more about Palestine and supporting the Palestinian people. I personally feel like I have impacted my city on learning more about the Palestinian struggle and other struggles that countries are facing every day.
What are three words to describe your work?
· Inspiring
· Unique
· Passionate
What is your mission within the Palestinian fashion industry and the preservation of Palestine’s history?
My mission within the Palestinian fashion industry, or any other industry that is focused on making change in the world, is to inspire them to feel like if they want to start their own brand that it is possible. I’m just a 21-year-old college student who came to America at the age of 3 trying to impact and change the world as much as I can. If you have a dream, believe in yourself and know that anything you set your mind to is possible. As Palestinians living in America, keeping our history alive is very important; if not, then all the lives lost overseas would be for nothing. We must continue to be that voice for the ones who aren’t able to be heard. Whether it be a tweet, Instagram post, or expressing your feelings through art, it all counts in keeping our heritage and our history alive. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.
