Empowering and Celebrating Women
Beginning life on a kitchen table in Manchester, to dressing the world’s most confident women, Nadine Merabi has emerged as one of the fashion industry’s most compelling figures. Her eponymous brand has become synonymous with empowerment, meticulous craftsmanship and unapologetic glamour. In this exclusive interview, Merabi shares her journey from self-taught designer to global fashion force.
Merabi’s foray into fashion was anything but conventional. A former international hockey player turned events entrepreneur, she initially taught herself to sew out of necessity, as she wanted a dress that was neither prohibitively expensive nor indistinguishable from high street options. That simple desire sparked a journey that would evolve into a label now recognised for bold designs and luxurious finishes.
“I wasn’t planning on building a fashion empire,” Merabi reflects. “I just wanted to create something that made me feel good and when others started asking where my dresses were from, I realised I could make other women feel just as confident. Ten years on and this sole purpose remains the same, to celebrate and empower women.”
The evolution from passionate hobbyist to businesswoman was accelerated by pivotal moments that were not without their challenges. None more striking than the global pandemic, which essentially wiped out occasionwear demand across the world overnight. Rather than pivot to loungewear like many of her contemporaries, Merabi remained true to her brand’s DNA. She used the downtime to innovate within her category, introducing partywear, statement tailoring and her now-iconic feathered silk pyjamas that have gone on to became unexpected bestsellers and remain a solid performer years later.
“COVID was our make-or-break moment,” she admits. “But instead of panicking, we leaned into creativity and stayed disciplined. That period taught me the power of conviction.”
Creativity, Merabi says, is instinctive. She eschews formal training, choosing instead to develop garments directly on mannequins rather than sketches. This hands-on approach allows her to focus on how each piece feels as much as how it looks.
“It’s about that emotional moment when you zip up a dress and feel incredible,” she says. “Even our simplest styles are built with the same care, from corsetry and lining to beading and zip quality. I want every woman who wears a Merabi piece to feel her best.”
With a flagship store in London’s Mayfair that has been open for around eight months now and products in Nordstrom and Selfridges, Nadine Merabi has become a direct-to-consumer success story. Yet international expansion has been organic. The US now accounts for around 50 per cent of sales, driven by demand for both modern bridalwear and bold statement pieces. As she looks to the future, the Founder has her sights set on the Middle East next in markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where Merabi’s Lebanese heritage can resonate with consumers who appreciate elevated design and quality.
“We have done well in the US, but I see even bigger opportunities in the Gulf. The craftsmanship, the love of dressing up, it aligns with our values perfectly.”
While she is intrigued by Asia and other regions, this may come in the future as for now her expansion will remain thoughtful and aligned with brand values, taking into account past experiences.
A strong female-led culture anchors the brand. Merabi is candid about the painful lessons learned during a rapid growth period that temporarily compromised customer service and brand experience. From that, she emerged more committed than ever to protecting team culture and growing sustainably.
“Success isn’t just about sales. It’s about how we make people feel both internally and externally. Our team culture, our purpose and our values are non-negotiable.”
Merabi also understands the power of community. From the early days of gifting dresses to influencers when she had no budget for advertising, to building a loyal global following online, social commerce remains integral. Her London flagship serves not just as a store but as a hub for community events, interviews and activations that bring the brand to life.
With plans underway to expand into new categories and explore selective collaborations, the next chapter of Nadine Merabi’s journey is well underway.
At its heart, Nadine Merabi is more than fashion. It is a movement that celebrates confidence, self-expression and craftsmanship. As she puts it: “I don’t just sell dresses, I sell a feeling.”
For aspiring creatives, Merabi offers this advice: “You don’t need experience or formal education, just belief in your vision and the courage to do things differently.”
