The story behind Nojud’s Karak x Mughal hoodie

Embark on a journey through the captivating narrative behind one of Nojud's most cherished pieces – the Karak x Mughal Hoodie. This singular garment not only encapsulates Mughal-style artistry but also carries a contemporary twist that resonates with empowerment. 
 

 

Unwrapping Mughal History 

 

For those less familiar with the grandeur of Mughal art and the historical significance it holds, a swift introduction is in order. The Mughal Empire, spanning the early 16th to the mid-19th century in South Asia, emerged under the leadership of Babur, a Chaghatai Turkic-Mongol prince. Renowned for its cultural, economic, and political prowess, key figures in this epoch include: 
 
Babur: The empire's founder, a direct descendant of Timur, the Turco-Mongol conqueror, distinguished for his military acumen. 
 
Akbar: Celebrated as one of the greatest Mughal emperors, lauded for religious tolerance and administrative reforms, expanding the empire across present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. 
 
Shah Jahan: Revered for constructing the iconic Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan's reign showcased a patronage for arts and architecture. 
 
Aurangzeb: The final luminary of the great Mughal emperors, known for expansive territorial conquests and unwavering adherence to Islam. 
 

 

Elegance in Mughal Art 

 

Mughal art, born from the depths of the Mughal Empire, is a tapestry woven with intricate details influenced by Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles. Its hallmark includes vibrant hues, geometric patterns, and depictions of nature. Nojud's Karak x Mughal Hoodie pays homage to this rich cultural legacy. 
 

 

The Evolution of Design 

 

Nismah, the creative force behind Nojud, embarked on the hoodie's design journey with the inspiration drawn from the iconic Karak tea. However, it wasn't until she noticed the portrayal of a woman holding a cup in the Mughal art that the design took a transformative leap. 
 
"I think I could do something with this. That’s how I ended up completely modernising this," Nismah shared, reflecting on her creative process. The transformation took meticulous effort – the removal of the sitar, the enlargement of the background to encompass the desert and the souk markets destination in Doha. 
 
Her attention to detail extended to the subtle nuances – a modernised touch with the woman now in jeans, emphasizing the contemporary yet timeless vibe. "Her whole thing is educating. That’s why I had her holding a book rather than keeping a cup. I wanted something slightly different." 
 
In her pursuit of something unique, Nismah added a profound message to the artwork: "Don’t doubt your own greatness; it just resonated with me. I wanted to have some type of message on it, not just a plain book because it was too boring. A nice message that if someone randomly sees it, they think 'oh that is nice.'” 
 
The Karak x Mughal Hoodie, thus, stands not just as a garment but as a canvas where history meets modernity, where Mughal intricacies merge with the vibrant present, creating a unique tapestry of cultural appreciation and artistic innovation. Every stitch tells a story, and within those threads lies the spirit of transformation and empowerment. 

woman embroidering mirror work on karak x mughal hoodie
 
woman embroidering mirror work on karak x mughal hoodie
Karak x Mughal hoodie art work and artisanal embroidery