Visually impaired designer takes Sulaimani Fashion Week by storm

SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — Nawa Atta, 25, is one of the thirty local designers that took part in Sulaimani's first ever fashion week which ended on Thursday. Unlike the other designers participating, Nawa is visually impaired and could not fully see her creations.

The designer’s eyesight has weakened over the last two years due to diabetes and blood pressure issues.

Two weeks before the event, she was able to see objects within a two-meter distance. However, she says her range of vision has rapidly deteriorated since then.

Despite the impediment, Nawa still managed to dream up a whole line of men's sleepwear.

“My collection was ten men's pajamas. I chose the fabric and colours myself. Even the ideas are mine. My friends helped me sew them,” said the designer. “I was steadfast in overcoming my hardships and problems. I said to myself, “I must take part [in the event]. I must gain what I want, and I must succeed.” Thank God, I could do it.”

Nawa has been designing clothes for more than seven years. Initially, she started with fashion accessories.

Friends describe the designer as a symbol of resistance and resolve.

Sulaimani Fashion Week founder Tablo Fazel says Nawa was unwavering in her commitment to presenting her designs.

“Before she brought her collection here, she told me “Tablo, my eyesight has weakened more, but I won’t give up. I will design my collection.” I replied, “are you sure you can do it?” She said, “Yes, I can,” recalls the event organizer.

On the fourth day of the event, like other designers, Nawa’s pieces were up for sale.

She was granted an award by the event organizers for her struggle and determination.

More than 400 different sets of clothing were on display at the four-day event.

Translation and video editing by Sarkawt Mohammed