I.B.: Why did you choose the Keffiyeh as the central piece in all of your collections?

B.F.: I’ve been wearing the Keffiyeh for many years—initially, simply because I found it beautiful. But over time, it became more than just a fashion accessory to me. The Keffiyeh is a powerful symbol of resistance; it represents the struggle of people who are fighting, often with very little, for their rights—their right to live in peace, to reclaim the land of their ancestors, and to demand justice.

As the world changed, I started to notice how wearing the Keffiyeh freely was no longer accepted everywhere. That shift pushed me to do something meaningful. I decided to create a brand rooted in this symbol, not only as a fashion statement but as a form of expression and resistance. Through BYMELBACH, I’m sending a message—one that speaks to identity, solidarity, and the power of standing with those who are oppressed.

The Name

I.B.: What is the story behind the name?

B.F.: The name BYMELBACH carries deep personal meaning. It is a tribute to the mother and daughter of the brand’s founder—two women who hold a special place in her heart. Through this name, the designer honors not only their presence in her life but also the legacy of the women in her family. Her mother and grandmother were both talented designers who worked in the fields of haute couture and traditional Algerian clothing. Their craftsmanship, strength, and creativity laid the foundation for her passion. BYMELBACH is not just built on fabric and thread—it is woven with memory, heritage, and the spirit of generations of women who used fashion as a form of expression and pride.

 A singularity

I.B.: I had the chance to see your collection at Oran Fashion Week, and one piece really stood out to me—the white Blouza dress. The way you combined the traditional Blouza top with a Keffiyeh skirt was striking. It felt like a beautiful blend of two cultures.

B.F.: Thank you, I’m really glad you noticed that piece.

It’s actually one of my favorite designs from all of my collections. I put a lot of thought and effort into creating it. That piece was special to me, and I decided to dedicate it as a tribute to the people of Oran, who were incredibly kind and welcoming throughout the event.

The dress is a fusion of two traditions—the Algerian Blouza and the Palestinian Keffiyeh. By bringing them together, I wanted to reflect the core of BYMELBACH’s identity: honoring heritage, expressing solidarity, and creating fashion with meaning. It’s more than a dress—it’s a message, and I was proud to present it in Oran.

This powerful runway presentation by BYMELBACH captures the brand’s essence—where fashion meets identity, memory, and resistance. The adult design features a layered skirt crafted from Keffiyehs in red, green, black, and white, symbolically merging the colors of both the Algerian and Palestinian flags. It’s a visual dialogue between two cultures united by a shared history of struggle and resilience. The black lace veil adds a poignant touch, evoking themes of mourning, dignity, and cultural depth.

The child’s dress, composed of red, black, and white Keffiyehs, echoes the traditional Palestinian symbolism. Her look stands as a tribute to innocence intertwined with heritage, representing the younger generation inheriting a legacy of identity and perseverance.

Together, the ensemble tells a story—of family, strength, and fashion as a form of cultural expression and solidarity. This creation is not just worn, it’s felt, seen, and remembered.