Our Creative Process
At Badan, we help revive craftsmanship in modern times through our intentional design process, poetically infused stories, and hand-made crafts. Every tatreez item is either hand-embroidered or hand-crafted in a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. It can often take weeks or months to complete just one collection, and involves multiple hands in the making to bring to life. These efforts are our contribution to the global tatreez community.
BADAN
is a word with Arabic origins that can be defined as "body." It is also often used to describe a thobe's front & back panels.
Literally and figuratively, we are our "badan" and wear our "badan." This is to signify that the embroidered tatreez on garments is inseparable from the Palestinian people. This is especially the case for those in the diaspora. They may find themselves physically separated from their homeland but they can never be separated from their traditions.
This word now has a beautiful third meaning as Badan Collective. We intentionally consider our name throughout our creative process. With every step, we move as one body of Palestinians to collectively create art that lasts throughout generations.
Bayan
is the Creative Director behind Badan Collective. She learned tatreez from her mother in 2005 and has been practicing tatreez consistently for 19 years using multiple embroidery techniques to create traditional Palestinian garments.
She founded Badan in 2022 as a creative design house and educational space to help equip Palestinians and allies in the diaspora with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to practice the tradition of tatreez.
Through Badan, Bayan is a Tatreez Instructor and has taught over 2,000 students. Along with Badan, she is a writer, published poet, and Licensed Social Worker.
Palestinian Artisans
are the ones behind every hand-crafted item at Badan. Once our pieces have been designed, they are passed on to Palestinian artisans living across Ramallah in occupied Palestine.
They embroider tatreez by hand, craft wood, weave fabric, sew belts and pouches, and stitch garments. With their dedication and time, we are able to create timeless pieces.
Through our efforts, we support these local artisans, fabric shops, and businesses earn an ethical and fair market wage for their work.