For most women, deciding what to wear is no easy task – not because they are picky, but because an outfit is more than just a set of clothes. For Azhin Gardi, a Kurdish civil engineer, fashion designer, and environmentalist, fashion is a form of non-verbal communication, a way to tell a story.

As a mother and frequent traveler, Gardi often found herself searching for clothing that was elegant yet breathable, stylish yet comfortable, and suitable for all-day wear.

That search often fell short, as she struggled to find clothes that could truly keep up with a woman’s everyday rhythm. That difficulty became the spark behind her fashion brand, Riviera Reverie. 

The brand

Headquartered in Dubai, Riviera Reverie is a sustainable, art-centric fashion brand built on meaningful collaboration and vibrant storytelling. Every piece is created in partnership with talented artists from around the world, transforming each garment into a wearable artwork that celebrates emotion, travel, and the poetry of summer.

“Our approach to sustainability goes beyond fabric choices,” Gardi told Kurdistan Chronicle, describing eco-consciousness as the foundation of the brand.

“We use certified eco-friendly materials, responsible production, and limited, thoughtful quantities to ensure minimal waste and maximum care for the planet. Each piece reflects our dedication to protecting nature, empowering communities, and honoring the craft behind slow fashion,” she added. 

A look through the brand’s portfolio reveals how artists combine cultural elements with nature-minded materials to create striking designs. As Gardi puts it, sustainability becomes a form of art, and fashion becomes a canvas for expression. 

“Through vibrant prints, mindful design, and heartfelt collaborations, we create pieces that are not only beautiful to wear, but meaningful to own.”

The inspiration

The journey that led Gardi to where she is today was not without its challenges. She had to learn design, production, and sustainable practices from scratch while breaking into the international fashion market as a Kurdish woman. 

Gardi’s love for fashion began when she was a little girl sketching dresses, imagining color schemes, and dreaming of creating outfits that tell stories. 

She argues that her brand was first inspired by the relaxed elegance of resort life – the gentle breeze, the soft sunlight, the effortless beauty of summer moments that feel both nostalgic and timeless.

“I always loved the serenity and sophistication of resort wear, but I struggled to find pieces that captured that feeling while still being practical for real life, especially in the intense Middle Eastern heat.”

In other words, Gardi wanted to create a “one-second wardrobe solution”: pieces that are natural, lightweight, colorful, meaningful, and instantly wearable. Designs that feel like resort life – calm, effortless, beautiful – but are made for the real world.

“I was envisioning clothing that you can simply slip into and feel confident, comfortable, and ready for any moment,” she emphasized, highlighting how a personal struggle can lead to solutions that benefit others. 

Embracing slow fashion 

At the heart of Riviera Reverie is slow fashion, which grew naturally from the way Gardi wanted her brand to exist – intentional, thoughtful, and respectful of both people and the planet. From the outset, Gardi was determined not to contribute to fast fashion’s wastefulness or fleeting trends. Instead, she wanted clothing that lasts, tells a story, and brings genuine joy to those who wear it.

For Riviera Reverie, sustainable fashion goes beyond the materials they use; it starts from the design itself. That’s why every piece is intentionally simple and versatile, ensuring it can be styled for many occasions and enjoyed for years to come. This approach reduces waste, increases longevity, and gives women a practical, beautiful wardrobe they can rely on.

Meanwhile, every print Gardi brings to life is hand-drawn by talented artists, guided by her vision and emotional storytelling. Each garment is cut, sewn, and finished by artisans in Bali, where craftsmanship is treated as a sacred tradition.

Additionally, all of Riviera Reverie prints are crafted using natural, flower-based inks and applied to certified sustainable fabrics. Gardi argues that this method ensures that every garment is not only vibrant and visually striking, but also safe for the skin and gentle on the planet.

But that’s not all. Riviera Reverie hangtags are made from seed paper, which can be planted to grow real flowers. Once planted, the tag blooms into a living plant. This thoughtful touch reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability and creating products that bring lasting joy. 

The artists

Riviera Reverie is now a well-known brand that collaborates with artists from around the world. Five talented artists – from Los Angeles, Argentina, Egypt, the Netherlands, and Kurdistan – were behind the first collection. The network then expanded for the second collection.

“A collaboration I’m especially proud of is with Argentinian artist Alan Berry, who celebrated my Kurdish heritage in his work and even asked for my permission to showcase it in his annual exhibition in London,” Gardi explained, noting that these collaborations allow the brand to become a platform where art and fashion merge beautifully. 

The art of balance

Balancing life and work is never easy. As a mother with great love for her family and a strong passion for her work, that task is even more daunting. Gardi admits that while the challenge is there, her family remains her main source of motivation. 

“My husband’s support makes a huge difference, and being a mom has taught me patience, organization, and how to focus on what truly matters – all skills that are essential in running a brand,” Gardi stressed. 

Last but not least, many see Gardi’s academic background in civil engineering as irrelevant to her career in fashion. However, she credits her engineering background with giving her the discipline, consistency, and resilience to pursue her vision – even when she had to walk the path alone.