Karim Adduchi: Weaving Stories Through Fashion

Born in 1988 in Imzouren, Morocco, Karim Adduchi’s journey from a young boy drawing to communicate in a foreign land to an internationally celebrated fashion designer is a story of resilience, creativity, and purpose. His life’s work is a testament to the power of art and storytelling, expressed through fabrics and stitches that connect his heritage to the world.

The Roots of a Storyteller

Karim’s story begins in Morocco, where his family’s nomadic Berber ancestry and cultural traditions became an integral part of his identity. At five, he moved with his mother to Barcelona to reunite with his father, who had been working there. The transition was challenging for young Karim, who initially struggled with language barriers. Drawing became his first language, a way to express himself and connect with others—a skill that would later shape his career as a visual and tactile storyteller.

While studying fine arts at the University of Fine Arts in Barcelona, Karim honed his skills in painting and portraiture. But his curiosity and passion for creating soon expanded beyond the canvas, and in 2011, he relocated to the Netherlands to study fashion at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie.

Forging a Path in Fashion

Karim’s time at the Rietveld was formative, allowing him to merge disciplines and experiment with materials and ideas that transcended traditional fashion. While juggling his studies and a full-time restaurant job, he poured his heart into every creation, often working to the point of exhaustion. His graduation collection, She Knows Why the Caged Bird Sings, captured global attention in 2015, blending intricate craftsmanship with personal and cultural narratives. The collection marked the beginning of a career defined by innovation and authenticity.

The Fabric of a Visionary

Karim’s collections are more than clothing—they are social documents that reflect his roots and the times we live in. Titles like She Lives Behind the Courtyard Door (2016) and She Has 99 Names (2017) echo his connection to Moroccan traditions, the stories of women in his culture, and the broader human experience. His use of materials like Berber carpets and traditional embroidery stitches speaks to his heritage, while the silhouettes and designs reinterpret these elements for modern audiences.

In 2018, Karim’s impact on fashion earned him a place on Forbes Europe + Middle East 30 Under 30 and the Amsterdam Culture Business Award. That same year, he co-founded The World Makers Foundation, a platform to foster creativity and connection. His influence extended beyond the runway in 2020 when his designs graced the cover of Vogue Arabia’s January issue.

Creativity in Crisis: Social [Distancing] Fabric

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Karim found inspiration in stillness. Reflecting on the resilience of creativity, he collaborated with The World Makers Foundation to launch the Social [Distancing] Fabric project. By sending embroidery kits with his designs to participants worldwide, Karim enabled individuals to express themselves and connect through art. Over 200 pieces of embroidered fabric were returned, forming a global tapestry of hope and humanity. The completed work is set to be exhibited at the Amsterdam Museum, capturing the collective experience of isolation and creativity.

Beyond Fashion: A Commitment to Humanity

Karim views fashion not as a vehicle for selling dreams but as a medium for telling real, human stories. His collections challenge norms, blend disciplines, and invite reflection, emphasizing community and connection. Whether through runway shows, bespoke designs, or collaborative projects, Karim’s work bridges cultures and generations.

A Legacy Woven with Purpose

From his first drawings in Barcelona to his acclaimed collections, Karim Adduchi’s journey is one of transformation and purpose. Today, he stands as a designer, artist, and social innovator whose work transcends aesthetics to touch hearts and inspire minds. With each stitch, he threads together the past, present, and future, reminding us that fashion, at its best, is a fabric of humanity.

Milestones

• 1988: Born in Imzouren, Morocco
• 1993: Moved to Barcelona, Spain
• 2011: Earned BA in Fine Arts, University of Fine Arts, Barcelona
• 2015: Graduated from Gerrit Rietveld Academie with the collection She Knows Why the Caged Bird Sings
• 2016: Opened Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with She Lives Behind the Courtyard Door
• 2018: Listed on Forbes 30 Under 30; Amsterdam Culture Business Award winner
• 2019: Launched ready-to-wear collection Maktub at Paris Fashion Week
• 2020: Featured on Vogue Arabia cover; launched Social [Distancing] Fabric project

Karim’s life and work continue to inspire, proving that creativity is not only a personal refuge but a force for collective good.