ZINA LOUHAICHY

In this interview, we delve into the world of ZINA LOUHAICHY, who share her inspirations and unique perspectives.

Courtesy of Zina Louhaichy

1. Introduce Yourself to the Casawi Community: What drives you? What's your artistic vision, and what sets you apart from the crowd?

My name is Zina Louhaichy. I'm a 21-year-old Moroccan-Italian actress, fashion designer, and multi-hyphenate from NYC. As an actress, I've had the privilege of starring in Kasbi (dir. Farah Jabir), which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, and Tea (dir. Blake Rice), which was showcased at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. In 2020, I founded my brand, Louhaichy, as a love letter to NYC and Morocco. I design, sew, creative direct, and style all my garments in my Brooklyn bedroom, using them to challenge monolithic Western views of North Africa and explore how women from my culture are expected to dress. My designs have been featured in Teen Vogue and worn by stars like Felukah, Lola Tung, and Alexis Ren. I've built a community of over 123,000 followers on IG + TikTok, creating a space where people of the MENA region and its diaspora can flourish and connect with my journey. Whether it be through a film/play I write, a photoshoot I creative direct and shoot, or a fashion collection I design, I ultimately create for those who find home everywhere and nowhere all at once.

2. City Inspirations: How has your city influenced your artistic path? Share how its streets, culture, and energy have molded your work.

New York is in my blood. Being born and raised here is a privilege. From how I dress to the stories I see daily, this city has shaped who I am and the work I create. It’s taught me resilience—how to fall, get back up, and make more. It has chewed me up, spit me out, and kissed me on the cheek. While NYC has pushed me to be unapologetically myself in my style, smile, and art, it’s also taught me to hold on even tighter to my culture. We don’t have a huge North African community, so when I cross paths with another North African on the street, and we smile at each other, it’s like a rare, unspoken understanding that I find a brief moment of home in. I strive to capture that same feeling in my garments, photography, films, and plays.

3. Creative Process: What fuels your creativity? Whether it's a ritual, a muse, or a moment of clarity, we're keen to learn.

I’m a Taurus—once I set a goal, I don’t look back. Growing up in America, I rarely saw MENA stories on screen unless it was one of pain or stereotype. I’m determined to change that, especially for women, whose voices are too often left out of the conversation. Creators like Ramy Youssef and Mo Amer inspire me to go beyond acting—to write, direct, produce, and act in the projects I create. I want others in the diaspora to know they’re not alone. I often get messages from North African girls asking for advice on balancing their identity while growing up in Europe or America. That’s why I created my IG series, The Diary of a North African Girl in Her 20s—to connect with those girls. I create for those of us who, like me, are navigating both worlds and just trying to find our place in them. Every step brings me closer to the change I want to see—whether through my social media, films/ plays, photos, or Louhaichy. I want to be the person I needed to see growing up—one project at a time.

4. City Lifestyle and Art: How the places you lived influenced your career and work?

New York City is my heart and soul—it's my voice. Paris is my elegance, my love for strong silhouettes and storytelling. Casablanca is my restless energy that pushes me to run and fly. It's the voice of my ancestors.

5. Latest or Upcoming Projects: Give us a glimpse into your current endeavors and what lies ahead on your creative journey.

I recently launched my new series on Instagram, The Diary of a North African Girl in Her 20s, where I answer questions from my followers and explore the experience of navigating multiple worlds as a North African girl growing up today. For my brand Louhaichy, I'm working on a new collection, All My Exes Live in Morocco, featuring tees and hoodies—with a customization option available. It’s a fun mix of nostalgia, identity, and a little bit of home in a tee! As for photography, I'm working on a series called Diaspora Babies, where I capture the stories of those who exist in the in-between of North Africa and Europe/ America. I'm also graduating college this year! Crazy times ahead, but dima alhamdulillah. As I step into this next chapter, I'm excited to continue creating, pushing boundaries, and telling stories that carve out spaces for my people. Inshallah.