In 2018, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made headlines wearing a sleeveless trench dress by Calgary designer Nina Kharey. Overnight, Kharey transformed from a local favourite into an international sensation. When a duchess dons a brand, it instantly gains stratospheric sales and recognition, a phenomenon known in the fashion world as the “Meghan Markle effect.” However, this seemingly instant success was the result of years of dedication, hard work, and persistence. Building a brand requires time, trust from clients, and efficient communication with manufacturers. Below is the inspiring journey of Nina Kharey, as detailed on calgarynka.
Raised in a Sewing Family
Kharey was born into a family of Indian immigrants who moved to Canada in the 1970s. Her mother worked as a seamstress for a men’s suit company, and her father managed a knitwear factory. Despite their connection to the fashion industry, her parents hoped she would pursue a more conventional career as a doctor, engineer, or lawyer.
From a young age, Nina accompanied her father to the factory, where he taught her how fabric transforms into clothing. A memorable moment during this time was when her father handed her a box of fabric scraps, inspiring young Nina to pretend she was a fashion designer.
A Turning Point
In 2005, tragedy struck the Kharey family when Nina’s older brother Jaspreet was shot and killed near a Calgary gym due to drug-related violence. He was just 25 years old. Jaspreet, five years older than Nina, had always been her protector, walking her to and from school hand-in-hand. The family noticed changes in him during elementary school—he demanded a mobile phone and a car, frequently disappeared, and eventually dropped out of school.
When Nina attended the University of Calgary to study mechanical engineering, her relationship with Jaspreet deteriorated. They reconciled shortly before his death when he confided his desire to escape to Toronto but feared leaving his family vulnerable. On January 4, 2005, he was tragically shot. This devastating loss motivated Nina to turn to fashion design as a source of solace. Losing her brother taught her the fragility of life and the importance of pursuing one’s passions. In his memory, she began volunteering to educate youth about the dangers of drugs and gang involvement.
Launching a Brand
In 2012, Kharey launched her own clothing brand, NONIE. At first, fashion was a therapeutic outlet rather than a full-time pursuit. Nina continued working as a mechanical engineer for a few years before dedicating herself entirely to design. Her strength and resilience inspired her to create NONIE, teaching her daughter to believe in her dreams and work hard for them.
NONIE’s designs are not extravagant or unusual; they focus on quality and timeless styles. Kharey’s clothing is minimalist, sophisticated, and comfortable, often incorporating subtle Eastern influences. NONIE is a luxury brand that prioritizes innovative fabrics, impeccable quality, and uncompromising sustainability. The brand blends a modern perspective with classic tailoring, appealing to women who value deliberate simplicity.
Instead of promoting consumerism, Nina advocates for purchasing fewer but higher-quality items. NONIE offers minimalist, multifunctional clothing that uses nanotechnology for added protection. The brand is conscious of the fashion industry’s environmental impact and develops recycling initiatives. Thoughtfully crafted fabrics avoid releasing microfibers and are made from previously used materials, dyed without polluting water.
NONIE’s clothing is antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, reducing the need for frequent washing, which contributes to ocean microplastic pollution. Textiles are among the leading sources of ocean microplastic contamination.
In 2015, NONIE introduced designs for professional women. Canadian stylist Jessica Mulroney became a client and later recommended the brand to her friend, Meghan Markle. In the summer of 2018, Meghan wore a pink sleeveless trench dress by NONIE to the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition in London’s Southbank Centre. Following this, interest in Kharey and her designs skyrocketed. She was nominated for numerous awards, and her creations were showcased on several global runways.
Clothing for Healthcare Workers
After the COVID-19 pandemic began, NONIE retooled its production facilities to manufacture medical masks and isolation gowns. During this time, Nina noticed a lack of high-quality and comfortable uniforms for healthcare workers. Focusing on sustainable and durable uniforms, she delved into advanced textile technologies, exploring technical clothing and fabric recycling methods. In partnership with a laboratory, Nina developed the world’s first sterile uniforms with built-in antimicrobial properties that are fully recyclable.
Reusability is a tangible solution to the environmental damage caused by the fashion industry. Leveraging her ability to innovate, Nina partnered with entrepreneur Rahi Mutti to launch FOLDS in early 2021, a brand creating athletic-style uniforms for healthcare workers. The design combines modernity, functionality, and sportswear aesthetics. The uniform fabric is made from recycled materials without water or chemicals.
The silver ion and titanium dioxide technology added to the polymer make the uniforms antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and odour-free. They can withstand over 400 washes, lasting twice as long as regular medical uniforms. Once their medical use ends, the garments are recycled into new batches.
The scrubs and gowns ensure maximum comfort for healthcare workers. Soft pleats allow for a full range of motion. The uniforms are self-cleaning, making them ideal for long shifts. They are ethically manufactured in Canada, with workers receiving at least a living wage and enjoying safe and comfortable working conditions.