cottage-core princess
an upcycling project. 2023
This project came together naturally, blending my creative vision with a deep appreciation for nature and sustainability. I sourced all the materials from a charity shop and crafted the entire look by hand, without using a sewing machine. Working with familiar fabrics in a new way, I chose a limited color palette to keep things simple and highlight the finer details. Although the fabric options were limited, repurposing garments that were headed for disposal and turning them into something visually striking was a rewarding process from start to finish.
Scarlett's Upcycled Reverie
Inspired by the classic film Gone with the Wind and Scarlett O'Hara’s resourcefulness, this project began with crafting the undergarment, carefully constructing it with five layers of boning for structure. For the first version of the outer dress, I used newspapers as the material, bringing the concept to life in a creative way.
Four years later, I stumbled upon the old curtains from our house—rich bronze and gold, with a heavy texture. These became the heart of the project’s revival. Using nearly 18 meters of fabric, I transformed them into a stunning gown that I wore to an underground party in Tehran.
Inspired by the flattering silhouette of the undergarment, I wanted to create a lighter, more comfortable version. That chance came when I found another set of old curtains at my sister's home, which I plan to use in a future version that’s yet to be photographed.
This project is a reflection of resourcefulness and creativity, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
Timeless Persian Wedding
For this wedding concept, I wanted to create a look that was symbolic and Persian inspired. By selecting pure silk for my dress, I was able to create a timeless and elegant look that perfectly highlights the worth of the new bride, and the white, undyed fabric added a touch of purity and innocence. To complement this look, I selected pearls as my accessories, as they are one of the most feminine and symbolic gems, representing birth and purity. The simplicity in the dress cuts and patterns is a reminder of the focus on happiness in the past. The use of flowers and blossoms for the veil and headpieces is a perfect representation of spring and new beginnings and it was common in the past. For shoes and the nails Red has been a traditional color for brides to wear on their wedding day, symbolizing femininity, strength, lust, and pleasure. for this wedding concept I wanted to prioritize freedom, comfort, and simplicity, so I chose to wear the hair down in natural weaves. In terms of makeup, I aimed for a simple and pure look, but also wanted to mark the occasion of bride’s first time wearing makeup. I opted for a bold red lip color and a simple eyeliner to showcase the newfound maturity and femininity.
Finally, I chose to photograph the project in the spring to capture the blossoming effect aesthetic, adding a touch of natural beauty to the overall look and feel of the occasion.
There's a queer party in town this weekend. The theme is
Clash of patterns.
a recycling project. 2022
I still had scraps from my last project, "Elevation," using fabrics from scarves I designed, each featuring a unique pattern—perfect for this concept.
Sketching out a design, I collaborated with my classmate Max to sew together these eclectic fabric scraps. The end result? A magnificent dress that transforms discarded remnants into a vibrant fashion statement. As we attended the party, the joy was overwhelming, especially when we won the award for Best Dressed. It was a gratifying celebration of creativity and resourcefulness.
Following the wedding concept, I sought to juxtapose the purity of a white, innocent ceremony with
a high fashion concept—
Shadowed soiree.
This project reflects my effort to channel my creativity into a design that marks a transition from the joyful celebration of matrimony to a more reflective, mature tone. The concept portrays a funeral, symbolizing the character's growth and her deeper understanding of life’s complexities. She is no longer untouched by grief but has evolved into a woman who knows the weight of loss.
I poured my design and sewing skills into crafting a dress that captured the depth of this concept, carefully refining it through multiple fittings. For the photoshoot, I chose my friend’s yard as the backdrop, though it wasn’t quite the setting I initially envisioned. I’m still eager to revisit the project, refining the styling and makeup, and eventually capturing the look in a more fitting, atmospheric location that truly brings the concept to life.
This journey in design and self-expression continues...
