Nostalgia

I've started to force myself to take things less seriously, challenging my perfectionist instincts. This paradox is evident in my design process, where I almost find humor in any attempt to be 'deep.' Coming from an academic background, I feel pressure to always have a profound story to tell. While I'm overcoming this, I still hide deeper meanings in my designs. My influences come from everywhere, but I often draw from my own nostalgia and history. Cultural references are hidden behind the humor in my designs, giving them their own personalities and creating characters through each piece. I always start with draping and then inject creative pattern cutting. My pre-collection reflects my nostalgia, particularly for experiences I never had but that feel familiar. This collection is an amalgamation of small, insignificant memories that are still highly memorable. I use unexpected textures and bold colors to evoke childhood wonder and playful subversion. I also incorporate elements of my culture, using Saudi shemaghs sourced from my father as key fabrics and accessories. My final collection is inspired by the ‘Rat King,’ a phenomenon where a group of rats die with their tails entangled. This entity, never proven to be natural, led me to explore faux authenticity and recreating found objects. I used the Cat in the Hat as a muse, as both challenge perceptions of reality. The Rat King represents physical and visual chaos forming a coherent entity, while the Cat in the Hat brings controlled chaos into a structured environment. This blend of chaos and whimsy influenced my collection. Ultimately, I want my designs to transcend gimmicks and retain their own beauty. I enjoy taking 'unseriousness' seriously, and find that adding humor is essential to my design process.