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    ​​MARIAM SAIRA NOWSHAD

FASHION DESIGNER /ARTIST
RECENT PROJECTS 
​ Final Collection / 2025

DISSONANT ECHOS OF LIFE : A DANCE OF UNSEEN MOVEMENTS

​Concept & Inspiration   

​“Dissonant Echoes of life” encapsulates the essence of movement, transience, and the ephemeral nature of life. Inspired by the fleeting images of blurred photographs of people and things around me, I connected these images with the movement of dance, particularly the serpentine dance, aerial silk fitness, and lamentation. It’s not just a dance; it’s the emotions, the flow, and the way the body and the garment move, sometimes synchronized and sometimes not, like a rather interesting nature. This collection embodies the transient moments of life observed from an artist’s perspective. 

Artistic Vision 

The collection delves into the physical and metaphorical movement , portraying the rapid pace of the world through an artistic lens. It draws on the imagery of people hurrying , shadows shifting , and the seamless passage of time from day to night. My aim was to capture the dynamic flow of life - lines , curves , textures , and colours that represent the myriad dimensions of existence. 

Design Process 

For the first look, I hand-painted a shirt using a mark-making technique. By randomly applying paint and then manipulating it with a roller, I aimed to capture the unpredictability and organic flow of movement. The cuffs feature a curved shape with buttons on the side, while the printed pleated skirt adds dimension and depth.
​

The second look presents a structured curved dress that directly illustrates the movement and flow of curves. Here, I experimented with jersey fabric, altering its inherent properties to create stiffness and structure, symbolizing the paradox of stillness in motion.

In the third look, the focus shifts to a Ruched One-Shoulder Top and draped Trouser, continuing the theme of curves and fluidity.

Conclusion 


"Dissonant Echoes of life" is a celebration of movement and imagination, a testament to seeing the world anew. It reflects my growth and passion as an artist and my commitment as a designer to creating work that resonates on a universal level. This collection is a tribute to the beauty of the unknown and the endless interpretations that art allows, inviting each viewer to find their own meaning in the intricate dance of life.


​
​PHOTOGRAPHER - SARA LOVETT ,  MAKE UP - ELZA ,​ MODELS - WING LAI , SARAH GHAISAN, MARIE LAU

Product Details : 

Look 1  -  
  • Hand Painted Shirt (100% Cotton) 
  • Silk Cotton Moire Pleated Skirt 
Look 2 - 
  • Silk Ruched One - Shoulder Top 
  • Silk Trouser draped with pleated fabric  
Look 3 - 
  • Glass Organza base dress
  • Flaps bagged with fused neoprene and silk 

 Pre - Collection  / 2024

LOVE & PAIN

Flower bed draws inspiration from the sketches I created during a short period of loneliness , self -doubt , and anxiety to feel and control my emotions. I wanted to bring my sketches to life or give comfort not just for myself but to anyone who has ever felt trapped by their thoughts.

Each Flap is digitally printed and heat -pressed onto reused polyester bagged with netting to create a soft structure. The flowers are lined with a closed zigzag stitch, embellished with hand-stiched beads , and finished with beautiful ribbons.

Since this collection is from Love & Pain , I looked at abstract Paintings by Jim Dine,  As his use of colors and strokes resonates with my own , reflecting the interplay between life and emotions.

The heart of the collection is inspired by William Blake’s Poem “Sick Rose”, intertwined with my exploration of the heart’s vessels and structure. Each look , like this one named “ Flower Bed” draws inspiration from it.

Blake’s notion of a bed brings to mind a natural flower garden, yet it hints at a lover’s embrace. I pictured it as the rose’s santuary - A tender beginning of love , A realm filled with soft , sweet scents and blooming flowers. Over time , However , it transforms as an invisible dark worm silently infects it with a hidden , obsessive love, making rose sick.

The secrecy of love becomes a Disease. 
PLAY TRAILER
PHOTOGRAPHER - SARA LOVETT ,  MAKE UP - ELZA , MODEL - ELZA 
Product Details : 
  • Boat neck sleeveless T-shirt 
  • Denim Skirt with attached flaps 
  • Flowers :
  • Lined with closed zigzag stitch
  • Embellished with hand stitched beads and ribbons
  • Made using sublimation printing on recycled polyester 
  • Flaps : 
  • Made using sublimation printing on recycled polyester 
  • bagged with netting for a soft structure

 Drape project  / 2024

FLUID - TEARS

“What is inside is not what we see”
A Conceptual Garment inspired by the microscopic view of the
tears and art history. 
Product Details :
  • Dark Khaki Wool Corset base 
  • Silk Drape hand stitched on the corset 
  • One side full sleeve 
  • Finished with Grommets (Eyelets)
  • Cotton Draped Trouser with side zip 
  • Prints made on acetate paper attached on the trouser 
PHOTOGRAPHER - MARIAM SAIRA ,  MAKE UP - ELZA , MODEL - ELZA


 Tailored jacket / 2023

HUMAN BY NATURE

For this project, I focused on the Tribes in Kerala - people & their lives, traditions, values and the problems they face with the help of the trend cultural power and also looked at the traditional wears of Kerala for inspiration to make my half-tailored jacket.  The colour was inspired by the tone of the nature. I wanted to make something sharp and simple as how tribal people are and to show the simplicity. 
Product Details :
  • Sequences hand stitched on the front of the jacket
  • Skirt has handstiched buttons around the waist band
  • Wide Lapel  
  • Back Collar
  • One side full sleeve 
  • Visible zip
  • Jacket made with Denim & Skirt made from Silk 
PLAY TRAILER
PHOTOGRAPHER - MARIAM SAIRA,  MAKE UP - YAN MA , MODEL - YAN MA

 Trouser Project / 2023

UNTITLED

I created this hand-painted trouser by taking inspiration from the power of painting and emotion. By focusing on the movement of the paint and the brush strokes, I aimed to capture the essence of human feelings and convey them through this art form. I strongly believe that painting can be an incredibly effective medium for dealing with mental health issues.

Throughout my project, I  researched on how famous painters utilize their work to convey emotions to their audience. Among all the paintings I studied, one stood out the most - 'At Eternity’s Gate' from 1890 by Vincent Van Gogh. This painting features a man dressed in blue, a color that represents emotions such as despair and desperation. Similarly, Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' uses swirling brushstrokes to express his struggles with mental health. Inspired by these works, I decided to use blue as the primary color for my trousers, and the color of the flaps was also inspired by Van Gogh's paintings.



​
Product Details :
  • Hand Painted trouser by fabric paint
  • Made out of hard weight calico - for structure & shape
  • Flaps - Bagged out & stiched
  • Invisible zip 
PHOTOGRAPHER - MARIAM SAIRA , MODEL - GRACE

  Shirt project/ 2022

BLURRED MEMORIES 

I drew inspiration for my project from my birthplace, Abu Dhabi. I started by delving into my childhood home, a flat above a bakery where I spent most of my time. Using family albums as a starting point, I began exploring various design shapes and silhouettes. I used these blurry memories to create a final shirt, complete with embroidered Arabic patterns on the pockets as a nod to my country. Drawing from my mom's pictures, I also designed a unique shape around the neck and a drape behind the shirt. The structure and color of the skirt were entirely inspired by the modern bakery downstairs. I am proud to have created a piece that is not only beautiful but also reflects my heritage and memories in a meaningful way.
Product Details :
  • ​Cotton shirt 
  • Hand Embroidered pockets 
  • Siffon drape attached on the back 
  • Front stand with gold buttons 
  • Golden Lace on the ends of the shirt
  • Shaped pattern on siffon fabric around the collar with button to attach.

  Foundation final major project/ 2022

TRIBUTE TO MY HOME COUNTRY

Hailing from Kerala, my dad moved to the Middle East in the early ‘90s for better financial and economic benefits. I spent my entire childhood in Abu Dhabi, where I was introduced to different cultures and traditions. My Arab friends helped me to understand their customs and religious beliefs. UAE is my first home, whereas India was more of a vacation spot. During my initial visits to Kerala, I remember how I used to confuse coconut trees with date palm trees for their similar leaf structure. Date palm trees are known as the tree of life and are considered a symbol of prosperity in the Arab culture. I always used to satisfy my sweet tooth by having dates. During weekend trips with my family to nearby cities, we were always excited to see camels on the roadsides and eager to take pictures. I was mesmerised that these beautiful animals could survive the extreme desert heat waves. No wonder they are called the ship of the desert.

When we visited our Emirati neighbours, I observed that the older women in the family wore a traditional face covering called the Battoulah. Each Battoulah is created with a unique design for different occasions and also serves as a garment of modesty. I chose these three elements; camel, Battoulah and the date palm tree because they represent the Arabic culture and bring back my childhood memories. These elements bring a sense of belonging because I felt confused about my true home as a transnational citizen with roots in India. I picked out Kaftan to convey my ideas as it is a widely used traditional garment among Arab women. Using the screen printing method, I incorporated these elements onto my Kaftan. I decided to go with the red fabric as the red colour is prominent in the UAE flag and represent unity, bravery and courage. This piece is a tribute to the place that I call home.

Product Details :
  • 3m screen printed fabric 
  • Cotton silk fabric 
  • Fabric studs
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