Farnia Salim

My graduate collection tells the story of living between two contrasting worlds. Although I consider Iran my home, each time I return, I’m faced with feelings of discomfort and restriction—especially as a woman. I don’t have the freedom to truly be myself, and that limitation has always created a sense of disconnection. In contrast, when I’m abroad, I experience a freedom that goes beyond just how I dress—it’s a freedom in how I live. This collection is my way of processing that duality. It creates a space where I can merge both parts of my identity: celebrating the beauty and richness of my culture while expressing the freedom I’ve found elsewhere. It’s both a personal coping mechanism and a hopeful vision of what home could be. My inspiration comes from my own lived experiences—navigating the emotional conflict of feeling attached to a place that doesn’t fully allow me to exist freely. I’m inspired by the contrast between restriction and liberation, tradition and self-expression, in the hope that despite everything, there is always room to create a version of home that feels true to who I am. The shapes in this collection are heavily inspired by traditional women’s clothing from the Qajar era, with a playful twist. I’ve also incorporated subtle menswear elements, especially in the closures of outerwear, which follow the “male side” of fastening—a nod to the ironic story of a Qajar princess whose appearance and presence challenged typical gender expectations. Fabric manipulation is a key element throughout the six looks. Techniques like fraying and fringe bring softness, unraveling, and movement to the garments—contrasting with areas of more structure and tension, to translate the push and pull between freedom and control. The collection is vibrant and expressive, featuring a spectrum of pinks, reds, blues, and greens, with moments of black and beige. The overall style is a fusion of historical reference and personal storytelling—bold, layered, and expressive!