Dezeen School Shows: a fashion collection informed by Disney's The Little Mermaid is included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.

Also featured are a fashion project that combines traditional Pakistani and Qatari silhouettes and a gothic clothing collection that aims to express "the darker emotions triggered by the pandemic".

Virginia Commonwealth University

Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar
Course: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design
Tutors: Christopher Fink and Federica Visani

School statement:

"The Department of Fashion Design at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) shared a theme of the collection named Paradox: Two Places At Once.

"Our identities, experiences and upbringings inform who we are; they are the subconscious forces that often clash with, or complement, the demands of our world and the relationships we build.

"The VCUarts Qatar Fashion Show 2023, Paradox: Two Places At Once, offers a glimpse into such contrasting and even contradictory universes.

"The designs created by our latest cohort of graduating fashion designers bridge the gap between the forces that form our personalities and our day-to-day lives.

"In doing so, they push the boundaries of fashion and embrace the diversity of the world we live in, discovering new forms of beauty and demonstrating that divergent ideas, when treated with respect, sensitivity and understanding, can balance each other to create a whole.

"Featuring vivid colours, bold silhouettes and intricate details that reflect the varied backgrounds of the designers, the show is an eye-opener that is at once unexpected yet harmonious."

Houriyat Al Sahraa by Moza Jassim Al-Sharim

"The Arabic name of my collection translates as Desert Mermaid.

"As a Qatari fashion designer, I was inspired by my childhood spent watching Disney's The Little Mermaid and my country's heritage linked to the region's pearl industry.

"My name – Moza – means the precious pearl. I chose the colour scheme of beige and turquoise to reflect the colour of Qatar's sand and sea.

"The designs break the stereotype of a typical mermaid's silhouette – it is modern, modest yet alluring."

Student: Moza Jassim Al-Sharim
Course: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design
Tutors: Christopher Fink and Federica Visani
Email: alsharimm[at]vcu.edu

Noori by Noor Rashid Butt

"I'm from Pakistan but was raised in Qatar. My collection's story strikes a chord with all third-culture kids.

"Called Noori, my designs are inspired by my mother who I describe as a 'bridge' that connects two traditions, combining old and new craftsmanship with a modern twist.

"The 'Noori' collection utilises block printing and traditional embroidery. The silhouettes, inspired by kaftans, are a fusion of Pakistani and Qatari heritage.

"I see the collection as a journey of cultural exploration that embraces heritage from a contemporary perspective."

Student: Noor Rashid Butt
Course: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design
Tutors: Christopher Fink and Federica Visani
Email: noori.rashidbutt[at]gmail.com

Kandaka by Rana Elhadi

"The name of my collection is Kandaka, which is a symbol of women's empowerment and freedom in my native Sudan. The collection was inspired by my mother, the definition of a strong, independent woman.

"The word Kandaka is associated with the Nubian queens of ancient Sudan who bravely fought for their rights and country.

"They wore traditional white Sudanese garments called thobs. These garments are popular in Sudan to this day.

"I took the drape element of the attire and fused it with streetwear fashion. The result was this interpretation that marries streetwear with elegance and practicality."

Student: Rana Elhadi
Course: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design
Tutors: Christopher Fink and Federica Visani
Email: elhadir[at]vcu.edu

Systematic Choas by Tiaba Nazir

"Called Systematic Chaos, my collection is an expression of the darker emotions triggered by the pandemic.

"My series showcases gathering and hand-distressing techniques across different textures. I blend unique shapes, silhouettes and materials into a thought-provoking range of designs.

"Systematic Chaos embodies the idea of finding beauty in chaos and disorder. The collection is a refined take on gothic fashion with a touch of Avant Garde and is inspired by Vanitas – the Latin word for vanity.

"The designs invite us to remember our own mortality while still finding beauty in it."

Student: Tiaba Nazir
Course: Bachelor of Fine Art in Fashion Design
Tutors: Christopher Fink and Federica Visani
Email: tiabanazir01[at]gmail.com

You're Just As Sane As I Am by Iman Imran

"My collection spreads awareness of maladaptive daydreaming while showing how our childhood memories change and mature over time, transforming our perspectives of events gone by.

"Just As Sane As I Am allows you to take a break from reality and brings smiles back into the world. My collection makes you want to daydream and deeply explore the limits of your imagination.

"It reminds us to find beauty within our flaws. It celebrates the fact that we're not perfect and that our imperfections are what makes us beautiful and unique."

Student:Iman Imran
Course: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design
Tutors: Christopher Fink and Federica Visani
Email: iimran2002[at]outlook.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.