From One Home To Another

Bachelor of Communication Design

by Yasmin Bakhtiar

Emily Carr University of Art and Design

Intro

As an Iranian-Canadian emerging artist, I am deeply influenced by my experiences living in both countries. My Iranian heritage and Canadian identity are integral to my creative process, and I blend these two cultures in my minimal graphic designs and photos to create a unique visual style that is both traditional and contemporary. I believe that art has the potential to make a positive impact on the world. By showcasing the beauty and complexity of Iranian culture through a minimalistic lens and by combining elements of the two cultures, my work promotes cultural understanding and the idea of a global community. When I moved to my new home in Canada, I was looking for something familiar here. Something to connect with. Everywhere I turned my head around, I was looking for something familiar in the street signs or the architecture around me. Finally, through art, the common language of all humankind, I found the bridge I was seeking. A path from one home to another. From one language to the other. The presented document takes a closer look at the differences and similarities between the architecture of my homeland and my new home as an immigrant. Through poetry, it explores a path between these two worlds.

About

Yasmin Bakhtiar is a multidisciplinary artist based in Vancouver. She was born and raised in Iran and moved to Canada with her family in 2011 when she was 17 years old. After finishing highschool she started her post secondary education in physcology, but after spending one year she felt the calling of the artistic world and moved into realm of photography which was her true passion. She has refined her skills in photography and graphic design through her education, which includes a Diploma of Professional Photography from Langara College and a B.Des with a major in Communication Design at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Her perspective and inspiration are rooted in a harmonious fusion of her Persian traditional roots and her Western modern living experience in Canada.

For more information check out her website (https:// yasminbakhtiar.com) and Instagram on @yasmiinba.

Artistic Philosophy

My art blends Iranian and Canadian influences to create a minimalistic style that honors Iran’s heritage, promotes multiculturalism, and inspires appreciation for simplicity and diversity.

I am a designer studying communication design with a background in professional photographery. With a keen eye for composition and the ability to capture the beauty and essence of my subjects, I try to bring a strong sense of minimalism that simplifies my art pieces to its essence to evoke emotion and provoke thought. I am particularly drawn to the rich history of art and design in Iranian culture, shaped by various empires and dynasties that have ruled the region over the centuries. The Iranian influence brings in traditional motifs, patterns, and calligraphy, as well as a love for geometric shapes and symmetry, which I find incredibly inspiring. Meanwhile, the Canadian influence brings a clean, minimalistic approach with simple lines and a limited colour palette. This blending of cultures reflects the diversity and fusion inherent in my Iranian-Canadian identity and is something I feel a strong connection to. Additionally, Iranian and Canadian minimalistic designs share a common appreciation for negative space and the idea that less is more, which I strive to incorporate in my work. Through my art, I aim to create a fresh and intriguing visual style that honours Iran’s rich heritage while making it accessible to a global audience.

I also believe that my use of minimalism can inspire people to see beauty in simplicity and find meaning in everyday things. Furthermore, my art can inspire people to think about the different cultural influences that shape us and how these influences can be used to create something unique and meaningful. I believe that art has the power to connect people and bring about positive change, and I hope that my work will contribute to this goal. Through my art, I aim to inspire, educate, and connect people, and make a difference in the world. My work also promotes multiculturalism by highlighting the diversity and fusion inherent in my own Iranian-Canadian identity. It showcases the beauty of different cultures coming together to create something unique and meaningful. I aim to show that multiculturalism is not just about tolerance and acceptance, but about embracing and celebrating diversity in all its forms. It is about finding commonalities and connections across cultures and recognizing that we are all part of a global community. I hope that my art will inspire people to look beyond their own cultural perspectives, appreciate the richness and beauty of other cultures, and see the beauty in the world around them and in themselves.

Literature Review

Persian poetry has a long and rich history in Iran, with poets such as Rumi, Hafez, Ferdowsi, Saadi, and Omar Khayyam who are globally cherished, it is an important form of expression of emotions in Iranian culture. Exploring a wide range of themes, including love, nature, mysticism, and philosophy, persian poets have played a crucial role in shaping the literary and cultural identity of Iran for over a thousand years, and their contributions are still celebrated today. Contemporary Persian poets, such as Sohrab Sepehri, Shamloo, and Nima Youshij, continue to play a vital role in Iranian culture by exploring contemporary issues while drawing on traditional themes and forms. Sepehri’s poems, in particular, reflect his tender soul, inspired by the beauty of nature surrounding his hometown, Kashan and they have been the inspiration for some of my art peices presented in this document.

The significance of poetry in Iranian culture is evident in the substantial role it has played in shaping the country’s cultural identity, both in the past and present. Even today, poetry remains an essential part of Iranian culture, with poetry a, festivals, and competitions held throughout the country. Iranian schools also include poetry in their curricula, ensuring that the tradition of Persian poetry continues to be passed down to future generations.

The traditional themes of love, mysticism, and philosophy remain popular in the contemporary poems, however, new generation of Persian poets have turned their attention to more pressing issues, such as politics and human rights. Through their work, contemporary Persian poets continue to engage with Iran’s rich history and culture, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the country’s cultural identity.

In this work, I have used some of Sohrab Sepehri’s poems as an inspiration for artwroks that represent the conflicting feelings of an immigrant trying to find her place in her new home and looking for familiar signs to find peace in them.

Fin Garden's dome ceiling - Kashan, Iran (1590)

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

Iran mall - Tehran, Iran (2018)

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

Sohrab Sepehri

Sohrab Sepehri is a notable Iranian poet and painter, born 1928 and died 1980. He is considered to be one of the five most famous Iranian poets who have practiced modern poetry. Sepehri’s poems have been translated into several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Italian and Lithuanian. Sepehri had his own style of writing poetry, using short sentences; he writes in free verse, inspired by Nima Yushij, a kind of Ezra Pound figure in the history of modern Persian poetry. The Inner aspect of his poem is about his God’s recognition through the beauty of nature. In most of his poems, Sepehri introduces a new form of literature by using romanticism and symbolism. The beauty of his poems is seen through his avocation of nature and the use of tender and simple language. He used a special symbolism in these poems that makes the objects talk to the reader, rather than describing those objects. Sepehri’s poetry is full of humanity and concern for human values. As a painter, he has developed a unique painting technique known as “Texture” that was previously unknown to other artists. He often creates his artworks in isolated locations such as the deserts surrounding Kashan.

Poet of the Oasis

Exploring the Impact of Nature, Architecture, and People on the Tender Soul of the Poet

Before discussing the meaning behind Sohrab’s poems, it would beneficial to learn about his upbringing into the environment. There’s no doubt that the environment we grow up in, including the nature, family, architecture, and the people around us, can have major effects on who we become. I’d like to believe that the tenderness of Sepehri’s soul was due to the fact that he was living in Kashan. Kashan is a small heavenly town in the central desert of Iran. This oasis in the middle of the harsh and empty desert may be the best reperesntation of Sohrab, like a tree of life, living in solitude in the middle of the desert.

A lonely tree in the middle of desert close to Sohrab's hometown

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

In my recent visit to Kashan, I noticed the contrast between the surrounding desert with clay houses and the tall old green trees. All these contrasts can affect one’s emotions and we all know how poems are entangled with emotions. I can imagine how he would have felt, walking among the back alleys, looking at the clay walls and the contrast between the colours of the houses, green leaves, and the blue sky in the middle of the desert. Nowadays, the typical old houses in Kashan are part of the tourist attractions which I got a chance to visit few of them and spend few nights at one which was 250 years old and is now converted to an old boutique hotel (Morshedi House Boutique Hotel). Just by looking at the picture one may see a snapshot of the old lifestyle of Persians; clay wall houses with a big yard in the middle, and a small manmade pond with few goldfishes in the heart of the yard. I can imagine all the convesarions made between neigbors around the pond, the meals prepared and kids runnign around the yard in the long hot summer days.

Sepehri was in this environment and he had used all these elements in his poems. I would borrow few sentences from his famous poem called “The Address” in which the poet is describing an imgainery conversation between him and a bystander in the middle of the road:

“Where is my friends house?

Bystander took the bright branch from his lips, Conferred it to the darkness of the sands, pointed with his finger to a popular tree: Just before that tree there is a garden path greener than God’s dream. And in it, love is as blue as the feathers of honesty. Go to the end of the back alley which stops at the back of adolescence.

Then turn to the flower of loneliness, Two steps short of reaching the solitude flower, Stay by the fountain of eternal myth of earth

And you feel a transparent fear.

And in the fluid sincerity of the air, you will hear a scratch: High up in a pine tree, you will see a child

who will lift a chick out of a nest of light and you will ask the child where the friend house is”

This poem is full of referecnes. The “bright branch” on the bystander lips refers to the light of a cigarette and “darkness of the sands” implies the dark night of the desert where he lived in.

All the references in his poems were something that he was actually exposed to in his daily life. I can imagine that he was looking at the tree and thinking maybe beyond that tree there is a back alley which is more beautiful than god’s dream. With all these elements in this poem, eg. solitude flower, pine tree, the beautiful back alley, and etc. , you can perceive his tender and soft soul. This was just an example of his poem from many more poems’ book but all his poems are as soft and beautiful as this poem.

Morshedi House Boutique Hotel - Kashan, Iran (1773)

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

Architecture

The Role of Architecture in Persian Culture

Architecture has played a significant role in Persian history and culture, as evidenced by the intricate designs of ancient Persian palaces, mosques, and gardens. Persian architects used a variety of techniques, including domes, arches, and intricate tile work, to create stunning structures that have stood the test of time. These structures have not only served practical purposes, such as providing shelter and places of worship but also have been integral to Persian poetry and literature. For example, Persian poets often used architectural elements, such as the rose gardens of Shiraz, as symbols of beauty and perfection in their works and on the other hand, architects have used ceramics and tiles with poems on them as part of the building facades in many famous sites. Thus, architecture has been an essential part of Persian culture, both in its practical and artistic aspects. In the recent decades, just like any other professionals, architects have also been facing with challenges and opportunities of immigration and its effect on ones emotions and artistic journey. In this section, we will explore some of the works of a world famous Iranian Canadian architect, Master Hossein Amanat.

Fin Garden's dome ceiling - Kashan, Iran (1590)

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

Hossein Amanat

Blending Persian Heritage with Modern Innovation in Architecture

Hossein Amanat is one of the most famous Persian architects of the modern era, born and raised in Iran, he designed his first masterpiece, the Shahyad (Azadi) tower in 1971 while he was just 24 years old. Like many other Iranians, he chose to leave his hometown after the 1979 revolution and start a new life in Canada. The iconic Shahyad Tower in Tehran, designed by Hossein Amanat, is a testament to the continued importance of architecture in Persian culture. Amanat’s style reflects a blend of traditional Persian elements and modern innovation, demonstrating that architecture can be a bridge between the past and the future. His work has received international recognition and has contributed significantly to the preservation and evolution of Persian cultural heritage. The fact that he has achieved so much as a young architect in his homeland and then turned out to be a successful architect in his new home in Canada too, inspired me to visit him in his office in Vancouver for a friendly chat about his master piece, the Shahyad tower.

The iconic Shahyad Tower and Beyond

The Shahyad (Azadi) tower in Tehran, has become an iconic symbol of the city and the country. Amanat’s architectural style is a blend of traditional Persian elements with modernist influences, reflecting his belief that architecture should reflect the culture and history of a place while also embracing innovation and progress. In addition to the Azadi Tower, Amanat has designed numerous other buildings, including universities, cultural centres, and residential complexes, both in Iran and around the world. His work has received numerous awards and accolades, cementing his status as one of the most significant architects of the Persian cultural heritage.

During my visit to Hossein Amanat’s office, I was awestruck by his incredible talent and creativity in architecture. As an immigrant in my new home, Canada, I was inspired by his ability to blend traditional Persian elements with modernist influences, creating a unique architectural style that reflects both his cultural heritage and the contemporary world. Amanat’s design philosophy of embracing innovation while respecting the history and culture of a place resonated with me as an immigrant seeking to integrate into a new society while preserving my own cultural identity. His work, including the Shahyad (Azadi) tower in Tehran and other buildings around theworld, is a testament to the power of architecture to bridge cultures and inspire new generations.

Hossein Amant at Shahyad tower, 1971 Photographer: unknown

Methodology

The Interconnectedness of Persian Poetry and Architecture: Bridging Cultures through Shared Values

The research methodology of this project involved conducting interviews with Persian architects and poets, reviewing books and articles on Persian poetry and architecture, and comparing the architecture of Iran and Canada. The purpose was to gain insight into how architecture and poetry are intertwined in Iranian culture and express cultural identity and values, and to identify similarities and differences between the two cultures. The study aims to create a bridge between the two worlds and demonstrate how poetry can connect cultures and express shared values.

Morshedi House Boutique HotelKashan, Iran (1773)

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

The Interplay of Persian Architecture and Poetry: A Comparative Study of Iran and Canada

Through the comparison of the architecture of Iran, my homeland, and the architecture of Canada, my new home, this study seeks to identify similarities and differences between the two cultures and how these are reflected in their respective architecture and poetry. During the interviews, architects and poets were asked about their thoughts on how architecture and poetry are intertwined in Iranian culture, and how these two art forms have been used to express cultural identity and values. Poets were also asked how they use architecture in their poetry to create a bridge between the physical world and the abstract concepts that they seek to explore.

To supplement the interviews, a comprehensive review of scholarly articles and books on Persian poetry and architecture was conducted. The purpose of this review was to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of Persian poetry and architecture, including their origins, evolution, and their significance in Iranian society. This research aimed to identify key themes and motifs that are present in Persian poetry and architecture and how they reflect the values and identity of Iranian culture.

Overall, this methodology allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between Persian poetry and architecture and how they contribute to the cultural identity of Iran. By exploring the similarities and differences between the architecture of Iran and Canada, the study seeks to create a bridge between these two worlds and to demonstrate how poetry can be used to connect cultures and express shared values.

Point William - Lake Muskoka Canada (2018)

Photo by Scott Norsworthy.

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

A Visual Exploration

Blending Persian and Western Aesthetics: A Tribute to Iran’s Rich Heritage

By blending her Persian traditional roots with her Western modern living experience in Canada, I tried to create a distinctive visual style that pays tribute to Iran’s rich heritage while also making it more accessible to a global audience.

The project consists of three sections. The first section features an interactive poster with Persian poems, while the second section showcases an augmented reality experience featuring famous and well-known monuments in Iran. The final section is an interview with a Canadian Iranian artist.

Part 1

Persian Poetry and Interactive Posters

Exploring the Intersection of Iranian Politics and Poetry through an Interactive Poster Experience

Persian poetry has played a role in fusing and articulating Iranian politics, in part, because of its prominence in everyday life. When Iranians wish to back their nationalism with finer words, whether they can read or not, they may recall some old poems of Ferdowsi, whose eleventh-century epic “Shahnameh” tells the story of Iran and its kings. After reading different poems, it was determined that Sohrab Sepehri was the best match for the project’s theme.

The main inspiration for the poster, including painting techniques and color palette, comes from Sepehri’s hometown (Kashan, Iran) and his lifestyle. Sepehri, who was a watercolor painter himself, inspired me to use digital watercolour techniques in creating the visuals for the poster.

To provide the audience with an interactive experience while reading Persian poems, these posters are designed in Farsi, with an English translation printed on acetate paper. This allows the audience to hold the paper in front of the Farsi poster and easily see and read the translation in English.

Morshedi House Boutique Hotel - Kashan, Iran (1773) Yaloo Hotel - Kashan (2017)

Abuzeydabad Desert

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

Emotions of a Traveler: A Visual Journey

The following designs are the posters in Farsi. The main theme for the selected poems is exploration of Hope, Beauty, Solitude, and Homesickness which can be strongly connected to the experience of immigrants. Immigration often involves leaving behind one’s familiar environment and loved ones, which can lead to feelings of homesickness and solitude. However, the hope for a better future and the discovery of new beauty in the new environment can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for immigrants. The journey of immigration can be seen as a call from faraway for a better life, which can be full of both challenges and opportunities. As such, the theme of exploration of hope, beauty, solitude, and homesickness can be a powerful lens through which to understand the complex experiences and emotions of immigrants.

As a young immigrant myself, I can strongly relate to the theme of exploration of hope, beauty, solitude, and homesickness. Leaving behind the familiarity of one’s homeland can be a daunting experience, but it can also bring a sense of excitement and hope for a brighter future. Discovering new beauty in the new environment can be a source of inspiration, while homesickness can serve as a reminder of the love and memories left behind. Overall, the journey of immigration is a deeply personal one, full of ups and downs, but with the hope of a better life and a brighter future.

I’m feeling blue, I feel strange And nothing, Not even these fragrant minutes, which are extinguished on the orange branch Not this honesty of words, which is in silence between the two leaves of the gillyflower, No, nothing take me away from the empty rush around me.

There is something in my heart, like a ray of light, like an early morning dream

And I am so impatient that I want to Run to the bottom of the field, go to the top of the mountain

There is a phonetic course in a far far away, that is calling me.

The pilgrim’s glance fell over the table

What pretty apples!

Life thirsts for solitude. What is beauty?

Asked the host.

-Beauty “is” the love-enchanted definition of images. And love, only love acquaints you with the warmth of an apple

Passenger from the bus got off: What a clean sky!

And the length of the street in a foreign country took him away.

Part 2

Augmented Reality

AR experience of Tehran’s monuments

As a young immigrant, one of the things that made my adjustment to my new home particularly challenging was the stark difference in urban architecture. In my home country of Iran, I was accustomed to seeing iconic and culturally significant landmarks, such as the Shahyad (Azadi) tower, which held deep political, cultural, and historical significance for the Iranian people.

In contrast, the new surroundings, and designs in my new home left me feeling homesick and disconnected from my cultural heritage. The absence of familiar landmarks and symbols made me acutely aware of my displacement and heightened my sense of longing for the familiar. I found myself constantly searching for something that would remind me of my homeland and provide a sense of comfort and belonging in my new environment.

Through my research on modern architecture in Iran and Canada, I discovered striking similarities between iconic landmarks that define the skyline of their respective cities. The Milad Tower in Iran the CN Tower in Toronto, and the Harbour Center in Vancouver share a common aesthetic and bears a resemblance to some of the structures in my home country. Exploring these similarities helped me to bridge the gap between my old and new homes and find a sense of familiarity in the unfamiliar.

Architectural Cultural Connections

As I immersed myself in the new environment and sought out similarities to my cultural heritage, I began to appreciate the unique beauty and charm of the architecture in my new home. Examining the similarities between the modern architecture in Iran and Canada not only helped me to appreciate the beauty of my new surroundings but also allowed me to connect with my cultural heritage in a new way. I found myself growing more and more attached to the diverse and vibrant architecture that defined my new home, and I developed a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world around me.

Through my journey, I learned that the adjustment to a new country can be challenging, but finding common ground through shared experiences can be a powerful way to ease the transition and make a new place feel like home. By exploring the similarities in architecture between my old and new homes, I was able to find a sense of belonging in the unfamiliar and connect with my cultural roots in a new and meaningful way. The architecture around me became a bridge between my past and present, and helped me to embrace the beauty and diversity of both.

Viewers can explore 3D models of Shahyad tower and Milad tower in an AR world by scanning a QR code. This will offer viewers a unique and engaging opportunity to connect with the cultural heritage of Iran. By integrating Augmented Reality into this project, my aim is to provide a fresh perspective on Iran and engage viewers in a unique and exciting way.

This section of my project explores the significance of certain monuments and streets in Iran that hold cultural and political importance in the lives of Iranians. Among these landmarks are Shahyad tower, Milad Tower, and Valiasr Street, which have become emblematic of the community.

To enhance the audience’s experience and make it more interactive and immersive, I have decided to incorporate Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Augmented Reality can create an interactive experience that brings history to life. Visitors can use AR to see what a monument or street looked like and learn about the significance of certain cultural symbols in Iranian history.

Street signs in Farsi Design by Yasmin Bakhtiar

QR Code for Augmented Reality Design by Yasmin Bakhtiar

Milad Tower

Rising over the bustling metropolis of Tehran, Milad tower stands tall as a cultural and architectural masterpiece that has become an emblem of modern Iran. At over 435 meters high, it is the sixth-tallest tower in the world and offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The tower features a revolving restaurant, skywalk, and a range of recreational and cultural facilities, making it a popular tourist destination and a source of national pride for Iranians. Milad tower’s significance not only lies in its awe-inspiring design but also in its cultural and historical importance, making it a symbol of Iran’s technological and architectural achievements that immigrants from Iran often miss dearly.

Milad TowerTehran, Iran

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

Shahyad Tower

Shahyad tower, also known as Azadi Square, is an iconic landmark located in Tehran, Iran. It was constructed in 1971 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire and has since become an important gathering place for Iranians. The square features the Shahyad tower, a 50-metertall structure made of white marble, which symbolizes Iran’s cultural heritage and independence. It has also served as the site for numerous political and social events, including protests, rallies, and celebrations. As a result, it holds significant importance in the Iranian community as a symbol of national pride, identity, and unity, representing the country’s rich history and culture, and the resilience and determination of its people.

The design of Shahyad tower heavily influenced by ancient Persian architecture and culture. Hossein Amanat, the architect, drew inspiration from various elements of Iranian history and culture to create a structure that reflects the country’s past and present. The tower’s base is shaped like a traditional Persian garden pavilion, while the exterior is adorned with a series of arches and fluted columns reminiscent of the ancient capital of the Persian Empire, Persepolis. Additionally, the tower incorporates several symbolic elements that reflect Iranian culture and values, such as the use of the number eight, considered a lucky number in Persian culture, and Islamic art’s intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy adorning the tower’s walls. The fusion of ancient Persian architecture and modern design in the Shahyad Square and the Shahyad tower (Azadi) represents the architect’s inspiration from Iran’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The structure is a powerful symbol of Iran’s identity and pride, reflecting the country’s enduring spirit and strength. Overall, the design of the square and the tower serves as a reminder of Iran’s past and present, a tribute to its people, and a testament to the country’s cultural and architectural achievements.

Milad Tower - Tehran, Iran

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar

Valiasr Street

Valiasr Street is a historic thoroughfare located in Tehran, Iran, stretching from the northern part of the city to its southern limits. The street is approximately 17.9 kilometers long, making it one of the longest streets in the Middle East. It was originally built in the 1920s during the reign of Reza Shah and was named Pahlavi Street after Crown Prince Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who later became the last Shah of Iran. However, after the revolution in 1979, the name was changed to Valiasr Street Valiasr Street has played a significant role in Iran’s political, historical, and cultural events, serving as the site for many protests, rallies, and demonstrations. During the Iranian Revolution in 1979, it was a center of political activity, with many demonstrations and protests taking place there. The street also has historical importance, with many historic buildings, museums, and parks located along its route. Valiasr Street reflects Iran’s history, culture, and politics, and remains an important symbol of the country’s identity and aspirations. Today, Valiasr Street continues to be a vital part of Tehran’s social, cultural, and economic life, attracting locals and tourists alike. The street is lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and cultural institutions, making it a hub of activity and a popular destination for both shopping and entertainment. In addition to its bustling commercial and social scene, the street also offers a glimpse into Iran’s rich history and culture, with numerous museums, historic buildings, and landmarks located along its route. Overall, Valiasr Street is a multifaceted and dynamic space that reflects the many facets of Iranian life and culture.

Valiasr Street - Tehran, Iran

Photo by Bahram Habibi

Part 3

Interview

Canadian-Iranian Artists

Fashion plays an essential role in any country’s culture, serving as a way to express national identity and tradition. Fashion designers in Iran often incorporate ancient Iranian motifs and elements into their designs, creating a unique blend of modern and traditional fashion. Iranian fashion not only reflects the cultural values and beliefs of the people but also serves as a medium for transmitting Iranian culture to future generations and people around the world. Through fashion, the younger generation can connect with their roots and learn more about the country’s history and traditions.

Modern Iranian fashion designers have successfully blended the contemporary and ancient Iranian culture in their work, creating a unique and authentic style that is appreciated worldwide. These designers often draw inspiration from traditional Iranian’s culture while incorporating modern cuts, colours, and patterns into the garment. They also use materials such as silk, velvet, and wool to create a luxurious and sophisticated look that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. Iranian designers have also incorporated ancient Persian motifs such as intricate geometric designs, paisley, and floral prints in their collections, adding a touch of traditional elegance to their modern creations.

By blending modernity and ancient Iran’s culture in their work, these designers have been able to showcase the beauty and diversity of Iranian fashion, while also providing a contemporary perspective that resonates with the younger generation. Through their work, modern Iranian fashion designers have created a unique identity for Iranian fashion that is celebrated around the world.

La Femme Roje

Photo by David Deyr

La Femme Roje

Photo by David Deyr

La Femme Roje

Photo by David Deyr

Iranian-Canadian fashion designers have made notable contributions to the fashion industry by skillfully integrating traditional Iranian elements into contemporary fashion, resulting in distinctive and innovative designs. Rojan Hooshyar, a successful Iranian-Canadian fashion designer, is an excellent example of how blending of modern and traditional styles creates a unique identity that sets Iranian-Canadian fashion designers apart in the industry. In my interview with her, she explained how she incorporates Persian elements into her collections, which adds a touch of traditional elegance to her modern designs. Rojan Hooshyar’s work exemplifies how Iranian-Canadian fashion designers have embraced their cultural heritage, while also bringing a contemporary perspective to their designs, creating something new and exciting in the fashion world.

La Femme Roje Fashion Studio - North Vancouver, Canada

Photo by Yasmin Bakhtiar La Femme Roje

Photo by David Deyr

La Femme Roje

Photo by David Deyr

Appreciation

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who supported me throughout the process of completing my Bachelor of Design thesis project. Without their help, guidance, and encouragement, this project would not have been possible.

First and foremost, I am grateful to my thesis advisor, Reyhan Yazdani, for her invaluable guidance and support throughout the project. She provided me with insightful feedback, challenged me to think critically, and encouraged me to push beyond my limits. I am truly fortunate to have had her as my advisor. My family and friends, who have provided me with emotional support and understanding throughout my journey as an immigrant. Their love and encouragement have given me the strength to pursue my dreams.

The architects and designers who have inspired me with their work and helped me to appreciate the beauty and diversity of architecture around the world.

Finally, I would like to thank the people who have contributed to this project in various ways, whether by sharing their stories, providing feedback, or offering their expertise. Your contributions have enriched this project and helped me to achieve my goals.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. This project would not have been possible without you.