Sharon Mishiev

This project explored the Jewish nomadic tailoring heritage of the 1900s in the Lower East Side, intertwining it with the raw, nostalgic, and eccentric energy of the neighborhood's present day identity. In the 20th century, much of the community in the area worked as tailors, in manufacturing, or as clothing merchants, an identity deeply rooted in craft and trade. These elements formed the foundation of both my research and design process. I sought to challenge the common misperception of Jewish style, by unveiling its complexity, depth, and dynamic, evolving identity. Through modernizing this heritage, I developed new mediums organically, juxtaposing old and new materials, lifestyles, and contextual references to create a bridge between history and contemporary fashion.