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# Project Description Blending Fashion with Heritage: East Meets West Zulaikha Mahmood Summary Final work College London College of Fashion Course BSc (Hons) Fashion Management Graduation year 2025 When East Meets West: Reimagining Dior Through a Pakistani Lens This project explores a contemporary fusion of Pakistani heritage and Western luxury, positioning Dior as a space for cultural exchange and inclusive elegance. Despite, the on-going demand for diverse representations in the fashion industry, there is still a gap in the market for truer reflection and authentic representation of cultures. In response to the rising demand for authentic representation in the global fashion industry, When East Meets West proposes a capsule collection that reinterprets Dior’s legacy through the artistry and visual language of South Asia. Drawing inspiration from the richness of Pakistani craftsmanship including traditional embroidery, intricate pattern work, and historic textile practices, this collection merges Dior’s iconic silhouettes and artisanal techniques with the textures and narratives of Pakistani culture. The outcome is a thoughtful dialogue between East and West: a celebration of identity, femininity, and timeless design. Created with a new generation of global consumers in mind, particularly Gen Z and Millennial diasporic communities in the UK. This collection aims to expand Dior’s cultural narrative while staying true to its values of innovation, craftsmanship, and elegance. By bridging tradition and modernity, this project seeks to redefine what luxury can look like today: inclusive, authentic, and deeply rooted in respect for diverse identities. Final work FORGOTTEN DREAMS This garment bridges past and future by merging Western tailoring with intricate South Asian embroidery. One half (left) reflects a traditional 1990s silhouette once worn by women in Pakistan, while the other (right) reimagines that legacy through a contemporary lens. The piece reflects the untold dreams of a past generation and the shifting identity of daughters of immigrants in the UK, navigating the space between cultural inheritance and self-definition. Instagram details for the creative team: Designer: Zulaikha Mahmood @zul_aiikha @byzulaikhamahmood Fashion Design Assistance: My Mum & @quiltsandbrownies Photographer: @inno.vative Models: @sassykeets @glambyhmx Makeup Artist: @glambyhmx Set: @contentfactorystudio Special thanks to the technicians & tutors whose support, skill, and problem-solving were essential throughout this project. Your contributions were invaluable. View Gallery View Gallery View Gallery View Gallery View Gallery View Gallery View Gallery View Gallery View Gallery Research and process Concept Board Detailed design mood board for the design process of the artefact created as part of the full project. Digital Design (Clo3d) Design and Pattern created digitally with the support of my technician Rebekah Guo for the design process for the creation of the artefact development. Share this project When East Meets West: Reimagining Dior Through a Pakistani LensThis project explores a contemporary fusion of Pakistani heritage and Western luxury, positioning Dior as a space for cultural exchange and inclusive elegance. Despite, the on-going demand f... A link to this page has been added to your clipboard Browse related work Identity Race Histories Places & Spaces Fashion Luxury CulturalIdentity Fusion SouthAsianHeritage Heritage
# Links ## Official page - https://ualshowcase.arts.ac.uk/project/658198/cover ## External - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulaikha-mahmood?utm_source=share&ut - https://www.instagram.com/zul_aiikha - mailto:zulaikha.mahmood@hotmail.co.uk - https://forms.arts.ac.uk/client-enquiry-form/ - https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fualshowcase.arts.ac.uk%2Fproject%2F658198%2Fcover&text=Blending+Fashion+with+Heritage%3A+East+Meets+West - https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fualshowcase.arts.ac.uk%2Fproject%2F658198%2Fcover&media=https%3A%2F%2Fportfolio-tools.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2F11143336%2FShowcase-12.png&description=Blending+Fashion+with+Heritage%3A+East+Meets+West