Belonging on fabric: Paria Farzaneh on fashion as a homecoming

Daoud Tabibzada, Dazed MENA’s art director, sat down with acclaimed British-Iranian designer and storyteller Paria Farzaneh for an illuminating conversation on identity, diaspora life and the art of storytelling on the final day of Sole DXB 2024.

Renowned for seamlessly blending her Iranian heritage with contemporary design, Paria reflected on her journey of navigating dual identities and using fashion as a vehicle to challenge stereotypes and ignite meaningful conversations. With candour, she shared her experiences as a British-Iranian designer, tackling topics like representation, tokenism, and the pressure to maintain authenticity in an industry often dictated by trends.

The conversation also shed light on Paria’s creative process, highlighting how storytelling forms the core of her work, her collaborations with global brands, and the misconceptions surrounding the world of fashion and art. In the 45 minutes she spent sitting with Daoud and those in attendance, Paria offered her perspective on handling criticism and staying true to her vision in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary design: