MIddle east meets west
2026 - cont

I grew up between two worlds that, at first glance, seem to have little in common. Dallas was home: the place where I went to school, made friends, and spent weekends on my American grandparents’ farm riding horses, caring for animals, and learning the quiet rhythms of country life. But many summers, I returned to Iran, where most of my family still lives. There, I was surrounded by the language, food, poetry, and traditions that shaped who I am at my core. Though I was raised in Texas, the culture I’ve always felt most at home in is Iranian.

For a long time, I thought of these two parts of my life as separate. This collection is about the moment I realized I wanted to blend these two worlds together.

Middle East Meets West began after I spent time exploring Fort Worth and its deeply Southern spirit: the stockyards, the craftsmanship, the pride in heritage and hard work. Seeing it with fresh eyes made me reflect on my appreciation for both my eastern and western experiences. One being the place I’ve lived most of my life, and the other being the place that I feel has shaped who I am.

Each piece in this collection brings those worlds into conversation, blending Persian artistry and tradition with the textures and character of the American West. It’s a reflection of my own story, and of the belief that identity doesn’t have to be one thing or the other. Sometimes the most meaningful things are found where two worlds meet.