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sahra bukhari

Fashion Institute of Technology

I am a fashion merchandising student with a strong focus on textile surface design, combining creative development with an understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and product positioning. My work centers on creating original prints and patterns for apparel and home applications while studying how design translates into successful retail concepts and brand storytelling. Growing up in New York exposed me to fashion as part of everyday life, from diverse street style to the influence of global designers and retail culture. Being surrounded by constant creativity shaped my appreciation for individuality, quality, and storytelling through clothing. That environment naturally fueled my interest in textiles, merchandising, and design, and continues to inspire how I approach fashion today with both a creative and commercial perspective. I am enrolled in fashion Merchandising A.A.S program online at F.I.T and Houston city college graduating in 2027

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Blue Noir

Category: Apparel

Competitions: International

BLUE NOIR LEATHER PRINT APPAREL LOOK Design Inspiration The Blue Noir Jacket is a deeply personal design inspired by my late mother, who worked as an interior decorator and had a distinctive appreciation for minimal, clean, and artistic design. She believed that beauty came from thoughtful details rather than excess, and her approach to color, texture, and composition continues to influence my creative process today. Losing her to cancer changed the way I view life, strength, and resilience. Witnessing her courage throughout her illness revealed the extraordinary strength that women carry through life's greatest challenges. This collection is a reflection of that strength quiet yet powerful, elegant yet enduring. The abstract print represents movement, transformation, and the emotional journey of grief and healing. The deep blue tones symbolize depth, reflection, and resilience, while the clean silhouette reflects the modern, understated aesthetic my mother loved. Why I Created This Design Rather than designing a large collection, I chose to focus on a single statement jacket because I wanted one piece to fully communicate the story behind the design. The jacket acts as a wearable tribute, combining contemporary fashion with personal meaning. The biker silhouette was selected for its timeless appeal and association with confidence, independence, and strength. It is a garment that transcends trends and remains relevant through time, much like the values and lessons my mother left behind. Material Choice & Sustainability This entry contains at least 50% cattle leather by surface area and prioritizes the use of natural materials wherever possible. Leather was intentionally chosen because of its resilience, longevity, and ability to age beautifully over time. To me, leather symbolizes endurance. Just as strength can emerge through adversity, leather becomes richer and more characterful through wear and experience. By selecting a durable material designed to last for many years, I aimed to create a piece that encourages mindful consumption and a deeper appreciation for quality craftsmanship. Design Values • At least 50% cattle leather by surface area • Natural materials used wherever possible • Timeless and durable construction • Artistic abstract surface print • Inspired by women's resilience and strength • A tribute to my mother's creative legacy • Designed for longevity and conscious consumption The Blue Noir Jacket is ultimately a celebration of resilience, memory, and enduring design—honoring the woman who inspired my creativity while reflecting the strength I discovered through loss.

FEATHERED ARMOR

Category: Apparel

Competitions: International

Feathered Armor is a sculptural leather piece inspired by the symbolism of feathers as protection, resilience, and transformation. The design explores the balance between strength and softness through hundreds of hand-cut, layered feather elements that create movement, depth, and a sense of architectural elegance. Inspired by the protective structure of bird plumage and the concept of modern armor, the piece reinterprets natural forms into a contemporary wearable textile surface. Constructed with a minimum of 50% cattle leather by surface area, sourced as a by-product of the food and dairy industries, the design emphasizes responsible material use and longevity. The interior is lined with organic cotton, selected for its natural origin, breathability, comfort, and reduced environmental impact. Each feather is individually cut, shaped, and assembled by hand, creating a dimensional surface that evolves with light and movement. I designed Feathered Armor as a reflection of personal growth and empowerment, celebrating the idea that vulnerability and strength can coexist. Through traditional craftsmanship, sustainable material choices, and a nature-inspired aesthetic, the piece represents protection, renewal, and the enduring beauty of transformation. Personal Inspiration Feathered Armor is deeply personal to me. The project was born from a journey of loss, resilience, and rediscovery. After losing my mother to cancer, I experienced a period of profound grief that changed the way I viewed strength and vulnerability. Her courage during her battle became a lasting source of inspiration, teaching me that true strength is often quiet, graceful, and enduring. For many years, I chose to dedicate myself fully to raising my children, placing my career and personal ambitions aside to support and nurture my family. While I never regretted that decision, my passion for fashion, textiles, and design remained alive within me. Returning to design after so many years has felt like reclaiming a part of myself that was patiently waiting to be rediscovered. Feathered Armor symbolizes that journey. The layered feathers represent protection, healing, and transformation, while the sculptural form reflects the resilience required to rebuild after loss and sacrifice. Through this piece, I honor my mother, celebrate the strength of women, and acknowledge the beauty that can emerge from life’s most difficult experiences. Fashion has always been more than clothing to me it is a language for storytelling, emotion, and connection. My goal as a designer is to create meaningful work that inspires others and contributes something beautiful, thoughtful, and lasting to the world through craftsmanship, innovation, and design.

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.