Aro Boghosian by Jessy Simon

The SS26 couture-inspired artisanal collection, HIRAETH is a depiction of the life and work of Armenian poet Sayat Nova and their portrayal in the 1969 film, The Color of Pomegranates. Drawing parallels with a young Armenian Christian self in a Middle Eastern atmosphere, I explore the cultural intersectionality contrasts through a men’s eveningwear collection showcasing their importance throughout my upbringing. Focusing on the craftsmanship of both Armenian beadwork as a form of textile creation and ancient Marash embroidery techniques, the collection narrates the story of an oppressed Armenian history that faced persecution and was meant to be unknown and undiscovered. As a fading traditional treasure, Marash is considered to be one of the dying artistries in the world given that it can mainly be seen in museums and churches’ hidden cabins. Influenced by extravagant vestments, I embellish the darkness of our past, giving the collection a sense of elegance. HIRAETH depicts the longing to a lost past, a home that we cannot go back to or one that never was. A past that cannot be reached, therefore inspiring us to build a glamorized future to narrate our own story.