Open-Hearted

I’ve waited a while to release this Fashion Series. The day after we wrapped shooting the photos, America started bombing Iran and WAR was declared.

My heart sank and my brain became a playground for ‘worst case scenarios.’ How was this happening? The world already seemed to be reenacting a low budget “End of the World” Hollywood movie and now this.

I let weeks go by and decided on a different topic. After all, flouncing around in a flowery dress seemed highly inappropriate with gas prices skyrocketing and different parts of the Middle East joining in on our bombing campaign.

Honestly, I’ve been on the fence for a while: to blog or not to blog? I love the creativity, but Social Media has morphed into an algorithm monster and it’s not about the art of writing or showcasing what’s “real” to the average person.

It’s more like advertising heaven and an artificial intelligence test site. I’ve realized finding the meaning in what I’m creating has to come from within and I have to change with the times.

Enter my new topic: “Open-Hearted,” shot at the awe-inspiring sculpture “Thrive” in Fort Lauderdale (by multidisciplinary artist, Daniel Popper). It represents hope and transformation.

The structure, which stands 30 feet tall, is crafted over glass and fiber structures. It features a fern-adorned archway you can walk through. It’s lush and magical.

It’s as if a fairytale giant rips its chest open… showing all the deep beauty buried inside. Perhaps a lot of us are the same, despite our religious beliefs, ethnicities and political convictions.

I’d like to say this season brings happy colors and flowers, but frankly, I think it’s much deeper. Wearing and doing what makes you feel good is what most of us need right now.

Throw on what makes you look fabulous, believe in the best of humanity and don’t waste a second of this rollercoaster of a thing we call life.

XO
Shireen

“If you are going through hell, keep going.” — Winston Churchill