Seamless Pattern

Illustration and seamless pattern design

In collaboration with Berlin-based fashion brand Shahed Design, I created three seamless patterns for their collection Berlin, The Gate of Fantasy. The designs draw inspiration from ancient Iranian stories and artistic traditions, reimagined with a modern twist to transport viewers through history while staying fresh and relevant in 2022.

Each pattern features unique illustrations paired with vibrant, contemporary color combinations

Bahram and Azadeh:

This design reimagines the legendary tale of Bahram and Azadeh, a story from Sasanian-era Persian literature that has inspired countless artworks and poems through the ages. Bahram, a heroic king, and Azadeh, his harpist and companion (whose name means 'free'), are famously depicted hunting gazelles while she plays her harp. I modernized this narrative by imagining the pair traveling through a time gate into contemporary Berlin. In this version, their dynamic is playful rather than hierarchical—Bahram doesn’t hunt the gazelles but gestures toward them with charm and humor. The characters are depicted in vibrant, stylish outfits, blending historical and modern aesthetics, and the design is infused with bold colors and fantastical elements, bringing this ancient story into the present.

Moodboard

Mina'i:

This design draws inspiration from Mina'i, a decorative glazing technique developed in Iran during the late 12th century. Renowned for its richly colored ceramics adorned with scenes and figures, Mina'i often narrated stories.

I incorporated the signature stylistic elements of Mina'i pottery, including its bold, vibrant colors and distinct figure shapes, as the foundation for this pattern. By reinterpreting these historic artistic traditions, the design modernizes the motifs and compositions, creating a seamless pattern that bridges the elegance of ancient craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic.

The design features two distinct color combinations:
one bold and lively, emphasizing bright, fantastical tones; and another softer and more subtle, evoking a dreamy and timeless feel.

Moodboard

The Backgammon Story:

This pattern is based on a tale from Shahnameh, Ferdowsi’s iconic Persian epic and the primary source of Persian mythology. In this story, the game of backgammon is created as a symbolic response to the Indian game of chess, showcasing themes of strategy and intellectual prowess.
The design takes inspiration from 14th-century manuscript illustrations of the Shahnameh, adapting their stylistic elements with a modern twist.

Notably, I replaced the traditionally male-dominated figures with a wise woman, positioned as an observer and participant in the narrative, offering a fresh and empowering perspective. The resulting pattern merges ancient storytelling with contemporary artistic sensibilities, celebrating heritage while embracing modern inclusivity."

Inspiration Board

Seamless Pattern

Illustration and seamless pattern design

In collaboration with Berlin-based fashion brand Shahed Design, I created three seamless patterns for their collection Berlin, The Gate of Fantasy. The designs draw inspiration from ancient Iranian stories and artistic traditions, reimagined with a modern twist to transport viewers through history while staying fresh and relevant in 2022.

Each pattern features unique illustrations paired with vibrant, contemporary color combinations

Bahram and Azadeh:

This design reimagines the legendary tale of Bahram and Azadeh, a story from Sasanian-era Persian literature that has inspired countless artworks and poems through the ages. Bahram, a heroic king, and Azadeh, his harpist and companion (whose name means 'free'), are famously depicted hunting gazelles while she plays her harp. I modernized this narrative by imagining the pair traveling through a time gate into contemporary Berlin. In this version, their dynamic is playful rather than hierarchical—Bahram doesn’t hunt the gazelles but gestures toward them with charm and humor. The characters are depicted in vibrant, stylish outfits, blending historical and modern aesthetics, and the design is infused with bold colors and fantastical elements, bringing this ancient story into the present.

Moodboard

Mina'i:

This design draws inspiration from Mina'i, a decorative glazing technique developed in Iran during the late 12th century. Renowned for its richly colored ceramics adorned with scenes and figures, Mina'i often narrated stories.

I incorporated the signature stylistic elements of Mina'i pottery, including its bold, vibrant colors and distinct figure shapes, as the foundation for this pattern. By reinterpreting these historic artistic traditions, the design modernizes the motifs and compositions, creating a seamless pattern that bridges the elegance of ancient craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic.

The design features two distinct color combinations:
one bold and lively, emphasizing bright, fantastical tones; and another softer and more subtle, evoking a dreamy and timeless feel.

Moodboard

The Backgammon Story:

This pattern is based on a tale from Shahnameh, Ferdowsi’s iconic Persian epic and the primary source of Persian mythology. In this story, the game of backgammon is created as a symbolic response to the Indian game of chess, showcasing themes of strategy and intellectual prowess.
The design takes inspiration from 14th-century manuscript illustrations of the Shahnameh, adapting their stylistic elements with a modern twist.

Notably, I replaced the traditionally male-dominated figures with a wise woman, positioned as an observer and participant in the narrative, offering a fresh and empowering perspective. The resulting pattern merges ancient storytelling with contemporary artistic sensibilities, celebrating heritage while embracing modern inclusivity."

Inspiration Board