In the growing world of fashion and design, few individuals stand out as true visionaries who seamlessly mix art, technology, and sustainability. Sadaf Jalali, the innovative designer and founder of SASHION LLC, is one such extraordinary talent. With her groundbreaking CUMULUS project and a commitment to eco-friendly fashion solutions, Sadaf is redefining the boundaries of design and making waves in the industry. New York Art Life had the privilege of sitting down with Sadaf to discuss her journey, her inspirations, and her vision for the future of fashion. From her early experiences as a volunteer designer to her recent awards in prestigious design competitions, Sadaf’s story is one of passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact through design. Join us as we explore the mind of this remarkable creator. We will explore the intersection of art, fashion, and sustainability that defines her work.
New York Art Life: Sadaf, thank you for joining us today! Your work has been described as nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s start with SASHION LLC. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your innovative brand?
Sadaf Jalali: Well, thank you for having me! SASHION is truly the culmination of my deepest passions – art, fashion, and entrepreneurship. I founded the brand with a vision to create something unique that bridges the gap between art and fashion. Our focus is on creating wearable pieces that blend fractal art with fashion, appealing to both art enthusiasts and fashion lovers. The inspiration comes from my fascination with the intricate beauty of fractal art and seeing an exciting opportunity to bring that into the world of fashion in a way that hadn’t been done before. It’s very thrilling!
New York Art Life: That’s fascinating! Your CUMULUS project seems to be your main focus right now and has been garnering significant attention. What can you tell us about this innovative endeavor?
Sadaf Jalali: Yes, the CUMULUS project is indeed getting a lot of attention right now! It represents a significant leap forward in sustainable fashion. At its core, CUMULUS is a versatile, reversible jacket designed to adapt to unpredictable urban weather conditions. But it’s so much more than just a jacket! It’s a response to the urgent need for eco-friendly clothing solutions, especially in the face of our changing climate. We’re emphasizing longevity in fashion. My goal is to push the boundaries of eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices throughout the entire production process. It’s about rethinking how we approach fashion in an era of climate uncertainty.
New York Art Life: That’s nice to hear! Your commitment to sustainability is truly admirable. Fast fashion has become a significant concern in the industry. How can consumers avoid supporting fast fashion, and why is it important to do so?
Sadaf Jalali: I think fast fashion is indeed a critical issue in our industry, and it’s essential for consumers to understand its negative impacts. I want to tell everyone that fast fashion is unethical. It often exploits workers with poor working conditions and unfair wages. Plus, it contributes significantly to environmental degradation through excessive waste and pollution. Why should we support it when it promotes a culture of overconsumption? To avoid supporting fast fashion, I suggest investing in quality, shopping secondhand, supporting sustainable brands, embracing minimalism, and learning basic mending skills.
New York Art Life: I agree with that. We should all be more conscious of what we consume. Now, I understand you recently had an exhibition at Good Chaos. Can you tell us more about that?
Sadaf Jalali: Absolutely! The exhibition, “Beyond Couture…From Discard to Design,” was a powerful visual representation of the impact of plastic waste on our environment. The centerpiece was a transparent jacket crafted entirely from discarded plastic materials. It’s intentionally provocative, designed to challenge people’s perceptions. It was crafted to make them think critically about the lifecycle of the products they use and discard. My vision for this piece goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s a call to action! It’s aimed at inspiring communities to address the pressing issue of plastic waste in innovative ways.
New York Art Life: Your work seems to span various design disciplines. Can you tell us about some of your other projects outside of fashion?
Sadaf Jalali: Yes, definitely! I’m passionate about exploring design in all its forms! One project I’m particularly proud of is my exploration into transformable fashion, Celsius, where garments are designed to adapt to a range of scenarios and weather conditions. This collection celebrates versatility and adaptability, allowing each piece to seamlessly transition between different forms based on the wearer’s needs.
“Step into the realm of transformative fashion, where functionality and innovation meet style. Imagine clothing that evolves with you—whether you’re facing unpredictable weather, shifting between casual and formal settings, or seeking to simplify your wardrobe.” This project allowed me to push the boundaries of traditional fashion, exploring how practical, user-focused design can address everyday needs. It’s about offering freedom and empowering people with clothing that’s as adaptable and resilient as they are. These projects all stem from my belief in design’s power to solve problems, tell stories, and create meaningful experiences.
New York Art Life: That sounds impactful. I understand your work has received some prestigious recognition. Can you tell us about some of the awards you’ve received?
Sadaf Jalali: I’m incredibly honored and humbled by the recognition the CUMULUS project has received! I was awarded top honors in the Ghost Project 2024 Competition and the James Dyson Award. They are both highly respected in the design world. While these acknowledgments are certainly validating on a personal level, what truly excites me is the platform they provide to bring attention to the critical issues we’re addressing through design. And now, with CUMULUS live on ARTS THREAD as part of the Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2024, I’m thrilled to share this work alongside inspiring creatives worldwide.
New York Art Life: That’s truly inspiring. Now, let’s talk about your work as a Senior Digital Designer at OVCR from January 2022 to May 2024. How did this role shape your approach to design?
Sadaf Jalali: Oh, my time at OVCR was incredibly formative! OVCR at UIC is a prominent division responsible for fostering and managing research initiatives. It’s a vital institution that supports UIC’s reputation as a leading research university, guiding faculty and students in achieving innovative outcomes that address real-world challenges. Working in such a dynamic, high-stakes environment gave me invaluable experience in the research-driven aspect of design, which is equally as important as the visuals themselves. I realized that effective design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about addressing real needs and making decisions rooted in solid research.
This focus on research in design has profoundly influenced my own projects. By integrating data analysis, user research, and usability testing, I learned to anchor design decisions in real insights rather than assumptions. This approach allowed me to address user needs more effectively and produce solutions that are not only visually appealing but also deeply functional and relevant. Each project became an opportunity to apply a research-based mindset, enhancing my ability to create designs that are intuitive and impactful. This experience has reinforced my belief that the best design outcomes are always grounded in thoughtful research and a thorough understanding of the user experience.
New York Art Life: You also had a stint as a Creative Manager at FashionBar Chicago. How did this experience contribute to your journey?
Sadaf Jalali: My experience as a Creative Manager at FashionBar Chicago was incredibly enriching and pivotal in my understanding of design within the fashion industry. FashionBar is highly regarded for its contributions to the Chicago fashion scene, actively promoting local talent and fostering a sense of community among designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts. By organizing high-profile events like Chicago Fashion Week and various runway shows, they provide an essential platform for both emerging and established designers to showcase their work. This not only elevates local talent but also encourages collaboration among creatives, which is vital for innovation in the industry.
Being part of FashionBar helped me immensely with my own venture, SASHION. The exposure to diverse design perspectives and networking opportunities significantly influenced my approach to creating a brand that values inclusivity and sustainability. I learned the importance of building a community around fashion, which I’ve integrated into SASHION by highlighting unique narratives and celebrating diverse voices. My time there reinforced my belief that a supportive community is crucial for driving positive change within the industry, and I’m excited to bring that ethos into my work with SASHION.
New York Art Life: Earlier in your career, you volunteered as the Head UI/UX Designer for CharTabaqeh NGO. How did this experience shape your perspective on design?
Sadaf Jalali: Well, my time with CharTabaqeh from January 2016 to December 2017 was a truly formative experience! With my bachelor’s degree in urban design, I was able to contribute effectively to the NGO, which had limited resources and required me to be incredibly creative and efficient in my designs. I had the privilege of leading a team focused on various initiatives aimed at improving public spaces within the city. We worked on important projects that not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of these areas but also promoted community engagement and social interaction. It was rewarding to see our designs contribute to vibrant, open public spaces that brought people together. It was fulfilling to work on projects that genuinely made a difference in the community and reinforced my commitment to using design as a tool for positive change.
New York Art Life: That just shows how diverse your skill set is! How do you think this range of abilities influences your work?
Sadaf Jalali: Thank you! I think my diverse skill set allows me to approach projects holistically and think outside the box. Being versatile allows me to handle projects from initial conceptualization to final execution without being limited by technical constraints. It also enables me to communicate effectively with specialists in various fields, which is important in today’s interdisciplinary design landscape.
New York Art Life: That’s truly impressive, Sadaf! Looking at your extraordinary journey, it’s clear that you’ve managed to blend art, technology, and sustainability in unique ways. What’s your vision for the future of fashion and design?
Sadaf Jalali: I believe we’re on the cusp of a revolutionary era in fashion and design. The future lies in the perfect synergy of sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and personalization. We need to move decisively away from the harmful practices of fast fashion and towards pieces that are not only long-lasting and adaptable but also deeply meaningful to the wearer. With that said, I see technology playing an increasingly pivotal role, not just in the design process but integrated into the clothes themselves.
Imagine smart fabrics that adapt to the environment or garments that can change color or pattern based on the wearer’s preferences. Also, I envision a greater emphasis on the artistic aspect of fashion, where each piece tells a story that represents an idea. Projects like CUMULUS are just the beginning! Ultimately, I’m working towards a fashion industry that’s more responsible, more innovative, and more expressive than ever before. As everyone should!
New York Art Life: That’s a really powerful vision! Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to make an extraordinary impact in the industry?
Sadaf Jalali: My advice would be to cultivate an insatiable curiosity and never stop learning! The design world is in a constant state of flux, so it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve with new technologies and techniques. But beyond that, don’t be afraid to bring your unique perspective to your work. Some of the most impactful designs come from personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual passions. You should embrace your uniqueness. It’s literally your superpower in this industry. Also, always consider the broader impact of your designs on people, on communities, on the environment.
Design has the incredible power to shape the world, so use that power responsibly and creatively. And finally, don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo! The most extraordinary innovations often come from questioning why things are done a certain way and daring to do them differently. Be really bold!
New York Art Life: Thank you, Sadaf, for sharing your extraordinary insights and experiences with us! Your journey is truly inspiring. And we’re excited to see how you’ll continue to revolutionize the world of fashion and design.
Sadaf Jalali: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure sharing my story, and I’m incredibly excited about the future of design and fashion. There’s so much potential for positive change. I’m honored to be at the forefront of this movement. I believe that together, we can create a more sustainable, innovative, and beautiful world through the power of extraordinary design.
Every effort counts in shaping a better future. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and inspiring others to join in creating meaningful, impactful design! Our conversation with Sadaf Jalali crystallized the fact that NY Art Life had the privilege of glimpsing into the mind of a true visionary. Sadaf’s work represents more than just a new direction in fashion. It embodies a holistic approach to design that considers environmental impact, user experience, and artistic expression in equal measure. She clearly has the ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices. Her artistic vision sets a new standard for the industry.
Voices like Sadaf’s will be crucial in shaping a more responsible, innovative, and expressive industry. Her call to embrace uniqueness, challenge the status quo, and consider the broader impact of design resonates not just with aspiring designers but with anyone who believes in the power of creativity to change the world. We in New York Art Life can’t wait to see how her visionary approach will continue to revolutionize the world of fashion and design. However, we are sure the future of fashion is looking brighter, more sustainable, and infinitely more exciting with innovators like Sadaf at the helm.
Read Also:
New York Fashion Week 2023 Is Here
7 New York Fashion Bloggers and Influencers to Watch in 2023 for Next-Level Style Trends
Olumide Oresegun: The Extraordinary Artist Bringing African Life to Canvas with Hyperrealist Mastery
