This series was created after I began exploring the stories of my heritage and DNA. As an Arab woman with Levantine, Lebanese and Kurdish roots, living on Native land here in the US, the way identity and culture intertwined in my life always felt like a collision of many things. I had this womxn in my head for years. She was me but also so many..

FOLKLORIC HYBRIDS

The stories of our DNA can be traced all around the world. The threads embedded into us through our heritage, the layers we shed and adopt, and ultimately how we fashion ourselves in our own individual way is gift to this world. It has the power to heal and give perspective on all that is past, present and future within and around us.

This series is a visual representation of the beauty of being all mixed up. It includes traditional folk elements from Central, South and South West Asia, North and West Africa and Eastern Europe but meant to be reflective of similarities in folk traditions around the world. They are brought together and reimagined in a modern way through makeup, styling and drawn on symbolic illustrations by artist Meryem Meg inspired by her own mixed background. The models featured are also of mixed heritage and have also inspired the telling of this story.

Styling Nicoletta Marie Lyons & Feda Eid. Wardrobe and Jewelry by Zamarut Jewel, Lolas Urban Vintage, Emmy Ember and my friend Heidi Sleiman's closet. Model Tayla Fernandez. Model Anika Obasiolu. Makeup artist Mariolga Nido Pantazopoulos,  Julie Silva,  Desire Reggiannini. Hair Julie Silva.