Mariam Sheikh

Mariam Sheikh is a developing, committed, and passionate fashion designer who brings meaning and emotion to every piece she creates. She completed a Foundation Diploma in Fashion and Textiles at Ravensbourne University London, where she discovered her love for exploring ideas through creative expression; drawing inspiration from art, poetry, and a wide range of practitioners across disciplines, which she utilises in her design process.

Sheikh's work often addresses deeply personal and socially resonant themes. Projects have included reflections on her relationship with God, the topic of modesty in sports, and the rarely acknowledged experience of fathers in abortion-related decisions. Whether through silhouette, fabric choice, or colour, Sheikh’s designs always carry an emotional weight and narrative intention.

Her Final Major Project, “Unheard Bonds: Where is the Father’s Voice?”, delved into the psychological impact of excluding fathers from the conversation around abortion. Using fabric manipulation, monochrome tones, and form, she visually articulated the emotional burden of being left in the shadows; conveying how societal expectations can diminish a man’s identity as a father. The work sought to be a voice for the fathers who experience is treated as irrelevant which as a result keeps them hiding behind a mask of societal masculinity.

Looking ahead, Sheikh is eager to continue her fashion journey by pursuing a BA (Hons) in Fashion Design, where she hopes to refine her technical skills, strengthen her visual storytelling, and continue producing work that challenges and resonates on a human level.

This top was made for a collaboration project “Stratum Q”, based on the concept of “Techno-Nature”. From this overarching title, the garment communicates the impact of technology (blue) on human nature (beige), where technology consumes our authenticity leaving it patchy and hidden.

Final line up from the “Sustainable White” project where we were required to make one piece. Concept based on Matthew 6:28 and Isaiah 61:3 including snap buttons for detachable pieces. The idea was to utilise scrap cotton fabric, white only, to create a new garment.

Final Major Project Outcome

Draping with shapes from a concept board for the “Progressive Details Project”. This was the beginning of developing a final garment for women's basketball.

Exploring abstract art on a digital art app called procreate, this was one of many trials which led up to the final hand painted print in the final garment for “Stratum Q”.