In Islam, the act of naming a child is imbued with profound significance. It is believed that the name a child is given not only reflects the hopes and aspirations of their parents but also shapes the child's identity and destiny. This belief resonates deeply with me and has played a pivotal role in shaping both my personal journey and the ethos of my fashion brand, Safyna.
From the outset, I grasped the profound significance attached to a name. In Islamic tradition, names aren't merely selected for their aesthetic appeal but are imbued with profound meanings, under the belief that an individual will embody the essence of their name. This notion struck a chord within me as I journeyed through existence, grappling with the complexities of my own identity (it didn’t help that I had not one but TWO strong names, that neither overshadowed the other). However, It became increasingly apparent that I was unmistakably following the path set by my name “Safina”, as if fate itself had ordained it so.
Hence, when it came time to naming my fashion brand, I knew that the name had to be more than just a label—it had to encapsulate the essence of what I hoped to convey through my designs. Safina as a concept but with a “y”.
At its core, the brand is a reflection of my multifaceted personality, a cacophony of complexity and simplicity- acknowledging the beauty in their harmonious coexistence. How I believe all women should be allowed to be without being forced into a standard mould or box. The name itself, derived from my own, serves as a testament to this notion. People have often remarked on the layers of my character, my diverse interests, and my intricate thought processes- both positively, in neutral curiosity, and negatively. So, what better way to encapsulate all of this than through a brand that bears my name?
In the tapestry of languages and cultures that make up our world, the word "Safina/Safyna” encompasses a multitude of meanings, each one reflecting a facet of my own identity and values. Whether it be from the Abrahamic reference of Noah's Ark—a symbol of salvation and renewal, or another Arabic interpretation as "victorious" or "She who is strong," or “the beautiful one” in Swahili and even as a collection of essays and poems in Persian— each definition embodies a richness of symbolism that serves as the cornerstone of myself, the brand and the philosophy of fashion as a whole.
The inception of Safyna wasn’t merely about just creating beautiful garments; it was about breathing new life into fashion, infusing it with meaning and depth. In today's fast-paced world, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, I believe there's a yearning for something more enduring, something that resonates on a deeper level- even if the general population does not know it yet.
Fashion and life, as a whole, feels very different now. Despite the different platforms and modern day methods available to how one can effectively convey their distinctive personalities, it is mind-boggling how everything is so standardised now. Everyone seems to look the same, act the same, eat the same, dress the same. Frankly, it’s boring and scary.
Beyond aesthetics, there's a deeper philosophy driving Safyna—a belief that clothes should be cherished, just as people once did. In a world where fast fashion has become the norm, we've lost sight of the value inherent in each garment. Safyna encourages a return to a time when clothes were treasured, passed down through generations, and imbued with memories and meaning. Fashion should not just be about what or who you wear, it should be about how you want to show up to the world- who you are, how it makes you feel, the story it tells, and the values it represents. For me, this philosophy isn't just a mantra; it's a way of life— there is beauty in slowing down in a fast paced world, a constant reminder to embrace and cherish the beauty and complexity of every single day, even when the world around us feels bleak and dreary.
Safyna aims to revive the glamour of yesteryears, not in a nostalgic costume-y sense, but by reimagining it for the modern age as those who know me know- I firmly believe that surrounding oneself with beautiful things can make life infinitely more bearable. The brand celebrates diversity in all its forms—whether it be the diversity of cultures, languages, beauty standards or individual experiences. After all, there is both strength and beauty in difference and variety.
Just as Noah's Ark was a gift from God to save humanity and the world, Safyna can be seen as a gift to the fashion industry (not in a self absorbed way, stop rolling your eyes) but acts as a sort of vessel that carries within it the seeds of change, renewal, and transformation. In a world where fashion trends come and go with alarming speed, Safyna stands as a testament to the enduring power of diversity and individuality and just as Noah's Ark brought together a diverse array of species, each with its own unique qualities and strengths, Safyna too embraces the beauty of difference, weaving it into the fabric of our designs.
Safyna being synonymous with victory and strength speaks to the inherent strength that lies within each of us, waiting to be discovered and celebrated AND Safyna being associated with a collection of essays and poems (strong interests I myself share, as you can tell by now) is a testament to the power of storytelling and the written word to inspire, uplift, and connect us to one another. Through our designs, we aim to tell a story—one of empowerment, self-expression, and the beauty of embracing one's true self.
So, as you peruse our current and future collections, I invite you to join us on this voyage of self-discovery, mindfulness and appreciation of life’s intricacies. Let's slow down, take a moment to breathe, and cherish each and every day—for it's in these moments that life truly becomes beautiful.
There is always beauty to be found, Welcome to Safyna.
Love,
Safyna