The fabric of art: Hayat Arts show unites the art and fashion worlds

In a celebration of creativity, Hayat Arts, the Dubai based arts organisation that showcases group and solo exhibitions of contemporary art, hosted an event (Nov. 30) that combined art and fashion. The Mirage Awards and Fashion Show was a bold statement on the synergy between the two dynamic branches of human expression. From intricate designs carried on the clothes by models to the presentation of awards to artists and art supporters, the occasion demonstrated how art and fashion can be united to create a cultural system on a single cross-disciplinary platform.

Hosts and co-founders of Hayat Arts, Safa and Sarah Peshimam, said that “the event not only showcases the brilliance of established talents, but also stays true to Hayat Arts’ mission of empowering emerging creatives, cementing it as a trailblazer in the UAE’s cultural landscape.” The evening pulsated with artists, designers, fashion enthusiasts and industry leaders, who thronged it. The worlds of art and fashion often intersect; they merged here. Art has always been a source of inspiration for fashion (and vice versa), and Hayat Arts turned the runway into a living, breathing canvas. The garments on display were more than just pieces of fabric: innovatively designed, they were wearable masterpieces that told stories while preserving heritage.

Safa Peshimam (left) and Sarah Peshimam.

The haute couture was offered with the belief that fashion is more than only aesthetics; it was considered an extension of art, capable of evoking emotions, producing ideas, and recounting cultural narratives.The show was meticulously curated and was both visually arresting and aesthetically satisfying. The first segment of the fashion show, ‘Revival of Fashion’, was dedicated to sustainability and culture. Designed by the talented Tanzim Hasan Vasgare (THV), the collection reimagined traditional Banarasi fabrics in a contemporary light.

Banarasi textiles were brought to India by the Mughals, striving to glorify the art of crafting and weaving. Persian motifs were mixed with the Indian attires to add richness and depth to the clothes. The garments introduced at the Hayat Arts event celebrated the rich history of Banarasi weaving, while addressing modern concerns regarding sustainability. The clothes also made a strong statement on the importance of preserving tradition in a fashion conscious world.

A dress flows with colours.

Each dress blended the past and the present. The intricate detailing of the fabrics combined with cutting-edge designs, showcased how cultural heritage can be modernised to appeal to today’s audiences, while maintaining authenticity. The runway was doused with vibrant colours, bold patterns and sophisticated elegance, earning standing ovations from the audience. The second segment of the fashion show focused on glamour and innovation; this round featured designs that were unapologetically statement-making. From luxurious textures to avant-garde silhouettes, the collection was a stand out.

Each model walked the runway like a live piece of art, wearing designs that pushed the boundaries of conventional fashion. This module celebrated individuality and the transformative power of bold design. The evening was not solely about fashion; it also paid tribute to artistic excellence. The Mirage Awards Ceremony recognised outstanding contributions across various artistic disciplines. Artists from diverse fields were honoured in the presence of knowledgeable guests, including VIPs from the art, fashion and business worlds. The commemoration not only celebrated individual achievements, but also emphasised the interconnectedness of art and fashion as mediums of expression.

A young model at the event.

The ceremony further highlighted the flowering talent of the UAE and beyond, providing a place for artists to win due recognition. For many of them, the event was a turning point in their careers (some were making their debuts) and marked a significant moment in their creative journeys. Awardees were Edcel Cabalan, Dr. Ajit Gadekar, Fatima Ahmed, Chandralekha Dubey, Noura Ali, Gayathridevi, VersArte Musiva, Rooma Eejaz, Jaimee Reyes, Soukaina Elhayany, Lipika Das, Aakanksha Kshatriya, Nazmin Rasheed, Yashi Khatanhar, Glara Prakash, Lee Ji Seong, Asma Laraiedh and Saima Furqan.

The event was one of the ways in which Hayat Arts showed its commitment to inclusivity, fulfilling its mandate to nurture emerging talent. Most of the models who graced the runway were not seasoned professionals but individuals from non-professional backgrounds — students, nurses and office goers — who had little to no prior runway experience. “Through mentorship and training,” said Safa Peshimam, “Hayat Arts transformed these individuals into confident runway stars, showcasing the organisation’s belief that creativity is everyone’s birthright. The inclusivity has been appreciated deeply by the audience and has reinforced Hayat Arts’ mission of creating opportunities for all, regardless of background or experience.”

The models were Nazmin Rasheed, Ehsan Rasheed, Jaimee Reyes, Mohammed Rasheed, Nidhi Sreenivas, Musab Shaikh, Nandana Suresh, Atul Panase, Yashi Khatanhar, Raghib Khan, Anushka Sunil, Mohammad Mustafa, Sarah Peshimam, Hamza Khan, Hisana Sherin, Althaf Ashraf, Rachel Aroujo, Parvez Ahmed Peshimam and Safa Peshimam. Guests included Abdulaziz, Abeer Abdullah, Abeer Al Edani, Ahmed Al Awadhi Rukni, Ameer Alias Akbar (AMR), Anjini Prakash Laitu, Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Hanif Shaikh, Laila Rahal, Juhi Yasmeen Khan, Kiara Kaur, Nada Al Barazi, Sandi Saksena and Yaqoob Al Ali.

“The success of our first-ever art and fashion event sets the stage for future collaborations and establishes Hayat Arts as a leader in innovative cultural experiences,” said Sarah Peshimam. “When art meets fashion, the result is pure magic.” Fashion is increasingly considered a form of art. It involves creativity, expression and design, similar to other artistic disciplines. Fashion designers use fabrics, colours and shapes, to create wearable works of art that convey messages and emotions, blending art and functionality (Internet).