It has been a while, I must admit, as my days and nights have been completely encompassed by masters classes and projects, and it has been nothing short of incredible. One of the latest projects from such a fun 3D class to redesign an ikea chair inspired by the childhood motivations of a historic figure.

Luckily, was assigned the legendary Alexander McQueen, and could not have been happier! Naturally, the chair was transformed into a combination of strong yet delicate black lace – I took apart the chair, wrapped each part with lace, and after {much} stiffening of the lace, sewed the individual pieces together to rebuild the chair, hollow from the inside yet strong and structured.

An affinity for clothing from the age of three, McQueen’s work was inspired by the juxtaposition of the lightness and darkness, fragility and strength that were apparent in his own family.

Hope you’re having a wonderful week so far! xo

{images: samia for burrs & berries}

Referencing period elements and textile designs of the omega workshop, the new series of book covers for penguin classic Virginia Woolf novels are beautiful works of art, designed by Angus Hyland and Masumi Briozzo from pentagram with wonderful abstract strokes and a pretty, pretty color palette.

Wishing you a wonderful first weekend in 2012 filled with the things you love, xo

{images: pentagram}

The past few weeks have been so stunningly busy, and as final projects progress, days and nights are spent working tirelessly at the mfa design studio; and a recent project for stefan sagmeister’s class aiming to touch the heart of a community through design, I designed and delivered a personalized “magic box” for 45 children in a new york homeless shelter, wrote a story and illustrated a coloring book, {with hand-lettered typography and watercolors for an elegant but playful design} and included art supplies that are referenced in the story as the character uses them to create their adventure.

{images: samia for burrs & berries}

A lovely australian fragrance company founded by jenny alex and corey griffiths, sohum carries bath, body, candles and fragrance products, all that evoke feelings of freshness, femininity and luxe, with beautiful packaging, patterns and pretty gold lettering. Favorites include cleopatra, lilac iris, and pomander, body butter with cocoa butter, beeswax and palm kernal oil for hydration and nourishment, and the double creme soap cakes that are “triple milled for fine lathering luxury in fragranced perfection.” Could there be anything more delicately refreshing?

{images: sohum}

Have been working on the coin d’ website for quite some time and it has finally launched! A jewelry label by my mom, designer dina zeyad, the lookbook was beautifully photographed this past summer in toronto by steven myers and styled by my mom and me; the website, designed by myself and developed by echoone in dubai, features the beautiful collections of coin d’ fine jewelry {made from a variety of precious gemstones, diamonds, gold and pearls} and handmade fashion jewelry. Visit the new website to browse the collections or even create your own custom order by email!

{images: sabrina santer from kaché models for coin d’, photographed by steven myers}