Women.Life.Freedom

This project was born out of the fight for freedom in Iran. While drawing these designs, Saba thought of the women who cut their hair, burn their scarves, and risk their lives in the streets for a better future. The work honors the memory of Mahsa Amini, a young woman killed after being arrested by Iran’s morality police, and countless others like Sarina Esmailzadeh and Nika Shakarami, whose lives were taken too soon.

The visuals draw strength from the courage of these women and the collective call of the movement: “Women, Life, Freedom.” More than just a slogan, it is a voice for those silenced, a symbol of resistance, and a reminder of the right to live freely. Wearing or sharing these designs becomes an act of solidarity — a way to carry their voices beyond borders, even when the government tries to shut them down.

When designing the first collection, Saba imagined the countless eyes of women in the streets of Iran — each carrying pain, courage, and defiance. Alone, they might seem vulnerable, but together they became a powerful force. That vision of unity and strength shaped the design, turning individual stories of struggle into a collective symbol of resilience.

After a year of student and faculty support at the School of Design, GBC, we launched a new collection inspired by the Shirazi poet Saadi’s famous poem Bani Adam — a timeless symbol of peace and unity, also inscribed on a handmade carpet at the United Nations. The designs drew on Persian cypress motifs and intricate type, carrying symbols of strength and love into the collection.

Women.Life.Freedom collection was displayed at Schoolofdesign GBC with help and support of the chief, Ana Rita Morais.

The advocacy for peace and freedom still continues as Saba gets featured on GBC’s social media–keeping the names of children that were killed alive during this movement.