Get an exclusive look at ArdAzAei‘s innovative Fall 2025 couture fashion show from the runways of Paris Couture Fashion Week, held in June 2024.
Swedish-Iranian Designer Bahareh Ardakani Debuts Math-Inspired Collection
Swedish-Iranian designer Bahareh Ardakani, founder of ArdAzAei, made her official calendar debut with a collection inspired by theoretical physics, geometry, and string theory. The trained gemologist translated mathematical concepts into textiles, focusing on Calabi-Yau curves, which visualize different dimensions. “This is my dream world,” Ardakani explained. “There is this idea that there are more dimensions within the universe that the human eye doesn’t see, but also the fact that we put so much time into working on all the details that actually don’t show in that sense. So there are so many hidden beautiful details within every piece that I find very fascinating. It’s more of a deep dive into mathematics than previous collections,” she added.
Nature’s reflection of math influenced Ardakani’s designs, with many patterns resembling blooms. This was evident in appliqués on the hip and shoulder of a cocktail dress and layers of petals on a ballgown skirt. Fresh pink florals featured prominently, adding precision to the pouf of a minidress with looping folds, though some shapes appeared overwhelming, such as the tumbling cascade of a skirt. Retro-futuristic dresses and gowns floated away from the body, while layers of purple pleats were less successful. Sharply tailored shoulders showcased her construction skills, and 3D-printed embroidery patterns on her signature A emblem added sparkle to a black gown.
Ardakani’s commitment to sustainability has been a cornerstone of her five-year-old brand. While some looks were suited for the red carpet — with celebrity stylists in attendance — not all ideas were cohesive. Viewing her pieces as wearable art, she chose the Musée des Arts et Décoratifs design museum to present her collection. For those not ready for couture, Ardakani plans to incorporate these new ideas into her ready-to-wear line, which will be showcased again in September.
