Bijan Berahimi of Portland-based studio FISK has released the latest capsule collection to celebrate the upcoming Persian New Year. Nowruz or “New Day” in Farsi, takes place at the spring equinox and symbolically represents a release from the troubles of the previous year. Its roots date far back to Ancient Persia as a Zoroastrian religion, which continues to be celebrated as a secular holiday today across Iran and the wider Middle East region, as well as Turkey and the global diaspora.
Going on his third collection, Berahimi who featured in Issue 32 of Hypebeast Magazine, felt there was a lack of representation for fellow Iranians in the creative scene. The Nowruz collection aptly was a way for him to reconnect with his heritage, while spreading the artistic influences native of his home country to the world.
The latest capsule, dubbed 1403 to mark the new year in the Solar Hijri calendar, is made in collaboration with San Francisco-based designer and photographer, Sahra Jajarmikhayat, who deconstructed the seven core elements of a Nowruz Haft-seen spread: Sabzeh (wheat sprout), Somagh (sumac), Samanoo (wheat paste), Senjed (silver berry), Seeb (apple), Seer (garlic) and Serkeh (vinegar). Each of the seven elements of the Haft-seen carries with it symbolic importance — from rebirth and strength, to natural beauty, patience and contentment. Berahimi created a new set of cups adorned with the altest Nowruz graphics, along with a new iteration of the popular floral blanket, now created in a burgundy color.
Accompanying the release is a specially curated playlist that FISK worked together with Jajarmikhayat and Rahill Jamalifard, which can be saved via Spotify, along with a limited edition incense pack made with Melbourne-based Agaric Fly.
The Nowruz 1403 collection will be available later today online and in-store at the Frances May store in Portland. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to the PCRF (Palestine Children’s Relief Fund), a nonprofit humanitarian organization providing urgent medical relief to children in Gaza during these catastrophic times.
