Leyla Kashani’s designs are rooted in storytelling. Inspired by her Iranian heritage, traditional craftsmanship and the people who keep those techniques alive, Leyla brings pieces of the past into a modern fashion setting. We caught up with Leyla following her appearance at the Couture for a Cause Yorkville Fashion Show to talk about where she finds inspiration, how a collection comes together and why preserving traditional craftsmanship is such an important part of her work.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand.
I see myself not simply as a fashion designer, but as a cultural storyteller. Fashion is the medium through which I explore history, craftsmanship, and identity. Every collection begins with research into traditional techniques, forgotten crafts, architecture, and the artisans whose knowledge has been passed down through generations. My goal isn’t to recreate the past, but to reinterpret it, giving heritage a contemporary voice while honouring its origins.
Through my brand, Leyla Kashani, I strive to build a bridge between tradition and innovation. Each piece is designed to celebrate the human hands behind its creation and to encourage a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship in a world increasingly driven by speed and mass production. I believe clothing can do more than dress the body; it can preserve memory, spark conversation, and carry culture forward. That philosophy is at the heart of everything I create.
You breathe new life into textiles and preserve traditions in design. What’s the most unexpected treasure you’ve found that’s inspired a collection?
One of the most unexpected treasures I’ve discovered wasn’t a textile at all; it was the ancient Persian art of Khatam Kari, a meticulous wood inlay technique traditionally used to decorate objects such as jewelry boxes, doors, and musical instruments.
I was captivated by its extraordinary precision. Tiny pieces of wood, metal, and bone are assembled into intricate geometric patterns, each one crafted entirely by hand. What fascinated me most was the patience and discipline behind the process, and the generations of artisans who have dedicated their lives to preserving this remarkable craft.
That discovery challenged me to think beyond textiles. It inspired me to explore how the language of Khatam Kari – its geometry, rhythm, and craftsmanship- could be translated into fashion through silhouette, surface design, embellishment, and construction.
Some of the greatest inspirations come from looking beyond the expected. They remind us that craftsmanship has no boundaries, and that even an ancient woodworking technique can find new life in contemporary fashion.
Congratulations on showing your newest collection at the Couture for a Cause Yorkville Fashion Show. How did you approach designing a collection for a runway that celebrates both fashion and philanthropy?
Thank you. It was a true honour to be part of Couture for a Cause, an event where fashion became a vehicle for connection, compassion, and positive impact.
For this runway, I chose to present a curated selection of looks from my previous couture collections rather than create an entirely new collection. Each piece was carefully selected to represent the diverse craftsmanship and artistic traditions of different regions of Iran.
The intention was to showcase the richness of Iranian heritage within a couture setting, highlighting different techniques, textiles, embellishments, and artisanal practices while demonstrating how these traditions can be reinterpreted through contemporary fashion.
For me, couture is the perfect environment to celebrate these techniques because it honours time, patience, and the human hand behind every creation. Each garment carries not only a visual story, but also the history and cultural identity of the artisans and regions that inspired it.
Being part of an event supporting CAMH made the presentation even more meaningful. I believe fashion has the ability to do more than create beauty; it can preserve stories, bring communities together, and contribute to causes that truly matter.
Share a little bit about your creative process:
My creative process is never the same. I don’t follow a fixed formula because every collection has its own story, its own origin, and its own journey.
Sometimes inspiration begins with a place. For example, my Untamed collection began when a photographer approached me to create an editorial in a particular region of Iran. They shared the history and stories of that area with me, and as I began researching, I became deeply fascinated by its landscape, culture, and heritage. That exploration became the foundation for an entire collection.
Other times, inspiration begins with discovering a traditional craft, a forgotten technique, or the work of an artisan. I may become captivated by a specific method of craftsmanship and begin exploring how its essence can be translated into contemporary fashion. Sometimes it begins with a historical moment, a cultural narrative, or even a specific location that sparks my curiosity.
My process is very organic. I spend a great deal of time researching, collecting references, studying techniques, and allowing ideas to evolve. I may find inspiration while travelling, visiting antique markets, studying architecture, looking through archives, or even during quiet moments when an idea has space to develop.
For me, design is a journey of discovery. I don’t start with a garment; I start with a story. The collection emerges from that story, and the craftsmanship becomes the language through which it is expressed.
What do you hope the next generation of designers learns from the makers and craftspeople who inspire your work?
We live in a world that celebrates speed, yet the most extraordinary craftsmanship cannot be rushed. Every handwoven textile, embroidered detail, or naturally dyed fabric teaches us that excellence is built through dedication and time.
I also hope young designers recognize that innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something entirely new. Sometimes innovation comes from preserving a traditional craft, giving it a new context, and ensuring it survives for future generations.
The future of fashion should embrace technology, but never at the expense of human creativity and craftsmanship.
Where can we find you?
Website: www.leylakashani.com
Instagram: @leyla_kashani
I regularly share the stories behind my collections, the artisans and techniques that inspire my work, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Every collection is an invitation to discover the craftsmanship, heritage, and cultural narratives woven into each piece.
