Shahd Asaly

I am a sociologist, professor, with a PhD from the University of South Florida. My work focuses on trauma, belonging, and community healing among Syrian refugees. I also create clothing rooted in Syrian craft and memory, partnering with refugee artisans and a historic brocade workshop in Damascus. I see fashion as a form of care, something that can help people feel at home in their bodies and supported by community. My goal is to bring people together through story, shared work, and beauty that carries history.

Reimagining fashion as a tool for healing. Working with refugee artisans. Keeping cultural craft alive. Making beauty feel like home again.

Clothing can be a form of emotional care. When we wear pieces made with story, heritage, and human hands, we don’t just dress our bodies. We soothe memory and reconnect with belonging.

Turning heavy stories into gentle, shareable language. I can take something painful and find the part that teaches, softens, and brings people closer.