Fashion plays a vital role in preserving and expressing South Asian cultural heritage among diaspora communities. Through clothing, people maintain a connection to their roots, celebrate cultural identity, and pass on traditions to future generations in multicultural societies. The rustle of silk or the shimmer of a dupatta becomes more than mere fabric – it becomes remembrance, a language of memory and pride. When families gather for religious occasions or a wedding, dressing in traditional attire transforms the occasion into something significant. It reminds them, and those around them, that their culture continues to thrive despite distance and time.
For Shaheen Hafeez, her traditional wear is a living piece of history, carrying within it the colours, textures, and traditions of generations past. Shaheen’s family moved to Bradford when she was a young girl. Growing up in Bradford meant integrating and learning new customs, in addition to those her family had practised in Pakistan.
Shaheen Hafeez on developing identity through fashion
Read the transcript
Shaheen’s school experience included being taken out of class to learn English with just two other Asian children. Her mum handcrafted her a beautiful green-and-gold dress with pyjama trousers underneath for her first Maypole dance, while other students wore shorts and tops. During this time, she became aware of how her culture stood out. Shaheen recognised the differences between her culture and Western life, but she never let them hold her back. Although she felt different, she was thankful that she was never bullied for it growing up. Instead, she embraced both her Pakistani heritage and Western culture, expressing them through fashion.
