fresh off the press…
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The Timeless Beauty of Gothic Horror
Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality Edgar Allen Poe – The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket, 1838 From the dimly lit castles of Nosferatu (1922) to the eerily ornate mansions of Crimson Peak (2015), Gothic aesthetics have been…
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SS25: The Quiet Exit of High Fashion Logograms
Logogram Post COVID-19 The decline in the popularity of logos is not a sudden shift but a gradual evolution influenced by various socio-economic factors. The COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in reshaping consumer behaviour. As the world grappled with economic uncertainty, ostentatious displays of wealth became less…
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NYFW: The Rise of Pop-Ups
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) has always been a hub for fashion innovation and creativity. Recently, as I scrolled through Instagram, i noted that a trend has emerged: the proliferation of pop-up shops. These temporary retail spaces have become a vital platform for both established and emerging designers…
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Dubai Fashion Week SS25: Deme by Gabriella, Alia Bastamam and Viva Vox
Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) has rapidly positioned itself as a prominent fixture in the global fashion calendar, bringing attention to the rich cultural and contemporary design elements from the Middle East. Co-founded by the Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council (AFC), DFW has grown in…
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Taarab Music: Connecting the Middle East and East Africa
Taarab music is a captivating blend of Middle Eastern and East African influences and is testament to the cultural exchanges that have shaped the Swahili coast. Originating in the late 19th century, taarab emerged as a unique genre that encapsulates the diverse histories and traditions of the region.…
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The Golden Age of Lollywood: What Happened?
The Pakistani film industry, affectionately known as Lollywood, was the pride of the nation. From Lahore in Urdu and Punjabi, in the late 1940s to the late 1970s, Lollywood experienced a golden age, marked by prolific film production, box office successes, and the emergence of many iconic figures.…
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME…
I’m Maria Ahmad, a Canadian-Scottish writer and film producer based between London and Dubai. My stories I describe as ‘A haunted dream-like reality, laced with unsettling gothic and folk themes which challenge relationships and the psyche’.’ I also work in business development, particularly in Venture Capital and Artificial Intelligence. I share my essays and history on the arts here, and more personal musings on my Substack.
Filmmaking
Explore my passion for crafting stories, directing and a record of my filmmaking journey.
Fashion Writing
Delve into my love for emerging designers, fashion history, and storytelling.
Music History
Discover research and essays, developed from my academic studies in music.
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