Since my childhood, I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel around the world. These experiences have given me a certain understanding for life that is simply irreplaceable. Yes, the rolling sand dunes of Dubai, and the vast mountains of the Chilean Andes are spectacular but it is something else that has shaped the person I am today. Culture is something that is fascinating and truly inspiring to me. From the colorful rainbows of landscapes, articulate modern and historic architecture, to the mannerisms of a country’s residents has broadened the way my mind processes thoughts. I tend to fall into a world with a vision of simplistic elegance that is defined differently in a variety of civilizations. Recently, I had the chance to travel to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. With the tallest, sleekest sky scrapers and luxurious shopping malls opening mile after mile I was most inspired by one of the world’s largest mosques, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It surpasses any benchmark of luxury one can think of. The reflective, simplistic yet intricate exterior with over 82 domes, and 1,000 columns is not just a place for worshippers. I felt an instant connection with this building after hearing their concept of ‘uniting the world.’ They use materials and artisans from Germany, China, New Zealand, and India just to name a few. I must admit, the diversity shows with the most eloquent of tastes.  This mosque includes 24 carat gold glided accents, seven imported chandeliers including millions of Swarovski crystals, and the world’s largest carpet made by 1300 carpet knitters from Asia, and wool originating from New Zealand.

The building is spacious, clean, and inspiring. The mosque becomes even more effective considering every man and women no matter what culture must cover in traditional Muslim clothing that for women is all black, and men white. It creates a clean palate to focus on the detailed architecture around an individual.

Personally, the basis of inspiration is not something that has already been put down the runway, or a specific street style fad. How the people of our world interact with each other can be peaceful or controversial just like fashion; which is constantly inspired by cultural events, poetry, and architecture which all starts at the root – Culture.