Since 2015, Iraqi fashion designer Kareem Aladhami has made Austria his home. After completing his studies at KunstModeDesign Herbststraße, an innovative Austrian design school, he began sharing his passion for fashion with the world through breathtaking creations showcased in Vienna’s most prominent fashion shows and performances. His next milestone? Hosting his first solo fashion show and exhibition, “FÜNFUNDVIERZIG,” at Spektakel Wien.
Refugee on Top: Kareem Aladhami’s Unique Journey
Kareem’s story echoes the experiences of many refugees who have made Vienna their home. His new collection, “FÜNFUNDVIERZIG” (meaning “45” in German), is not just about fashion—it’s about identity, integration, and belonging. Through his designs, Kareem reflects on what it means to start over in a foreign land, balancing new experiences while preserving old traditions. Can one create new networks and social circles without abandoning their roots? For Kareem, the answer lies in intertwining his old life with his new reality, blending cultures, and using fashion as his language to connect societies.
The Significance of Kareem Aladhami’s FÜNFUNDVIERZIG (45) Fashion Collection
The collection name, FÜNFUNDVIERZIG, carries deep personal and cultural significance. The number 4 symbolizes stability, hard work, passion, and the energies of the archangels, while the number 5 represents imagination, personal freedom, adaptability, and life changes. These numbers encapsulate Kareem’s personal journey and reflect the balance between tradition and innovation that defines his work.
A Collection Rooted in Culture and Family
Kareem draws inspiration from his Middle Eastern heritage, incorporating Arabic calligraphy, traditional patterns, and the craftsmanship of his mother, Afrah Qais Nouh, who studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad. Her artistic influence is deeply embedded in the designs, with Kareem taking her motifs and transforming them into contemporary, wearable art.
Kareem’s mother created her final cuneiform inscriptions at the age of 45, a significant moment that Kareem now honors through this collection. These elements, merged with modern graphics, will be a prominent feature of his designs, in collaboration with graphic designer abscutr and print artist Aereae.
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Crafting the Collection with Purpose
Kareem is meticulously designing the entire FÜNFUNDVIERZIG collection, from concept to execution, with a team of collaborators, including DJ Lynnmaaya and sculptor Hawy Rahman. The pieces will be created using upcycled materials and second-hand fabrics, reinforcing Kareem’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness in fashion. A short film documenting the creation of the collection will also accompany the show.
One of the collection’s key pieces is a black suitcase, symbolizing Kareem’s refugee experience. Inside it? An Angry Bird hoodie, tank top, and black shorts—the exact outfit Kareem wore when he fled to Europe. Another significant motif is a map of the Tigris River, where Kareem learned to swim at age four. His roots are embedded in every stitch and pattern, reminding audiences of the importance of personal history in artistic expression.
A Message of Peace through Fashion
The fashion show will culminate with a powerful statement against war and violence. In collaboration with Hawy Rahman, the set design will feature cast Kalashnikovs that models step on and break as they walk down the runway. This symbolic act reinforces Kareem’s message: “No to war, yes to peace.” With music bridging the cultural divide, Kareem has collaborated with Lynnmaaya to create a special song combining traditional Iraqi tunes with contemporary beats.
Kareem Aladhami’s Fashion Collection: 45 Looks, 45 Models, 45 Stories
With 45 unique looks, Kareem’s FÜNFUNDVIERZIG collection represents a fusion of personal history, cultural legacy, and modern innovation. The collection blends Middle Eastern influences with contemporary aesthetics, highlighting Kareem’s ability to navigate both worlds seamlessly.
Kareem’s final tribute to his past is the inclusion of the Aladhami surname in his designs, taken from his hometown, Al Adhamiyah. His story, like that of many refugees, is one of resilience, transformation, and the desire to preserve one’s cultural heritage while embracing new beginnings.
Photo Credit:
Aya Gadelkha, DIAURRA, Mine‘s photos, Carlotta Wegner,
