AIWA-SF Thrive: Anet Abnous

THRIVE is an AIWA-SF April project dedicated to highlighting Armenians who are doing amazing things in their personal and professional lives to better themselves and those around them.  These individuals are inspiring, dynamic, innovative and interesting. Today, we feature Anet Abnous.

My Name: Anet Abnous, CEO -Co Founder Anet’s Collection (Wearable Art company)

Anet’s life philosophy:  When I was a toddler and just about to take my first steps, I did not fear to fall over.  I said, if I trip then I am going to get up and do it again and again until I run! Sadly, we fail to remember our attitudes when we were toddlers.  Fitly, the simple and honest philosophy: Fear not of failing, fear of not trying.  I could only fail forward.

Anet’s hopes for the Future:   There are common human elements across art platforms.  We see this culture and that culture influences art and fashion trends, but we yearn for an Armenian influence on modern fashion  styles.

I am striving to bring my flavor of styling, my Armenian infused cues, into this very connected world.

I am hoping for people, across the globe, to recognize the Armenian influences in my work. An endeavor to have Anet’s Collection to be synonymous with the highest quality and prestige.  To be and remain an Armenian influenced styling for modern day people.

What being an Armenian professional means to Anet?   Like a fruit does not choose its tree, I chose to remain Armenian and the profession came as natural extension of my upbringings.  I think Armenian, I feel Armenian and Anet’s Collection developed into the natural and essential outlet for what I am.

Anet Abnous is a Los Angeles-based Armenian artist whose vision is feminine beauty and empowerment. With the female figure as her muse, she creates breathtaking abstract imagery symbolizing women’s liberation.

Born and raised in Iran during the Islamic revolution of the 1970’s, Anet nurtured her passion for the arts early on. Inspired by her father’s tailoring skills, she took sewing and pattern making classes at age 16, studied fashion design at Tehran’s Zahra University, and after immigrating to the U.S., earned a Fine Arts degree from Queens College, City University of New York in 2005.

Anet’s art is deeply compelling and culturally diverse. She juxtaposes the vibrant colors and impeccable details of traditional Armenian costumes and art with the subdued black veils of Islamic oppression to create art of striking beauty. Her paintings are housed in several private collections and have been showcased in galleries in New York, Rhode Island, California, and Korea. She has been published in Asbury Park, Burbank Leader, NY Art Magazine, and more.

An ardent supporter of women-centered causes, Anet co-curated Manhattan’s first Armenian female art exhibition in 2007, bringing together talented artists from Armenia, Syria and the U.S. She has also shown in galleries with the mission of ending violence against women.

Anet’s Collection is wearable, tangible art — the culmination of Anet’s dream to merge fine art, fashion and storytelling through elegant tees, scarves and note cards imprinted with her work.

AIWA-SF is proud to have partnered with Anet’s Collection on many projects. You can purchase her pieces online at www.anetscollection.com and www.dadivashop.com all proceeds of sales from Dadiva Shop will be donated to AIWA-SF.

 

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About AIWA-SF:

The Armenian International Women’s Association is a dynamic global 501(c)3 dedicated to empowerment, education and enrichment. Through many projects and initiatives,  AIWA is dedicated to inspiring, empowering and connecting Armenian women worldwide.

AIWA-SF is an affiliate chapter of the Armenian International Women’s Association,  the EIN #: 04-3113182. Donations marked for AIWA-SF are routed to the affiliate chapter.

To get involved with the AIWA-SF affiliate, please visit http://www.aiwasanfrancisco.com or send an email to aiwasanfrancisco@gmail.com. We are grateful for all donations. To help us promote progress, contributions can be mailed to: AIWA-SF 15559 Union Ave #227 Los Gatos CA 95032