Anastasia Newman’s graduate groject centres around her Persian/Iranian Heritage on her father’s side, focusing on the oppression of women in Persia after 1979. Before this time and in ancient times, she discovered that women lead armies and held places of power. The ancient history of her Persian Heritage connected the dots of why she is so passionate about female empowerment; her female ancestors potentially lead armies! Since being a child, she has always been influenced strongly by women from which she gains inspiration. Growing up with a younger brother who loved to play computer games, she found herself actively seeking out games that she could play in which women were the main character. The one game that resonated with her was Lara Croft. This woman was a strong, athletic and intelligent female anthropologist who could speak many ancient languages, explore dangerous territories independently and fought enemies who tried to defy her. This character proved a real inspiration to Anastasia and her younger self; not only was the character of a game her only role model but her mother and various heroine figures in film, media and books were. Newman’s work shows us that her mum is her own heroine and has taught her to be the woman she is today. She explains that her mother is the reason she seeks out these female role models and is the reason why she wants to celebrate strong females from all contexts in her work. It is not only about the physicality of women being strong but also intellectually and mentally. Anastasia’s collection reflects all of these aspects of a strong and powerful woman who is able to celebrate her body and personality through form fitted luxury clothing and sharp tailoring.