A Boston Public Garden landmark since 1987, Boston's most-photographed family of nine is dressed to the nines for a historic collaboration. The first-of-its kind partnership, joins forces of women's clothing brand, Ameera—founded by Boston University alum—Ameera Hammouda, and the talented faculty and students of one of New England's premiere fashion institutions, the School of Fashion Design.

This historic collaboration is on display to the public from Friday, September 12 through Saturday, September 19 at Boston Public Garden. This is the first time in Boston history for functional garments to be custom fitted for the ducklings.

The styles presented are exact replicas of pieces from Ameera's fourth and latest collection, Ardelle. The maritime-inspired collection prominently features a striped terry jacquard fabric exclusive to Ameera. This woven fabric is custom made at a small knitting factory in Portugal using 100% organic cotton.

Ardelle draws inspiration from the founder's Egyptian heritage coupled with her New England upbringing, an ode to summers spent in Gloucester, where the editorial photo shoot took place on a 58-foot-long schooner named Ardelle.

Ameera's designs from Ardelle were translated to fit the ducklings. Mama Duck is dressed in Ameera's William Terry Toweling Rugby, and the ducklings are dressed in a coordinated ensemble featuring looks like the Salma Sweater Scarf and Emily Drop-Waist Bubble Dress—all handmade by students, Mina Hirzel  and Dylan Braun, at the School of Fashion Design under the supervision of faculty member Lisa Taranto.

About Ameera

Ameera is a women's clothing brand established in 2021 by Boston University alum, Ameera Hammouda. The eponymous name translates to "princess, chief, and leader" in Arabic— traits of women within the community dubbed "Ameeracans" who find their quite power through the luxe silhouettes and fabrics of the brand.

Ameera finds empowerment in duality, seamlessly merging Egyptian and American heritage and history to develop modern modest womenswear. Collections are designed in Boston and handmade at a woman-owned atelier in Manhattan using responsibly sourced fabrics. You can shop Ameera's latest collection, Ardelle, as seen on Boston's Make Way for Ducklings! 

About the School of Fashion Design

Established in 1934 and celebrating over 90 years of excellence in fashion education, the School of Fashion Design (SFD) is the only educational institution in New England dedicated exclusively to the study of hand-crafted apparel design and construction. SFD values the fine craft of a well-made garment and believes that fashion design is a learned skill mastered through education and disciplined practice.

Renowned for its teaching expertise and technical rigor of professional skills training, SFD is a private, nonprofit studio school offering a signature Certificate in Fashion Design. SFD also offers year-round creative workshops in various textile arts, as well as a high school fashion program. Conveniently situated in Back Bay, the School of Fashion Design is just a stone's throw from Boston Public Garden. Visit it at 31 Saint James Avenue to learn more and begin your fashion education! New semesters begin in September, January, and June with courses offered in daytime, evening, and online. Visit the School of Fashion Design website to learn more about the institution's history and offerings.

A special thanks to

The ducklings known best, it takes a village (or a flock) to make things happen. This partnership would not be possible without the coordination spearheaded by Jennifer Leclerc, Executive Director at the School of Fashion Design. Lisa Taranto, a tenured Technical Designer and SFD faculty guided the students responsible for draping, cutting and sewing the duckling outfits and Mina Hirzel and Dylan Braun, who fit the ducklings and handmade every duckling costume using original Ameera designs. 

Make way for more!

"Be sure to follow each other and don't get lost" - Robert McCloskey Make Way for Ducklings

If you'd like to stick along for future adventures, get a look behind the scenes at the making of the 'Quack-to-School Style' looks and stay connected with Ameera and the School of Fashion Design, make sure to follow along:

Follow Ameera on Instagram

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Tag @ameerahammouda_ and @sfdbos for a chance to be featured on our pages!