Shop Stories: Aashumi Shah’s Collaboration with the National Building Museum

For Aashumi Shah, a DC-based textile designer, the National Building Museum isn’t just another landmark—it’s a place filled with cherished memories. As a mother and creative entrepreneur, she has spent countless hours exploring the museum with her son. Now, her connection to the space has evolved in an exciting new way: she’s designed a custom print for the Museum Shop, bringing her passion for textiles and her deep-rooted love for DC together in a unique collaboration.

A Creative Connection

Shah’s journey with the National Building Museum began long before her professional collaboration. “My son must have been three years old the first time we visited,” she recalls. “It was summer, we were hot, and we just sat by the fountain before exploring the Museum. We really enjoyed playing with the foam blocks.” Over the years, she and her son returned time and again, drawn by the Museum’s engaging exhibitions and immersive installations like The Beach, a summer architectural installation filled with thousands of plastic balls. “At first, my son was hesitant to go in, but once he did, I couldn’t get him out!”

The Birth of a Collaboration

Shah’s introduction to Michael Higdon, the Museum Shop’s buyer, was a serendipitous moment. She had designed a DC-themed onesie featuring the city’s iconic monuments, inspired by places she had visited with her son. At a major craft show in February 2024, Higdon saw the design and immediately recognized its potential for the National Building Museum Shop. “When he introduced himself, I froze for a moment,” Shah says. “I thought, ‘Wait, what? The National Building Museum? That’s one of our favorite places in DC!’”

Excited by the possibility, Higdon asked if she could create a custom print for the Museum. “I said absolutely! I would love to do this,” Shah recalls. “This was my first collaboration with a museum, and I’m so happy it was with the National Building Museum because we have such a strong connection to this place.”

Designing for a Place That Feels Like Home

While Shah has been approached for custom design projects before, she typically steers clear of them due to the significant time investment. But this was different. “Because it was for the National Building Museum, a place that means so much to me and is truly unique in what it offers, it made the project really rewarding.”

She worked closely with Higdon and his team to refine the design, ensuring it reflected the Museum’s unique essence. The final print captures the spirit of the Museum, merging architectural beauty with playful elements that resonate with both children and adults.

Seeing the Design Come to Life

After months of collaboration and production delays, seeing the final product was an emotional moment for Shah. “I was completely shocked,” she says. “It turned out so beautiful. I’m so proud of this effort.” More than anything, she’s eager to spot little ones wearing her design. “I can’t wait to see babies and toddlers in this outfit out in the wild!”

A Journey from Mumbai to DC

Shah’s path to becoming a textile designer in DC has been a journey of passion. Originally from Mumbai, India, she studied textile design there before continuing her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. After marrying a public defender, she made DC her home. “DC has such a supportive community for small business owners and independent designers,” she says. “Michael saw that when he met me—he was excited that I wasn’t just a designer but a DC resident with a real connection to the Museum.”

More Than Just a Print

Reflecting on the process, Shah is grateful for the experience. “I’ve never met a buyer like Michael—so incredibly patient,” she says. “This project took over a year, and while the design came together quickly, production delays meant we had to wait. But seeing it all come to life made every moment worth it.”

For Shah, this collaboration is more than just a design—it’s a celebration of family, community, and a beloved DC institution. “To be asked to create something for a museum that’s been such a big part of our lives—it means everything.”

About Mirasa Designs: Inspired by everyday life, Mirasa makes comfortable, affordable, and unisex clothing for kids. In Hindi, “mirasa” means “heritage.” Taking a cue from the heritage of our founder, Aashumi Shah, Mirasa is dedicated to the highest quality of fair, sustainable, and socially conscious practices while giving back to girls’ education in India. Learn more at mirasadesign.com/.