One of our favorite designers from Project Runway, Shirin Askari, has the perfect collection for this Spring's retro vibe! Her construction and draping made us swoon on Project Runway and this collection is no disappointment! We were lucky enough to interview this up and coming designer and she had some great advice for young designers out there! One of the sweetest girls we have met, we hope to see big things from her in the future! Oh yeah, she also has a great little white dress that we plan to include in our own wardrobe!
1. It’s been a year and a half since you were on Project Runway. What has been the biggest change in your life?
The biggest change in my life since the show is how strangers recognize me and say " I know you, we've met before!!" Only to realize that they've just seen me on tv...
2. We know you are very inspired by the 40’s and 50’s. What is it about that time that touches you?
I love how the clothes were so feminine and flattering. People dressed up more, and wearing a hat was a must
3. Is there anyone today that you look to for inspiration?
I don't think I look to any one person... my family and friends have always inspired me in so many ways.
4. Starting your own line and building your own brand can be a daunting task! What advice would you give design dreamers out there? Anything school failed to mention that you’ve had to learn firsthand in the real world?
The advice I would give to a designer starting out would be that it is a lot of work! It is a lot of long hours, setbacks and failures....but that will make the little triumphs that much sweeter. And that you should never compare your success to anyone else. Depending on what school you went to the emphasis on making sure you learn every part of the business is also important. This includes sketching, pattern making, construction, fabrication, marketing and sales....just to name a few.
5. Do you plan to ever show at New York Fashion Week?
Of course I would love to! I've been approached to show in NYC during fashion week... it might happen soon.
6. What article of clothing can you absolutely not live without right now? What are you dying to get in your closet for Spring/Summer?
The item of clothing I probably couldn't live without right now would be my dark skinny jeans. A lot of the time I have to find a way to go from the office or meeting to an event. So I need something that I can quickly dress up with jewelry, new top or heels.
In the spring and especially the summer I love to wear sun dresses... maybe one with a retro twist.
7. Who are your favorite up and coming designers that you want to share with Wardrobe Wire readers?
One of my favorite designers right now is a shoe designer named Nicholas Kirkwood. His shoes are like pieces of art!
8. What was the best advice you ever received (fashion or otherwise)?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to just take it one day at a time... in my life and especially my business. Not to dwell on the past, instead learn from it... not to worry about the future, but plan for it... and live only in the present, because it’s the only thing that's guaranteed.
9. Where can we purchase our very own Shirin Askari design?
You can purchase Shirin Askari designs in Dallas at places such as Elements, Melanie Gayle and Betty Reiter or by contacting us. For a complete stockist which includes other stores in the US contact us through our website at shirinaskaristore.com
10. What’s next for you? Any projects you can share with us?
I'm currently working on Fall 2011 and we've just picked the venue and date so stay tuned :) We are looking at April 6th for the show date!
Thank you Shirin! We look forward to watching your success grow and we will definitely be watching our inboxes for your official Fall 2011 date!
