Très Dope caught up with California-based designer Mahtab Azimi to discuss the inspiration behind her gorgeous line filled with pieces tailored to compliment a woman’s every curve. We also chatted about how she got her line started as well as her love for Michelle Obama and Coco Chanel.
TD: WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU WERE DESTINED TO BE A FASHION DESIGNER?
MA: I’ve always loved fashion…creating fashion is something that always brought me a lot of joy. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a fashion designer.
TD: WHAT WAS IT LIKE LAUNCHING YOUR OWN LINE? ANY STRUGGLES?
MA: I didn’t know anything about launching a line other than I wanted to launch a line. So I faced a lot of road blocks, disappointments and struggles when I started. Whenever you do anything new or take a risk like starting your own business you’re inevitably going to have some struggle, but looking back those were the defining moments that I learned and grew the most.
TD: WHO ARE SOME DESIGNERS THAT INFLUENCE YOU?
There are so many to choose from…I’m inspired by so many designers. Coco Chanel is the designer that has influenced me the most. Not only did she single handedly change fashion but her story is remarkable.
TD: WHAT TYPE OF WOMAN WEARS YOUR LINE?
MA: All women can wear my line. That is one of the main reasons why I started my own line…my dream was to create a line that women of all ages, shapes and sizes could wear. Great fashion should be ageless, timeless and definitely size less.
TD: WHAT CELEBRITY WOULD YOU LOVE TO SEE WEARING ONE OF YOUR CREATIONS?
MA: I would be honored if any celebrity wore one of my pieces. I’m honored when anyone wears one of my pieces…to see women feel great and look beautiful in something I created is an amazing feeling and my favorite part of designing. It would be my dream if Michelle Obama wore one of my pieces. I love her, her style, what she has done for fashion and really everything about her…I’m one of her biggest fans.
TD: IF YOU COULD GIVE AN INSPIRING DESIGNER AN INSIDER TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would say stay focused and stay positive. Be grateful…the more you’re grateful for what you do have…the more you have to be grateful for. You might not get into every boutique you want…and you might not sell as much as you want the first season…but don’t ever give up. I’m just a girl trying to find a way to make her dream a reality.
TD: WHAT’S NEXT FOR MAHTAB AZIMI?
MA: I would love the opportunity to continue living my dream. I want to continue pushing myself artistically, and make each collection the best I can. And hopefully better than the last. We’re making some major changes in 2010. Expect a lot of new styles, a fresh, new exciting spring collection. And we’re working on a few charity events that are very close to my heart. Hopefully you will hear and see more of the Mahtab Azimi brand in the new year.
To find out where to purchase Mahtab’s designs visit www.MahtabAzimi.com.
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A generally highly-caffeinated, impulsive shopper and Founding Editor-in-Chief of Très Dope. Layman's terms: HBIC.
