Meet this week’s Friend Feature Friday Safiyeh from Michigan!
I’m super excited to feature my talented friend Safi this week!
We went to middle school together back in Michigan and her awesome madre was our school principal. As teens I remember Safi being the sweetest and kind hearted girl there was. Middle school is as awkward as it gets but Safi happened to be friends with everyone because she is a genuine and kind individual. She’s witty, fun, and has a killer sense of style which makes sense because she is a talented fashion designer. I predict that she is going to accomplish big and awesome things in the fashion world – just wait and see – this gal has major talent!Keep reading and get to know Safiyeh!
1) Educational Background?
Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with a focus in Fashion Design from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2014
2) Current Job Title?
Production Assistant at a start-up bag company and (hopefully soon) a Jewelry Designer
3) Zodiac Sign? Age?
Aries, 24
4) Ethnic Background?
Bengali & Russian Jewish
5) Why did you choose or why do you love your profession/field of study?
From a young age I was into making art more than anything else. That progressed into my interest in fashion when in high school I started to realize just how much clothing could affect the way other people perceived me and the way I felt about my place in the world and since I’ve worn Hijab for almost half of my lifetime, the idea of having the power to choose what I could reveal and conceal to the outside world has always been very important to me and the way I express myself. It seemed natural that I would find a way to incorporate this interest into my studies though it took me awhile to realize that’s what I was supposed to be doing. More recently though, I’ve been interested in jewelry because it’s like making little sculptures to be worn as add-ons to a larger image of what someone wants to look like and I really love that.
6) What is the most rewarding thing about your profession/field of study?
The most rewarding part about creating a collection (whether it’s jewelry or clothing) is being able to tell a story that becomes all the more human because it involves the body. I love doing research to come up with a concept that really touches me and if other people are also touched in turn then that’s really the best thing that can happen.
I made these dresses during my sophomore year for the annual fashion show at my school and it was titled “The Scattering of Dreams.” The photos are from a photo shoot that was published in Bast Magazine.
7) What is your 5-year goal?
I don’t tend to make big goals for my future because I can be happy in a lot of different scenarios but I have made one goal recently and it’s that I would like to have an established jewelry line by then. It’s coming along slowly right now!
The rings were hand-carved and cast in silver and I titled the collection “Of Wind and Water” because most of the shapes and textures are based on the way nature erodes in it’s own beautiful way.
I’m currently working on a new collection of jewelry using the same kind of theme as well so stay tuned!
8) What are your hobbies or interests outside of your profession/work?
I love to read and listen to podcasts mostly, and roam around antique stores and flea markets whenever I can.
9) Favorite Website?
The Cutting Class – it’s a fashion nerd’s dream!
10) Favorite TV Show?
True Detective, Sherlock, and Doctor Who
11) Next travel destination?
Antwerp, Belgium
12) Who is your style icon?
Michele Lamy
13) What are 3 wardrobe staples you can’t live without?
A sharp coat/jacket, lots of silver rings, and lace up boots.
14) Three words that describe your style or personality?
Dark, moody, and a bit severe.
15) What would you tell your 18 year old self?
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!! It’s one of my only regrets that I didn’t think to photograph so much of my work that is now gone or destroyed.
“Let the beauty we love be what we do.” – Rumi