If you think that fashion design is only for art or fashion-related majors, think again. Regardless of majors and concentrations, everyone is an artist at heart—and fashion is art. It might be hard to design stunning looks and sew dresses on the side, while trying to get your way through business or medical school, but it’s absolutely doable. Shahir manages to balance his passion for fashion and ridiculous intensive study sessions; you can do it, too. All you need is a little faith in yourself.
Name: Shahir Shukor
Role: Student Designer
CollegeFashionista: How did you get into fashion design?
Shahir Shukor: I’ve always been into sketching in a notebook, but that’s something I used to keep to myself. Then I went to a fashion show on campus with a friend in my first year of college and realized I’d like to pursue fashion design. It was a turning point!
CF: What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome since you started designing?
SS: Trying to turn my designs into reality. I went downtown for a class, not knowing anything about sewing. I cut through my first dress [laughs]. Another challenge is the struggle to get an internship in the fashion industry, especially one that combines artistic creativity with business.
CF: What are your plans for this semester and the future?
SS: This semester I’m going to create six looks for the bi-annual FAST fashion show. Well, I already know what they’re going to look like. In the future, I’d like to work in fashion, and then become an economics professor, sharing my experience in the industry with my students. I also hope to have my own line, a dream that’s supported by my family.
CF: How would you describe your style?
SS: Yves Saint Laurent‘s shift dress has influenced me a lot, and I’d say that my style is minimalistic and avant-garde.
Learn More: Check out FAST, where Shahir takes on the role as a design director.
