#1 CS: Tell the viewers a
little about yourself, what’s your educational background and some of your
business related and general interests?
TI: I am Tehran Iman
Robertson-Jihad [pronounced (Tehr-rahn)]. I am a native of Cleveland, Ohio, who
is the youngest of four (4) girls. I have had an appreciation for quality
fabrics, creativity, art and aesthetics of fashion since I was a child which
cultivated my eclectic style. I am naturally a rebel. I attended Kent State
University majoring in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Pre-law, where I
was introduced to Fashion in a different angle; from the professional, business
woman side of things. After my freshman year at KSU I transferred to Virginia
Marti College of Art & Design where I completed my education December 2010
and commenced June 2011, graduating with a degree of Applied Business of
Fashion Merchandising. While at Virginia Marti College of Art & Design I
discovered what it meant to develop a brand, create a need and market myself as
a business. I have worked for multiple companies including such notables as
Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Tehran Iman Fashion Consulting came about in a
Fashion Marketing class in college, and I have built my name, brand, image and
clientele since then alone as a individual; Tehran has developed Fashion Shows
including White Out for 107.9, Merchandise Coordinator for VMCAD productions,
Creative director and executor of a Saks Fifth Avenue event with NFL wives, and
has built my name as a freelance stylist. I have done a lot of custom design
which I have received a lot of recognition from and am currently working on a
Modest Collection including work out attire, dresses, abayas, and casual wear.
#2 CS: What is fashion to
you?
TI: Fashion is ever
evolving components of art, quality and concept which evokes emotion; and can
be manipulated, progressed and molded into style.
#3 CS: Describe your city’s
fashion.
TI: The fashion in my city
is diverse. We have it all; fashion victims, rebels, curators and minimalist.
#4 CS: When did you realize
you wanted to become a designer, how did your line come about?
TI: I’m a stylist who got
pulled into design by hobby. I never wanted to be a designer I like the
business side of fashion and styling clients. I can sketch, I’m hands on and I
have great taste so I naturally alter, create and have ideas. I altered some
items for myself and costumed my own items and from demand came my “Fashions
Own” collection which is full of costumed denim pieces.
#5. CS: What was the first
article of clothing you designed?
TI: I actually sketched a
dress for a client and had another designer make it. But for my line the first
object I designed was shorts for an outfit I was styling for myself while in
LA.
#6 CS: How long it usually
takes to construct a piece?
TI: Depending on the item
as little as an hour. On average 2-3 hours.
# 7 CS: Are there and if so,
any local models that’s your favorite to work with?
TI: Yes. I had the
pleasure of styling Barbee Nicole, which is a Cleveland Native now living in
NYC, for a photo shoot and we had fun! Her face, attitude and catwalk amazes
me. She is like the modern Black Barbie with character. I also enjoy working
with Raneeka as well; she is such a diva on the runway, professional backstage
and needs no direction.
#8 CS: What are some of
your accomplishments as a designer?
TI: Instagram has taken my
business to the next level, via photos and word of mouth. 80% of my clients are
out of Ohio…. I sent Celebrity Stylist Leah Louie, of Cleveland now living in
ATL, a package of my items on a humble and Necole Bitchie celebrity blogger
wore my denim in a photo shoot. My denim also has made it on the red carpet in
Atlanta, GA.
#9 CS: How does your line
differ from your competitors?
TI: I do what I do as a
hobby, and get paid for it….I wouldn’t necessarily say I am trying to compete
with anyone. I don’t look at “competitors” or compare myself. My reputation
speaks for itself. But I know that I have professional experience and provide
quality work.
#10 CS: What are some of
your favorite clothing stores, websites and catalogs?
TI: My favorite store is
ANY Thrift Store and Saks Fifth Avenue because I can get myself nice things and
great cosmetics all in one place…. My favorite website is shopstyle.com it’s a
one stop shop you can type in whatever you are seeking and it gives you all
variations and the retailers’ link to purchase the item. Favorite magazine is
VOGUE of course.
#11 CS: Do you consider
yourself an artist? And what do you believe makes a quality article of
clothing?
TI: Yes. I actually have
been trained in tap dance, modern dance, and African dance. I paint; acrylic on
canvas, and I am a visual artist when it comes to styling and visual display.
Quality in a garment is distinguished by materials and tools used to create the
piece and the longevity it maintains after wear.
#12 CS:To my knowledge
you’re a stylist/ shopper, how do you usually prepare for a shoot or fashion
show?
TI: To prepare for a photo
shoot or any client I do a consultation first to get to know my clients
personal style and to distinguish expectations. Once I have a feel for the
clients’ personality I can go pull items, shoes, accessories and props from my
partners arrive on set over prepared and display each item with a complete
look….same thing with personal shopping. I have worked in high end retail and
know how to dress a wardrobe versus buying separates that aren’t cohesive.
#13 CS: Do you prefer
sketching a design or just constructing a piece?
TI: I like to freestyle. I
like to spur of the moment create when it comes to custom, but If it is
constructing a garment I will sketch it and allow a seamstress to cut and sew.
#12 CS: What do you love
most about designing /styling?
TI: I love the fact that I
am the artist and there are no rules; Freedom of expression. Anything I touch
is my canvas. Limitless….
#15 CS: How would you
define your personal style?
TI: Eclectic vs. Vintage
#16 CS: Where do you get
your inspiration from?
TI: I get my inspiration
from Art History. My favorite subject in school was History. In college Art
History helped me to understand design and style per Era and society changes.
My favorite fashion eras are The Victorian Era, The Roaring Twenties, and the
1950’s Glamour.
#17 CS: What are some of
your fashion goals?
TI: My ultimate fashion
goal is to be a Fashion Mogul. To be respected for all things fashion and have
the ability to teach and share my knowledge and style with the world.
#18 CS: What advice do you
have for any aspiring designers?
TI: Focus on quality and
good business versus how many things you can make and how many people know you.
Quality is greater than Quantity.
#19 CS: How can a potential
customer reach you?
TI: All contact info is
available on tehranIMAN.com
(216) 220-7041
[Business Line]
No comments:
Post a Comment