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"THE ITEMS PEOPLE PUT INTO THEIR WARDROBE SHOULD LAST"

BEHIND THE BRAND

SHAHINI FAKHOURIE

With a streetwear label all about sustainability, designer Shahini Fakhourie shares her views on fast fashion and the rewards of upcycling old clothes.

Interview

New season collection. Misty shirt, $119

Fast fashion vs. slow fashion and the joys of dressing for comfort

The current style for Shahini Fakhourie is very minimalist. I approach design as if I am telling a story because it’s an effective way of communicating to the world who you are. Due to the pandemic, streetwear has moved off the streets and into the homes, so comfort is something I think about constantly just as a principle. After all, how can one feel good if they do not feel comfortable? I’ve thought about fabrics for this moment in a different way, but just as in fashion, this moment is temporary and can only affect design so much.

There's a lack of women-led, high-end streetwear brands. My foundation in design comes from my grandmother but I developed my skills through fashion school. I did an internship in New York and freelanced for Tommy Hilfiger working in the accessory design department. For a short while I was an events writer for Haute Living Magazine and 944 Magazine which inspired me a lot and opened my eyes to the fashion industry.

I see my work as I see my own personal past. Everything I’ve done has brought me to this moment in life and in work. I’d say each thing I do, I strive for it to be better than the last, to always grow and apply more knowledge and skill. I just couldn’t say which I’m most proud of, I love it all.

As a sustainable designer, fast fashion seems a by-product of human consumption and everything that is tangled up in that. For me, the worst thing about fast fashion is the throw-away quality of it. I believe the items people put into their wardrobe should last. And when the item no longer serves the wearer, it should be able to serve someone else. Not sit in a landfill.

One thing that attracts consumers to fast fashion is its affordability, so with Shahini Fakhourie being a slow fashion label, I don’t let price dictate the design. All the materials I work with come from a zerowaste factory. One of the reasons I don’t think brands are using this method is down to patterns. They have to be positioned and cut in such a way that maximises the fabric usage. I take all the fabric that is not used and repurpose it which isn’t common practice in today's world. Let's hope that changes.

News

GOOGLE FUNDS 30 INNOVATIVE BLACK-LED STARTUPS

With up to 800 applications received, Google Startups has awarded 30 black founded tech businesses £1.5million in funding. Amongst the names is the UK plant company Horticure. The scheme which runs across Europe aims to address the lack of funding for new entrepreneurs and transform a diverse range of industries including healthcare, gaming, food, education and fitness. Beauty

ADUT AKECH BECOMES ESTÉE LAUDER’S GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR

This month one of fashion’s brightest stars Adut Akech will be appearing in Estée Lauder’s make-up and skincare campaigns across the globe. For the 21 year-old model this is a dream come true: “Estée Lauder has such an amazing heritage, and the story of Mrs Estée Lauder continues to be an inspiration to women around the world. Like her, I hope to inspire girls everywhere to never give up following their dreams.”

Deborah Choi, founder of Horticure

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Fashion

PRIMARK PERIOD PANTS GET A THUMBS UP

Period pants are a hot topic, and leading the way as a budget-friendly, sustainable buy is Primarks latest offering of reusable briefs. Leak-proof with a built-in pad, the anti-odour knickers are lauded for being comfy and practical. Price from £6.