For answers to many of your burning questions, check out Arefeh Mansouri’s interview for Zee Report. Arefeh started as a Pre-med student and very soon realized that following her passion for fashion and Design is what she really wants to pursue in life. She has been successful as a designer. Like most, she has seen her share of struggle. Let’s see what she has to say about her journey
1. So how did you start your career?
Fashion first or something else? I Initially chose a path that was far removed from art and fashion. I entered college with the intention of matriculating  into medical school by majoring in Biological Sciences. I soon realized that, although I was headed to a worthy career path, I simply was headed for a vocation that didn’t allow me to express my innate creativity.  So I simply followed my instinct and went with what I was most passionate about. Fashion and Costume Design was a way of being an artist, a historian, and an architect all in one.
2. What attracted you towards the fashion industry?
To be honest, I simply love to design and create. Â I can’t say that I got into this because of the Industry. Â The Industry is the infrastructure and engine that makes it all possible. Â But I am not just in this to make a buck. Â I am in this to feed my passion
3. What do you do in the industry?
I currently design wedding dresses and evening wear for  boutiques.  I am also launching a high-end Ready to Wear Couture line that will be available for sale in NYC.  These unique pieces are a representation of my soul and passion for the art of design.
4. What were the challenges you faced in the industry?
The Industry has become very difficult to break through as of late. I believe that everything has become celebrity driven. Â The unfortunate consequence is that, these days, fashion has become more generic because of it. People have lost the confidence to be unique and seem to want to fit into whatever stereotype they are being forced into. This is obviously making the jobs of top emerging designers difficult when trying to make a name for yourself. Â But if you are talented and hard-working enough you can break through.
5. How did you overcome them?
I simply don’t give up. Not that I haven’t felt like it. Â But persistence is the mother if success in this industry. Not that I am in any way complacent. I have a long way to go, and I won’t stop until I am there.
6. What could you have done differently?
I could have done many things differently, but each mistake was an educational event.
7. How did the recession effect you?
Well people are less likely to spend, as a whole, so you have to tone down things a little to make them more affordable without sacrificing quality.
8. Did the stress level affect your personal life?
Thankfully, I have a supportive husband and family. Â But I don’t get to see my long time friends as often as I would like.
9. What are your long term goals?
To take over the world! Â Actually, I just want to do what I love and be the best at it.
10. Ten years from now, where do you see your brand and yourself?
Ten years from now, I am hoping that I have established myself as one of the world’s top designers who are known for her unique style and creativity that profoundly effected the world of fashion. Â I am also hoping to advance my career in the Costume Design Industry and have many more movies under my belt.
11. What is the advice you would like to give to someone who is starting out to do something similar?
Be smart with your money and try to anticipate things that can go wrong in production so your not caught with your pants down (Pardon the Pun) Currently I’m preparing for NY Fashion Week, I was chosen to show my collection at EMERGE! Fashion show at NY
Fashion Week (September 11, 2012)
