Rising Stars: Meet Shadi Karbasi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shadi Karbasi

Hi Shadi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Shadi, I started my fashion career in 2020 during COVID. I started sewing in 2019 by thrifting and doing reworks and during Covid I started sewing and selling face masks. I then transitioned to designing patterns and released my first collection in 2021. Ever since then, I’ve been designing and sewing different pieces either for collections or individual pieces. I’ve had multiple fashion shows throughout the years and I try to curate a theme for each fashion show that I do. The pieces I make for fashion shows are one of one pieces.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been all smooth and easy. The fashion industry is hard to get into as an individual designer because of the large consumerism brands such as SHEIN, forever 21, H&M, etc. Competing with other brands that have such high profit margins at such low costs is difficult because not only am I designing pieces but I am also sewing them myself. Not everyone wants to spend money on clothing from individual designers when they can buy from fast fashion brands. Another obstacle for me personally is the marketing aspect. Since I spend so much time on the designing side and that’s the part that my talents are in, the business and marketing has been harder for me to figure out and understand.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I design mainly island wear (swimsuits, dresses, coverups) and also festival fashion. I would say I’m most proud of being able to design and bring my ideas to life. I also am very dedicated once I have an idea to make it and finish a piece. It is such a fulfilling feeling once I have an idea and then making a physical product of it. I think what sets me apart from others is my individuality and dedication to designing. I really love creating pieces for myself or others to make them feel beautiful and boost their confidence.

What’s next?
I just recently moved to Los Angeles from San Diego to further pursue my dreams in fashion, to build and learn more about the fashion world. I hope to design different products and seeing what other people like to wear and continue to make more unique designs for people. Also I want to learn more about different materials and products that I can work with and design with.

Pricing:

• Swimsuits – $100-$200
• Dresses/sets – $100-$300
• Custom – $150-$500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shadikarbasi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadi.karbasi/