Inspiring Conversations with Xahlia Vahradian

Today we’d like to introduce you to Xahlia Vahradian.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began sewing and constructing jewelry at the age of ten, founding my first design business at the age of seventeen creating custom stagewear for musicians and performing artists in the Oakland / Bay Area. I worked as a self-taught designer for years, my passion for design eventually led me to Los Angeles where I studied fashion design and technology at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. My work has been featured at New York Fashion Week, the Met Gala, the HAPA Awards, LA Fashion Week, Kornit Fashion Week, Enigma Magazine Glamour and Success Gala, TrapXart, and the 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards. My work has also been featured in numerous music videos & publications such as New York Times Fashion, AK Fashion Magazine & Flaunt Magazine. While studying design in college, I fell in love with dressmaking, I started getting into evening and bridal wear, designing custom wedding gowns and evening gowns for red carpet events and beauty pageants such as Petite USA and the Miss Asia beauty pageant in Las Vegas.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think most independent fashion designers face challenges, as the fashion industry can be very “cut throat“ & competitive from dealing with shady stylists & production companies to people trying to profit off us.. stealing our designs & taking credit for our work.
Despite all the challenges I have faced through my experiences I have gained a lot of wisdom and insight into the industry.
Experiencing a lot of hardships throughout my youth design & fashion always gave me hope for a better life & future.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in couture clothing, jewelry, and accessories. I design, cut & sew all of my garments by hand. While most of my garments are custom-made, I am currently working on producing a ready-to-wear collection that will be available for purchase on my website this summer.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am also a visual artist, stylist and creative director with a passion for interior design, art, music & photography.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.xahlia.com
• Instagram: @_xahlia

  Image Credits
Photographers: Katelynne Wagner, Ralph Geronilla, Angela Santos Models: Kenya Iman, Juvahn Victoria, Jaymie Haban