Exclusive! CeleBlog: Mia Jafari on Bras for a Cause

English

There are artists out there, in all walks of art, who master their craft to perfection. They perform to excellence and their skills are undeniably recognized and acclaimed by their peers and the general public alike. Most of them impress with their superior technique and a sparkling imagination.

But isn't it wonderful when such imagination can take us on a trip to an entirely new dimension of colors and shapes?

That's what Mia Jafari can do for your eyes. With a palette collecting the brightest colors, her designs resemble the fabric of dreams. Literally. When I close my eyes, this is what I wish the world would look like!

I was very excited to discover the mind behind all the fun and textures. And indeed, her answers are as fresh as her choice of colors.

Read for yourself.

The Designer behind the Brand

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence

Mia Jafari, 28, UK.

What’s your design background?

I studied at Central Martins and Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Describe yourself in three words

Patient, Unorthodox, Relentless.

Who’s your favorite designer?

Manish Arora.

What kind of music inspires you?

It varies but at the moment I’m listening to a lot of Jazz.

What’s your favorite movie?

Annie Hall.

If you hadn’t been a designer, what profession would you have chosen?

Doing something with Animal Conservation.

Mia Jafari's Cupcake Dress

The Brand

Describe your label in three words

Delirious, playful, alive.

When did you establish it?

2010.

Who is your target audience?

A woman with a playful, liberated spirit.

Tell us a little bit about your creative process: how long does it take for you to create a new collection, what inspires you, how do you choose colors, fabrics, themes?

For the current collection, the idea was taken from Persian carpets, and then luxurious commodities. I looked at Tatler and Vogue and Cartier — I collected this huge library of luxurious objects. Cocktail glasses, earrings, anything beautiful. Once I had created this library of objects, I began to weave them into the carpet designs. The process took 6 months!

Mia Jafari's Strawberry Sour Scarf

The Event: Bras for a Cause Middle East

Why did you decide to participate?

I feel this is a very important cause to support (plus I have always wanted to use my playful prints in underwear!)

What did you design, a bra or a t-shirt?

A bra.

What inspired your design?

I wanted to fuse my colourful prints with seductive underwear to make underwear fun and playful rather than just sexy. I’ll be lots of bright prints, embroidery and embellishment!

Did you take a different approach when designing for cancer survivors (or their supporters) or did you consider them as any other client?

All women want to look fabulous so I considered only one client: a fun loving woman with a great sense of humor.

What role do you think fashion can play in the fight against cancer and empowering cancer survivors?

An important part in drawing awareness to the disease but also support survivors to feel fabulous.

How do you view the Middle East as a fashion platform and audience to your creative vision?

I have been truly amazed by the fabulous boutiques and style in the Middle East. I love the fact that the Middle East is such a melting pot of so many design influences. Middle Eastern women have a great sense of style which is fun, sexy, experimental yet elegant. They are never boring!

Is this event the first time you present your work to Arab audiences? If yes, then what are your expectations and hopes with this first-time participation?

This is the first time I have presented to Arab audiences. I hope the Arab audiences enjoy the humor and playfulness in my designs.

As you know, there is a category for aspiring designers in the competition. How would you like to inspire young designers through your participation in Bras for a Cause?

I would like to inspire young designers to follow their own vision – to find their own sense of style and to embrace it.

Following that experience, would you consider expanding on your Bras for a Cause design and creating collections that speak to cancer survivors in the future?

I don’t like the idea of singling out cancer survivors, what makes them different from a non cancer survivor in spirit? Rather I would like to create a collection that supports the awareness of the disease to as many people as possible.

Mia Jafari's Midnight Mojito Scarf

Embroidery detail inspired by Mia Jafari's Cupcake Dress

Yes, I know what you're thinking: after only a couple of chats with Joe Challita and Mia Jaafari it has become clear the competition is looking seriously tough and gorgeous as ever! One thing is for sure, I don't envy the judges right now.

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