This week, we converse with Shireen Shahana, the founder of her eponymous label and her new venture, Izaki—a line that builds upon her signature statements with an Indo-Arabic inflection. Both Shireen Shahana and Izaki are born from the founder’s impeccable taste and meticulous attention to detail, cementing their statuses as amongst India’s most unique niche contemporary labels.

Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.

Renowned for her signature zardosi work and embroidery patterns, which remain inimitable within the market, Shireen’s portfolio commands a loyal following of its own. Situated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in India, its physical presence is a destination with a distinct design philosophy—mirroring its creator’s refined eye for heritage elements and her profound appreciation for Indian traditions, reinterpreted with a contemporary flair.

 Her designs are structurally sound and beautiful; each garment is approached almost as an architectural project, with every curve and corner sculpted with evident love and consideration.

To delve into her journey, Emirates Woman sat down with Shireen to see how her journey in the world of fashion began.

Tell us a little bit about your educational background.

I did B.Sc. Visual Communications in Loyola College in Chennai, India. I have not done any course on design but I guess destiny had different plans.

What was your favourite subject at school?

I was more into science, especially Biology because I draw on record books and I loved drawing detailed diagrams.

What was your first job?

I started my career as a designer in my early teens, I used to design clothes for friends and family and myself and I started my label at the age of 20.

What brought you to Dubai?

Dubai has great quality of life, is culturally versatile and open to new ideas and creativity.

 What inspired you to enter the fashion space and launch Izaki?

Label Shireen Shahana is a pure Indian wear brand, but my ode to fashion doesn’t stop at Indian wear alone. When i visited Dubai, I saw a fashion industry I identify myself with. Izaki was born in my mind at that very moment.

Talk us through the concept, and how Izaki was born from your namesake label Shireen Shahana?

When I enter my workshop, its just like a small child at a candy shop. Like I want to taste every chocolate and every candy, same way I just go lalaland inside the storeroom and I play, cut, pin all the fabrics around and make the designs. It was too difficult for me to put everything under one label. Izaki has the soul of label Shireen Shahana, but it’s an opulent version.

Tell us more about Izaki and its design philosophy.

Izaki is a modest wear brand, it is easy fits which buckle up your shoulders with confidence and grace.

What are the key elements of your role?

As the founder of both brands, I personally look into every process of my design creation and I have to make sure every outfit that gets out of the workshop is perfect.

Talk us through your daily routine.

I would love to sleep till noon because I dream of new designs but unfortunately my work timings doesn’t allow that. The work starts at 11, goes on until 6 at the workshop, I do take client meetings in between these hours as well. When I’m back home, I like to be at my peace and quiet, I listen to music as I do other chores at home. I sometimes work on my new designs during this time.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow the same footsteps as you?

Never give up on your dreams, there will be tonnes of challenges as a designer and a business owner that we face, but have a positive attitude towards your dreams. Dream big, manifest, the nature listens to you!

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

One of my well-wisher said this to me once, “Remove all toxicity from your life, negative people, places and things, and you will attract good things coming your way. The longer you hold onto negativity, the more you deflect greatness.”

And what is the worst?

Its enough, don’t do more, you might fall.

What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?

I had started my career very early and I didn’t have any educational background in designing. This was my passion and that was the only investment, so i did a lot of mistakes at the cost of my work discipline. But whatever mistakes I made, I learned and worked towards my goal.

 What lies ahead for the brand?

Taking the brand to a global scale.

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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied