This week I've interviewed another fashion senior, Hiba Aswald. I'm surprised I've been able to interview two seniors thus far and neither of them were on the verge of a breakdown. Or they were hiding it.
Anyway, my interview with Hiba took place in her room in Willoughby, which she insists was a mess, but whatever.
I'll just jump into this interesting interview because she had a lot to say about what I had asked her:
What initially drew you into the world of fashion?
"It was always in me. I've always loved clothing. I don't remember when I started to love clothing but it's always been such a huge part of my life. Every day I made an effort to style a new outfit for myself to express individuality and to stand out. I made an effort to stand out. I still have a lot of pride in doing that. It's a challenge for me to see how many ways you can wear something, and how you can wear clothing that stays away from trends. I guess I kinda rebel against the fashion norm? I've done this since I was a little kid. People would ask me if my mom dressed me (because what I wore was so uniquely put together), but I would say: No, it was all me! But my mom did play a role. My mom and grandmother would knit a lot and they would make me clothing that they'd design. I guess I inherited that from them. "
What kind of work have you been doing at Pratt?
"Well—I enjoy draping and pattern making—and when I get it right, sewing. I love hand knitting. I just learned a bit about machine knitting, which is something I've always wanted to learn. I've also made shoes and hats. I took a 3D printing course at RISD once that I hope to include in future designs."
What about your textiles?
(I ask this question because I know this is something she's good at).
"In the beginning [of my time at Pratt], I worked more with color blocking and paneling rather than manipulating textile surface. With hand-knitting I started to immerse myself in creating textiles. For my junior thesis, I experimented with sewing strips of fabric together and allowing that to create silhouette and shape and structure rather than designing the garment then choosing the textile. From then I built off of that and in my current thesis collection, I added prints, pleated prints, beading and quilting, machine knitting, and experimenting with layering strips of fabric and sewing them on panels of fabric.”
Whatare your outside influences and inspiration?
“As a designer I choose to not be influenced by previous work by other designers. It’s not original and it doesn’t promote creativity. It’s not challenging. What’s been done has been done. As a result I think that nature has drawn me in because I’ve been surrounded by it in my home state, Rhode Island. I love being here in New York City, but I love the country (if you will), just as much. What intrigues me most is how organisms are preordained to behave in certain ways. I like to explore and teach myself about our world. I think that we should remember where we come from even though we have built this world. We should remember we come from the earth.”
Do you have any other hobbies?
“I enjoy comedy! It’s a way for me to relax and breathe between different projects. I’m also loving film more and more, exploring different genres and TV shows. I did ballet for over a decade before school, and I hope to return to it, or start a new form of dance soon. Possibly flamenco. But that would be after school, because I almost have no time to do it now. I also love photography! It’s my way of constant documentation. If something strikes me as interesting in terms of composition, light, shadow or color, I take a photo of it. I do it all the time. I have over 2,500 photos on Instagram. I take photos also of my travels, which is another hobby of mine. I love the feeling of exploring a new place, and experiencing the different culture and vibes of that new place.”
The dreaded question—
What do you see yourself doing after Pratt?
“Ideally, in 10 years from now I’d have my own successful company. Or it would be amazing to be a head designer at a really prestigious, established brand. Whether it be something classic like Dior or to work with a more artistic and conceptual designer like Hussein Chalayain.
Right after school, though, I hope to find a job within a year in the industry. Whether it be in NYC, or, I wouldn’t mind experiencing fashion in London or Paris. The job doesn’t have to be glamorous. I aim to gain as much experience in the industry as possible before I set up to make my own line. I want to be well informed.”
What about family influences?
“My family is Lebanese. Over there clothing is highly regarded. Having good taste and being well presented is big over there. The style over there when my mother was my age (in the 80’s) was very unique. Other than that, my maternal grandparents influenced me. My grandfather was an electrician, but he was very inventive and creative. He owned a knitting machine and taught himself to make sweaters. My Grandmother was also very creative. She mastered embroidery and knitting, and I loved receiving sweaters from her because they were always interesting with fun color palettes. My paternal grandparents had exquisite taste. They enjoyed styling their home and what they wore. Both of my parents pushed my brother and I to pursue a career in the arts (but my brother is studying biochemistry). If my mother didn’t study within the sciences herself, I believe she would have been a successful designer. My father also had a great appreciation for the arts and really influenced the artists I enjoy.”
Who supports you the most?
“My family supports me the most. They are closest to my heart and have been there for me through everything. They pushed me away from feeling that design wasn’t for me in times of self-doubt. They don’t hesitate to help me with money, they’ve been the kindest most wonderful people and I can’t thank them enough for their help and support.”
Do you have any advice for young people looking to study in fashion?
“I have to think about this... I have a lot of thoughts but I don’t want to scare them off!”
Pauses for a moment.
“If you’re truly passionate about the field, even with the tough times, keep at it and persevere. It’s an arduous occupation but it’s worth it if you have the drive. Be prepared! It’s not fun and games at school. You have to be serious about it and take yourself seriously and be prepared for criticism and don’t waver in your self-confidence.”
Nearly an hour later, the interview was over and I thanked Hiba because she basically wrote the whole interview for me. I knew I barely had to do any editing because she made sure what she said was ready to be published. Thanks, Hiba!
