A Designed Dream

You have men that are into fashion and looking good. Then someone just appears and catches your eye. That is exactly what Aswad Abasi did when he launched his Abasi Couture clothing line. The DC native has taken the whole world of appearance into his hands by becoming the designer that he wanted to be, no questions asked.

The man who had been sketching for years prior to his success didn’t have any formal training in designing. “I was originally music major at the Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts at Berkley,” Abasi said. He still plays his music and uses it as a muse for his line. “I enjoy shopping for myself. I use mainstream designers to put things together and create my own style.” The main focus was a women’s clothing and accessory line for the company. While Abasi was focused on the clothes, his brother was busy sketching ideas for jewelry and handbags. Abasi suffered the loss of his business partner and brother in 2003, but new visions began to unveil itself and he is continuing what was started long ago.

“Fashion designing was my therapy while coping with the loss of my brother and it helps me to this day,” Abasi said. The Abasi Couture logo with wings symbolizes the clothing line taking flight in honor of his brother. Because of the support and motivation of local designers when he was new to the industry, he participated in local shows and fittings. His collection debuted in 2008 in Washington DC. “Over 200 people came to see my show and I did all of the promoting online,” Abasi said. “At least 90 percent of my work is conducted over the Internet.” His MySpace page, his website, www.abasiworld.com, and people purchasing his clothes on www.nyfashionconnect.com is better because he doesn’t mind spending so much time online. His website is showcasing his designs, his Phoenix Rising fashion show, pictures and peeks of models promoting his talent. The dream that Abasi and his brother started and the vision that continued from him is a result from the support of his loved ones.

“My parents and other relatives started their own businesses and keep their businesses motivated,” Abasi said, speaking of role models and inspirations he looks to for his work and success. He has magazine collage clippings to help him create his next piece of clothing in addition to his original sketchbook that he kept prior to his business starting that he uses for new ideas. Additionally, his collection is also derived from a person’s body shape and the associating compliments to an outfit.

In the days to come, Abasi is working on a women’s shoe line, handbag line, a men’s line and a fashion magazine as well as more fashion shows. His company is also heading towards model management in efforts to connect models with fashion designers and shows. It is no doubt that Abasi’s brother would be very proud of the success that his business partner is achieving by keeping his dream alive.

Photo courtesy of fierceambition.com. Check out the original article at www.divadymes-ezine.com!