Meet Zahra Saeed, a budding new fashion designer that is based in right here in the US. Just recently she decided to pursue her interest in fashion after working for many years in the corporate world. With the launch of her flagship store in Philadelphia, she promises to offer classy, timeless pieces that embrace both western and eastern elements. With a focus on fit and embellishments, it's bound to be a success. Read on to learn more about Zahra's journey to becoming a designer!

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Please introduce yourself to our readers:
Zahra Saeed – Fashion Designer

Tell us about where you grew up, your family and your education:
I grew up in Lahore, Pakistan, where I went to school and also graduated from Kinnaird College. My father is from the Rajput family and my mother is a Qizilbash; I also have three brothers. I got married at 18, and by 21 had two beautiful girls, Shanze and Lailumah.

Prior to becoming a designer, you had a totally different career. What were you doing before and why you decided to switch?

After my divorce I had to find a job, and since I had never worked before, it was quite a challenge. I was offered a job in mortgage brokerage firm that promised on job training. I started at the bottom of the food chain and grew with the company. After nine years, the company grew into becoming a direct lender with funding 48 million a month in business, and I ended up being the youngest executive vice president for the company. I resigned in January of 2008, as I have always wanted to have something of my own. I researched the fashion business for seven months, and decided to take the leap of faith. No amount of research prepares you for the real challenge, but I am up for it! I would rather take the chance now then look back 10 years form now and think, “what if”

You made millions in revenues in finance and real estate; did your family encourage you to make such a drastic change in career from mortgage banking to a designer?

I have been on my own, just me and my two girls, none of my decisions are made by my family; so good or bad, these are my decisions to live with. I will say this much, my family has been supportive of whatever I have decided, so I feel blessed.

What is Zahra Saeed Couture about? What kind of clothes do you design and who are your clients?

design for the everyday woman, or at least I strive to do that. I like to keep the silhouettes very classic and keep the price points very, very affordable. I don’t think someone should have to pay a ridiculous amount for a beautiful embroided dress. I do want to introduce luxurious fabrics and beautiful embroideries; just blend the two worlds and create timeless pieces.


Where do you get inspiration to design? Do you design all the outfits yourself or do you have a team that helps?

I design myself, but I do have a team and I listen to what they have to say, sometimes they have great ideas. As for my inspirations, honestly they come from random things, I can’t pinpoint it - sometimes I will see a color or motif and it will inspire a dress. However, I generally thrive on keeping it classic, I like to design things that can stay in the closet for a long, long time - timeless pieces.

What materials do you like to use for your outfits?

love color, I love mixing it up. I will mix chiffon with velvet or something unconventional like that. Whatever inspires me, but ultimately I strive to create something unique.

Do you have a retail outlet? If not, do you plan to have one in the future?

Zahra Saeed’s first retail outlet will be in Philadelphia, in the Rittenhouse Square. It’s an 1800 sq ft. of retail shopping space and will be our flagship store; the grand opening is on March 10, 2009.