Meet Shahini Fakhourie | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shahini Fakhourie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shahini, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Delaware to a Jamaican-American mother and a Jamaican father who is Rastafarian. My family always nurtured creativity growing up where there was no shortage of music, cousins and food. My grandmother made all of her own clothes and she taught me to sew when I was young which sparked my interest in design before fully realizing what that even meant. Growing up with the values and cultures I was surrounded with, nurtured me and made me who I am today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart is my background. Being raised with such a strong sense of community, while being able to learn my individual identity is unfortunately not common. That is what I always come back to when I need to ground myself. I’ve gotten to where I am now through hard work. I’ve had a ton of jobs and met really amazing people along the way. I was able to take so many giant leaps because of my parents always being there, pushing me. Moving to Miami, moving to New York, coming back to Miami, starting a business. I think the biggest lesson is having the right people in your corner and knowing when to accept their advice. It typically aligns with your gut instinct. My unique perspective is what gives anything I create its distinction. And I’ve always been most excited about the next thing I’m creating. I love forward momentum. What I’d want for the world to know about my brand is how much thought and care goes into every aspect, whether it be the patternmaking, a weaving, illustrations or an exhibition. I absolutely love what I do and that’s what I want to show through the brand image.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami has so many amazing hotels, but a gem I love is The Langford. It’s in a historic beaux-arts building and it’s located near a few museums downtown: The Frost, HistoryMiami and the Freedom Tower. Dinner and drinks at Red Rooster to kick off the trip. Definitely the Design District, a little shopping, a lot of pics, and then Midtown for coffee at Pasion del Cielo. A Heat game is a must, along with a stroll on Miracle Mile, Fairchild Tropical Gardens and a tour of Vizcaya. While down south, stay for dinner at Root & Bone. After a morning on the beach, lunch at Grown. And you have to pass by The Citadel. Dinner at Paradis Books & Bread is so cozy you won’t want to leave! And finally, I would cap the trip off with Awash Miami; excellent Ethiopian food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are honestly so many who have supported me that deserve recognition. There are two that have been constant and selfless. Vicky Tabora who is not only an amazing friend but my “go to” MUA for all shoots. She is so solid and truly an artist. On set, we have such a symbiotic relationship that she knows what’s in my head and how to achieve that vision. Karla Gil has been such a support in setting up the first showroom we’ve had for the brand and believing in this brand we’re building. Having the support of a tribe of people that you can count is so special.

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Website: www.shahinifakhourie.com

Instagram: @byshahinifakhourie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shahini.fakhourie.96