HIRA JETHWA
Ever since elementary school, Hira Jethwa has always known she wanted to do something in fashion. Hira was born in Brooklyn, NY and is a Pakistani-American Austenite. Hira believes it was her culture that lead her toward design because Pakistan has a large fashion industry that incorporates very colorful and embellished garments. Hira has always had a passion for design and debated whether she should major in architecture, advertising, or fashion. But in the end, Hira chose apparel design because she feels that is has a broad range of careers within the industry in which she can combine her multiple talents and interests. To Hira, fashion is an expression. As if you can express how you are feeling without even having to speak. Kira believes, “fashion gives a glimpse into someone’s personality without them having to open up.” That is what she loves about fashion. Her fashion style is mostly inspired by menswear. Hira loves the refined look of menswear and likes to layer elements in ways that make them feminine. She loves several different clothing pieces like button up shirts, loafers, and blazers. Every fashionista has a certain clothing item or accessory that they love and just have to have. Hira’s biggest weakness while shopping is spotting a nice blazer because that is something she feels she has no control over when it comes to shopping. Hira believes that learning apparel design, business and staying up to date on fashion trends has given her a bet-
ter understanding of fashion. Before she was exposed to the world of fashion, she thought fashion was an industry only for people who want to make clothes. Now she has learned that the industry is massive and that there is so much more to it than just making clothes. The inspiration behind Hira’s collection was iridescent objects and the colors that they reflect. She finds it interesting how one object can be seen in a new perspective in different lights. It is little things like this that fascinate her. Her collections draw from prismatic shapes and iridescent colors contrasting with black. Hira says it is definitely menswear inspired and transforms some of the classic pieces in menswear. Hira feels that her biggest inspiration for fashion relates to history and architecture. She has always been drawn toward the little details that people often overlook, such as in buildings and in art. In her free time, she likes to do photography and explore new places. Hira feels that “doing photography has taught her to focus on details.” Everywhere she goes, she notices the smallest things that inspire her. Since Hira loves graphic design, photography and fashion, her plans for the future are to combine her interests and pursue a career in fashion publication, editorial, or even in social media. One thing for sure is that she “sees herself doing what she loves to do and is excited to take on the next day.”
Writer: Alana Hernandez, Photographer: London Gibson, Model: Anahita Pardiwalla, Layout: Kevin Hwang