DESIGNER PROFILE – JAZMINE NOSSEIR
What should everyone know about you?
JN: I dabbled in women’s wear, jewelry, and product development to get a feel for the industry and what excited me the most about it. I’m currently doing product development, but I make a point of constantly designing and creating on the side.
Why did you choose to be a designer?
JN: My grandmother is a very talented dressmaker. I used to watch her for hours while she produced ideas, chose fabrics, hand sewed, and draped dresses. I was always fascinated with how many layers of creativity and work were put into designing and constructing garments. I couldn’t help but want to get involved!
What steps did you take to become a designer?
JN: While attending design school, I constantly researched fashion trends, designers, and artists in order to hone down my own personal aesthetic. I worked on sharpening one skill at a time- practicing hand sketching, garment construction, pattern making, until I became comfortable with each aspect of the process. Once I graduated, I did internships and freelance work with designers who shared a similar aesthetic and style direction.
Best/Most Challenging part of your job?
JN: Having to find a happy medium between creative concept and a product that will actually work within a certain budget.
If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
JN: I always imagined myself in a create field of some sort- whether that was in architecture, photography, or art.
How did you get started in design?
JN: I interned with a high end fashion designer in New York.
What do you like about what you do?
JN: I like the constant challenge. You have to use both creativity and logic to come up with a good product.
What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?
JN: That I’m willing to do anything for free.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
JN: Owning my own business in design.
How has your work evolved since you began your career?
JN: I used to be afraid of color and prints…I’ma little more comfortable with playful looks.
Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
JN: I avoid anything I don’t feel comfortable in.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
JN: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to never sell yourself too short- but nothing good will come out of trying to create too many shortcuts.
What advice would you give to young designers?
JN: Research- designers, artists, materials, software. Make yourself the best possible creator you can and work, work, work.
What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
JN: Creating my own website.
Are you superstitious or do you have any rules you live by?
JN: I definitely believe that you get back what you put into things.
Jazmine Nosseir is a fashion designer specializing in women’s and children’s apparel with experience in couture, sportswear, accessories, product development, and costumes.