More Information

Hello, I’m Gela Sharifi!

I am a fashion designer with a decade of experience, starting my journey at just 13. I specialize in crafting unique and contemporary pieces, blending creativity with technical expertise. My extensive background in designing men’s and women’s clothing, costumes, and accessories allows me to infuse each design with a distinct, personal touch.
At thirteen, I developed my passion for fashion design and, a few years later, my love affair with feathers. I graduated from the prestigious Ecole Supérieure de Commerce in Switzerland and have extensive experience in design, sales, styling, and entrepreneurship. I am highly fashionable, with a creative flair for designing chic and unique garments.
Over the years, I have collaborated with tailors in Zurich and Milan, honing my skills through self-discipline and industriousness. In 2013, I established the label "Gela Wesh" in Zurich, Switzerland, building my vision for the art of design and mastering the advanced technical skills required to construct high-end apparel. I am also a graduate of Parsons School of Design - The New School in New York, where I studied Fashion Design.
My intricate visions seamlessly meld tulle, lace, silk, and heavily feature real feathers, one of my original inspirations. I integrate real, natural, and 3D-printed feathers into my designs in a manner that is both poetic and feminine, symbolizing strength, lightness, freedom, and female empowerment. Creating haute couture, limited ready-to-wear collections, and exclusively tailored creations, my designs have been worn on several high-profile red carpets, including the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
My work has been featured in leading press outlets, TV, and magazines, including NBC, NBCLA, Fashion Channel TV, Dujour.com, Runway Magazine, Faces Magazine, Vigour Magazine, Alpha Magazine, and 1883 Magazine.

Professional Summary
Accomplished fashion designer with extensive expertise in design, garment construction, and pattern creation. Proven success in entrepreneurship and managing operations within esteemed organizations. Adept at driving innovation, maintaining high-quality standards, and leading teams to achieve strategic goals. Known for being innovative and adaptable, excelling in both collaborative and independent roles, and consistently surpassing project objectives.

CORE SKILLS
Skilled in aligning project strategies with technical design and creative principles to produce fashion items that reflect the brand’s vision. Demonstrates exceptional dedication with strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Advanced proficiency in technical design, drawing, and pattern making.

Professional Experience

VOZ Apparel, New York, New York, USA, March 2023 to present
ASSISTANT DESIGNER

Conducted trend analysis and market research to inform design decisions.
Supported fabric selection, prototyping, and creation of tech packs.
Used CAD software and Adobe Creative Suite for design concepts and presentations.
Cut and sewed samples and attended wardrobe fittings.
Organized sample coordination and managed timely deliveries.
Supported E-commerce operations and managed the store during the manager’s maternity leave.
Assisted with event organization, tradeshows, and sales.

Parsons Meares, New York, NY, USA, July 2022 to February 2023
COSTUME TECHNICIAN

Managed the creation, construction, and maintenance of costumes, garments, accessories, and patterns for Broadway and Las Vegas productions, including Hamilton, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge, and Radio City.
Cut and sewn costume samples for Hamilton and The Lion King, creating over 40 costumes and more than 8 accessories.
Supported the Cutter by creating patterns, performing fittings, documenting alterations, and preparing work for Stitchers.
Attended wardrobe fittings with the supervisor to ensure proper fit and made necessary alteration notes.
Directed Stitchers and provided guidance on methodologies for custom garments and fitting adjustments.

Mio Design, New York, New York, USA, August 2021 to December 2021
ASSISTANT DESIGNER

Collaborated closely with the Designer to complete designs, costume renderings, and fittings; created sketches using Illustrator and Photoshop.
Led the construction of garments, costumes, and accessories, ensuring alignment with client guidelines and expectations.
Customized orders and clothing selections to meet individual customer specifications.
Attended exhibitions with the costume designer to showcase new 3D-printed costumes and accessories.

Gela Wesh LLC, Zurich, Switzerland, September 2013 to August 2020
FASHION DESIGNER

Led the complete product design process from market research and mood board creation to design, sampling, and production oversight in Milan.
Presented story, mood, and color boards, along with samples.
Attended fashion exhibitions in Milan and Paris to source fabrics and trims.
Sketched and illustrated collections using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CLO 3D; created detailed tech packs for development.
Designed and produced over 500 womenswear pieces, including ready-to-wear, evening wear, and 3D-printed accessories, all aligned with the brand’s aesthetic.
Planned and organized store events and promotions to attract new customers; collaborated with photographers and assisted with styling.