Feb 24

Feb 24 Celebrating Multiculturalism Designer Tara Zadeh

Creative People, Culture, Fashion and Design, Photography

Very excited to interview my dear friend, Tara Zadeh, who I’ve seen grow up from super stylish NYC disco queen, to romantic angel on her wedding day in Puglia, and now a new mommy and incredible handbag designer with a coveted brand based in London.

Proud is not the word. Since her launch, Tara has created recognizable designs that include symmetrical shapes, geometric hardware, a beautiful variety of textures, carefully selected materials and colours. It’s always exciting to see what' she’s going to design and come up with for each season, including the art direction of her campaigns.

Tell us about yourself Tara

My background is in graphic design, that is what I studied at Parsons in New York and then worked in that field for a number of years. I worked at a digital agency before moving to London in 2014 where I became the Art Director of The Gentleman’s Journal for 3 years. After that I did some freelancing as Art Director for Whitewall magazine, while starting to build my brand.

I’ve always loved handbags, they’ve always been my thing and have been collecting clutches from all over the world since I can remember.

Your greatest inspirations or influences?

I am inspired everyday by my surroundings, my travels, the people I meet. My multi cultural background for sure has influenced me a lot, growing up in London Paris and New York, and traveling a lot to Iran as both my parents are originally from there.

How would you describe your own style?

My style I would say is eclectic. I mean I love love strong bold colours but I also wear a lot of black and accessories with a flashy colour for example. I like an oversized crop top with a more fitted bottom or flare pants and a tight top. Boyfriend jackets are a must in my wardrobe and then I have all these unique pieces from my mother. One of my favourite is a vintage Comme des Garçon jacket, it’s cropped and has see through wide sleeves.

Tell us about the production process, people don’t realize how complicated it can be, I’d love to share a bit about your experience.

I first started production in Spain, and not to say they are bad, but I just got unlucky with the factory. There was a lack of communication, and no respect for deadlines so in the spring of 2019 I decided to move my production to Italy where I was introduced to one of the best. This experience for me has really been life changing.

I source new materials when I go to fairs like Premiere Vision and Linea Pelle but also I have a supplier I have been working with from ht beginning, every season she comes to London and introduces me to their new materials.

Fashion icons?

Cher, Rihanna, Adwoa Aboah, Bella Hadid.

How do you see the brand evolve with time.

I might do something else, Tara Zadeh can become anything. Only time will tell but I am very happy the way things are at the moment.

Congratulations on being a MOMPRENEUR, tell us more.

It is very empowering to be a mother and an entrepreneur, juggling the two is intense but also very exciting. I am lucky that I work from home, so I get to spend a lot of time with my son and see him grow, especially at this age (he just turned 4 months) something new happens every week. He just started grabbing his feet.

Favorite websites and social media handles you follow?

I love following Sita Bellan and Aureta, their style is so eccentric and am always intrigued by what they are going to wear next. Clara Berry, because she is the coolest girl out there.

I love the brand Area, I am obsessed with everything. Their social media is also on point.