The Bold and the Beautiful: An interview with Fashion Designer Avnah.
By: Sherifat Mohammed
On a crisp and sunny Sunday afternoon, I was given the opportunity to have an interview with fashion designer Avnah. You’ve probably seen her designs on some of your favorite celebrities or music videos but never knew it was from her. Her bold and beautiful designs are breathtaking and always makes a statement. The 18 year fashion vet has put in years of hard work, perseverance and determination to get to this point in her career—showcasing her latest collection—but Avnah is just getting warmed up. The wife and mother of four, she doesn’t look a day over 25, discussed with me her inspiration for her latest collection, obstacles she has faced along the way, and so much more. If you haven’t added her to your list of designers to watch, after reading my interview with her—you need to. Check out my interview with fashion designer Avnah.
Sherifat: Before we start, you have three children right?
Avnah: Four. I have four children.
Sherifat: What? Ok. So are you from Atlanta? Where are you from?
Avnah: I moved to Atlanta in 2002. I moved to Atlanta from North Carolina and before that I lived in Ohio. When people ask where I’m from, it’s kind of hard because I’ve lived in different places.
Sherifat: I understand. Let’s talk about fashion and design. How did you get into designing?
Avnah: My mother taught me how to crochet. She felt like it was a good skill to have. So, she would take an hour each day to teach me how to crochet. I started in design with a crochet collection. Everyone kept telling me if you are going to be in the fashion industry, you have to know how to sew. So, I taught myself how to sew. I would take eight hours a day to study that. Just like if you were to go to school or a job. I did that. Then, I figured it out. I also studied different techniques. I researched online and read books. I wanted to create a niche for myself. My pieces are very detail-oriented. I create different and unique pieces. I also create unique pieces so I won’t get bored of doing it.
Sherifat:Wow. That’s amazing. So can you remember the first time you designed something?
Avnah: I do. I started drawing sketches of things in a little notebook. But I wasn’t drawing sketches with mannequins or anything. I would draw pants and skirts.
Sherifat: And how old were you when you were doing that?
Avnah: 16. A couple of years ago my sister-in-law found the notebook and gave it to me. I have created pieces from some of the pictures in the notebook.
Sherifat: Look at that. You were sketching and didn’t know you were sketching your destiny girl.
Avnah: (Laughs) Exactly.
Sherifat: Now, there are many career paths you could have chosen, why did you pick this path?
Avnah: Design wasn’t my first path. Cosmetology was. I got my cosmetology master license and opened up a shop here in Atlanta. There would be slow days, so I started crocheting some pants, skirts and bathing suits and then I would put them on the mannequins in my shop. People started buying clothes from off of the mannequins. Then the clothes started moving faster than the hair was. So, when I decided to close my shop and transition into the fashion industry, my clients worked with me and I was able to still make money. One day Carmen, from Nstyle Atlanta- she was working with her other company then—URTV. She invited me to be in her fashion show for URTV. That was my first large platform. I remember Janelle Monae performing at that show.
Sherifat: That’s amazing. So let’s talk about your new collection. What’s the name of your new collection?
Avnah: It’s self-titled. It’s called the Avnah collection. The pieces run from Avant-garde to ready to wear pieces. It’s diverse. Everyone can find a piece they like.
Sherifat: What was the inspiration behind your collection?
Avnah: I wanted to do something softer. Most of my pieces are detailed- oriented and edgy. I wanted to bring it back with a lighter feel. Add some floral and lighter colors.
Sherifat: Who is your clothing made for?
Avnah: My designs are made for every woman. My pieces are a really suited for the bold and daring. Anyone who wants to make a statement. If you are wearing a conservative outfit, you could use one of my pieces to make a bold statement.
Sherifat: For the fashionista on a budget, are there any pieces that we can buy that’s $100 and under?
Avnah: Yes, you can. I have some very pretty accessories. I also have turbans that already have the structure built in them. So, it’s easy and convenient. My turbans are very popular.
Sherifat: Great. Has anyone famous worn your designs?Have any of your pieces been featured on tv?
Avnah: (Laughs). So, many to name. Kelly Rowland, Elle Varner, Cynthia Bailey and the South African singer Lira. My designs were in B.O.B’s 4 Litvideo featuring T.I. and Ty Dolla. Migo’s video Walk it Talk It. Also in one of Chris Brown’s music videos. A lot of stylists pull garments from my collections.
Sherifat: Switching gears for a moment, could you talk to me about some obstacles and hurdles you have faced working into the fashion industry?
Avnah: One obstacle I had was teaching myself how to sew. A second obstacle is trying to make the right connections. Because sometimes you don’t know what to do next. So you can have the right people to guide you. Some people will give you information and some won’t. I launched my first line in 2000. I’ve been designing now for 18 years. In 2010, I started teaching myself how to sew. By 2012, the ball finally started rolling. It took 10 years for the ball to start rolling. It wasn’t until a few years ago at New York fashion week, which got me noticed by people. It took years of me doing it on my own and bumping my head.
Sherifat: Wow. Going back to your collection, where can people buy your pieces?
Avnah: Yes. People can go to www.avnah.comto buy my pieces. Or they can go to Lamaisondefashions.com. My pieces are also on Melrose in LA and in Ooh la la the fashion boutique in Atlanta.
Sherifat: So, what’s next? What are some of your upcoming projects?
Avnah: I’m working on my Spring/Summer 2019 line. It will have a lot of details. A lot of sparkle. A lot of attention grabbing pieces. It’s going to be hot stuff. I’m in talks to do something in September 2019 for fashion week. I just got with the film union in Atlanta. I’m trying to get my foot in the door in the film industry. I’m excited about that. I’m also getting ready to launch my eyewear line.
Sherifat: Finally, where can people view your work?
Avnah: They can go to @avnahcollection on IG or go to the website www.avnah.com.
Photos by Avnah
Hair by Janice Roye
Make-up by Nrala Javier
