Irina Shabayeva Is Ruling The Fashion Game

I have to be honest; I really love fashion. And not just the typical things associated with the industry. I adore creativity, originality, powerhouse, attitude, and truly great style. That is how I would describe Irina Shabayeva. She is the winner off season six off Project Runway. Her New York-inspired women’s warrior collection is what set her apart from the rest of the competitors and made her ultimately stand out and win.

Irina Shabayeva "I wanted to send a message that it's OK to be a woman and be fragile, but it's also OK to have a layer of armor, because you need it." -Irina


The Fashion Cult
Source: The Fashion Cult 

The Fashion Cult
Source: The Fashion Cult 


Project Runway focuses on fashion design. Designers compete, to create the best clothes and are restricted by time, materials, and theme. Their designs are judged by a panel, and one or more designers is eliminated each week. Talk about pressure, right? Well for Irina, this never bothered her. She continued to show her talents through each stage in her life, since winning and it’s been incredibly impressive.

MJZ Pret a porter
Photo: MJZ prêt a porter l'officiel paris featuring Helena Gatsby
 

MJZ prêt a porter
Photo: MJZ prêt a porter l'officiel paris 


MJZ prêt a porter
Photo: MJZ prêt a porter l'officiel paris

MJZ prêt a porter
Photo: MJZ prêt a porter l'officiel paris

MJZ prêt a porter
Photo: MJZ prêt a porter l'officiel paris 

MJZ prêt a porter
Photo: MJZ prêt a porter l'officiel paris 

Competing on All Stars from Project Runway, which was equally as fun and competitive with an edge, Irina showed her versatility she possesses and that hasn’t stopped her from ruling the fashion game. Especially, since she can turn a garment out and make it look very expensive.


I had the pleasure to ask Irina 5 quick questions, for my interview with her and she didn’t disappoint. 

Heather Noire: How has Project Runway shaped you as a designer?


Irina Shabayeva: I don’t think Project Runway has shaped me as a designer. It did, however, give me a great opportunity to show my work to a large audience. I think my experience in the fashion industry and my education most of all has shaped me as a designer. While working on my BFA at Parsons School Design, I learned all the technical as well as creative skills needed to execute my ideas. Contrary to what most people think about art and design school it’s a lot of hard work. Any Parsons Fashion BFA alumni will tell you, that we had very little almost no time for a social life and ran on 4-6 hours of sleep a night for the four years it took to complete the design program. Between writing papers for our liberal arts courses, illustration classes, draping and pattern making classes we were completely booked. I am grateful for my education because it gave me confidence and taught me how to master my creative skills.


Heather Noire: Where do you find your creativity?


Irina Shabayeva: I find creativity everywhere. Everyday life and nature never cease to inspire. I love bookstores, museums, and large bodies of water, that’s where I’m most inspired.


Heather Noire: Is there a misconception about you?


Irina Shabayeva: There are no misconceptions. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and understands things from their level of perception. With that being said, I think the world still views confident ambitious women a lot differently than confident ambitious men. I have no interest in fitting into antiquated ideas of femininity.


Heather Noire: What sneak peek off your current projects are you working on as we speak?


Irina Shabayeva: I am currently working on a Pret a porter/ready to wear collection for Maison MJZ in Paris and New York. It’s a Parisian based couture house, that specializes in high end couture made to order pieces in exotic materials. MAISONMJZ.com In addition to designing the MJZ couture, we are expanding into the luxury ready to wear market. The ready to wear collection is more an “effortless chic” look made in luxurious leathers and jerseys. The ready to wear collection will be available to purchase in early 2022.


Heather Noire: Why did you decide to become a designer?


Irina Shabayeva: I loved art from an early age. I started drawing and painting at the age of 5. I don’t think I decided to become a designer, I followed my talents where they led me organically. I went to Parsons with the intent of becoming a painter and complete the fine art program. I ended up in the fashion program because it seemed more exciting to me. I love sculpture/sculpting and design, that to me translated to fashion design.


Interview written and conducted by Heather Noire of Bauchle Fashion.


For more insight into fashion, interviews, or just to say hello.

Follow me on Instagram @heathernoire89

To keep up with Irina Shabayeva's designs and more, follow her on social media.

Instagram @irinashabayeva @irinashabayevacouture

maisonmjz.com

80 comments

  1. I haven't heard of this designer before but her pieces are beautiful! It's great you got to interview her :)

    Hope you are having a good weekend :)

    Away From The Blue

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  2. First time I've heard of her
    but her works are brilliant and so gorgeous.

    Ann
    https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. They really are and she keeps designing so well.

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  3. These are some gorgeous designs!

    http://skylish.co.uk

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  4. Replies
    1. It is what makes her such a great designer.

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  5. She is so talented! This collection is fabulous. Love Project Runway so much!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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    Replies
    1. It is a great show and wonderful to highlight talent.

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  6. WOW! Cute clothes and amazing photos! Thanj you very much for your useful post) Please check out my newest post (wiht my outfits) as well^ https://beauty4fem.blogspot.com/2021/10/parcel-Bonprix.html Thank you very much, Victoria

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  7. I love how her designs are feminine and bold at the same time!

    Eileen | yesmissy.com

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  8. What a wonderful peek inside her life this way. Thanks for sharing Heather.
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    Replies
    1. No problem! Happy you enjoyed the interview.

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  9. She is brilliant! Love this collection!
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love her collection! She is so talented and it's great that you had the chance to interview her!
    Julia x
    https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/

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    Replies
    1. She is a nice person as well and stays true to herself.

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  11. Thanks for sharing. I did not know about this designer, she is just brilliant and her designs are fabulous. And wow that you got to interview her. :-)

    Via | https://glossnglitters.com

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    Replies
    1. She is a brilliant designer and glad you loved the interview.

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  12. Such original and creative use of leahter!
    Amazing collection! Love Project Runaway me too!^^
    XO
    S
    https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really is, she knows how to mix hard and soft fabrics.

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  13. Great and elegant looks!
    I loved it :)

    https://www.heyimwiththeband.com.br/

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  14. Ohh this designer has some stunning pieces!

    Corinne x

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  15. Never heard of her but great pieces!
    -Nina
    http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2021/10/sweater-season.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She was on Project Runway and she is a great creator.

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  16. Such a cool interview with a talented designer! I love her pieces!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  17. Love all these pieces, very stylish! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  18. Wow she's so talented! Loved this post!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

    ReplyDelete
  19. I must say she is gorgeous. Love this post very much. Thank you so much for sharing.
    Love: Mariann yip

    https://www.mariannyc.com/cappadocia-the-dreamiest-destination-in-the-world/

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  20. It's so great reading about such a talented designer! I love all these looks!Have a great week!
    PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
    ♥ | INSTAGRAM

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  21. What a great interview I LOVE her work! So much great talent has come out of PR.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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  22. Oh wow, this post is so inspiring! Fab interview, and those pieces are s t u n n i n g !

    //teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx

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  23. I adore this brand, it has some badass feminine creations! <3


    http://www.couture-case.com

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  24. I also studied fashion design and it's interesting to learn about other people's experience.
    I love to watch Project runway.
    xx
    Margot
    https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, and see how they navigate the industry.

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  25. This was a great interview. I hadn't heard of the designer before, but her work is amazing!

    mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/

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  26. Beautiful looks! I like the looks all black.

    https://www.biigthais.com/

    Kisses ;*

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  27. I really love them all!!
    so cool posts!!

    http://www.itzytrendy.com/2021/10/catrina-20.html

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  28. love the construction of these garments!

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  29. Great!

    Federica
    www.federicadinardo.com

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  30. Love watching Project Runway! Irina is so talented! Her designs are beautiful!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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  31. This is the first time that I'm hearing of her! Thanks! I love the designs and hope to see more in the future!

    https://www.aproposh.com

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  32. Ohh I LOVE your quote from Irina; that's such a beautiful and insightful way of describing her collection!

    aglassofice.com x

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    Replies
    1. It is so good! It is an amazing collection.

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  33. First time I heard of her, but her works looks gorgeous! I am personally eyeing those chunky coats <3

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  34. In love with her collection, so stylish and awesome! Thanks for sharing!! :)

    Kisses,

    https://www.theartofpaloma.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She is very talented. Glad you loved the interview.

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  35. I haven’t heard about it, but it was very interesting to read!
    wdresscode.blogspot.ru

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  36. So amazing. Her designs are stunning and I remember loving watching this show.

    www.fashionradi.com

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  37. Ohh, I've never heard of her before but damn, love her designs!

    Lots of love,
    Krissi of the marquise diamond
    https://www.themarquisediamond.de

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  38. I am LOVING all of these!

    Amy x https://wandering-everywhere.com/diagnosed-with-crohns-disease/

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  39. I really like her pieces and this collection is very approachable. 3
    FASHION TALES

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  40. It looks like Irina has a fantastic career ahead of her. I like the structural cuts and the empowering look that her garments have. Thanks for linking at #WowOnWednesday.

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    Replies
    1. She really does and her eye for design is evident.

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