Red Bull Gives You Wings

Shirin Askari — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 20:52:40 +0000

Hi everybody! My name is Christina, and I am one of Shirin's assistants. Our team recently attended the "Red Bull Art of Can" Opening Night Gala on Friday, July 30th, and I'm here to give you all of the details!

Shirin was asked to create 4 designs incorporating Red Bull cans to showcase at the event. Along with Kourtney (Shirin's other assistant), we began working on the garments several weeks ago. We started cutting cans..a very tedious task by the way..and after about 12 cases, we finally had enough cans to make the garments. We came up with the designs, and although we didn't know exactly what to expect the final outcome to be, the sewing began!

For any of you who have ever wondered if it is possible to sew aluminum cans together, now you have your answer!

The first dress Shirin made was a bit dangerous. FYI, Red Bull cans are really sharp! We cut the cans into flower petals and sewed them across the front, up to the shoulder, and then on to the back. To make it more dimensional, we turned the edges of the petals out..which made it look awesome, yet also very weapon-like.. as Shirin quickly found out the hard way! The dress turned out great though, and finishing it made us all even more excited to make the rest of the garments.

We started working on the other 3 outfits immediately after finishing the first one, and our project quickly progressed! 300 cans later.….

The most difficult part of the entire process was constructing our "wings." We wanted so badly to make them work; we were determined not to give up! After 78 cans, we finished the highlight of our Red Bull Collection.

In addition to the garments, we made some accessories for the models to wear with their outfits.

By the day of the Gala, we were crossing our fingers that every piece to the puzzle would fit, and hoping that the wings would fit in someone's car! (Naturally, Shirin's mini cooper was automatically out of the question)

Later that evening, we arrived feeling anxious and excited for the event!! After walking through the Galleria and receiving extremely strange looks for carrying gigantic Red Bull wings around the mall, we made it to the Ice. We were then led to a dressing room, where hair and makeup artists took over and prepped all of the models. Shirin had asked me earlier that week if I would wear one of the outfits, so I was excited to join the other models and get all dolled up! With lots of down time before our appearance, luckily we were able to adjust all of the pieces and make sure that every garment was in tact.

At 9:45, after prepping/hiding backstage 2 1/2 hours, it was finally time to make our grand entrance!

Shirin onstage talking about the pieces

The girls with the nights mc Steve Kemble

The Art of Can Gala for Red bull was a blast! Thank you to Red Bull and my amazing team for making it a huge success! ~Shirin Askari

Event Photos by Quoc Cong

La Mode Top Hats and Tutus!

Shirin Askari — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:47:37 +0000

I recently received the opportunity to dress Heidi Dillon for the cover of La Mode. Working with her is always an adventure! We steamed and made the cover dress pristine before we realized she would be lying down and have the picture taken upside down!! After it was all done it was hard to tell she was in my dress on the cover, and not a pile of blue silk.…. the pictures turned out amazing nonetheless!! I love dressing Heidi, she's fun, has great sense of style and definitely knows what she likes!

Below is the cover as well as some other pages from the feature:

(Heidi in the dress on the cover) (The dress right side up

Heidi, her sweet son Dallas and their beautiful dog Ralph. He’s a Labradoodle but the first time I saw him I thought he was a bear! So playful.. and big!

La Mode Magazine threw a party “Top Hats and Tutus” for the release of their Summer 2010 issue, featuring Heidi Dillon on the cover and looks from my Fall/Holiday collection.

Walking in and seeing all candy, dessert and dressed up guests I suddenly got the feeling of a second chance "Alice in Wonderland" prom!

It was a great night with catering by Lisa Garza. My favorite part of the night was definitely the giant cupcakes!

…but then again I’m a sucker for a good cupcake

Winding down.…

The Big Night!!

Shirin Askari — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:07:31 +0000

According to the press release:

While most of the cast from the sixth season of Project Runway chose NYC’s Fashion Week to host their debut presentation, Shirin decided to partner with The Fashionistas and house her first ever fashion show in downtown Dallas.

Askari, a Dallas native and recent graduate of the University of North Texas, auditioned for Project Runway after nixing plans to head to Europe due to knee complications. With just three days until the application deadline, Askari entered the competition. With a little luck and a lot of talent, she breezed through the interview process and was asked to join the show. After surviving the majority of the way through the sixth season (and famously having her first reality-show meltdown), Shirin was cut just three episodes away from the finale. She will now get her chance to showcase her signature designs (fresh twists on ladylike classics) very soon.

What an absolutely AMAZING night! I want to thank everyone who worked on this event. To all the sponsors, the Fashionistas, Jan Strimple, Janet Fresquez, Betty Reiter, Bella, hair and makeup (Blanc)… to the models, the people who help set up, Light Dallas, F2's, dressers… SOOO many people made this night what is was and I want to thank each and every one of you!

The night was a total success!! It was a sold out show filled with press and over 400 people in attendance. All the proceeds went to the F2 scholarship fund and I couldn't be more thrilled that I was able to help such a wonderful organization! If you missed the show you can watch the video on my home page. After walking the runway and going backstage I felt the tears coming on. So much time and work for 15 minutes of absolute bliss

I think Jan Strimple said it best "You could feel that the room was filled with so much emotion, love, and support." Thanks again to everyone who made this such a memorable night!! Love you all.

Photography by James Edward.

Fashion Show!

Shirin Askari — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:44:39 +0000

I have recently been working on my debut collection that will show February 26th in downtown Dallas. It is going to be a very exciting event produced by the ever fabulous Jan Strimple. I have partnered with the Fashionistas for this fashion show. It is a wonderful organization that raises money for student scholarships.

ALSO Kalyn Hemphill, the model who won Models of the Runway will be featured in my show as well! She is a sweetheart originally from Lake Jackson, TX. Since I decided to have my debut collection shown in my hometown of Dallas, TX instead of New York I thought Kalyn would be a wonderful southern addition to the show!

Kalyn Hemphill, Winner of Models of the Runway

Its going to be a great night filled with surprises so make sure to buy your tickets soon, they are selling fast! All the proceeds will benefit the F2 Scholarship fund. You can purchase your ticket here.

See you on the runway!.…Well not "on" the runway unless your a model

New stores added!

Shirin Askari — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:25:10 +0000

Two new stores have just picked up my line. They are both amazing stores in Dallas. Melanie Gayle has two locations, one is in Snider Plaza and the other is at the Shops of Legacy. It is a beautiful store with wonderfully sweet people ready to help you. The other store is called Assembly. It is located in the West Village in Dallas. Assembly has a modern, trendy atmosphere with a great selection of pieces. I am thrilled about working with these wonderful new stores. If your in the Dallas area make sure to check them out!

http://www.melaniegayle.com/ourstore.htm

http://www.worldofassembly.com/

Getting Geared UP!!

Shirin Askari — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:20:13 +0000

As many of you probably know my time on Project Runway was cut short 3 episodes from the finale. I left reality TV world and finally said hello to reality…and it feels pretty nice. It was a great experience and one that I feel blessed to have been a part of. I learned a long time ago that everything happens for a reason and there is no need to look in the past and wonder why. Although, I will say that all of the amazing love and support everyone has shown me through the immense amount of emails, messages and posts have truly meant so much to me. I wanted to thank you all again for your kind, heartfelt, encouraging words which have not gone unnoticed. SO many of you have expressed your frustration about my departure…but I guess I would rather leave the scene and have people be upset that I'm gone, rather than upset that I'm still there

Now …enough with the mushy stuff! I've been so busy filling orders for stores, doing custom wedding dresses and now working on my new collection. I'm so excited because I just picked a venue for my Fall 2010 Fashion Show! I wanted my first big show to be where I grew up so I made the decision to have it in downtown Dallas. More details to come so stay tuned!

Lots of love,

Shirin

I called it!

Shirin Askari — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:39:29 +0000

So… as some of you may know, I protested Crocs from the very beginning. The one on left is their attempt to be "cute." To me, its still just as awful as the monstrosity on the right. Again, unless your under the age of 12 this is just not acceptable.

And now I come to find out that someone despises them just as much as me.

FOXNews.com: What is the one fashion trend you want to see disappear?

Tim Gunn: Crocs!

Glorious.

Link to article

Save 20% this weekend!

Shirin Askari — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:47:06 +0000

Shop THIS weekend only August 27–30 at shirinaskaristore.com and you will receive 20% off your ENTIRE purchase!

Use Discount Code: SAVE20 at checkout to save!!

Season 6 Started!!

Shirin Askari — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:44:45 +0000

Project Runway Season 6 just started!! I produced some shirts for the Project Runway store and they are up for sale! I even designed two shirts for your little dog

Project Runway Shirin Shop

Tough Yet Beautiful

Shirin Askari — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:58:06 +0000

Now I don't know if its because I'm a history nerd, I have a love for martial arts, or I like anything that makes you feel more powerful in your everyday life…but I absolutely ADORE these bags from Empire 33. What's more empowering that walking around town with the handle of a civil war or katana sword?!?!!?…Well maybe the sword itself Although, that might be a little harder to coordinate with your outfit. These beautiful handcrafted Italian leather bags are simply brilliant because they aren't just a beautiful piece of art, they are functional and they give you more insight on the woman whose holding it. A.…"Don't mess with me or I'll cut off YOUR sword to make my next bag attitude!!"

Custer Bag- The handle of this bag is an American civil war sword and the body is high quality Italian leather.

: Musashi Bag- The handle of this bag is a Japanese katana sword handle and is made of hardwood with shark skin wrapping, silk braid, the body is high quality Italian leather.