Fashion Paints the life of few and Arzo Anwar is definitely one of them. Arzo’s passion for fashion created BLEND SHOWROOM, located in the heart of New York City’s Fashion District. Learn how she embodies the Swagger Lifestyle in her very own way.

Arzo Anwar

 1. How would you describe your style?

My style isn’t about one single element.  It’s about the right blend of attitude and subtleness…edgy and sexy, but always classy. The result of the look is daring, sometimes sweet, sometimes spicy, but always beautiful. 

2. What is your average day at BLEND showroom like?

Everyday holds its own portion of drama and fulfillment. Our days in the showroom are very reactionary and it depends on how the planets are aligned that day J Our main focus each day is generating sales for each of our lines, dealing with the needs of our designers, working closely with press & magazines, we usually have a few sales appointments each day or we go on the road and travel to the stores. We spend a good portion of our day on the phone so when I get home I never want to be on the phone…lol.  Our blackberry’s are glued to us.  Most of all I love my staff…my Sales executive Neidra and my Sales Assistant Jenny.  I look forward to seeing them daily…We are a team, they make me smile and together we never stop laughing.

3. What is the most stressful part of your job? And, your favorite part of your job?

The most stressful part of my job is there is no set income. There are a lot more stresses but I try not to think about them…lol…I try to make the best of it all and work hard and pray that all will be okay because the universe will take care of me. My favorite part is I am a young entrepreneur and that I didn’t let fear stand in the way of making my dreams come true.  The possibilities are endless. The more time I put into the business, the more it will grow. I work for myself and daily I am closer to making my dreams come true and there is nothing more rewarding than that. 

4. What’s the best advice about fashion you’ve ever received?

Never burn your bridges.  It doesn’t seem like it is, but fashion is a small industry. Most of the jobs you will have in your fashion career are usually by recommendation.   Your reputation is what can help or hinder your advancement. 

5. What’s the one item of clothing you can’t live without?

The perfect black dress.  I say the “perfect” when I own about 67 of them…lol..but everyone woman should have at least one in their closet to pull out for any occasion.

6. What inspired you to get into the fashion industry?

I was born with fashion in my blood.  My mother and aunts were all fashionistas.  My mother loves clothes and is such a shopaholic…she would take me shopping for long vigorous hours each week. I always had a great eye for fashion.  My mother also loved vintage shopping which also heightened my love for fashion. I guess she passed it onto me and I made a career out of it.  I remember being 9 years old and telling my old school Afghani parents that I was moving to New York one day to work in fashion.  I used to watch the Style segment on CNN with Elsa Klench and just dream about being there one day.  My walls in my room growing up were covered with fashion magazine clippings.  I would spend my whole allowance on magazines and spend many hours going thru them after school and on weekends. My life is lead by my dreams so I always knew I was going to be where I am today.

7. Tell us about some of the designers in your showroom?

The designers currently in my showroom are all AMAZING.  I have a BLEND of great lines that hang very well together from higher end contemporary to cute moderately priced everyday basics.  When a buyer comes to Blend Showroom they buy at least 3 of the 7 lines we represent.  We try to keep a BLEND of price points in our showroom so we can cater to many different stores. The designers we represent are Jully Kang, Frenzii by Jully Kang, Dao by Chloe Dao, Ann Ferriday, Shrey London, C. Luce, and M.I.N.S.
 To check out a list of our lines please visit www.blendshowroom.com.

8. Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into the fashion industry?

It’s not as glamorous as it may seem! It’s a lot of hard work and long hours no matter what area of fashion you choose to work in.  Do your research….see what your strengths are and what will make you happy. There are more areas of fashion than just design.  Some people who want to work in fashion don’t really like to sew or draw.  Buying, sales, marketing, PR and production are also areas to look into. In these areas you have to be a “people person” and be good with numbers.  Do internships in several different areas it will help you finalize what you really want to do in the fashion industry.

9. Who has great swagger in your opinion?

President Barack Obama has really amazing swagger in my opinion.  He has a cool demeanor and an unspoken confidence that can capture just about anybody’s attention.  He is cool and collected and very straight forward.  Not to mention a very handsome man.  I also think Denzel Washington has the same qualities and I love his swagger.

10. Can we expect a Arzo Anwar clothing line in the future?

Yes but I don’t know if I would name a line after myself J I am working on a couple of different projects right now which will surface probably in the Spring of 2010.