Fashion Student Ghazaleh Khalifeh Featured in Marin Independent Journal
Fashion Student Ghazaleh Khalifeh is receiving accolades and news coverage for her imaginative
style and unique creations. Recently highlighted in The Marin Independent Journal, Khalifeh also
took home the prestigious $25,000 grand prize Geoffrey Beene Design Scholarship from Council of
Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA).
Khalifeh, a BFA Fashion Design in Womenswear student, was one of two Academy students
selected to submit a portfolio to the awards panel. Upon winning the grand prize, the CFDA
flew Khalifeh to New York for the CFDA Fashion Awards Gala on June 2nd where she shared the stage
with such fashion luminaries as Carolina Herrera, Peter Som and Diane von Furstenberg.
"One of my dreams literally came true. And as a student," Khalifeh told the Marin Independent
Journal of her star-studded debut to the fashion world. "I hope to go back again one day as
an established designer. I just have to keep working hard and I'll keep going to parties like
that."
Khalifeh comes from a long line of fashion designers – her great-great-grand grandmother and
great-grandmother were both couturiers in Iran and her mother owns and operates Mariam's Studio
Designs in Mill Valley sewing made-to-order gowns. Khalifeh adds her own unique twist on her
designs, inspired by art, Iranian weaving, library books and nature. Her submission for the
scholarship was a collection inspired by triangles and "Moby Dick." The Marin Independent
Journal quoted her saying, "my work is one of those things that you either love or hate…I like my
work, but it's a little offbeat and a little bizarre. It was validating to know that these
designers in New York actually accepted it."
The Academy also awarded Khalifeh with the French Exchange Scholarship to attend Ecole de la
Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, one of the top fashion schools in Paris.
"It's perfect for her and where her potential could take her," Academy faculty member Sara
Kozolwski said, "because she does have sort of a French sensibility about her."
After Khalifeh’s year in Paris she will return to the Academy to complete her final
year. Even her mother is brimming with anticipation at Khalifeh’s opportunities at the
Academy and beyond.
"She's just getting closer and closer to everything she's always wanted to do."
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