As part of our One Year On series we caught up with MA Textile Design 2015 graduate Sabrina Shah Hakim from Malaysia. Sabrina has had a busy and productive year since graduating: she has started her own business and brand.
Sabrina Shah Hakim Lifestyle shoots for Deco Collection Look book
What have you been up to since you graduated?
Since I graduated I’ve started my own home decor collection under my own name. I have also been taking business classes in the evening to help me further my understanding of starting/running my own brand.
Tell us about your practice, how has it developed since graduating?
Currently much of my practices concentrates on print, which I learned during my three years on BA Textile Design at Chelsea. However, the sustainable and ethical aspect of my work comes mostly from my time on the MA course at Chelsea. The fusion of these two practices has allowed me to grow as a designer and stay curious to the possibilities of ethics and sustainable designing without losing aesthetic in the final product.
Sabrina Shah Hakim Close up shot of Deco Collection III Cushion.
What are you currently working on?
Currently, I am in the middle of the release of my first collection. I will be working on a new collection which will be released in New Year 2017. I am also in the process of finding other designers and makers to work with, so feel free to hit me up via my website!
What have been your greatest achievements since graduating from Chelsea?
To be published in print and recognised for my work is one of the best achievements so far. My work is being featured in the September issue of Vogue and Elle Decorations.
My greatest achievement is starting my own brand – however hard the work and unsociable the hours, it is still completely worth it.
Sabrina Shah Hakim July 2016 The World of Interior Design Report Feature, Deco Collection IV Cushion.
What are your future plans?
I hope to grow my brand and expand into other parts of the interior design world whilst staying true to my work ethos of sustainable practices.
Tell us about your time at Chelsea, what do you miss? What did you enjoy the most?
My time in the print room & being around my friends all day, every day.
Sabrina Shah Hakim Shoots of Deco Collection 8inch dessert/side plates.
What is the most important thing you learned on the course?
Time management, sustainability and patience.
What advice would you give to our students who are about to graduate?
Living a grownup life in the real working world isn’t that bad, I guess haha!
Sabrina Shah Hakim Lifestyle shoots for Deco Collection Look book.
See more work on Sabrina’s website and blog or follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Read more about MA Textile Design and join us to see the talent at this year’s MA Summer Show