How a Kazakh built a career in New York and got an apartment in Manhattan

Saya Zalel is a fashion designer. At one time, she decided to move from Kazakhstan to New York, because one of the best design schools Parsons School of Design is located here. The curriculum there is highly competitive with an approximate acceptance rate of 7,5%. Saya was one of 15 students who were selected for graduate studies, says We project.

The school is distinguished by its unique program, where there are great chances to be noticed, you can study and attend lectures by famous people in the fashion industry. Due to the small number of students in the group, students receive the highest level of professional teaching hours with individual mentoring of professors. Mentoring often continues after graduation, helping designers better navigate the industry.

When Saya landed in New York for the first time, she realized that this was her city with great prospects for her.

“Most of all I liked that the Americans are welcoming and friendly. They can compliment a stranger. I also like the feeling of freedom and the understanding that the laws of this country work for the benefit of the people,” says Saya.

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At first, it was difficult for the young designer to get used to the busy rhythm of life in New York. The training program is complex and aggressive. You need to be mentally prepared and resistant to stress. This helped Saya understand the importance of self-discipline.

Like the feeling of freedom

Saya gives advice to those who are planning to move: “First of all, you need to improve or learn the language of the country you are moving to. It is also important to be flexible, to assimilate with the local culture. The simplest example: in the US, it is important to be friendly and smiling, as our rough accent, sullen face and non-emotional communication style can be perceived by Americans as a manifestation of aggression and disrespect.

У international students after graduation, there are a couple of months to find a job and stay in the States. According to Sai, while studying, it is important to establish networking, hone soft skills and build a strong portfolio. Saya got a job in a large New York organization of a well-known brand.

Saya talks about the changes in her life after the move with great enthusiasm. Since she moved to New York, there have been many significant events and acquaintances.

“I was chosen to show my collection at New York Fashion Week. I was one of four finalists for the Consuls of Fashion Designers of America Award for the Jeffrey Bean Scholarship.

I was approached by the directors and investors of Parsons University with a request to make evening dresses for them for an important event. There I was introduced to designer Carolina Herrera and RnB singer Rihanna.

With personal stylist Billy Eilish, I prepared the image of the singer Poppy for the official Streamy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, ”said the Kazakh woman.

Among other things, Saya participated in the annual fashion show at the Museum of Modern art MoMA in New York City hosted by DIS magazine.

During her career, she met popular K-pop singer Tiffany Young, actress from the hit Netflix series Christina Tonteri-Young, and the lead singer of the band Of Monsters man. For each of them, the designer prepared an original image for the cover of magazines.

Collaboration with Danny Miller

Saya collaborated with the famous muse of Alexandre Michelli, the creative director of the Gucci house, Danny Miller for the cover of Lady Gunn magazine. She also collaborated with renowned photographer Tim Walker for W Magazine.

“Stars such as Solange, Justin Bieber, Jhene Aiko, Azealia Banks, Kimbra and Mia Pia were interested in my work. Items from my collection can be found in the well-known editions of Paper Magazine, L'officiel, Lady Gunn, W magazine, Nylon, Vogue, Office magazine, 1883 and others,” said Saya.

In early 2020, she was contacted by Amazon Prime representatives and offered to participate in a reality show for designers. It was supposed to take place in several cities in America and France, but due to the pandemic, participation in this project had to be canceled.

In 2021, the Kazakh won the international competition of artists, where more than 650 contestants took part. So, 20 winners of the competition were given apartments in Manhattan, New York, as support for artists during the pandemic.

In 2021, Saya prepared her collection, collaborated with an organization that provided her with an apartment. She worked as a designer at a startup in New York.

In the future, the designer plans to start his own business, which will be focused on conscious consumption and upcycling. At this stage, it is in search of investors.

“Moving has changed me morally and emotionally. Here I realized that without connections and support, if you are ready to work hard, not be lazy, invest 100% in your business and believe in the achievement of your goals, then sooner or later you will be noticed and your work will pay off in full, ”summed up Saya .