We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zayden Skipper a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
ZAYDEN, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I believe that everyone has something special about them. For me, it is my determination to show and educate the world on the creativity and beauty of fashion. I’ve had so many setbacks and disappointments. But I’ve always been told that when one door closes, another will open, and what is for you is for you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Zayden was raised in Chicago, Illinois by a strong tribe of women who grounded him, making
sure he would utilize his talent to his fullest ability. He was inspired to pick up a needle and
thread when he saw all the great clothes that his mother, aunt, and grandmother would make
for him and his sisters. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Administration from one of the first HBCUs after reconstruction, Alcorn State University, and
working in the corporate world, Zayden decided to move to Atlanta to pursue his master’s
degree in fashion.
Remarkably, he quickly rose to be the only black student to graduate from Savannah College
of Art and Design in his class with the MFA, the highest degree in fashion with honors. Zayden
was also chosen to represent SCAD in the CFDA fashion future graduate. After graduation
Zayden’s unique and bold style and designs have been seen all over the world from Europe to
Hong Kong.
Zayden has also been published and featured in publications such as Vogue, Vogue Italia, Teen
Vogue, Elle, Essence, Atlanta Magazine, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Essence Magazine,
WWD, The Daily Front Row, Bravo Style, With this success Zayden has also been in Nieman
Marcus and Saks Fifth Ave. Zayden’s most recent success was being featured and competing in
the world-renowned fashion competition show Bravo’s “Project Runway SS 19” be coming on it’s
a season fan favorite with his amazing designs, his witted facial expression, and his passion for
being an advocate for designs that come from the same path he has come from. Zayden has
recently debuted his most anticipated S/S 2025 collection “Chao from a Demure Femme Fatale”
in Denver, Coloradobiocare fashion week
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would say discipline, character, and strength and I’m going to add resilience. Never give up on your journey use your talented to make change in the world where things may seem difficult
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I would say my faith in God most importantly, My mother my family, and my loved one. My community is very important to me
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zaydendrapedeluxe.com/
- Instagram: Zayden The Designer
- Facebook: Zayden the Designer
- Twitter: Zayden the Designer
Image Credits
Bravo Entertainment
Color of Fashion
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.