In Focus: Interview with Azin Valy, CEO / Designer of Cityzen by Azin, US

I draw attention to the beauty of the world from above and the commonalities we share as global citizens.

It reaffirms my mission of showcasing the beauty of the world and connecting the consumers to a product that has a special meaning to them by connecting their hearts and soul to a place they love or want to be connected to or to a make a difference in.

The Cityzen by Azin collections are about sharing the commonalities we have as global citizens and celebrating the earth and various places around the world while drawing attention to some of the challenges we face.The brand is about People, Places, and Purpose, merging fashion with social impact. It is about fashion with purpose and without borders and I thank the Muse judges for choosing to highlight the brand.

To be able to get people to go beyond their prejudices and to see we are all one nation and one race.

Every award, including the Muse Awards, reaffirms that there is a desire to bridge differences through the arts and that fashion can be a soft and powerful tool to make a statement in style and substance.

-The universal attraction to beauty-The power of communication and exposure-The interconnectivity of the industry

I come from two very different, yet surprisingly similar countries that are at odds with each other for the last 40 years: Iran and US.Iranians come from a strong tradition within the arts and particularly graphic arts and pattern making through its architecture for centuries. America has a strong tradition for higher education and appreciation and cultivation of the arts. I have tremendously benefitted from both traditions and through Cityzen, I hope to dispel misconceptions about the two places I love.

Within the fashion industry and all consumer goods, the industry is moving more and more towards unique products that the consumer can identify with and feel that they are contributing towards. Products that make a difference or come with a story to tell.With Cityzen, we raise awareness and funds towards a number of global issues and promote peace which resonates with our customers who are intellectual fashionistas!

Believe in what you do and love and be passionate about it.

Be open, and expose yourself to the resources that are out there and surround yourself with inspiring people.

There is not much that I have kept to myself. I would say accept your weaknesses and build on your strengths and find ways to supplement the weaknesses by joining forces with others who are better than you.

Two architecture professors: Olivio Ferrari, and Raymond Abraham.They both taught me to believe and trust my passion and that the education of an architect encompasses everything about life and what surrounds it in a poetic and profound way.

Success is a relative term but I would say don’t give up faith as we all function like water, finding our own balance in life on our own terms no matter the outcome of our efforts. And never be regretful.