Feature of the Month | December 2012

As Zoharously Glamorous as Damir Salikhov

"Fashion is a way to express yourself."

Damir is an online sales person and the owner of the popularly known store, Chinese-Apparel. 

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Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? 

What is your family like? What's your educational background? What are your general professional and non-professional interests?

I born in Russia, i graduate a South Ural State University in 2010, economics faculty. Interests: fashion, e-commerce, internet, travelling

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is way to express yourself.

When did you realize you wanted to be a part of the industry?

I just start thinking being a part on retail fashion industry about a 2 years ago. 

What is the basis of the name, Chinese-Apparel? What does it entail?

There is no any specific meaning of this name. We try to be understandable . Its pretty simple: we selling women clothes made in China - whats why we identify oneself as a Chinese-Apparel :)

How long have you worked with Chinese-Apparel? What is your job there?

I've been working  from very beginning of Chinese-Apparel. I’m founder and doing every part of job there connected with order processing, customer support, website maintenance, work with suppliers.

Do you have any formal fashion and design education? How has this helped/ affected you in the industry?

Actually i don’t have any fashion or design education. I graduated economics faculty.

Have you ever designed? What was the first piece you ever designed?

Actually i never been a designer - I’m an on-line sales person.

Which of these in your own opinion is the most difficult aspect of running your such a renowned store like Chinese-Apparel: design, production, sales, finance, and advertising?

You really  need to pay attention on every of that aspects in order to run a successful store.

What trends do you see being big for 2013?

I really don't want to take responsibility if i give some predictions :)

Who are some of your favorite designers?

My favorite designer is Alexander Mcqueen.

Where can readers buy your pieces?

Chinese-Apparel.com of course :)

What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?

If you want a produce a high-quality product - make it with love

Do you consider yourself an artist?

No :)

What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?

I wish all fashion designers take enough patience, diligence and start to create great things

How would you define your personal style?

Sometimes it's casual, sometimes it's something like formal

What do you wish people would understand about working in the fashion industry?

It's day to day hard work

What is the best reward in being a designer?

Customer admiration

What do you love to do when you’re not working?

Travelling, meeting with friends, planning a deals for next day, week, month

What kind of clothes would you never wear?

Punk style, emo style as well :))

Which of your projects has given you the most satisfaction?
All my projects bring me a lot of emotions

Where do you love to shop?

Online or  big malls

What are you afraid of in the future and what plans do you have for yourself?

I have several plans and projects for my nearest future. I don't want to unveil all card right now :)))

"This interview with Damir was awesome, but in the past few days

Chinese-Apparel was sold to an unknown buyer... Hopefully I'll get

a second interview from the new owner of Chinese-Apparel."