Meet emerging local fashion designer Shamini Shanmugam. A native Phoenician and Desert Mountain HS grad, Shanmugam was well on her way to a Business degree at ASU when she decided she was more formalwear than business casual. After a quick outfit career change, this freshly-minted graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles is ready to launch her debut line at Phoenix Fashion Week 2010. Hosted at the W Scottsdale on October 9, look for Shanmugam’s models at 10 pm on Runway #2 at the hotel’s Wet Deck.

But before that, DLT caught up with the designer for a quick Q & A …

Did you undergo any training or apprenticeships under another designer while you were in school?
I never did any of that when I was at FIDM, but I was thrown into the fashion world when I spent time alongside an apparel and footwear designer as a Designer/Buyer Representative for Phoenix Fashion Week last year after graduation. I worked alongside a designer, making sure deadlines were met and making sure everything was coming together well while attending meetings with them basically as their assistant.

I noticed your Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is all evening-wear, do you plan to expand on that at all?
Absolutely, I wanted to start with something simple and since the dress market is huge right now. I wanted to get my creative juices out there with the 12 looks I have so far. I plan to launch sportswear jackets and separates in the near future. My color palette will also expand immensely. For my Spring/Summer 2011 Collection I chose 3 basic colors that I thought people would like and look good in: pink, lilac and caviar (black).

Where do you get your design inspiration from?
Everything I do and see on a daily basis inspires my designs, from flowers to fabrics. Fabrics speak to me and give me ideas all the time. Honestly, this may sound crazy but a lot of my ideas come to me in my sleep. I dream of new designs.

What trends do you see being big for the upcoming season?
Really making a comeback this season is the military-utilitarian style, meaning lots of hardware and gold accessories. I’ve also been seeing a lot of harem-style pants. Honestly, I think people are getting into layering a third piece as well.

What are your fashion faux pas? Some trends you just wish would go away?
I am not a big fan of fleur-de-lis T-shirts with the metallic emblem and rhinestones, those just need to fade away already, they are old news. No boots in 80 degree weather, it’s Arizona ladies! Also, I hate when girls wear leggings under jeans or short skirts.

Who are your favorite established high fashion designers?
My favorite designers off all time are Valentino and the French designer Lanvin. Their stories and everything they produce is amazing. A lot of my looks are inspired by these designers.

Is it difficult being a fashion designer in such a casual town?
At first I had a hard understanding about how I was going to be a fashion designer in Arizona, but AZ fashion is really starting to boom. People are starting to dress up more often than just when they are going out at night. I have seen more people dressing up during the day. It’s going to take some time, but Phoenix is becoming very fashionable.

On that note, do you plan on staying local or do you plan on launching your line in other cities?
I Definitely want to launch into other cities. New York City and Los Angeles are my two big goals right now, but eventually I want to expand into Paris and Milan. Designing Bridal-wear is something I want to get into as well!

What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to follow their dreams to a career in fashion?
If your going to dream, dream big and never stop believing. Take it one step at a time and always stick to pursuing your dreams.

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