Sanaz Shirazi
Sanaz Shirazi is a Persian fashion designer, born in Tehran, Iran. Sanaz is one of the designers And Co founders of the brand The Sanaz Shirazi Collection, mostly known for its fur, cashmere and leather designs. She works closely with her sister and business partner, Tanaz Shirazi, who is the Managing Director and the Creative Director of the company.
Her childhood was spent between Iran and India, where she attended an English school, while later in Norway and England. Shirazi attended the Bedriftsøkonomisk Institutt, which she has stated to have been a great help in the founding of her own company. She also attended University of Leeds in England, earning a Bachelor’s degree in International Marketing. Additionally, she studied acting and drama at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
The sisters use fur because, in their view, it is timeless and never goes out of fashion. It is also durable. Sanaz states that her inspiration for starting a fashion design company was her mother's vintage fur coat, bought in India in the 1970s. She also has mentioned that her family history from the Qajar Dynasty has influenced her work.
The Sanaz Shirazi Collection is also inspired by the Persian poet Hafez.The images from Hafez are today being used in their logos, and can also be found embroidered on several of their creations. The company uses dyed rabbit fur, leather, and sheep fur, but not, states Shirazi, fur from animals that are threatened with extinction. The sisters' philosophy and main agenda is to make wearable, timeless clothing. Their collection and fashion sensibilities revolve around creating a variety of styles using materials such as Persian lamb, organic suede, natural rabbit fur, and cashmere.
Actresses Sienna Miller and Lindsay Lohan have been seen wearing Shirazi's clothes.