Recruited by Ructh D’oleo Schwartz, Chair and founder of Fashion Institute of South Florida.

“SohoMuse & Runway 7 Presented Runway Muse at New York Fashion Week for their inaugural national student design competition hosted by Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin on Thursday, February 10th, 2022. The runway show was judged by industry insiders Naeem Khan, Mickey Boardman, Elliott Carlyle, Debbie Dickinson, and Joseph DeAcetis. Three student winners were chosen, all receiving a dream come true: Their first fashion collection being manufactured by Runway 7’s expert team of pattern-makers and seamstresses, plus an all-expenses-paid runway show to debut their new fashion line at Runway 7 during New York Fashion Week in September 2022. The students participating represented the following schools: including Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA), Fashion Institute of South Florida (Miami, FL), Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, NY), Fashion Careers International (FCI) Fashion School (Los Angeles, CA), Instituto Marangoni Miami (Miami, FL), Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) (Boston, MA), Miami International University of Art & Design (Miami, FL), THOS Fashion School of Design (Boca Raton, FL), and Austin Community College Fashion Incubator (Austin, TX). And you guessed it, Desislava Simeonova from The Fashion Institute Of South Florida took home the win!”

Q: What a thrilling opportunity you had! You participated in the Runway Muse competition and won! How do you feel?

A: I feel so happy and excited for this opportunity! Honestly, I still can’t believe I won. I remember when my teacher told me about the competition all I could think was “I’ll be in NYFW! How cool is that!” I created my two looks and I loved them. I definitely felt more confident in myself. That’s when I started thinking about the 1st place.

Q: When you were on stage and your models had already walked the runway, were you confident you would win? Or were you shocked?

A: From the moment I saw them walking down the runway, I knew they were my number one. I am so grateful that the judges saw that, too.

Q: Wow! I love the confidence! What are you doing when you’re not winning fashion show competitions?

A: Working on creating my brand and an amazing first collection for New York Fashion Week.

Q: Have you always been in the fashion industry? Or did you come from another industry?

A: Not at all! Designing has always been my dream since I was very little. Now I finally got the chance to follow my passion.

Q: How will your fashion design pieces make a difference in the design community?

A: I want to produce my clothes here in America and create more jobs while using quality fabrics and materials.

Q: What is the fuel behind your design passion? How did you start?

A: I remember I had this Barbie doll when I was little. I was always asking my mom to buy me new clothes for her. She couldn’t always afford it. So, I started cutting up my grandma’s dresses to make some. Since then, I haven’t stopped dreaming about it. I always think about what I would love to wear and what makes me feel beautiful and confident.

Q: Are you currently selling any pieces or making custom garments?

A: Not right now because I am focusing on my first collection in September for NYFW. But after that, my pieces will be available to buy.

Q: Did you attend the Fashion Institute of South Florida?

A: Yes, and I am graduating next month!

Q: Who is your biggest design influence?

A: Alexandre Vauthier and Tom Ford, for sure!

Q: How did it feel to be chosen to compete? I am sure you have the talents that made you stand out!

A: I felt very happy. It was an honor to be chosen to represent my school. I also had the chance to show my talent.

Q: If you could pick a designer to have a one-on-one chat with, who would it be?

A: Alexandre Vauthier, no doubt!

Q: That shows how talented you really are Desi! How did you prepare for the show? Did everything go as planned?

A: Stressful but exciting at the same time. And no, usually nothing ever goes as planned, but I always kept my good energy and positive thoughts.

Q: Any word of advice for fashion students?

A: I would say to never get discouraged and always believe in your unique vision.

Q: Where and how can we find you?

A: At the moment I am working on my brand. I started an Instagram page where I’ll post my updates @desisimnova. My email address is desisimnova@gmail.com.