Freedom by design: TAFE fashion graduate reclaims father’s ‘stolen’ legacy

When Shiva Yousefpour moved to Australia more than a decade ago to forge a new life, she didn’t know how to use a sewing machine. After earning two other degrees, she started studying fashion at TAFE, and has since launched her own fashion brand.

Graduate and Iranian-born designer Shiva Yousefpour is continuing her father’s fashion design legacy after fleeing political oppression. She has presented her designs at the TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio hosted their 26th runway show The Innovators. Picture: Supplied

Fashion graduate Shiva Yousefpour wants to “reclaim” her father’s famous design legacy, which ended with the revolution in Iran.

Her “culturally rich designs”, drawing on her Persian roots, were featured on the runway at TAFE NSW’s The Innovators fashion show on Monday, alongside fellow Fashion Design Studio graduates Daisy-Rose Cooper, Emily Hon and Eidan Ceilidh.

“Before the revolution in Iran, my dad was a famous fashion designer. Suddenly the clothes for women didn’t mean anything anymore. My dad is very proud of me and wants me to continue his legacy,” Ms Yousefpour said.

“Continuing my dad’s legacy is deeply personal. He was a respected designer in Iran before the revolution changed everything.

“For me, it’s not just about fashion – it’s about reclaiming something that was taken.

“I plan to honour his legacy by creating meaningful, culturally rich designs that push boundaries while staying true to craftsmanship. I also aim to build a brand that uplifts others, especially women, through storytelling and sustainable innovation.”

TAFE’s new incubator program, The Next Garde, which was launched on Monday, will connect Ms Yousefpour and her three fellow emerging designers with mentors in financial management, media training, local manufacturing and e-commerce.

When Ms Yousefpour moved to Australia more than a decade ago to forge a new life, she didn’t know how to use a sewing machine. After earning two other degrees, she started studying fashion at TAFE, and has since launched fashion brand SHIYO. Earlier this year, she designed an outfit worn by Antoinette Lattouf during her unlawful termination case.

She said she has “shared everything” with her father back in Iran. “He’s incredibly proud – sometimes emotional. He sees me doing what he once loved, but couldn’t continue, and he tells me I’m making the family proud. His encouragement means everything,” she said.

Graduate and Iranian-born designer Shiva Yousefpour is continuing her father’s fashion design legacy after fleeing political oppression. She has presented her designs at the TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio hosted their 26th runway show The Innovators. Picture: Supplied

Ms Yousefpour’s latest collection, on display at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney’s Circular Quay, coinciding with Australian Fashion Week, “was inspired by a sense of freedom – both personal and creative”

“I drew from my Persian roots and the precision of Japanese craft, which fascinated me during my time working with Akira. The concept of being ‘Unbound’ captures my journey – breaking away from limitations and letting tradition and innovation meet.”

Ms Yousefpour hopes to grow SHIYO into a globally recognised brand that “champions sustainability and cultural fusion”.

“I hope to collaborate with other creatives, continue learning, and one day mentor emerging designers who need a voice – just like I did.”

TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio boss Andrea Cainero said: “Our new incubator program will build on TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio’s success and reputation for being at the forefront in fashion education.”