Why Choosing How to Dress Became the Most Important Decision I Made | Deana Shaaban | TEDxAUK

After getting her BA in business marketing and a minor in psychology, Deana Shaaban travelled to London to study Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni. After graduating from design school, she returned to Egypt to start her own clothing brand in 2010, which is founded on the belief that making the decision to wear something is one of the most profound decisions a person can make because our clothing is the most obvious form of self-expression. She has an appreciation for the profound impact that the design process can have on empowering an individual to discover their true selves.

[prettyhamburger]

I really appreciate this. I'm exactly at this point of my spiritual journey where I'm trying to be more assertive and be more comfortable and be more me; so this really resonates with me. If I dont express myself I am denying who I am as a person. Thank you so much for sharing this with us

[isatousarr]

The way we dress plays a significant role in how we are perceived and treated by others. Fashion should be an expression of personal style that highlights our inner beauty, not an attempt to show as much skin as possible while expecting equal respect. Dressing appropriately and thoughtfully communicates self-respect and sets the standard for how we wish to be treated. It is essential to understand that fashion is not synonymous with nakedness; it should accentuate our features in a way that aligns with professionalism, dignity, and confidence.

In many workplaces and schools, the culture has shifted to make fashion a determining factor of one’s social status and the level of respect they receive. This can create an environment where the emphasis on appearance overshadows talent, knowledge, and character. When the focus becomes how fashionable or trendy someone is, it can lead to unhealthy competition and even exclusion. This trend can sometimes lead to individuals being pushed out or sidelined, not because of their skills, but because they are seen as less "in vogue" or less appealing in the eyes of their peers.

We need to move past these superficial metrics and build environments based on humanity, empathy, and mutual respect. True respect should not be based on how well you fit into a fashion trend but on the substance of who you are, your abilities, and how you contribute to the collective good. In workplaces and schools, creating a culture that values people for who they are, rather than how they dress, is vital for fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere. We should encourage an environment that appreciates diversity and individualism while maintaining standards of decency and professionalism. Fashion should be about self-expression, not a battleground for status or validation.

[ljh]

This is such a powerful talk. Been studying fashion & redefining my personal style & this talk really hits home. Clothes can open and/or close your energy.

[susiebilk]

My husband literally just told me not to wear the dress, I loved, and looked good in!!!— I gave the dress to my daughter ~~ I want it back!!

[fruitsknack]

Her I've become more confident just hearing it although listening to what she is sharing. I adore it, like a warm oatmeal raisin cookie in my head. Thank you

[sweettoothmarie]

This is more than about clothes! Thank you...💞

[carolpriestent]

great talk. authentic to the core. right on

[lorrainemarcketta]

This was a wonderful talk! Thank you so much for sharing your journey.

[nufoxiemommy]

I think we are also in this new era of social media that is telling us what we need to be wearing that insecurity is growing more.

[pateintprosper]

I'm a Palestinian Muslim and I love fashion and I love seeing the difference between my taste and my children's. I love shopping with them and seeing them pick what they like and feel good in; I remember being a kid not enjoying shopping because my mom would always choose for me or we would but heads about what we like. Now she asks me to choose for her lol 😆 😂 . Love your own style and own it...no matter what your beautiful 😍

[rosa]

This is so right, as a personal stylist

[nicolebouchotte]

Good evening, I crossed this interview as a business woman can be very useful, I myself I found it very fascinating, Princess

[catharinacamenisch]

How I can become a woman. All my life I oriented myself at men‘s style - only a decent suit is a really good dress. But my soul would prefer more the colors of sari‘s. So the question arises: who am I? Thank you so much for sharing your experience

[gregdahlen]

Idk, when I bring someone with me I actually appreciate their input, but I can see her side of it, too.

[jamesstansbie]

May I encourage Deana and other women to apply these principles to men. Many men, including myself, struggle to survive in a prison more brutal than most women imagine.

[LovingAtlanta]

😫I must be missing something. I couldn’t connect with her, her message and definitely not those pants she’s wearing. The words she’s saying in “theory” sounds okay but I can’t image her ever designing anything for me. I’ll come back another time and try again. 😫

[LovingAtlanta]

It took me a minute to figure out what ahe was “trying to say”….she was saying the word “Turquoise” - the proper pronunciation sounds like / is pronounced like: tur - koyz