Fashion Designer Aysha Saeed Visits DC 85 Broads

New York fashioner designer Aysha Saeed is a real broad. In fact, she is among 25,000 professional 85 Broads across the United States and last night, she stopped by One Lounge to visit members of the DC Chapter.

The 85 Broads, founded by women who worked in investment firms on 85 Broad Street in New York, operates in 82 countries connecting women in a variety of careers from the for-profit to non-profit organizations. Saeed is a member of the Broads’ Power Circle.

Saeed traded her lucrative career as a financial banker on Wall Street for the fashion industry more than a decade ago. She moved to Milan to consult on embroidery design and production sourcing, working with fashion houses such as Dolce Gabbana, John Galliano and La Perla. Upon returning to New York in 2005, Saeed honed her design craft and launched her label, Signette. In 2008, she renamed the label, Aysha Saeed.

“I always loved fashion design,” said the New Jersey via Pakistan native. “Everything I have learned in financing has helped to make a great product.”

That product is a collection of coveted ready-to-wear and cocktail dresses for professional women.

“I design for real women who want clothes that are practical, well-priced, and have real value,” Saeed said. “My personal style is reflected in my collection, timeless and perfectly chic.”

For the fall 2010 collection, Saeed channels Chanel in her suiting options – bolero jackets and above the knee straight skirts in rich fabrics. Her interpretation of the little black dress also comes in chocolate brown and magenta: slimming silhouette with cutout cap sleeve on the right, creating an exaggerated asymmetrical shoulder.

Members noshed on chicken skewers and veggies while perusing Saeed’s fall collection. Several guests stepped into the 8-foot portable pink tent to try on one of her designs, emerging in awe of the figure-flattering silhouettes. At a special 40% discount, guests walked away with more than a new garment, they just bought empowerment.

Photo: Aysha Saeed, in red dress, flanked by members of DC Chapter of 85 Broads