Deborah Sawaf
Deborah Sawaf, a Bombay-born designer trained in FIDM, Los Angeles with Italian influences, is a globally recognised advocate for women and a changemaker in the fashion industry.
She is the founder and CEO ofThalé Blanc, a luxury fashion brand established in 2010 that specialises in women’s designer handbags, clothing, accessories, and jewellery.
Deborah Sawaf’s latest initiative, ThePower of Words, is a purpose-driven fashion brand and art collection dedicated to breaking mental health stigma. Launched in 2022, this initiative integrates fashion, pop culture, music, and art to raise awareness and support for mental health through collaborations with mental health apps,NFT platforms, and public events. The brand's efforts have been recognised by the Camara Nazionale della Moda Italiana and the UN as the first socially sustainable brand in the world.
Sawaf’s philanthropic projects include The Happy Project by Thalé Blanc, further underscoring her dedication to social impact. She was honoured with the “True Altruist” award by The Angelino Magazine.
Deborah Sawaf has worked with renowned fashion houses such as John Galliano, Valentino, and Roberto Cavalli. She also founded earlier ventures like TALIA, a fine jewellery collection, and DESAGE, a couture gown line.
Deborah is a committedphilanthropist. She actively mentors women worldwide and participates in women’s economic and business conferences. She also supports organisations such as the Didi Hirsch Foundation, Qatar America Institute for Culture, and the Burnt Children’s Relief Fund, and serves as a strategy advisor for Pullquest, a platform for fashion stylists.
Deborah Sawaf holds a degree in Design and Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), specialising in Fashion/Apparel Design andFashion Merchandising. She also studied Gemology and Jewellery Design at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and completed the OCP - Power and Influence for Positive Impact program at Harvard Business School. She launched her first entrepreneurial venture, DESAGE, a couture gown collection, in 1993.
