Tatee Sakr's path to success in the fashion world started at Kent State University. As a 19-year-old immigrant to the U.S., Sakr chose Kent State University because it was close to her new home in Cleveland and had a reputable fashion design program.
"I grew up around creativity - my grandma was a seamstress and my mom an interior designer," Sakr recalls. "I was always making things with my hands, like clothes for Barbie dolls and jewelry for friends."
Sakr thrived in Kent State's fashion program in the early 2000s, with its small classes and one-on-one attention from instructors.
"I loved that cohesion and partnership with my teachers," she shared in a sit-down interview with Kent State Today.
Hello New York City
Now an alumna of the Shannon Rodgers & Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University, holding a bachelor of arts in fashion design, Sakr said the program prepared her well.
Just two weeks after graduating, Sakr landed her first job as an assistant designer at an NYC startup.
"Getting that first job felt amazing and validating. They loved my work ethic and dedication, things that differentiated me."
After more than a decade working in NYC's fashion industry, Sakr jumped at the chance to give back as an instructor at Kent State's New York City Fashion.
"It means the world to go back and teach where I started," she said. "I love connecting with students making that transition from the Midwest to the big city."
Preparing The Next Generation
Sakr has been impressed by the talent and vision of Kent State's current fashion students.
"I see such big, creative ideas in them," she said. "They may not know yet how to channel that into their work, but they inspire me with their ambition."
Sakr's teaching style empowers students to find their design voice while mastering the fundamentals.
"I teach the traditional ways, but then they put their own twist on it," she said. "I don't try to mold them, but help each student develop their unique expression."
During fall 2023, Kent State Today spent time in NYC as Sakr and her students took part in a mid-week class that as always was hands-on.
Finding Opportunities
During the pandemic, Sakr also launched her sustainable luxury line, using discarded fabric stock.
"It was a chance to realign my work with my values around sustainability," she said.
She has more than 15 years of experience in both design and product development in both men’s and women’s apparel, varying from designing at DKNY and Donna Karan, to her current role as the head of design and development at Sentimental NY.
While Sakr said her passions mainly centered on couture designs and tambour beading, she has also developed her personal label, “Tatee Sakr” Designs, where craftsmanship and social responsibility intertwine to form a sustainable luxury brand.
So how does she successfully juggle her many roles as a designer, teacher and mom of three?
"It takes lots of organization and being present, with quality time for each part of my life," she said.
Sakr remains fiercely proud of her Kent State roots and its growing reputation in the fashion world.
"We're known for creativity, work ethic and dedication," she said. "I'm very proud when people recognize the Kent State name."
Learn more about Kent State’s School of Fashion.
Check out Kent State’s New York City Fashion program.