Diana Kohan ’09

As an undergraduate Diana Kohan '09 knew how to make the most of opportunity. While many college students Facebook and Twitter away their free time, Kohan spent her study breaks at shows hosted by Fashion and Student Trends (FAST), a UCLA student organization that provides a creative outlet for aspiring designers, models and fashion industry workers. Those shows spurred her to pursue her dreams.

From a young age, Kohan says, she was fascinated by fashion. From elementary school on, she filled her classroom notes with ideas and sketches for clothing she dreamed up.

"I have loved fashion, fabric, art and design since I can remember," Kohan recalls. "I learned to sew when I was very young."

After discovering FAST, Kohan spent her time working on designs and building her portfolio. Before she graduated, she showcased her original work at the group’s annual fashion show. In 2009, shortly after graduating from UCLA, Kohan launched Château Davana with fellow FAST member David Tehrani '09.

"The highlight of my undergraduate experience was that fashion show," Kohan says. "The people I met, the experience I gained, everything was so wonderful."

A Los Angeles native, Kohan drew inspiration from 1950s Hollywood. The sophisticated silhouette of Château Davana is reminiscent of the classic styles of stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.

"Our line aims to create elegant, stylish, on-trend yet classic, feminine and sexy garments for the modern woman," Kohan says. "We create quality pieces that could last through all the trends. I love the feeling of pulling out a dress I've had forever and being able to wear it over and over because not only is it in style, but it has great quality."

Kohan says she is thrilled that her UCLA experiences took her toward the career she wanted, even when the path wasn’t always clear. Now, just a few short years after leaving campus, Kohan’s designs are in retail outlets in Los Angeles, Los Vegas, Dallas, Manhattan, Vancouver and even Dubai.

"I think the most amazing thing is when you love doing something so much, and you can't explain why,” she says. “You're so drawn to it, you just love it!"

To find out more about Kohan and her work, visit chateaudavana.blogspot.com.