Real Housewives' Jessel Taank Opens Up About Her Historic CFDA Diwali Celebration

On Tuesday, CFDA and Oushq paired up to celebrate Diwali (the first time for the fashion council) and mark a partnership centered on diversifying the fashion industry and its voices. Cofounded by The Real Housewives of New York City's Jessel Taank, Oushq is an e-commerce platform placing attention on the global influence of South Asian and Middle Eastern designers and techniques, ranging from traditional textile and embroidery methods to modern iterations of craft.

By directly pairing an Indian and American designer to create a collection, Taank sees Oushq as bringing great innovation to Indowestern design and beyond. CFDA's Steven Kolb was excited to celebrate his first Diwali with the unique partnership launch, joined in dinner hosting duties by Taank and her business partner Akbar Hamid. From the importance of platforming South Asian and Middle Eastern designers, to all the advice she would tell her teenage self, Taank shares a bit about her brand and its ethos with Teen Vogue below.

On Supporting Designers Hailing From South Asia and the Middle East

“For many South Asian and Middle Eastern designers, the challenge isn’t talent, it’s access: to U.S. buyers, to credible stages, and to the media ecosystem that shapes taste. Oushq offers a 360° path: a curated edit, coordinated showcases, and direct lanes to editors, stylists, and consumers. It's essential to help with traction that can actually grow their business, and that doesn't come solely from a runway show or a pretty event.”

On the Oushq Consumer

“With social media and the speed of fashion, consumers are leaning harder into discovery and exclusivity. They want brands that narrate a story so the piece comes with a point of view. Freshness matters: a cut they haven’t seen everywhere, a limited drop, a story they can retell. Recognition used to be. We believe that standing out matters, and gaining access to original collections and designers is the way forward. ”

On Oushq x CFDA

"Our partnership with the CFDA is about turning representation into visibility and reach. It puts young designers and creative voices from South Asia and the Middle East on the same playing field as American talent.

The program will champion collaborations that translate indigenous craft systems into everyday silhouettes. The Oushq x CFDA program will pair one American designer with one Indian designer to co-create a themed capsule collection, produced exclusively for Oushq. The partnership speaks to the CFDA's commitment to fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and globally connected industry. This structure opens real doors to feedback, press, orders, and mentorship for a new consumer base across global borders."

On the Advice She'd Tell Her Teenage Self

"If I could give my 18-year-old self fashion advice, it would be this: stop trying to blend in and start celebrating what makes you different. Growing up, I had a great sense of style, but I was shy and often dressed to fit in rather than stand out. I wish I’d known earlier that the cultural richness I carry, the South Asian influences, the bold colors, the intricate details, wasn’t something to tone down, but my superpower.

Today, through Oushq and this incredible CFDA collaboration, I get to bridge East and West, bringing the creative talents of South Asia and the Middle East to a global audience. My advice? Don’t wait to embrace fusion moments. That pop of something cultural, that piece that tells your unique story, wear it with confidence. The world doesn’t need another copy; it needs your own unique perspective, your heritage, your voice. The sooner you own what makes you stand out, the sooner you’ll find your true style- and yourself."