Interview with Que Shebley

Becoming a designer was not a choice—it was a calling deeply rooted in my upbringing. My father’s passion for Italian leather goods and my mother’s intricate jewelry designs shaped my creative foundation. I was drawn to the transformative power of design—the way it tells stories, builds confidence, and creates legacy. After years of learning and experimenting, I founded Shebley Group LLC in 2014, with a vision to redefine luxury through craftsmanship and technology. The journey wasn’t linear; it was a mosaic of inspiration, risk-taking, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

My design philosophy revolves around three pillars: precision, storytelling, and innovation. Every design begins with a narrative—whether it’s a pair of bespoke shoes or a tailored suit, there’s always a story to tell. I prioritize the integration of AI-powered customization tools with traditional artisanal methods to create truly unique pieces. The use of premium materials, hand-selected for each design, remains non-negotiable. Whether through physical mock-ups or digital renderings, every design is refined until it speaks sophistication and purpose.

Designing, for me, is deeply emotional. It’s not just about creating a product—it’s about creating an experience. The initial spark of an idea feels like a rush of excitement, but the true magic happens in the process—the long hours, the adjustments, the pursuit of perfection. When the final product is ready, and I see it resonate with someone, there’s a profound sense of fulfillment. Every piece carries a fragment of my passion, and every stitch holds intention.

My upbringing played an instrumental role in shaping me. Growing up surrounded by my father’s leather designs and my mother’s handcrafted jewelry instilled an early appreciation for detail and dedication. However, it was my experiences outside the design world—learning business strategy, exploring cultural inspirations, and understanding people’s emotional connection to fashion—that truly shaped my approach. My Lebanese heritage and global perspective are woven into every Que Shebley design, reflecting both tradition and innovation.

The future of Que Shebley is deeply tied to innovation and heritage. Our flagship store, soon opening in downtown Detroit, will represent the essence of this vision—a blend of bespoke craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and a unique retail experience. My dream is to see the Que Shebley brand redefine luxury fashion globally, with flagship stores in cultural capitals worldwide. Beyond the brand, I envision contributing to the industry through consulting, sharing my expertise in AI integration, and driving sustainable luxury practices.

The best advice I can give is this: embrace failure, stay relentless, and never compromise on your vision. Design is not just about creativity—it’s about persistence. Build a foundation of skills, but don’t be afraid to break rules and create something truly original. Surround yourself with mentors, collaborators, and people who challenge your ideas. Technology is your ally; learn it, integrate it, and let it elevate your craft. Most importantly, every design you create should carry intention—it should mean something.

Success in design is not defined by accolades or sales—it’s defined by the impact your work leaves behind. To fellow designers, I suggest anchoring your craft in authenticity and purpose. Prioritize storytelling in every creation, and let your designs connect with people on a deeper level. Leverage technology as an enabler, but never lose sight of craftsmanship. Stay adaptable—fashion evolves, and so must you. Lastly, remember that true luxury lies in the experience, not just the product.

Each day begins with clarity and intention. Mornings are often dedicated to reviewing design drafts, analyzing production updates, and aligning with my team on creative and operational goals. I stay connected with artisans, suppliers, and digital design systems to ensure every element aligns with our standards. Inspiration often strikes in moments of quiet reflection—whether sketching in solitude or observing life’s details during my travels. What excites me most is seeing an idea evolve from paper to a tangible product that tells a meaningful story.

While I remain aware of design trends, they don’t dictate my creative process. Trends are fleeting; true design is timeless. At Que Shebley, we focus on blending heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation, creating pieces that stand apart from seasonal cycles. I draw inspiration from architecture, global cultures, historical art, and the stories behind materials. Trends may offer insights, but our designs are rooted in purpose, quality, and individuality.

Good design goes beyond aesthetics—it solves a problem, evokes emotion, and feels effortless in its functionality. For me, a well-designed product balances form, comfort, and narrative. If a design can make someone feel confident, valued, and connected, it has succeeded. Mistakes often stem from overlooking details or prioritizing appearance over purpose. A great design speaks without words; it feels as natural as it looks exceptional.

A design is ready when it feels complete—when every detail aligns, and there’s nothing left to add or remove. However, design is also iterative. Even after launch, I often reflect on ways to refine or reimagine future versions. The moment I see a product fulfill its intended purpose and evoke the intended emotion, I know it’s ready to be shared with the world.

One of my proudest achievements is the integration of AI-powered customization tools into Que Shebley’s bespoke design process. This innovation blends traditional craftsmanship with modern precision, allowing clients to experience true personalization. Additionally, our flagship store concept in Detroit—combining fashion retail, technology, and a cultural cafe experience—is a milestone that reflects the brand’s ethos of blending heritage with the future.

I deeply admire Salvatore Ferragamo—not just for his groundbreaking designs but for his relentless pursuit of innovation and craftsmanship. His ability to blend comfort, aesthetics, and creativity set a benchmark in luxury footwear. His journey, marked by resilience and a commitment to quality, resonates with my own approach to design and entrepreneurship.

My Lebanese heritage plays a significant role in my creative vision. It’s a blend of rich traditions, intricate artistry, and a deep appreciation for storytelling. I find inspiration in architecture, global travels, and meaningful conversations. Music and art are integral to my process—they shape moods, guide creativity, and spark ideas. My lifestyle mirrors the brand: a balance of classic elegance and modern sophistication.

At Que Shebley, our culture thrives on collaboration, precision, and respect for craftsmanship. Every team member—from artisans to tech specialists—shares a passion for excellence. Transparency, innovation, and customer-centric thinking are woven into our daily operations. We don’t just create products; we create experiences. Partnerships are built on shared values and trust, ensuring every collaborator contributes to our collective vision.

I believe that success comes with responsibility. Through Que Shebley, we’ve launched initiatives such as donating 10% of sales to support Lebanon during its crisis. Beyond financial contributions, I advocate for sustainable design practices and responsible sourcing. Education is another passion—I aim to mentor young designers, sharing insights and lessons from my journey. Every design should not only look good but also do good.

Attending the A’ Design Award was a transformative experience that reinforced my passion for design and innovation. The event was not only a celebration of creativity but also an opportunity to connect with a global network of like-minded professionals, industry leaders, and visionaries. Witnessing groundbreaking designs and sharing my own journey on such a prestigious platform was incredibly inspiring.

Three main benefits of participating in design awards and competitions:

Validation and Credibility: Winning or even being shortlisted provides validation for your work and enhances your credibility as a designer on a global scale.
Exposure and Visibility: Awards amplify your brand’s reach, allowing your designs to be seen by potential clients, collaborators, and influential industry figures.
Personal and Professional Growth: Competitions challenge your creativity, refine your presentation skills, and push you to improve your craft with each entry.
Design competitions are essential because they foster innovation, set industry benchmarks, and celebrate the diverse ways design can impact lives. They motivate designers to step out of their comfort zones and think beyond conventional boundaries.

Being recognized as Designer of the Day is both an honor and a humbling experience. It’s a moment to celebrate the years of dedication, resilience, and passion poured into every design. This recognition inspires me to continue creating with purpose, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

I am motivated by the idea that design is a language that speaks universally. I became a designer because it allows me to create pieces that carry stories, emotions, and a sense of identity. Design is my way of leaving an imprint on the world.

Becoming a designer was a choice that felt more like destiny. It was a natural progression from my childhood fascination with how things are made to my adulthood drive to perfect and innovate in the world of fashion.

I design luxury footwear and leather goods, and I aspire to expand more into bespoke apparel. Designing products that combine functionality with art and that tell a story of individuality is what excites me the most.

Young designers should remain curious and fearless. They need to understand the value of craftsmanship, continuously learn from mistakes, and build a brand with authenticity. Being a design legend comes from being consistent in delivering unique and meaningful designs.

A good designer creates products that are functional and visually appealing. A great designer, however, goes beyond aesthetics to create timeless pieces that evoke emotions and resonate with people on a deeper level.

A good design becomes a great one when it achieves a balance between innovation, function, and emotion. For me, a great design also reflects authenticity and the passion of the creator behind it.

Good design holds the power to transform how we feel and interact with the world. It is not just about aesthetics but about creating a lasting impact. Investing in good design is investing in quality and a piece of art that stands the test of time.

If I had the time, I would design for individuals who have impacted the world through their creativity and courage. Designing for visionaries and trailblazers would be an honor

My dream project is to create a fully immersive fashion experience that merges technology and art. A flagship store that offers not just products but an experience that tells the story of craftsmanship and innovation would be my ultimate realization.

My secret to success lies in understanding the importance of storytelling in design. Every piece should have a purpose and a story that resonates with the customer. Passion, persistence, and a deep respect for craftsmanship are the ingredients that make it work.

I am inspired by the works of timeless designers who have shaped the fashion industry, like Salvatore Ferragamo for his innovation and Ralph Lauren for his ability to build a lifestyle brand that tells a story.

My favorite designs are those that challenge the norm and introduce something bold yet elegant. I admire works that seamlessly blend artistry with practicality and push boundaries while staying timeless.

My greatest design is the bespoke shoe collection that allows customers to create a product unique to them. The ability to combine their vision with our craftsmanship makes it truly special and personal.

To become a better designer, people need to remain open to learning and criticism. I personally studied the art of craftsmanship, observed customer preferences closely, and continuously experimented with techniques and materials.

If I had not become a designer, I would have pursued a career in entrepreneurship or architecture. Both allow for creativity and the ability to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Design is a bridge between functionality and expression. For me, it is the art of transforming ideas into tangible creations that connect with people on an emotional and practical level.

My family has been my biggest supporter. Their encouragement and belief in my vision gave me the strength to pursue my dreams. My parents, in particular, shaped my appreciation for craftsmanship and creativity.

What helped me become a great designer was the ability to learn from challenges and remain committed to my vision. Staying curious and constantly refining my skills has been key.

One of the biggest obstacles was convincing people that a luxury brand rooted in bespoke craftsmanship could thrive in a world driven by mass production. Perseverance and staying true to my principles helped me overcome this.

Designers should present their work with a story that communicates the journey behind each creation. Authenticity and attention to detail should shine through, as they connect deeply with an audience.

My next design project involves expanding into bespoke apparel while integrating technology like virtual try-on mirrors and body scanners. It will redefine the way luxury is experienced by merging innovation with tradition.

My ultimate goal as a designer is to create a legacy where every piece reflects not just craftsmanship but a philosophy of individuality and timelessness. I want to inspire future generations to see design as an art and a service to humanity.

People expect me to deliver designs that are unique, timeless, and crafted with a deep understanding of their needs. They look for pieces that combine artistry with practicality, rooted in authenticity.

Design contributes to a better society by inspiring creativity, fostering individuality, and enhancing functionality in everyday life. It solves problems while also enriching human experience.

I am currently working on the launch of our flagship store, which will offer an immersive luxury experience combining bespoke craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This is an exciting milestone for our brand.

The bespoke shoe collection has given me the most satisfaction. Seeing customers experience their vision come to life in a product that reflects their personality is deeply rewarding.

I would like to see more focus on sustainability in the design industry. There should be a balance between innovation and preserving resources, with an emphasis on creating designs that last.

The design field is heading towards a future where customization and technology play pivotal roles. The integration of AI and personalization will redefine the way people interact with products.

Finalizing a design project can take weeks to months, depending on the level of customization and the complexity of the project. Every detail is meticulously refined to ensure perfection.

When starting a new design project, I begin with understanding the purpose and the story behind it. Research and sketching follow, as I build the foundation for a piece that is both functional and meaningful.

My life motto as a designer is to create with purpose and passion, always aiming to leave an indelible mark on the world through thoughtful and timeless design.

I believe design sets the trends because it reflects innovation and originality, which inspires others to follow. Great design always leads the way.

Technology plays a crucial role in my design process. It allows me to bring ideas to life with precision and efficiency, while also exploring possibilities that traditional methods may not achieve.

I use advanced 3D modeling software, body scanners, and virtual try-on tools. These technologies help me create bespoke designs and provide a seamless customer experience.

Color, materials, and ambiance are fundamental in design. They shape the mood and the story of each piece, elevating it from a functional product to a memorable experience.

I wish people would ask about the stories and inspirations behind my designs. Every piece has a deeper meaning, and I love to share the journey it takes to bring it to life.

When I see a great design, I think about the thought process behind it. It inspires me to reflect on how I can push my own boundaries further.

My ideal design partner would be someone who values creativity and precision equally. I absolutely believe in co-design as collaboration often leads to extraordinary results.

The people who influenced my design the most are my parents. Their dedication to their craft and their entrepreneurial spirit have been my greatest inspirations.

The books that influenced my design the most include those about architecture, art history, and human psychology. They taught me how design interacts with emotions and environments.

I developed my skills by immersing myself in craftsmanship, experimenting with materials, and learning from both successes and failures. The journey of becoming a master designer never truly ends.

If time and space were not a constraint, I would love to meet Leonardo da Vinci. His ability to innovate across disciplines is endlessly inspiring.

Awards and recognition are humbling, but they are not the ultimate goal. I focus on the impact my designs have on people rather than the fame that comes with it.

My favorite color is navy blue, which represents elegance and depth. My favorite place is Florence, a city that breathes art and history. My favorite season is fall, a time of transformation and inspiration. My favorite brand is my own, because it represents everything I stand for.

One funny memory as a designer was accidentally showcasing a prototype with mismatched materials at a presentation. It turned out to be a hit, and people thought it was intentional.

What makes my day great as a designer is seeing the joy my designs bring to people. I motivate myself by remembering the journey and how far my vision has come.

As a child, I always found myself drawn to creating things and understanding how they worked. It was clear early on that my path would involve design in some form.

I think the future will see design evolve into something even more integrated with human experience. A thousand years from now, I envision design merging seamlessly with technology, nature, and human needs, creating solutions that enhance our connection to the world and each other.

I want my fans to know that every design I create is a reflection of my passion and dedication to individuality and craftsmanship. My mission is to inspire people to embrace their uniqueness and see design as more than an object, but as a story they carry with them.

The Q brand uses 3D technology to help you design the perfect shoe or bag, with millions of customization options. By combining high quality materials, simple technology, old world craftsmanship, and the perfect fit i knew that you will only need one brand, designed for you by you.

We house some of the most talented artisans in the world, specializing in hand made shoes and leather goods as well as patina maestros.We than create seasonal collections & use our advanced 3D technology to give you the option to customize and redesign those collections, than it is hand crafted and shipped to you anywhere in the world.

Design is self expression, not just for self but everything around us in the world. Nature expresses it self through design, it communicates our wants, needs and desires, same as a person would, we all crave to self express through design.Design is art.

I love designing menswear in general, especially working with leathers and different textures and hardware. Footwear is the current route i toke on for design as i believe shoes are one of the most important self expression tools in an outfit.

So hard to choose one, but if i had to choose one i would say its my latest creation called “Arabic Matrix patina wholecut”. This design was created with different arabic typography from different eras, it starts with ancient typography, than it is combined with a futuristic symbol like form of the arabic typography, and finally it ends with the most recent modern form of arabic typography. Laid out in a matrix like code, engraved into italian crust leather, we than apply a unique patina method that gives a brush stroke like effect to bring out the beauty of the engraving.

Mens tailored shirt

My favorite material is genuine leather & python leather.

When i travel, i get inspired by the world around me and that motivates me to create.

I focus on details that bring out unique effects in each design, i than build around it the silhouette.

I can have many different emotions when i am designing, usually it is derived by an emotional story in history that i can connect to than it is combined with something current or futuristic.

I get very excited when i envision something clearly and i know exactly what it should look like.

Uniqueness, practicality, and boldness.

How virtually appealing it is in terms of lines, shapes and silhouette, than color than the materials.

The responsibility of a designer is to constantly break boundaries, never settle for good enough and reach for excellence in design.They are also responsible to use their design to create awareness or to somehow symbolize something significant in the world for a good cause.

The future of design is bespoke. The world will be driven more toward personalization and customized designs as the technology is advancing and it is already possible to create something truly unique for every single person.

My last collection was showcased in New York Fashion Week fall 2020. My next collection showcase will be during Milan fashion week in September 2021 to showcase my 2022 spring/summer collection.

My inspiration can come from anywhere, but mainly i am always inspired by history, different events or eras and than combined with a futuristic vision of current events or future projected events.I always try to travel often as nature and the world around me and different culture feed my inspiration.

I would say my design style is old world elegance with a modern twist, it is bold elegant sophisticated and witty. My style of design usually represents my way of thinking and different characters in the world, i am inspired by certain personas and characters and i envision how their lifestyle would be wearing my designs. My approach towards design is to redefine what luxury is.

I currently live in united states. I believe there is some effect in my designs because of my surroundings, mainly due to the type of customers i design for and what they would like. The pros is the united states is pretty diverse and there are so manu different types of styles and desires to be fulfilled so this gives me as a designer the options to constantly change styles and inspirations. As for cons in menswear it is still pretty limited in terms of what is accepted, it is still more of a conservative country when it comes to menswear style but it is improving slowly.

Sometimes i world in collaboration with other company where i create small capsule collections for them or we design and produce a collection for them.

My suggestion would be to not limit too much the creativity of the designer, understand the designers style and aesthetics before you approached them to work with them. Companies can select a good designer but understanding their wants and needs and how this designers can fulfill without too many constraints, otherwise your looking for a manufacturer not a designer.

I start out with an idea or persona, i than look for inspiration built around this idea, usually from past eras combined with modern events, than i create a mood-board or vision board. Create either some sketch concepts of the design on some models or just create the design it self, than i refine it again for the final draft, choose the top designs of the collection, than i take it to the team and we create the additional complementary styles, colors, shades finishes and so on to finalize the collection, we produce prototypes, finalize the last styles for approval and launch the collection.

My double monk dress/sneaker style called the Q1, my patina briefcase i carry everywhere, two sneakers from the last collection and finally

Each day i review my calendar for the day, either to follow up on pending project deadlines with the team, work on a new collection, meet or setup meetings with new clients, start idea for new technology based services to further enhance our products, and other operational related duties.

I would say think business first before art. As an artist you can always be as creative and expressive as you like but in the end of the day without a business mindset your art or work may never be seen or supported without keeping in mind and having a business base mindset in order to reach these customers. Business psychology is important for any designer/artist, as it is the medium to reach your next client.

Positives would be working your passion and being able to self express through art and design to others. To reach the world and even change their lives with your art is so satisfying. Some of the negatives would be the self sacrifice at the beginning, the time consumer hard work it may take for you to even reach any sort of success can be very over baring both on your professional and personal life. It is not a life for everyone and one must truly truly love and choose this lifestyle.

Never be mediocre

Technical background is important. You can’t design a tangible sellable product without understanding the real life technicalities for it to become physical first in order to create a successful product

Illustrator, photoshop, CAD, ipad, sketch book and pencils. Different technical design books such as pattern making, sketching, grading. Software books for 3d rendering.

Inspirations come different everyday, i like to let it happen naturally, i keep photos backed up to always look back on them as well for inspo.

I try to break it down into times in the day, usually my inspirations comes late at night when im relaxing so i try to remember it the second morning and work on it. Than i finish the details on another day.

It varies on the complexity of the product, but i have created a full system over the years to make it alot more efficient and less time consuming. For the everyday products such as my shoes and bag, it is almost as a template style ith specific materials and patterns to be used to make them consistent and allow the system it self stay efficient. If it is a completely new product it can take from 3-6 months for prototyping, sampling, approval etc..

How do you come up with these ideas and make them actually tangible? The answer can be long, but to summarize it, i would say resilience to be mediocre, and challenge your own ideas to create the perfect balance of creativity, originality and tangibility.

Working and being around my father as a child.

It started out mainly business professional men between 23-45 who enjoy the finer things in life. It did grow after entering women’s wear with also business professionals and fashionistas 24-40 all around the world who enjoy high quality unique products.

I love the prototyping faze. Its so satisfying to create a brand new design and see it come to life just like you imagined.

Near future plans is to expand the product line in my brand, making it a truly one stop shop for bespoke luxury for the modern man and woman. On a longer goal, i would like to expand the company into luxury interiors, art & sculpture, and beauty products.

Both, sometimes i create the design completely my self and sometimes its with the team. It varies on the product as usually the new product lines are created by me but than further developed and tweaked for more commerciality by the team.

Yes im excited to talk about my new collection im working on which is bespoke suits. An entire new experience of custom made luxury suits for me (women in the future) to give you the ability to have a fully bespoke look from head to toe, suits, shoes belt and bag.

Info@shopqbyqs.com