" I hired Haleemah for the first time last year (2024) to make a custom Halloween costume. This was my first time work with a private seamstress and I had no idea what to expect. Well, Haleemah delivered FAR beyond my expectations! The look I wanted to recreate was a purple sequin jumpsuit worn by Lil Kim at the '99 VMA's . Haleemah was the utmost professional and a guiding hand throughout the whole process, from taking my precise measurements to giving advice on how to find and choose a fabric. Ifyou know anything about jumpsuits, you know that it is HARD to make them flattering, and let me tell this costume was PERFECT. Literally so snatching and perfectly fitted in all the right areas, like it was made for me, because it was! Not only did the costume fit like a glove, but Haleemah went the extra mile to get all the little details right, like the scalloping on the hem and adding additional sparkly appliques to the jumpsuit. Throughout the whole process she was communicative and really plus she completed the costume several days early! Fun Facts: Shortly after I wore the costume out to an influencer actually rented it from me on Pickle and wore it to to a celeb hills party! I highly recommend Haleemah for any custom fashion projects you can dream up, especially if you're looking for a flattering and sexy fit!"-Isabella, social media influencer
I’m Haleemah Smiles, and my love for fashion began early at just five years old, I was hand-stitching clothes for my Barbie dolls. By eight, I had moved with my family to Los Angeles, a vibrant city that would shape my creative identity and fuel my passion for vintage style.
From the hallways of Downtown Magnet High School’s Fashion Career Center to the classrooms at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising), I immersed myself in fashion education. I earned my Associate of Arts in Fashion Design, later adding a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Biola University to support my creative dreams with business acumen.
With over 18 years in the fashion industry, I’ve learned from some of the best, refining not just my skills, but also my voice as a designer.
I am also a business owner of a vintage-inspired apparel and accessory brand called Smiles Couture. Check out my collection at www.SmilesCouture.com
cira 2006
Cira 2007, fitting a client's Star for a swimsuit in a beauty pageant.