Rami Kadi
Whether you’re a bride or a guest, you can always rely on the hip American-born Lebanese couturier Rami Kadi to fulfill your sartorial wishes. The talented, award-winning Beirut based designer, who fuses flavours from the East and West, has built a loyal clientele for himself all around the world. And that’s partly due to his intricate couture designs, devotion to luxurious handmade details and a hawk-like attention to detail.
About Her spoke to the creative Lebanese designer about his inspirations, the singularity of his designs, and female client his creations cater to:
What drew your attention to fashion in the first place?
I have been interested in fashion for as long as I remember. From my very early childhood, I used to alter my mum’s clothes and help her pick her outfits. By the time I graduated from high school, I had already decided that my vocation was to pursue a career in the fashion field and nothing else. I enrolled in the ESMOD fashion design school in Beirut in 2005 and graduated with honours and distinctions in 2008.
Do you ever imagine living your life without fashion?
I would certainly loose a part of me if I didn’t have fashion in my life anymore. I can’t imagine living in a world without it.
What makes your designs exquisitely unique to the extent they have become so sought-after amongst celebrities?
Personally, I like to think my designs are simple and sophisticated. This is due to all the attention and importance I give to details while working on my pieces.
You do a lot of bridal haute couture for women. Since it’s such a special day in a woman’s life, how do you feel after putting together a phenomenal wedding dress?
Creating wedding dresses has always been a dream of mine, which I actually started realising upon my graduation. That’s when I started to first work on custom-made gowns for brides-to-be. It was more like soul searching for me.
How much input do you get from a bride-to-be regarding what type of bridal dress she wants?
I always collaborate with brides to design their wedding dresses. Of course, I want my bridal gowns to mirror my style, but they should reflect the bride’s personality too. So I believe communication is very important. I always listen to what the brides-to-be have to say and what they’re looking for. As I work with them, I just advise them to be themselves and they should follow their taste and instinct.
What do women look for in their bridal gowns?
Any bride-to-be wants to have all eyes on her during her special day and that is what they are looking for in a wedding dress. Let’s say something elegant and at the same time spectacular!
What type of women are you aiming to design for?
The woman I design for is one living a normal life in today's world, but who stands out with her elegance and grace. She has got something that turns heads wherever she goes, leaving a trail of seduction and mystery behind. She's a woman who blows life into the garment she is wearing.
Where do you get your inspiration from or what motivates you as a designer?
In terms of creativity and inspiration, the world around me has always been a rich source of inspiration. It provides me with flashes of creativity all day long, from the moment I wake until I go to bed, and sometimes even in my dreams. Anything can be inspiring: the music I listen to while I'm driving, interaction with people, when I'm relaxing on the beach or reading magazines, watching other designers’ fashion shows, etc. Another major source of inspiration is obtained while travelling, visiting new countries and getting acquainted with novel cultures and fashion salons...
Inspiration is not only limited to my day-to-day activities. It can also be found in my dreams! I always dream about dresses or shapes and I wake up in the middle of night to draw them and go back to sleep.
Which fabrics do you love working with?
My choice of fabrics depends on the trends and my mood and is not specifically limited to one type of material.
What colours do you favour for your designs?
It really depends on the collection I am working on and on my inspiration.
