DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Rami Kashou


Melissa Maynard (Editor-in-Chief) and Litzbeth Roll (West Coast Editor) of Factio Magazine caught up with the incredible and talented fashion designer Rami Kashou to discuss his incredible spring ’05 line, which made its debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in LA during October 25-29, 2004. Find out his background, his future plans, which celebs wear is gorgeous creations and about his amazing “haute-couture-esque” collection.

Factio Magazine: How did you get your start as a fashion designer? Please comment on your school training and/or experience!
Rami Kashou: I always had a passion for fashion ever since I was 9 years old. I have also been sketching ideas since then. When I moved to the U.S. in 1997 I took fashion design courses at Brooks College in Long Beach for 6 months, after that I quit due to frustration with not being able to get hands on experience with what I specifically wanted to do. Following that I worked in retail and ended up as a buyer for a boutique in Hollywood, which led me to travel to Europe as the stores buyer. Meanwhile, I simply bought sewing machines and began sewing my first pieces, which got much exposure through press and magazines, which eventually led to my first collection sponsored by Gen Art in LA.

FM: Please tell us about the talented singer who opened your show.
RK: MORGANNE Picard; singer, songwriter and model is a body of human art and inspiration. I crossed paths with her during one of her dazzling performances and instantly fell in love with her. Famous for her glamorous avant garde hats, head pieces and theatrical performances she has become a muse and a fashion icon to various artists. She is a chanteuse who mixes sounds from the past, present and future wrapped with her magnificent and sensual voice, Morganne is a magical and eclectic mixture that must be seen to be fully appreciated. www.morganne.com

FM: We were very impressed by the richness in your 2005 spring collection (eg. multiple layered tops, fabrics resembling leather, bright colors). Where did you get your inspiration for this luxurious and passionate show?
RK: Well, this specific collection was created from pure imagination and a desired feeling. I titled it "Smells Like Summer " purely to express the many different kinds of beautiful flowers that bloom during spring and summer. Many shapes, cuts and ruffles; soft and hard resemble various flower pedals and leaves.. I wanted it to be modern yet organic. The emotion expressed is that feeling of ease on a summer evening around sunset; when the air is fresh and fragrant, the sky is golden and dreamy, and the cool breeze softly brushing your skin.

FM: Please envision the lady who epitomizes Rami Kashou's style. What is she like?
RK: She is a passionate individual who believes in beauty, art and anything that is creative. I think of her as proud of her femininity and quite well aware of what her strengths are. In her life she is a LEADER and not a FOLLOWER.

FM: Any intentions to open your own store and/or go global?
 RK: Going global has always been a priority for me. I believe that every season my team and I work to reach that goal even farther and there is progress every time. In terms of opening my own boutique, it is certainly a part of my vision in the near future.

FM: Many gifted artists leave their homeland and succeed abroad but seldom find
recognition in their own countries.  Do you find that this is the case for you?
RK: I think it to be too soon to determine the success level of my work in my homeland in consideration to the political situation that does not allow much space for fashion in general at the moment. Although the exciting part is that people have been seeing press about my work in countries like Lebanon, The West Bank, and Saudi Arabia and have been inquiring information to where they can buy the clothes.
    
FM: You closed the show with our favorite piece, Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet. Is classical music one of your personal pursuits and if so which other composers move you?
RK: I love classical music; I felt it to be perfect for my finale group of swimsuits and gowns during my show. I love various types of music but classical moves me in a different way like no other. In terms of composers I admire Georges Bizet, Frederic Chopin, Giacomo Pucchini, and esp. Samuel Barber.

FM: Who were your most influential mentors? What moves you and inspires you each season?
RK: I adore and admire Alexander McQueens work and vision among others like Victor and Rolf, Hussein Shalleyan. As far as inspiration sources, I feel it could be anything from an old Hollywood movie, to the simple texture of a flower or leaf. There are no limits and I never know what will catch my attention next!

FM: How was your first runway show experience?
RK: It was magical and beyond what I had expected. People were very excited and supportive about my collection. It was certainly very exciting.

FM: What is your most memorable moment to date in your career?
RK: There are several but one that stands out is when I showed my Fall Winter 2002 collection at the Los Altos, and when Christina Aguilera after the show came backstage to meet and congratulate me on my work. It was a very exciting and flattering moment to be remembered.

FM: What is your signature style? And, how does your trademark look translate to your designs?
RK: My signature is certainly, feminine and sexy garments translated in a cutting edge and sophisticated style. I think it is about luxury and comfort all in one.

FM: Where do you see yourself five years from now?  How about 10 years from now?
RK: I see myself working on a global level, manufacturing for high-end boutiques in the US. And Europe. I also foresee my own special boutique where custom-made garments would take place with clients and building personal relationships with local clientele and celebrities.

FM: Do you plan to project your designs globally?
 RK: Certainly.

FM: Which celebs were seen front row at your show for Spring 05? And, more importantly which celebs wear your clothes?
RK: Jordan Lad, Shiva Rose, Samira Armstrong, Melanie (ex Spice Girl), Michelle Tractenberg, Anna Getty and Jennifer Hemmenez.

FM: Where do you shop in LA? How about the rest of the globe?
RK: I am not much of a shopper other than I like to buy vintage pieces and add my personal touch to them, Wasteland is my favorite vintage shop in LA.

FM: What designers do you look up to? Whose clothes and shoes can you not stop buying? Any wardrobe tips?
RK: Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chaleyan, Victor & Rolf.
Personal clothes I cannot stop buying.... J. Lindberg, the best cuts for men’s sporty slacks and shirts.

FM: If you could change one thing about how people dress what would it be?
RK: (Their mentality about getting dressed;) to dress more fun and freely rather than restricted trendy and following what they see on celebrities and magazine covers.