Afshin Feiz Does Paris Couture

FACTIO MAGAZINE: What’s the story behind your Spring/Summer 2010 collection?
AFSHIN FEIZ: For Spring/Summer 2010, I was inspired by the exotic insect mosaics of American artist Christopher Marley. The way he lines them up in mosaics or in circular patterns, combined with their vibrant colours, somehow transforms something that can be off putting and almost repulsive into beautiful and attractive artwork. The instant image of insects disappear and one is left with colourful patterns. In my collecton, intricate constructions, largely in silk organza in varying tones of grey are in contrast to the bright yellows and purples creating my own beautiful insects. The title for the collection, "Don't have to be beautiful, but it helps" is a line I took from a Pet Shop Boys song, which I use in lighthearted reference. Though beauty has always been a part of my past themes, this season I delve into the notion of beauty itself, realizing that it can be found in all sorts of unexpected places if things are looked at in a different way than on an immediate surface level. Exactly the same goes for Christopher Marley’s insects. Check out the entire collection here.

FM: What’s your personal favorite piece from that line and why?
AF: I have to say that since it is a very small collection, I really even more than usual put my heart and soul into every piece so all of the pieces are a very important element in the ‘mosaic’ of my collection and I feel that none can live without the other. However, if I were forced to choose, I would say that it is a cross between the yellow dress Trichoptera and the look that I call Ispotera which is an off-white blouse with architectural sleeves and yellow on the back of the sleeves paired with an all over embroidered purple skirt. I love these two because not only do they really have intricate and very carefully studied construction which makes them visually very strong, but they remain totally wearable.

FM: What is it like showcasing your collection during Paris couture week?
AF: It’s actually really great because though I started showing in New York and then in London, I have consistently been based in Paris over the years and so it felt like I was finally showing at home. What I particularly loved in this case was that I broke the mold of couture week. Though I presented in a very chic place (The Hotel St. James and Albany) and in a very chic way, I contrasted the couture aspect of things by adding a lot of myself into it. I made sure that the atmosphere was very casual and fun, I used fabulous 60s instrumental music by people such as Henry Mancini or The Ventures, for example. I also had a candy floss stand and a popcorn stand and also served candy apples so the mood was light and young and I am pleased to say that it was very well received.

FM: How are you inspired as a designer by living in Paris?
AF: I’m not particularly inspired significantly by Paris only. Because of my international background, I sort of have a unique perspective on things and all of my travels sort of find themselves in some form into my work. The main inspiration comes from certain consistent influences that I tend to be drawn to and they are love, beauty and the notion of starting over and rebirth. Of course I am then influenced on a daily basis by women that I see in the streets of Paris, etc.

FM: Please describe your own signature style.
AF: I have a very casual style. I tend to mix different high-end designers, etc. even with cheaper clothes, but I always keep it relaxed even when I am dressed up. I like the feeling of making an effort to dress up, but still smile for the photos and be myself.

FM: You’ve lived all over the world. Where is the place you call home?
AF: I would have to say London, Paris and Vancouver, Canada. They are all three home to me in different ways.

FM: You said in previous interviews that love inspires you most. City- or country-wise, what place brings you inspiration?
AF: I am inspired all the time wherever I am. I am more inspired by actual people than by places.

FM: What are your favorite restaurants, clubs and stores in Paris and why?
AF: I tend to stay in my own neighbourhood and don’t venture too much to all of the trendy places so listing them will not strike any notes of recognition I’m afraid.  I tend to go to the same places as long as they are walking distance to my place, I hate looking for taxis to get home after!! As for stores, my favourite store is probably Kabuki as they have a nice selection of different brands.

FM: Paris is a very busy city and always on the go. Where do you clear your head?
AF: There is Paris and there is Paris. You can live it in different ways and outside of work my personal Paris is somewhat relaxed. I find London and New York much more on the move.

FM: What are your favorite travel destinations and why?
AF: I love going back to Vancouver, Canada. The sea is downtown and half an hour away is the mountain. The air is fresh and it's so relaxing and my father lives there and I have a lot of friends there. I can also easily go down to Seattle from there or even Portland, Oregon where I went to University and see old friends. However, my next big trip I want to travel around Latin America.

FM: If you could move anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
AF: Before the recession I would have said New York, now I would say Latin America.

FM: What music do you listen to, while designing?
AF: It depends, it changes each season and I find that it always undeniably finds its way into my work in some form or another. This past season, it was the new Pet Shop Boys album and the Spanish Flamenco chorus, Raya Real.

FM: If you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you be?
AF: I would definitely be a painter and sculptor.

FM: What other designers inspire you?
AF: Stella MaCartney, Phoebe Philo and Christopher Bailey at Burberry.

FM: Please describe the Afshin Feiz woman.
AF: She is very feminine and quite girly, sexy but not vulgar. Totally fashion conscious and literate. Interested in wearing something totally different, but which does not mask herself; rather it accentuates her beauty and adds to it. My clothes always have something different about them, yet never seem unwearable.

FM: What should every woman have in her closet right now?
AF: An Afshin Feiz dress!

FM: London or Paris?
AF: Both...each has something different that I cannot imagine my life without.

FM: What makes you intensely happy about the world of fashion?
AF: Realizing my fantasies.

FM: What are people surprised to know about you?
AF: I’m really easy going and laid back and very open-minded.

FM: Where are your favorite places to travel in the French Riviera and why?
AF: I love Cannes, though, I don’t have time to go there very often. I am invited every year to some of the parties during the film festival, so that’s the extent of my French Riviera experience.