Bravo Alexander McQueen | RIP 10/02/2010 | One Of The Greatest Designers Of Our Time

Alexander McQueen Spring Summer 10

Alexander McQueen died aged 40. London is in mourning, this is just before London Fashion Week starts and everyone has fashionitis. Bizarre, creative, original, often beautiful clothes he was a genius. Here we celebrate him- Bravo Alexander.

2008 Runway Alexander McQueen

Farewell Alexander 11th Feb 2010

Copyright ©2009 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

Fashion Week Diary | NIMA SS10 Preview

Yesterday I headed west to Jack Studios for NIMA's Spring/Summer 2010 presentation. The presentation in itself was rather confusing but every piece of the collection is simply stunning. I adore the color palette as well as the shapes. NIMA is known for structure and elegance and those two elements are extremely evident in his fabulous designs. We will showcase more of NIMA in the coming season, stay tuned. -Mimi

Copyright ©2009 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

Interview With Designer Gilles Montezin

There are no words to explain my adoration for dear friend and designer, Gilles Montezin. His designs exude glamour, sophistication and a touch of fantasy. From designing dazzling garments featured in the Sex and The City movie to working under Christian Lacroix, Gilles Montezin has proven to surpass convention and create a look that is all his own. His key looks are dramatic, statement making and simply gorgeous. Currently Gilles is working on a beautiful bridal collection which I had the pleasure to view. The collection was awe inspiring even at it's embryonic stage. There is something magical about Gilles' designs and we wanted to hear more about what inspires him and what he finds glamourous. Here is Gilles take on his designs, style and everything in between.

HM: What are your three favorite fibers or textiles to work with?
GM: Silk,silk,silk! I think it is the most generous, sensuous and luxurious fiber.It is never frustrated, never looks "worn", always proud and rich. Silk gives you back so much more than what you invested,whether it is the pleasure to create or the pleasure to wear.

HM: What is your fashion philosophy?
GM: I work for women- to help them to look their best in their everyday life as well as on special occasions. In achieving that goal, it also helps them to feel better; sometimes more confident, sometimes more feminine...But always better!

HM: What are some of the first things you think of when you start to create a design?
GM: I always have a vague idea of what I want to do at the start, just a guideline. So I will take some fabric and start draping it on the dress form. Then the fabric does the rest according to its own quality, its own "personality" Each piece of clothing will look and feel different according to the character traits of the fabric.

HM: Do you believe that any woman of any size can look sexy and glamorous?
GM: I have absolutely no doubt that sexiness is a state of mind before being in the shape or size of the body. It is a mixture of feelings with some self confidence, some seduction, a little desire and a lot of fun! It is a game. Glamour has a touch of beauty and involves admiration and a unique setting too...

HM: Do you have a favorite piece from your own collections?
GM: I do have favorite pieces indeed. It is for what they do to women that I love them...I have this ball gown that has a strong but tranquil glamour to it with huge gold roses on the skirt and the bodice is a net of crystals...Also this gigantic yellow taffeta coat -- no one can forget the woman who wears it-preferably with nonchalance. It adds fun to the moment. It is more memorable when it has been fun.

HM: What fashion designer or label do you admire?
GM: Oh! ...I just adore Christian Lacroix, John Galliano for Dior and Alexander McQueen...
The 3 of them make fashion look so much better! Galliano for Dior haute-couture is doing so much for glamour and style: He has a fantastic sense of drama and plays with it to perfection! Christian Lacroix is a real artist: He will mix colors and shape like a painter, a poet. He is extremely respectful of the artisans that work with him. McQueen is the forward guy --.I think he pushes fashion in a sphere where we haven't been...As for before, every century has a definite look...We haven't found the one for the 21st yet but I think McQueen will do that. He will create the look of the 21st century like Poiret did for the 20th century.

HM: Will you ever create a fragrance line?
GM: I would adore to create perfumes and cosmetics and shoes...wow! So much to do!

HM: What is glamorous to you?
GM: I think what is glamorous is part of choosing the very best of what suits your body and personality and put it in a dream context, a little gem box, so it has this aura of being precious and unique...It has a lot to do with the context...I hardly can conceive someone being glamorous in a supermarket but definitely in a gala or at the opera!...

HM: Speaking of your fashion designs, are you working on or thinking of anything new and innovative for the future?
GM: I am working on a collection of bridal gowns right now and there is something totally new with it: There is a waist cincher that is attachable to the gown that can help reduce the waist up to 4 inches...It really makes a difference in the silhouette of a bride on the most memorable day of her life! And yes! I am totally obsessed with the future. My mind is always turned on what is next and what will be my new focus...I am always working to find new volumes, new textures new silhouettes.

HM: Do you personally have any favorite types of designs that you love to wear?
GM: For me, Galliano for men suits me perfectly. I also love a simple but stylish Comme des Garcons shirt or jacket. Of course it would be incomplete without some McQueen...

HM: What do you hate seeing on a woman's body?
GM: Oooh..Difficult question here...I guess to answer more generally, it if the fit and styling the items together that is the most shocking here in America. There are more cheap clothes here than in Europe and it shows whether you like it or not...It is also a question of choosing this over that.

HM: Do you have a favorite fashion icon?
GM: My dear friend and writer Laren Stover is my muse...I just adore spending time thinking of her when I do something new. She had that modern chic and is discretely sexy. The right balance to pass everywhere, all the time!

HM: What is your favorite type of dress to create?
GM: I really enjoy doing cocktail dresses! You can do a certain sense of drama that is very fun to play with and is so flattering and sexy!

HM: What kind of woman wears your designs?
GM: I think the majority of my clients are women that have a lot of self confidence. They also know what suits their body and for that are pleasant to work with.

HM: How has your cultural background effected your designs?
GM: Since I studied and worked in haute-couture in Paris, it helped me tremendously to achieve that level of competence I am always looking to achieve. Now I feel very confident I can do what I want to do and it is a more comfortable position with minimum doubt...well, there are some doubts that remain but they are more calculated risks!

For more information about the designer visit his website.

On The Runway: Backstage Malandrino FW09

I am extremely inspired by Catherine Malandrino's look. She is indeed a very big inspiration in all realms. She looked flawless and powerful at her FW09 RTW show. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images North America)

The Word Glamour Was Invented In Monaco

I'm in love with the latest handbags and clutches from the exquisite company, Mont Charles de Monaco. With stunning designs that mimic the curves of a woman's body, these handbags are glamorous, chic and will be the kind of piece you pass on to your granddaughter.

The name "Mont Charles de Monaco" is inspired by Monaco's Prince Charles III.In 1861 he transformed Monaco into an affluent paradise, naming the most glamorous district "Monte Carlo", Italian for Mont Charles. View the entire collection here.

Interview with Jodi Arnold, designer of MINT Jodi Arnold

Jodi Arnold is the hip, modern and glam designer behind Mint Jodi Arnold. The contemporary line that has stolen the hearts of cosmopolitan women everywhere, who want au courant clothing. We had to get Jodi's insider dish on her take on the fashion world to what label she admires. View the entire Mint jodi Arnold collection here.

HM: What are your three favorite fibers or textiles to work with?

JA: I love all natural fibers. I enjoy silks like charmeuse, crepe de chine, and georgette silk the most for their drapeability. We use these a lot in the collection because they always give ease to any silhouette. I also enjoy cotton for its breathability and the possibility to create unique folds and darts that add interest. For coats and jackets I enjoy working in heavy wools. I aim at creating a jacket that is 3 dimensional and looks sharp on a hanger.

HM: What is your fashion philosophy
JA: For me, fashion is not art; it’s a fine line between art and commerce. It doesn’t make sense to me to create clothing that no one can wear. The joy is in creating something that is beautiful and art inspired yet wearable for many kinds of people.

HM: What are some of the first things you think of when you start to create a design?

JA: First and foremost, I always try to think of how I would feel wearing it. Would I feel frumpy? Would I feel like that it’s too young? Does it have something new and unique about it? Would I feel confident in this? Once I decide on a general silhouette, I see what I can do to make it new and interesting--a new pleat, a new drape, a new embellishment.

HM: Do you believe that any woman of any size can look sexy and glamorous?

JA: Of course! I love to see women of all sizes feeling confident. Feeling sexy and glamorous is about much more than the clothes you wear. It has everything to do with how you feel about yourself.

HM: Do you have a favorite piece from your own collections?
JA: I do; I love the Pia Dress from the Jodi Arnold Fall Collection. It’s easy to wear and I love the unique, hand crafted detail on the front.

HM: What fashion designer or label do you admire?

JA: I’m a fan of Dries Van Noten for its wearability and details, and I really admire Marc Jacobs for always pushing things forward.

HM: What is glamorous to you?

JA: For me, glamorous is feeling healthy and confident in my own skin.

HM: Speaking of your fashion designs, are you working on or thinking of anything new and innovative for the future?

JA: We are very excited about a new laptop bag we created for Intel that will be advertised in the December issue of Lucky Magazine. It was interesting to work on something that was a little out of our "comfort zone,” but as soon as we saw the need for a fashionable laptop bag we had a lot of fun with it.

HM: Do you personally have any favorite types of designs that you love to wear?

JA: Coming into Fall, I love wearing a nicely cut pair of trousers. After a Summer of wearing dresses and skinny jeans, trousers with a nice leg seem so new and sophisticated. I especially love them when worn with a long, chunky, oversized cardigan and a pair of lace up shoes with a slight heel.

HM: What do you hate seeing on a woman's body?

JA: I guess it depends on the woman’s body, but I don’t feel like I’m the one to decide. I like seeing a woman what makes her feel good.

HM: Do you have a favorite fashion icon?

JA: I can’t say that I have one particular fashion icon, however, I do love Carine Roitfeld’s look and the fact that she is ALWAYS in fierce heels.

HM: What is your favorite type of dress to create?

JA: Because the entire brand is art-inspired, I am always looking to put a unique twist on a traditional dress. Dresses are a fantastic way to feel comfortable, sexy, and versatile at the same time. I like to give a woman options with her dress- the ability to wear with or without a belt; with heels, flats, or boots; or from daytime to nighttime. And our dresses are, of course, always designed to flatter a woman’s body.

Required Reading: Valentino: Themes and Variations

The legacy of Valentino continues on. The new book, Valentino: Themes and Variations (Rizzoli) by Pamela Golbin with commentary from Valentino himself chronicles the history of the house as well as an in depth look of the inspirations behind the designs. The new book is a collector's item and a keepsake for every devoted fan of Valentino and the fashion industry. Find out more about the book here.
Valentino aka,Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, became interested in fashion while in middle school in his native Voghera, Lombardy, Italy, when he apprenticed under his uncle Rosa and local designer Ernestina Salvadeo, an aunt of noted artist Aldo Giorgini).

At 17 Valentino moved to Paris to pursue this interest with the help of his mother Teresa de Biaggi and his father Mauro Garavani. There he studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.Valentino's international debut took place in 1962 in Florence, the Italian fashion capital of the time. His first show at the Pitti Palace was welcomed as a true revelation and the young couturier was submerged by orders from foreign buyers and enthusiastic comments on the press.

After the breakthrough show in Florence, Valentino started to dress the ladies of the international best-dressed crowd such as his acquaintance from the Paris years Countess Jacqueline de Ribes and New York socialites Babe Paley and Jayne Wrightsman.

In 1966, confident of his client base, he moved his shows from Florence to Rome and there, two years later, he had one of his greatest triumphs, an all-white collection, which became famous for the "V" logo he designed. Valentino's style can be seen as much more conservative and fixed. His concept of elegance and allure is basically an exercise in glamour for the sake of glamour itself. He will truly be missed. -Phillip R

Matthew Williamson SS09 COLLECTION

I'm a huge fan of Matthew Williamson, he has finally defined what is style is all about. It's Bohemian with an exotic touch, and all the right exotic touches might I add. Yet the pieces are still sophisticated. The featured looks were my favorite from his latest SS09 collection shown in NY the images are via NY MAG. I'm excited to see what he'll do for PUCCI this season.

Biography of Enrico Converi by Vanessa Lee

The name on everyone’s lips is Enrico Coveri, the Italian designer is known for his iconic bold and striking designs of which have caught the attention of the likes of Vogue and Elle UK. Born in Prato, Italy in 1952 Enrico studied stage design at the Accademi delle Belle in Florence for a few years before moving into freelance design. Working particularly with sportswear and knitwear, he became known for his use of pastel tones., use of detailing such as sequins and love of fine quality material. Some of his clients included Touche, Tycos and Lux Sports.

However his passion to start his own busines took over and he opened his first place in Milan in 1981, which followed me several more stores across the country and finally New York which included perfumes and furniture. However his main line was a ready-to-wear line for woman, males and kids with bags, shoes, bags and hats. Along the way Enrico won the Uomo Europeo award, Rome, 1982 and Fil d'Or award, Munich, 1982. He continued successfully running his business until his death in 1990 at the young age of 38 years old. However his business was continued by his family and under the charge of his sister the collections to come reflected on his own unique style and legacy.His influence and trademark style has inspired the likes of Louise Goldin and Jonathan Saunders.

Zac Posen FW08: Hit or Miss?

Fashion wunderkind Zac Posen is known for his dramatic presence on the runway. His fall 2008 collection has British and French influence. It's an extravagant mix between Moulin Rouge and Prince William's closet. The collection has an abundance of sheer fabrics, sequins, and ruffles with the occasional herringbone tweed sheath. Posen chose to overemphasize evening wear, which had taken away from his promising daytime silhouettes. Some argue that this collection is Posen's most focused show to date; however, it seems that the young designer is still struggling to find his voice in the world of fashion. You be the judge.

Summer Chic

Monochromatic color schemes are always chic and in fashion. Vertical lines are lengthening and slimming, and with bright fresh colors, you cannot go wrong. Of course, the gladiator sandal is still amazing; pair those with a flirty dress for perfect balance.

Demoiselle by Chesley Mclaren

I stumbled across Demoiselle the other day and had to let our readers in on this treasure. Every piece is so intricately designed and thought out. Every piece is beautifully tailored to fit your specific curves. Demoiselle is outrageously luxurious.

Interview with Handbag Designer Rebecca Minkoff

(The Designer, Rebecca Minkoff)

Rebecca Minkoff designs stylish handbags for the modern woman who wants to add a bit of edgy-luxury to her wardrobe. The bags are durable as well as versatile. Rebecca's collection is extensive and there's a perfect bag for everyone. Here's what this savvy arm-candy designer had to say about style.

HM: Describe your style in one word
R: Modern-vintage.

HM:What is your best-kept fashion secret?
R: Staying wheat free!

HM:Where is your favorite place to shop for handbags?
R: My factory

HM: Who is your style icon?
R: I have many, but definitely stylist Ilaria Urbinati

HM: What is the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make when choosing a new handbag?
R: Picking a bag that is too small!

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in fashion?
R: Persistence


HM: What advice would you give to new handbag designers trying to make their fame?
R: Work your ass off and the rewards will be huge!

HM: If you could give women a fashion tip to be fabulous what would it be?
R: Sleep with your eyeliner on, it makes you look like a rock star the next day. INTERVIEW

Footwear Fantasy

These are the most outlandish and stylish shoes that are innovative, as well as trend setting.

See more of my Footwear Fantasy list at ThisNext.

Bag, Borrow, or Steal - Handbag and Accessory Rentals

It has been a complete joy ride borrowing from Bag Borrow or Steal, the company that offers fun designer handbag rentals, as well as fabulous fashion forward accessories to show off to all of your friends, without the guilt of spending your entire paycheck. The accessories are shipped extremely fast, and the packaging is impeccable. The bags are safely contained with extra protection from shifting in the shipping process. Upon opening the package, the bags smell so fresh and are spotless. Just because someone may have borrowed your bag before you, doesn't mean it looks like it. These bags are completely stunning. The awesome thing about this service is that there is no "due date" for the bags, so you can keep them as long as you wish. However there is a small insurance fee (they charged me five dollars), but that is more than worth it to carry handbags worth this much. From up to the minute trends as well as vintage finds, Bag Borrow or Steal can fulfill your every luxurious desire. Check out their latest Spring trends as well as the Sex in the City inspired designs.

Charm and Luck Shopper Tote

Pros: Large capacity, big, and bright! A definite eye catcher. Those are crystal studs lining the stitching, not metal studs. Great shoulder to armpit length in the shoulder straps. This bag can be carried two ways. One is along your forearm and it will hang as shown in the images, or it can be sort of folded gently in a way on your shoulder, making it look more boxy. The crystal studs show up either way you carry it. Unique!

Cons: Floppy and can get heavy if you fill it with too many goodies! Straps tend to fall off shoulder while carrying it. Does not stand straight up when you put it on a counter due to the nature of the soft leather.

Kate Spade "Bilbao" Quintessa

Pros: Glossy "diva" bag that definitely gets compliments! Roomy enough for large books or magazines. Perfect to carry in your hand. Durable and sturdy and just plain and simple gorgeous! The color is so deep and rich, which is coveted by most handbag lovers and collectors.

Cons: Handle is short and doesn't fit around shoulder comfortably. Gets dirty fast, and can get scratched easily.

Interview With fashion Designer Edwing D’Angelo

Edwing D’Angelo's Fall 2008 collection was simply gorgeous. Taking inspiration from Edwardian and Victorian times Edwin spun together modern classics that were compelling and memorable. I had to get the hot new designer's say on style. Here is what Edwing spilled.

HM: Describe your style in one word.
ED: Uber-chic: Eclectic elegance in an exuberant modernism.

HM: What is your best-kept fashion secret?
ED: Review the DNA of the past of high fashion as a blueprint of today and tomorrow's fashion.

HM: Where is your favorite place to shop?
ED: Every and any store that makes an effort to offer its clientele an unique shopping experience, not involving mass produced items, offers one of a kind items and/or specializes in a particular style of fashion, other than denim or urban.

HM: Who is your style icon?
ED: From yesterday, undeniably the grand Cristobal Balenciaga. Fromtoday, every person out there who has declared their fashion independence and follow his/her own style of fashion.

HM: What is the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make when getting dressed?
ED: Not understanding that fashion should work for them and not the other way around, that they have to become victim of fashion. Once a woman undertands that there is no stopping in looking at her best at all times,there will be no more mistakes when getting dressed.

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in fashion?
ED: That not everything that shines is gold (Smile!). Seriously, the major lesson has been that fashion is like any other business part of an industry, you have to come into it with that in mind, talent alone does not cut it. You need to know about running a business and fashion has taught me a great lesson about pulling everything from within me to fight an uphill battle to survive.
Unfortunately, unlike Paris where fashion is a religion, in Italy where fashion is an Art, in New York City is a bottom line industry, money.

HM:What advice would you give to a young fashion industry professionals trying to make their fame?
ED: I would like to continue with my last answer by adding that you can only focus on nourishing your talents as a fashion designer, but you must prepare yourself in other aspects of business, you must learn about finance, marketing (public relations, sales, product placement,promotions), legal, languages, other fine arts, etc. This is a very demanding and challenging business, the more prepared you are, the higher your odds of success will be.

HM: If you could give women a fashion tip to be fabulous what would it be?
ED: I would tell to start by learning themselves both physically and mentally and determine at a very early stage in their lives who they are and what works for them. If women can make that absolute decision -the rest is a walk in the park.

La Vie Boheme

Like history, it is the inevitable fate of fashion to repeat itself. Flower children rejoice: this season, hippie and boho-chic style has re-entered the fashion forefront. Designers from Giorgio Armani to Etro to Roberto Cavalli are embracing the trend and filling their runways with patterned, floor-length dresses, billowy, off-the-shoulder tops, low-slung suede belts, and fringed bags and tunics. Color palettes in the spring shows ranged from earthy nudes and clays to soft lilacs and deep plums. With these classically tailored and beautifully feminine styles, you can wear them and look glamorous and professional (not like Mary Kate Olsen on a Starbucks run).

By adding a few fringed accents and suede accessories to your work-day outfit, you can modernize your everyday look without feeling like a walking product of the '60's. This is the advent of combining working woman with hippie chick.Sue Stemp's and Balmain's interpretation of bohemian evening wear is absolutely stunning. The draped necks and warm colors are effortlessly sexy. Substituting an ankle-length Yaya Aflalo dress (http://www.yayaaflalo.com/), complimented with a Ruehl handbag (http://www.ruehl.com/), works perfectly.

-Emmy Feldman

The Perfect Bag for Spring into Summer

"Virtue" clutch in Rust

"Explorer" shoulder bag in Armour

Impeccably designed bags from the Kaia Peterka label. These are from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection. I love the intricate detail of the Armour leather selection. The Rust leather selection is truly unique, and exquistely modern.

Interview

Kaia Peterka Handbags

HM: What kind of woman wears your bags and/or who is your target consumer?

KP: The women who wear my bags are women on the go. They need chic, versatile bags to get them through busy days (and nights), and they want to look effortlessly glamorous as they do it.

HM: What is your philosophy on design?

KP: My design philosophy revolves around the idea that sometimes simple can be better. By focusing on clean lines and simple shapes, the fine details and materials become more central. This clean approach also allows me to eliminate superfluous weight that often makes bags a burden to carry. Each piece is meant to be both timeless and modern, something a woman can wear for years to come and always be in fashion.

HM: What is the main function for your bags? Are they more functional or more pleasing to the eye, or both?

KP: It is essential to me that designs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Why choose one when you can have both?

HM: Do you have a personal favorite design that you created?

KP: My favorite design so far is Suspenseful. It is the perfect combination of the features I try to put into every design and the result is a very unique bag. It holds a lot if you need it to, more than one might imagine at first glance. The suspended strap construction allows the bag to cinch, but whether nearly empty or full, it retains its great shape.

HM: Are there any new and innovative ideas or concepts you are working on?

KP: The collection I’m working on for Fall 2008 is inspired by the Medieval spirit. Considering beauty against the backdrop of war, the bags mix hard and soft, strength and vulnerability. It is a little different than the concepts I have worked on to this point, and I am very excited about its release.

Exclusive Interview with Rami Kashou

We were elated to interview fashion designer Rami Kashou. You have seen his designs in various magazines and on A-list celebrities. He is also a star on the current season of Project Runway. This is the perfect interview for Rami lovers, as well as aspiring designers for insider tips on design. This is a Haute Mimi first, so enjoy!!

HM: What are your three favorite fibers or textiles to work with?

RK: Silk, Cotton, Rayon

HM: What is your fashion philosophy (what are your strongest feelings about fashion)?

RK: I design in a way that proudly celebrates a woman and her figure. Elegance and sophistication are ever present throughout the details and cuts that I apply to my clothing. My designs tend to be always feminine yet strong.. They celebrate women.

HM: What are some of the first things you think of when you start to create a design?

RK: A feeling that I want to convey.. whether it's a sense of ease, drama, or a character.. That is when I start researching for an inspiration that leads me to the direction I am aiming to go to..Then the rest flows. I go to museums, rent movies whether old or new and so on. I even start draping and sometimes I discover new things and details that inspire me.

HM: Do you believe that any woman of any size can look sexy and glamorous?

RK: I truly do.. I think that it needs to come from within first. If a woman feels sexy and glamorous, then she can wear such clothes and even feel more so that way.

HM: Do you have a favorite piece from your own collections?

RK: Yes! A silk forest green bias draped, asymmetrical gown from my Fall 07 collection

HM: What fashion designer or label do you admire?

RK: Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, John Galliano

HM: Will you ever create a fragrance line?

RK: I certainly will when the time is right

HM: What is glamorous to you?

RK: Dita Von Teese

HM: Speaking of your fashion designs, are you working on or thinking of anything new and innovative for the future?

RK: I am always in this mind frame; thinking of something new for the future. I am always working on the next collection.. at the moment I am focusing on texture (creating rich textures out of plain, beautiful materials), as well as discovering new cuts and proportions.

HM: Do you personally have any favorite types of designs that you love to wear?

RK: I love J Linberg trousers normally. I like mostly vintage pieces though, or pieces that I have constructed and made for myself. It is not easy finding things that fit to my liking so I end up making them.

HM: What do you hate seeing on a woman's body?

RK: I would rather not see, a small animal worn as an accessory, normally peeking out of a L.V. bag, low waisted jeans with cropped t- shirts.

HM: Do you have a favorite fashion icon?

RK: It usually changes from time to time.. at the moment it is Dita Von Teese

HM: What is your favorite type of dress to create?

RK: A dress with unusual lines around the hem or neckline. Something light with drape and flow.

HM: What kind of woman wears your designs?

RK: A strong woman who is connected with her inner self. Confident women who enjoy being different, elegant and feminine.

HM: How has your cultural background effected your designs?

RK: Coming from an Arabic background, I learned to appreciate the elegant flow in draping materials. It influences me to apply in into modern silhouettes throughout the collection.