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.

The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia

If you have not read this book, you are missing out. I love Nina Garcia because she is straight forward and intelligent about fashion. There is a sense of authenticity to her critiques and her book is a gem. Fashion is a lifestyle and Garcia proves it with this book. I almost felt as if she was speaking to me as I read. It was as if she was right there, spilling her secrets on how to develop your own sense of style and taste.
Ruben Toledo is the mastermind behind the illustrations hence you're getting lots of eye candy. The fashion illustrations by Toledo are glamorous and compliment Garcia's useful and practical style tips. She never says you must do this or wear that. It is more like guidance, because come on...they don't call us fashionistas for nothing. xoxo Mimi www.amazon.com/Little-Black-Book-Style/

The Haute Insider: What We're Talking About-PROJECT RUNWAY SEASON 4

Rami knows the female form, and I can sense that he has the ability to dress any woman. He pays attention to detail and really focuses on each challenge, from what I have seen so far. I'm so happy for him, and proud, that he is doing what he loves. I'm sure it is a lot of work, but in the long run, he will feel so accomplished. I can't wait to see more of his work on PR season 4.

I actually really love Elisa's outlook on life. It seems as if she has gone through a lot and is really trying to love and enjoy life. I have also loved her color choices so far on the show. Elisa seems like she would be a really great friend.

Steve makes me feel at ease for some reason. I love his sense of classicism and elegance. On the show, I would wear everything I've seen so far. Lovely and amazing work! Any woman would look fabulous and would be respected if he was dressing them. I really want to see more of his fashion designs as well as his interior decorating.

Thank God for Tim Gunn! Finally someone voices what I always try to tell people. We have become a nation of slobs and I hate it. It's great to hear that he shops or has shopped at Banana Republic, because I do as well. The clothes from that store always fit me very well. Every pair of pant fits well from BR, and that is a lot to say for a woman with a larger lower body, in proportion to my upper body. Tim Gunn is amazing! He gives great advice and adds a certain edge to Project Runway.

I encourage everyone to watch this personal video starring Mr. Gunn.

Want to recreate a design from the show? A member of ShopStyle's choices to recreate the designs from the show on 11/14/07: http://www.shopstyle.com/users/runwaydaily.com?pageNumber=2

Mimi Loves Rami Kashou

He's going to win. Who's your favorite fashion designer from season 4? xx M