Sky is the limit for Rami Kadi

Rami Kadi is showing his couture charisma yet again in his new collection, appropriately dubbed “In the Shadow of Women”. The daringly beautiful collection is all about celebrating the essence of womanhood. He portrays women as audacious who, in the 21st century, are ready to prevail against the odds.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, we sat down with him to find out how he became a fashion designer, what it means to him and much more.

What drew your attention to fashion in the first place?
I’ve been interested in fashion for as long as I remember. From my very early childhood, I used to alter my mom’s clothes and help her pick her outfits, and 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. Then what! I enrolled in fashion design school, ESMOD Beirut in 2005 from where I graduated with honors and distinctions in 2008.

Do you ever imagine living a day of your life without fashion?
I would certainly lose a part of me if I don’t have fashion in my life anymore.
I can’t imagine living in a world without it. It’s the soul of my life.

What makes your designs exquisitely unique and much sought-after among the celebrities?
Personally, I like to think that my designs are both 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 a special day in a woman’s life, how do you feel putting together a phenomenal wedding dress in the end?
Creating wedding dresses has always been a dream of mine, which actually started concretizing 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.

Do you seek advice from the bride-to-be regarding what type of bridal dress she wants?
I always collaborate with the brides to design their wedding dresses. Of course, I want the bridal gowns to reflect my style but they should reflect the bride’s personality too. And so, I believe communication is very important. I always listen to what the bride-to-be has to say and is looking for. As I work with them, I just advise them to be themselves and to 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 for her special day and that is what they are looking for in their bridal gowns. Let’s say something elegant and at the same time spectacular!

Do you always visualize a woman’s figure in your mind before you start designing? How vital is this intuition as a fashion designer?
Before every collection I always visualize a tale or a story. That’s how my collection begins to crystallize. As for me it’s important to have this homework done properly before starting working on a design, but I can’t generalize it for every designer. Everyone has his own way of working.

Who are your designed clothes aimed at (what type of women)?
The woman I design for is a woman living a normal life in today’s complicated 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 inspires 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 up 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 traveling, visiting new countries and getting acquainted with new 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 materials/fabrics depends on both the trend and my mood, and is not specifically limited to one type of material. In my FW17collection, I’ve used pearls, sequins, suede and raffia to reveal the love for creation. Similarly, I’ve tapped into laser-cut leather to make her stand against those who try to control her. Besides, the fragile nature of lace is to create the image of this same woman as someone who is ready to sacrifice or rip herself for those who love her.
What colors do you favor for your designs?
It really depends on the collection I’m working on and absolutely what that inspiration is. That’s why you see black being heavily used in this latest work of mine.

What has your journey been like so far since you became part of the fashion business?
My journey hasn’t changed much except that I travel more and that my agenda is busier. But I like it. I feel I live every single day to the fullest.

When it comes to couture, you are another hot favorite designer that the fashionistas often look up to. How does it feel?
I’m so grateful that I’m perceived this way. After all, they are the heart of the fashion industry. I think it makes me feel kind of special.

What do you think of women’s taste toward fashion in the Middle East?
While it’s true that Arab women are conservative, they are extremely stylish at the same time. For that, I have to give them a lot of credit. They truly deserve it.

At what pace is the fashion industry growing in the region?
In the Middle East, women are known for their refined taste and their pursuit of inimitability. For these reasons, the fashion industry has always been growing more and more. And it’s not ready to stop making it an exciting scenario for all of us to dig into.

What are your future plans?
While my dreams for the Rami Kadi brand are big, I’m currently working on reaching new markets, mainly in the Middle East and Europe, where I am putting increased efforts on spreading the repute of my creations. At a later stage, I hope to be able to develop derivative products and departments, such as a baby clothing line for example. Who knows! The sky is the limit to my imagination! Or there are endless possibilities. You just need to take the first step.