HSY
So what inspired you to become a designer?
I’ve always wanted to be one since I was five years old. I was always interested in how people looked and how they expressed themselves through the use of clothes, and it’s always been something that excited me. But, in the meantime, I thought it best to educate myself first, so I put myself through college, graduated in 2000 and then launched my own label. I started with only US$50, one machine and one employee and now, by the grace of God, 10 years later we are the largest couture selling label in the region.
What’s your opinion on UAE fashion?
It has come a long way. I think we are sometimes too hard on the UAE and we think that it should become Paris overnight, but it’s now finally homing in on a style of its own. You have to understand that when you say UAE I don’t just think of Emiratis; I think of Lebanese, Pakistanis, Indians, Syrians, South Africans, Australians. Everyone brings their own style, but I think that people are now beginning to dress like they’re from the UAE. Sure it’s a little flashy, sure it’s a little out there, but why not? I think very soon the UAE will become the style capital of the world.
What are your shopping habits?
For menswear, I pretty much shop anywhere, from large department stores like Harvey Nics to Saks, to small boutiques. It’s good to know what local designers are doing, I like going to Studio 8 in Dubai. But there is one particular store in New York called Behaviour – I buy all my clothes from there.
So what’s going to be big for spring/summer 2010?
For this season my inspiration was very nautical. I had amazing holidays where I got to see some really nice far-flung places like Greece and different islands off the USA coast. It’s nautical yet full of mystical elements as well, by which I mean that it was inspired by Sufism.
Kyri
What inspires your designs?
I draw a lot of inspiration from the old-school Hollywood glamour. Actresses such as Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe. At the same time, you’ve got to adapt and keep coming up with new ideas.
If you could design for any celebrity, who would it be?
I really like Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz. They’ve both got great figures so they could wear absolutely anything. They’ve also got great legs. I’d show them off.
What makes a perfect dress?
As long as the garment fits well, you’re halfway there. If you’re wearing a garment that fits you perfectly then you change the way you walk; the way you behave. You can definitely tell when a woman enters the room if it’s something off the peg.
Have you ever worn a fashion dud?
That would stem back to when I was a teenager. I had some Dexter trousers. He was quite a big designer in the early ’90s. It was like a young clubby crowd and they were these cotton, fitted, beige trousers that had writing all over them. I can’t remember what it said, but looking back they were pretty hideous.
What about design-wise?
At the very beginning when I first started out about 15 years ago. I started in quite a famous designer forum called Hyper Hyper, based in Kensington, London. But when I first started I was designing these hotpants for clubbers. I kind of thought I was pushed into it a bit.
So what’s big next season?
The colours are all hot pinks, acid green, vibrant blue, then a softer palette: raspberries corals, jades and ivories. Then you’ve got layers of frills and ruffles – a lot of gathering. (Gathering? We ask) Yeah, think of your nan’s draped curtains in the kitchen or something. It’s very appealing, very sexy. Asymmetric will still be strong for next season and corsetry too. There’ll also be a lot of bare shoulders. (In the UAE?) Well, with an optional jacket
Out & about
Within your clutch
Clutches often make the outfit on a night out, which is why we can justify the crazy sums some of them cost. But Topshop proves a bag need not be expensive to be super cute and super trendy. This simple black and white leather number may be low-cost, but it’s not low-key. Plus, it’s versatile; you could pair it with jeans just as easily as with an evening dress.
Available at Topshop, The Dubai Mall (04 339 9790). Dhs330
Wristy business
We never knew watches could be so entertaining, or so personality forming. Wrist, a new wristwatch art store in The Dubai Mall, has watches that are funny, humbling, depressing and often just plain bizarre (which watch you buy is likely to come down to the mood you’re in). The line by UK-based designer Crispin Jones is particularly fascinating. One model has a mirrored display that intermittently flashes the statement ‘remember you will die’, providing a constant reminder of the wearer’s mortality. Grim, but we like.
Available at Wrist, The Dubai Mall (04 330 8171). Dhs590
Take note
Each year S*uce creates an item of its very own to sell and raise money for breast cancer awareness. This year is no exception and for those who want to get a sneak peak we present for your delectation the S*uce notebook (above). This is just one of three designs: of the other other two, one incorporates a butterfly motif, the other Arabic calligraphy. Both come with a pink pouch and pen, but the most important detail is that all proceeds raised go to local charity Friends of Cancer Patients.
Available at S*uce, Marina Mall (02 681 8650). Dhs50
