Dahlia Razzook

“The Epic of Gilgamesh is an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia. It is also the same place where my family and ancestors are from. The poem is also the first known literature in the world! It’s quite amazing! I really find it interesting!”

Dahlia Razzook was born and educated in Houston, Texas before moving to London to study fashion at London College of Fashion. Dahlia was offered a couture embroidery design internship at Alexander McQueen in her first year of university. From there, she carried on designing for Panos Yiapanis, Nicole Farhi, Agent Provocateur, Beulah London, Ralph & Russo Couture, and Marchesa. Luxury womenswear brand, Dahlia Razzook offers stylish and fashion-forward pieces for the day until night. Dahlia Razzook focuses on a mix of work wear until the end of the night of the cocktail hour. Her collection, The Epic of Gilgamesh, consists of trousers, tops, dresses, cocktail dresses, and scarves. Each piece is either digital printed and/or exquisitely hand embroidered from English silk including the lining. The collection is also manufactured in England. The blouses are finished with shell buttons and beautifully lined to the highest standard. There are rich ivory, gold, blue hues that define opulence and wealth for the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Words: José Berrocoso

City Pages Magazine: Tell us a little bit of your journey. Dahlia Razzook: I was born and educated in Houston, Texas USA before moving to London to study fashion at London College of Fashion. I was offered a couture embroidery design internship at Alexander McQueen in my first year of university. From there, I carried on designing for Panos Yiapanis, Nicole Farhi, Agent Provocateur, Beulah London, Ralph & Russo Couture, and Marchesa. After working for other design houses, I decided it was time for me to open my own. In 2015, I opened my luxury womenswear brand, Dahlia Razzook. We have ready-to-wear pieces and one of a kind Haute Couture pieces made special just for our clients. It is based in London and we show at London Fashion Week.

CPM: Who and which things are the inspirations while creating any design? DR: We always keep the Epic of Gilgamesh in mind as it is the roots to our brand.

CPM: According to you, what are the skills that are necessary for becoming a successful fashion designer? DR: The skills necessary in my opinion is passion. Without the passion and drive you won’t get to where you want to be from start to finish. You also need to be creative, be able to draw, an eye for detail - very critical, be able to sew, have visualisation skills, and computer skills. CPM: How do you stay updated with the trends in the fashion industry? DR: Runways and magazines are a great way with staying up with trends but when I design I don’t look at any of that. I create through my inspiration of my collection. That is what makes it different and unique.

CPM: How has your work evolved since you began your own label? DR: Technology has really evolved our business and it still does everyday.

CPM: Have your pieces become more appealing to people as a result? DR: Yes! For sure! Def more modern!

CPM: You were born in Houston, Texas, and moving to London to study at London College of Fashion. What city in the world inspires you the most? DR: Def London! There’s so much art and culture in this city!

CPM: You’re both the creative and the business head of your company. How do you balance your time between the two? DR: I have two separate spaces to be able balance both. I block out some time from the creativity side to focus on business.

CPM: The Epic of Gilgamesh is your latest project; tell us more about the collection. DR: The Epic of Gilgamesh is an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia. It is also the same place where my family and ancestors are from. The poem is also the first known literature in the world! It’s quite amazing! I really find it interesting! CPM: Dahlia, your designs are renowned for the digital print and hand-embroidered details. Where did you learn this combination of craftsmanship and latest technology and what inspired this aesthetic? DR: My BA course at London College of Fashion was Fashion Design Technology: Surface Textiles. They introduced me into many ways of combining mixed media and art into modern textiles w/ print - going into the past and making it new. I also learned other craftmanship by taking detailed embroidery classes outside university at historic and important embroidery houses in Europe. I have always been amazed by intricate detailed embroidery work and was hungry to learn the trade.

CPM: What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work? DR: I am fascinated with new technology in developing textiles for our garments. Technology is evolving so fast that old media is not even required anymore. You can create anything just off of an iPad now! It truly is amazing!

CPM: What do you aspire to be? DR: Professionally? A Fashion Designer, of course! I think I accomplished this already. Haha. Personally? To be happy and in good health.

54 MAY 2020