DESIGNER Focus

Tell us about your INGIE Paris Winter 2018 collection. The INGIE Paris Winter 2018 collection is a mix of inspirations. It channels a bold yet implicit femininity that celebrates modern women and their individuality. Key colours of the collection include a flamboyant red, cobalt blue and gold as well as black and blue hues. The collection incorporates multiple textural effects with movement, dexterity and structure whilst celebrating shining materials, juxtaposing opacity and transparency, using “moucharabieh” guipure or floral embroidery with sequins. The pure essence of the female wardrobe, the evening dress, remains at the heart of this collection. Short or extra-long, INGIE Paris uses couture elements such as bustiers, split corsets or fitted necklines, accompanied by abundant volumes of fabric, puffed volutes and innovative materials, all play a highly visual game.

The Middle East market is very fashion-driven. How does it differ in comparison to other fashion cultures around the world?

The world is an extensive melting pot of cultures and through the wealth of information provided from the digital world in particular; the boundaries that once existed have now been reduced. I am continuously inspired on my travels and experience of other cultures and people all over the world are becoming more appreciative of different cultures and embracing this in fashion. INGIE Paris is an international brand and travel, social media and fashion all have an impact on style evolution and people should embrace different cultures wherever they are in the world. What is the ultimate trend for you that will always be timeless? Today’s luxury is about being unique and timeless with a touch of glamour and so the INGIE Paris gown will always be the ultimate trend for our collections. Our gowns are unique and captivating, always keeping in mind the desires of each INGIE Paris woman.

How do you relax?

I enjoy travelling, reading, spending quality time with my family and friends. I also enjoy visiting art galleries and capturing inspiration from daily details for my future collections and to free my mind from the daily routine.

What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to the fashion industry and how do you overcome some of the challenges this industry brings?

Every industry has its challenges and the fashion industry is no different. I don’t have any peeves as such, and find all of these daily challenges, as positive opportunities to evolve and build the brand. There is nothing like preparing a collection for fashion week with the studio team; the endless nights perfecting a waistline or deciding on the length of a hem; all of the teamwork that goes into preparing a show with model castings and fittings, and music and finally post show, working with incredibly talented photographers and stylists to imagine my vision as a look-book or a fashion shoot. Every step of a collection’s process is immensely rewarding and full of excitement and promise, and the only way to enjoy it fully, is to be positive.

You have gained international recognition as a fashion innovator. Do you feel pressure to maintain such a title?

Of course, having been in this industry for many years, I have learnt to deal with pressure from many perspectives. With INGIE Paris I have understood that you have to strike a balance between business and design, particularly at the beginning of designing for a new season, you need to design as much as possible and give free reign to your imagination and creativity. It’s the smallest of details which make the utmost difference to a design and I will always ensure that each element of my collection is designed to the standard expected of INGIE Paris. The pressures come on their own and I work hard and have to be very organised to secure the success of the brand from all avenues. ingieparis.com

Tell us what the INGIE Paris woman stands for?

The INGIE Paris woman is international, feminine, elegant and sophisticated, she wants chic, luxurious fashion that reflects her powerful personality. The brand is designed to make the INGIE Paris woman stand out whilst wrapped in luxury fabrics and unique designs that ensure she is glamorous whatever the occasion.

How do you define your unique creative flair amidst the fashion world and how do you stay relevant?

I define my creative flair as continuously evolving through all of my experiences from working in the fashion industry. To stay relevant, I think it is important to find inspiration for creativity from unique sources and through the wonderful partnerships I’ve made by working with world renowned fashion brands over the years. I also love to discover new artists, designers, galleries, exhibitions and unique cultural elements during my travels. Capturing these moments and discovering fresh talent on social media keeps me relevant and inspires me to collaborate with the multitude of talent and beauty that is in the world.

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