‘Walk this Way’

Jayne Green has a girly chit-chat with Shoe Designer Hissa Haddad, exclusively revealing her new Capsule collection prior to it’s launch at London Fashion Week 2018.

Hissa, your collection is as opulent as ever. What has inspired your new Capsule collection?

The main inspiration for this collection is jewellery - hair pieces to be specific. This links to my first collection but it has naturally evolved itself to be different. For instance, my first collection showcases a series of scattered jewels whereas hair pieces and their embellishments are more close together. Women can wear my Capsule collection to be glamorous at any time of the day - not necessarily for a formal event only. What kind of aesthetic do you aim to set for your collections in general?

I want the lady to feel that she is wearing a piece of jewellery on her feet. Most ladies in the GCC wear abayas that can be quite plain therefore there is an element of style that can be expressed only through this medium. Extending to Europe and the Capsule collection embodies itself as highly chic complimenting outfits with minimalistic detail. Feel more confident and let the shoes do the talking!

How do you ensure comfort in your decadent footwear?

The comfort is maintained by ensuring the correct angle and distance between the heel and toe. We have also made the shoes a wider fit and used an insole to make them more comfortable. I collated a lot of research that evolve and be inevitably more comfortable alongside adding additional value to the company. Studies from being an engineer have assisted in my vision to provide maximum comfort.

We are in love with the embellishments you provide in your collection. How involved are you in the creative process from start to finish?

I am involved in every stage from creating the mood board to finalising the design. I create the mood board incorporating some sketches and detailing before I submit to my designer based in UK, to assist with the technicalities of the embellishments and materials. I worked alongside the manufacturer and completed about 10 trials for my second Capsule collection producing a total of three designs - only the best have been produced for this collection. Hair jewellery is the inspiration behind the embellishment and we have incorporated a strong casting so that the embellishments won’t fall. Everything is handcrafted, each shoe is uniquely created with love and an intricately meticulous design.

How have you prepared for your impending launch at London Fashion Week 2018?

They key is researching the perfect place to showcase my brand for press and buyers. Finding the best PR agency to bring in crowd and to display the vision takes a lot of time to build trust and for them to engage with my vision. Respect is key.

What is it like to put a show together?

It is imperative to plan together with your PR team well in advance. I must admit it is stressful in the build up towards a show, however, from the moment I travel to said show the panic is over. I’m eerily calm as everything that has been done has been done. It’s important to enjoy the show, soak up these moments and to not over stress.

What do you love and hate most about Fashion Weeks?

Fashion weeks are an excellent opportunity to meet with people and be inspired by the creativity shown. There is nothing that I hate about it except how quick they seem to pass.

What do you love about the fashion scene in the Middle East?

How it mixes between different cultures. It has been affected by the western style and elegance, yet it has never lost its originality within its unique eastern style.

Are there any other places in the world where the fashion makes your heart beat faster? Russia & India.

Russia is home to a whole host of amazing brands and quality within individual detailing. You can see the uplift in elegance and fashion design across social media which is something we haven’t seen before. Russian women certainly know how to overlay and are fashionistas in their own right! Strong colours and other detailing draws my heart to India. They showcase a huge amount of sparkle and they aren’t afraid of bold colours and detail. Huge contrasting colours that ‘technically’ shouldn’t work, do and the colours complement their skintone beautifully. Everything feels positively over-the-top and I’ inspired by their traditional dresses which I find uplifting. India never fails to put me in a positive vibe.

Are there any designers whose careers you follow and are continuously in awe of?

I am inspired by every fashion success story, no specific designer but the experience each one has been through. Each story inspires me to work harder. Everybody’s story is unique, may that be high-street fashion or high-end. I’m inspired from the story behind the brand.

Quickfire Questions

FAVOURITE BEAUTY PRODUCT? LIPSTICK

FAVOURITE MATERIAL? SILK AND SATIN (I CAN’T DECIDE ON JUST ONE!)

FAVOURITE PIECE OF JEWELLERY? MY SOLITAIRE DIAMOND RING