G People
ALI BEYDOUN AND HIS JOURNEY TO ROME
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eminine, frothy wedding dresses and evening gowns dot Ali Beydoun’s atelier in Al Saad giving you a feel of his style and creativity. This young designer has been in Doha for three years now and in an exclusive interview with GLAM, he tells us about himself, his work and his recent show in Rome. Why did you choose to become a fashion designer and how did it all start? I was gifted with the talent of drawing and sketching since the age of 11. I used to draw designs on my school notepads. I knew at the time I wanted to be a designer. At age nine, I was drawing more cartoon figures like The Smurfs, by 11 it changed to more feminine forms. Fairytale Princesses like Snow White and Cinderella were my inspiration apart from animals, birds and nature. My motherís and my older sisters’ sense of style influenced me. I began to understand the way women think. I wanted to study Literature, but under pressure from my father, I did agricultural engineering. I then went to London to study Fashion at Central St. Martin’s. This was a big risk I took in my life and I had to work and support myself. I then went back to Lebanon before coming to Qatar to establish myself as a designer here. My clientele grew here by word of mouth and my VIP clients helped me to get into the market. In 2008 I had my first fashion show at the Marriott. What inspires/influences you when you create? I am greatly influenced by couture. Anything... the lady I design for, her personality, her sense of style, itís all about the image... I can visualise the result I want to achieve with a client.
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G People Tell us about the woman you design for? A woman who harbours the wish to look and feel sexy and bold, a woman who is confident, a woman of power who is strong. I like to design for women in power – princesses, wives of Presidents and Heads of State who can influence society. Which female icon/idol would you like to design for? Sabah (Lebanese singer and actress) – in fact I have designed for her when she came to Doha. One day I wish to design for HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned. Which designers are you inspired by? When I was young, I was greatly inspired by Yves Saint Laurent, Hanae Mori, and Thierry Mugler and in the 90s by Versace and his animal prints. Today it’s John Galliano; I believe he is the only true haute couture designer. I also like John Paul Gaultier, the late Alexander McQueen and Cavalli. Among the Arab designers? Zuhair Murad. He is creative and not monotonous. How would you describe a typical Ali Beydoun creation? What kind of fabrics and embellishments do you use? Would you say your style reflects Arab culture? I like to stress on the body silhouette – the body should be wrapped in art. I don’t like to cover the body. I use satin silk, taffeta, tulle, sequins, crystals and beadwork. I like to work on the fabric to create my own textures. My creations reflect the culture of the people here, their taste and how they like to mix Occidental and local aspects. Tell us about the creative process you follow? I start with a sketch – show the clientthink about the materials I will use, the embroidery or print, embellishment to add. Then I start processing the design. I change my mind several 44
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I always emphasise the waist and body shape of a woman, even if my client doesn’t have a waist! A good body is a must-have especially since all the means are available here to women the best health clubs, trainers make use of it!
times during this process. I always emphasise the waist and body shape of a woman, even if my client doesnít have a waist! I like to sculpt the body shape like John Paul Gaultierís corset shape. Donít cover the waist of a woman! If you do – khalas! I hate boxy silhouettes.
RAPID FIRE 1. One fave item in your wardrobe? My jeans 2. A favourite designer piece of clothing or accessory you own? My Burberry laptop bag 3. What you never leave home without? My mobile 4. Your favourite food or drink? Veal steak / cafe latte 5. Your favourite restaurant or cafe in Doha? Paul 6. What you love about Doha? Safety 7. One word that describes your personal style best? Outrageous 8. One accessory that can make a womanís outfit? Matching bag 9. One item of clothing or accessory that is a complete ‘no-no’ in your book? Big hair accessories 10. One word that comes to mind when the following are mentioned? Yves Saint Laurent – Elegance Grace Kelly – Glamour Elie Saab – Pioneer Style – Character High heels – Femininity Arm Candy – Daily necessity
How did Rome happen? What was your experience like there? What kind of collection did you show there? It all started from Facebook. Two years ago after a show in Qatar, I loaded the photographs on Facebook and I started to receive invitations from Italians in the fashion world to add them to my page. I received invitations to participate in Rome, Paris and Moscow fashion weeks. I ignored them at first and then was persuaded to accept the invitation to participate in Rome in July 2010. I was chosen from many to get the Oriental Award for ‘Young Upcoming Designer’ – the discovery of 2010! It was a nice experience, dealing with professionals, and the mayor of Rome, Barbara Pasquin from Collezioni, Fashion TV and even parliamentarians attended. Rai Uno [major Italian television channel] covered the show for the first time. The collection I showed was partly bridal wear and eveningwear. The colours were inspired by Arabic prints and images of Empress Suraiya of Iran, Scheherazade, Murjana – I used black, red, aqua, green, gold, bright kiwi and electric blue. I called the collection Hareem which in Arabic means woman or ‘donna’ in Italian. I wanted to show through my collection the sensuality of women in the GCC. I wanted them to see what women wear below the abayat and veils. I used masks like butolas reflective of the Venetian masks too and used the agal and ghuthra as headwear on the models. Where do you go from here? I have an invitation to show in the Fashion Week in Rome, the Bateaux Rouge in Paris in January and in New York. Itís a long haul trip for me from here on. I want globalisation, to have a worldwide reputation. Getting famous is an endless process! Any trend tips for the Doha fashionistas? I like to thank the ladies of Doha as they have made me and supported me, trusted me. They are fashionable and updated. I would like to tell them to stay away from chiffons. Leather, fur and feathers are must-haves for the coming season. Stay away from light colours if you are overweight! A good body is a must-have – especially since all the means are available here to women. The best health clubs, trainers – make use of them! september 2010
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