Nadine Mustafa Brides seeking a couture appearance for their wedding day are frequently drawn to Reem Kachmar’s gorgeous gowns, who have been designing dreamy wedding gowns for a long time. The Lebanese designer’s hopelessly romantic bridal gowns have been the grab for wedding and crimson events – and it’s easy to see what this is about. Reputed for her distinguishable skill to merge Eastern and Western European panache with a nouvelle swirl.
We got down with the famed wedding and evening wear designer to learn more about her artistic process and the brand’s plans for the future.
When did you know you wanted to pursue fashion design as a career?
As a child, I always dreamt of becoming a painter; all of which has changed when I was at the age of thirteen. I was so captivated and astonished by fashion design that it didn’t take me long to go tell my parents that I wanted to quit school and start working in fashion. I remember that day quite vividly, it almost gave them a heart attack. I think it was for the sake of getting rid of the constant nagging; that they promised to send me to Paris to study fashion design; however, I had to finish school first. I ended up holding them to that promise.
Where do you drive your inspiration from?
It’s a never-ending process. I can best describe it by comparing it to a picture that is gradually taking shape in my mind through an amalgam of things like watching a movie or attending an exhibition, visiting a city, meeting a person, or even dreaming. A bit from here and there and without really being conscious of how it happened.
In just three words, how would you describe your brand?
This is a bit tricky because I believe that my brand has two different sides. One is seductive, edgy, and colorful, especially when it comes to our evening wear. It’s also very charming, delicate, and romantic when it comes to our bridal wear.
Who is the Reem Kachmar woman? How would you describe her?
I would say effortlessly chic, feminine, and seductive.
What is the driving force behind your label?
I dream of achieving international recognition for my brand. But more than that, it is the journey to get there with all the challenges it presents that I enjoy the most. It is an enriching experience and I always push myself to be brave and surpass my limits.
What are the differences between designing a red-carpet look and designing for a bride?
Red carpet looks are especially fun to work on, in the sense that one can work on designs that are audacious and daring. We want the design to be fun and to stand out whilst keeping it elegant.
Wedding gowns for me are mostly about two things; reflecting the bride’s personality and preferences and at the same time creating a timeless design that the client can look back on decades later and find her wedding dress to be as beautiful as she saw it on her wedding day.
What has been the highlight of your year?
I was really scared of the impact of Corona on our year, and I can’t tell you how grateful I was when I saw all the beautiful feedback and success our bridal collection and evening couture collection had in 2021.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your gown?
In two words, I want every woman to feel very Confident and feminine at the same time.
What is one silhouette that will never go out of style?
In my opinion, every silhouette with a built-in corset is timeless, there’s no doubt about that.
As much as the corset has been one of the most controversial items in fashion for centuries, I can’t deny that it remains to be the most complimentary touch that a lot of dresses need. With all the alterations and comfort of modern days corset versus the ancient version of it; I would love to keep incorporating it in many of my future designs.
How do you see the fashion industry a decade from now?
I think the change is already happening now due to technology, the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment, and coronavirus. However, we can do something about it.
- Sustainable fashion: brands are moving towards more sustainable fabrics and manufacturing methods.
- Digital: the future of fashion is happening online, and brands will have to adjust how they create and sell clothing to make it work in a digital world.
- Simplified: big or small fashion brands will have to restrict themselves to two collections early SS/FW and stop the catastrophic trend of having more than six to eight per year.
What advice would you give to young designers who look up to you?
I would advise them to look for Inspiration everywhere, learn the history of fashion, think like an entrepreneur, and have fun in the process.
