Artisans are known for doing wonders with their magical hands. They always seek to do the extraordinary with their creative thinking as they think differently and live differently. Generally, they believe in the philosophy of diversity as part of their mission to enjoy life whenever and wherever possible. A Lebanese native living in Madrid, Assaad Awad, is one such high-profile artist who has carved out a niche for himself in the fashion world. As an authentic designer, various people including famous superstars are noticing his designs. Some of his well-known clients include famous pop divas such as Lady Gaga and Madonna.

He designs unique and amusingly wearable pieces like belts, corsets, spectacles, shoes and enchanting jewelry using a wide range of raw materials.

So what inspired him into the world of fashion? Awad replied, “It wasn’t planned at all. After fourteen years, I said goodbye to my job as a creative director in the advertising field. Immediately, I started to illustrate my passion through accessories.”

From here on out, a prestigious fashion institute was not needed. He believed he had everything to make it big in the fashion industry. As he proudly states, “I am an autodidact. For me there are no rules. I think this is the secret of the lines I create because then there are no boundaries to worry about.”

Another factor that influenced him was his freedom. “No one ever taught me what I can and can’t do. I am here to break the rules and I feel good doing so.”

Not surprisingly, his designs have some sort of a cult following, proving his success. His handcrafted luxury leather goods have exclusively made it in Madrid.

Awad is so keen on using leather as a base in his designs explaining that leather adapts easily. “leather and wood are the only two materials that are dead but alive at the same time. You can mold it however you want and they will respond beautifully to your design,” He explains, “Leather pants for example provide you with the unbelievable adaptation to your body curves.”

How did he end up getting a chance to design for celebrities? He chuckles gleefully and says, “Thanks to the power of the Internet, they all contacted me after seeing my designs online. Your creation won’t be hidden if you design with passion.”

He hopes to have Shakira as a future client because she is half-Lebanese similar to his origins. “It would be fun working with her,” he says.

According to Assad, uniqueness is a strong concept and must be executed well; this is why he tries to stick to a very high standard.

His latest collection “Meteor” was inspired by the inventive minds of Japan while he continues to use leather and wood as the core of his designs. “The main concept was treating wood and imprinting it on bags and accessories because in the future, wood will be as rare as diamonds,” Assad explains adding, “That’s how the idea of WonderWood Bags 2014 came about as part of the 2014 best bag design book.”

To make fashionistas consider wood as a luxurious item, he turned it into a beautiful couture dress named “Yes, I wood” paraded by Lady Gaga during her trip to London last year. Awad and Florian Dovillez, a London-based hairstylist and hat-designer, also made the wooden wig accompanying the dress. It’s not Awad’s first time collaborating with Gaga. They have worked together specifically in preparing entire collections for her concert tours.

Lady Gaga’s style is knows as shocking and bizarre and Awad’s creativity is showcased by her appeal. “My inspiration comes from anything around me; nature in its dazzling form, a fruit cut in half can give me a million ideas and pattern,” Awad states explaining that even an ugly outfit can be a source of inspiration. “I immediately think how to redesign that outfit to make it look luxurious and hip. For me, design is a problem and a solution at the same time,” Assad shares.

High names in fashion are an inspiration to Awad as well. Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Christian Louboutin are some of his role models. Awad says his designs are dedicated to women who want to be noticed and leave an impression wherever they go.

Awad also wants to leave an impression around the world and soon hopes his work will be in the Middle East. “I want to expand in Lebanon and the Middle East now that I have achieved success,” he says.

The fashion industry, to him, means nothing but a big marketing plan just like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. ”It’s the stress of making and selling collections every six month where the buyers, the sellers and the Easter bunny all coalesce into one commercial extravaganza”, he adds.