Rami Kadi: Designs that redefine elegance

Rami Kadi, a fashion designer, was born in the US and raised in Lebanon. His passion for designing was obvious very early on. It was only natural that he enrolled in a fashion design school, Esmod Beirut in 2005, from which he graduated with honors and distinctions in 2008.
He then gained experience working with world renowned Lebanese designers Rabih Kayrouz and Georges Chakra. In 2008, he was selected by the Starch Foundation, (founded by Rabih Kayrouz and Tala Hajar), which promotes promising fresh fashion graduates, to showcase his first two collections. In May 2011, he opened his first flagship boutique and atelier in Beirut, for ready to wear, couture, accessories and bridal collections.
Arab News interviewed Rami Kadi about his boutique, new collection and future plans.

What encouraged you to start your own line?
I always wanted to open my own line; as soon as I got the opportunity to do it I didn’t hesitate. My mother has always been a great support for me.

Who was the first person to adopt your talent? Tell us more about your beginnings?
My creations at Starch gained instant success and recognition, which led me to co-open in 2010 “Madame Muguet,”, a luxury multi-brand boutique, where my designs were displayed among other Lebanese designers’ creations. As for the first person to adopt my talent, it would be definitely my mother who has always supported and encouraged me. She is my number one fan.

What is elegance according to you?
I would say it is a woman who stands out with her elegance and grace. She has something about her that turns heads wherever she goes, leaving a trail of seduction and mystery behind, she’s a woman who blows life into the garment she is wearing.

What are some of your fashion goals?
While my dreams for the RK Brand are big, I am currently working on reaching new markets, mainly in the Middle East and Europe, where I am putting increased efforts on spreading word on my creations. At a later stage, I hope to be able to develop derivative products and departments, such as a baby clothing line for example. Who knows, the sky is the limit to my imagination.

Let us talk a little bit about your boutique, how would you describe your brand?
Kadi’s brand represents elegance with royal cuts for distinguished women. I tend to create fashionable, timeless and detailed pieces.

Are you following fashion trends, or do you have your own taste?
My designs reflect my personality and what I like. Of course, I am always aware of fashion trends but I like to design my pieces in a way to reflect my passion.

If Kadi’s boutique could have any celebrity spokesmodel, who would it be?
No one in particular, any woman that portrays Rami Kadi's values and image.

Myriam Fares was one of those who wore your designs. What attracted her most about your designs?
Myriam is very open-minded fashion wise, dares to wear new and original creations, and she is allowing me to let my creativity flow.

Have you worked with other celebrities?
I have worked with some other celebrities, such as Haifa Wehbe, Nancy Ajram, Mona Abou Hamze and Samira Saaid.
Who would be your perfect ambassadress and why?
If I had to choose someone, I would go for the 'Queen of Burlesque', Dita Von Teese, an artist who masters the art of seduction and whose fashionism and attitude captivated me long ago. There’s something about Dita that glows with elegance and captivates everyone around her. She is the kind of women who turns heads wherever she goes.
How do you produce and distribute your designs?
I have my own atelier in my boutique where I design all my pieces. Concerning the distribution, clients can order all over the world. However, I do not sell the same design twice in the same country, I have a policy of one design per country.

Do your designs usually meet the costumers’ tastes?
I humbly think that my designs are the taste of the Arab women, who are conservative but elegant, which I admire. I have clients from all over the world asking for my dresses so it is a very positive sign.

How do you accommodate the needs of women here who might have different fashion sensibilities?
Since I produce couture dresses, all kinds of alterations are possible: change of color, change of fabric, remove/add sleeves, etc… In that way I can accommodate various women’s tastes.

Tell us about the new collection, who/what inspired your creation?
The world around me has always been a rich source of inspiration; it provides me with flashes of creativity all day long, from the moment I wake until I go to bed, and sometimes even in my dreams. Anything can be inspiring, the music I listen to while I’m driving, interaction with people, when I’m relaxing at the beach, or reading magazines, watching other designers' fashion shows, etc. Another major source of inspiration is obtained while traveling, visiting new countries and getting acquainted with new cultures and fashion salons...
Inspiration is not only limited to my day to day activities, it can also be found in my dreams! I always dream about dresses or shapes and I wake up in the middle of the night to draw them, and go back to sleep.
My latest collection tells the story of a sleeping beauty who wakes up from an ever long sleep and finds herself within the confines of a sumptuous castle. It is with mixed feelings of surprise, and astonishment that the gracious princess walks through the aisles of the palace, and discovers a place glowing with royal opulence and yet holding an air of modernity.

What are your favorite fabrics to work with and why?
My choice of materials/fabrics depends on both the trend and my mood, and is not specifically limited to one type of material.

Is there a certain key, or a secret let’s say, for success?
The key to success is to be very passionate about what you are doing. You can succeed in anything if you really love what you do.

Where can readers find out more about you and your work? Do you have a website?
I am very active on social media platforms. If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (Rami Kadi) you will be constantly updated. My website features all my collections (www.rami-kadi.com)

Last but not the least, what advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
To always follow their own creativity. Of course, they have to be aware of the actual trends, but their designs should reflect them and their personality and not the trend.

Email: [email protected]