Rami Al Ali, who mesmerised the discerning haute couture community with his Spring Summer 2012 collection in Paris, unplugged

Last month, Dubai-based couture king Rami Al Ali announced his arrival on the haute scene of the world’s most fashionable city — at the Paris Fashion Week, with his Spring Summer 2012 collection being showcased there.

It’s been a long journey since the Syrian designer set up base in the UAE, and imparted his signature touch in the world of fashion. The Rami Al Ali woman, the buzz in chic circles goes, ranges from the sweet bride to the blossoming socialite, with femininity being his core design aesthetic.

Rami, who is evolving into a formidable international player in the fashion arena, occupying covers of leading fashion magazines and red carpet celebrations the world over, talks to wknd. about his latest breakthrough.

Describe your collection that was showcased at Paris Fashion Week.

My Spring Summer 2012 collection is based on the beautiful works of the Orientalism Movement, a type of art that was very popular during the late 1800s in Western Europe. It was a time when Western travellers were learning about Eastern culture and traditions, and interpreted this through their artwork. The paintings were very rich, mysterious and sensual, which is exactly what I wanted to portray through my collection. My aim was to reinvent the theme and give it a modern twist.

How was your collection received by the assembled fashionistas?

I was overwhelmed by the whole experience as this was my Paris debut, and it meant a lot to me that I was accepted as one of their own [the gathering]. I think the most memorable moment was when Edward Enniful, Fashion & Style Director for W magazine, passed by to inspect my work — this was a real honour.

When you launched your couture line, more than 10 years ago, what kind of vision did you have?

From day one, Paris was always my ultimate goal! The city has long been known as the ‘Couture capital of the world’, so it’s a dream come true to finally be showing my collection there. But I always try not to plan too far ahead, as life always has other plans for you.

What would you say are the hallmarks of Rami Al Ali couture? What does it say about the woman who wears your clothes?

I’ve always had a core design aesthetic of femininity, elegance and grace. It is these traits that I endeavour to stay true to, as these are my ideals of what makes a woman beautiful. The Rami Al Ali woman fits perfectly with my designs; she too is feminine and elegant, with a strong sense of self-identity. My typical customer is a lady who is independent, spirited, yet always classy.

How have you reinvented your style, over the past 10 years, to be in sync with changing times? Is there a core proposition you always stick to (and improvise on) — or do you believe in total makeovers?

My designs have matured over time, as have I as a designer. Although I try to stay away from trends and only design what I believe to be beautiful, regardless of what other styles are gracing the runways. My collections always offer a different use of colour and fabrics, and the theme and inspiration always changes. Despite this, you will recognise a Rami Al Ali design from the way its flows off the curves of a woman and accentuates her femininity.

How fashion conscious is the Middle East — and do you customise your offerings in keeping with the wants here?

The Middle East is a hugely fashion conscious region, one of the reasons that so many international brands and designers have opened up branches here. I don’t necessarily customise my designs in keeping with the Middle Eastern trends, I like to offer something a bit different, so I infuse the beauty and intricate detailing of the East with the stylish flair of European Couture.

Dubai as a fashion destination: your comments.

Dubai is a great place for people to come and shop as it hosts all the great designers from across the globe. I would say it’s the hub of the Middle East when it comes to shopping, and many ladies of the region travel to Dubai for this very reason.

You have chosen to remain in the UAE. Looking back, do you feel vindicated?

Starting my fashion house in the UAE was not an initial intention, but is something that occurred naturally during my path to becoming a designer. I am happy with what Dubai has given me so far on my journey. I believe I made the right choice to begin here. Being a Syrian national, it was only natural that Dubai would feature heavily in my career, as it is the closest international fashion hub to my country.

If you could ‘dream’ of dressing three people, who would they be — and why?

It would have been an absolute dream to dress the stars of old-school Hollywood, in particular Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren. I loved the style back then, when ladies were encouraged to dress feminine and elegant, with clinched in waists and full-bodied skirts. I believe this was the generation of actresses who brought together the partnership of fashion and cinema.

The three best-dressed celebrities according to you, and why.

I adore the style of Sarah Jessica Parker; she makes fashion look like fun! I love the way she can take different pieces of couture, and mix them together in a really unique way, giving her a modern and quirky appeal. I also like the elegant style of Salma Hayek and Catherine Zeta Jones — both very beautiful ladies who can carry off an evening dress immaculately.