The fairytale behind Rami Kadi: Les Jardins Suspendus.

Bouquets of lace and embroidered flowers blend together among pastel waves of tulle and refined fabrics, resulting in fairytale dresses, fresh colors and dreamy figures.This is Les Jardins Suspendus French for the Hanging Gardens, the latest collection from rising Lebanese designer Rami Kadi. 

Tell me abit about your up-bringing in terms of fashion inspiration?

“I was born in the US and raised in Lebanon, my passion for designing was obvious very early on. I used to alter my mom’s clothes and help her pick her outfits, and by the time I graduated from high school I had already decided that my vocation was to pursue a career in the fashion field. It was only natural that I enrolled in fashion design school, Esmod Beirut in 2005, from which I graduated with honors and distinctions in 2008. I then gained experience working with world-renowned Lebanese designers Rabih Kayrouz and Georges Chakra.”

How did you start your business?
“In 2008, I was selected by the Starch Foundation,(founded by Rabih Kayrouz and Tala Hajjar), which promotes promising fresh fashion graduates, to showcase my first two collections . 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. In May of 2011, I opened my first flagship boutique and Atelier in Beirut, for ready to wear, couture, accessories and bridal collections.”

What are some of the obstacles you’ve faced?

“Everything I’ve faced in my career I like to think of it as a challenge not an obstacle. The main challenge was to establish my name, and I have been able to do it through hard work.”

Where do you get your inspiration from?

“In terms of creativity and inspiration, 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 travelling, 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 night to draw them, and go back to sleep.”

Who are your favourite designers?

“Christian Dior - I am very fond of their designs.”

What do you think about Lebanese and/or Middle Eastern Fashion?
“On the haute couture level we are doing very well, however, the prêt à porter sector still needs development.”

What is your biggest accomplishment in regards to your career?
“I believe I’m a young designer who is progressing gradually in the fashion scene, where everyday has provided me with enriching encounters and experiences that have taught me a lot and are providing me with interesting opportunities. I think every day of my career has had its own importance so far.” 

What is your latest collection based on? 
“My latest collection is based on fairytale dresses, it’s romantic, it’s about mixing flowing and light fabrics to create the aspect of a pastel flower bouquet.”

How long did it take you to finish?
“It took about 2 months to get it done, but it was an ongoing mission I’ve put all my energy and inspiration in it.”

What’s next for you and your business?
“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 the renown of 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.”

Conquering her dream one dress at a time!

Growing up around fabrics, sewing machines and having the guidance of her mother who was also a dress-maker, Veronica Al Khoury seemed destined to become a fashion designer.

“I would play dress up dolls with these fabrics and I would design them as extravagant gowns,” she says.

The talented designer launched her fashion career 30 years ago in a small shop in Wollongong where she grew up. However, her family relocated to Sydney and she continued to work out of studios and from her home.

The self-taught couture designer says she did a few courses at East Sydney Tafe which included advanced pattern making and bridal wear.

However there have been a few bumps in the road for Veronica.

She says, “lack of funding at times, taking on too much and not having the time to be as creative as I would like, sourcing the ideal fabrics for my creations. There are so many assets to fashion that it is hard to choose which is going to be the most rewarding and because I've got so many things I want to achieve, sometimes I feel that I would love to do it all at once, but that is hard to juggle at the moment”.

Her duties as a mother and wife also mean that she needs to work out a way to have “a good work-life balance without letting either side suffer”.

Veronica’s love for fabrics, colours, beautiful clothes and art have helped to continue drive her ambition to be a designer. Also having a list of inspiring role models such as Valentino, Dior and Chanel certainly helps.

Her passion for designing gowns also comes from Lebanese designers, Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Tony Ward and Georges Chakra, who are leading the fashion world with their inspiring collections.

“I think that Lebanese designers are certainly leading fashion all around the world, and Lebanese people in general are very ambitious, naturally creative people and are not afraid to push the boundaries,” she says.

With the move from her store in Five Dock to Croydon Park in the pipelines, she also wants to produce a ready-to-wear evening gowns’ collection. Ultimately, she would love to keep her business in the family.

“I'm also hoping to pass this business on as a legacy to my three daughters and son. Hopefully they will be interested,” she says.