RAMI AL ALI is a world-renowned Syrian designer; his intricate designs blend Western influences with detailed Eastern femininity to make couture that is also inspired by Europe. His line is chic, avant-garde and uses classic shapes to make the female body look sultry and sleek. He established his own line in 2001 after working with fashion houses in Dubai and immediately after its launch he was boldly entered into the fashion arena with recognition spreading very quickly. His designs were soon on the cover of leading fashion magazines and being worn by celebrities. This season he was registered into the AltaRoma AltaModa committee and became the first International Syrian designer to be entered into this prestigious fashion event.

Where were you born and raised, what is the creative environment there and how did this influence your style today?

I was born and raised in Syria and I was influenced greatly by the Syrian heritage – its art, architecture and handcrafts are a great source of inspiration. This was clearly depicted in my Damascus Rose collection for S/S 09. The different climates we have in Syria, where you get to explore and feel four different seasons of colours and nature. This, surely, has enriched my visual memory, which was enforced by the academic study at the Faculty of fine Arts, in Damascus – Syria.

What made you first interested in fashion design?

I remember my attention to details in my childhood, how I used to enjoy watching fashion shows and following the latest trends and changes in style, which was later reflected through sketches and designs I used to prepare after special requests for friends and family. However, when the results came out so promising this passion turned away from being a simple hobby into academic aspiration and ambition and later on became my profession.

What style and direction did you see missing in the Middle Eastern market and why did you decide to fill it after graduating from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Damascus?

I noticed that the region here was missing the blend between eastern and western styles. The dresses were either Arabic or ready made brands, and sometimes too European. Although the clients were looking for something blended between both.

How did your time at those fashion houses in Dubai help you with your design discipline and direction now?

I gained a very good experience different from what I studied in Damascus or Beirut. It added to my expertise and techniques, for instance I wasn’t that familiar with embroidery and embellishments!

What type of woman wears RAMI AL ALI and what differentiates your designs from other Middle Eastern designers?

Women who wear my designs are sophisticated, selective, intricate, graceful and very refined. Being RAMI AL ALI and having my own signature style is basically the visual identity that differentiates me from other designers.

What’s in a typical day for RAMI AL ALI?

Work, work and work all day long! I actually enjoy it, especially at moments of preparing for a new collection or theme or idea for a special gown!

In May 2009 you were recognized as one of the 50 most influential Arabs in the world, how did you use that influence in the fashion world to get to where you are now?

I am what I am because of what I do, and what I have accomplished is because of my own efforts and hard work. So, my work is my identity and my key to other cultures and societies, which gave me recognition on the international fashion platform.

What are the main (cultural, social, fashion) influences from Syria that will you be bringing to the forefront of your show in Roma?

I have accumulated a vast visual memory throughout the years I lived in Syria. This comes to the surface creatively in every piece or collection I create, it can be seen in the graphics and colour combinations of my collections. This comes from artwork inspired from the Syrian craftsmanship like the mosaic, the famous multi ethnic architecture and the traditional or ethnic garments I see.

Written by Cleide Carina

Images courtesy of PRESS