RONALD ABDALA is the man behind the brand Ronald. Born in London to Lebanese parents, Ronald has attended some of the world’s most famous fashion schools – from the Los Angeles’ Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing to London’s very own Central Saint Martins. Ronald’s edgy yet feminine designs got people talking right from his debut ready-to-wear collection, X-Ray, which was inspired by the human skeleton.

Currently based in Lebanon, Ronald talks to Dia about his new collection, designers that inspire him and the type of woman he designs for.

What inspired your new collection?

When I first started thinking of a concept for the new collection, I already knew that I wanted it to be structured and concise, yet romantic and fluid. At the time, I was hooked on a single from the music group Royksopp called “The girl and the robot”, and thought it would be interesting to tap into my interpretation of the future femme-bot. I focused mainly on very angular cuts and shapes in-keeping with a very feminine line, and used mostly fluid fabrics in pale tones.

You have studied in various countries, from Beirut to London, which city/country do you find most inspiring?

I was born in London and spent most of my childhood there. My family and I relocated to Nigeria in 1987, Paris in 1989 and back to Lebanon in 1991. I actually didn’t return to London until 2002, and instantly felt like I was home! In my opinion London breeds art culture. It is everywhere where you look. There is so much to be inspired by and it’s fast pace. So much is happening, from plays, to exhibitions, to concerts, to life in general. I always say that London has a beat constantly playing in the background. You feel it in your bones!

Which designers do you find inspiring?

The late LEE MCQUEEN, ALBER ELBAZ, ROLAND MOURET, RABIH KAYROUZ are but a few of the names in the fashion industry that inspire me. When I look at their work, I find myself questioning my own work!! However, if i had to choose one designer that I look up to and am amazed by, season after season, it would have to be ALEXANDER MCQUEEN.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

Ask me where I see myself next week and I wouldn’t know what to answer! I don’t usually like to plan unless it’s dire! I mean obviously planning a collection, the launch, and everything that goes with work is crucial and can’t be avoided. But when it comes to my future as an individual, or even my company, I can only hope that it will be successful and recognized as a high-end brand!

What do you like most about Lebanese fashion?

Taste is very diverse in Lebanon when it comes to fashion, as it is just about anywhere else in the world. We are so used to hearing things like “Lebanese designers embellish and embroider all their red carpet dresses”. But lately there seems to be a new wave of design coming onto the fashion scene. People are beginning to understand that less is really more! I think what I like most about Lebanese fashion is our ability to adapt, and work with what we have available to create magnificent, uniquely worked fashion!

What kind of woman do you design for?

My collections target fashion forward women that don’t shy away from edgy silhouettes. Women that want to look sexy, feminine, and unique in their style, without being vulgar, overly eccentric and bland. My main focus when I design is balance: be creative, but not too creative. Embroider, but don’t over do it. Balancing out the European style with the Mediterranean allure.

You studied Graphic Design, what made you realize that fashion design was for you?

I never like to limit myself to one form of art. As a child, I had an innate talent for drawing. I would draw women all the time. As I grew, my sketches started to move towards a more fashion related aesthetic. So I always had that passion in me. However, alongside fashion, I am also a photographer, a graphic artist, an electronic musician, a lyricist and a painter. Always something to keep me busy! So even though my main passion is fashion, I also enjoy working with different medias!

Would you consider moving back to the UK?

EVERYDAY! However, in Lebanon we live a very comfortable life. Even though things like traffic and human ignorance can drive me up the wall sometimes, I find that whenever I am away I miss the chaos! As long as I can visit London as often as I can, I will be happy! Financially speaking, it makes more sense setting up a base in Lebanon, in terms of employees, goods, and everyday expenses. But in terms of exposure and sales, the UK and Europe make a lot more sense.

How come you decided to design for the Lebanese market rather than the UK?

When I moved back from London in 2004, I started working with La Maison Rabih Kayrouz. In 2006, war erupted with Israel again that summer and after it ended, I left my job and was ready to relocate back to London. Due to a series of events and meetings there, and after a lot of thought, I came back and set up a shop in Lebanon with the goal to expand to the UK, the rest of Europe and the world! I didn’t plan on limiting myself solely to the Lebanese market and I still don’t. It’s actually one of the hardest markets to crack when it comes to ready-to-wear since most high-end retailers won’t take a risk in stocking products labelled “made in Lebanon”, which gives me a lot of grief considering that they hold the power to promote the young talent of their country.

Shop for RONALD here at DIA BOUTIQUE

Written by Joyce See

Images courtesy of Ronald Abdala