California-based fashion designer Oday Shakar has dressed some of the most glamorous women in Hollywood—remember how we raved about the dress Sandra Bullock wore to the MTV Movie Awards? That was his. Jessica Holmes’s one-armed gold sequined Oscars stunner came from him too.

So we were thrilled when the designer agreed to chat with us about his design philosophy and fashion vision…

DIA: Where do you find your inspiration?
SHAKAR: I was 12 years old when I first saw Elie Saab’s collection, and was so inspired that I’ve been following him ever since. The fact that he’s Middle-Eastern and such a talented designer, who makes extremely gorgeous and beautiful goddess-like gowns, led me to believe I could do the same.

DIA: How does your Iraqi heritage factor into your design ethos, if at all?
SHAKAR: Iraq has not influenced my design aesthetic as of yet, but may in collections to come. However, Iraq has influenced my life and lifestyle—the fact that people in Iraq are suffering makes me more determined and driven, and reminds me to count my blessings every day.

DIA: So far, most of your clients have been American. What kind of plans do you have to cross over to the Middle East? And what differences in style do you see between Western and Middle Eastern Women?
SHAKAR: I definitely plan on branching out to the world eventually.  I don’t find a big difference in Western and Middle Eastern women—they are all part of God’s magnificent creation.

DIA: What do you have coming up?
SHAKAR: We have a few events this summer and fall, mainly fashion shows and red carpet events—stay tuned!

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