A master of faultless drapery, Middle Eastern designer Rami Al Ali, who grew up in Deir ez-Zor, a small city in Syria, combines decadence with streamlined geometry and romanticism to create his exquisite gowns. Describing his personal style as classic with a twist, Rami cites his earliest memory of fashion as when his mother was preparing herself for an event. She pulled out a timeless turquoise silk dress which magically transformed her into a princess. He found it mesmerising, and this was the spark that made him intrigued by fashion. It was then that Al Ali saw fashion as more than just a dress, and instead as a communication tool. We stopped by his atelier in Jumeirah to get an exclusive look inside his personal wardrobe, and of course get up close with his exquisitely created gowns.
This Rolex Submariner was the first luxury item that I bought with my own money. I chose Rolex as it is always the first brand to buy into when you start collecting watches. At the time, they had this unique limited edition green style and I like the idea that it wasn’t available to purchase off the shelf, you had to order the timepiece and wait, a process which I found very interesting. It’s a sporty, energetic piece, and for the summer I updated it with the canvas strap.
I follow a strict routine when it comes to skincare, as I believe that we have become a very vigil world, making a young and healthy appearance imperative. Therefore, I take great care of my body, skin, the way I eat, and my lifestyle. The more you are committed to good products the better, so I choose to use the Shiseido Men full range of products. I trust everything Japanese and it’s a brand that from the start was dedicated to cosmetics, so I can be assured that it is authentic and credible.
These Chanel patent leather tuxedo shoes are my dancing shoes. I found them in Paris at the Rue Cambon store, which I always pass by when I am in the city as it is the only store that sells the men’s line. The sales team know me and had kept this special pair aside, because with their simple and discreet logo and beautiful design they match perfectly with my style.
It is always hard to pick a favourite dress as it isn’t fair to choose just one from the collection. However, this dress from the Autumn Winter 16 couture collection really symbolises the classical silhouette of the 40s and 50s that I love. The pixilation and layering create a 3D effect which makes it more interesting, as I like to create something in layers so areas are hidden for people to discover.
I’m not a leather person in general, I prefer soft fabrics and I don’t tend to dress very casually. But when I saw this jacket and tried it with fabric trousers, I loved the contrast. It ties in with my character, the old and new, the East and West.
The bangle here is Bil Arabi and features my first initial in Arabic. Nadine Kanso launched this line for men a couple of years ago, and when I saw it I loved both the simplicity and discreet nature. The Bulgari ring is something from the days of showing my collections in Rome. I love the story and heritage of the jewellery house, so when I was there for my last show in the city I bought this ring to say goodbye, as a memory of leaving Rome.
I am a big fan of Fendi leather accessories and especially love their new modern designs. However, most are too funky or oversized to suit my character, until I saw this classic design in a muted colour tone which is something I could wear every day, throughout the year. I always carry a bag with all my belongings, as I hate to put anything in my pockets.
I prefer to have one fragrance that you are known for and becomes your signature. Right now, for me it is the Aqua Universalis by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. I found out about the parfumier Francis Kurkdjian by accident, as his store was next to Le Meurice where I usually show in Paris, and I came across it and its beautiful smell when I was taking a walk one day. He is French Armenian, and all of his perfumes are based on fresh lush white flowers, which is very much what I like.
