Meet Our Top Masters of Couture

Lara Mansour   |   17-10-2017

Giorgio Armani

The number 11 is an iconic number for me, and has many memorable meanings…

It is the date of my birthday! I was born on the 11th July, so it’s always been a lucky number for me.

The Armani headquarters in Milan is at number 11, Via Borgonuovo.

In terms of teamwork, it is all about the number 11. In football, teams have 11 on-field players, they are 11 athletes that together, with dedication, sacrifice and perseverance, fight for the same goal. I have always liked football and throughout my career I have enjoyed dressing many teams and players.

Apollo 11 was the first spacecraft to land man on the moon. I still remember that day and the effect that memorable endeavour had on me. It suggested that anything was possible. A moment of incredible optimism.

If I could have given my 11-year-old self some advice, it would have been to have fun with your friends but at the same time, always work hard and stay true to your beliefs, and to follow your dreams.

 

Alexis Mabille

The number 11 means to me the rebirth after a big step, the ‘10th’ when you restart with a new year.

After 11 years of designing, I felt I had achieved a lot, but there are still so many creative ideas and codes of myself that I want to express. For me it meant that I arrived to establish my label and own style.

If I could have given my 11-year old self some advice, it would have been to go on your own feelings and to be creative and independent to be yourself. It is the only way to make things happen.

 

Burtrand Guyon – Schiaparelli

The number 11 means to me a new decade, a renewal.

After 11 years of designing, I felt I had achieved a stage of my professional career. I had just joined the Haute Couture studio of Christian Lacroix, who was celebrating the 11th anniversary of the House.

If I could have given my 11-year self some advice, it would have been to follow your own path and be confident in yourself.

 

Rami Kadi

To me, number 11 is dynamic and positive, as 1+1=2! It’s also the date of my brother’s birthday.

If I could have given my 11-year old self some advice, it would have been to avoid being in NYC on September 11th, 2000.

 

Tony Ward

After 11 years of designing, I felt so much and so little had been achieved! I had launched my own brand, presented my collections during the Italian and French fashion weeks, reached clients from all over the world and yet so much had not been done yet! I can assure you that after the first 11 years, I was so looking forward to the next 11 years.

If I could have given my 11-year self some advice, it would have been to always keep moving forward and consider every obstacle as an opportunity to grow. I truly believe that life is too short for regrets.

 

Georges Chakra

 

To me, the number 11 is the double digit of number 1. If number 1 is for new beginnings, then 11 is for new visions and higher ideals.

After 11 years of designing, I felt I had achieved some sort of refinement in design and a certain balance between work, creative thoughts, and emotions.

If I could have given my 11-year self some advice, it would have been to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, focus on future goals and plan on ways to reach new heights.

 

Rami Al Ali

For me, the number 11 is the first year after your first decade, which is usually the most challenging to maintain your achievement and try to upscale and perform better, for a better second decade in your career.

After 11 years of designing, I feel I have established the Rami Al Ali brand to what it is today. Myself and the team have worked extremely hard to build and maintain our brand image. From maintaining a loyal customer database, the quality of stockists, having an international presence through showcasing at Couture Fashion Week for the past 12 season and working on being recognisable in the region for my designs.

If I could have given my 11-year self some advice, it would have been to let your dreams guide your path.

 

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