Raised amongst aesthetics and in the midst of a family business specializing in furniture and decoration, Sara Melki knew from the very start that she belonged in the art world. Starting her fashion internship while still in high school, she quickly discovered her talent. Ever since, she has been working hard to become the renowned designer she is today.
A gypsy soul, recognized for her love of fabric, colour, and mixing, Sara Melki is the perfect example of being different and unique in the fashion world. We sat down with the young designer as she told us more about her journey, her one-of-a-kind collections and her future visions.
What inspired you to be a designer and part of the fashion industry?
I was raised in an artistic family, as my father owns a home furniture gallery, so ever since I was a kid, I was always into fabric and textile. At the beginning, I wanted to be a jewellery designer specialized in the use of textile in my accessories. I did my first internship while I was still in high school, it was with Rabih Keyrouz, and it had always been a dream for me to work for him. As I interned for him, I knew I was going to lean towards fashion instead of jewellery design. It really was an amazing experience as he always kept an eye on me and told me that he liked how I mixed colours together. After finishing high school, I studied fine arts at ALBA and then went to Paris for four years of fashion studies. For me, Paris has always been the perfect place for fashion. When I was done, textile was still on my mind as it had always been, and that was what led me to intern for Malhia Kent. I went to New York afterwards and interned at Proenza Schouler where I learned the business side of fashion. It was a great experience for me as well because they were all for mixing fabrics and colours, creating geometric cuts; basically everything that I loved and could use for my inspiration.
How did you build your own brand? How would you describe it to people?
After my internships, I came back to Beirut with the goal of building my brand right away. We created Espace M as a family business. M represented our family name Melki, as well as Meubles (which is French for furniture) and Mode (which is French for fashion), therefore linking all of our talents in the same company. I would describe the identity of my brand as a cosmopolitan style. I create statement pieces and unique looks that stand out.
I also always like to include accessories, as it has always been my “vocation” to design jewellery.
Tell us more about your experience with Malhia Kent, Chanel’s exclusive weaver.
I can really say that it was the best experience that I’ve had in my fashion career. Nowadays, it is sad but true to admit that we are not creating something from scratch. The true power of creation remains in how to mix fabrics together, how to work on a simple piece but make it stand out as a statement. I had six months of weaving internship at Malhia Kent, and I was asked to create. They gave me a chance to prove myself, which led showcasing my fabrics at Premiere Vision; a tradeshow for textiles.
You started your career quite young; do you think the brand will change as you change?
My brand is definitely growing from being local to international. I am currently selling my pieces in a boutique in New York which is something very big for me as the store is doing really well. Of course I would want my brand to keep growing and be showcased in big cities such as Dubai and Paris, and in renowned stores such as Bergdorf in New York. I am also working on applying e-commerce for my brand on the website.
What do you find the most challenging part of having your own fashion line?
Well having your own fashion line is by itself very challenging. I am getting married soon and moving to Africa, so I will be going back and forth. This is a challenge for me because I feel that I have to be in the boutique with my staff and customers at all times. Nevertheless, I know that Africa is going to be an inspiration for me and will allow me to be even more creative. Sometimes staying creative can be a challenge because when creating my pieces, I want them to be unique and directly recognizable by people.
What is it like to be part of the industry, especially a woman based in Lebanon?
Honestly, I have a very positive view on being part of the fashion industry in Lebanon. Nowadays, I feel that Lebanese people are changing their views on young and upcoming designers. They feel proud to wear them. The Lebanese customers are the ones allowing me to grow, and I believe that my brand is where it is today thanks to them.
Of all the designs you’ve created, do you have a favourite?
Out of my 11 collections, my first one is my favourite. I think that I will never change the front page of my press kit on which my first collection is portrayed. I also love my hummingbird collection. As for a favourite piece, I would have to say the bomber jacket. It became a classic that I reproduce in every collection but with different fabrics.
What is your greatest lesson in life?
Patience! I have never been patient in my whole life! But today, after all my experiences, I am learning to be more and more patient because everything happens for a reason and everything comes to you at the right timing.
When you were a little girl what did you want to be?
A jewellery designer.
Define couture in your own words.
For me, couture is all about lace, beadings… I prefer to be on the ready-to-wear side. I don’t see myself in couture because of all the mixes of fabrics that I do. Of course, my finishing is all couture but I like to keep my “different” signature, as opposed to the more classic side of couture.
What is on your wish list for this year?
I would definitely like to open a boutique in Cote d’Ivoire in Africa!
Your current role model…
I would have to say my family! As for personalities I would love to dress, I would say Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell, Queen Rania, and Natasha Goldenberg -even though I am against the blogging world.
Your favourite restaurants in Beirut…
Bread Republic and The Gathering!
To be successful, you will need…
You need to have a lot of ambition. You need to go to work loving what you are doing. I believe that every person loves to do something specific, so find what that is and do it. I also think that to be successful, one should never be materialistic.
What is next for Sara Melki?
I am currently working on a new collection- The English Boxing Collection. It is my favourite sport and I really feel good when I practice it so I decided to create a collection inspired by it.
By Dana Mortada
READ MORE
