INTERVIEW: REHMALI

Birmingham-based young designer Maria Rehmali will be showcasing her debut collection at London Fashion Week in February. I managed to squeeze myself into her very busy schedule to find out how she gets her inspiration and why she decided to become a designer - check it out below!

Hi Maria! To kick off, can you tell us a little about how you set up the Rehmali brand and what inspired you to become a designer?

At a young age I did not know what I wanted to do, going through college and university, I noticed that fashion was always a big topic more than your final year exams!

Everyone I had noticed had a unique dress style, I knew then I wanted to apart of this culture. As I was always complimented on the way I had always pulled together an everyday outfit,  I decided to go into styling.

 I started to style in a major well-known fashion retailer as a personal stylist; I had many customers coming in through the door from the wealth and fame to just everyday professional customers. They were all seeking my knowledge and expertise in creating a lifestyle for them in the way they would like to been seen in the public eye.

My own creativity to design has come from my clients. There was always something wrong with a cut of a garment or not liking a certain aspect of an outfit etc, so I decided to take evening classes and increase my knowledge of fashion design. From this I had started my Rehmali label.

What is your favourite piece you have designed so far?

 

As I create a collection there is always a special garment that you would call your ‘favourite’, all my pieces are unique and each has their own spark!

I have do have a favourite piece which I am currently in process of putting together.

How exciting! So whose style do you admire?

I don’t have a certain style that I follow but I feel that Oliva Palermo has a great trend sense and a great fashion eye. I admire people who don’t have stylist and can pull garments together themselves, and this is really fashion!

But I do admire designer such as Armani as his a great talent and a believer in his creation.

If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be?

As my designs are very vintage Hollywood but with a modern twist and a hint of film festivals, I would like to dress Sophia Lauren and Audrey Hepburn. With regards to modern celebrities I would like to dress Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie or Megan Fox as I feel that they do still carry on the old Hollywood glamour.

Your designs are very classic - how would you describe the “Rehmali woman”?

The Rehmali woman is a powerful, strong minded woman who knows what she want and goes for it, She is very diverse and unique and stands out from the crowd - and always looks fabulous!

Where do you see the Rehmali brand in 5 years time?

In 5 years time I see Rehmali will have on-schedule fashion shows in and out of Europe, also I will have opened stores either in or out of Europe.......

But it does not stop there!

What are you looking forward to most about exhibiting at A La Mode?

At the show I am looking forward to meeting the LGN Events team and also the press and buyers which will help me to make lasting relationships and expose myself and my brand. Also, I am looking forward to showcasing my collection to all of London!

Maria Rehmali will showcase her exciting new collection on the first day of London Fashion Week, Friday 18th February, as part of LGN Events eagerly anticipated off-schedule event A LA MODE. 

Check out the full lineup of the show here: www.lgn-events.co.uk