What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
Growing up, my attraction to fashion, colors & patterns was running through my veins and as I grew older, the talent grew with me so it’s like I didn’t have a choice it was just there.
Who or what are your inspirations for creating your designs?
In the past, I used to think that to get inspired, I should lock myself somewhere calm and focused. Turns out the inspiration constantly comes from life in general. New places we see, people we meet … It’s in the small daily routine that I can get inspired .
Is there any person/designer that you consider to be your inspiration?
I was always fascinated by Van Gogh’s art works and due to his asymmetrical paints I got inspired to produce many collections over the years.
What is your best and worst fashion moment? Like during the show on and off the backstage?
Usually the best moments for me are when the show is finally finished and I can see people’s reaction towards the collection they just viewed because after all, the importance of their feedback and their chemistry towards my line is what keeps me going. And to say the worst moments are usually the backstage chaos prior to the show.
What do you believe are the essential elements needed to be successful as a fashion designer?
I believe in the element of beauty when it comes to fashion. You find this within yourself and your surroundings such as colors, details, fabrics.
After all, every person is born with a gift. We should try to find it, work on it so we can succeed in a full career moving forward.
What are your favorite fashion collections?
I consider my collections as my children so each one of them holds a special place in my heart and has a story, however the Lump collection was the turnaround in my career so it will always be one of my favorite.
What ethics are important for people involved with fashion?
Fashion is the most powerful art there is.
It’s movement, design and architecture all in one. It shows the world who we are and who we’d like to be.. so for me honesty and courage are a must in this industry.
Honesty to take credits for what we created and courage not to be afraid to show the world who we really are.
How do you stay up to date regarding fashion?
When fashion is your passion , every interest around you becomes linked to your passion and that’s why it’s not hard to be always updated by viewing many collections from many international designers and checking the styling of the big fashion influencers.
Do you prefer traditional illustrating styles or newer digital mediums?
I’m an old school designer with a pen and paper always on me to be honest, because I consider drawing a sketch with my hand on paper is more satisfying.
How would you describe your personal style or design?
My designs cater for all people in different palettes, and as the brand is expanding more dresses are becoming more appealing because they target some specific communities.
However I find my dresses to be daring yet classy, asymmetric but well in shape, colourful but easy on the eye.
If you were not a fashion designer, what would you want to be?
Actually I’ve never thought about it because I can’t see myself doing something else. But could be something in the fashion or beauty industry.
What is your advice to all aspiring fashion designers?
The world you’re about to dive into , will sometimes break your heart, and may take everything you have and everything you hoped for . But there is one kind of prosperity gospel that I believe in, I believe that in the darkness, even there, there will be BEAUTY and there will be LOVE. And every now and then, it will feel like more than enough for you to convert it to unbearable creations that will lift you up to the top.
What role do you think social media plays in the fashion industry today?
I think social media has shortened distance and reduced time. So any new trend , collection , or fashion that comes out can be spread all over the globe as fast as ever.
So my social platforms are so important for me to let people all over the world reach me , see what I provide and get to know the style I spread.
Tell us where to contact you or your social media accounts
People can reach out to our team by sending an email to info@jeancharleszakaria.com and follow us on @jeancharleszakaria or @jczakaria on all social platforms to stay up to date.
Jean-charles Zakaria.
Www.jeancharleszakaria.com