58 U | February 2015

THE FAIRY DRESSMAKER

U FEATURE

Hail the art of tailor making as you enter Cherine Khadra’s universe of style and sensibility.

By CELINE ASSOUAD

W ith a career that pioneered at Cartier and many years of experience to follow, Cherine Khadra’s infatuation for custom-made garbs enthralled a large clientele including her muse, Nadine Labaki. Her esteem for elegance and simplicity highlights

her inimitability as she lives by one clear philosophy “No need for embellishment, elegance lies in simplicity”. Today, through her own label atelier.C, the designer grasps the magic of tailor making where inventor and customer come together to craft a piece of clothing that emanates one’s exceptional identity – a work of art.U: In a world that is in constant change, how do you keep up?CK: The only constant in life is change. When you build a strong

identity you will always find a way to keep up. U: You started your career in one of the most prestigious jewelry houses in the world, Cartier. Tell us about this experience and how well it is serving you today?CK: I've learned the most important thing, luxury is in the details.U: Why did you choose to create tailor-made designs?CK: When I see a gown there's always something I want to change in it.U: How is your personality portrayed through your creations?CK: It depends if I'm working on my collection it's all about what my emotions and my feelings! It's what I want! When I work with my client it's meeting her half way with my expertise and my experience so here it doesn’t involve my input solely.

February 2015 | U 59

U: What is your favorite design and why?CK: Each piece is very dear to my heart because each gown has a story. But the soft spot goes to the " National Anthem” gown because I feel there's an emotional bond with this gear. Also, my first wedding dress in this collection is one of my masterpieces.U: What fuels your imagination?CK: Everything that stimulates my senses. I enjoy both observing and absorbing!U: What type of woman wears atelier. C brand?CK: I am known to be a bit conservative so any woman is an atelier. C woman except if she's asking for "too much skin.” Thus a woman who wears atelier. C is the one and only Nadine Labaki. She's a woman of substance, she's real classy, charming, brave, confidant and she's fully clad with strength and dignity. No wonder why she's my only muse in Lebanon with all my love and respect for the others.U: For its 50th anniversary, Diet Pepsi chose you to redefine its artistic brand. Tell me, how do you feel about that? How was the experience?CK: I am very happy of course! It is a dream comes true. I'm enjoying the birth of my "Limited Edition Diet Pepsi can by atelier. C" project that I have been working on since 2 years. This is the first collaboration for Diet Pepsi worldwide with a fashion designer and I'm glad that I was able to make it first in my country. I am particularly honored that they believed in me when it came to this project. U: In your opinion, what is the most common fashion mistake women make these days?

CK: Being a fashionista and following the trend. It hinders you from portraying your own identity.U: Who is your favorite fashion designer?CK: Oscar and Azzeddine. Also, the two legendary opposites Gabrielle Chanel and Christian Dior.U: What are your favorite fabrics to work with?CK: I bring fabrics from all around the word. I love organza, gazar, shantung, tulle and ziberlin. We are becoming quite known also for our beading techniques in our atelier.U: Describe a typical day for you.CK: Morning Nespresso and Skype with my brother who recently moved to Africa is a must! And then I start off my daily routine dividing my time between my atelier and the newly opened shop at Saifi! Ps: Good music and positive energies are essential for a productive day!U: What kind of advice would you give to someone who wants to start a fashion design business?CK: Just follow your vision but make sure it's a good one.U: Other than fashion, what are your passions in life?CK: Kite surfing and spending quality time with friends and family.U: Any upcoming projects U readers should keep an eye for?CK: A new collection and collaboration with the very talented artist Yazan is on the horizon. Also, I am hopefully looking forward for a project that will take place in Dubai before 2016!