Maison Rana at Paris & NY Fashion Weeks.

She listens to stories behind each and every painting and translates the emotions and vibrance of each piece into wearable Art...Minimal lines, carefully assigned stripes and just the tiniest hint of drama via sleek cuts are all elements proposed with elegance in her collection. Rana Al-Basri Mouawad is the talent behind the Art inspired Fashion brand Maison Rana determined to inspire us with her vision.

Here's my exclusive interview with a rising fashion designer, a brilliant artist and a confident woman.

Tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved in the fashion biz?

My background is all about marketing, communication and advertising… but my passion for style and fashion started with me at a young age, following my mother as she stylishly picked pieces, didn’t accept the status quo when it came to my wardrobe and always amended things into something new, and designed dresses for friends and family…

In 2009, I decided to follow my dream and start a new chapter in my life. So, I quit my day-job and dedicated my time to building this new label, creating new designs, and marrying my l

ove for art into fashion, to create unique special pieces.

What or who inspired you to become a fashion designer?

My family, my husband, and my amazing friends

When did you launch your label?

In 2010

What do you love the most about what you do?

Getting all sort of ideas, cuts, twists of material and designs, by looking at an art piece or a photo or when visiting a beautiful city. Beautiful things inspire me.

How would you describe your Journey until now?

A dream come true. A continuous challenge. A humbling experience when I see one of my designs worn by someone. 

Since the Birth of your label, what has been your most memorable moment?

Hanging my designs on the racks preparing for the launch private preview event… I was walking on air… excited, super happy, nervous, tired, all in one! Will never forget that feeling.

What's your most valuable lesson so far?

To listen to my inner voice when I’m not convinced about a piece or a detail and to listen to constructive feedback from friends and family.

What would you say was the most difficult aspect in starting your label in the Middle East?

 

There are many talents and beautiful designers in our region, so finding a door into boutique buyers, earning that trust, and pushing the designs into more hands is always a challenge for any designer.

What are the main advantages that set you apart from the competition?

I believe that it is the fact that my designs come with a story every season and they are perfect from day to night. They are unique, and fit for any woman who wants to stand out. 

What's next for you?

Am glad to announce that am Participating at Paris Fashion Week & NY Fashion Week launching the S/S2012 collection this September and sharing it with you all including a sneak peak of my "Carnival" collection, photoshoot making of exclusively for Glams by Chantal and the blog fans below!

In your opinion, what are the do's and don'ts in style?

I think it is important for any woman to find and know and be true to her own sense of style. She is unique in her own way, and this is a big “do” for me. If she sticks to that, she will not fall into the trap of random copycat styling, which is my “don’t”.

Visit the online store for 50% discount on selected items. www.maisonrana.com

Hermès, just has a different character. Point à la ligne!

What is it with Nomad inspiration this Season? Not that am bothered, I love the different interpretations from Armani to Hermes… Christophe Lemaire ( Hermes Creative Director) is doing very well, and I guess the collection will be a success in the GCC region as many of the designs are a Couture/ Fusion version of the Arabian Male Heritage with an essential and pure look of supreme and discrete luxury blended with minimalism and casual elegance, even if it wasn’t declared as official inspiration! 

No embellishment excess, but a deceptive simplicity that favours ease of movement in  enveloping volumes. Some exotic accents in textures and in flowing forms, refined burnouses or Abaya, atlas-inspired tunics, kurtas ( inspired by Afghani, Pakestani...Culture) in thick, compact wool, falconer poncho-style coats, coats sculpted by craftsmen in Mongolia - recall a certain elegant nomad style and suggest that for Hermès perhaps freedom is the true epitome of luxury…in the show Chris decided to stay away from showing the brand's famous Birkin and Kelly bags, or almost any bags for that matter, preferring to keep focus on the clothes. People who have attended the show felt the new Era of calm at Hermes in opposition to ex shows,Gaultier's circus-like shows. There were no live horses, or tennis matches. Just calm. 
So yes, let’s be calm, let’s envelope ourselves in a bit of cashmere made by Hermès and face the world with a stolen moment of inner peace.

FYI: There had been widespread speculation that LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods company may bid for Hermes. LVMH's denial was sparked by reports that a takeover bid was imminent. It already owns about 20% of the group."The LVMH group has absolutely no intention of making a bid for Hermes," a spokesman for the company said.