KALTBLUT-HONK! 03 The Divas

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ZIAD GHANEM
Ziad Ghanem is a Lebanese fashion designer who is based in London
and is currently one of London’s hottest topics, His collections
range from Ultra-luxurious haute couture dresses to his ready to
wear collections consisting of a heavy punk feel. Ziad uses real
people to walk for his shows and each model is someone in the creative
world, Previous models have been world renowned burlesque
artiste Immodesty Blaize, international DJ Scarlett Etienne and many
many more. His shows are noted as the most anticipated and creative
shows of the whole London Fashion Week due to the fact they
are purely theatrical and all about drama, drama, drama. Not to mention
the interest from celebrities, for example an infamous image of
Naomi Campbell wearing his “VOGUE” piece. We at HONK! had a
chat with Ziad to find out a bit more about the man who is shaking
the fashion world by their ankles...
So Ziad, You certainly like to emulate the “Drama” factor
in your work, Your garments are extrovert, over the top
and gorgeous as apposed to simplistic and bland, care
to explain why you rather things this way?
I believe that every moment in life is a special one and
worth a celebration. And my work reflects this. I love
all colours and shapes and I am happy to show off.
Also I believe that we live in the time of “short attention
spam” so that is why I want my clothes to scream
loud: LOVE ME LOVE ME LOVE ME!
You don’t use regular size 0 superhero models on your
runways, you use real people, why did you decide to go
down this route and what bonuses do you think it brings
not only to your garments but to your brand?
I make clothes for people so why not using ‘real ‘people
to display those clothes? Simple Philosophy- I love my
models they are my ultimate inspiration.
A question I always like to ask in my interviews is, if your
work was a sexual position, what would it be, and why?
Daisy Chain because it is about the connection with
each others.
Personally for me I can’t go near velours, Ugg boots or
the colour peach. What are your most hated fashion
DON’Ts and why?
I dislike the uniformity and the “must haves” rules in
fashion. I don’t like Dark brow and Ugg boots make me
throw up. And I have a phobia for hair. Also I hate, fur
feathers and tweed.
If there was any red carpet Diva you would want to create
a garment for who would it be and why?
I am Anti Celebrity and all that .... But If I must...
Barbara Windsor cause she is gorgeous. Jessye Norman
cause she is a Diva. Boy George everyday... And
Joan Collins I will faint before I dress her from excitement.
Your work, wether it’s your ready to wear collections or
your couture dresses, always has a punk streak running
through it, who are you influenced in that sense and
would you say it was a very important part of your work?
I am a Punk at Heart and a skinhead too.
I must admit British early 80’s Music Culture has a big
influence on my work.
I love London too. I am ever inspired.
Can you reveal any gossip about what will be coming
soon in the world of Ziad Ghanem? Will you be taking
over Paris or New York? Who will you be dressing?
Honey I will be taking over no one. If you want me ...
Come and find me. www.ziadghanem.co.uk
And will dress anyone that pays for my dresses. But if
they are poor and nice then will make it for free.
I am really happy with everything at the moment and
tomorrow is another day.
From one Diva to another, I would love to thank you for
answering my questions and I wish you all the very best
for your next season and all of them after that!”
Thanks Jackee, I love you.