EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HASSAN MARDASH x SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

 

Going to meet and interview a new designer is always both intriguing and intimidating because you have no idea what to expect. So when I walked into Hassan Mardash's boutique and was welcomed by the most charming smile, I was instantly pleased to have discovered yet another amazing and super nice designer. I went to meet Hassan to find out more about him and his latest collaboration with Swarovski Elements, who selected him as one of the top Middle Eastern designer for their upcoming event "Sense of Two". 

Here are some facts I discovered about Hassan:

1- He paints incredible portraits of women in stunning gowns from an era of true romanticism. Need I say more?

2- He studied interior design before jumping on the first chance to enrol at ESMOD in Syria to study fashion.

3- He knows when to go wild with his creativity and create extravagant pieces and when to pull the leash and make more simple pieces that suit a client's needs.

After a super warm welcome I put my notepad away and relaxed into my seat, realising that this was going to be more of a genuine conversation than an interview and it was just that, to the point where 20 minutes into it he laughs and says "I forgot this was an interview". Growing up in Syria with a passion for arts, Hassan was always intrigued by the female form, especially when covered by glamorous gowns. After studying at ESMOD, he worked briefly with established designers to gain more insight into the industry outside the walls of fashion school, he then moved to Dubai and launched his own collection Hassan Mardash Haute Couture, which he proudly showcased at Odessa Fashion Week in Ukraine earlier this month. One of his biggest achievements to date along with being selected by Swarovski Elements as one the top designers in the region.

We get talking about inspiration and Hassan tells me that he finds his in paintings and buildings, which makes sense given his background. He tells me that sometimes painting a dress on a woman is the perfect way to conceptualise a design. Some of his favourite designers include Gaultier, Galliano, Dior and the original works of Gianni Versace. On average, Hassan spends anywhere between half an hour to a few days, depending on his level of inspiration, to put down an idea on paper, he then spends about a fortnight constructing his pieces which include a lot of handwork embellishment using the finest Swarovski Elements crystals. To him, a good quality piece is one that was thoroughly conceptualised before being brought to true form. Of course I also had to ask about the challenges? What constricts a designer? The answer was simple, boredom and limitations on creativity. Which Hassan works on beating by continuing to paint and by creating the odd over-the-top piece every now and then to satisfy his creative gene.

Finally I asked Hassan what his advice would be to someone who wants to start out in the industry:

1- Be Patient and don't give up on your ideas

2- Educate yourself on different cultures, the history of arts and past/current events before stepping into design

3- Know your target before you conceptualise a piece, there's nothing worse than creating a garment that will not reflect the true identity of the woman wearing it.

Check out some of Hassan's painting below and keep an eye out for his 2 designs in the upcoming "Sense of Two" event by Swarovski Elements. I can't wait to see what he comes up with.