By Snaya Master
Wearing an Ali Beydoun design seems to have become a privilege. Not only are his creations popular among locals and expats, but they are also sought by celebrities. A testimony to his talent is the fact that he was selected by the Ministry of Tourism in Lebanon as the couturier to design the collection of gowns for the Miss Arab World 2011 pageant.
Qatar-based Beydoun is of Lebanese origin and has a Bachelor of Science degree. He also has a diploma in agricultural engineering from the American University in Beirut. His father wanted him to do his MBA, but Ali had another dream altogether. He was sent to London to study Business Administration, but he landed up at the illustrious St. Martins College of Art and Design in London. With the help of his sister, who was living in Canada, Beydoun managed to complete the four-year course in fashion designing and pattern making.
“I had earlier been to the UAE and Kuwait before I came to Qatar,” Beydoun said.
He came to Qatar in 2007 as he found the country a niche market with great potential, and one where he could establish himself. According to the designer, Qatar is an untapped market for designer bridal couture and that’s why he chooses bridal clothing as his line.
He became famous through word of mouth thanks to his beautiful creations, and soon carved for himself a prominent place in the bridal couture market. His boutique at Al Waab showcases his high taste in style and elegance, with each mannequin adorned in an exquisite creation
The designer’s passion for fashion began at the young age of 11, when he began sketching designs replicating those of professional designers. “I was mesmerised by the Lebanese diva Sabah to such an extent that I used to dream of dressing her in my own designs. My dream was fulfilled in 2008, when my first fashion show took place in Qatar.”
His designs are an amalgam of influences from Europe, the Far East and the Indian subcontinent, which makes his creations unique and much sought after. His use of embellishments and motifs in his creations further highlights them. He generally starts with a basic concept in mind and then lets his creativity and instinct guide him towards the final creation. Often he also creates textures and mixes them to get a new fabric. “My aim is to be unique, trendy and fashionable at the same time,” he added.
Currently, the fabrics most favoured by the designer are French velvet and silk taffeta.” I like to use a lot of French lace, tulle and chiffon in my creations. Also, I experiment with the texture of different fabrics when matching them.”
He is a regular on the international fashion circuit and has showcased his designs in Rome, Beirut, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman along with designers like Gattinoni, Fausto Sarli, Rafaella Curiel, Valentino and Renato Balestra.
He has always been inspired by great designers like Emanuel Ungaro, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix and Lebanese designer William Khoury.
Beydoun is very excited about his upcoming creations for 2014 and is going to emphasise on flowery printed fabrics with butterflies and a vast array of colours to give them a bright outlook.
He says, “It is going to be a very colourful year, and I am going to experiment a lot with colours like maroon, cobalt blue, emerald green, fuchsia and purple for the winter collection.”
“Cobalt blue and purple are the new black for 2014. I would like to use opera buffs, which are from the sixties are are back in fashion. Vintage and floral are going to be the crux of my upcoming creations for 2014,” he added. The fashion designer’s advice for brides is: “I want them to experiment with new designs and cuts. The bride should try new materials and should select a talented and reputed designer whom she can trust and someone who understands what her innermost dreams are, as marriages are a once in a lifetime occasion.”
He stressed that while choosing a style one should either stick to a classic vintage style or a modern trendy one. The classical style should reflect the early French and Victorian designs, which are still prominent today.
On the other hand, while selecting a trendy creation, they must make sure that it is a geometrical or astronomical cut which look futuristic.
Being a rising star in the fashion world, with his unique creations making bold statements, Beydoun is one designer to watch out for this year.
The Peninsula
