Fashion designer Reem Al-Kanhal is a mother of two who likes to dream big. To her, fashion and motherhood both come from the heart.
She found her love for fashion when she was just a child. She was curious to know about details and tried to figure out how some of her mother’s clothes were constructed. “Instead of reading Mickey Mouse magazine, I used to take my mom’s Vogue and other fashion magazines and dreamed about everything I saw inside,” she said. “I knew since I was a child that as a grown-up I would be involved in this world. The road to adulthood had a lot of bumps and it still has, but I am determinate and I know I will get where I want to be,” she added.
What was it about fashion design that first attracted you? How did you know you belonged in the fashion world?
Reem Al-Kanhal: “Everything from the colors, the volumes to the cuts, the catwalk, being able to create and having a huge imagination and a vision. I love seeing happiness in every woman. Watching her twirl in a dress you created is definitely the best feeling.
“I knew I belonged to the fashion world since I was little. I was never like my peers. I’ve been different from a very young age and I have always had my very own style.
“I used to watch my mother and her friends dress up and sometimes, in my mind, I would change some pieces and wanted to criticize them.”
Describe your first piece of ‘serious’ fashion that you designed and produced. What did you think about it when you first made it? What do you think about it now?
“It was a silk off-white bias-cut dress and had a bolero made of an off-white Japanese printed taffeta with long sleeves and ribbons from the same silk that goes around the waste. It was an outstanding piece back then and everyone thought it was designed by a big name in fashion, as this Japanese thing was a trend. I am still proud because it was not an easy fabric and I didn’t have that much experience. It was before I got into fashion school but it was really well made and beautiful.”
Why did you choose to name your brand after your own name?
“Because I think that a high-end fashion brand should bear the name of its designer. Al-Kanhal is simply me and my way of seeing women.”
How do you want your client to feel when wearing your designs?
“I want her to feel confident and herself because my designs are all about mix and match and putting the client’s identity as well as mine in the piece that she’s wearing.”
What inspires you when you design a new line?
“Anything and everything from a book, a piece of art to a movie, a song and history.”
Tell us a little about your new collection?
“My new Spring/Summer collection ‘Fly Away’ is about the complications in a woman. We all have the good and the bad, the negative and positive, so each one of us has the choice either to keep ourselves caged within the negative or to be positive and let go, spread our wings and fly.”
How would you describe your style of fashion and your designs?
“I am very edgy I guess and not afraid of being different. Each piece I wear is an expression of who I am. My designs are pretty much the same: Edgy, mixable, both masculine and feminine, because each one of us has a feminine and masculine side. When choosing to wear Reem Al-Kanhal you can choose if you want to look more masculine or more feminine. I want my designs to give a sense of self confidence and originality to each woman.”
How far in advance do you work on your collections and what is the process?
“I basically work five to six months in advance to deliver a collection. As soon as I get up with a new inspiration I start the mood board of my collection and build all around it: From choosing the colors, the fabrics (in Italy or Paris), the prints, the pattern etc. I control each step all by myself and work closely with my great and hard working seamstresses.”
What materials, fabrics and colors did you use in the new collection?
“Cotton, jersey, organza, and silk mousseline. I also used mirrors. Colors are grey, white (my favorite colors) and blue turquoise.”
What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses in the art of fashion?
“My strength is focusing on my identity as a designer and not looking at anyone else. My weakness is not being able to find the most important resources in the Kingdom and therefore having to order and travel for the simplest things.”
Do you try to send out a message or theme in your design? If yes, what is it?
“Behind each collection is a story, a message about my innermost thoughts. My main message is to give women the strength to do what they love and let go of their fears.”
What makes your designs special?
“Good quality and the story behind each piece.”
How do you market your brand? And how are important social media to your brand?
“I believe in products and article placements before doing any adverting campaign. It gives me feedback on the press’ thoughts, which is very important of course. Social media nowadays are essential; we need them to increase our presence. I am a big fan of social media.”
What is the reason behind your success? Are you bringing something new to the market?
“I don’t know. I think that I am only expressing myself. I don’t pretend, I don’t act, I don’t copy. I am thankful with all my heart to my supporters and followers, both in real life like family and friends, and online although we never actually met.”
How could you possibly blend between tradition and modernity in your Ramadan line?
“I got inspired by our way of living during the holy month of Ramadan. We deal with the culture and tradition and our modern life. So I tried to create a collection that preserves our culture, but with a modern twist. We live in 2013 and this is how are lives are: A duet between tradition and modernity.”
Where can we buy your designs?
“I sell through my website. People can send us an e-mail to order and we can send it worldwide. We also sell through my RK Designs showroom in Riyadh, Mahat Boutique Store in Jeddah and Sauce in Dubai. Many other sales points will follow in the Gulf soon.
Email: [email protected]
