LARA DIZEYEE

QCEG: “Lara, could you share how it all began? You're the first Kurdish designer I've encountered, so I'm eager to learn about your career. I'm truly intrigued. What motivated you to establish your fashion label?”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “Believe it or not, just a little over a year ago, I fully embraced the title of ‘designer,’ after previously working in the oil industry and public administration. I served as the Human Resources Director at the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani.”
“ Now, here in Paris, my journey has been truly incredible. My fascination with fashion began in childhood, captivated by enchanting dresses. Despite lacking formal education, my path has been uniquely my own. When you hold a fervent love for something, that desire gradually takes shape over time. Imagination serves as the driving force behind my design motivation. Then, in the past year, a pivotal moment arrived – an interview with Vogue. It was during this time that I resolved to breathe life into meticulously crafted designs that had previously only existed vividly in my mind's eye. This endeavour was about more than mere images; touch, texture, and the essence of life itself held importance. This impulse gave birth to my couture line, bridging the gap from abstract thought to tangible touch. No longer confined to contemplation, I yearned for my designs to come alive.”

QCEG: “It's your first time in Paris and what are your aspiration to your inaugural fashion show.”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “I'm delighted to be presenting at the Hôtel de l'Industrie during Fashion Week, especially as a participant in the Oriental Fashion Show.". My journey to Paris is fueled by the desire to unveil the magnificence of my Kurdish heritage on a global stage. This opportunity is undeniably exhilarating. Channelling inspiration from my homeland, I've meticulously crafted a collection that captures its deep essence, enigmatic charm, and exquisite beauty." "As you envelop yourself in these garments, you'll effortlessly embody the empowering essence they emanate. Moreover, my designs stand as a profound expression of my unbreakable bond with my homeland.”

QCEG: “Who is your target audience when creating these designs for women?”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “I design for a diverse range of women, aiming to evoke feelings of pride, confidence, and elegance. My designs are imbued with a sense of love and strength, reflecting the wearer's uniqueness. I believe that whoever adorns these clothes will experience these powerful emotions. Wearing these garments has the transformative ability to turn you into an empowered and confident individual.”

QCEG: “What are the themes and concepts of your collection?”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “The core concepts of my collection are centred around hope and optimism. Each piece is crafted with a heart full of hope and prayers, aimed at nurturing a brighter future, not just for my homeland, but for the global community. In these uncertain times that humanity faces, the essence of my collection embodies themes of love, peace, and hope — all of which play a pivotal role in shaping a better life for everyone. My designs are a reflection of my deep passion, emerging from a place of genuine emotion. Rooted in the values of unity and freedom, each creation stands as a testament to my unwavering faith in the power of positivity and the potential for positive transformation. As I invest my heart into each design, my goal is not only to convey a message but also to ignite a shared consciousness that aspires to a more harmonious world.”

QCEG: “Could you please tell us something about the fabrics and how you source them?”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “The materials originate from Kurdistan, and for others, I place online orders from various locations worldwide. I'm on the lookout for fabric patterns that deeply resonate with me, and I maintain a discerning approach. The fabric I choose must possess a distinctiveness that genuinely connects with me; I'm not content with just any fabric. As I envision specific designs, prints, and styles, I expect the chosen fabric to breathe life into these creative ideas. In particular, I seek designs, prints, and styles that can encapsulate and authentically portray the cultural opulence of Kurdistan.”
“It's interesting how whatever I think about, and focus on so much, seems to come to me. It's a bit strange. I believe it's the power of manifestation at play. It's as if the energy of my thoughts attracts these materials to me. Within a couple of weeks, I tend to find what I've been envisioning. The result is often very similar to what I had in mind.”

QCEG: “What motivated your choice of colors for this collection?”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “I chose the colours of my homeland. I love the vibrant hues we have – the blues of the oceans, the greens of the forests, the browns of the mountains. I wanted to incorporate these elements into my designs.”

QCEG: “Would you say that your dresses are meant for special occasions?”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “I believe that my dresses empower the wearer to truly express themselves and stand out in a crowd. Women are inherently strong but often feel suppressed. These dresses serve as a means to unleash that strength; it's akin to stepping into a role as an actor on a stage. I've observed that women who wear my designs exude confidence, walking with their heads held high. Witnessing this display of poise brings me immense happiness and pride.”

QCEG: “Please tell us about the style and jewellery.”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “My collection boasts meticulously curated styles and jewellery that exude captivating charm. The art of selecting jewellery to perfectly complement every outfit is my forte, with accessories serving as crucial elements in achieving a refined appearance. Many pieces have deep roots, hailing from my family's heritage, particularly the Dizeyee lineage, alongside treasures gathered from various Kurdish tribes and local bazaars. This curation results in a substantial representation of Kurdistan's essence.”
“My fondness for Indian jewellery blends harmoniously with Western contemporary influences, forging a distinctive blend of classic and modern aesthetics. This amalgamation breathes life into ensembles when coupled with the right accessories, culminating in an elevated overall style. With a discerning eye, I meticulously select jewellery that augments outfits, infusing them with sophistication and allure. This meticulous process extends to collaborating with adept designers to fashion custom pieces, ensuring each garment's uniqueness is accentuated. ”
“The synergy between clothing and jewellery is achieved through close collaboration with these designers, allowing for bespoke creations that harmonize effortlessly. Each piece, whether a striking statement necklace or delicate earrings, is deliberately chosen and positioned to add depth, resulting in an ensemble that resonates with intention and elegance. ”

QCEG: “Tell me about your designs.”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “My dresses incorporate numerous layers including coats, jackets, pants, dresses, and hats. Many elements contribute to their composition. The style is a blend of romance and power. Coming from a significant tribal family background, I draw inspiration from the strong and influential women who have ruled within that context. I aim to present these women's powerful heritage through my designs.”

QCEG: “What elements are you incorporating from Kurdistan? LARA DIZEYEE: Mostly fabrics and jewellery. However, we don't have a wide variety of fabrics available due to the difficult circumstances we've experienced, such as the war and conflicts, including the ISIS presence.”

QCEG: “Who would be a muse for you, if you desired?”
 
LARA DIZEYEE: “I believe Angelina Jolie would be an ideal choice for me. Not only does she possess an exceptional appearance, but her presence would also complement my designs. I deeply admire her humanitarian efforts; she has dedicated herself to making a substantial impact on the world. Her visits to refugee camps and her commitment to important issues showcase a remarkable blend of beauty and substance. It's incredibly inspiring to witness a woman who retains her connection to reality despite her prominent platform. Angelina Jolie embodies the perfect combination of physical elegance and a genuine concern for global matters. It's the actions you take for the world that truly define your beauty.”
“Additionally, the Iranian-French actress Golshifteh Farahani and figures like Amal Clooney would also be fantastic choices.”

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