Rami Al Ali: A Syrian Designer’s Historic Debut at Paris Couture Week

Rami Al Ali: A Syrian Designer's Historic Debut at Paris Couture Week

Rami Al Ali, a symbol of hope for his war-torn homeland, is gearing up to be the first Syrian fashion designer showcased at Paris Haute Couture Week. His excitement stems not only from this milestone but also from his enduring optimism about the future of Syria.

At 53 years old and hailing from Deir ez-Zor, Al Ali’s journey in fashion began with a childhood fascination for his father’s architectural sketches. Now, after dressing A-listers like Oscar winner Helen Mirren and global icon Beyoncé, he is prepared to join the ranks of the industry’s most celebrated talents.

“Nervous, excited, tired, happy,” he expressed to AFP, reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions as he prepared models for his inaugural show on Thursday. “It’s a mix of very overwhelming feelings.”

From Humble Beginnings to International Stage

After completing his studies in Damascus, Al Ali sought greater opportunities in Dubai, initially collaborating with two regional brands. In 2001, he took a leap of faith and launched his own brand, steadily gaining popularity across the Middle East and notably in Europe, where he held shows in Paris since 2012, even outside of the official Fashion Week calendar.

Receiving an invitation from France’s esteemed Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode marks a significant milestone as he joins an increasingly diverse elite of fashion designers.

Recognition of Diversity

“It’s a definitely big credit… to be acknowledged, to be authenticated, to be endorsed,” he noted. Other designers, like Imane Ayissi, the only sub-Saharan African participant, have acknowledged this shift towards inclusivity within the French fashion landscape. “It shows that things are changing, that things are moving forward,” Ayissi remarked to AFP.

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Honoring Heritage

Al Ali’s latest collection draws inspiration from his Syrian roots, heavily influenced by his heritage and insights from the country’s Craft Council. “I built from my heritage, from my background, from where I was based… all of those combined together created the form and the DNA of the brand,” he elaborated.

With a historian mother who nurtured his appreciation for tradition, Al Ali incorporates unique design elements inspired by the aesthetics of Damascus, Aleppo, and Palmyra. “You don’t see them anywhere else, and those are the ones that I’m trying as much as I can every time to bring back to life,” he emphasized.

One standout piece from his collection features intricate sculptural shapes crafted from rolled off-white crepe fabric, hand-stitched over an impressive 300 hours.

Supporting the Arts Amidst Conflict

Beyond the world of high fashion, Al Ali is committed to uplifting Syrian artists during the ongoing civil conflict through his charity initiative, Ard Dyar. Recent political changes, including the rise of transitional leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, have sparked optimism for Syria’s future.

Some Western governments have lifted sanctions as Sharaa, previously linked to al-Qaeda, strives to stabilize and rebuild the nation. “We called the collection the ‘Guardian of Light,’ and it came also at a time that is very hopeful, very promising,” Al Ali stated. “I think many great things will come to light very soon.”

After years in which Syria was synonymous with violence and oppression, Al Ali believes artists will now highlight the country’s rich history and design culture. “I think now we have much more freedom in expressing ourselves in all different aspects—political, humanitarian, creative. We have a lot to say, and definitely we are bolder, braver in the way we express it,” he said.

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What aspects of Rami Al Ali’s journey inspire you the most?

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