The 18th century fashion is known for its lavishness, using plenty of fabrics and endless floral prints. Mohanad Kojak , a young talented designer, photographer and stylist has just released his second collection โLโAutrichienneโ; bringing back the elegant style of the 18th ย century into the modern day with a stylish twist. He managed to use prints, fabrics and simple designs to bring life to art โand allow you to wear it too- So far, Mohanadโs collection has been getting great reviews. We sat down with him to talk about the inspiration and the challenges behind โLโAutrichienneโโฆ
WHAT WAS THE MAIN INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR COLLECTION?
I have always admired the old furniture and paintings our parents used to have in our homes. I think the materials and the colours are very elegant. They just portray a certain class and I wanted to transform that vision to clothes because I felt like the materials and fabrics used now are not elegant. Thatโs when I decided to use old fabrics and prints which I later learned they were all inspired by the 17th century. The collection is named after Marie Antoinetteโs nickname โLโAutrichienneโ.ย
SINCE THIS IS YOUR FIRST COLLECTION, WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED?
Actually this is my second collection! I did a black and white collection last year and I launched in an episode during the TV show El Mashrouโ. The challenge is always the same with every collection, finding good quality fabrics and dealing with them the best way possible. Fabrics canโt always be accustomed to your own vision; they have their own personality so you must learn how to work them. On a personal side, it was challenging because I had to balance between university, work and making this collection so it was very stressful.
YOUR CHOICE OF FABRIC IS UNCONVENTIONAL! TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR CHOICE OF FABRICโฆ
Yes, I loved choosing unusual and challenging fabrics that would inspire people, tell them a story and take them to a whole different era and culture. The fabric is actually used in home furniture for sofas, armchair and even wall decorations. I loved the fact that most of us would have seen this fabric at out grandparentsโ but we never thought that this could be wearable and very practical.
WHEN YOU DESIGNED THIS COLLECTION, WHAT TYPE OF PERSON DID YOU HAVE IN MIND? WHO IS THIS COLLECTION FOR?
I wanted to offer a different kind of dress for girls, everything that is offered now is for parties or for weddings and engagement. There is very little availability for dresses that girls can just wear while going out to an event, or for a special occasion. Thatโs why most of the collection is a two piece dress so they can just mix and match pieces together. I found it more practical this way and it gives them more space to see what suits their personality.
IS THIS A CONCEPT COLLECTION OR IS IT FOR SALE?ย
Well, itโs both. Iย wanted to tell a certain story through this collection, which is the fabric and how hard it is to find different materials and fabrics in Egypt which restricts designers to use the customary ones. The collection sends a message which is you donโt have to stick to a certain criteria; find something that speaks to you and make it work. Also, itโs wearable and practical so itโs not a piece of art that you just watch. Iโm in talks with a few boutiques now, I must admit I have been getting a lot of support considering this is only my second collection and Iโm just excited to find the best store that speaks the same language as I am.
WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE SHOOT AND WHAT DID YOU WANT IT TO REFLECT?ย
The shoot is meant to portray the previous generations of women with braids and head accessories. It was a cosy shoot. I wanted the models to live the experience of going back to the old days where women wore something that made them feel good around the house; not for the purpose of showing off.
