Interviewed by Marina Motornaya HUSSEIN BASIS THIS SUMMER ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME. THERE WITHIN ALTA ROMA FASHION WEEK, HE WILL PRESENT HIS FIRST HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION. SAME THIS IS THE FIRST SHOW OF A YOUNG LEBANIAN DESIGNER (IT IS ONLY 26 YEARS OLD) OUTSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST. THEREFORE HIS BRAND AND HE IS HIMSELF - IN THE LENS OF OUR ATTENTION. Hussein, what do you feel before such an important event?
Hussein: Of course, I'm very excited. The ability to demonstrate on the international market, especially the European one, our work and the Hussein Bazaza brand as a whole requires full commitment. In addition, a step into the world of haute couture is always a step forward. Therefore, of course, further I will release both lines - prêt-à-porter and haute couture.
What are you planning to surprise in Rome?
Hussein: The collection that will be presented there is a continuation of the idea of the Autumn-Winter 2016/2017 season, which could be seen at the Fashion Forward Dubai fashion show. Only in her, Princess Sofia invented by me, is no longer an alchemist looking for the elixir of life, but a goddess who has gained immortality. We use our most advanced techniques, such as a combination of contrasting color blocks, lace collages and sophisticated embroidery.
Each time you come up with some kind of heroine of your collection, to whom you dedicate it?
Hussein: As a child, I wanted to be a director. But since I did not receive the appropriate education, today I partially embody this dream in my works. Each collection has its own story and is inspired by a fairy tale that I come up with for myself. So I keep childhood dreams.
What about your own boutique? The Hussein Bazaza brand is represented in multi-brand stores throughout the Middle East, plus there is your atelier in Beirut and a website. But there is no monobrand yet.
Hussein: My perfect Hussein Bazaza monoboutique should be completely flawless, and flawlessness takes time. I imagine it equipped and decorated only at the highest level. Therefore, we will open it when we are fully confident in the possibility of such an embodiment. This is important for us, because it is one of the main indicators of success and the achievement of our goals. The second fundamental point - the first boutique with the sign Hussein Bazaza will appear in Beirut, in my hometown.
You always say "we." How many people work on your team?
Hussein: Ten. Ten amazing people whom I really thank for hard work. I myself come every day in the studio in the morning, check what work is going on. I personally control how employees perform their tasks. I am looking for inspiration, complementing the mood board, making sketches, meeting with clients. All collections are born and sewn exclusively in the Beirut salon.
In what three words would you describe the modern fashion industry?
Hussein: Bright, sophisticated and talented.
How do you think Lebanese designers can complement it? Why are they unique?
Hussein: They are primarily famous for their couture lines. And their dresses are top-end on the red carpet. What else can we bring to world fashion? Our own traditions, a combination of oriental style with modern trends.
You yourself are sometimes called the second Eli Saab ...
Hussein: It is a great honor for me. It really is flattering. I will not hide: receiving praise, I feel in seventh heaven with happiness. It stimulates to work and develop further.
You said earlier that you were fond of chemistry at school. Can you derive a formula for success on fashionable stages?
Hussein: Achievements are largely dependent on hard work. Although I believe: luck also plays a significant role. The formula for success in the fashion world consists of three main components: market understanding, a good team, self-confidence. Each of the components is a molecule. They cannot be divided as a percentage, each should be 100%. They are independent from each other, work on their own, but together and lay the foundation for success.
What do you consider the beginning of your success?
Hussein: Partnership with the Starch Foundation. This non-profit organization, founded with the participation of the French House Rabih Kayrouz, is promoting young Lebanese designers. In 2012, her choice fell on me, I became a member of their program and was able to release my first ready-to-wear collection. We received widespread press coverage and became famous in the East.
Yes, a lot of you are now connected with Dubai.
Hussein: Exactly. Most often, I fly to Du Bai for work. All the most important events in the East are taking place in Dubai. And it is Dubai that I consider the fashion capital of this region.
And whom do you consider to be your support and support?
Hussein: Family, because my parents and both brothers always help me move on. And the marriage is happy: I am married to my work. And the most important person for me is my mother, without whom I would not be who I am today.
Who do you trust all your secrets?
Hussein: My best friend is an imaginary Cosmo. before going to bed, we talk, and I tell him my secrets.
Interesting! In one of the interviews you said that if you were not yourself, you would be an alien. Can you explain why?
Hussein: For creatures from outer space, planet Earth is a stranger, and I believe that they all have superpower. I very often feel like I'm not from this world.
Do you have Russian clients?
Hussein: Yes, but for now. And I am very flattered that they chose me. Russian women are especially beautiful.
What else do you live besides fashion? What do you like, where are you going?
Hussein: Since childhood, I draw. And I did it only with colored pencils, highlighting the details. Another passion of mine is photography. I devote most of her time after fashion. And most often you can meet me ... at home in Beirut. For me there is no better place. Acquaintances often describe Hussein Bazaz as a closed and closed person. But only close and true friends know the true me. I communicate with the world and express myself through work and my creations.
This July seems to be very busy. Also your birthday this month! How do you plan to relax after a busy schedule on the eve of Alta Roma and celebrate?
Hussein: Usually I spend my birthday in a very narrow circle of those I love. As a rule, we go somewhere: discover new places and, in fact, celebrate. This year, it so happened that Italy invited us to work. So everything was decided by itself: after hard work, we with my wonderful team plan to arrange a little rest for ourselves there.
