A graduate of l’Ecole Superieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode in Beirut, Krikor Jabotian began working at Elie Saab’s creative department, an all-encompassing and enriching introduction to the industry.
After Krikor stepped out and began developing his own independent designs, he was selected by Starch foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Maison Rabih Kayrouz, to showcase his work. It was the first collection he designed under his own name, marking the beginning of his independent career.After the success of Starch, Krikor set up his own atelier at the young age of 23. Krikor Jabotian truly flourished into a vibrant space where his work and imagination thrive. Our interview with the delightfully talented Fashion Designer
Q1. How and why did you start in haute couture?
I’ve always had it in me. I realized I wanted to be a fashion designer ever since I was a kid. I was brought up in a feminine environment where I was fond of touching materials, playing with color palettes, illustrating designs, and I admired women in general. Therefore I knew who I wanted to be and what I wanted to achieve from a very young age.
Couture was an easier approach for me to enter the fashion world. I think that for most designers, couture is the gateway to step foot in the fashion industry, and they eventually branch out into RTW.
Q2. What influences you?
Each collection is inspired by an idea that constantly develops, and through my designs is transformed into a theme or a story. The nature of the themes is inspired by my personal experiences, my state of mind and the environment I’m in. I do not like to limit myself. It comes in any form, from music to an emotion, anything that stimulates my imagination.
Q3. What inspired your latest collection?
It is called “Closure” and it is both an extension and conclusion of my previous collection “Chapter One”. It mainly consists of white bridal dreamy colors alongside some rich golden palettes. That is because in my previous collection, white is a symbol of purity and new beginnings. This collection marks the happy ending of an emotional chapter in my life.
Q4. Do you have a personal favorite designer? Why?
Christian Lacroix is best at mixing colors and patterns and creating living pieces of art. I love McQueen’s romanticism and how he took it to another level with his contemporary designs.I am fond of Madame Gres and her outstanding drapery, which despite being created in the 40s, it is still considered to be contemporary nowadays. Her designs are timeless.These are only a few of a very long list.
Q5. Can you tell me more about the first edition cuffs, headpieces and brooches?
Ever since I was a kid, I used to play around in my father’s jewelry atelier, and was fond of accessories in general. I believe that they complement the look, they’re essential, and sometimes they’re part of the design. Every now and then I launch a small collection of accessories, and I thoroughly enjoy doing so.
Q6. What piece of advice would you give your clients when customizing a new gown?
When a client approaches a designer, they should bear in mind that the final creation won’t necessarily be exactly like what they’ve envisioned it to be. That is because the designer has his own way of envisioning these ideas and bringing them into life.Therefore I advise that they approach a designer that they fully trust and believe in what he has to offer.
Q7. What is chic according to Krikor?
Being chic is being decent, demure and subtle. To me, as much as chic is to do with style, it is an attitude, and it is the way one carries herself.
