Everyone knows a little girl who spent her childhood creating bespoke dresses for her dolls. But everyone knows how that story usually goes: the girl ended up drifting into a different career that was more socially acceptable.
Karen Nan is the girl that did not give in and decided to take her little dresses to the grownup world.
The talented fashion designer just launched the beginning of what promises to be a successful career in fashion design. Her first collection, Desirable, is an elaborate metaphor for everything glamorous. From crystals to pure silk and gold threads, Nan does not seem to settle for anything less than fabulous.
Despite her young age, she already chose to build on classic cuts and golden-age embroidery. Her handmade embellishments and rich fabrics promise women a top-notch experience.
Daily News Egypt met Karen to talk luxury, fashion, and career plans.
What made you pursue fashion as a career?
My obsession for design began at the early age of 10, when I started drawing fashion sketches. It was not long before my hobby lead into sewing, too.
I actually ended up studying linguistics and literature until I decided to pursue my initial passion. When I graduated, I knew that I had to take my dream and talent to the next level through starting my career as a fashion designer.
What is the main inspiration behind your collection?
My Spring/Summer 2016 couture collection is called “Désirable”. In this collection I wanted to highlight my signature style, which is the luxury and handmade preciseness.
The dresses’ details range between hand-embellished crystals, gold threads, detailed embroidery, and handmade fabrics that took almost 1,000 hours to be manufactured.
I also wanted to mix attractive femininity with modern luxury and glamour.
I tried to reach my main objective through collaborating with Asfour crystals for shimmering embroidery and Iram Jewelry for stunning bling. Meanwhile, we also featured a Jaguar sports car in the photoshoot to elaborate on the concept.
Which dress is your favourite and why?
The blue dress embellished with silver crystals. That dress includes 2,000 Asfour Silver Crystal. It was one of the main challenges I had to overcome to create this collection. I am just proud of how I managed to sew so many real Asfour crystals onto one dress and still make it look luxurious and simple at the same time. This is basically my masterpiece.
What made you take part in the photoshoot?
I just felt that no one could wear and represent the aesthetic of that particular burgundy pure silk dress better than me.
What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome?
Timing, models selection, fittings, and photoshoot logistics were hectic. I believe for a first timer, I managed to overcome all these obstacles by focusing on my main target and pursuing my lifetime dream.
What is next on your agenda?
My new Fall/Winter 2017 collection will be released in two months.
