PFW Emerging Designer: Anar Couture

October 4, 2010 in Designers, Featured - 2 comments

Interview with Rana Ghezelayagh, head designer of Anar Couture.   We caught up with Rana just prior to her participation in Catapult, Portland Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Competition.

Describe your line Anar Couture?

I started my brand, Anar Couture, in late 2009 with my first collections, Para and Pars, which include 20 Trench Coat dresses made of mostly organic fabrics with very colorful and beautiful patterned lining. Anar Couture is about  creating a trend that incorporates the sophistication of urban life into the glamour and fascination of the feminine silhouette in a manner that is tasteful, yet sexy, by creating a mystique around it.

Who is your ideal customer?

I am designing  for the contemporary (business) woman who wants to be au courant, powerful, and seductive without being over exposed.

How long have you been designing apparel?

It seems it started since I was a little girl, as I was always into fashion and colors (I always had to pick my own dresses and match it with my shoes and handbag). I actually began designing apparel in 1997 early into my previous career as a chemical engineer and project manager (in my home country). During all of those years, I always kept myself involved with my deep passion for fashion by designing most of my own outfits.

What motivated you to choose a career in fashion?

I have this belief that the splendor of arranging one’s attire in fashion is a strong reflection of one’s inner beauty, which could also be the best way to make that individual feel attractive, confident, and comfortable. As I mentioned, I was always passionate about textiles, colors, and designs when I began as an engineer, but the reason that I changed my career path to a fashion designer was the constant encouragement from friends and family about my talent.

What is your inspiration for Anar Couture?

Since I was born and raised in an artistic family (my father is an architect; my mother was a musician and the folkloric choir singer), I have always been exposed to the architectural  arts and urban pace of society. The Para and Pars collections from Anar Couture were  specifically inspired by the architectural beauty of an ancient city called “Persepolis” in Iran. The dresses are wearable in two seasons: spring and fall.

Where do you see your brand Anar Couture 5 years from now?

As a designer with a technical engineering background, I hope to incorporate new types of functional (yet beautiful) textiles into designs that lead into new styles, while expanding my business.

Describe your personal style.

The very first idea that I can say about my personal style is practicality. I believe that you feel fresh and confident about yourself in your daily wear when you can be functional. I consider my style as multicultural, cutting edge, sophisticated and elegant. For my own   look, if I am not designing something new, I am combining different styles in my own way to create a new look. I feel that uniqueness brings more glamour and shine.