AMMARA KHAN IS A DESIGNER OF DISTINCTION, TASTE AND UNDENIABLE ARTISTRY. SET APART FROM HER PEERS BY HER TIMELESS YET DECADENT AESTHETIC, SHE NEVER COMPROMISES ON QUALITY.RENAISSANCE ART INFORMS THE POINT OF VIEW OF HER LATEST COLLECTION TITLED IL GIGLIO. (LILY IN ITALIAN, IT’S DISPLAYED ON THE CITY’S COAT OF ARMS.) MODEL/ACTRESS MAYA ALI WAS CHOSEN FOR THE COLLECTION CAMPAIGN. AMMARA SPOKE TO AFSHAN SHAFI REGARDING ALL ASPECTS OF HER CRAFT IN AN EXCLUSIVE FEATURE FOR GT
WHAT WAS THE STARTING POINT OF THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS COLLECTION?
A trip to Florence earlier this summer inspired me tremendously. It reminded me again of how unbelievably gorgeous and rich in culture the city is.
WHAT ARE THE STATEMENT PIECES OF THIS COLLECTION, IN YOUR OPINION?
I would say the long jacket with high slits is a personal favourite. It can be worn with a lehnga or elongated pants and looks beautiful.
WHAT IS THE OVERALL COLOUR SCHEME FOR THE COLLECTION?
The colours are drawn from Renaissance master Botticelli’s paintings and the Florentine sunset when viewed from the historic Ponte Vecchio. (Old Bridge in Italian—It’s the most famous bridge and landmark in Florence.)
WHAT WAS THE PROCESS FROM INSPIRATION TO DESIGN LIKE FOR THE IL GIGLIO COLLECTION?
From the initial point of inspiration everything flowed magically. I drew out the technical drawings and the motif development took the longest. It was fun to work on the embroideries with my team of skilled artisans. They havebeen with me for years and know my mind really well. It’s always fantastic to see the final garment come together.
WHICH RENAISSANCE ART MOTIFS FORM A BASIS FOR THE COLLECTION AS A WHOLE?
From the warm colours to the ornate drawings and the finest gold embroidery Il Giglio is inspired by the grandeur and beauty of Renaissance art, architecture and jewels. It is unique in its richness and exudes an aura of antiquity and regalia.
IF WE WERE TO TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR MOODBOARD FOR IL GIGLIO WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
I don’t follow a set mood board. Usually things accumulate in a compartment of my mind for days and days and then I get things on paper in the form of technical drawings for silhouette and notes. It’s a bit crazy but that’s how it is.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHOICE OF MODEL/ACTRESS MAYAALI FOR THE SHOOT.
I was nominated for a LUX style award this year and I had a chance to see Maya Ali at the show. I just found her to be so beautiful and charming. I immediately knew she had the depth to translate emotions to a still shot and I was thrilled with the resulting campaign.
RAPID FIRE
DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND IN THREE WORDSÂ
Luxurious, timeless, elegant.
WHAT KIND OF WOMAN ENCOMPASSES THE ETHOS OF THE AMMARA KHAN BRAND?
Someone who is sophisticated,
poised and also elegant with just the
right amount of self confidence.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS OF ALL TIME?
Valentino Garavani, Giambattista
Valli and I am madly in love with
Gucci’s Alessandro Michele’s
aesthetic. Ralph and Russo are
amazing for occasion wear.
NAME SOME STYLE ICONS YOU ADMIRE?
Olivia Palermo, Amal Clooney.
Kate Middleton, Charlotte
Casiraghi, Queen Rania
WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO SEE WEARING YOUR DESIGNS?
Olivia Palermo and Kate Middleton
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINEÂ THE TERM ‘STYLE’? WHICHÂ PEOPLE DO YOU THINKÂ EXUDE A STYLISH PERSONA
Style to me is something that comes
from within. It is a reflection of
what one has grasped from one’s
environment and made his own with
the passage of time. It is not
something that can be borrowed,
bought or replicated
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