5 Karen Karam
October 17, 2010
Karen Karam is one of Britain's best up and coming stars of the fashion world. Trained at Central Saint Martins, Karen used her placement year to explore and learn from the fashion greats: McQueen, Chloe and Galliano. Much of her work in all three of the fashion houses went on to be used for their ready to wear collections. Spring / Summer '09 saw the release of her own debut collection, who's quirky, feminine style has since captured the hearts of the likes of Mischa Barton, Lilly Allen and Natalie Imbruglia. To talk about her success, her journey so far and what her future holds; Karen takes some time out to answer a few of my questions ...
How would you describe your new collection?
Fun / wearable / colourful / feminine. I love to see different women from different ages wearing my dresses, it gives them longevity. I love this collection, it's really what my label is about.
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You originally studied psychology, what set you on the path into fashion?
I always wanted to be in fashion, but my parents did not see it as a wise choice at the beginning, so I had to do something more conventional. The minute I got my degree in psychology I went back to my dream and studied fashion all over again. I truly believe that you have to be passionate about what you do because you will be doing it for a very long time.
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As a designer you're known for your quirky, girly style, what are your inspirations?
Old movies, old stars, Lanvin, Chloe Sevigny, Portobello Market, Sophia Coppola, children's books, New York window displays, Marilyn Monroe, Jane Birkin and anyone who is just all about style and fun! A real party girl.
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What has been your greatest achievement?
Getting so much press without paying for a PR team. Also having to establish my name in a competitive market like London on my own. Sometimes when I am really tired and think to myself that maybe I should just quit; I then think of how I started 2 years ago and that pushes me to go back and work, design, or just motivate myself.
You worked for the legendary Alexander McQueen, what was the greatest lesson you learnt there?
True, I did a training there. I've learned a lot. Narrowing it down to 2 would be hard but I guess the importance of creating a good idea or concept and the incredible importance of great research to back your concept makes a collection as strong as what it is.
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What is the favourite piece you have designed?
I know that without even thinking for a second! The orange dress with the sheer panel back I designed for the first season and it was also the first piece I got in the press, it was featured in Vogue. This is my ultimate dress and it is being repeated this season.
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Is there a person, or an event, that you would love to see your dresses on / at?
I don't know about an event, but there are definately a few people that I would love to dress. Top of my list would be : Chloe Sevigny; Sophia Coppola; Charlotte Gainsbourg and Leith Clark from Lula magazine.
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What is your biggest dream?
I am living it. It's establishing myself as a brand name. I guess it's more the journey to get there more then the end result. I've always believed that once you get what you want, it loses it's flavour. That is why, although sometimes the road might be hard to climb, I still love every minute of it. Every new adventure is another roller coaster ride.
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