Afshin Feiz is a thinker. Not just any designer turns mythology and Persian poetry into fashion, but maybe that gives the British style star something to talk about with rocker Bryan Adams – one of Afshin’s friends who’s been known to do photo shoots for his line.
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Training with John Galliano, Thierry Mugler, Nina Ricci and Christian Lacroix Haute Couture has helped shape the designer’s sexy but restrained line. (Fans like Elizabeth Hurley and Halle Berry seem impressed.) Here, Afshin shares his thoughts on impressing the masses in China, birdhouse dresses and what ruins his holidays.
What gets the creative process going for you?
My lastest collection was inspired by a passage I read in a book called A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle – there is a passage that talks about Buddha’s silent sermon. Generally, I am inspired by anything to do with love and renewal of oneself. I have been very inspired in the past by the Persian poet Rumi.
What’s one of your favourite garments for the upcoming season? What type of woman do you see in these clothes?
I would say it would be my opening look for my show, the pastel green short dress with the mini ruffles and cut-outs and the embroidered chains in the ruffles. It’s a confident and sexy woman, but more flirtatiously sexy than overtly.
Describe the first garment you ever made.
Oh God, it was at school and I thought I was being so avant-garde. It was a green jersey catsuit with appliqued birdhouses and actual bird looking toys sticking out of it. Quite humourous though!
Did you always know you’d be a designer? And if you couldn’t do this, what would you do?
Yes, I always knew. It took a while before my father warmed up to the idea, but he supports me now fully. If I didn’t do this I would always be in some creative industry – artist or photographer or filmmaker.
Could you talk a little more about your Chinese brand?
It is called Reves De Fleurs, which means Dreams of Flowers. The Chinese love cutesy names like that so it works over there, and it is high-end but more cute and wearable than directional. It has quickly been adopted by all of the major Chinese movie stars and singers and we are about to open a new boutique in Beijing.
What trend should die already?
Boho
What’s one of your favourite garments from another designer?
The whole collection of autumn/winter 2004 – I think it was Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent.
Which movie character wins your best-dressed title?
There are undoubtedly many, but off the top of my head I would say Sean Young in Blade Runner.
What’s your biggest vice?
Chocolate
Name your favourite band on your iPod.
The Kills
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
Anywhere where I’m not harassed by people trying to sell me things.
– Jill Hilbrenner