Vogue Dubai Fashion: Interview with Krikor Jabotian

The Vogue Dubai Fashion Experience presented an array of talented designers to headline the epic two-day event. The highly anticipated runway show delivered innovative and stylish ready-to-wear collections that charmed fashion enthusiast. Despite the stellar line-up, there was undeniably a stand out star.
 

Designer Krikor Jabotian began working at Elie Saab’s creative department, an all-encompassing and enriching introduction to the industry. After Krikor stepped out and began developing his own independent designs, he was selected by Starch foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Maison Rabih Kayrouz, to showcase his work. It was the first collection he designed under his own name, marking the beginning of his independent career.
 

After the success of Starch, Krikor set up his own atelier at the young age of 23. It served him for a while, but it was when his family joined certain aspects of his work and established their family run business, that Krikor Jabotian truly flourished into a vibrant space where his work and imagination thrive.
 

 

We had an opportunity to interview Krikor Jabotian during the Vogue Dubai Fashion Experience for a dynamic insight into his development and collections.
 

TDD: What was your creative process for your latest collection?
 
KJ: It usually first starts as an idea and then it develops and takes another form as we are working. Concerning this collection, I normally do couture but this time I was approached to come up with a ready-to-wear line. So I tried as much as possible not to tone down my style but to come up with something less dramatic (although I believe my collection was still a bit dramatic). So if I had to describe this collection, I would say that its couture meets ready-to-wear.
 

TDD: A lot of times designers are asked to “tone it down”, how do you remain true to your brand while still appealing to the mainstream consumer?
 
KJ: I created my first ready-to-wear collection for Vogue Dubai Fashion Experience, which consisted of 10 pieces so it was fine, if I had to come up with a bigger collection, then I believe it would be extremely challenging. I would actually love to take the challenge because I believe coming up with a beautiful design that’s also functional and practical would be interesting and more affordable comparing to couture.
 

TDD: Who is your ideal woman and who do you envision wearing your clothes?
 
KJ: A woman who has a lot of character of course, and influential. I would love to dress Cate Blanchett and Sarah Jessica Parker.
 

TDD: Where do you see yourself going in the next couple of years?
 
KJ: I’m a dreamer and I would love to believe that I’ll always remain a believer, so I don’t think I would ever allow myself to have any restrictions that stop me from dreaming. I think I was born lucky and I work hard. I think when hard work and good opportunities meet, beautiful things can happen.
 

Written by: Chandia Brennen

 
Chandia Brennen is a Certified Image Consultant and CEO of ItsGood2bME Fashion Consulting and Image Management based in Los Angeles CA, Chandia has been in the Fashion industry for over four years. She has worked for dozens of publications and holds the title of Senior Fashion Editor in both LA and NY. Chandia is a fashion scout for a Design Agency in NY and Brand Ambassador for HairEverywhere Luxury.