Lebanese designer Marwan is mostly renowned for his luxury ready-to-wear label Gattinolli. He has showcased his collections at international fashion capitals like Paris, Milan and New York with loyal clientele spanning four corners of the world.
This year, and almost 25 years after the creation of Gattinolli by Marwan, Maison Marwan launched a couture collection of unique and exclusive creations to be flaunted by celebrities and affluent personalities globally.
Marwan, please tell us more about your background…
I grew up with fine fabrics and an artisanal know-how as I watched my father craft bespoke suits for Lebanese noblemen in his 1960s atelier. My journey into womenswear started in the 1980s when I fled my war-torn country Lebanon for a new beginning. Once I settled in the west, a handful of customers who sought made-to-measure pieces encouraged me to employ my talent onto women’s fashion. So, when I decided to go back home, I was determined to flourish and rebirth the family business and the rest became history.
And what is your creative process like?
I like to take nature as an inspiration. The Mediterranean waves and evergreen mountains of my homeland serve as a canvas for my creative process. My muse is the modern woman. She is constantly changing, growing and adapting to today’s world. In a way, her empowerment and success translate into my very own.
How did you imagine the new couture collection? And how did you go about creating it?
The collection was imagined as I walked through the streets of Beirut and glanced at the flowers on the balconies of my beautiful city. These flowers that spread hope and flair regardless of Lebanon’s unfortunate situation. For the dresses, I used fine silk fabrics, hand beading techniques and focused on structured looks to celebrate a woman’s body.
And how would you describe the Marwan woman?
She is elegant, chic and sophisticated. She is connected to nature and inspired by the real world.
What is your proudest career moment?
I have so many, whenever I see my client pleased with her dress it brings me immense satisfaction. However, I have to say designing the wedding gown of my wife, who serves as my confidant and artistic partner, is a moment close to my heart.
And what’s next for Maison Marwan?
Our new couture collection will be launched on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival this year. We are also heading to New York and Barcelona bridal fashion week to present our new collection.
Text by Victor Gee
