Pierre Garroudi's intricate designs have been worn by some of the world's biggest style icons from Naomi Campbell to Sarah Jessica Parker. His dresses merge the lines between art and fashion. I was very fortunate to be able to interview him and he shared his perspective on fashion with me. I was also able to see first hand the level of detail and intricacy that goes into creating his masterpieces.
You were born in Iran, studied in Paris, lived in NY, London and China. Do you think your collection reflects your multicultural experience?
Absolutely, because like a sponge the more information and experiences you have, the more complex you become. Knowledge is like light; it opens your eyes to the world… So the less you know the more you live in the dark. I’ve lived in Paris for five years, two years in Lyon, one year in Shanghai, ,fourteen years in Manhattan , one year in Boca Raton and the past seven years (here in London). The different cultures and languages have given me wider perspective of the world and inspires the collection.
What inspires you?
My biggest inspirations come from the zest to do more. The more you do the more you find out. There is a famous scientist from the 20th century called Max Plank who said that "when you conquer the first mountain it is then that you find out how many mountains are out there" because if you don’t you will never know what is out there. I ’m inspired by talented and creative people and by the sheer beauty of humanity. There are so many amazing creative people out there and so I absorb apart of them and it influences my work but my interpretation of them is what makes my collections unique. My collections are also expressions of my own experiences and the themes mirror what is happening in my life.
Why did you decide to pursue fashion?
As a kid I just stumbled upon fashion. I had seven brothers and sisters and my mum didn’t have time to do everything so I would help out. I had a black singer machine that was hand powered and would repair and make clothes. When I became a teenager I chose fashion as a career. I think fashion is a way of expressing yourself and showing your beliefs and identity because clothes can tell you a lot about a person. It can reveal their political views, religious beliefs and it is a strong communication tool.
Tell us about your autumn/winter 2010 collection? Do you have a favourite piece?
My last collection was all red. It symbolises "love is the air". It’s about being passionate, I believe whatever you put out you get back, if you plant strawberries you don’t get bananas. You get back a strawberry. I chose red because the colour is strong and the collection was all about love. I can’t pick a favourite piece, because each piece shows different things so it’s impossible for me to choose. You can’t put 23 designs on one dress because it would look like a mish-mash of designs and wouldn’t be attractive so I think each piece has its unique place.
Why did you move from New York to London?
I moved just after September 11th and I went to France, then I went to Milan and Shanghai and I travelled to London a few times and think London is the best place to be. You may see fashion shows in Italy and in Paris but you don’t see fashions on the street as the fashion is very conservative. However in London it’s different whatever you see on the runways you see on the streets, you see in the nightclubs and during the day. Even the fashion worn by celebrities and musicians is seen in the streets.
Would you ever collaborate with a high street label?
Absolutely, if they knock on my door I would do it. However I’d like to work as a creative director for one of the French couture houses. For instance if I replaced Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. I would have to make sure that what I would do would continue what he has done and continues the same idea and legacy of Chanel.
Who is your favourite celebrity that you have dressed?
I’ve dressed Sarah Jessica Parker, Scarlett Johansson, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Marissa Tomei, and Richard Gere's wife. If I had to pick one person who stood out it would be Sarah Jessica Parker, it was easy to dress her because she is very sleek in figure and carries the clothes so well
What role does colour play in your world?
If you want to differentiate yourself from the rest of the crowd either you have to do prints which are quite boring and easy to do or you can do something that no one else does. I do fabric manipulation. I believe it’s the next evolution of fashion. Eventually the age of the print will end. For example, out of the 80's came minimalism and in the 90's came vintage. I think the next stage will be end of the print and the extension of the print which I believe is fabric manipulation. Fabric manipulation is the couture extension of the print.
Which designers do you admire?
I admire the late Alexander McQueen, Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier. However my most favourite designer is Thierry Mugler. The work he did in the 80's was incredible. I also love Japanese designers, Comme Des Garcons and Issey Miyake
Name one thing you like and one thing you don't like about fashion?
Unfortunately in the UK it’s a very closed market there isn’t enough of a system in place to help the most talented young designers into the market. Fashion Schools are churning out thousands of designers but there is only room for small percentage of them. The good thing about the industry is that it keeps evolving and there is loads of talent out there. The fashion industry has also changed with the advent of the internet because the internet is a brilliant way for young designers to display their talent.
What plans do you have for the future?
I would love to work as a creative director for one of the couture Houses in Paris. I would also like to expand my line and do a men’s line, shoes, and bags …even makeup. I'd also like to do multiple lines with different price points.
