Opulent in elegancy 

Visiting the artistic world of Krikor Jabotian is a one-of-a-kind experience; rich in colours and swooshed with long dress trains, it immerses you into a realm of luxury and modern elegance. Brought right from the heart of Lebanon, his designs, timeless and glamorous, are worn by celebrities like Cardi B and Sharon Stone amongst others. Join us as we learn more about Krikor and his work. 

hube: What initially sparked your interest in fashion design, and how did you begin your journey in the industry?

Krikor Jabotian: It wasn’t a specific moment as much as an overall way of being. I always found myself attracted to fabric, the movement and texture that it brings about. In my time of solitude, I would take to fashion creating my own patterns and playing around my mother’s closet. 

h: Your couture creations often feature intricate embroidery and elaborate embellishments. Could you tell us about some of the most challenging techniques you’ve mastered and the inspiration behind them?

KJ: Every new technique holds its challenges and excitement. Working with wet moulded gilded leather was super rewarding as it drew a lot of interest. Creating a corset akin to solid gold and encrusting it with stones, without the weight of metal, allowed us to really elevate the couture process and create jewel-like pieces.

h: Your work exudes opulence and luxury. How do you balance honouring tradition and pushing the boundaries of fashion?

KJ: Couture in itself is an art form that honours age-old tradition and employs laborious skill. My vision may be contemporary but the practice remains about upholding the pillars of expert dressmaking and savoir-faire. 

h: Lebanon has a rich cultural heritage with beautiful and colourful traditional clothing. Your designs, on the contrary, are full of pastel tones. Regardless, would you say your Lebanese background influences your design aesthetic? In what ways?

KJ: Being Lebanese, I’m immersed in a multitude of rich influences. This is an advantage for me as I’m able to connect with women in the whole region. I understand and appreciate the values and traditions of Arab women while offering my distinct perspective.

h: Transitioning from studying at l’Ecole Superieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode to working at Elie Saab’s creative department must have been quite the experience. Could you share some key lessons you learned during your time there and how they influenced your approach to fashion design?

KJ: Working at Elie Saab, I was able to deep dive into the world of embroidery. It was an eye-opening experience and the catalyst for the research and development of my own ideas. 

h: Being selected by the Starch Foundation to showcase your work marked a significant milestone in your career. Could you tell us about the inspiration behind your first collection?

KJ: My first collection was a continuation of my final year graduation collection which was inspired by Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride. It was a series of diaphanous gowns with a haunting romanticism to them, soft and light-coloured in powdery tones. 

h: Collaborating with Maison Rabih Kayrouz’s Starch Foundation provided you with a platform to showcase your talent. How important do you think such initiatives are for emerging designers, and what advice would you give to aspiring fashion creatives looking to make their mark?

KJ: Supporting emerging talent is a critical part of a rich fashion ecosystem. Having a launch pad such as Starch encourages new players and gives them a chance to kick-start their careers. The advice I would give emerging designers is to focus equally on the business and creative sides, as they go hand in hand. Honing your creativity and eye is everything but without the right business acumen, a brand cannot grow. 

h: Establishing your own atelier at the age of 23 is an impressive feat. What challenges did you face in the early stages of running your independent business, and how did you overcome them?

KJ: I built a brand and atelier from the bottom up. There were many challenges and there still are to this day. Major managerial decisions have proven to be more of a challenge for me but I believe it is crucial to delegate and bring in external professionals when necessary. 

h: Looking back at your journey from a fresh graduate to an established fashion designer, what are some of the proudest moments you’ve experienced, and what do you envision for the future of your brand?

KJ: Every day working at the atelier is a proud moment for me because I’m able to do what I love. Furthermore, doing it alongside my family is very gratifying. The family business wasn’t built on any outside investment and has proven to be self-sufficient thus far. At the moment we’re working on a line of fine jewellery, a skill that I was actually exposed to early on by my father. Bringing the jewellery pieces to fruition has allowed for a more holistic brand identity and vision.