Omar Kashoura (London, UK)
Published 43 months ago
Omar Kashoura successfully graduated with first class honours from the London College of Fashion.
Omar Kashoura enjoyed a quintessentially British upbringing in the countryside of Leeds, West Yorkshire, before moving to London at the age of 17 with a firm vision to further his studies in fashion & design. Kashoura successfully graduated with first class honours from the London College of Fashion with a highly acclaimed collection.
Kashoura's collections have since appeared in numerous magazines including Trace, Dazed & Confused and ID and secured Kashoura the top prize at the Gen Art New York Styles 2005 Menswear award. The finalists designs were culled from over 850 submissions from 25 countries, and presented in a catwalk show in New York, before a panel of judges, and over 1,600 guests. Actress Mariel Hemingway and daughter Dree Crisnan hosted the competition, where judges included designers Jill Stuart, Catherine Malandrino, Norma Kamali, Zang Toi & Cynthia Steffe, supermodel Maggie Rizer, Emmy-winning stylist Rebecca Weinberg, Brana Wolf (Harpers Bazaar), fashion trendcaster Mary Alice Stephenson and Joan Kaner (Neiman Marcus).
Kashoura began his working career at London based fashion house Preen, as well as a consulting position at the fast developing label Unconditional. 2006 saw Kashoura further develop his potential upon presentation of his third independent collection.
Having just embarked upon his Masters degree at the highly acclaimed Central Saint Martins school of Art and Design, Kashoura is set to be a key player in the British Fashion Industry, with a long term focus on longevity and success.
How long have you been designing?
Since the minute I was dressing myself, I guess. I was forever playing and trying to re co-ordinate the clothes I wore.
Where are you based?
I am based in the vibrant east end of London. There is rather a raw feel to this area that is contrasted by the huge business developments of Canary Wharf that tower my neighborhood. Having been in London for six years now I’ve had many opportunities to move around and have sampled all the corners but find the way of life in the East to most resemble the home area I grew up in. I live and work in an independent complex that are offices situated on the canal.
What is your nationality?
British of Arabic and English descent.
How old are you?
24.
How would you describe your designs?
Directional, experimental, masculine, forward thinking yet somewhat eccentric.
What inspires you?
I find myself drawn to and motivated by life especially science and all things related. My work is driven through the questions I find myself wanting answers to that always seem to relate back to the being. I am also excited by words and literature. I generally find text far more powerful than images.
What was the last thing you saw that really inspired you?
A stark picture of a woman holding a skeleton. It was a strange mix of life and death, almost like she was holding onto her insides outside in. The skeleton is alive, it's independent.
...'But now imagining the skeleton living inside me, I think of it as floating, ribs swaying as boats in a marina. When I dance I try to let my skeleton move more freely now than I did before id given it much thought. I think of freeing the inner skeleton, to some extent, now while we’re still attached' Kathleen Higgins, Death and the Skeleton
What have you been doing since you graduated?
I’ve been traveling on this rather exciting journey, one I'm sure to continue on as challenging as it has been. It has been strange and most certainly a dazzling experience, one which was never initially planned or thought of in any way. Everything just happens.
Upon graduation with first class Honours from the London College of Fashion I began my working career at London based fashion house Preen, as well as a consulting position at the fast developing label Unconditional.
My graduate collection secured me the top prize at the Gen Art New York Styles 2005 Menswear award. The finalist’s designs were culled from over 850 submissions from 25 countries, and presented in a catwalk show in New York. After which I was approached by a London based agent that is EasternBlock, and in 2005 the label Omar Kashoura was born.
Since then I have been developing my brand and creative ideas and have now been operating for three seasons to date and in that time have managed to secure clients internationally. My work has appeared in various publications such as Dazed and Confused Japan, ID, Oyster, Cent, Flux, Trace, Sportswear International, WWD and on Vh1/MTV.
I am now currently doing the MA at Central St Martins, which is the leading fashion college in the UK hoping to build on my knowledge and confidence as a young designer.
Are you designing a new collection?
Sure. I’m currently in the middle of my AW07/8 collection.
How would you describe your style?
There is nothing more beautiful than a gentleman of image and persona. In my work I am trying to re-create this feeling in a modern and refreshing way, referencing traditional techniques and shapes with modern cutting. My work is somewhat directional and while remaining masculine pushes boundaries with garments that are fun but yet crafted beautifully. Pieces that seek to stimulate as well as inform.
Are you involved in any outside projects in other fields?
I am currently working on an alumni exhibition to take place during the coming London Fashion Week with the PR department from London College of Fashion. I have been selected as one of the more successful graduates from the last ten years.
Who are your favorite designers and why?
Preen, they are beautiful people and have taught me so much of what I know today. Hussein Chalayan as I find him the most intelligent and conceptual designer/artist there is. I would love to have a greater understanding of where his trails of thoughts come from and how he develops them into his lines.
Balenciaga has to be my favourite label. I grow excited and more fixated on the brand each time a season passes. I feel the house evolves each season and appreciate the long standing quality and respect behind the label.
What are your plans for the future?
To establish my brand and company, producing collections twice yearly with a dedicated team of workers behind me.
