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Between the Lines: An Interview with Fashion Designer Rami Kashou
After taking 2nd place on the reality TV show competition “Project Runway”, Rami Kashou and his definitive designs were catapulted into the mainstream. After the show’s end in 2007, Rami launched a global clothing line. Now, his fashions are found all over the world’s top runways as well as in the closet of celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, and Queen Rania.
Arab Detroit (AD): Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview with Arab Detroit. We would first like to congratulate you on all your success thus far in the fashion industry. We are extremely proud of you.
Rami: That’s so nice, thank you.
AD: I am sure you know we have a huge Arab American community in Michigan. Have you ever been able to visit the state?
Rami: Yes, actually. When I first came to this country from Palestine, I went directly to Holland, Michigan because I had a really good friend from home that happened to be living there.
AD: So tell me, how does a small town Palestinian boy become an up-and-coming fashion designer? Were you always interested in fashion and design?
Rami: Yea, I mean, it really just developed naturally. I had always been interested in clothing, art, and creativity. My mother tells me that at 5 years-old, I used to go into her closet and pull out the clothes I wanted her to wear for the day. But also, as a child growing up in Ramallah, there wasn’t much going on that could keep me busy. There were no activities, movie theatres or parties. So, my interest also developed a bit from boredom.
AD: You immigrated to America at the age of 18 to study fashion. How difficult was your transition?
Rami: Well, it was really difficult. I was entering a brand new culture, and I was so far away from my parents. Breaking into the industry was also hard considering I didn’t know anyone, no connections of any sort. But, I had a dedication to this work, so I did it the long way, sewing and selling one of a kind pieces to different LA boutiques until I could get my name out.
AD: In 2007, you had your big break on a nationally televised reality show. What did you take from that experience?
Rami: Well, I came out with an understanding that my brand is a lot more marketable than I thought. I also benefited from an amazing amount of exposure, of course, here in America, but also on a global level. I didn’t really understand how big of a deal it was to be on the show until after it ended.
AD: Right now, you seem to be designing almost exclusively for women. How is it that you, as a man, are able to tap into a female mind-set in order to understand what a woman truly wants?
Rami: It really has nothing to do with me having to think or feel like a woman. However, any good designer will have a 6th sense, such as having the ability to understand the cultural trends that are happening amongst females. If you can appreciate the natural beauty of a woman, then you will know how they should dress. Plus, I think there are women who feel more comfort in knowing that a man is designing the clothing—as many women like to wear what a man thinks will compliment them.
AD: Tell us a little bit about your spring fashion collection which has recently launched, “Between the Lines”. Why did you decide on a black-white only motif?
Rami: Well, the entire collection is inspired by the architecture of Frank Gehry, who designed Disney Hall right here in LA. It’s this very futuristic building. It looks like a spaceship, actually—all silver and medal, and all about lines. In my collection, I played a lot with the idea of lines—hard lines, soft lines, and basic black-white colors. I focused on turning many elements of the building into clothes.
AD: How can people find and purchase your clothes?
Rami: Well, right now, we don’t have any retail stores, but people have been ordering the clothing through the website (www.ramikashou.com). A lot of people will see the design on a celebrity and then go to the website looking for it, as they did with the dress that Kim Kardashian wore just last month. In the near future, I hope to set up various retail stores in places like New York, Paris, and the Middle East.
AD: Of course, one indication that you have been successful is that you have an incredible number of celebrities wearing your creations, but in what other way will you measure your success?
Rami: I think success will be measured by the way that people understand and value the clothing. When women can identify with my work and can feel a certain way wearing my designs, it means they have reached a level of understanding and comfort with my brand.
AD: I noticed you are never shy about letting people know you are Palestinian. How important is that to you?
Rami: Well, of course it’s important. Everyone comes from a different place in the world and where they come from contributes to who they are. I am very proud to be Palestinian, and I will always share my background with whoever may ask.
AD: Rami, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We wish you all the best of luck in the future and we look forward to hearing about your growth.
Rami: Of course, my pleasure. Thanks.
To view a video of Rami Kashou’s Spring/Summer collection “Between the Lines,” click the following link: