Text: Dariga Masenova THE MOST “DEAR” RACES IN THE WORLD SUGGEST AT LEAST LUXURIOUS DRESSES. HIGH FASHION IS INappropriate, However, the complexity of the cut and the quality of fabrics will be appreciated by virtue. FRENCH CUTTERS STEFAN ROLLAN EXTRA OPERATING OPENED ITS FIRST BOUTIQUE AT ETIHAD TOWERS IN ABU DHABI.
The designer greeted me with a big smile in the lobby of the One & Only Royal Mirage. Rollan was in a good mood, because the day before he received the honorary award "Cult Designer of the Year" from the Elle Style Awards in Dubai. It is not surprising that he is especially loved in the region. Indeed, for 20 years, Rolland has been making haute couture clothes for local ladies who know a lot about high sewing art and the latest trends for "carpet paths".
Stefan, why did you decide to open the first ready-to-wear boutique far from the French fashion capital?
Stefan: Probably because the Middle East has become dear to me. When I was a teenager, a biography of Sheikh Zayed fell into my hands. His courage and leadership qualities deeply impressed me, and I became interested in the culture and history of this country. Arabs “adopted” me for a long time (laughs), so this is my gift to the region for its warmth, as well as the love and respect that are shown to my work here.
It sounds like you found yourself here ...
Stefan: I am a traveler by nature, although I love Paris, but I feel that I will spend my last days in a tent somewhere in the desert. I am attracted to life away from the bustle of the city, but now it is impossible. I have to travel and work a lot, and sometimes I really feel like a Bedouin!
I feel that your Middle Eastern clients are not as capricious as they seem.
Stefan: Of course not! We always quickly find a common language, and they greatly facilitate my work as a designer. It seemed to me that Abu Dhabi is the ideal platform for a boutique with ready-to-wear clothing. The capital is a more private place, and this is why it is interesting to me. By the way, local ladies are one of the most gorgeous women in the world!
Is your muse among them?
Stefan: You know, in the process of work, I never think of any particular woman. I, like any other creative person, am inspired by painting, photography and sculpture. I have no muse. Although I like working in contrasts, I like bright women: cold blondes, for example, Cate Blanchett, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and burning brunettes, such as Sophia Loren and Maria Felix. And who would have thought that I would wear Kim Kardashian ?! However, when she puts on my dress, her image changes, and the shapes are elegantly emphasized.
The ready-to-wear collection is very close to couture. How difficult was it for you to adapt to the creation of finished clothes?
Stefan: Abu Dhabi presents a complete limited-edition ready-to-wear collection. The collection is distinguished by high quality, handmade, as well as the exclusivity of individual elements of the decor. Women want to be unique, so I released some things in very limited quantities. In fact, couture and ready-to-wear are distinguished by the technique of execution: dresses from couture are sometimes created exclusively for shows, and customers put on such an outfit only once or twice, and then give it to auctions or museums. A ready-made collection is created for every day, without formal restrictions. Voila, that’s the biggest difference!
How has your vision of fashion and design changed over many years of work in the industry?
Stefan: My vision has not changed. Design is my passion, I always dreamed of working in a creative environment. I was very lucky because in childhood I was surrounded by glamorous women, mom and grandmother. Then I became a fan of the works of Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin. I especially liked the Cardin collections of the 60s and 70s. I was impressed by the Coco Chanel philosophy: as a designer, she was very straightforward and confident. Life is cyclical, and again I feel how we are gradually approaching the basic sources of design. Over the past decade, the fashion industry has promoted sexual images bordering on vulgarity. But now we are returning to the era of true glamor. In connection with the crisis, which is still being felt in Europe, women on a subconscious level want protection and are increasingly "hiding".
What can you say about your Russian fans?
Stefan: Extreme femininity, intelligence, clear vision and no doubt! I think they will really like the spring-summer collection with flashes of a yellow palette, which even for me was a surprise!
