Idiosyncratic Style

Highlighted in the February issue of FASHION magazine, I thought you might want to know a little more about Edmonton fashion designer, Jessica Halabi.

What are you working on now?
I am beginning to design my F/W 2010-11 RTW Collection. Also, I am busy with many custom-made garments in the works… like too many to count!

What’s your Idiosyncratic Style?
On a work day, I’m a ripped jeans and converse girl. I love chunky rings. I appreciate wearing the kinds of things that other girls in “Conservative Edmonton” may not. When I dress up, I like high-waist skirts and wearing pieces I created. Usually, I’m busy dressing everyone else that I kind of forget about myself.

What do you never leave the house without?
Earrings, Mobile phone and a bra!

What song do you never get tired of?
“True Love Waits” by Radiohead

What is your favorite piece from your current collection?
It would have to be my colourful hand painted tights and most of my hand painted garments. It is a lot of fun for me to incorporate the painting into my designs.

Jessica Halabi hand-painted tights

Who is your greatest artistic influence?
Gustav Klimt

What is your constant source of inspiration?
Art and the female form.

What is the best book you have ever read?
FML.com. I also LOVE reading poetry and books by Khalil Gibran, who wrote one of my favorite quotes, “To work with love…is to weave the cloth with threads drawn from your heart as if your beloved were to wear that cloth“.

Excerpts from the Jessica Halabi Collection

What was your favorite childhood game?
Old school Nintendo (still love!)

What is the first piece you ever made?
Like most, I began making doll clothes, but I created them from coloured balloons.

A Halabi designed doll dress

What is your guilty pleasure?
Oh jeez I have to add an ’s’ to that! Here we go - salmon skin sushi, eggnog, shish tawook (Middle Eastern)… and I’m just going to stop there because this could get a little embarrassing…

What’s your favorite city?
Beirut

What are you working on next?
I’m showing my F/W Collection during both Edmonton & Alberta Fashion weeks.

Jessica Halabi on the runway

For more information on her designs check out www.jessicahalabi.com