Ihab Jiry is a now well-known clothing brand with its sown-client audience, but what inspired you to get into fashion design?
Finding inspiration is important. Not only will it get me started, but it will also deepen my ideas, and help me further develop my creations. And most importantly, finding and then following my inspiration will help keep the joy of working alive. Exhibits such as art shows, museums, world events, theatre productions, films, and music festivals are some of my sources of inspiration for me. Old fashion also provides inspiration. One of the most important factors is the inspiration that I can get from outside the industry. This type of inspiration can help me create a unique look. Furthermore, I’m motivated by the passion I have for fashion.
How did your professional path begin?
When I was a child, I fell in love with the story of Little House on the Prairie. My grandmother taught me how to sew, and after that, I made various doll clothes.
My passion for fashion has been since I was a child, I had always enjoyed sketching designs. To be honest, as a Palestinian designer, being a minority has inspired me to create my unique and creative work. I constantly looking for experiences that will make me share my emotions and thoughts with the world. I hold a first degree in fashion design from Shankar College. I have developed my own Avant Grade label for 13 years now, I felt it wasn’t enough for me, I pursued my studies and achieved two master’s degrees: a Master’s in theatrical and cine, professional in dress and decor design and a second master’s is Master of Design Program, M. Des in fashion design. I love dressing people.
Your collection looked like something magic and space. What inspired you for the collection you presented on Arab Fashion week?
Talking about death is a scary thing. All of us can relate to that! We’ve all felt upset, uncomfortable, or awkward when the topic is approached, which leads us to avoid it in the future. Although our intentions are usually good, and we don’t want to cause any upset, in the long run, the consequences can be difficult to deal with. We understand that talking about death is a bit of a taboo. Yet, when we talk about it, we actively help to break down those barriers and make it that bit easier and acceptable for people. I believe that when we are able to face death openly and approach it peacefully and positively as a natural part of life, we will feel empowered to live our days to the fullest. The collection was inspired by a study of fashion and death. We are all aware that there is a parallel between the human body and clothing. Because, like a perishable body, the garment ages over time. Just as fashion is timed and limited, so is the human body; when it is damaged, it becomes less desirable, oppressive, and loses its vitality and beauty. In today’s western amber, fashion speaks of power, strength, aesthetics, beauty, and indulgence rather than death. Death in the fashion world is expressed on many levels, including perceptions of body and garment.
Why did you name your collection Ethernal?
Ethernal:
The Ethereal type is a type of beauty that exists, but most systems don’t allow it.
It’s feminine in appearance, it has sexual or youthful features. For fashion, ethernal means sheer and delicate textures, fabrics that breathe and shine, and angelic, elegant motifs. the youthful vibe is enhanced by the flutter sleeves and the sheerness of the fabric. The feathers, light-as-air fabrics, and intricate details that are featured in garments are what extraterrestrials are most fond of. They look like they’re wearing clothes that are made out of clouds, mist, stars, and moonbeams.
Where do you see your brand in 3 years? What do you think will change during this time in the design industry?
The field of fashion is different from other disciplines as it focuses on living in the present. Every day, when you put on an outfit, you are able to recreate yourself. Sometimes, even though you’re with your partner, you might not feel like wearing the clothes that you’re wearing. If you’re trying to reinvent yourself, clothes can help you do so. They can help you get through various transitions in your life.
