by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
“Designer Confidential” is a series at CTFashionMag.com where we introduce the creative minds in fashion.
Name: Rachael AL-Mahdi of New Haven, Conn.
Brand: Luxe and Curves
How would you describe your style aesthetic?
Modest luxury. My signature style is high-end design with luxury fabrics and hand made details.
What inspired you to be a designer?
The picturesque visions of my childhood home, Dominica — with its rich culture, colors, and faith became the spark which my passion as a fashion designer.
I began my fashion training in 1991 as the assistant for Adam Kochlin Designs (Liturgical Clothing). I branched out on my own to design and sew custom modest garments.
I create fashions that inspires and is hugely infuenced by the simplicity of my faith. At the same time, I keep the designs simple, edgy, convertible and very classy for modern woman with modesty in mind.
I hope that my designs inspire women of all sizes to feel beautiful and modest.
Who is your fashion icon and why?
My fashion icon is Tracy Reese. She represents all the things that make a great designer. She’s creative, humble, and a unbelievable humanitarian. I hope to follow in her footsteps to inspire everyone I meet to love who they are and appreciate the blessings given.
What celebrity—living or dead—or fictional character would you like to dress and what would you make for them?
My dream is to dress Solange Knowles, sister of Beyonce Knowles-Carter. I would create a custom fitted dress with architectural leather details from my upcoming A/W 2016 Collection that would represent her eclectic fashion style.
Website: https://www.luxeandcurves.com
Designers, interested in being featured in “Designer Confidential?”
Email a hi-res image that illustrates your line to mchaiken@BristolObserver.com.
And answer the following questions.
Name_____ Brand name________ location
How would you describe your style aesthetic?
What inspired you to be a designer?
Who is your fashion icon and why?
What celebrity—living or dead—or fictional character would you like to dress and what would you make for them?
Website to buy or see your clothes?
Email answers to mchaiken@BristolObserver.com
