Issue 40 / Designer Profile: Hussein Shiraz For DALLA

by Tessa Johnson

Designer Profile: Hussein Shiraz For DALLA

Mar 04, 2016

Since his debut at MasterCard Fashion Week in 2014, Hussein Shiraz’s DALLA (formerly known as HD Homme) has cornered the market in men’s evening wear. The designer is known for his sharp tailored red carpet designs. He has dressed some the best in the entertainment industry like E! news correspondent Jesse Giddings, Canadian singer Karl Wolf and most recently Grammy Award winner The Weeknd.

In the last few years the designer and expanded his evening wear line to sports wear and has recently rebranded his label. ANOKHI had a chance to catch up with the designer and talk about his S/S 16 collection and the rebranding of his line.

Tessa Johnson: Since the launch of your fashion brand, how do you feel you’ve transformed as a designer?

Hussein Shiraz: When I began in the industry I wasn’t sure where to start or how people would respond to my fashion line or to me, but over time my confidence grew. I am now more confident in my design decisions and not afraid to make bold moves in the industry.

TJ: You’re now entering your third season, what are some of the challenges you faced and how have you overcome them?

HS: I would like to have DALLA available to purchase in stores on all major markets but gaining worldwide recognition is difficult. I’ve had some well renowned people wear my clothing to garner attention around my brand, but there is still a long way to go before people in Japan, Australia and even the U.S. rock DALLA.

TJ: What was the inspiration behind your S/S 16 collection?

HS: Military-inspired fashion has had a real comeback if you ask me. It’s the casual, yet stylish and authoritativeness that embodies what DALLA stands for. The S/S 16 collection is the suit of armour that the modern man can wear as he takes on a bevy of daily battles.

^{Toronto Men's Fashion Week (TOM*), DALLA, Spring/Summer 2015 Collection

Photo Credit: Shayne Gray Photography}

TJ: You’ve recently rebranded your fashion empire name to DALLA? Why did you decide to rebrand?

HS: As I’ve grown as a designer I’ve matured and changed and I felt my label needed to as well. DALLA is a new name but still stands for the same quality and workmanship found in HD Homme. I wanted something strong and timeless and from there DALLA was born.

TJ: Will you be designing womenswear in the near future?

HS: Absolutely. That’s one of the questions I get asked time and time again and my answer is: I’m working on it. Stay tuned.

TJ: Do you have any other aspirations for the DALLA brand?

HS: Aside from garnering global attention and opening DALLA boutiques across the map, I would also like to expand the line to include accessories like shoes, hats and perhaps even jewellery one day.

^{Toronto Men's Fashion Week (TOM*), DALLA, Spring/Summer 2015 Collection

Photo Credit: Shayne Gray Photography}

TJ: Menswear over the years has taken center stage via social media, Instagram, street style blogs and on the red carpets. Why do you feel there is such a heavy focus on men today compared to five years ago?

HS: More and more men are realizing the fashion industry doesn’t revolve around women exclusively. Now, there’s a greater emphasis on men’s fashion too. Social media has allowed people from across the globe to connect. Big fashion houses like New York, India, Japan and the U.K. are putting pressure on men to step up their game. There are so many men that I style who don’t know how to wear a suit correctly or don’t like going shopping but when they see the plethora of men’s fashion out there that broadens their fashion sense a little and they’re able to break out of their shell a little more.

TJ: What is the one cardinal rule one shouldn't break when learning to be a designer?

HS: Don’t burn any bridges! The industry is too small and one day the guy you met shining your shoe may be the guy who ultimately decides your fate in the future. I do my best to maintain healthy relationships with everyone who crosses my path.

TJ: What business advice do you have for today’s young designers?

HS: Success is a marathon not a sprint. I work hard and I work smart. I’m not where I want to be but I keep reminding myself that I’m closer today than I was yesterday.

TJ: What mistakes have you seen young designers make?

HS: They give up too soon on their dreams. It’s hard and it can be discouraging but you got to keep up the good fight and keep going.

^{Toronto Men's Fashion Week (TOM*), DALLA, Spring/Summer 2015 Collection

Photo Credit: Shayne Gray Photography}

TJ: Do you plan to expand the DALLA brand beyond the Canadian market? If so where and why?

HS: DALLA is already slowly making its way to the U.S market but that’s not far enough for me. I eventually want to see DALLA in Europe, Asia and beyond.

^{Toronto Men's Fashion Week (TOM*), DALLA, Spring/Summer 2015 Collection

Photo Credit: Shayne Gray Photography}

^{Main Image Photo Credit: Shayne Gray Photography}

Tessa Johnson

Author

Tessa (@tessajstyle) holds a diploma in Fashion Business Management from George Brown College and has Fashion Coordination and Styling certification from Ryerson University. She has been ANOKHI Magazine’s Fashion Editor for the last four years covering the runways from Toronto to India. Her love...