Fashion / One-On-One With Designer Hussein Dhalla

One-On-One With Designer Hussein Dhalla

Fashion Jan 17, 2014

by Swati Bhatt Vyas

Canadian designer Hussein Dhalla took the runway by storm when he featured his collection HDHOMME at the Mercedes-Benz StartUp last year, an annual competition for emerging designers.

HD from the label are the very initials of the self-taught designer and celebrity stylist. Dhalla's label, geared towards the finer man embodies all that a gentleman should be: the 'epitome of sophistication'. He also hosts a fashion and lifestyle blog called HD Style.

Recent work of Dhalla includes dressing Jesse Terrero's team for the new music video – La Botella, Sensato and Fito Blanko for the Latin Grammys in Miami, as well as Jesse Giddings for the 2014 Golden Globe Awards and Karl Wolf for his upcoming album.

I sat down to chat with the designer to find out what makes this man of style tick and see for myself the gent who's making waves in the fashion scene.

Swati Bhatt Vyas: Tell me a little about yourself.
Hussein Dhalla: I am born and raised in Toronto. I love men’s fashion. I initially went to school and completed a degree in business and finance, but my passion for fashion led me into design and styling for men. My education has helped me cultivate my passion into a marketable and successful business.

Initially I started off as a stylist and I still do style for music videos and celebrities. I enjoy this aspect of design as it allows me to create custom pieces for stage and red carpet that don’t necessarily go into my line but are still an expression of my creativity and fashion flare. I sincerely love what I do so I wake up feeling very fortunate and blessed. I am a gym fanatic as well, I like to start my day early, and I do not feel complete until I have worked out. I do my best to practice what I preach, leading a healthy wholesome lifestyle is very important to me. I have a very close knit family and friends circle and I consider myself a family man.

SBV: When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
HD: When clients of mine were asking for pieces that I had designed for myself and wanted to wear my clothing over store bought clothes. Everything started to come together and then I got the final nudge from my partner who encouraged me to take the plunge and start designing my own label as oppose to just styling.

SBV: What does fashion mean to you?
HD: Fashion means expression. To me fashion is not about pricey clothes, it’s about artistic pieces put together well can convey a message or story about ones character.

SBV: What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
HD: A blazer for myself.

SBV: Describe your creative process of conceptualizing to creation.
HD: A common thread in my clothes are the fit. So I always ensure that my fabrics are rich in texture and will allow my design to fit well. I source textiles and I also research designs, then like an architect I start simulating my visions and I mix and match my textiles with my designs.

SBV: Describe your experience of being featured in World Master Card Toronto Fashion Week?
HD: Amazing! Huge learning opportunity and a phenomenal networking playground.

SBV: Where do you get your inspiration?
HD: My inspiration stems from the classic notion of what a gentlemen should be; classy yet edgy. My clothes are meant to portray a lifestyle, an experience. When you see a man dressed in HD Homme you know he takes care of himself and he is very respectful and respectable. The type of Gentlemen you want to get to know.

SBV: Tell me who are some of your favourite design inspirations?
HD: Tom Ford, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana

SBV: Would you call yourself an artist?
HD: Yes, I considering the act of designing to be one that is very creative and artistic.

SBV: What matters to you most as a fashion designer?
HD: My brand integrity. It is crucial to me that the garments I design live up to my own standards. Not only are my pieces made well, they also last.

The first blazer I designed for myself still looks and feels brand new. I pride myself on unique fabrics but also texture and fit.

SBV: Tell us how your process of preparing for a fashion shoot or show?
HD: I start by understanding the concept. The overall theme helps me pull/design accordingly. It’s very important to understand your audience and market.

SBV: What do you like best about designing clothes?
HD: The end result. When I see my designs on the runway, or in a music video or on a celebrity and it is received well by the wearer and the audience it is the best feeling.

SBV: How would you define your personal style?
HD: Hollywood couture with a mix of James Bond.

SBV: How would you define the style your line?
HD: My line is an extension of my personal style, it is over the top flamboyant. As a business man I also understand the need to cater to demand, so I ensure with every collection there are pieces that can be worn off the red carpet.

SBV: What are your goals for the future?
HD: I am set to showcase HD Homme on International runways, and I would love to collaborate with Drake and style him in my line.

I wish the talented young designer all the best and look forward to his future style take on men's fashion.

_{Images courtesy of HDHOMME

Featured Image:http://www.shaadisource.com}

Swati Bhatt Vyas

Author

With a master’s in Journalism from Mumbai University, Swati published her first book as one of the youngest female self-help authors in India. Later in 2011, she penned her second book. Since then she has worked extensively in print, web & broadcast media in India & Canada. She c...

COMMENTS

Indian Bridal Fashion Week Wraps Up In Mumbai

Bridal Fashion: 2013 In Review

One-On-One With Zara Durrani

Beauty, Fashion & South Asian TV Personality Collaborate With Bio Seaweed Gel

Winter Boots For Him & Her

Fiorio: Where Beauty Comes Naturally

Gifts For Him

Gifts For Her

Neelam Johal, Burberry's First Indian Model

The Perfect Setting: Decor & Design

Luxe Winter Accessories For Him & Her

Grammys 2014 Fashion Wrap

New York Fashion Week Fall 2014 Wrap Up

Add A Personal Touch To Your Wedding

2014 BAFTA Red Carpet Fashion

London Fashion Week Recap

Milan Fashion Week F/W 2014 Highlights

One-On-One With Designer Hussein Dhalla

by Swati Bhatt Vyas

Canadian designer Hussein Dhalla took the runway by storm when he featured his collection HDHOMME at the Mercedes-Benz StartUp last year, an annual competition for emerging designers.

Swati Bhatt Vyas

COMMENTS

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE