DC Fashion Week | Q & A With House of Fatam

This year DC Fashion Week turned its catwalk over to the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Washington, D.C. where one of three Emirate labels, House Of Fatam showcased its Fall 2013 Collection during the Emirates Showcase this past Sept. 25th at the Park Hyatt in Washington, D.C. 

Emerging label House of Fatam is a composed of a trio of sisters; Lamya, Shaima and Fatma Gargash. The House's name Fatma derives from the nickname of Fatma Gargash, the initial founder. The three have combined their professional diversified backgrounds; economy, artist and psychology to bring a fusion of style under the label House of Fatam.

When we think of harmony we think of balance. This is what was seen at The Emirates Show's runway as House of Fatam debuted their Fall 2013 Collection. A balance of three perspectives unified as a whole; differences aside and joined at what connects them. We couldn't help to notice a conservatism of aura as the pieces made their way down and when we seen designers Lamya and Shaima take the walk after their debut, we knew at that moment the parent of this rooted element of personality in their collection.This season House of Fatam re-introduces its waist-banded skirts in a new constituent form of velvet in vibrant hues. The reversible robes were a clear indication of their shared cultural essence and purpose of presence. A collection inspired by the palette, color coordination of their affair for jewelry and stones that derives from JEEM JEWELRY, a line which will be launched in the next few months by the trio of sisters. 

Indeed a  meet point of tradition and individualism. We had the honor to have a question and answer with House Of Fatam's designer Lamya where we learned in more detail about their feeling after debuting, more about them, their collection and what is next for them.

How are you ladies feeling after being invited by the UAE Embassy and showcasing at DC Fashion Week?

"We feel great, we were quite nervous to showcase our collection to an audience different to the one we are accustomed to but we are so happy we did take part. This was definitely a great opportunity to showcase our vision, identity and let the world know a little about who we are.  It is a chance to introduce who we are and what we are about to the fashion world. Who knows what other great opportunities come our way through this. It is exciting and overwhelming at the same time but I am positive and confident in “us” and our dream."

May you please tell us a bit on the inspiration of your collection?

"We still want to stay true to our signature looks and styles (which includes our signature reversible robes, reversible jackets and skirts & tops) but branch out from it as well. Jeweled tones of plum, deep blue, Forrest Greens are some of the colors integrated into our fashion palette. Our collection was influenced by our love for jewelry and stones; inspired by jewel tone colors (Plum, green, Blue, mustard, black and white). It's all about black and white prints meshed with jeweled tone fabrics. The collection is sophisticated, versatile, fun, with a Middle Eastern flare."

What statement would you say your collection makes?

The overall mood and theme of the collection is very feminine and we each have integrated our own unique touch and creative vision to presenting and creating this collection. We are three sisters with very different personalities so it was important that we showcase our ideas and express our individuality. Our line can be described as tribal chic, cultural and experimental in every way. Our signature pieces are our reversible jackets and reversible robes and abayas (traditional Middle East and Arabic women’s wear). The idea that you can switch sides and the freedom to wear a piece as desired topping it with jewels accessories, making it your own, making it unique is what we are all about. 

As emerging Middle Eastern designers we want to share our views on fashion and style with the rest of the world. We want our women to have as much fun with clothes and the pieces they own as we do. Exploring various textiles and colors and bringing forth the concept of mixing and matching allowing the customer the privileges of experimenting and making each piece their own. We create pieces that we would wear ourselves, thus we try and bring forth our various personalities and translate that through the medium of clothes.

What kind of woman is your current collection?

A woman, who embraces her feminine side, is adventurous loves to experiment and makes every piece her own. A confident woman who appreciates all things beautiful. House of Fatam is in every way a line or rather brand designed for women to feel like women. Two words come to mind for me elegant and experimental. I think every designer is an individual and an individual showcases his personal abilities, styles, moods and ideas in various ways we pick fashion. At the end of the day influence is key. Everyone finds inspiration somewhere and we all find ways to translate it into our vision. 

Designers Lamya and Shaima from House Of Fatam after debuting their Fall 2013 Collection at the Emirates Showcase during DC Fashion Week in Washington, D.C. hosted by The United Arab Emirates Embassy. Photographed by Sweet Modesty.

"Style cannot be defined by price. Style comes naturally and is a product of one's personality. Explore your individuality, love it and plant your fashion seed in the world and watch it grow and evolve with time." 
- House Of Fatam

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Photography courtesy of DC Fashion Week.

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