The inside scoop on Rad Hourani’s first Haute Couture collection, direct from the man himself!

If the fashion universe hasn’t already noticed, Jordan-native/Montrealer Rad Hourani is taking Paris by storm (fitting that his name means “thunder” in Arabic), never mind making history. On July 3, the model scout/stylist/designer/visionary will be the first Canadian to present an haute couture collection in the City of Light. This event is also unprecedented in that it will make Hourani the first unisex haute couture designer on the planet. Not bad, considering his label only celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. Not bad either when you remember he’s only 30, just turning so last Friday!

I managed to catch hold of the jetsetter just before he boarded a flight to Hong Kong. He was on his way to attend an exhibition in his honour, “Five Years of Unisex,” at I.T Hysan One, laudably one of the most artfully designed department stores in the world. Here’s the Rad update:

How did this all happen, you doing a couture show in Paris?
When I met with the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture [fashion school] in Paris, they suggested that the Rad Hourani signature collection be presented during haute couture [July 1-5, 2012]. It was a great honour to hear that from them. To become an haute couture [designer] is very challenging and exciting for me.

What is the motivation or theme for your haute couture collection?
Unisex, pure and complex.

Can you tell me a little bit about fabrics, silhouettes, palette? Will it be all black?
Luxury is the key word to it. Cashmere. Leather. Silk. Crepe. Colours to be confirmed.

How many looks are you putting together?
20 to 24.

This is a huge honour, but, as you say, also a huge challenge. How do you keep yourself focused?
I’m working on different projects at the same time. I guess I’m all about multitasking. There’s the exhibit in Hong Kong next week, a book about “Five Years of Unisex,” opening my own gallery* in Paris next month and more to come. I guess I just love what I do, and it’s really my life.

*Galerie RAD HOURANI, which opens mid-July, is located at 75 rue Charlot, 3e, Paris. Says Hourani, “It’s my art gallery where I’ll curate my photography and video installations.”

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