For as long as she can remember, she has been a true art enthusiast, her earliest memories are often intertwined with calculated brush strokes and mesmerizing color pallets. Her eye for silhouettes and textures has always guided her life's milestones; leading her from one art-fueled venture to the next. During the blossoming season, her eye was caught by nothing less than natural art. Roses are symbols of strong structure and delicate detailing, a result of the universe's tendency to create beyond imagination. Their poised beauty was both an inspiration and a mentor for the avid artist. Maram Borhan is a bridal designer, who decided to try a change of lanes and create a dreamy haute couture collection for the SS19 season. The Golden Rose is her tribute to nature's favorite darling, roses. The delicate collection addresses femininity and intricacy through a precise choice of fabrics and cuts. “From splendid embroideries to signature structural flounces, my aesthetic is all about luxury and elegance,” said the designer about her fairytale-like designs. Using silk mikado, tulle, and lace each design elaborately speaks of Borhan's understanding of delicate petals and light movement. Faithful to the slightest hints of movement, the couture dresses are a natural deviation from her signature bridal gowns. Meanwhile, Feathers, sequins, glitter, and embroidery reinforce the designer's tendency to weave whimsical creations. The designer's unquestionable steady steps towards becoming one of the Egypt's leading fashion professionals were quite predictable from a very young age. “When I was young I was in love, not with fashion, but with art. At some point, it transformed into a love for fashion. I was drawn to fashion – I watched a lot of shows and editorials; that is how it all started.” Borhan added “I have a solid base when it comes to fashion due to my retail experience at The Boutique. I have a very strong visual memory; I can remember a dress for ten years after I've seen it once.” Borhan's fashion career took off in 2009 after establishing The Boutique, a shop specialized in evening and bridal dresses. With eight years of experience, she chose to take a leap and start her own label. “I don't design with anyone particular in mind; instead, I only imagine someone very feminine and poised. I try to channel class through my work, and ideally I would like the woman wearing my dresses to embody that same spirit,” explained Borhan. Starting in 2017, Borhan ventured into the competitive fashion industry with a ready-to-wear collection. However, it was not long before brides started approaching her for custom wedding dresses. “My clients felt that I had a different edge that I brought to the market, which mainly consists of my signature embroidery styles and structured ruffles,” said Borhan. Even though she has already managed to cement her name in the world of bridal fashion, the designer admits being more attracted to haute couture. “Haute couture is what I call ‘the art of fashion,' where innovation and creativity are perfected into the finest level possible,” said Borhan admiringly. Borhan's selection of fabrics is often a reflection of her desire to blur the lines between art and fashion. “I am all about lace, tulle and beading. Lace is versatile and expressive as a medium for me and I will never get tired of working with it.” “I love incorporating feathers, sequins, glitter, and embroidery in my designs and I really enjoy layering as well. As for prints, I personally prefer to experiment with textures as opposed to prints,” she said about the leading stars of her SS19 collection. As traveling is her main source of inspiration, the designer hopes to see her designs everywhere around the world soon. “From the amazing nature in Italy, to the window displays in Paris, to the textiles discovered in one of my many trips to Spain, or the energy of fashion week in New York – I draw inspiration from a range of influences,” concluded the designer.
