I think that fashion is a talent, and I was born with this talent. Since I was a child, all I wanted to see on TV is fashion. I've been raised here in Lebanon; however, I studied at S Mode in Paris and got started in 2005.
2. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
The Woman! Definitely the woman! To me, the woman is God's greatest work. Unlike other designers who are inspired by nature, anything I do I relate it or imagine it on a woman's body. There is absolutely nothing in the entire universe that is more beautiful than a woman.
3. Every fashion designer has his/her own style or else nobody would have succeeded. How do you define your style and what differentiates it from the other ones?
What defines my style is "GLAMOUR". I have my own glamorous touch, and I think that until now, I have no competitors at least in the Arab world not only because of my taste but also because of the materials I use. I deal a lot with Swarovski, and I like shedding light on the beautiful body parts of women like her breasts,hips and nude back. Even if she is fat, I can still find beauty in her body, and I work on beautifying her fatty parts. There has been some people talking about my style; they said: "Take the crystal out of his hands and let him show us what he can do." I say: "Give them crystal and let them show me what they can do."
4. You presented your Spring Summer 2013 collection in a fashion show at Phoenicia last week. How much time does it take you to prepare for each collection?
In general, this issue depends on different factors like the team you're working with, the emergency orders... Personally, I start preparing for the next collection the moment I see the current one on the catwalk. It is also a daily basis procedure especially that I know I have 2 collections per year for the haute-couture as a member of calendar in Paris.
5. We're now still in the beginning of fall winter 2012, how were you able to foresee the mode of 2013?
This is a worldwide tendency. Each designer is occupied by the materials that the big heads in fashion are going to provide us with for each collection. Each designer takes these materials and create his own style with them.
6. Where can we find your clothes in Lebanon? Do you distribute to specific shops or you have your own place?
No I prefer my own place rather than distributing. I will be having the opening of my new place in Verdun that sells Ready to Wear outfits and Haute-Couture.
7. Have you presented any fashion shows abroad? If yes, where and when? If not, are you planning for it?
Yes of course I have in most of the GCC countries, and I am the only designer who was able to do a fashion show in Riyadh. This 19 of November, I am going to do my first in Egypt with the presence of the respectable company: External Affairs and International Events, that usually attends for Dior, Coco Chanel and much more decent brands. This December 15 also, I will be going to Morocco,where the Ministry of Education and Castanos 2013 will be honoring me.
8. Where do you find yourself in 10 years? What is the goal you're seeking?
Since 2005 till now I was able to make it between the top 7 designers. To me, Elie Saab is more than top 1, he is outstanding, so I hope in 10 years I will be in his place. My futuristic goal; however, is to become not only a famous designer but also a Brand name. I would love to have my own brand name that shall continue even after my death.
We would like to thank our dearest designer Tony Yaacoub for his time as we wish him the best of luck!
Photos of Tony Yaacoub's Fashion Show at Phoenicia: http://www.beiruting.com/Tony_Yaacoub_Fashion_Show/1379
