Rad Hourani becomes the first Canadian member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture
By Derek Lall
Though it represents but a fraction of the overall fashion industry, Haute Couture is still the highest it gets. With only a handful of designers officially invited to show during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, it makes it all the more meaningful for Montreal native Rad Hourani, who after showing his first couture collection in Paris this summer, has been invited to become an official member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. On January 24th, Hourani will exhibit his debut Haute Couture presentation at the recently opened Rad Hourani Unisex Gallery in Paris.
This is no small feat for any designer, as one must be invited by The French Federation of Haute Couture Paris to be allowed to participate or even refer to their collection as Haute Couture. The Federation was started in 1868 in order to preserve the quality and reputation of couture, and they are highly selective with whom they choose to be members. This is an extraordinary achievement for Hourani, who created his first unisex ready-to-wear collection 5 years ago. The philosophy behind the brand is to create clothes that have no boundaries; they can be worn by either gender, in all seasons and in any country. We’re beaming with national pride over his incredible accomplishment.
