Chalayan

In 1970 Hussein Chalayan was born in Cyprus’s capital, Nicosia. He studied at London’s Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design graduating in 1993 with his debut collection being purchased by iconic British retailer Browns. In 1994 Hussein Chalayan started his own label and his designs have influenced the face of fashion and art ever since.

Hussein Chalayan is known as a fashion’s storyteller, playing with narratives constructed around cultural identities and anthropology. His multidisciplinary approach bridges the gap between performance, art and technology.

Chalayan continues to offer the discerning consumer iconic collections: an innovative design, impeccable tailoring, elegant drapery and a minimalist aesthetic. Chalayan combines a Made in Italy craftsmanship with current technology, whilst exploring shapes and details.

Since 2003 Hussein Chalayan has also used various medias to present some of his collections and made art films as well as installations. His ideas evolve around perception and realities of modern life, with particular interest in cultural identity, migration and anthropology.

The ready-to-wear collections are regularly featured in top fashion magazines and international press. The Chalayan name is synonymous for cutting edge design and innovation, not only within the fashion industry and fashion authorities, but also with some of the most ubiquitous celebrities and tastemakers in the world.

Chalayan took part in important exhibitions in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, The Kyoto Costume Institute, The Palais du Louvre in Paris, The Metropolitan Museum ofArt and MOMA in New York.

He is one of the few designers who has had critically acclaimed solo museum shows :
2011 – Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Paris
2010 – Contemporary Art Museum, Tokyo and Modern Museum, Istanbul
2009 – Design Museum, London
2005 – Groninger Museum, Holland