Our Exclusive Interview With Fashion Designer Sara Mansour
Get ready to dive into the world of Sara Mansour, a Jordanian fashion label that will transport you to the land of refined luxury and romance. Founded by the talented designer Sara Mansour in 2015, this label has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts across the globe.
Mansour’s designs embody the spirit of today’s ambitious women, celebrating their journey in style. She blends timeless elegance with a contemporary flair that caters to the modern woman’s desires and aspirations.
But she doesn’t stop there; her creativity goes beyond conventional boundaries. She took the industry by storm with her groundbreaking creation: a hologram dress designed exclusively for the iconic singer Um Kalthoum. This fusion of technology and fashion paid homage to the legendary singer in a way that will leave you breathless. Mansour’s innovation and artistic vision know no bounds. CIIN was able to interview Mansour and get a glimpse into the process through which she creates designs that transcend time and captivate audiences worldwide.
Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, Sara Mansour started her career in fashion by attending the London College of Fashion in the United Kingdom. She then continued her education at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles along with Woodbury University. Afterward, Mansour began to acquire practical work experience through her collaborations with renowned designers, including Louis Verdad, Adolfo Sanchez, and Odilon by Stacey Clark. Sara showcased her first fashion show with Woodbury University at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California. During her final summer semester in Los Angeles, Sara spent her time interning with patternmaking university instructors to gain fundamental experience before returning to her hometown, Amman.
In January 2015, Sara Mansour introduced her high-end brand atelier in Amman, setting the stage for her creative journey. Over time, she expanded her repertoire to include ready-to-wear clothing, evening gowns, and bridal couture.
The turning point came in the Spring/Summer of 2016 when Sara unveiled a collection that drew inspiration from the allure of romance and the beauty found in nature. Delicate silhouettes gracefully merged with natural elements, evoking a sense of enchantment and timeless elegance.
Can you tell us about how you became the designer for the hologram of the iconic Umm Kalthoum?
Being chosen to design the hologram of the iconic Umm Kalthoum was an incredible honor and a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of her legacy. The project came about through a collaboration with Eman Beecha, a young opera singer whom I dressed for her multiple stage appearances. Her father, Yanal Beecha, vouched for my participation in such a spectacular event.
I was approached by MBC to create the clothing designs that would be worn by Um Kalthoum’s hologram during the performances. The designs were created to replicate Umm Kulthoum’s iconic style. I drew inspiration from her performances and her role as a cultural icon. I studied various photographs, videos, and historical references to understand Um Kalthoum’s wardrobe choices and the cultural context of her time. I also investigated the artistic representations of Umm Kalthoum in various art forms to gain insights into the interpretation of her image and how it resonated with different audiences.
Did holographic technology influence your design process and aesthetic choices?
The designs themselves were not holographic; the dresses were made for the Egyptian actress Sabreen, who played Um Kalthoum in her biographical series. Sabreen’s performances were filmed and edited to create the live hologram performance.
How did you ensure that the clothing designs were historically accurate to Umm Kalthoum’s legacy?
Designing clothes for such an iconic character like Umm Kalthoum was both exhilarating and challenging. Umm Kalthoum had a distinctive style that embodied elegance, grace, and cultural heritage. My goal was to capture her essence and translate it into contemporary designs that would complement the holographic representation while staying true to her legacy. The challenge lay in balancing the historical accuracy of her attire with modern design sensibilities and ensuring that the garments had the right movement and visual impact on the holographic stage.
The intention behind designing the hologram of Umm Kalthoum was to create an immersive experience that would transport people back in time and allow them to relive the magic of her performances. The aim was to evoke nostalgia rather than presenting Umm Kalthoum in a completely new or modernized way.
My deep connection to Umm Kalthoum’s legacy is rooted in personal history. My late father had a profound love for Umm Kalthoum, and he instilled that appreciation in me from a young age. My designs for the hologram project were a heartfelt tribute to Umm Kalthoum, inspired by my father’s love for the iconic singer and my admiration for her.
What techniques did you use to bring your designs to life?
One crucial aspect was sourcing vintage lace and selecting the beaded materials that would truly capture the essence of the original garments. This attention to detail was crucial in providing the audience with an authentic visual experience, replicating the intricate and delicate look of the lace.
Hand stitching and lace detailing played a significant role in the stitching process. It was essential to ensure that the holographic dresses exhibited the same level of craftsmanship and elegance as the original pieces. Meticulously working on every stitch and lace detail helped achieve the desired level of authenticity and visual impact.
What was the most rewarding aspect of designing clothes for Umm Kalthoum’s hologram?
The most rewarding aspect of designing clothes for Umm Kalthoum’s hologram was the opportunity to contribute to preserving her legacy and introducing her to new generations. Umm Kalthoum’s music and image hold immense cultural and historical significance, and being entrusted with the task of visually representing her through fashion was a privilege. The positive feedback from audiences and the recognition of the designs as respectful tributes to her style and persona were deeply gratifying.
What impact do you believe Umm Kalthoum’s hologram has on preserving her legacy? And do you believe her dress style is a part of that legacy?
Umm Kalthoum’s hologram plays a crucial role in preserving her legacy by bringing her image and music to life in a captivating and immersive manner. It allows audiences, especially those who never had the chance to experience her live performances, to connect with her on a profound level. Her dress style is an integral part of her legacy, as it represents not only her personal fashion choices but also the cultural aesthetics and values of her era.
What feedback have you received regarding your hologram designs?
The feedback regarding the hologram designs has been overwhelmingly positive. Audiences have appreciated the attention to detail, the historical accuracy, and the seamless integration of fashion and technology. Many have commended the designs for capturing Umm Kalthoum’s essence and contributing to the overall immersive experience of the hologram performances. People were particularly thrilled to learn that these dresses were created right here in Jordan. The fact that a local fashion label had the opportunity to contribute to such a significant project generated a sense of pride and excitement.
The idea that Jordanian talent and craftsmanship played a vital role in bringing Umm Kalthoum’s hologram to life resonated deeply with the audience. It showcased the country’s creative potential and highlighted the growing prominence of the Jordanian fashion industry on an international stage.
