Designer, Hasan Hejazi
Madonna once said, “I’m tough, I’m ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, then okay.” She appropriately serves as one of the strong, vivacious heroines that inspire designer, Hasan Hejazi to create beautiful, titillating and tantalising pieces that would’nt look out of place in Madonna’s “Erotica” video.
Mancunian born Hejazi first became enamoured with fashion when he watched Madonna command and captivate the audience at one of her legendary stage shows. Intrigued, specifically by the way in which such a prominent female figure used her form to emit both sensuality and power to captivate and assert herself. Hejazi unabashedly admitted to “being a massive mummy’s boy” and was therefore surrounded my female figures during his childhood; more importantly, they were strong female figures that moulded his perception of women. Initially, he studied Fine Art at his local college before narrowing into fashion. Hejazi then applied for the BA Fashion Design course at Manchester Metropolitan University, was unfortunately refused, but he persevered and successfully reapplied the following year and graduated in 2007. He moved to London, attracted by it’s glamour, to complete a MA in Fashion Design and Technology at London College of Fashion.
Hasan Hejazi showed his eponymous first collection as part of the London College of Fashion graduate show and it was recieved with rapturous applause and critical acclaim, most notably from Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director of The Telegraph. The collection gathered momentum and was featured in major publications such as, Dazed and Confused, Nylon, Vogue.co.uk and suprisingly, the Financial Times. Even more impressive, Harrods’ stocked it within their stores in conjuction with their “Harrods Launches”, an initiative to propel new talent. With the release of his Spring/Summer 11 collection, commissions from celebrities such as, Kylie Minogue, Fergie, Paloma Faith and Marina from Marina and The Diamonds followed a collaboration with renowned photographer, Rankin and a gorgeous Jewellry collection concieved in tandem with Katie Rowland.
Hejazi’s Autumn/Winter 11 collection is simply delectable. It features dramatic maxi skirts, tight demi polo necks and pleated tennis skirts with a subtle 80s and 90s sportswear aesthetic coursing through the designs. The pieces seem sophisticated, yet sensual with the use of sumptuous leather, over-the-elbow gloves and teasing skirt pleats. I envision a Hasan Hejazi woman as a supressed, sexual vixen who conducts herself with a feminine decorum by day, but when night falls, she’s an absolute man-eater. All Hasan Hejazi items are made to order and further enquiries via his website.
