Dear Charles (may I call you Charles?),I've been in need of a lovely antidote to the eternal dreariness of >>
Questionnaire: Ina Soltani
BY Jeremy Tarr FOR LA2DAY.COM Jun 28, 2008
The gorgeously dramatic flair of Ina Soltani's designs are said to be inspired by the complex soil of her native homeland, Sarajevo. Her frocks are a beautiful landscape of vibrant colours with explosive ruffles running from neck- to hem-lines. And though her motherland is many a mile away, left behind so she could study abroad, left stranded still when the war broke, Soltani has nestled happily into Los Angeles, planting her roots in the fields of design, watering her curiosity at FIDM and now sprouting into one of this city's pre-eminent fashion designers.
Today Soltani sits down to answer our Questionnaire to discuss Cleopatra, corsets and Birkenstocks.
Who is the most stylish person in the world? Isabel and Ruben Toledo as one. I can't possibly divide them from one another! They complement each other tremendously. Her sense of style is severe, unique and intelligent. His is timeless. They are a great vision
Who is the least stylist person in the world? The people who wear Birkenstocks with socks. It is disgraceful! I notice this only in America!
Who is the most stylish person in history? Cleopatra is an icon. She is exquisitely sophisticated, bold, a woman of power with impeccable style.
Who is the least stylish person in history? My husband... until he married me!
If you were to give the world a make-over, how would you style it? I would make a corset a "must" and bring back the bustle. There is something so romantic and sensual about a sculptural look that involves ritual and is time consuming. There would be no zippers, just hundreds of little velvet buttons! And for men, a stylish hat, so they can properly bow when greeting a lady. Such a lovely lost tradition.
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In which period of history do you think people dressed the best? Late 18th century. It was indulging yet tasteful. The women were impeccably put together. The whole process was a ritual. I miss that now. In which period of history do you think people dressed the worst? This question is hard for me as I believe every period reflects the mood of the given time. I enjoy studying historic fashion and making sense of it all. If I must choose, it would be men's fashion of the 1970's. Men looked a bit silly, maybe even clownish. The fashion was not flattering and required some serious editing! What do you wish you were wearing right now? A Fortuny toga dress with Etro gladiator shoes. Is there one item that is in style that you wish would go out? The Wedge heel. Not particularly feminine. |
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Is there one item that has gone out of style that you wish would come back?? The Harem pant. I find it so sensual. I am determined to bring it back!
THE DETAILS: Ina Soltani
www.inasoltani.com
Ina Soltani's designs are also featured in LA2DAY's original photo-spread LIVES OF THE PAPER DOLLS.
Story by Jeremy Tarr.
Photos courtesy of Ina Soltani.
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