Iconic international fashion designer Nabil Younes is transforming the fashion world one collection at a time. His latest spring collection, “Love in Rome,” shown at Rome Fashion Week, surpassed everyone’s expectations, drawing praise from international celebrities in attendance, including British actress Naomi Watts, iconic superstar Sophia Loren and the sensational Opera singer, Irma Capece. The event also saw Younes celebrate his 40th birthday with Irma Capece singing ‘Happy Birthday’ amidst an ecstatic crowd. eniGma’s Reem Tamo spoke to Younes to find out more from the designer himself.
Part French, part Libyan, international couture designer Nabil Younes studied fashion at Esmod, Paris’ prestigious fashion school, before heading to Beirut, where he began his career. While he was inspired by designers like John Galliano, Azzedine Alaia, Yves Saint Laurent and Dior; his designs remain unique and do not resemble anyone else’s.
“Women who are attracted to my clothes are usually very chic women who love simplicity and classic pieces,” says Younes, whose style is minimal in a uniquely captivating way. Over the years, he has dressed many celebrities ranging from Paris Hilton to Monica Bellucci to Arab superstars like Sabah, Hend Sabry, Nelly Karim, Sherine Reda, Safaa Aboul Seoud, Hanan Turk and the beautiful diva Haifa Wehbe. “Lebanon’s iconic singer Sabah was the first to discover me and she really encouraged me by being the first celebrity to regularly wear my designs. Haifa Wehbe has shown me endless support by coming to my shows and wearing my designs. There are so many people who have been supporting me since day one in my career, and to them I am eternally grateful,” Younes exclaims.
Younes has held shows in Rome every year from 2008 to 2015. After switching to Paris Fashion Week last year, he returned to Rome this year for the showing of his very special Spring ’20 Collection. The collection is made up of 15 very unique pieces, two of which were bought by none other than Hollywood icon Sophia Loren. Originally a painter, Younes designs pieces which often include his own original paintings on them. Most notably, the special wedding gown in the Spring collection, was truly a piece of art that was not necessarily for sale. Far from a typical white bridal gown, Younes splashed it with colours, producing a truly mesmerising result.
Despite the rich variety found in Younes’ new collection, there is a common spirit that runs through all his designs. “I am so happy that my pieces are easily recognisable now. They are all original and trademarked pieces. I was so excited to show the world this collection, which screams Nabil Younes designs,” he proudly declares.
While he has achieved wide international acclaim, Younes continues to maintain his roots firmly in the Arab region. “I am truly inspired by the Egyptian woman, in particular,” he admits. “I feel that fashion was introduced to the Arab world through the women of Egypt in movies and cinematography. I really hope that one day an Egyptian film icon like Yousra will wear one of my dresses.”