The Elegant Collections of Rania Hatoum
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Photos: Rania Hatoum
Every bride looks forward to the day that her dream becomes a reality. There is one bridal designer that is like a star in the night sky sparkling brighter than the rest.
Rania Hatoum is a young and culturally diverse designer with roots in Egypt and China. She is vivacious and extremely creative and knows exactly what her clients are envisioning in their dream dress. She was introduced to fashion at a very young age. Her parents have been apparel manufacturers for over 30 years. As a girl, this intrigued her and she was eager to follow in their footsteps. She came to the United States to attend the International Academy of Design and Technology and obtained a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and merchandising. After graduating, Rania worked in New York City under a designer giving her experience with evening wear. However, Rania wanted to differentiate herself. She wanted to introduce elegance while reflecting her vision of style by designing her own lines. If she had to pick one designer who influenced her the most, it would have to be Elie Saab with his attention to detail and design, intricate beadwork and combination of colors.
One of Hatoum’s favorite cities is Hong Kong. Although the city is bustling with activity in a modern and fun way and one of the most exciting cities to visit, it holds on to its traditional culture giving it that old world fascinating appeal.
Recently, Rania Hatoum was one of the designers featured at Miami Beach International Bridal Week. After having a successful showing at New York International Bridal Week and a private showing at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando, Florida, this latest preview was bound to be just as successful. Her fashions target the modern and sophisticated bride with lightly beaded dresses that are simple yet aristocratic.
Each collection requires a minimum of six months of planning and preparation. This Spring 2012 Collection is appropriately labeled ‘Once Upon a Time‘. The collection was inspired by some of the most elegant castles around the world. Some of the fairytale castles are Jehay Castle, Belgium, Trakoscan Castle, Croatia, Blair Castle, Scotland, Chambord Castle, France, Kilkenny Castle, Ireland, Peles Castle, Romania, Bastonia Castle, Hungary, Guatia Castle, San Marino, Heimeji Castle, Japan, De Haar Castle, Netherlands, Dunrobin Castle, Scotland, Boldt Castle, New York, Herstmouceux Castle, England, Matsumoto Castle, Japan, Vianden Castle, Luxembourg. The architecture shapes and details of each castle are used to distinguish each gown by its silhouette, color and detail. Expression of beauty is so evident in each unique design. Every bride has a grace and a sense of individuality in the gown she selects.
The Trakoscan gown is a white silk taffeta A-line embellished gown with an organza train. The Kilkenny is a strapless silk organza blossom trumpet gown in light ivory. The Bastonia is an embellished sweetheart mermaid gown in ivory with an asymmetrical tulle overlay. The DeHaar is a duchess silk satin asymmetrical dress with Swarovski crystal embellished shoulder bow. The Vianden is an origami strapless silk satin face organza full A-line gown in ivory, blush and dark blush. The DunRobin is a silk duchess stain sweetheart neckline with organza ball gown in ivory with embellished shoulder and waist detail. To view more of the collection, go to Rania Hatoum
Rania’s advice for anyone desiring to get into the design field is to explore and discover yourself, know your style, find your inspiration and target your audience and get to know what they are looking for.
As we step out of 2011 and into 2012, Rania Hatoum is seeking to get into the Asian and Middle-Eastern market and introduce her collections worldwide to brides across the globe.
We look forward to following this brilliant fashion-forward designer in her future endeavors.
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