Five Questions
From Beirut, Georges Chakra has his designs on Houston women (and JenniferLopez, too)
Jennifer Lopez wore a Chakra creation to the US Weekly awardsPhoto by Steve Granitz
Georges ChakraPhoto by Stefan Gosatti
A look from Chakra's "Edition by George Chakra" fall ready-to-wear collectionPhoto by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images for George Chakra
Since 1985, Georges Chakra has operated a thriving couture business from his hometown of Beirut, Lebanon. Hollywood celebrities have discovered him — he dressed Helen Mirren for the Oscars, Lisa Edelstein and Michelle Rodriguez at the Golden Globes, Carrie Underwood at the Grammys, and most recently, Jennifer Lopez at the US Weekly Hot Hollywood style issue celebration. Now the rest of the world is finding out about him, too.
Chakra debuted his fall 2010 ready-to-wear line, Edition by Georges Chakra, during New York Fashion Week in February. The collection has made its way to Houston for a trunk show at Saks Fifth Avenue today and Wednesday.
Chakra phoned CultureMap from Beirut on what he called a picture-perfect day, with the temperature 81 degrees and a "very nice breeze." Made us wish we were there.
CultureMap: You and Elie Saab both have thriving couture businesses in Beirut. What gives?
Georges Chakra: Beirut has always been a fashion capital. It was the golden age of couture here in the '50s and '60s before the (civil) war in '73. It was really a glorious time. We still have the work of the craftspeople who give attention to detail. Here, it's a mix between the Oriental and the Occidental style, so it allows us to respond to customers in Asia, the United States and Europe.
CM: But there have been extended periods of war in Lebanon and the Middle East since you first started out. How have you managed to survive?
GC: You get used to it. You push and work harder. Sometimes we have to move to another region, but we always come back. Now it's OK.
CM: Have you ever been to Texas? What is your impression of the state?
GC: They tell me Texas is a melting pot of cultures from around the world. I've never been there, but I'm absolutely looking forward to visiting, probably in September after New York (fashion week). This is my third season for the ready-to-wear. It takes four to five seasons to have staying power in the market. We are making improvements. We're doing OK.
CM: What inspired your fall collection?
GC: It's inspired by the works of Argentinean sculptor Lucio Fontana and the expression of a fourth dimension in his artwork, with symmetrical cuts and very sharp necklines. It's really modern, sophisticated and glamorous, too.
CM: Do you have a favorite celebrity to dress?
GC: Lately, Jennifer Lopez has worn a corset dress from my couture collection. But I like them all. Every women has her own elegance and stage presence. Women today are very self-confident. They wear clothing with a touch of originality. They're not afraid to seduce and show their feminine side. I like that.
