my influences....

Ever since I can remember I have loved all things Asian, and especially anything Japanese related. Traditional Chinese and Japanese art and architecture with elegant minimalism, Asian cultures deeply rooted in tradition and respect, asian food has also been one of my favorite cuisines. Before marrying I said I wanted to marry an Asian man so I could have cute little Eurasian babies! If you come to my home I have Japanese influenced  low line furniture and keep a very minimalistic style. So traditional Japanese and Korean clothing has also been a love of mine. I absolutely love the kimonos and the layers of stunning fabric with outstanding colour, design and drape. This love has deeply influenced most of my designs, flipping through my folio all I see is  Japanese style obis and layers and stand up collars with Vietnamese Ao Dai influenced kaftan's. I think a  lot of these styles are also very modest, like the minimal homes and eating on the floor on low line tables, and cultures based on deep reverence, they to me all relate to many of our Islamic values.

Vietnamese Ao Dai-or similarly Chinese Cheongsam

traditional style costumes in Chinese movies

Japanese Kimonos

gorgeous bow knot of an obi

 traditional Japanese clothing remade in denim by Rina Karibe (Im pretty sure this is the mens version)