Maroc Fashion Week gathered the most outstanding talents in the industry and highlighted their creative collections. fueled by the passion for design and the desire to convey a message.
On the sidelines of Maroc Fashion Week, MWN talked to Christophe Guillarme, an experienced fashion designer based in Paris. The designer has an impressive 25 years working in both the apparel and the fashion industry. He has visited Marrakech numerous times attending other events such as the renowned Marrakech Film Festival. The creator expressed his love for the city and described its “magical vibes” as fuel for his designs.
The will to become a designer
Born in the French West Indies or French Antilles, Guillarme lived close to the luxurious and extravagant city of Cannes where he was stunned by the lavish gowns worn on the French Riviera’s most prestigious red carpet events. 
Christophe Guillarme
“Back when I was a child in Cannes, I used to see the girls climbing the stairs to the red carpet while wearing flowy dresses blown by the wind, and I wanted to be part of this Madness of Cannes,” the designer expressed.
Guillarme explained that he had progressive beginnings, initiating his design journey through evening dresses and red-carpet looks before becoming a household-name designer for the world’s most prestigious film festivals in Cannes, Venice, and Marrakesh. “I’m living my dream,” the designer confessed.
The Essence Of His Designs
In the heart of the south of France, the French Riviera’s vibrant and joyful atmosphere greatly influenced the designer’s childhood and later on his fashion taste. His work features a selection of colorful materials, a mixture of fabrics, and a focus on embellishments.
While pursuing his education in Paris, the designer acquired more of a sophisticated and refined character to his designs. Making them more high-profile worthy and suitable to be debuted at prestigious events.
“While I was studying in Paris, I had the opportunity to learn the style of haute couture and its exquisite finish,” stated.
The fashion creator highlighted his tendency to blend two sources of inspiration, giving birth to a nonchalant aura while sticking to a sophisticated and technically complex look.
“I’m mixing these [inspirations] together and it gives me a sense of “dolce vita” vibe but still with an edge to it, producing eventually something different and special,” the designer emphasized.
The inspiration
The French fashion designer highlighted his creative direction when making his designs. He stated his preference for vibrant fabrics that do not traditionally match while still sticking to a refined look. The designer stressed his will to try different fashion aesthetics and explore various artistic paths in his journey.
“I want to always strive to try something different,” he explained passionately.
Fashion Week Maroc
Inspired by art, the creator highlighted his love for paintings and the great inspiration he gets from them. Mentioning the artist Salvador Dali, a surrealist Spanish artist, famous for his versatile talent and his outstanding technical skills. The fashion creator stated that the paintings amaze him and eventually enlighten him when it comes to his designs.
While designing for numerous film festivals’ red carpet-looks, Guillarme mentioned the stimulation he gets from the work of filmmakers and movies in general.
Discussing his inspiration that stems from one movie in particular he said: “On New Year’s eve, I was with the very famous director of the movie “Brazil,” we talked a lot about the movie. It was really amazing and truly a crucial moment for me. All of this is really inspiring for my work.” 
Maroc Fashion Week
Traditional clothing
Guillarme voiced his love for the exquisite appearance of the “ghandoura.” The dress stood out to the designer: “It’s not showing too much curve, still modest but with a touch of edge,” he highlighted.
He also mentioned his love for the beautiful Moroccan caftan but highlighted his preference for pieces that feature fewer layers and more of a light and flowy sensation. Sometimes he likes to add see-through detailing and a special twist, resulting in a special piece of clothing suitable for all occasions.
Maroc Fashion Week
Source: Morocco World News
