Fashion is the  form of self-expression  through art

It is safe to say that fashion is universal and a language of inspection and creativity. It can include various cultures and spiritual connections. Fashion represents  identity, and it is somewhat indicative of certain cultures among peoples.

“ Art is the essence of life and it helps  in creative expression of self. The more we create art in our appearance the more fashion it becomes . All the things that we put on with a certain amount of creativity makes for a great fashion statement” Syrian fashion designer Daleen  Haider in an interview with the Syriatimes e-newspaper.

She stressed that fashion designing  is of great importance in people’s lives, as it is more than just the process of making clothes. It is a culture that differs from one country to another, because it expresses the values of its own society.

The Syrian fashion designer Haider, who has  started her career  about 22 years ,  is keen in her  designs on simplicity and  elegance and at the same time she  goes along with international fashion lines.

Daleen Haider , who is a member of the Syrian Fashion Designers Association  and a certified coach from the German Board said “I tend to diversify my designs, in order to suit different tastes, while being keen on a feminine look in a distinctive and simple way. As a designer, I make sure to coordinate the design with the type of fabrics used”.

She held a number of training courses on fashion designing  and sewing at  the Syria Trust for Development, UNICEF and the Family Planning Association, in addition to her work as a teacher in several  technical and vocational schools.

Haider stressed the importance of shedding light on the traditional costumes of every governorate to revive the tangible heritage , calling for spreading the culture of fashion through cultural activities that are held.

She pointed to the importance of  intensifying efforts with students of vocational and technical schools through holding  various activities  to encourage them to enter the labor market, improve their income, and follow the latest trends in the world of fashion.

The fashion designer held   an online course for students of the College of Fine Arts in Baghdad and was honored by several magazines on   art and fashion in Egypt and Baghdad, as well as   Al-Nujoum and Al-Arab magazine.

“ Supported by Mr. Hadi Haider from DH company , I held  a fashion  event in 2018 under the title “Fashion Day,” which included 32 fashion designers who were my students and presented their own   designs”  Haider said.

She added “in 2019, another event was held under the title “Beauty Legends,” with the participation of fashion designers from several governorates, including Homs, Damascus, Aleppo, Al-Sweida.

“ I am interested in introducing the culture of fashion to children so I organized  several sewing and design workshops for children, with the participation of children aged 8-18 and held a special fashion show for children’s designs” the fashion designer said.

She indicated that she  was assigned by the Ministry of Education to teach the subject of folk clothes at  technical and vocational schools to shed light on the culture of clothes  in all governorates regarding various occasions such as  joy and sadness and seasons of harvest including traditional songs .

She pointed to the interest in the world of fashion by young people, especially students of the College of Fine Arts and housewives, to enter the labor market, enhance their presence and improve their income.

The Syrian stressed the importance of establishing a union for fashion designers to enhance the local talents and  expertise as well as supporting projects which aim to support the world fashion

In turn, the  graduate of the College of Fine Arts, Alaa Wakil, said: “I have been influenced since my childhood by the world of fashion, as I used to sew dresses for dolls . Since 2013, I have always joined sewing and design courses with the designer, Daleen, to follow what is new in this field”.

“ I participated in two fashion events . It is a happy feeling to wear your own design and product” she added.

Wakeel, stressed that heritage is indispensable in all fields, even fashion, with the use of new technologies and following the latest in the world of fashion.

“ My dream is to have my own  fashion house  to have my own mark in this field globally” Wakeel concluded.

Interviewed  by : Rawaa Ghanam