Designer MARIANE BECHARA creates an array of bespoke pieces ranging from Ready-to-Wear to Couture, Suits and Bridal pieces, as her designs embody the east-meets-west spirit at its finest. You can actually spot her creations from miles away, from the see-through corset, to the pocket square suits, to the shiny textures and the big and structured shoulder pads. But most of all, the designer imagines bridal gowns that are forever remembered and engraved in people’s hearts and minds, earning her the title of “Creator of bridal dreams”, as every piece she creates has a big impact on its wearer. Paving its way to the international scene, Mariane opens up about her success in the fashion industry, her strengths and the challenges she overcomes on a daily basis.
Mariane, tell us about your greatest strength as a professional?
Throughout the years, I have come to see and believe that one of my greatest strengths as a professional is my attention to detail. It’s something I’ve cultivated since I was very young and that I developed as a grew older. In my work, I always make sure to see over the creation of my designs from A to Z, until their completion with a very detail-oriented approach. At the end of the day, I make sure that nothing leaves my Atelier without it being put together in utter perfection. I also believe that my greatest strength is my ability to lead, encourage others, and see our project to the end no matter how challenging it looks.
Your brand is becoming international, how do you explain this success in a short period of time?
I think the secret to success is the team you put together that helps you reach extremes. In fact, my team and I are always working hand-in-hand together on techniques and strategies to build the next step. It’s our perseverance and will to give our best to our clients that has helped us get one step closer to success. We grab each opportunity as soon as it arises and build up the courage to lead with it. And I sincerely believe that that’s how we are climbing the ladder.
We are noticing a big success in your custom-made bridal gowns, tell us more about it.
MARIANE BECHARA brides are an essential part of the brand’s identity and our custom-made bridal gowns have become one of the most prominent sections in our brand. When catering for a bride, our number one aim is to take care of her from the very first day. Indeed, we work on each gown with a lot of precision, care and attention, ensuring that it spells LOVE and BEAUTY. After all, our aim is to create a dress that will forever be remembered and engraved in people’s minds. With every bridal journey being different from the other, each and every bride holds a special place in our hearts, as we bend over backwards to make sure her bridal dreams come true with clean silhouettes and unexpected contrasts.
What are the 3 most important things that people should know about MARIANE BECHARA?
Perhaps the most important things our clients should know about MARIANE BECHARA is that first and foremost, we aim to make their dreams come to life. Second, we tirelessly work to make the people who wear our designs feel like confident and independent women. Lastly, we strongly believe that it is the woman who makes the piece she’s wearing, and that wearing our pieces is a feeling and a statement.
What is your favorite part of being in the fashion industry?
Ever since I could draw, I had always wanted to be part of the fashion industry. As I grew older, fashion started being something I aspired to affect with my talent. And when I specialized in it, I understood that I could never imagine myself working in another field. Because for me, it’s not just another job, it’s doing something I love and giving it my all…it’s changing the world, one piece at a time.
You are a true multi-talent. What motivates you?
If there’s one thing that keeps me going no matter the circumstances and that pushes me do more and more, it’s the satisfaction of our customers, the celebrities we cater for, the stylists we work with and whoever we collaborate with. Knowing that they hold us in high regards and that they appreciate what we have to offer is enough to fuel my energy for years to come.
All creative projects have their challenges. What challenges do independent brands like yourself face?
Every job has its challenges, especially if you have your own business, as there is yet another layer of responsibilities to add to your already-existing ones. But living in Beirut makes it that much harder to survive in an environment that isn’t so encouraging. Thankfully, I always find strength in my passion and work tirelessly to make the impossible happen. I always encourage my team to give their best and we constantly work together to reach for the stars. The trick is to always focus on the positive and to see the silver lining…because once you spot it, it’s all golden from there on out.
Picture Credits
Both designer pictures are taken by SANDRA CHIDIAC, www.sandrachidiac.com
Picture rights: Mariane Bechara