Behind-Ze-Dress: Missak Haji-Avedikian

Missak choosing the dresses for me to wear! So many refreshing colors!

Missak Haji-Avedikian, I briefly meet him at Krikor Jabotian’s Atelier a couple of months ago then I hear his name again through a mutual friend. After doing some curiosity driven research, I fall in love with his dresses. As always the universe always connects the dots, I attend the Varbed Createur event in Bourj Hammoud which is a house showcasing Armenian artisans and craftsmanship, and I see him again! It’s not coincidence anymore, so I make my blogger move on him and schedule an interview for the next week. I love visiting an artist’s atelier, there’s something about a space where image is brought to life that inspires me. This is where the designer spent hours and days sketching and editing, sewing, tailoring, adjusting and finally dressing a mannequin with the piece of art they’ve created.

*Talk show voice* this is Behind-Ze-Dress with CaféBeirut

Missak’s Atelier is located in the pounding heart of Bourj Hammoud. Even though I'm in the area almost everyday visiting my grandparents, looking like the typical outsider walking around in my "unusual" (as in different) clothes, I can never get used to the lively but chaotic atmosphere. Traffic obviously causes me to get there a little late, but I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I find my final destination without any help from friends. In a place like Beirut, It almost feels like a treasure hunt. "Found it!!"
We get to the Atelier, it’s small and cozy but full of soul.  NaregD.B. my favorite photographer, joins me on this day to snap some photos. I have to admit the lateness was my fault..the traffic for me is somewhat doubled since I suffer from minor panick attacks when I miss an exit or turn..I may end up back on the autostrate (highway) like 3 times. all that's forgotten when Missak opens the door, he has the bubbliest personality that instantly puts you at ease. I forgot that I was even there to interview him!Moving on...

"You're absolutely right..."

Firstly I begin by the typical question of asking someone about their background as related to their career…
Missak: “My mom was a tailor and she used to take us to work with her in the summers. That’s where I use to learn then practice on my sisters.  I would sew the most hideous dresses and force my sisters to put them on. They’d end up looking like Marie Antoinette, and I would enjoy taking pictures while they cried and complained! I even went as far as setting up a décor in the background!”

Then I ask him about incorporating his Armenian background into his designs…
Missak: “My Armenian background helped me a lot and I always try to incorporate something in my collections. In our culture we have lots of original artwork such as tableaus, and tserakordz and the country itself, even though I’ve never been there, is inspiring. Even if a collection has nothing to do with Armenia, I choose symbolic Armenians titles such as my Vanalidg, Tertchoun and Archil Gorky collections.”

I say to him that I even find Bourj Hammoud, this very humble place with Armenian Heritage, to be so inspiring!
Missak: “Yes it is so exotic! I would love to stay here and keep my Atelier located here even if I decide to move to a bigger place.”

I ask him how much he thinks a place could be inspiring to an artist… 
Missak: “I’m not a fan of big cities with high rise buildings, and artificial architecture. It matters to me a lot to be living in a country that inspires me, such as Lebanon”

What about movies?
Missak: I am very much inspired by a movie called the "Age of Innocence", there's a scene I love, in which Michelle Pfeiffer slips off her gloves one by one, and another in which the camera follows the tail of her gown. There's also another scene where a long fancy dinner table filmed from one end to another...I'm very inspired by every item on that table, from the silverware to the centerpieces..

Then he talks to me a little bit about the Lebanese sense of style…and Beirut being once dubbed the fashion capital of the Middle East…
Missak: “In Lebanon, I feel that people strongly follow the fashion scene, but in the wrong way… During my trips to Milan,Italy I would see women dressed so stylishly riding their bicycles wearing high heels. You would never see that in Beirut, because there’s a narrow fashion mindset. If a girl is wearing blue shoes; her belt, bag, earrings and headband would have to be blue. Girls here need to understand not to overdo it; a simple piece in an outfit can make a huge statement without going over the top. And that’s being stylish.”

I wanted to know what kind of lady he pictured wearing his dresses…
Missak: “Anyone who appreciates my work, regardless of her physical appearance. A woman who’s elegant, confident and knows what she wants. I like a woman who’s aware of her style and what looks good on her and fits her personality, rather than one who bounces in between.”

I ask him about his thoughts on the importance of social media and pr for designers…
Missak: I think it’s very important, but sometimes you may participate out of duty by fear of being left behind! Although I don’t enjoy it, It’s a fast paced world and sometimes you may feel pressured to live in it for the sake of your career!

What about the blogosphere?
Missak: What I like about blogs is that the message is more personal and it gets through more efficiently, and to a wider range of people! I like the personalized aspect of it!
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Our chat was obviously brief since we were running short on time, I did however got to try some dresses on! As you can see my petite figure requires lots of alterations and fittings, and so we decided to change it up a little and wear something professional, you may have already realized that I'm a huge fan of La Chemise Blanche. Hence this awesome shakespearian ensemble! This was not a photoshoot clearly, just some snapshots! Maybe next time I'de have gotten over my Beiruti road phobias and have more time to take photos! Until then...

Inspired by the work life I will be starting very soon as a magazine editor!! :)

My pick from the collection :)

Missak's custom made funky shoes!

Character is one of them.

Missak knows how to mix his fabrics, whether muslin, lace or sequins the final product looks so insanely feminine and elegant. I'm not even going to start with the colors, my favorites were Emerald green, lavender and peach; perfect for spring/summer occasions and weddings

For more info visit his website or find him on facebook!

And stay tuned for more exclusive interviews with inspirational young Lebanese designers!