Lebanese design star Racil Chalhoub on how the pandemic changed her outlook on creativity, management: fashion | arabi actor | arab media

 Lebanese design star Racil Chalhoub

Racil Chalhoub was ten years old when he told his mother he wanted to be a tailor. They were on their way to see Marinelli's fashion show at Hotel Georges V in Paris where - overwhelmed by what they had seen - young Chalhoub turned to his mother and said: "That's exactly what I want to do!"

In 2015, her dream came true when she unveiled her line of women's tuxedos - Racil - in London. The name is not an exercise, but a gift to her mother, not only sharing her name, but also a sharp and delicate fashion concept. From there he stretched out his line and put on clothes and pillows.

When the COVID-19 epidemic struck, shutting down the fashion and international industry, Chalhoub - born in Lebanon, raised in Paris, now living in London, took the opportunity to pause, reflect and focus on his efforts.

At that time, a new collection was born earlier in the year: the color palette compares black leggings with gray skirts worn during locks. In his Fall / Winter collection, black was replaced by brown and new colors, including coral, fuchsia, yellow and many more.

In his London apartment in late summer, Chalhoub reflected on the famous past year, and discussed his motivations and aspirations for the next collection with Arab News.

There are two related factors in my field: creativity and management - whether it's about product, business, labor ... The epidemic has affected both aspects.

Technically, it's hard to stay motivated when you're locked up in a home, alone, for a few months. Especially if you are worried about other things - business, workers, and family in Lebanon. So, honestly, I was dealing with a bit of a creative block. There are three things that are always on my emotional board: First, my mom, who is my muse and who inspires me the most, but I haven't seen her for almost a year. Second, (discos, clubs and) parties - and all of a sudden, we can't get out. Third, the road. I travel a lot. I can find inspiration in a park or a cafe, watching people. At the time of COVID, none of these three things existed.

It was only when I was able to escape to London in the summer to meet up with friends on vacation, to soak up the sun, to wander the streets - where I could live a little longer again - where I found inspiration. Then I sit in my corner and draw.

As for the management side, that too was difficult, since I came home one day not to return to the office. I have a group of 12 girls, whom I consider to be a family. If I do not do well, the chances are good.

So this time allowed me to think more deeply about the company structure and product: what my identity is and where I am headed. Coming out of all of this, would I want the same thing as before? How can I adjust without losing my focus? I mean, with COVID we realized that the first thing we could live without was a suit or a tuxedo. A tuxedo is often used to go to a gala or a party, which we did not do. We put on a suit to go to the office, where we would not go. But, at the same time, that's what I love. It’s the DNA of my product and I don’t want to lose that. So why not translate more freely? I felt I could not continue where I left off: I needed something different. So, in September, I decided to rename myself. I designed a new logo, introduced new pieces, new categories and started new collaborations.

I felt very restricted even before the epidemic. I had started this product with this DNA and I really felt like the only thing I could do. So COVID was an opportunity and a great fear to say, “I will try this, because it is my product. I will allow myself to do it, and I will see how my customers react. "And, so far, the response has been quite positive.

Would you say that this new collection focuses on the essentials?

For me, the jacket is important. I stayed on that trail, but with the ‘essentials,’ I adapted to modern lifestyles. I also reduced the size of the collection, too. And I worked a little harder, which was really stressful, but also very exciting. Before the epidemic, my days were always very stressful. It was an ongoing race. Then, all of a sudden, it was as if we were going to pull it all off. So we had to learn how to reconnect everything. But there's one thing I'm sure of: I can't pay that fast.

We are in a situation where we have to accept that some things are beyond our control. Before that, if the delivery from the factory was late, I was crazy. Now I just do what I can. I can set a schedule and do my best to make everything work properly, but you have to accept the downsides and backslides. In the fashion industry, when everything is so fast, this is refreshing.

I was born in Beirut, but I grew up in Paris and did not spend much time in Lebanon. But my family is there. I have a lot of friends there. It is a world that I love and that touches my heart endlessly. Before the epidemic and the various problems that plagued Lebanon now, I always took my clothes, my tuxedos and my heels when I visited Beirut. I knew there were going to be some good parties; that we would go out and see the people. Beirut often makes me want to dress more than London.

I think Lebanon is influencing me.I like the attitude of Lebanese women, who love to go out, look good, dress well. They have this wonderful side.

So, do you get inspiration from France, Lebanon and England?

Yes. I think all countries have given me something different. I have a very Parisian side to my everyday look, which is less important and more beautiful at the same time. Fashion in London is very fun and colorful. You can really express yourself. There is a big difference between the appearance of French and English. All that is put together gives something very different, which I am trying to represent