Getting to Know Joe Challita

It’s always a pleasure for us to talk with the designers who have huge talents. Meet Joe Challita, definetley a designer to watch out for. Launching his label back in 2009 in Beirut, Challita now travels the world and dresses many celebrities for major red carpet events.
 
How did you decide to become a fashion designer?
I have been sketching fashion designs since I was a child. I was inspired by my mother whilst growing up. She had an artistic bent, and has always designed her own clothes. She used to take me with her fabric shopping, and it also included trips to the tailor. I watched all the fittings and I was in awe. I guess from a very early age, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer.
 
Talk to us about your experience in Mission Fashion ’07.
It was an amazing once in a lifetime experience. It was like a dream, being locked in a house with other designers from other parts of the world, we learned a lot throughout the competition. On a personal level, the pressure of having to make garments in a day brought out certain abilities I did not know existed.
 
How did working with Elie Saab affect you?
It affected me in a way that he instilled more determination in me to become a successful designer.
 
How do you define a woman?
A woman is deeper than a definition. A woman is a deep being with many expressions, feelings and emotions. Therefore, us Designers look at  women as a muse and we make dresses that interpret what they feel. They have the power to choose what to wear depending on what persona and feeling they want to evoke. Women have the power!
 
Describe your style in three words...
Glamorous, timeless yet modern.

In your opinion, what’s the biggest challenge an Haute Couture designer has to face?
Haute Couture is a work of art, and with art there are no limits, however; in today's world fashion is about practicality. Therefore, the challenge is to keep true to haute couture elements in a design and whilst being modern and practical at the same time.

Can you give us a hint about your next collection?
It is magical, ethereal and light!