20 May, 2024

We welcome back Bahar Faridani, the talented designer behind the brand Faridani, who has just made an impressive debut with her first runway show at Australian Fashion Week. Faridani's premiere on the catwalk showcased a collection that is flirty and scandalous, and she didn't disappoint. This collection represents the style of her brand from the past two years, with all her passion and dedication leading up to this very moment.

Just want to start by saying congratulations on your first runway, how did it feel to see your vision come to life?

Thank you so incredibly much! It felt like bliss, I loved every second of it. It was very fulfilling. I imagine that's what a wedding would feel like. It felt like I was getting married to my brand and this was the first big day of the rest of our lives together.

And that moment when you walked out at the end of the show, what was going through your mind?

I was really happy and I was thinking ‘I am so happy right now’. I don't think I even had time to think I was just feeling really ecstatic. Everything I had done for the past two years felt like it had led to that moment.

Let’s talk about your latest collection, what’s the story behind it?

This collection was an embodiment of Faridani’s brand identity. We pulled pieces from the archives along with runway pieces and designs we currently sell. The collection is a symbol of how far Faridani has come in the past 2 years. These designs are our journey. 

I am always very inspired by the early 2000s and 90s. Both are very seductive and flirtatious eras in fashion. The collection is also inspired by the colour pallets and materials I grew up seeing in my home city of Stockholm. The muted tones, silver details and mesh make me nostalgic of the fashion around me I admired as a young girl. 

What inspired this particular collection?

Did you face any challenges bringing your vision to life?

There is always a struggle when the vision in your head does not manifest into reality. We definitely went through numerous samples and variations of our pieces. I think construction is often what I find myself struggling with the most.

Since it’s AFW, what are your thoughts on the current fashion scene?

The Australian fashion scene is good but it's definitely not mine. I haven't been very interested in the boxy fitted silhouettes and warmer tones. However, I admire Dion Lee and hope to see more of his style. 

Are there any trends you are particularly excited about?

I love the comeback of the 2010s I am seeing. I have been spotting more Isabel Marant sneakers, Zadig & Voltaire bags, rockstud and I am loving it.

It’s been nearly a year since our last interview, what has been the biggest change for Faridani?

The community! I absolutely love it. Feels like the brand is a part of something bigger than designs and fashion. I hope to further build this community. I am most grateful for that, it feels surreal. There has also been more experimentation with materials and we have introduced our first couture piece, the Chain Top.

Did you experience any personal (or professional) growth during that time?

Personally and professionally, I have become a lot more confident and hopeful. I think I have just become more sure of myself. 

What do you believe is the most important quality for a designer to have?

As a designer I think you should stay true to what you like and what you think. As a woman in business I think you need to ask for what you want, because how else are you going to get it?