Beik, birth of a passion. // About WSNBlog // Added 2010/04/28 at 17:43
The story of Beik could have inspired a Hollywood movie. It’s the story of a man, torn between reason and passion, a man who left his dreams aside to follow a more conventional, obvious path.
Born in Scotland, Karim Abou Ouf spent a few years there before taking off for the country of pharaohs, Egypt, also the country of his father. The colours and textures of Cairo helped him develop his creativity as he soon started to worship the crafts of his adopted city.
In spite of this, in 2002, he went to a business school, got his diploma and started working as a…banker! Of course, his heart was somewhere else… In 2007, he went to the London College of Fashion, graduated and launched his brand to express his own sense of creativity: Beik!
Beik is the story of a memorable encounter between the East and the West, between two cultures. The inspiration: people and the way they live, with a very modern touch.
One of our special favourites!
Thanks to Karim Abou-Ouf, co-founder and creative director for Beik to taking the time to answer our questions.
> Can you introduce yourself briefly?
Karim Abou-Ouf; menswear fashion designer. Business graduate 2002, London College of Fashion design graduate 2008 co-founder and creative director for BEIK.
> I read that Egypt (your second homeland) had been a significant source of inspiration. Why did you choose fashion to express your creativity?
I always enjoyed the aesthetics of menswear and the limits with which creativity could be pushed within the traditional perceived scope of menswear.
> How would you describe your experience working in a bank? Did you feel comfortable working there?
A great learning experience full stop. It was always a job to me, however it did add a lot of practicality to my way of thinking as well as exposure in terms of dealing with people in conducting business and showed me how people act differently when it came to money.
I never felt satisfied from that job however it is much less stressful than starting your own brand!!!
> You exhibited at Margin in London. How was it? Was it your first trade fair?
Being our first ever exhibition me and my business partner did not really know what to expect, there were mixed feelings of fear, excitement and anticipation.
The exhibition was very good in helping with the momentum of the brand as it started to get more exposure and recognition and we managed to establish very good contacts with people from the press and buyers.
Of course it also was a good opportunity to analyze ourselves in terms of our strengths and weaknesses.
> Some of your favorite artists you'd like to share with the readers?
James Kamo he is a very talented all round artist, graphic designer, web designer /fashion designer...You name it!!..Did I forget photographer? He did the graphic artwork for our exhibition in MARGIN.
> Describe a successful evening/night?
Good friends, good mood, good place...Wherever/whenever that is.
> Are you a social network addict?
Depends
> A motto?
‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’
> One last word?
Sweet dreams
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