Despite graduating with a law degree, Noorarash Charlie has always been fascinated by art. Drawn to both theatre and fashion, the Los Angeles-born designer moved to Dubai in 2013 to learn his craft and launch his own accessories line: Noorarash.
Starting with embellished bow ties, the collection has grown into a range of bespoke chokers, bags and jewellery, which will be showcased at Fashion Forward Dubai 2019 in the AASSTTIINN booth; a multi-brand online platform dedicated to Iranian designers and lifestyle.
What inspired your latest line of accessories which will debut at FFWD? I moved to Shiraz in Iran in 1995 to learn about my heritage and the rich Persian culture, which has impacted my design process ever since. Full of colour and history, I am always inspired by the city’s ancient places, the gardens and the art. They filter through to my work.
Tell us about the collection? We are doing a new line of bow ties and chokers with precious stones, feathers, velvet and leather. The pieces have hand-crafted sermeh embroidery, a Persian tradition that is being forgotten — but it is special art that I don’t want to lose. We’re really excited to show this line for FFWD.
How did the label come to be? That’s a funny story, I was going to my cousins wedding and we all had to wear sherwanis (Indian/Pakistan) traditional clothes and I really wanted to wear a bow tie or a tie with the same beautiful colours and embroidery as the sherwanis. I couldn’t find anything so I said I’d make it myself!
Describe an average work day for you? My life is hectic, I split my time between acting and designing. Any time I’m not at a rehearsal I’m working on my craft at home in Tehran, where people are coming and going all-day long to help with the design and craft process from sewing to fabric samples.
What is your earliest memory of being inspired to work in fashion? I use to live in LA when I was young, my mum took some sewing classes there and I remember we went to a fashion show when I was 6 or 7. I was mesmerised by the clothes, the models, the catwalk and the music, from that moment I knew I was going to do something in fashion.
Why did you choose to design accessories? I’m always looking for something unique and fresh. On the other hand I was always in love with the traditional Persian sermeh embroidery, so I was looking for a way to use it.
Which of your design do you love the most? Personally I love the coin bow tie, any time I wear it I feel very powerful and sharp.
Describe your personal style? I was like to dress up — better to be overdressed than under dressed, right? I love a mixture of labels like COS, Zara, Armani and Tom Ford.
What is the last thing you purchased? A handmade jacket from my friends beautiful line called Laye.
Who do you think has great style? In the Iranian cinema lately Navid Mohammadzadeh has a great style and in the international level Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and David Beckham.
Where do you want to be in 10 years? To have won an Oscar and have a few boutiques around the world, whilst raising a family.
Noorarash Charlie’s accessories will be available at Fashion Forward Dubai in AASSTTIINN.com’s booth until November 2
