Amir Al Kasm is the Young Syrian Designer Weaving Threads of Emotion

“I firmly believe in embracing every emotion, be it positive or negative, as a fundamental aspect of living authentically. In our daily lives, experiencing this range of emotions forms the core of our existence, providing a richness that shapes our experiences.”

For the Beirut-based designer Amir Al Kasm, born in Talkalakh, Syria, a love of fashion has been innate since childhood. Growing up surrounded by creativity and no shortage of traditional craftsmanship, a young Amir developed a keen eye and passion for all things design. “Even as a child I would just look at what my mother and sister would wear and I’d be a little fashion critic. I’d stand at weddings and baby showers and just note what people were wearing.” Amir Al Kasm shares in an exclusive interview with SceneStyled.

“My childhood was filled with a lot of moments spent thinking about fashion. My mother would take me fabric shopping and even taught me handcrafts and beading. I’d say all these experiences truly shaped my passion for the fashion industry.” Al Kasm adds.

These treasured experiences amidst his family truly sparked the seeds that would blossom into his future as a designer. Yet Amir's journey to establishing himself in the industry was anything but direct. Forced to leave schooling early, he faced a pivotal moment.

It was then after moving to Lebanon that he discovered Creative Space Beirut’s School of Design, an artistic haven that not only offered him a free education but truly invested in nurturing his creative talents. Thriving in this supportive environment, Amir gained confidence in his abilities and vision. “It’s very reminiscent of the support and warmth one would find in the embrace of family.” Al Kasm notes.

Based in Beirut, Amir's designs have garnered buzz for a juxtaposition of opposites. As he describes, “My style and aesthetic thrive in the interplay of contradiction - where good meets evil, dark meets light, and strength meets vulnerability.” By seamlessly fusing power with refinement, his garments contain a certain duality that the eyes can sense, and the soul can feel.

Behind the scenes, Amir's creative process always begins with a singular moment of inspiration that guides him. He shares, “That moment when I get that initial inspiration is what sparks the direction of my designs - that’s the most enjoyable phase for me, delving into creative research; finding the right silhouettes, shapes, and colours that resonate with me.”

That research often unveils unexpected discoveries…“Draping just allows me to craft entirely new shapes and volumes that might not have been preconceived, it’s a journey of finding the unexpected and the fascinating.”

Within each of Amir Al Kasm’s designs, lies a convergence of the contrasting; bold lines meet soft fabrics, structured shoulders fall gracefully onto diaphanous silks, and neutrals and bold hues converge in striking harmony. Each collection tells a distinct story filtered through Amir's imagination.

Al Kasm’s "Acid" collection holds deep personal significance, inspired by processing the loss of someone close to him. “To me, the Acid collection holds a very deep personal place. It stemmed from the loss of someone dear, and it was during these moments spent reflecting on their photographs that I just made a connection between memories and images, realising how pictures were constructed from pixels,” Amir explains. This realisation led to the collection’s aesthetic, representing the visibility of memories, etching onto fabric a certain feeling that if not expressed through word, is through art.

With each collection bearing a distinct narrative and aesthetic that encapsulates various muses, Amir Al Kasm demonstrates remarkable evolution in both his technical mastery of the craft and the development of the conceptual vision driving his work. “My 'Fallen' collection draws from the concept of a fallen angel fighting the temptation of sin, while 'Varnish' finds its roots in the world of old paintings. 'Rebirth' is all about repurposing old garments to birth unique new pieces.”

Now on his latest collection, which Amir has said ‘holds the most meaning,’ Al Kasm seeks to dive deep into his Syrian identity and Syrian culture. “As a Syrian living in a foreign country, navigating daily life poses various challenges, from the mundane to the weightier aspects. Through fashion, I've found a connection to my identity and culture. It's been an enlightening journey that allowed me to explore and celebrate my roots in a way that's both professionally fulfilling and intimately meaningful.” Al Kasm tells SceneStyled.

Having worked briefly with Krikor Jabotien, Amir secured invaluable expertise under the renowned Lebanese fashion designer. At his fashion house, Amir gained hands-on experience in all aspects of running a major label. And while many older designers may have been possessive of their knowledge, Krikor encouraged Amir to simultaneously develop his own fledgling brand alongside contributing to the house. This nurturing environment helped Amir take the technical and industry skills he learned to the next level by applying them to his own emerging aesthetic visions. “He taught me lessons that cannot be replicated in an academic setting” Al Kasm notes.

Reflecting on his journey so far, Amir acknowledges the daily challenges of dedication to his passion, but finds fulfilment in creation. While recognition remains a driving force, he focuses on living each moment to the fullest. With unyielding determination and masterful storytelling through his designs, Amir Al Kasm is sure to keep earning praise and pushing boundaries as one of the Lebanese fashion scene’s most promising sartorial voices.