"The fashion designer lives in their dream, and the creative director makes the dream come true."
Words by Zainab Mehdi. Portrait by Safaa Almosawi.
Born and raised in Basra, southern Iraq, the Creative Director and Founder of Basra Fashion Agency Zayn Karim grew up in a family where artistic talent was celebrated. Even with the challenges they faced, his family provided consistent support for his creative aspirations and encouraged his passion for fashion from a young age. Karim started his journey within the walls of his own home, where he transformed his wardrobe into a sanctuary of self-expression. Despite societal constraints, Karim fearlessly pursued his love for design, and created innovative pieces that reflected his unique vision.
Karim’s journey took him to Russia, where he immersed himself in the vibrant fashion scenes of Moscow and St Petersburg. It was here that his ambition soared as he refined his skills as both a designer and a model, soaking in inspiration from the world around him. After six transformative years abroad, Karim returned to Iraq with a fresh determination to make his mark on the fashion industry.
As a creative director Karim broke new ground by bringing real fashion shows to Iraqi audiences and elevating the local fashion scene to new heights. Drawing inspiration from global figures such as John Galliano and Gianni Versace, Karim’s designs are a fusion of modernity and cultural richness. His upcoming clothing line, Bree, promises to introduce a fresh perspective to Iraqi fashion, with a focus on bold geometric shapes and contemporary styles. “Fashion is not only in what we wear; it’s in our thoughts, in our shapes, in the way we live and in what happens around us.”
But Karim’s impact extends far beyond just fashion. Through his agency, Basra Fashion Show, and his own fashion house, Zayn House, he is empowering Iraqi designers to thrive on the global stage. At his fashion house, creativity knows no bounds as Karim and his team collaborate to produce collections that capture the imagination. His biannual fashion shows, inspired by the changing seasons, are a testament to his commitment to innovation and excellence. “When the models walk, I want people to feel a force holding them back like they’re stuck in a courtyard they long to escape but can’t. I want to capture that unique sensation.”
Karim’s greatest achievement lies in his persistent dedication to nurturing local talent, particularly empowering women within a society filled with difficulties. Following the US-led invasion and the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraqi women found themselves subject to stringent dress codes. Despite these societal changes, Karim has been instrumental in providing opportunities for aspiring female designers to shine in the field of fashion. Through his initiatives, he has opened doors for women to express their talents and contribute meaningfully to the fashion industry, challenging societal expectations and inspiring others to defy the status quo. “I don’t direct fashion shows for people; I create people for fashion shows. I want people to see what I see so they can feel the fashion.”
In Karim, we find not just a designer but a visionary whose passion and creativity are changing the face of Iraqi fashion. As he continues to push boundaries and inspire others, the future looks brighter than ever for the Iraqi fashion industry. “Nothing can stop me from being creative in this world. Every time I sketch a scene for a fashion show, I see a small dream growing.” Zayn Karim’s fashion designs perfectly match this sentiment. He’s committed to being creative and always pushing the limits in his work. Every sketch for his fashion shows is like planting a small dream that grows into something big. Despite any challenges, he stays dedicated to his vision, turning his dreams into stunning designs on the runway.
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