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Podcast

As a child, I was enthralled with history and biographies. I struggled in Math and Science, but one rainy Friday, my 4th grade teacher pointed out I was good in History and my life changed at that moment. I decided that day I would major in History. So that’s what I did 9 years later, I entered university in Washington, DC to study History- a continuation of learning and analyzing people’s lives and decisions. I interned in the US Congress, at The White House, and for NGOs; and volunteered on political campaigns, and worked in the city after graduation. But moving to London to study for my Masters changed my worldview. I’ve lived in 9 countries and have found myself in a completely different arena: fashion. Over the past 6 years, I have developed an eye for couture craftsmanship, learning how to put intricate and detailed collections into words. As a result, I have developed relationships with some of the world's most leading brands, covering Paris, Milan, New York, and Riyadh Fashion Week shows. I also have a faith and lifestyle magazine, Seele that I founded. I decided to launch ‘The Soulful Side Of Life,’ an amalgamation of my experiences, where I interview people in areas that have touched my life in: fashion, faith, entertainment, music, business, and entrepreneurship. The podcast is an extension of my interests in discussing people’s stories.

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please follow.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysonlolitaportee/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoulfulSideOfLife

Seele Magazine: https://seelemag.com/

Episode 28: Rani Zakhem, The First Arab Designer To Design A Ready-To-Wear Collection For Plus Sized Women

Rani Zakhem was the first fashion designer that invited me to his atelier to sit down and have a chat. I was new to the whole fashion scene, and I remember making my way to Sinn El Fil, where his showroom is in Beirut, to the Zakhem Tower. Ever gracious, Rani is detailed and makes sure to do things right, whether that’s in fashion design or in how he treats people. Ever astute, you get a consistent person in Rani and I’m blessed to call him friend. Trained in interior architecture at the Lebanese American University in Beirut and in fashion design at Parsons in New York, he’s able to bring the two worlds together to create some of the most carefully crafted couture, ready-to-wear, and bridal silhouettes.  

We talk about the importance of having ready-to-wear for plus size women in the Arab market, a rarity that’s slowly being tackled. But, Rani is the first one to do this with his 2009 ready-to-wear collection. Focusing solely on private clients at the moment, it’s nice to see designers like Rani Zakhem, whose niche is to focus on creating sought-after looks for all women.

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