A seamless combination of dreamy and elegant, sophisticated, yet progressive – those were the words most accurately described my feelings when I first laid eyes on the Goddesses in Love collection. The exquisite beadwork and stitching, matched with flawless materials, I felt like a princess just looking at the assortment of bridal finery. And to my surprise, I found that the maker of these magnificent pieces, Parisian designer Ana Quasoar, equally dazzled me with her words of passion for creating clothing that truly empowers women.
Making choices
Inspired from her youth by photos of her mother traveling through Africa, Ms. Quasoar decided to follow life experiences similar to her mother’s. Soon after she turned 18, Ms. Quasoar began traveling to cities all over the world, studying anthropology, and eventually, becoming a recipient of a Master’s degree at the Beaux-Arts School of Paris.
Ms. Quasoar moved into the fashion industry following her graduation, becoming a buyer and designer of small lines for a group of shops in Paris. One thing, however, began to bother her with the brands. “You had the choice to be either sexy or romantic, either feminine or a businesswoman,” said Ms. Quasoar. “But I felt that we, women, are more subtle and complex than that, and would prefer clothes which express more aspects of ourselves.”
And that is exactly what you will find in her collections today – diversity that represents women beyond the mould.
Ms. Quasoar first decided to challenge stereotypes in women’s fashion twelve years ago through her own couture brand. For 15 years now, Ms. Quasoar has mastered the Parisian style – working with women from all areas of the globe to create meaningful pieces that express the many dimensions of femininity.
“Whether it be in Paris, in New York, or in Bangkok, all pieces picked up from my collections must always be perfect,” Ms. Quasoar says proudly. “In our studio, each garment is specially created to respond to this challenge; to look extraordinary, and make the lady who’s wearing it, feel naturally beautiful.”
How on Earth can someone not feel absolutely extraordinary while wearing these gowns? And especially with a diamond crown and dazzling veil!
Divine fashion
Goddesses in Love, Ms. Quasoar’s latest collection of magnificent gowns, is beautifully centered on goddesses from a variety of cultures and folklores. Her vision, however, did not originate from goddesses as seen in their traditional representation.
“I entered into a world of sensations, linked to the deep roots of nature, iconic, with no boundaries,” Ms. Quasoar said. “I imagine Usha [the Indian goddess of dawn], softly shining in the pink light of the dawn, delicate, but powerful on her golden carriage; she is the symbol of the victory of harmony over chaos.”
When asked what inspired her to create the Goddesses in Love collection, she indicates towards the everyday gender battles simmering around the world. “We’re living in a time where women’s status is going through a profound metamorphosis in the whole world,” Ms. Quasoar said. “I wanted to pay a tribute to women in their diversity: Goddesses inspire us to surpass ourselves.”
From Scandinavian to Japanese, from Irish to Babylonian, each Goddess gown will appeal to a certain quality of a bride. Fiery looks are made powerful with tiaras of stars. Tulle skirts and lace flowers supplement demure gowns.
In a collection where each dress varies in many ways than the next, with each equally breathtaking, it is easy to see Ms. Quasoar’s tribute to diversity.
A personalized gown, Ms Quasoar says, can take anywhere from a year to two months to be made, depending on the complexity of the final piece and their schedules. “In case of emergency, we can sometimes do miracles,” she says with a twinkle in her eye.
Ana Quasoar is expanding worldwide and plans to reply to an increasing demand of foreign brides. The Ana Quasoar brand goes beyond the latest Goddesses in Love collection, offering a wide variety of exquisite creations available at her House of Couture boutique in Paris.
(Interview in collaboration with Ms Veronique Poles – fashion and luxury consultant based in Mumbai, India)
