Fashionista, an icon in the making, that’s how I describe the designer and the brand, Pierre Garroudi. We talk to the man behind the brand.
By Sanj Saigal
When I think of Pierre Garroudi, I see not just a designer, but a true fashionista – someone on the verge of becoming a prominent icon in the fashion industry.
When I think of Pierre Garroudi, I see not just a designer, but a true fashionista – someone on the verge of becoming a prominent icon in the fashion industry. His innovative designs and unique style reflect a deep understanding of contemporary aesthetics, making his brand a standout in the crowded fashion landscape. With an eye for detail and a passion for creativity, Garroudi is crafting a reputation that promises to leave a lasting impact on fashion enthusiasts and the industry as a whole.
Fashionista Event
On September 20th at 3 PM, a dazzling runway show featuring 40 models took place at St. George the Martyr Church, Hyde Park, WC1N 3AH—photographers were at the ready in what can only be described as a battle to capture the perfect shot.
Catwalk Diaries 6: We caught up with Pierre Garroudi for a candid conversation about his designs, inspiration and brand.
Your designs often challenge conventional aesthetics. What inspires you to push those boundaries, and how do you define “avant-garde” in your work?
London
Thank you for that keen observation—it’s always gratifying to hear how my work disrupts the expected. As Pierre Garroudi, my drive to challenge conventional aesthetics stems from a deep fascination with the raw energy of London’s streets, the surreal dreamscapes of artists like Salvador Dalí, and the unfiltered pulse of human diversity. Last Saturday’s show at St John the Martyr Church during London Fashion Week was a perfect embodiment of this: inspired by the chaos of urban metamorphosis, I drew from Victorian railway arches—echoing my gallery’s roots—and fused them with futuristic upcycling, like transforming discarded shoes into sculptural heels that defy gravity and tradition. These elements push me to question: Why must elegance be confined to the predictable when imperfection breeds true innovation?
Fashionista – Proving Fashion
For me, “avant-garde” isn’t mere provocation; it’s a manifesto for reinvention—garments that evolve with the wearer, blending haute couture craftsmanship with street-level rebellion. Think hand-stitched turquoise ruffles that cascade like melting clocks, or modular pieces from my latest collection that shift from structured silhouettes to fluid forms, celebrating every body and backstory on the runway. It’s about igniting curiosity, fostering inclusivity, and proving fashion can be a living dialogue, not a monologue. In a world craving authenticity, my designs invite wearers to co-author their narrative, one bold boundary at a time. What boundary would you shatter next?
Please tell us about a specific collection or piece that best represents your unique artistic vision.
I’d point to my latest collection, Metamorphic Echoes, unveiled last Saturday at St John the Martyr Church during London Fashion Week, as the purest expression of my artistic vision. A defining piece is a transformative lingerie ensemble that subverts its traditional role. Drawing inspiration from the haunting elegance of London’s Victorian railway arches—reflecting my Garroudi Gallery’s origins—and the fluid dynamism of urban transformation, this piece is crafted from delicate layers of hand-stitched turquoise tulle and intricate lace lingerie. Designed to reverse lingerie’s conventional private allure, it’s a modular creation that transitions from a structured, corset-inspired silhouette to a cascading, ethereal form with detachable tulle overlays.
Fashionista – Statement Of Power
Worn boldly as outerwear, it challenges societal norms around intimacy and exposure, turning vulnerability into a statement of power. Every detail, from the hand-stitched tulle to the inclusive casting on the runway, celebrates diversity and craftsmanship. This piece encapsulates my avant-garde ethos: a dialogue between past and future, structure and fluidity, where lingerie becomes a canvas for rebellion and self-expression.
Collaboration is key in the fashion industry. Are there any artists or designers you dream of collaborating with, and why?
I thrive on the idea of collaboration as a catalyst for redefining fashion’s boundaries. My dream collaborators would be visionaries who share my passion for shaking up the status quo, particularly with brands like Dior, Givenchy, and Balenciaga—storied houses that, while iconic, could use a bold creative jolt to reignite their edge. I’d love to work with someone like Iris van Herpen, whose fusion of technology and artistry aligns with my own experimental ethos. Her 3D-printed sculptures and organic forms would amplify my Metamorphic Echoes collection’s focus on fluid, transformative silhouettes, blending her futuristic precision with my tactile tulle and lingerie explorations.
Fashionista – Collaborating
Collaborating with Dior, for instance, would be electrifying—to infuse their timeless elegance with my avant-garde rebellion, perhaps reimagining their classic Bar jacket with detachable tulle layers that shift from structured to ethereal, challenging traditional couture. Similarly, Givenchy and Balenciaga, with their rich histories, could be revitalised by injecting my inclusive, narrative-driven approach—think lingerie-as-outerwear that defies convention. These partnerships would spark a dialogue between heritage and innovation, waking up these sleeping giants with daring, inclusive storytelling. Who would you see me collaborating with to push these boundaries further?
Your work is known for its bold concepts. How do you balance innovation with wearability, ensuring your pieces remain accessible to a broader audience?
Balancing innovation with wearability is at the heart of my design philosophy, ensuring my bold concepts resonate widely while retaining their avant-garde edge. My latest collection, Metamorphic Echoes, showcased last Saturday at St John the Martyr Church during London Fashion Week, exemplifies this. Inspired by the fluidity of London’s Victorian railway arches and urban transformation, I create pieces like my transformative lingerie ensemble—crafted from hand-stitched turquoise tulle and intricate lace—that challenge norms by turning intimate wear into empowering outerwear. To ensure accessibility, I design with modularity in mind: detachable tulle overlays allow wearers to shift from dramatic, runway-ready looks to more wearable, minimalist forms, adapting to diverse lifestyles and bodies.
Wearability
Innovation drives my use of lightweight, tactile tulles and inclusive sizing, celebrating every identity on the runway, from size to gender. Wearability comes through practical details—like adjustable fastenings and breathable fabrics—that maintain comfort without sacrificing the narrative. By grounding bold concepts in universal themes of self-expression and transformation, my work invites a broader audience to engage with fashion as art they can live in. How do you think bold design can feel both personal and universal?
In an era where sustainability is crucial, how do you approach eco-friendly practices in your design process?
Fashionista – Design Ethos
Sustainability is integral to my design ethos, balancing eco-conscious practices with my avant-garde vision. In my latest collection, Metamorphic Echoes, showcased last Saturday during London Fashion Week, I used biodegradable tulles and ethically sourced lace for pieces like my transformative lingerie ensemble. I focus on slow fashion: small-batch production minimises waste, and modular designs with detachable tulle layers extend versatility, encouraging reuse. Collaborating with local artisans for hand-stitched details supports fair labour and reduces carbon impact. My inclusive designs, fitting diverse bodies and identities, promote emotional durability, ensuring lasting wear. Sustainability means crafting meaningful art that respects the planet.
Much of your work celebrates individuality and self-expression. How do you think fashion can empower people to express their identities?
My work is a celebration of individuality, designed to empower people—especially women—to express their authentic selves and innermost desires through fashion, free from societal expectations. In my latest collection, Metamorphic Echoes, showcased during London Fashion Week, I created pieces like a transformative lingerie ensemble with hand-stitched turquoise tulle and lace. Its modular design, with detachable layers, allows wearers to shift from bold to understated, giving them the freedom to define their look on their terms.
Fashionista – Storytelling
Fashion empowers by acting as a canvas for self-expression, breaking the mould of what others think women “should” wear. My designs reject rigid norms—using fluid, inclusive silhouettes that fit diverse bodies and identities, I encourage women to embrace their unique narratives, whether that’s fierce rebellion or quiet confidence. By prioritising sustainable, versatile materials, I ensure these pieces are tools for personal storytelling, not fleeting trends. Fashion becomes empowerment when it amplifies internal desires over external judgment, letting every woman dress as her truest self.
As a designer, how do you stay inspired in the fast-paced world of fashion? What sources do you draw from?
Evolution
Staying inspired in the fast-paced fashion world means embracing its rapid evolution, driven by constant technological innovation. I draw from the dynamic energy of urban life, surrealist art, and cutting-edge advancements like 3D printing and sustainable textiles. My latest collection, Metamorphic Echoes, shown at London Fashion Week, reflects this—integrating hand-stitched tulle with modular designs that adapt to the wearer’s desires, mirroring the fluidity of modern identity. Technology inspires me to experiment, like using biodegradable fabrics or digital design tools to push creative boundaries. I also find inspiration in the diverse stories of individuals, fueling my commitment to inclusive, empowering fashion. By staying curious and open to change, I keep my work vibrant and relevant.
Could you share a memorable moment from your career that significantly shaped your perspective on fashion?
Fearless
A defining moment in my career came during my first month in London, the epicentre of fashion creativity alongside the broader UK. I saw three young girls heading to a party, one in a repurposed wedding gown, another in a large bin bag ingeniously cut with holes for the neck and arms, cinched with a belt. This raw, fearless creativity—transforming the ordinary and discarded into bold statements—profoundly shaped my perspective. It reinforced my belief that fashion is not about conforming but about fearless self-expression and innovation. This moment inspired my approach in collections like Metamorphic Echoes, shown at London Fashion Week, where I use modular tulle and lace designs to empower wearers to redefine their identity. London’s boundary-pushing spirit continues to fuel my work, proving fashion is a playground for individuality. What moment has shaped your view of creativity?
What role do you think technology plays in the future of fashion design, and how have you integrated it into your own work?
I see technology as a transformative force in the future of fashion, enabling unprecedented creativity and sustainability. In 20 years—or perhaps sooner—innovations like replicator machines, crafting garments from atomic structures, could revolutionise production, making it hyper-local, waste-free, and hyper-personalised. This aligns with my vision of fashion as a fluid, inclusive art form. About eight years ago, I began researching for a book on the fashion industry, even hiring a ghostwriter from Fiverr.com, but when she was removed from the platform, I lost momentum and abandoned the project. That experience taught me to embrace technology’s potential directly in my work instead.
Fashionista – Latest Collection
In my latest collection, Metamorphic Echoes, shown at London Fashion Week, I integrated digital design tools to craft modular lingerie and tulle pieces, allowing precise experimentation with fluid silhouettes that adapt to diverse bodies. I also explore sustainable fabrics inspired by technological advancements, like biodegradable tulles, to reduce environmental impact. Technology empowers me to push boundaries—whether through digital prototyping or envisioning future replicators—while keeping individuality at the core.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your brand, and what legacy do you hope to leave in the fashion industry?
Envisioning the future of my brand is challenging given the unpredictable landscape shaped by advancements like Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) and geopolitical shifts. My aspiration is to evolve my brand into a beacon of fearless individuality and sustainability, adapting to these changes while staying true to my avant-garde ethos. I want to push boundaries further, integrating emerging technologies—potentially even early replicator machines—to create modular, inclusive designs that empower wearers to express their unique identities, as seen in my Metamorphic Echoes collection from London Fashion Week.
Fashionista – Legacy
My legacy in the fashion industry is to inspire a world where clothing is a dynamic extension of self, free from societal constraints, and rooted in eco-conscious innovation. I hope to leave behind a blueprint for fashion that celebrates diverse narratives, embraces technological evolution, and challenges conformity—encouraging future designers to prioritise individuality over trends. Despite uncertainties, my brand will remain a space for bold, transformative storytelling.
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Credits
Website cover photography – Sergio Mattioli©
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