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garment, which are all handmade from sketch to stitch at my Knightsbridge maison with utter respect to the true principles of artisanal couture. “My philosophy as a designer is rooted in glamorous reverie, exquisite craftsmanship and edgy subtlety combined,” she adds. “I therefore ensure special attention is paid to hidden details intended for a couture client’s eyes only.” Gyunel Couture goes a long way to preserve the knowledge and heritage of French artisanal couture, and this revered artisanal skill represents the very essence of the brand. It also sits at the heart of global fashion’s ecosystem, says Gyunel, and is what she believes to be a “permanent gateway” between a tradition for excellence in knowhow, contemporaneity in creation, and embodying manufacturing techniques that are at the cutting edge of innovation. “My primary field of interest is for my atelier to be a laboratory for ideas and techniques, a space where creativity can flourish freely, mixing traditional Eastern techniques passed down through generations like chikan embroidery and palas weaving with French artisanship, ergo a space where East meets West in the realm of couture,” she explains. Recent collections include the Middle Eastern Capsule Collection which came to be at the invite of a member of the House of Khalifa and comprised some of Gyunel’s most intricate work showcased within a multi-day intimate celebration of craftsmanship, skill and design. “I have always had a few substantial Arab women on my mind that I have admired for a long time and am truly grateful to have recently added some new ones to my list, after meeting some very interesting Middle Eastern women through the years; their poise, style, life choices, as well as valuable conversations shared just keep inspiring me,” she says. “I additionally like the idea of, for example, an Emirati woman that would surprise you with her style and the way she dresses, despite her social status, age or background. That is, to wear an abaya with a twist, that portrays her strong inner sense of self and most importantly that shows her personality.” The Gyunel Couture Autumn/Winter 2019-20 collection unveiled in Paris has been approached with the aim of creating a more “intimate ecosystem” as opposed to an item of luxury that can be attained with the click of a button. “As a designer I am staying true to the principles of haute couture,” says Gyunel. “I am taking things back to the way the bigger Parisian maisons used to be, before many of them expanded and grew to be the powerful industry players they are today.”